Despite hearing a lot of negative things about it, both here and elsewhere, and that the cover looked like it would be SyFy film level, part of me was quite interested in seeing 'The Toybox', after it appeared randomly in my recommended for you section, with its premise genuinely intriguing me.
Also do appreciate horror and there are some decent low-budget ones out there, just in case one is wondering from a few of my previous reviews that paints me out to be otherwise. 'The Toybox' didn't do anything with any potential it did have, and with the premise it did have it. If asked as to whether it is as bad as indicated, my answer subjectively would be yes. While it won't be down there with the all-time worst films personally seen and ever, 'The Toybox' is another example of a film with no redeeming merits to be found. This is being said with a heavy heart, no malice in sight or intended.
'The Toybox's' low budget does show, have nothing against low-budget as some films still look good and like effort was put into them, effort that is not obvious in 'The Toybox'. It is especially apparent in its drab colour palette and sloppy and choppy editing. In this regard, there are moments that are suggestive of things having been left out and it affects the mix of rushed and non-existent character reactions and continuity. The effects are afterthought-like and like they were made on what little there was left of the budget. The least bad thing about 'The Toybox' is the setting, which had a little atmosphere but difficult to appreciate with it being wasted by everything else looking terrible. At no point too does the music remotely fit or appeal, it sounds like it was intended for something else, can be inappropriate to the mood of some scenes and it is intrusive.
Direction has no personality or momentum, with the dramatic elements in serious need of a steroid shot, and heavily indicative of inexperience or disinterest. The dialogue is from start to finish overripe and the lack of momentum and lack of naturalness are obvious. The story is the film's biggest issue, most of it is relatively uneventful with too few scares or sense of horror, those present are excessively predictable, lacking in creativity and are just bland.
Lack of tension and suspense further adds to the production, as do the draggy pace and characters that one cares nothing for because they are so flimsy in personality and development and so grating. Then there is the final half an hour, which is far too rushed and tries to cram too much in, most of it being ridiculous and contrived. The acting is very, very poor, the best performance comes from Mischa Barton and she is only okay at best. Denise Richards' lack of acting talent comes through loud and clear.
Overall, awful. 1/10 Bethany Cox
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