Trap

M. Night Shyamalan's 'Trap' - How to Dissappoint With One Boatload of Twists!

Dive into Shyamalan's latest 'Trap' - where Josh Hartnett shines as a 'nice guy' serial killer, but the film's twists just don't stick!

M. Night Shyamalan, known for his chilling and mind-bending twists, returns with the latest thriller 'Trap' featuring Josh Hartnett in a role that would surprise the unsuspecting. The movie spins a narrative where Hartnett's character, a seemingly average dad, harbors a dark secret—he’s a brutal serial killer attending an arena concert with his teenage daughter. Sounds intriguing, right? But alas, as many critics have pointed out, the execution falls flat, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. While 'Trap' opens with a fantastic premise, it’s led astray by a subpar plot and a lack of tension that one typically expects from a Shyamalan film.

Some reviews are all over the map when it comes to 'Trap.' Rotten Tomatoes reflects a 50% rating, indicating a mixed response from audiences and critics alike. While some appreciate Josh Hartnett's earnest portrayal of a character grappling with dark instincts, many agree that the film fails to deliver the thrill that fans have come to expect from the maestro of the twist. Combined with a slow-burn pace and inevitable plot holes, it leaves one wondering if it's still worth watching. Several critics have gone as far as to label it a thriller to avoid, cautioning audiences not to fall for the hype presented in the movie trailers.

In a notable twist of irony, 'Trap's premiere came just days after Shyamalan's daughter kicked off her own directorial journey. This adds an unusual layer of complexity, considering that while one member of the family was launching fresh narratives, another was seemingly mired in a lackluster rehash of suspense. The cinematography by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom could have potentially been a saving grace for 'Trap'; however, even picturesque visuals cannot redeem a film drowning in cliches and a muddled script.

Overall, people are left questioning if 'Trap' could have achieved cinematic brilliance if only the right threads had been woven into the fabric of its narrative. With critics quick to point out its flaws, fans of Shyamalan might want to wait for the next round of his films or binge some old classics instead! Does Josh Hartnett genuinely showcase the torment of a hidden killer or are we all just stuck in a rather boring trap?

Interestingly, M. Night Shyamalan has seen his career oscillate between revelatory successes like 'The Sixth Sense' and missteps that have left viewers scratching their heads. Meanwhile, perhaps the real mystery lies in whether Shyamalan's knack for storytelling can evolve to align more closely with the expectations he has set in the past. And let’s not forget, the film's premiere also marked a significant box office moment, raking in $2.2 million in Thursday previews—a feat partly powered by Hartnett's loyal fanbase and the ever-watchful eye of Shyamalan enthusiasts!