Rent Trap (2024)

Regrets - Shyamalan Has a Few - Trap review by griggs

You will already know the plot outline if you've seen the trailers, so I won't mention it here. I did appreciate the Hitchcockian style of direction in the first act, where you find yourself rooting for Josh Hartnett's character to escape, even though he's a sadistic serial killer. That said, during the first 30 minutes, Hartnett's performance feels off—misguided and somewhat stiff, likely due to a questionable direction. Yet, in the final act, he truly shines, despite the film's last third abandoning the original premise.

Director M. Night Shyamalan, known for his plot twists, doesn't let you down here. The big one is that when the credits roll, you realise you've just watched a two-hour advert for Shyamalan's daughter, who plays a significant role in the movie, and little else.

Expecting a nail-biting experience? You won't find it here. The film lacks the suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Instead, what you're left with is a sense of disappointment and regret for the missed opportunity to create a truly thrilling experience.

Preposterous by-numbers Thriller, with the director's Nepobaby Daughter & her dreadful songs plugged - Trap review by PV

One issue always with films/TV dramas about fictional pop stars or groups is the songs are NEVER good enough and the adoration of the the fans depicted drips with fakery. Some try to get past this by having bands just do classic cover versions as with TV drama Tuttu Frutti BUt it never ever quite works. THAT'LL BE THE DAY (1974) probably the best effort, starring David Essex.

I admit modern R&B is a style of music I'd often pay folding money NOT to have to listen to, but these samey 4th rats songs written by the director's daughter are VERY weak - the depiction of an adoring crowd at a concert singing along to this derivative dire drivel is absurd. Most tracks seem manufactured by JUKEBOX AI or similar programs too.

As for the film itself, well derivative seems a hallmark of M Night Sh- movies and this continues the crib. It is clearly written by numbers, with regular twists so unlikely and unbelievable that this really should be a comic book or Marvel movie.

IF you are going to tell an incredible story, you need to make the character believable as with the great Hannibal Lecter created by brilliant author Thomas Harris. That story tests our willing suspension of disbelief BUT we're prepared to invest in the story and characters due to the special, intelligent sly chutzpah of Lecter played by Tony Hopkins to the max. As with Mephistopheles and the Devil in 14th C Morality plays, we root for the devil!

Again and again the plot here made be exclaim OH COME OFF IT! as the preposterous plot entered cartoon character land.

Hayley Mills continues her late blooming in film/TV roles here, though at her age being an FBI boss strains credulity too.

Almost 1 star, 1.5 rounded up. Only for MNS fans or teenage girls maybe.

M Night Shymalan's worst since The Happening - Trap review by AER

OK this year we've already had The Watched which was directed by M Night Shymalan's daughter. That was intriguing at best but couldn't glue its many ideas into a coherent whole. And while M Night Shyamalan's new one Trap certainly has a tighter plot, its problems are more endemic. The main problem I had with Trap was Josh Hartnett's performance - he seems to be striving for a heightened Nicolas Cage-style performance in this, and that's not what the film needed. it's too broad and it shows up the short comings of the script. The plot is gripping but only because you want to see how this car-crash of a movie can astound you. It's a shame really as the girl who plays Josh H's daaghter (Ariel Donohue) is actually brilliant and convincing. It's also worth a look to see Hayley Mills in her first Hollywood role since the late 70s (I think). The spiralling plot is interesting but quite crazy and unconvincing. Is it fun though? It had its moments, but if you compare it Split or Unbreakable that traded in brilliant lead acting performances, Trap, is terrible. Sorry.