Movie Reviews: Cell, The

Jennifer Lopez stars in the new sci-fi thriller "The Cell." This journey into the nightmarish world of a serial killer, marks the feature film debut of Tarsem Singh. The renowned commercial and music video director who brought us REM's memorable, "Losing my Religion" video, among others. But can he successfully develop a full-blown story for the big screen? Here's my review of "The Cell."

Jennifer Lopez is a compassionate psychologist with an amazing gift. Through an experimental therapy, she can enter the minds of other people. Vince Vaughn is an FBI agent, who wants her to do the same with a man believed to be a serial killer. A serial killer who preys on beautiful, young women played by Vincent Donofrio

Vincent Donofrio, as the killer, is set up for the experiment. It's a race against time, as Lopez must somehow determine the root, of his bloody motivation. And how and where he has hidden his latest victim.

The actors are all capable, but they are not the starring attraction in "The Cell." Director Tarsem uses his genius for cinematography to tell the story and the result is breathtaking. As the suspense builds, the complex visuals take off, but the basic story line can't compete with the look of this film, it's too simplistic.

I was really caught up in this film. The dramatic visuals are so rich and imaginative they'll take your breath away. But story wise, "Silence of the Lambs," it's not. The characters aren't developed enough. So "The Cell" is dazzling to look at, but often disturbing. There are some graphic and disturbing moments, this is not for the feint-hearted, but "The Cell" is a triumph, for those who prefer style over substance.