| The unconformable Arcterex and I just returned from watching The Cell starring Jennifer Lopez. Let me be the first to say that although I can mildly appreciate Ms. Lopez's physical charms, I'm not a big fan of her acting. However, she did just fine in this flick; whether that's because her acting has improved or I was more forgiving because of the surrealness of the movie, I don't really know. The premise of the movie is pretty well known: Lopez plays a psychologist who, as a member of a team devoted to an experimental type of therapy, is tasked with entering the mind of a serial killer in an attempt to garner information that could mean life or death for a victim. The concept is not new, but it's very nicely executed, and the story is gripping. The special effects in the movie are disturbing but familiar at the same time, deeply reminiscent of dreams and nightmares. The cinematography is fabulous, and the direction was pretty tight. Actors Jake Weber (a favourite of mine) and Vince Vaughn made convincing FBI agents, and Vincent D'Onofrio did a fine (and chilling) job as the serial killer Carl Stargher. I noticed that D'Onofrio's murderer was just about in the same leagues as Anthony Hopkin's Hannibal Lector, and with a different focus would make an interesting story on his own. Overall, the movie was well written and nicely executed. I never felt bored and enjoyed the chemistry some of the actors shared. I'd recommend this movie to anyone on a cheap night, and with minor reservations at full price. Three out of four Dust Puppies!
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