Watch The Jack in the Box
- NR
- 2020
- 1 hr 27 min
-
4.2 (3,019)
The Jack in the Box is a horror movie that combines the traditional horror elements of jump scares and creepy clowns with a twist on ancient mythology. The plot revolves around Casey Reynolds, a young museum curator who travels to a small town to investigate the discovery of an old artifact called The Jack in the Box. As soon as Casey arrives in the sleepy town, strange things start happening. The townsfolk seem to be hiding something, and every time Casey tries to get to the bottom of it, she comes up against a wall of silence. Meanwhile, strange occurrences are happening all around her, including bizarre noises coming from the Jack in the Box itself.
Casey is an affable character, played convincingly by Lucy-Jane Quinlan, with a likable every-girl quality that draws the audience in. Her curious nature and determination to solve the mystery of the Jack in the Box make her a relatable protagonist. Alongside her, Robert Strange plays the stoic and untrustworthy curator, who seems to have his own hidden agenda. Strange's performance is a standout, as he brings a subtle menace to the role, keeping the audience guessing about his motives until the end.
However, the true star of the film is the Jack in the Box itself. It is a terrifying creation that is both ancient and otherworldly. It is clear that the filmmakers spent a lot of time designing and building the box, and it shows in the attention to detail. The box is ornate and sinister, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that hint at dark magic. As the source of the supernatural activity in the film, it is a constant presence, looming over the characters and providing a sense of dread that permeates the film.
As the plot unfolds, we learn about the ancient cult that worshipped the Jack in the Box and how it grants wishes at a terrible cost. The mythology of the Jack in the Box is well thought out and gives the film a strong sense of purpose. The Jack in the Box is not just a scary prop; it has a history and a reason for existing that is deeply rooted in the plot.
The Jack in the Box is also visually impressive. The cinematography is top-notch, making excellent use of shadows and light to create a creepy atmosphere. The sound design is also integral to the film's success. The sound effects are used sparingly but are incredibly effective in creating tension and building suspense. The music also deserves a special mention, as it is hauntingly beautiful and adds an extra layer of creepiness to the film.
The Jack in the Box is not a perfect film. It does suffer from some pacing issues, with the first half feeling a little slow. However, once the plot starts moving, it doesn't stop until the climactic ending. The characters are also a little underdeveloped, with some feeling like they are just there to move the plot along. However, the chemistry between Quinlan and Strange is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the strongest in the film.
Overall, The Jack in the Box is a solid horror movie that will appeal to fans of the genre. The visuals are impressive, the mythology is well thought out, and the scares are genuinely terrifying. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it is an excellent addition to the genre that is well worth a watch.
The Jack in the Box is a 2020 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.2.