cliew5473-107-917925

My husband and I watched this because we had liked some of M. Night Shyamalan's films in the past. Well, what a mistake that was, because I think Trap might be his worst film yet. First of all, much of the film involves a pop concert that seems to cater more to the minds of your typical 13-year old girl, as does the movie itself. So if that kind of music or scene isn't your thing, the film just feels very "cringe." In fact, my husband and I kept checking to see how long until the movie was finished. Also, the plot often feels like it's trying to lead up to some big surprise (or something) but it just falls completely flat in the end. The good news is that the film doesn't seem to take itself too seriously, so at least there's that. I think it would have been even more excruciating to watch if it had taken itself more seriously. I think it might be M. Knight Shyamalan's daughter who plays the pop star in this film. So I don't know if he made this as a favor to her -- so that she could be in a film -- or what his reasoning was behind making this film. But again, I think you might need to be a 13-year old girl to actually enjoy this film, because anyone with a mind that is more evolved than that will probably only end up wishing they hadn't wasted their time.

I actually really enjoyed this film. I didn't know much about it, going into it, so the second half of the film was quite the surprise to me. And somehow I didn't see "it" coming. Of course, I knew something was "off" on the island, but what it ended up being wasn't something that I was expecting. So I appreciate that the film was unpredictable in that regard (for me, at least). I know some people have complained here that the film was too slow, but I think the pace of the first half of the film was necessary for developing the plot in order to lead up to the "big shock" or surprise toward the end and also to really give us a sense of how comfortable they were there, initially. The acting was good and there were some very humorous scenes as well. This is by no means a typical horror film in any way (well, depending on how you look at it, I guess). And it doesn't show too much in graphic detail. It keeps things light, for the most part, even despite the "heaviness" of the subject or theme that it involves. The ending could have perhaps been better, but I guess it also could have been worse. I think it would have been better to leave that very final scene out, though. Zoe Kravitz did a fine job with her directorial debut here, and I hope to see more coming from her in the future.

I finished this series last night and am convinced that it's one of the most intelligent shows that exists. I went into this series without having much knowledge regarding what it's actually about and having no expectations, other than knowing that Alex Garland's prior films are some of my very favorites, such as Sunshine and Ex Machina. As the plot in Devs progressed, I found myself more and more captivated not only by its plot but also by its visuals and soundtrack, which are both unique, clever and (in my opinion) quite often, mesmerizing. Visually, it is stunning. The plot is equally as clever, dealing with aspects of physics and the universe that some might consider a bit mind-blowing but that actually does have some basis in reality and what we know about the universe at the quantum level. So I appreciate that is not SO sci-fi that is far-fetched and too fantastical. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to provide any spoilers or give away too much. But I would truly be shocked if anyone could watch this series and not absolutely love it... and particularly anyone with an open mind and who can appreciate a film that involves depth rather than just comfortably lingering on the surface. The acting in the film is superb. Lily's character can seem flat sometimes, but I think that's intentional due to all the trauma that she endures throughout the film. So to anyone who is considering watching this -- please stay through, until the end, and I think you won't be disappointed. I know some here have said that they were hoping for more, at the very end, but when I think about it, I realize that it probably couldn't have ended more perfectly. I'm actually glad they didn't make a second season because I fear it would have just been dragging out the plot just for the sake of keeping the series alive. But I think it's just perfect, as is.