Phone Booth [Archive] - Movie Fan Central Discussion Forums

dh1989

03-27-2003, 06:14 PM

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0183649/Keyart.jpg

Plot: A slick New York publicist who picks up a ringing receiver in a phone booth is told that if he hangs up, he'll be killed... and the little red light from a laser rifle sight is proof that the caller isn't kidding.

Starring: Colin Farrell (Daredevil), Forest Whitaker (Battlefield: Earth), Radha Mitchell (Pitch Black), Katie Holmes (Wonder Boys), and Kiefer Sutherland (TV's "24") as the caller.

Directed By: Joel Schumacher (The Client).

Written By: Larry Cohen (The Expert).

Thoughts: I am very excited for this flick. Colin Farrell is a great actor, and I've enjoyed every one of his performances so far, especially as the maniac Bullseye in last month's Daredevil. The trailer is very exciting. It may be crappy (Schumacher is directing after all...), but I'd wager it'll be a great thriller.

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0183649/PB-152R.jpg

03-27-2003, 11:36 PM

Phone Booth, what is this movie about? it looks like complete shit if you ask me.

OBVIOUSLY KIDDING!! I CANT WAIT FOR THIS FLICK!!!

03-27-2003, 11:43 PM

here you go movies35:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/02/25/images/phone_booth_5large.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/02/25/images/phone_booth_1large.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/02/25/images/phone_booth_4large.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/02/25/images/phone_booth_3large.jpg

Freeway

03-28-2003, 12:02 AM

The trailer makes Phone Booth look like a great thriller with an equally great cast. I'll definitely be there opening weekend.

TheMovieGoerz

03-28-2003, 05:48 AM

Phone Booth is the second mainstream movie of 2003 that I've thoroughly enjoyed. For anyone tired of the garbage that has been released recently (Tears of the Sun, etc), here is the movie you have been waiting for.

I caught a private screening a few days ago, and didn't even know it was directed by Joel Schumacher until the final credits....I never thought I would say this, but Schumacher has redeemed himself completely, his best since Falling Down

The worst thing about the movie is the hideous poster. Clearly the ad agencies love the airbrush for movie posters, but this just goes way to far. The guy in the poster looks like it could be Colins "challenged" brother or something. And that bullet-hole...

Spoilers

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Ok the premise is somewhat silly, a serial killer stalking and punishing a publicist because of his "sins". It clearly was meant to evoke SE7EN, except that Colin Farrels only crime was adultery. Oh, and he hasn't even done the deed yet...And the killers entire plan kinda hinged on a complete coincidence (hookers, pimp) which is not the sign of a tightly constructed plot...

But nevermind all that. Phone Booth works as a black comedy. Kiefers voice and Colin in general are great. During the introduction, we learn just enough about Colin's character that we enjoy watching him suffer later on, and the humiliation that follows is often hilariously twisted.

The "twist" ending would have worked better if it wasn't so obvious that the killer WAS Kiefer Sutherland, because of his recognizable voice, and obviously not the fat pizza delivery guy.

The opening was delayed because of those sniper murders, but I think with the right promotion and word of mouth, this could, and should, end up being a hit.

8/10

mrsfuz

03-28-2003, 12:14 PM

I have very mixed feelings about this movie...it could be really good and bring in a lot of really big bucks...or it could be a huge let down.

Colin Ferrel--- I read in an interview with him yesterday that he has excessive amounts of casual sex...welcome to hollywood colin.

Kiefer Sutherland- I'm a HUGE 24 fan, he could maybe be the only redeeming part of this entire film.

Plot could go either way...either really good or really bad...i guess we'll see

Moviefan1234

03-28-2003, 04:34 PM

I've been waiting a long time for this little bugger. It had better have been worth the wait.

coolbeans

03-28-2003, 05:12 PM

And the trailer looks awesome .. I will definitely be seeing this one.

HHH123007

03-29-2003, 12:23 AM

I'm seeing first thing on Friday...

Here's hoping the flick does well, even though I think the R-rating is gonna kill it...

Grim H.

03-29-2003, 12:35 AM

The writer of this movie, Larry Cohen used to converse with Hitchcock over lunch in the Universal lot. At the time, he was attempting to write a script for him entitled, "Daddy's Gone A-Hunting. In the midst of one of their lunches, Cohen had suggested a movie that took place entirely in a phone booth. Cohen said, "If I walked into the office of any major studio executive in Hollywood and pitched a movie that all took place inside a phone booth, I would've been thrown off the lot."

But Hitchcock loved the idea, although sadly, the idea wasn't finished during his lifetime.

All of this is taken from an article written by Larry Cohen himself from the magazine, Scr(i)pt.

I'm highly anticipating this movie, hoping that if Hitchcock thought it was a good idea, than it will be a great movie.:)

TheMovieGoerz

03-29-2003, 02:33 AM

Originally posted by Grim H.
I'm highly anticipating this movie, hoping that if Hitchcock thought it was a good idea, than it will be a great movie.:)

Well it's nothing near Psycho, but it is darkly fun.

PostMasterP

03-29-2003, 10:53 AM

Phone Booth - 2003

starring: Collin Farell
Katie Holmes
Forest Whitaker

Review:
I just finished wtahcing this movie after I downloaded it on kazaa. When first hearing about this I was thinking, why the hell would they makew a movie about a man in a phone booth for an hour and a half? Talk about boring.... After seeing the trailer, I got somewhat interested in it. But now that I have seen it, I am ever so excited to say I have done so. Expecially seince I got to see it before the release date. I am lucky to behold this before my eyes.

Colin farell who plays a stuck up publicist, goes to the same phone booth everyday to make a call to one of his clients who he wishes to sleep with in the future. Day after day he enteres the booth. But today is his unlucky day. A man who hates Mr. Farell for his lies to his wife, his clients and friends wants to force Mr. Farell to confess to everyone. And get himself killed i the process. I don't want to give any spoilers about the film, only because I want you to enjoy this as much as I did. Let me give you the jist of things though, so maybe i can convince you to see this more.

We are introduced to our stuck up lead character, right from the get go. After about 10 mins of him making calls and talking to friends, clients etc. he enters the phone booth to make his call. When in the phone booth he confronts a pizza man, who delivers a pizza to him. After not accepting the pizza, things take a turn for the worst. The movie is made up of the crazy camera tricks the director gives us. If it had of stayed normal, we all woulda been bored. But he manages to keep us tuned in and waiting for the next shot to be fired. The killers slick voice on the phone is eerie. Almost sounds like Jeremy Irons. he would make you fear the worst listening to that in a phone booth. But the thing that mademe love the movie the most was the shock I received at the ending. I was in total disbeleif. Let me just leave it at that. I want you to enjoy it, very much. if it doesn't come as a surprise to you. Just check out the end credits.

