The Cell, starring Jennifer Lopez, is a study in sci-fi thrillers. Featuring dazzling visual effects that simulate dreamlike subconcious encounters, the movie is based on an experimental procedure designed to allow a therapist to enter a patient's subconscious mind and interact with the hopes of resolving a trauma, etc.
When the movie opens, Lopez is 'hooked up' to a comatose child, Edward. Edward, we are told, is a millionaire's son who was found catatonic on a seal beach and has remained comatose since. Lopez's mission is to bring him back.
On the loose is a frightening serial killer with an elaborately automated torture chamber. I won't ruin the fun by revealing details about his methods, but he is one creepy guy. The police/FBI is hot on his trail when he abducts yet another young woman and imprisons her into his automated torture chamber of sorts. Within hours, he suffers from some bizarre virus that leaves him catatonic - at the exact moment police find and capture him! Based on what they have learned so far, the agents know that his last victim has about 40 hours to live - unless they can find her and release her.
Since our bad guy is unresponsive, the logical next step is to have Lopez enter his subconscious and attempt to convince him to reveal this information.
Jennifer Lopez does just this and finds herself in a terrifying world where our bad guy reigns supreme. This is the meat of the movie.
While interesting in effects and beautiful in presentation, the movie leaves viewers unfulfilled. Examples are - the procedure in no direct way leads to the rescue. A per chance clue found by an agent who has joined Lopez in the subconscious is the real mystery-solver.
We never have resolution with the child, Edward. We are never told what really happened to him or what his future holds.
This comes across as a very pretty flop.
There are more than a few parts that will send the squeamish into hysterics, but the movie isn't frightening. In some ways it is suspenseful, yet the suspense is never fully realized or resolved.
All in all, I'd rather do the dishes.
Recommended:
