Cube: Zero (2004)

Well, it's better than 2002's Hypercube, but not as good as the original Cube. How's that for a review? This one goes the prequel route that's so in fashion these days, and gives you just an itty bitty more background to the whole "why" of the Cube, yet still leaves the viewer pondering just what the hell is going on. While the "cube" styled kills still are pretty nifty, you can tell that it’s all getting a bit predictable. You know how it goes, prisoner throws boot into room, thinks coast is clear, enters room and is killed by acid/fire/wire/ knives/ etc. Yawn. The special effects are fairly well done, and the film does feature some rather gruesome moments, especially the film’s opening segment. The acting is a little better this time around than in the previous films, but you know...it still seems like something is missing. The series is at a crossroads of either explaining what the Cube is and who is behind it (I’m thinking the New World Order), or just sticking with the traditional route of people stuck in a maze and getting killed in various unique ways. Maybe next time we can get "Celebrity Cube" and see various Hollywood twits like Paris Hilton and Tom Cruise try their luck.