TRAP is a lot of Shyamalan

TRAP is the new suspenseful tale from the mind of M. Night Shyamalan. Night has hit his stride of late with the films he has given us. Split was a great look at how he can bring about unhinged characters. TRAP elevates the creep factor and gives us a character I would actually like to see more of. But only on screen.

A father Cooper (Josh Hartnett) and his teen daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) attend a pop concert only to realize they’ve entered the center of a dark and sinister event. As always Night likes to keep most of his plot under wraps. As always I will do the same with my critique. Setting the majority of his story in a packed music arena with hundreds of screaming teens was unique. That is not the normal world for a madman. But It works here.

First off, it was very exciting to see Hartnett in this type of roll. At first I was worried that he was over selling it. It felt forced. But as the movie moved on and you catch his rhythm it becomes very organic. Which makes it even scarier. He upped my anxiety which is what you want in this journey.

Saleka Shyamalan (M Nights daughter) plays a vital role in this one as well. Saleka wrote most of the original pop music that is the backdrop of the concert. There is a lot of action off stage as we find out the real reason for this concert. As the story goes deeper Lady Raven (Saleka) has a vital part that is not the strongest story line, but performed wonderfully. In other words, Saleka does great with what she is given.

I wasn’t sure what to expect in this one, but I certainly walked away pleased. I was disappointed with M Night for several years but I can gladly say that he has won me back with this one and the last few endeavors.

TRAP is rated PG-13 for some violent content and brief strong language. Other than the over all dark themes it is a severly tame PG-13. Granted the subject matter is nothing you want to offer up to your pre teens, but for those family members over thirteen you will find very little in this one (language, adult moments) to worry about.

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