Overall:
I had a wallop watching this slick, tense movie. The acting was great, expecially by Farell who is the next big actor of today. The slick voice on the other end of the line is also great. But the directing is the best. Schumacher makes you want to stay tuned, not get up and leave. So I say go see this opening night, sadly I downloaded it and watched it on my silly comp. Had I of known it would be this good, i'd pay the 10 dollars to see it. I give it 7 1/2 out of 10.......

Strider

03-29-2003, 03:12 PM

"Phone Booth" looks great, I'm really looking forward to seeing it. It's got a good cast, Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker, and Kiefer Sutherland. Also, the plot sounds very interesting.

I really hope this film allows Joel Schumacher to redeem himself, as a director. In my opinion, he hasn't directed one good film since "A Time to Kill".

Strider

Scarface98.9

03-29-2003, 04:49 PM

I'll definitely see this. It'll be worth my $10

blankpage

03-29-2003, 06:33 PM

It should be interesting to see if this flick can hold it's running time. What with being basically in the same spot for the whole film. But, I am very eager to check this puppy out. It looks great, Colin is in it, and it seems like some Hitchcock style can sneak in. I will be there opening weekend for this one.

03-30-2003, 01:56 AM

well, the reviews are starting to come out, and i'm impressed. I mean, i knew it was going to get good reviews but not soo many. Last time i checked on rottentomatoes.com it only had 2 rottens and the rest fresh, in the IMDB.com it had better than an 8 with more than 300 votes, and now the schmoes are giving it really good reviews, well, i guess the wait will be way worth it.

darkface

03-30-2003, 03:01 AM

I'll definitely be checking out this one. For one.. i love Colin Farrel (check avator)
and this movie just looks kickass. I love the idea, which is real down to earth ( D.C. Sniper)

I'm there opening weekend!

VittO OttivO

03-31-2003, 11:18 AM

BUMP

DareDevil

03-31-2003, 12:21 PM

I got an early screening a while back, since i am so cool of course:cool:

i enjoyed it, it doesnt play like your average american movie, its much more of a film, and it could have been great, but in the end it was only good. 7/10 has a good chance of going up after a second veiwing

EDsoulsurvive*

03-31-2003, 07:16 PM

phone booth looks amazing!!! I wanna c it really really bad, but i still wonder (like others) how its going to hold for an hour and a half. W/e, im still insanely excited to c it this weekend.

MickeyKnox

03-31-2003, 07:40 PM

Looks pretty cool! I'll be checking this movie out this Friday!

Moviefreek

04-01-2003, 01:18 PM

I think the true question to be had here....is...who isn't seeing Phone Booth..

My ticket has been sold since about august of last year.

Son Gohan

04-01-2003, 08:01 PM

"Your life is on the line"

HAHAHAHAHAHA You get it? OMG thats too funny! I'm not being sarcastic. That's a classic.

04-01-2003, 08:18 PM

Originally posted by Son Gohan
"Your life is on the line"

HAHAHAHAHAHA You get it? OMG thats too funny! I'm not being sarcastic. That's a classic.

oh my god!!! no way, i DO get it!! bejeeshis!!! it can't be!!! so hilarious!!!! that is sooo smart!!! :rolleyes:

Bickle

04-02-2003, 09:55 AM

Mild Spoiler Warning.

Whoever has seen this already, did you think it closely resembled Seven in a way? Part of the motive and the ending seemed to have the same elements.

Moviefreek

04-02-2003, 10:18 AM

Originally posted by Bickle
Whoever has seen this already, did you think it closely resembled Seven in a way? Part of the motive and the ending seemed to have the same elements.

When posting a question like that..its probably best to put a mild spoiler warning....some of us have seen seven and have yet to see phone booth...so...we wouldn't want anything mildly ruined for us.

04-02-2003, 11:58 AM

Bickle, USE SPOILER WARNINGS!!! thanks

anyways, a few people in the boards have been asking the same question, how can a movie in a Phone Booth be entertaining, well, here is a review from imdb that i think answers that question:

kraley (kraley@houston.rr.com)
Houston, TX

Date: 14 March 2003
Summary: Yes, two hours in a phone booth CAN be made interesting!

Phone Booth is about an unsavory individual that is trapped in a phone booth by a sniper who torments him for his misdeeds. You may be asking yourself (as I was) "you can make this plot interesting for 2 whole hours?!". Yes, for nearly two hours this film encompasses a 50' area surrounding a phone booth... and it's pretty darn good while doing it! I won't ruin any surprises by telling you the 'twists' (such as they are), but it's a fairly well-handled film that is an indirect (or not-so-indirect) commentary of indiscriminate cellular phone usage and society's newer seedy underbelly (video voyeurism, ignoring the plights of others, big city indifference, overly aggressive police tactics, and much more). For the trivia-minded; this film was completed quite some time ago but was seriously delayed due to the sniper incidents in the
Washington area last year. Seems political correctness has delayed yet another film for fear adults cannot control their own emotions nor separate reality from fiction. Thank you censors! I hate having to make my own decisions about what I can and cannot 'handle'! The acting is merely average. Colin Farrell does pretty well with what is essentially an hour plus of facial close-ups but I never really 'believed' his situation. Whether that was the script or the acting is open to debate (I suspect it was the latter). The sniper is very well-voiced by someone you'll recognize if you go to the movies with any regularity. There are some mid-level named actors you'll recognize and a nice surprise appearance near the end. I personally feel the writers/editors copped out (no pun intended) on the ending, but I'll let y'all be the judge of that. I truly disliked the opening and ending sequences as I felt they GREATLY detracted from what was otherwise a fairly solid, straightforward film. The voice-overs are simply unnecessary and irritating. There is lots of profanity, indirect drug usage and implied nudity (mostly in the background), violence, and adult situations galore (yup, all in a phone booth for 2 hours). Not a film for the kiddos, but nothing there that will truly offend the sensitive (unless they are looking to be offended or have a low tolerance for profanity). It's a fairly original movie and that goes a long way with me these days. Go see Phone Booth if you get the opportunity. It may not be regarded as an 'instant classic' but it's a solid, original film that
you won't regret having paid to view.

BTW, the movie is the first or one of the first best reviewed films of the year already. (check out rottentomatoes, it has a really good 85%).

sleekproductions

04-02-2003, 12:58 PM

I personally think this looks GREAT. Colin Farrell is one of my favorite new stars, and the premise is very intriguing. That, and considering it is the best reviewed film of the year so far, will ensure me seeing this ASAP.

-Sleek-

Luke-Abbott

04-02-2003, 04:53 PM

As soon as this comes out in the UK I shall be watching this, Colin puts on a brilliant American accent I have no idea how he does it. I'm crap at american accents, hes amazing with it. Plus hes a cool actor as well, one of my favourites.

I shall be checking this out no doubt.

Bickle

04-03-2003, 06:56 AM

Originally posted by Moviefreek
When posting a question like that..its probably best to put a mild spoiler warning....

