Cell

Play trailer

2:30

Cell

R

2016

1h 38m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

11%

Tomatometer

56 Reviews

17%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

In a Boston airport, a character named Clay, played by Cusack, observes an electronic signal that causes cellphone users to commit acts of violence. Clay and a train driver, played by Jackson, travel through the city to locate Clay's family while avoiding the violent individuals.

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Critics Consensus

Shoddily crafted and devoid of suspense, Cell squanders a capable cast and Stephen King's once-prescient source material on a bland rehash of zombie cliches.

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Steve Greene

IndieWire

01/01/2017

C-

This is the undead equivalent of fast food. Some might find comfort in all these known quantities. Those looking for anything of substance would do better to wait for an upgrade.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

10/10/2016

1/5

A deeply silly horror movie.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

08/28/2016

2/5

The slapdash quality to the plotting is matched by the inept film-making - the dialogue is frequently inaudible, the night scenes murkily lit.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

04/11/2022

0.5/4

The film's lifelessness and sloppiness represent an all-time-low for King adaptations, which is saying something.

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Victoria Luxford

City AM

02/18/2022

1/5

Cheap production values underline the suspicion that this started out as an earnest attempt to adapt the book, and devolved into a mediocre zombie film in a world overrun with mediocre zombie films.

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Jason Adams

My New Plaid Pants

07/06/2021

It feels like they had one day too few too shoot it, one dollar too little, one hot cappuccino two degrees too cold delivered to John Cusack's trailer just a minute too late to put him in the right mood on the first day of shooting

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Tony M.

@tonymedleyjuniorjr Jan 26

This is a strong Phobe. Sam Jackson and John Cusack try to run back the success of 2007's "1408" with 2016's "Cell". Unfortunately this "We have 28 Days Later" at home starts off strong but then drags through the rest of its run time. There was no tension in the film, and despite a strong head start, exposition takes a back seat in the third act. Who was the guy in the red hoodie?! How was he getting in people's dreams? The movie looks cheaply made, especially when it comes to the CGI. A bleak and nihilistic experience that left me feeling empty by the credits. Sam Jackson was on autopilot. Cusack is boring actor and his character was unlikable. 5HR: The Shawty Lo Jog the Phoners do. GD: Sam Jackson singing New Edition's"Mr Telephone Man"

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Harry D

@Dirty6Harry5 Jan 18

This movie is so messy it will actually push you to anger as you desperately try to grasp the plot. You can almost hear the echo of the director saying "that will do" as you finish scene after screen. Just another Steven King adaptation that desperately hopes you don't ask the question "why is that happening?" because it's not going to be giving you an explanation.

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Dean S.

@DeanDFW Dec 29

It’s a good movie: you have to actually pay attention and be OK with an ending that keeps you guessing (until it dawns you on what happened). Never read the book: might consider it.

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Darren F

@RT22735899 Nov 28

I wanted to like this movie. Steven King, John Cusack, Sam Jackson. It had all the right players. But the premise was pretty weak and the movie didn’t draw me in. I guess it could have been worse…..but I’m not sure how? It’s only worth watching if you can’t find anything else streaming for free

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Stephen C

@bob25009 Nov 23

Success in 01 hour, 38 minutes. and 03 seconds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated R for Disturbing Violent Content, Brief Sexuality, Language and Terror!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Todor Y

@Phantom961 Nov 4

The movie was just okay overall. The CGI effects were quite disappointing and looked unrealistic. However, the acting was somewhat good and made the story a bit more engaging. It wasn’t a terrible film, but it didn’t really stand out either. If you don’t pay much attention to special effects, you might still enjoy it. Overall, it’s an average movie that could have been better with improved visuals and stronger performances.

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Tod Williams

Director

John Cusack

Clay Riddell

Samuel L. Jackson

Tom McCourt

Isabelle Fuhrman

Alice Maxwell

Owen Teague

Jordan

Clark Sarullo

Sharon Riddell

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Cell: Trailer 1

2:30

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Synopsis

In a Boston airport, a character named Clay, played by Cusack, observes an electronic signal that causes cellphone users to commit acts of violence. Clay and a train driver, played by Jackson, travel through the city to locate Clay's family while avoiding the violent individuals.

Director: Tod Williams
Producer: Richard Saperstein, Michael Benaroya, Brian Witten, Shara Kay
Screenwriter: Stephen King, Adam Alleca
Distributor: Saban Films
Production Co: Benaroya Pictures, Genre Company
Rating: R (Disturbing Violent Content|Brief Sexuality|Language|Terror)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 8, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 29, 2016
Runtime: 1h 38m

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