The Box (2007/II)

Director:

A.J. Kparr

Writer:

A.J. Kparr (writer)

Genre:

Crime | Thriller

Plot:

A disgraced former LAPD detective leads a home invasion in search of millions in stolen money. The plan goes awry and homicide detectives seeking answers interrogate the only survivors; a thief and a victim. |

Plot Keywords:

Home Invasion | Disgraced Cop | Grifter | Pistol Whip | Female Nudity

Cast

Yul Vazquez	...	Finn Williams
A.J. Buckley	...	Danny Schamus
Gabrielle Union	...	Det. Cris Romano
Giancarlo Esposito	...	Det. Dwayne Burkhalter
Anjelah N. Johnson	...	Diane (as Anjelah Johnson)
Jason Winston George	...	Kirby Ferguson (as Jason George)
Patricia Kara	...	Trish
James Madio	...	Rob Ortiz
RZA	...	Duece
Brett Donowho	...	Tommy Blaine
Erin Cardillo	...	Tatiana
Noa Dori	...	Opera Singer
Mía Maestro	...	Sasha Eccles
Max Ryan	...	Ray Kamen
Michael Matthias	...	Elliot Creed (as Mike Matthias)

MPAA:

Rated R for violence and language.

Runtime:

87 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:R | Australia:MA (2008)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Quorum Entertainment

Quotes:

Finn Williams: Sasha had that *thing*, not just sex appeal or class or whatever. She was like air, sunlight - things you can't hold.

Movie Connections:

References "Scrubs" (2001)

Soundtrack:

Early Bird

Great Debut from 1st time director Kparr

A friend of mine saw this at the San Diego Film Festival and told me about it and that Giancarlo Esposito was in it (a very underrated talent). For Esposito alone, I picked it up and I was quite pleased. I like what the first time helmer Kparr did with a relatively unknown cast, except for Esposito and Gabrielle Union (who I was extremely surprised, but I'll speak on her later). The story was a solid crime, thriller. I know hardcore film geeks, who live to pick stuff apart will try to find flaws, but hell American Gangster had flaws, with two Oscar winners in front the camera and another who scribed that "celluloid gold". But back to "The Box". Being that this flick was working with a handful of sets, I dug the look. And as far as performances, the guy playing Kamen and the guy playing Danny were standouts (I want to see more of them), Esposito (always on point) and Yul Vasquez was good, the guy playing Tommy kind of phoned it in, but the biggest surprise for me was Gabrielle Union. The director made a daring bit of casting with Gabrielle Union as a tough as nails policeman. I know her as the spunky cheerleader or the sexy siren that Morris Chestnut or Taye Diggs is running after in a flick, but this role I'd never see her playing, but she rocked it. Actors have defining roles in their careers and right now in her somewhat young career this is it. I give this director much credit for getting that performance and writing a solid story. I want to see has next in store.