Sorry, I didn't think it was much of a spoiler. I do usually put them up when I'm going into detail of a film. . . I apoligise.

TheMovieGoerz

04-03-2003, 07:40 AM

Mild Spoiler Warning.

Originally posted by Bickle
Whoever has seen this already, did you think it closely resembled Seven in a way? Part of the motive and the ending seemed to have the same elements.

The broad "punishment" aspect was taken directly from SE7EN which was really obvious at one point in the dialogue. But beyond that the two movies are not comparable at all.

04-03-2003, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by TheMovieGoerz

The broad "punishment" aspect was taken directly from SE7EN which was really obvious at one point in the dialogue. But beyond that the two movies are not comparable at all.

haven't seen the movie, but i think that in a way, its much more comparable to Joy Ride.

rushmore beauty

04-03-2003, 07:49 PM

This flick is going to flat-out rule. I cannot wait to see this flick.....I am going to Adaptation tonight.

TheMovieGoerz

04-04-2003, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by Ed
haven't seen the movie, but i think that in a way, its much more comparable to Joy Ride.

There's are few major aspects that SE7EN and Phone Booth share, that have nothing at all to do with Joy Ride.

Jerk Shapiro

04-04-2003, 04:23 PM

Originally posted by Scarface98.9
I'll definitely see this. It'll be worth my $10

Same here, 'cept my $6.75.

Sugar Magnolia

04-04-2003, 04:25 PM

Originally posted by MOVIE-Maniac 8
Same here, 'cept my $6.75.

You must put into account the cost of snacks and beverages! What's wrong with you?!!:D

Tom Samborski

04-04-2003, 06:55 PM

I think this movie will be Joel Schumacher's best along with Falling Down.

Donnie_Darko

04-04-2003, 08:05 PM

Just watched it, after waiting for over a year to see it, and... DAMN!! Great freaking flick!!! Now, I just hope it plays at the cheap theater around here, cause as awesome as it was, I will NOT pay $13 for a movie... EVER!!!

movielover-9

04-04-2003, 09:48 PM

Phone Booth

Starring: Colin Farrell, Forrest Whitaker, Katie Holmes, Kiefer Sutherland

Rated: R for strong language and violence

Directed By: Joel Schmuacher

To start out, I had some mixed feelings about "Phone Booth". It was directed by Joel Schmaucher (director of such train wrecks as Batman and Robin) and was a pretty low budget, straightforward film. But then it looked like an interesting and taut thriller. So I was kidn of torn between the two until I saw it at the theater tonight and I chose my second opinion.

The film centers on a seedy publicist named Stu (Colin Farrell) who lies, disrespects others, and cheats on his wife. But then he is caught on the other end of the phone line in a phone booth with a deadly sniper who loathes him and wants him to publicly pay for his wrongdoings.

Colin Farrell is really beginning to become a rising star in Hollywood. I liked him in both last year's "Minority Report" and this year's "The Recruit". He makes his character sympathetic and believable as an average selfish New Yorker who eventually learns from his mistakes. The supporting cast did well, but Colin really was the center and held up the movie well. (Oh and kudos to Kiefer Sutherland for his creepy phone voice)

The film may be a thriller, but it is really hiding a social commentary underneath all the suspense (about cheating, adultery, respecting others, etc). But the suspense still holds up and turns a low budget film into one just as attention-grabbing as an 100 million dollar film. I felt that ** SPOILERS**hooker subplot was drawn out too long because about 10 minutes was spent drawing attention to the prostitutes trying to use the phone. I know it led up to the important part--where the man is shot-- but it was kind of unneccesary. Also I kind of thought that that final twist where Kiefer Sutherland meets up with Colin Farrell at the end didn;t do the film justice. I think it could've been better if the pizza guy was the sniper because it would serve the film's main message about being careful who you disrespect. The killer still being alive seemed like they wanted to make room for a trilogy or something.**END OF SPOILERS**

All in all, a suspenseful, entertaining film and one of the first best films of 2003.

04-04-2003, 09:59 PM

Originally posted by Donnie_Darko
Just watched it, after waiting for over a year to see it, and... DAMN!! Great freaking flick!!! Now, I just hope it plays at the cheap theater around here, cause as awesome as it was, I will NOT pay $13 for a movie... EVER!!!

I don't get it, where did you see it?? internet?

HHH123007

04-05-2003, 12:00 AM

I saw it today......it was very cool/fun.

I thought 80 minutes would be too short for a film like this, but it ended up feeling right as I walked out of the theater.....

The cast is solid but Katie Holmes had virtually no part in the flick (:mad:).

I will recommend it to all my friends, and probably see it a couple more times before it leaves theaters.

7/10

Puck Bond

04-05-2003, 12:34 AM

Phone Booth is a movie I've been looking forward to for a long time ever since I first saw the previews, but we all know what happened. The premise just looks great and Colin Farrell is the hottest dude on the block and I've loved pretty much everything he's done! Throw in Kiefer Sutherland, Forest Whitaker and Katie Holmes and I'm so there! I'm gonna see it tomorrow.

Freeway

04-05-2003, 12:41 AM

I will be seeing Phone Booth tomorrow afternoon. I'm hoping it's entertaining. The reviews certainly have been good.

Jim H

04-05-2003, 03:36 AM

******SPOILERS FOR A WHILE*******

The "twist" ending would have worked better if it wasn't so obvious that the killer WAS Kiefer Sutherland

It was incredibly obvious to almost everyone that it wasn't him, even people who I heard talking about it on the way out of the theatre who didn't know who Kiefer Sutherland was.

I also thought the ending could of been better, but was still good.

The character of the sniper could of been more interesting, as well... Like maybe not have him have killed the pizza guy (which he mentions he feels bad about doing - not a complete sociopath apparently, at least).. He only did it to cover his tracks, you know what I mean? The pimp I could understand him killing, he was getting in the way and was obviously just a thug anyway - someone that COULD end up being one of the people paying for their sins anyways.

I find grey area villains very interesting, personally. Learning more about the villain could of been good, but it probably would of ruined the mystique. Ah well.

*****END SPOILERS****

I liked this movie quite a bit. Met my expectations. I thought Colin Farrel's performance was very good. His redemption scene was excellently played - best piece of acting in the film I thought. The restructuring his character goes through is very interesting. I hope he keeps going along those lines of what the end indicates. Kiefer Sutherland is of course great. Forest Whitaker is always reliable, in a mostly thankless pretty small part. Those are pretty much the only characters with more then a couple minutes of screenplay.

Dialogue was dead on. Great cinematography and some good camera angles. The tension building was near perfect. It was MOSTLY believable aside from a few things which I don't want to get into, as I feel they're not important enough to bring up.

It was just "good to very good" though, it didn't aspire for genius levels, but it got to exactly where it wanted. This isn't the kind of film I'm likely to buy, but I think it would make a fantastic rental and is a borderline must see in the theatres.

