A father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert only to realize they've entered the center of a dark and sinister event.
Ladies, gentlemen, and M. Night Shyamalan fans who enjoy a good twist more than their morning coffee, gather around! Today, we’re diving into Trap, the latest mind-bending thriller that will make you think twice before attending a pop concert. Starring Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, and Saleka Shyamalan, this film promises a rollercoaster of emotions, a dash of fear, and just the right amount of "What the heck is going on?" So, let’s crack open this cinematic mystery and see if it’s worth the price of admission—or if you should just stay home and listen to Spotify instead.
Plot (Or, How to Turn a Fun Night Out into Your Worst Nightmare)
Imagine this: You’re a dad (Josh Hartnett), trying to be cool, so you take your teenage daughter (Ariel Donoghue) to a pop concert. It’s supposed to be a night of catchy tunes, overpriced merch, and maybe a little bonding. But, because this is an M. Night Shyamalan movie, things take a sharp left turn into Creepy Town. Before you know it, you’re smack in the middle of a dark and sinister event that makes you question your life choices. It’s like going to a Taylor Swift concert and ending up in a Saw movie—just without the catchy tunes.
What I Liked (Or, The Reasons I Didn’t Walk Out for Popcorn)
Shyamalan’s Signature Style: Let’s face it, M. Night Shyamalan knows how to keep us entertained. His movies might not always hit home runs, but they certainly hold your attention. Trap is no exception. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, wondering what twist is coming next.
Alison Pill’s Facial Acting: Alison Pill might not be a headliner, but her facial expressions in this movie are worth the ticket price alone. She conveys fear with such intensity that you might find yourself nervously checking the exits. Who knew lip quivering could do so much heavy lifting?
Josh Hartnett’s Crazy Switch: Josh Hartnett’s performance is a masterclass in flipping the crazy switch on and off. One minute he’s your typical concerned dad, the next he’s diving headfirst into madness. It’s like watching someone juggle hand grenades—dangerous but impossible to look away from.
What I Disliked (Or, The Bits That Made Me Roll My Eyes More Than Once)
Forced Situations: Some scenes felt a bit too forced, like the filmmakers were trying to push the plot forward with a sledgehammer. It’s one of those “Okay, sure, why not?” moments that you just have to roll with because, well, it’s a movie.
Unbelievable Scenarios: Speaking of forced, there are a few moments that stretch believability to its limits. But hey, this is Shyamalan we’re talking about, so you let it slide. It’s part of the experience, like accepting that your favorite action hero can outrun an explosion (spoiler: they can’t).
Slow Start, Strong Finish: The movie starts off a bit slow, almost making you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered into the wrong theater. But stick with it, because the tension ramps up near the end, delivering the kind of edge-of-your-seat experience you signed up for.
Extra Info (Or, The Shyamalan Easter Eggs You Didn’t Know You Needed)
A Fatherly Connection: When Shyamalan was casting the lead for Trap, Josh Hartnett went to Ireland during the production of The Watchers and had lunch with him. They talked about everything from Oppenheimer to living outside of Hollywood. But it was their shared experience as fathers of three girls that sealed the deal for Shyamalan. He knew Hartnett was the guy for the role.
Shyamalan Family Billboard: About ten minutes into the movie, as the SWAT cars approach on the road, there’s a billboard in the background advertising the movie The Watchers (2024), produced by M. Night Shyamalan and directed by his daughter, Ishana Shyamalan. Talk about keeping it in the family!
Final Thoughts and Rating
Trap is a solid addition to M. Night Shyamalan’s ever-growing list of thrillers. It’s got the suspense, the twists, and the performances to keep you engaged, even if some parts feel a bit forced. If you’re a fan of Shyamalan’s work, you’ll likely enjoy this one, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel.
My final rating? 6.9/10. It’s a decent thriller with some great moments, but don’t go in expecting to have your mind completely blown.
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