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- "The Cell"
(Reviewed August 15, 2000)
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If this movie had a script that was worthy of its absolutely gorgeous visuals, it would be a flat-out masterpiece. Unfortunately, this is one of those "beautiful but kinda dumb" movies. The story is way too
close for comfort to "Silence of the Lambs" (of which I never was a fan). Also, there are two plot points that are just plain idiotic. If you don't want them spoiled for you, STOP READING RIGHT NOW
AND SKIP TO THE NEXT PARAGRAPH. First, I did not believe for a second that Vince Vaughn -- with absolutely zero experience -- would be allowed to "suit up" and take a head-trip to rescue Jennifer
Lopez. Second, what is supposed to be the startling revelation that occurs to him while he is "under" -- and which he frantically radios to his colleagues -- is something that any halfway-competent detectives
already would have been investigating long before being pointed in the direction of the incredibly obvious.
Despite those lapses, I still recommend this movie for its stunning visuals alone. Every shot in the "inner mind" world is picture-book fantastic. Director Tarsem Singh is the guy behind REM's
"Losing My Religion" video and an even better video for Deep Forest (I'm too lazy to go look up that song's title, but it's the one in which a little girl rides a tricycle to locations all around the world). You
will stare and stare at landscapes that are part David Lynch, part H.R. Giger, part Russell Mills and part Chanel No. 5 commercial.
Jennifer Lopez is way too good-looking for the role she plays, but who knows? Maybe there really are a lot of pediatric social workers who happen to look like MTV babes that belong in
centerfolds.
Back Row Grade: B
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