I give it an 8/10

Beltfed

04-05-2003, 09:52 AM

Saw it last night, I thought it was ok........the people I saw it with didn't like it at all (there were lots of nay sayers leaving the theater as well). It had an interesting style to it, although as mentioned above, some aspects of the film were a tad drawn out (even at its very short 80 minutes). The cast was great, the acting was very good. Lastly, I think some of the scenes were a little cheesy, but I expected some of that from Joel Schumacher.

Is Phone Booth an ok way to kill a couple of hours? Sure.

If I had to rate it......6.5/10

*****MINOR SPOILER******

Just had to say, the relationship between Forest Whitaker and that other White Cop was really annoying. The White Cop was all nasty and rough in the beginning, then he's like all nice later in the film. No explanation why he lightened up (unless that went completely over my head).....maybe he took some Paxil to take the edge off :o

TheMovieMinor

04-05-2003, 11:35 AM

Oh My gosh. My heart was beating so fast in this movie, I almost died.

10/10

Best movie of 2003 so far of the 23 movies seen.

Head of state is best comedy so far.

04-05-2003, 12:53 PM

This is from www.leesmovieinfo.com:

Phone Booth (Crowd Report)
("Appeared to somewhat meet the status of Old School's opening night crowd report")

by Lee Tistaert

Being that quite a few people had quite a few different viewpoints of how this flick would fare over its delayed opening, I was a little eager to see just how crowded it really would be.

Arriving at the Westwood Crest (single screen, 450 seat theater) at about 8:30 to buy tickets for the 9:30 pm show, there were a few people in front of me buying for the same show, but no line for ticket holders had formed yet.

Getting back to the theater at around 9:05, a little line had formed down the street for the show, with the ticket booth line strengthening in size as minutes passed. By about 9:10 we were let into the theater, which over time was being poured into by patrons. The lights dimmed at around 9:35 to a pretty full house of college students (UCLA is in the area) with a few exceptions in demographic. There were some slight signs of enthusiasm as the curtain went up, but nothing too fancy.

First preview up was Finding Nemo (I think this theater is at least partially owned by Disney...), which got more of a blank response from the audience but did retrieve plenty of giggles with the finale.

Next was Holes, which really didn't help in terms of a positive audience reception. While the crowd kept calm and nice in terms of sarcasm, there were a few evident sighs afterwards.

The Pirates of the Caribbean teaser followed, which got a cheer at its load-up, signaling that people probably were familiar. Orlando Bloom's mention also received a cheer or a clap, but no applause or cheers at the conclusion.

Second to last trailer was Lizzy McGuire, which was probably the worst placement move you could've gone with this audience. Though there were no real responses most of the way through, quite a few sarcastic giggles flowed the room near its finale, followed by some fun cheers and claps which set off a bit of laughter in criticism. A similar reception was also given when Willard was accidentally played twice before Old School.

The concluding preview was X-Men, which instantly drew some enthusiastic cheers into the air along with a few claps. Silent response throughout, but folks were definitely into it.

For the most part Phone Booth appeared to somewhat meet the status of Old School's opening night crowd report, which I saw just a block away. While college students were the major age group at Booth (as was for Old School), the gender here was split pretty evenly which was not the case for the DreamWorks comedy. The Recruit also happened to be booked at this single screen theater in its debut, but I didn't see it there so no comparisons can be drawn. However, the venue has a tendency to wisely pick their bookings which alone was a possible sign of its success.

Overall, the crowd was into the flick as it was evidently clear fans were adoring Sutherland's shtick and the intensity the entire movie brought on. Laughter was sometimes in gear, and gasps from crowd members came at all the right places. While there was no applause afterwards, as everyone was departing the theater a group of moviegoers (still seating) were applauding the presence of one of the hookers in the film whose cast credit and appearance was being highlighted amongst the other performers.

Though it didn't seem to absolutely rock everyone's world, Phone Booth certainly felt as if it was very well appreciated by the crowd, which was further showcased with the discussion groups formed outside the theater when let out.

bskutle

04-05-2003, 03:22 PM

"Phone Booth"- B+
Delayed a few months after last Fall's Sniper shootings, "Phone Booth" is ready to grab hold of moviegoers and watch them squirm as Colin Farrell (who seems to be in everything recently) is held hostage in said location by a sniper who wants the hot-shot publicist to confess his sins. Logic holes and a too-obvious sense of showing off by director Joel Schumacher (atoning well for his dreadful "Batman" films) aside, this is a grabber thanks to Farrell's go-for-broke desparation in the role, the wickedly wry performance by Kiefer Sutherland as the sniper, and the smart use of "real-time" to enhance the tension. This is one I could stand to see again.

max

04-05-2003, 05:24 PM

In PHONE BOOTH Colin Farrell is a sleazy publicist (Stu Shephard) held hostage in a phone booth by a sniper (played mostly by the voice of Kiefer Sutherland), who wants him to repent for his sins. Kiefer Sutherland may have landed the part because of his experience with split screens and multiple images on his TV series, 24; a technique director Joel Schumacher vigorously employs to distract us from his movie's empty conceit. Of all the scumbags in the world, why would a sniper pick a seedy Broadway publicist to waste his considerable trouble-shooting skills on (excuse the pun)? Leave that to Dr. Phil, for Christ's sake! Wouldn't it be more rewarding to get Saddam Hussein to confess his sins to the world instead? Skanky Colin Farrell, the male Brittany Murphy, remembers his lines and keeps his fingernails relatively clean throughout. It's a step in the right direction if he wants to live up to his status as the next superstar. "A ringing phone has to be answered, doesn't it?" the narrator of PHONE BOOTH asks. Only in movies, I say. The best thing about PHONE BOOTH is that it's over quicker than you can wipe your ass after dumping a hard, dry log. The bad thing is it's still bloody painful. I rate it 5/10.

04-05-2003, 06:25 PM

lucky bastard!!

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/twentieth_century_fox/phone_booth/_group_photos/colin_farrell8.jpg

przybyla

04-05-2003, 06:34 PM

this movie sucked.
It was completely predictable, the cinematography was horrible, the story had 2 big problems, that of which I don't feel like typing.
I wanted forest whitaker to take one in the back of his head, but keifer did not satisfy me. Whitaker wouldn't stop mentioning his ex-wife. For as long as this was delayed, it seemed rushed. The screen writer did not think the entire story through, it was sloppy.
Was way better than the rest of these post oscar poopers though. I will not rate it, I will just say
it was fairly decent, but could have been way better, with out Whitaker, cinematographer, and the screen writer should have read his own script

BorderEevilIII

04-05-2003, 09:11 PM

I didnt think Phone Booth sucked.....The wait from its orignal November release was well worth the wait. The movie sets up the situation that leads to Farell being held captive against his will in the phone booth. The cinematography was GREAT MAN! It got me whirling where could Kiefer Sutherlnad hiding at? The pace & intesity has u gripping up to the climatic ending...

