The Kovak Box

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

A Hitchcokian retreaded plot line is welded to A-movie production values to great effect in thriller "The Kovak Box." A crazed scientist plays God on a gorgeous Mediterranean island, causing sexy Spanish sirens to jump off roofs )often naked!) in Manchurian-like premise. Although lacking in originality, this slickly made thriller still manages some sense of freshness largely thanks to a great cast, including a terrific performance by Irish vet David Kelly. great paranoid thriller less concerned with CGI explosions and improbable chase and more concerned with ideas like the power fo suggestion. Still, the film does contain enough shock, action and beautiful locations (not to mention sultry Spanish chicks) to hold most Americans attention!

The story concerns about David (Timothy Hutton), a sci-fi bestsellers author . He arrives in Mallorca (Spain) along with his fiancée . But after a phone call , she spontaneously jumps from hotel balcony , committing herself suicide. The writer investigates the deeds but happen lots of people committing suicide all around him . Later on , he meets Silvia (Lucia Jimenez) who has survived her own and inexplicable suicide trying , jumping from a room . Both of them join forces and are plunged into a nightmarish game . They pursue a suspect doctor (Gary Piquer) with dark intentions . Meanwhile , David is appointed a strange character named Kovak (David Kelly) who hands him over a rare box . The plot stretches plausibility to the final breakpoint, proceeded in the Caves of the Hell.

This exciting picture packs suspense , noisy action , twists plots , tension and marvelous landscapes from island of Mallorca . The film contains thrills and chills and is quite entertaining because is a laborious and intriguing suspense tale . Timothy Hutton is good as a writer who becomes the reluctant hero of one of his own stories , though this time , he has no idea how it ends . Interesting and thrilling screenplay by Jorge Guerricaechevarria (Alex De Iglesia's usual screenwriter) . Colorful cinematography by Carlos Gusi (Torrente, Box 507) who photographs splendidly island Mallorca outdoors and luxurious interiors . Spectacular and atmospheric musical score by Roque Baños (Fragiles , Machinist ,Sexy beast ,800 bullets). The motion picture was well directed by Daniel Monzon , a former cinema critic . He previously directed fantasy (Heart of warrior ) , comedy (Biggest robbery never told) and wrote the thriller ¨Camino de Paraiso¨ ; his greatest hit was the prison movie titled ¨Celda 201¨ . Rating : Good , better than average . The film will appeal to twisted stories buffs and Timothy Hutton fans.

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.

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.