Enigmatic sci-fi/horror and for the most part very effective

Rating: Null/10 (24 August 2001)

A very interesting premise. Six people locked in some sort of maze, trying to find a way out through the cubelike cells and at the same time avoiding devilish, nasty and very deadly traps. This movie gets of to a very good start, where you find this one man trapped inside one of many cubes. He crawls through a gate into the next cube andÂ…well, let's say it is a very nasty and shocking surprise. One of the most innovative deaths I have seen for a long time. Then we are introduced to five (later six) people who try to survive and/or avoid different traps while searching for the exit. A black guy takes charge and soon they are not only fighting their surroundings but also each other. This movie never outstays it's welcome and you keep watching because you don't know what to expect next. Like many other horrorfilms, the intensity of the beginning is never quite reached again, but almost. If it has one big flaw, it is that none of the characters are very likable. The supposed hero turns out to be a murderous creep and our young heroine is quite obnoxious for most of the time. The ending may be good for some, but I felt it was a bit of a cheat. The story could have used a final twist. But all in all, most unusual sci-fi/horror and for the most part, efficiently presented but maybe not for everyone. Recommended!