Also! I think the Spilt Screens is the shits man! :)
QUESTION GOT ME BAFFLED ABOUT Phone Booth...............

But I do havta to add I was a bit disapointed why Kiefer Sutherland was this way? If the connection made sense I would have gave PB a 9 so it 8 out 10.

dh1989

04-05-2003, 11:13 PM

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0183649/PB-137.jpg

Phone Booth really suprised me. I was really nervous walking into it. It could turn out to be a smart thriller, but it could also be a boring mess of a thriller. Thankfully, it is NOT the latter......

Colin Farrell gives his star-making turn here. The coolness of Bullseye in Daredevil. The slyness of his character in The Recruit. All of his characters he played prior to are all rolled into one. His emotions are raw. His nerves real.

Kiefer Sutherland barely appears in the film, but still is a huge part of it. With his voice alone, he creates a devilish killer. He is obviously having fun playing this sadistic prick who loves to strike terror in the hearts of people he deems bad. Excellent voice-work.

Katie Holmes is good here. She does not have much to do, but is quite charming and cute. A very talented actress, that leaves a mark on a film, even though she has a small role.

Forest Whitaker is rather bland. I'm not saying he is bad, but he plays it safe. A cut-out flawed cop. Probably the film's worst performance.

Joel Schumacher is back in top form. This movie is obviously from the womb of a master director. Split-screen. Odd angles. He uses it all to create a 80-minute thrill ride.

Something I admire about this film is how the screenwriter Larry Cohen creates the movie. There is no fade-out. From the first second the when the credits roll, this is in REAL TIME. We are with the character Stu from start to finish. I felt like I was in that phone booth with him, being targeted by the sniper. This is not a movie, it is a CNN story. The Phone Booth Killer. An ordeal that takes 80-minutes to resolve. One dead. It seems like it could happen, which makes it even more scary.

Overall, this movie is a winner. A real time thrill-ride. Your life truly is on the line. Check it out.

9/10

Addi88

04-05-2003, 11:44 PM

I just saw it tonight and I have to say it was awesome. It kept me interested throughout the movie. I give it an 8.5/10. But there were two things that I didn't care for which come to mind.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

I didn't really like the beginning with the voiceover explaining about all the phones that are used in New York.

I also didn't like the end where Kiefer Sutherland is walking through the crime scene with the gun case. It just seemed really dumb. He's walking past cops with a huge rifle case.:confused: I don't know that really bugged me.

But thats my 2 cents.

END OF SPOILERS

sleekproductions

04-06-2003, 12:11 AM

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0183649/PB-122.jpg

Phone Booth is the first very good movie of the year. It is exciting, terribly smart, and features an incredible star-making performance from the one and only Colin Farrell. What makes this movie different from most average Hollywood thrillers, is that it actually has something to say. While it does entertain a great deal throughout its short 80 minute runtime, it also provides a lot of thought-provoking elements. This is essentially a morality film. A film about right and wrong, and how corrupt our society really is. The writer, Larry Cohen, turned in a very good screenplay, filled with great, and often funny dialouge, tense situations, and interesting and relevant morality messages. This screenplay, in my opinion, is a very good achievement. Then we have the directing. Joel Schumacher, a man who I am not particularly fond of (Batman & Robin, Bad Company, and 8MM aren't exactly what I would call great movies) uses every editing trick in the book. Fast fowarding, split screen, picture in picture, and many more. I think for that this type of real-time movie, it makes it incredibly interesting, and provides us with a fresh and exciting look at the events that occur. I also liked that this movie wasn't clichéd and predictable. I never knew what was going to happen next, and the whole jist of the film is not something you see in hollywood anymore. Phone Booth played more like an indie film, than your typical Hollywood poppy-cock. This, coming from a usually terrible director, a relatively new actor, and a screenwriter who hasn't done anything else truly memorable, is a very cool, and refreshing thing. Back on track to more of the technical aspects of the movie, the cinematography and music was also great, as was the opening monolouge/introduction. Forrest Whittaker turns in a surprisingly good performance as the cop, and makes an interesting counter-part to Farrell's publicist. And then we have Kiefer Sutherland. We never really see him, but god, does he have one of the coolest voices I have ever heard. He does a great job with his essentially voice over part, and provides a killer, that although hardly ever seen in the flesh, is still one of the best in recent memory. And then comes the ending.
SPOILERS
When Kiefer Sutherland walks across the street, right in front of the Phone Booth, with the rifle case in hand, and he doesn't even get questioned, or noticed... well it just proves how clueless our country really is.
END SPOILERS

Phone Booth is a very good achievemnt of a film. I know that I have said this many times, and I have become redundant, but I want this fact to be heard. I truly enjoyed this movie, and I feel as if it will be something that I can watch multiple times. It kept me on the edge of my seat, provided me with a lot to think about, and fully entertained me. A very good movie.

8/10

Beltfed

04-06-2003, 01:45 AM

More Spoilers************************

First off, how did he get the Pizza guy back upstairs......are we to assume that Keifer ordered another Pizza? Except this time to the hotel room.

Also, at the end when the cops broke into the hotel room. The rifle (an Accuracy International AW) was there by the window. Yet, here comes Keifer awhile later walking by the phone booth with what looks like nothing else but a gun case.

Not to mention, calling 5 snipers to setup on the roof was just plain goofy.....they would "never" call in for that kind of support (throw them on top of a building) to cover a guy in a stupid Phone Booth.

The movie was ok, but some of the details were rather sloppy.

Moviefreek

04-06-2003, 01:55 AM

<<<MILD SPOILER>>>>>>>
I was a tad bit let down with the film it wasn't as suspensful as I thought it might have been. Another thing that drew me away from getting fully enjoyed in the film was the crowd in which i watched it with...who seemed to laugh at everything that was said, as if we were watching a comedy, even when Colin Farrel expresses everything..i thought it was a tad bad..but it was not funny. He did pretty good in my opinion.

I did enjoy the ending thou.

8/10

ANTBond007

04-06-2003, 05:37 AM

Originally posted by Beltfed
More Spoilers************************

First off, how did he get the Pizza guy back upstairs......are we to assume that Keifer ordered another Pizza? Except this time to the hotel room.

Also, at the end when the cops broke into the hotel room. The rifle (an Accuracy International AW) was there by the window. Yet, here comes Keifer awhile later walking by the phone booth with what looks like nothing else but a gun case.

I think the rifle thing was meant to say that he used a dummy rifle in the room, and kept another for himself.

Strider

04-06-2003, 06:28 AM

Phone Booth (2003)

Rated R for Strong Pervasive Language and Some Violence

Director: Joel Schumacher

Starring Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker, Katie Holmes, Radha Mitchell, and Kiefer Sutherland.

