The Kovak Box

I'm not sure I've seen the 'Gloomy Sunday' reference explained here. 'Gloomy Sunday' was written by Hungarian composer Rezső Seress in 1933. The song is legendary for (allegedly) causing people to commit suicide after hearing it. Check out Wikipedia (search 'Gloomy Sunday') for the very interesting background on the song.

As for the movie, I really thought it was first-rate. I found it at the video store, and got it thinking it might at least entertain me. It did more than that - the plot had me hooked from the first five minutes on.

A "Kovak Box" is explained in the movie, but that itself is a reference to the "Skinner Box" of B.F. Skinner. This article, which comes from Snopes.com provides some very interesting background tidbits to the movie - you will recognize where certain plot elements come from - http://www.snopes.com/science/skinner.asp.

If you like movies with a lot of intrigue, this is a great one to rent.

La Caja Kovak (or The Kovak Box) is a suspensfull sci-fi thriller. Even though it's all happening in Spain the movie is in English. Sci-fi not so for technical gadgets or CGI's, those aren't present, but more for the possible futuristic elements in the story. Good job from Daniel Monzón and Jorge Guerricaechevarría for writing a refreshing story in this genre. There is suspense throughout the entire movie so I don't really get why you would review this movie negatively. It's all there, a solid story that keeps you interested and a good cast with no bad acting at all. Daniel Monzón did a good job with this one, certainly worth watching if you like the mystery/thriller genre.

I love the basic premise of this movie and it sounded like it could be good based on the plot, filming locations, and some decent actors.

Unfortunately the movie fails at being creepy, scary, or even creating any form of tension. I get the feeling that the actors were just going through the motion.

There is no chemistry between the two main characters, the Villain seems very weak, and there are no real surprised or twists.

This movie seems like a toned down "In the Mouth of Madness" filmed in the Mediterranean.

My best advice is to rent In The Mouth of Madness instead.

Dean

Just watched this movie and it really held my attention. I am easily bored but this movie kept me interested all the way through. You have to pay attention because the story is very unusual, which makes it all the more interesting. This is the story of a mad scientist who wants to create a legacy and does so in a very unusual manner. The story begins with a number of people committing or attempting to commit suicide. The reason for this suicide outbreak is the plot of the movie. The acting was very good by both Timothy Hutton and the beautiful Spanish actress Lucia Jimenez. I enjoyed the suspense of the movie and towards the end there is a lot of action which reminded me of a James Bond movie. The twisted madman and the crazy scheme was also reminiscent of a Bond movie. I recommend this movie highly but pay attention so you know what is going on. 8/10

I don't agree with some reviews here . Really this is a movie with an original screenplay that keep suspense throughout all the movie , something that so many Hollywood movies don't achieve even if they try . The music soundtrack is excellent, by Spanish composer Roque Baños, and Timothy Hutton does a fantastic job in this film. This is a good genre film and as that it fully achieves its goals. David Kelly does a fantastic job too in his role . The director is Daniel Monzón , previously a movie critic for Fotogramas magazine and this is his 3rd movie as a director . In resume , this movie don't pretend to be nothing but a genre movie. And as that it succeeds.