PG Score: 6/10
Trap was released in theaters on 8/2/24
Unlike most M. Night Shyamalan’s (Unbreakable) films, everything you need to know about this film is in the trailers. No real surprises or twists and turns, Trap is primarily a concert film that centers on catching Josh Hartnett’s (Wicker Park) Cooper, while his daughter enjoys the concert of a lifetime.
Trap is at its most intriguing as we watch Cooper (Hartnett) go through the steps of getting out of the arena without giving away his identity. The film loses its steam in the last third, when we get away from the arena setting. Storywise, the film isn’t helped by the inept authorities who can’t identify the one guy who has been openly wandering the arena, acting all suspicious to boot.
An Old Friend
Shout out to Miss Bliss fans, the very early Saved By the Bell fans (when the show wasn't yet called Saved by the Bell) know who I am talking about. I had no idea she was still alive, let alone acting, but it was great to see Hayley Mills (The Parent Trap) in such a prominent supporting role. Apparently, she likes being involved in movies that have the word "Trap" in them. Something to think about, or not. Moving on...
Hartnett's Range
Hartnett really embraces the role of bad guy in his latest outing and his performance is one of the better things about the film. It's an interesting role with contrasting characteristics of a loving father and a serial killer. The concert is okay if you like that type of music and there are a couple of very funny moments that stand out, one being with another teenager's mom. The best scene is actually one that happens after the credits start rolling, when a certain character realizes something.
Some Hits. Some Misses.
If this was baseball, M. Night Shyamalan would have a hell of a batting average, but his hit-or-miss success with movies leaves an inconsistent taste in my mouth. Unfortunately, the movie is very predictable and it's not helped by how much the trailers gave away. If you are looking for something to see, I would save your money on Trap and wait for it on one of the many streaming apps that keep most of us entertained.
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