Trap movie

Killer Thrills and Dad Skills: The Not-So-Great Journey of 'Trap'!

Dive into the chaos of M. Night Shyamalan's new thriller 'Trap'—where concert chaos meets dad life and critics just can't deal!

In the glitzy world of Hollywood filmmaking, the name M. Night Shyamalan is often synonymous with twists and turns, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. However, his latest film 'Trap' featuring Josh Hartnett has left critics scratching their heads and wondering if this is a thriller or just a cinematic ride to nowhere. A unique blend of dad drama and concert chaos, the film showcases Hartnett as a serial killer known as 'The Butcher,' who finds himself in a police sting operation while trying to enjoy a pop concert with his tween daughter. Unfortunately, it seems the film lacks the suspense and engagement one would expect from a Shyamalan creation, earning itself a not-so-flattering rating of C-minus.

Critics have been quite vocal about their disappointment. Reviews slam 'Trap' as an embarrassing promotion for Shyamalan's daughter, Ishana, who makes her directorial debut with this project. While Hartnett’s performance has been noted as earnest, the overall lackluster plot has left audiences unimpressed, resembling more of a missed opportunity than a blockbuster hit. With a narrative that seems to stumble over its own shoes, viewers are left wondering not only about the fate of the characters but also about their own time spent in the theater.

In a surprising twist, the film has resulted in some bizarrely entertaining moments. It seems that ‘Trap’ embodies the notion of a ‘bad dad movie’ but contrasts that concept with a wild father-daughter dynamic that, if nothing else, is intriguing in its own right. As audiences cringe at the unconventional pairing of murder and parental bonding, they can't help but feel a chuckle at the absurdity of it all, as if M. Night dared us to enjoy this thriller while laughing at its own flaws.

What is perhaps most shocking is the box office performance— the film managed to rake in $2.2 million in Thursday previews, indicating that despite its poor reviews, audiences flocked to the theaters, likely out of curiosity or the fleeting hope that Shyamalan would deliver a hidden gem. Sure, this dad-whodunit might not be the best trap to fall into this year, but it does serve as a reminder that sometimes, even the biggest names can lead us on a wild goose chase.

Interestingly, Hayley Mills returns to the scene, adding a sense of nostalgia to the project while playing an FBI profiler on the hunt for Hartnett's character. This delightful twist draws a connection to her iconic role in 'The Parent Trap.' It’s a fun nod to the past, one that might just soften the critical blow the film has taken. With a blend of relatable fatherly instincts and pop concert pandemonium, ‘Trap’ might just capture the hearts of those willing to embrace its unique flavor of chaos.