THE CELL is an interesting concept, but it’s not as original as you might think. Truth is, it copies a number of plot points from the movie DREAMSCAPE (1984), starring Dennis Quaid. Anytime THE CELL diverges from this and branches out on its own, it’s rarely for the better, I’m afraid. And whatever originality is left is simply less than stellar. Much of the first half is wasted on the actual catching of the killer, which wasn’t necessary and could have been left out. Dumbest of all though is when Vince Vaughn’s character goes into Vincent D’Onofrio’s mind also. Oh, you could see it coming a mile away, but they didn’t have to be that predictable.

      By the end, the script’s logic didn’t click with me either. Yes this is fantasy, but what I’m referring to is specifically human nature. When in D’Onofrio’s head, the flashbacks depict the abuse he suffered as a child, leading to his future psychotic behavior. But there’s a big problem with that, because since these thoughts are in his brain, they could be fraudulent and just plain lies. The script fails to realize that a sick mind would do just that. A deluded mind, rich in fantasy, would create his own reasoning behind his insane actions. There’s no guarantee that any of it’s real or truthful. I’m sure the evidence wasn’t supposed to be questioned, but rationally, it has to be. I’ll probably be argued on this, but I think this is a huge plot hole.

      Of course, what has everybody talking is the film’s look. And besides one or two shots, it’s no big deal really. It’s not the lavish spectacle the hype made it out to be. The director, Tarsem Singh, is not bad, but when the writing is lacking, there’s only so much that can be done. Yeah, I know I seem to harp on this over and over, but it’s a continual problem that still necessitates pointing out.