A mediocre thriller that is sufficiently enjoyable. M. Night Shyamalan’s TRAP, starring nineties heartthrob Josh Hartnett, is a perfectly satisfying way to spend a rainy afternoon. The most enjoyable aspect of the movie is the performative dimension. Hartnett delivers a chilling performance as the serial killer The Butcher. Before you @ me, his identity is revealed early in the movie. But that’s the point, it’s not a movie that builds its suspense on the identity of the killer; rather, the suspense is built upon how he is going to escape the FBI after being tracked to the Lady Raven concert in Philadelphia. Hartnett’s performance is completely unsettling from the beginning when we sense that there is something a little off about his character. There is a side-plot that goes nowhere, that feels superfluous, but otherwise, it is a tightly written script with thoughtful pacing and a nice payoff. I appreciate this vehicle that allows Hartnett to showcase the range of his talent. Because he pulls off warm and charming and completely unnerving. The cameo by screen legend Hayley Mills was a nice touch, and Shyamalan’s daughter also delivered a solid performance as the trusting daughter. While I cannot say that I was particularly wowed by this movie, I can say that I enjoyed my time well enough. It’s a fun movie that provides a thrilling ride for the relatively brief runtime.
Ryan teaches Film Studies and Screenwriting at the University of Tampa and is a member of the Critics Association of Central Florida and Indie Film Critics of America. If you like this article, check out the others and FOLLOW this blog! Interested in Ryan making a guest appearance on your podcast or contributing to your website? Send him a DM on Twitter. If you’re ever in Tampa or Orlando, feel free to catch a movie with him.
R.L. Terry ReelView 