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0183649/PB-8.jpg

"Stu Shepard (Colin Farrell) is a slick New York publicist who picks up a ringing phone in a phone booth. The person on the other line, just happens to be a professional sniper (Kiefer Sutherland), and he threatens Stu if the phone is hung up, Stu will die."

Watching one man stuck in a phone booth, who is talking to another man holding a sniper rifle in both hands for 80 minutes doesn't really sound like a premise that would captivate a movie-goer, does it? However, "Phone Booth" accomplishes the unbelievable, by turning such a simple premise into an engrossing thriller that entertains until the final shot.

Director Joel Schumacher, has been on quite a losing streak for some time. From directing stinkers such as "Batman & Robin" and "Bad Company", to films which went nowhere fast such as "Flawless" and "8 MM". The man is a very talented director, but from what I've seen, he hasn't made one good film since 1996's "A Time to Kill".

With his latest film, "Phone Booth", I was hoping he would redeem himself. In the end, he does exactly that. Personally, Schumacher has never been better. His direction here is, in one word, relentless. He makes sure the film never slows down, or takes a small breather to allow the viewer to digest everything. After watching this film, it's very easy to understand Schumacher's primary goal: to make a thriller that moves at a furious pace, but still manages to keep the audience in it's grip.

Colin Farrell, who is quickly becoming "the next big thing" in the world of film, stars as the lead character. Farrell brilliantly portrays the type of individual who's cocky, self-absorbed, overly confident, and never thinks his luck will ever run out. Basically, this character is an unlikable person who can really get on your nerves. Farrell does a great job bringing all these attributes to his character, and he really makes the viewer find pleasure in seeing this pathetic individual recieve what he most deserves.

The supporting cast is small. First, there's Forest Whitaker playing a conflicted police detective who must try to be both a friend and negotiator to the Colin Farrell character. Whitaker is good in the role, actually, he's good in everything he comes out in. This man is probably one of the most underrated actors out there today. His acting talents are not appreciated enough, and he has still yet to recieve the recognition he rightly deserves.

Next, we have the love interests, played by Radha Mitchell and Katie Holmes. Mitchell plays the wife of Colin Farrell's character, who has absolutely no idea about the dark secret her husband has been hiding from her. And Holmes plays Farrell's character's lover, who doesn't know her "boyfriend" is actually married. Both actresses are not given much material, but it works out just fine this way. Besides, the characters they play are not supposed to be anything other than supporting roles.

Lastly, another underrated actor rounds up the supporting cast, and his name is Kiefer Sutherland. The man has appeared in films such as "Dark City", and several other films of Joel Schumacher's. He can currently be seen in television's "24", a drama series from Fox. Sutherland's role in this film, is to provide the voice of the mysterious figure threatening to kill the Colin Farrell character. You never see Sutherland's face, but you do hear his strong, commanding, and sinister voice. All this makes for one hell of a performance, and one memorable villian for this year.

In conclusion, "Phone Booth" beat the odds that were against it. And that was a simple premise, a paperthin script, and a very short running length. "Phone Booth" is a well-crafted thriller from Joel Schumacher, the film keeps you satisfied with it's edge-of-your-seat suspense and furious pace.

Believe it or not, there's a message of redemption to be found in "Phone Booth". If you fail to discover this, then you've missed the entire point of the film. The message is beneath the film's surface, but it is there, it does exist. All you have to do, is look for it admist the chaos taking place in the film.

Running Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Grade: 8/10 or **** out of ***** stars

Strider

04-06-2003, 12:25 PM

I'm so glad you liked it dh1989, considering your expectations for the movie where so low. It sucks that i have to wait ONE MORE MONTH to see this movie!!!

DieHardBruceFan

04-06-2003, 04:42 PM

I voted Colin Farrell as the coolest celebrity of the year and in PHONE BOOTH, he continues to prove what a great, up and coming actor he is.

PHONE BOOTH was a tense flick that kept my interest from start to finish.

I though Kiefer was great, and since I started watching 24 last year, he has quickly become an actor that I appreciate more than ever.

Overall, the movie is flawed but very entertaining.

B+

Sinfolti

04-06-2003, 06:21 PM

I have liked Colin Farrell since Tigerland, and can't wait to see Phone Booth! Que Chulo! Does anyone know when S.W.A.T. is coming out?

Jim H

04-06-2003, 08:55 PM

One thing that is possible: the Pizza Guy apartment might not of been where the actual shooting was coming from? Possibly.

Martha

04-07-2003, 12:04 AM

Originally posted by Sinfolti
I have liked Colin Farrell since Tigerland, and can't wait to see Phone Booth! Que Chulo! Does anyone know when S.W.A.T. is coming out?

:D

------------------------
question: what was the sniper's motive??:confused:

BorderEevilIII

04-07-2003, 12:22 AM

Originally posted by Sinfolti
I have liked Colin Farrell since Tigerland, and can't wait to see Phone Booth! Que Chulo! Does anyone know when S.W.A.T. is coming out?
Well heres a link that talks about the movie....
http://www.joblo.com/upcomingmovies/2003/swat.htm

Jim H

04-07-2003, 01:07 AM

question: what was the sniper's motive??

****SPOILERS, obviously ****

To punish the bad people in our society, and make them see the errors of their way. He really had no intention of killing Farrel as long as he would do as he asked, the first two people he killed simply wouldn't even consider doing as he asked. It's kind of like Se7en.

That he has to kill other, possibly good people, to do that makes him less interesting. It would of been better if he hadn't killed the pizza guy, making him a little bit more ambiguous over whether he was really killing "innocent" people (two realy awful scumbags, and a very violent pimp - they're not exactly good people, but the pizza guy was just a normal guy as far as we saw in the movie) . He even says he feels bad about the pizza guy.

max

04-07-2003, 09:52 AM

What makes this movie different from most average Hollywood thrillers, is that it actually has something to say.

And it says it with all the subtlety of Dolly Parton's cleavage. For the morons who don't get the movie's message, there's a poster here (for a cologne called "Penance") or a window display there ("Who do you think you are?") to help them out. This shrill, preachy and irresponsible movie is nothing more than a recruiting movie for wannabe snipers.

Sinfolti

04-07-2003, 10:29 AM

Thanks for the link Border evil! Keep it real! :D

Scooter

04-07-2003, 02:18 PM

Phone Booth : 9/10
A great movie. Colin Farrell is going to be an amazing actor soon, if he's not already. He's absolutley great. His performance as Stu Shepard was very entertaining. He went from the high executive asshole to the loving husband, making people feel bad for him. Kiefer Sutherland was cast perfectly as the "Voice". He can scare the hell out of you, or make you laugh. The movie provided much laughter even when dealing with death. Forrest Whitaker had another great performance as Detective Ramey. An outstanding movie. The only thing i didn't like was the length of it. Otherwise GREAT

Horror whore

04-07-2003, 07:57 PM

Phone Booth was a semi-disappointment for me. I went in expecting a great thriller and got a good thriller, it didn't meet my rather high expectations. The movie's first half was not very interesting to me, it was really just a set up for the second (and much better) half. I didn't like the minimal character development, but I guess I can't complain, the movie was only 80 minutes and everything was happening while you were watching it, no scene transitions or anything, kind of like FOX's 24. The acting was fine, but nothing anywhere near Oscar worthy. Colin Farrell was good, nothing more, nothing less. Katie Holmes and Stu's wife were criminally underdeveloped and, to me, they were the two most interesting characters. Forest Whitaker delivers the best performance though, I really felt for him when the sniper made Stu ask him those obscene questions... One thing that really bugged me was the way the phone calls to Katie Holme's character and Stu's wife were handeled. It works on 24, but it was just distracting here... I really wanted Phone Booth to be great, but it ended up just being good...

B-

Strider

04-07-2003, 08:07 PM

Originally posted by Martha
:D

------------------------
question: what was the sniper's motive??:confused:

***SPOILERS BELOW***

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The Caller saw himself as some kind of punisher. He felt it was duty to punish the sinners of the world, and allow them to realize their sins. Also, the caller's main goal was to try to make the sinners repent, and try to seek redemption.

You see, the caller was never going to kill the Colin Farrell character. He never had no intentions of doing so. All he wanted to do, was to teach Farrell's character a lesson, a very TOUGH lesson... :D

Strider

ilovemovies

04-10-2003, 08:58 PM

Originally posted by Ed
lucky bastard!!

http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/twentieth_century_fox/phone_booth/_group_photos/colin_farrell8.jpg

Actually the real lucky bastard is Chris Klein since he's been dating her for nearly 4 years now.

ilovemovies

04-10-2003, 09:23 PM

As for what I thought of it well basically I liked it. I have one beef with the movie other than it doesn't add up to much and completely wastes the talent of Katie Holmes who has barely any screen time (disappointing but not surprising based on the trailers and the fact that she was only there for 2 out of the 12 day shoot). My big beef:

**************SPOILER ALERT*******************

Why the hell did Stu let the caller know that the police were coming! That aggrivated me because he let him get away by telling him that. What a moron! Know other people might have to suffer because of that.

****************END OF SPOILER******************

Otherwise a solid suspenseful thriller.

*** (out of ****)

Jim H

04-11-2003, 01:05 AM

***SPOILERS***

Why the hell did Stu let the caller know that the police were coming! That aggrivated me because he let him get away by telling him that. What a moron! Know other people might have to suffer because of that.

It doesn't matter, the killer already had planned for the police coming in anyway. Why else would he have the pizza guy there? There's a very real possibility he wasn't even in that apartment where the cops busted in.

Puck Bond

04-11-2003, 01:42 AM

Phone Booth is a smart, taut and well paced thriller about an unfortunate young man held hostage in a New York phone booth by a man holding a rifle. When I first saw previews for this film last summer I was looking forward to it very much! It had a great premise and an excellent cast. Unfortuantely the real life sniper shootings in the Washington D.C. area last fall, forced the studio to delay its release and rightly so. It was a smart decision because this is a very good film and deserves to be seen without comparisons or backlash because of the content and its all true familiarity with what happened last year. Director Joel Schumacher once again teams up with Colin Farrell, who previously worked on the very underrated film Tigerland(2000)-8/10. Farrell plays Stu Shepard, a young hotshot New York publicist, who sets up deals, parties and events for his hot young clients. He is a fast talker and smooth operator, always on his cell-phone wheeling and dealing all the while stringing along a young and gullable associate. He is married to a blonde named Kelly(Radha Mitchell), but is cheating on her with Pam played by Katey Holmes, a young actress who Stu has paraded promises of getting her into the business. Since his wife sees his cell phone bill, Stu uses a downtown street phone booth(supposedly the last in New York) to call Pamela and this way keeps his marriage and his affair both secrets. One day a pizza gets delivered to the booth, which Stu naturally declines and the phone rings...on the other end is just a voice, distinctly that of Kiefer Sutherland's who holds Stu hostage by claiming to have a sniper-rifle pointed at him. What ensues is a wonderful mind game between the two and the police negotiator Captain Ramey, played by Forest Whitaker who is also very good. This film is quite funny in the absurdity of the situation, Kiefer Sutherland is quite fun as the guy who toys and plays with Stu's mind and psyche and ultimately shatters Stu's confidence and decietful self-image. My favorite scene is when Stu comes clean and he is completely stripped down of the immoral and unethical facade of who he is. Also, the phone booth is the turf of some street hookers, who are hilariously loud and foul-mouthed as they try to get Stu out of the phone booth. I also liked how this film used a sort of picture-in-picture to show the different points of view of who was talking etc. There really isn't much story to this film except just a guy stuck in a phone booth...why is the voice making Stu do all this...I'm not totally sure, for revenge, for respect or for the fun of it. It really doesn't matter because this film is all style and has plenty of it...and at under 90 minutes it is a brisk and exciting ride and a very enjoyable one at that. Overall, Phone Booth is a fun, exciting and clever little thriller about a guy held at gun-point inside a phone booth. It has a great premise, plenty of style and nice performances by Colin Farrell and Forest Whitaker, and Kiefer Sutherland has loads of fun as the meniacal voice holding Stu and us the audience hostage. Don't miss it...the best of the year so far.

04-11-2003, 09:41 AM

ALL FRESH: %/ movie/ # of reviews

1. 97% Rivers and Tides: Andy Goldsworthy... 33
2. 96% Open Hearts 46
3. 93% The Man Without a Past 28
4. 92% Lost in La Mancha 72
5. 92% Stevie 37
6. 92% Raising Victor Vargas 25
7. 91% City of God 105
8. 91% Lawless Heart 22
9. 90% Bend It Like Beckham 89
10. 87% Spider 93
11. 84% Nowhere in Africa 51
12. 84% The Son 31
13. 83% Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary 53
14. 83% Ten 24
15. 82% Amandla: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony 49
16. 79% Piglet's Big Movie 63
17. 79% Divine Intervention 39
18. 77% Better Luck Tomorrow 22
19. 75% Phone Booth 138
20. 71% All the Real Girls 77

i'm just so glad to see phone booth as one of the best reviewed films of the year so far, and imo the most popular from the top 20. it has, by far, the most # of reviews too and 103 fresh out of 138, pretty good for a Schumaker film. :p

ps. i'm also glad to see Bend it like beckham, All the real girls, Spider, and Better luck tomorrow up there. for the rest of the movies, NEVER HEARD OF THEM!!

sleekproductions

04-11-2003, 02:26 PM

Yes, nice call! Although phone booth only has 75% of an approval rating, it still has the best ratio of good to bad! Woo-Hoo! Nice to see this film getting the reviews and praise it deserves!

xUberJasonx

04-11-2003, 10:38 PM

sound like a good movie

dannywalker17

04-12-2003, 01:49 AM

PHONE BOOTH
Directed by Joel Shumacher
Written by Larry Cohen
Starring Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker, Keifer Sutherland, Katie Holmes, and Rahda Mitchell.

Rating: 9/10

I had a hard time deciding what rating to give this movie. At first I was going with 8, but I decided to change it to a 9 because, despite being flawed, overall Phone Booth is a really good thriller with great performances. Colin Farrell is excellent as the somewhat despicable New York publicist. His accent is good and he brings a lot of emotional range to the character. This is most assuredly his best performance yet. Kiefer Sutherland is creepy and effective as the mysterious "caller." If I hadn't known it was him ahead of time I would have had a hard time figuring out who it was. He creates a very different voice for the role. Forest Whitaker is also good in the cop/negotiator role and is very believable as his character's own flaws are displayed. The cinematography and directing are unusual but fresh and work well with the plot and action. Schumacher does a good job at keeping the tension up for a good our and a half even though it's all centered around a single phone booth. I really felt the suspense through the whole thing, and this puts the viewer in the right mood to empathize with Farrell's character in the situation. The script is good, with only a couple minor problems having to do with assumptions made about events that were just coincidences. The end provides us with an interesting, suprising conclusion and end's the film in a very thought-provoking manner (in a way very few films do). Overall, Phone Booth is a fine thriller that keeps the viewer guessing and fearful at the same time. It could have been a mess, but the much-maligned Schumacher pulled it off this time. Go see it. :)

EDsoulsurvive*

04-12-2003, 03:19 PM

PHONE BOOTH WAS FANTASTIC

I went with two friends to c Phone Booth yesterday. The theater was very shitty and did not have surround sound, so it was pretty hard to understand what some of the charactres were saying at some parts. In addition, fo rthe first half of teh movie, my friend commented on every single thing that happend in the movie (he was not as excited as i was to c it). Putting all that aside, Phone Booth was a first rate edge-of-your-seat thriller that sucked u in from it opening frame to its awesome conclusion.

Colin Farrell proves himself yet agian with a emotionally badass performance. I wasnt sure how he would handle the few breakdowns he had in the movie, but he acted his way through thjem with the emotion of... someone that is very emotional (lol). Katie Homes, Forest Whitaker, and the wife (name...?) all did good with their small roles bringing their own elements into their characters. And Kiefer Sutherland... THANK YOU! This movie could've turned out horrible but thankfully, Kiefer's voice was used. Even w/o appearing on screen, he has a commanding prescence that was deeply intense. He subtley went over the top (yes it is possible) and definitely helped this film move along at its quick pace (which didnt feel so quick).

Joel Schumacher slaps split screens and some nice angles our way. He did a good job here.

OVERALL: 8/10 - Phone Booth is a rollercoaster of a movie that completes every goal of a great thriller. Possibly 9/10, but i need to c it again...

sleekproductions

04-12-2003, 03:39 PM

I saw this for my second time yesterday, and I enjoyed just as much, if not more than the first time. My great review of 8/10 remains intact. A real winner of a film.

Lindsey

04-13-2003, 09:11 PM

Originally posted by EDsoulsurvive*
Kiefer's voice was used. Even w/o appearing on screen, he has a commanding prescence that was deeply intense.

Um hon, did you even watch the end of the film?

**SPOILERS**

Kiefer's character (Which is thee Keifer Sutherland) appears at the end talking to Colin Farrell when he's in the ambulance. He then walks away with his sniper case in hand, checking out all the damage. Woo-Hoo. Great ending.

Duder

04-14-2003, 01:50 PM

This is just the best movie this year so far

EDsoulsurvive*

04-14-2003, 02:18 PM

Originally posted by Lindsey
Um hon, did you even watch the end of the film?

**SPOILERS**

Kiefer's character (Which is thee Keifer Sutherland) appears at the end talking to Colin Farrell when he's in the ambulance. He then walks away with his sniper case in hand, checking out all the damage. Woo-Hoo. Great ending.

SPOILERS

yeah i did. I really wasnt referring to the last 90 seconds of the movie cuz for the other 80 minutes or so, the sniper was nowhere to be seen.

04-14-2003, 10:10 PM

i just saw the first half of the movie online (i just couldn't wait anymore), it so SOOOO good so far. i can't wait to see the rest, but i'll wait for it on cinemas on may 29 :mad: i CANT WAIT ANYMORE!!!

Shockwave

04-16-2003, 02:25 PM

I wont go into a lengthy review but i think its my second favorite movie Shumacher has done(Falling Down being the first!!)

D-FENS!!

Phone Booth= 8/10 Really good movie with some of the best performances ive seen this year.The Sniper was too cool for words and Colin gave the performance of his career with a tightly woven script that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.Just...too...cool....

Deckard

04-17-2003, 06:12 AM

I dont wantto read the reviews because it may spoil the film for me but...........................

Is this film anything like LIBERTY STANDS STILL (8/10) starring Wesley Snipes and Linda Fiorenti????? It was released last year and really surprised me with how well done it was. Anyway from the looks of the trailer and the synopsis Ive seen it sounds like there identical.......

ANYONE PLEASE HELP??????

sharkstank

04-21-2003, 07:20 PM

Phone Booth 8/10 Tense and Fun Project
Phone Booth managed to do what many skeptics said would be difficult to do:keep an audience entertained for 80 minutes while the camera is just on a phone booth. The movie is about about Stu Shepard(Colin Farrell) a fast talking,deal making publicist to young stars who want to get a big break.He is cheating on his wife,uses an intern,and lies to his clients.One day after making a call to his mistress Pam(Katie Holmes), the pay phone begins to ring.He picks it up, and on the other line is someone who likes to watch him and threatens his life with a sniper rifle unless he comes clean about his wrong doings.The movie moves at a brisk pace from the beginning and keeps you guessing and strapped into your seat.The story is very interesting and well done, while being elevated by the talent involved with it.The film does not sport any slow spots and you never get bored.Joel Schumacher makes amends here for thoses horrendous Batman sequels and directs this experimental project with pinache and flair. The dialogue between Farrell and Sutherland is crisp and grabbing, so you don't want to miss a word. Kiefer Sutherland's voice provides the perfect voice for the sniper. From his first word on the phone you know the guy has a deep,calm inner rage. Forrest Whitaker is also suitable as the police chief trying to negotiate with Farrell. Holmes and Radha Mitchell (Kelly) are okay as Farrell's mistress and wife, but their characters(along with Whitaker's)were a bit under utilized. But this movie is the Colin Farrell show. He carries the film and proves that he can be a big star in a vehicle for himself. He provides the right amount of brashness,fear,bravery,and self doubt. It does push the boundaries of plausibility a little,but the short run time doesn't allow you to think a bout that.The movie does have a blah ending,which is predictable,but the overall product is great. Phone Booth is a fun ride that met my expectations and proves that Colin Farrell can carry an entire film successfully.