Box Office Report “Trap”:
Director M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film “Trap” has gotten off to a stellar start at the box office Report, earning $2.2 million in previews. The thriller stars Josh Hartnett as a serial killer known as the Butcher who is trapped in a police sting operation at a pop concert with his daughter. This promising start sets the stage for a highly anticipated opening weekend. “Trap” is projected to earn between $15 million and $20 million this weekend. However, it faces stiff competition from Disney’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which is expected to earn between $75 million and $95 million in its second weekend. The Marvel blockbuster, which had a record-breaking $211 million debut, remains the dominant force at the box office, even though revenue is projected to drop 55% to 65%. The popularity and continued success of “Deadpool and Wolverine” highlight the challenge “Trap” faces to secure its place in the box office rankings.
Warner Bros.’ “Trap” stars Josh Hartnett as Cooper, a father who takes his teenage daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a sold-out concert for pop star Lady Raven, played by R&B singer Saleka, who is also Shyamalan’s daughter. In a classic Shyamalan twist, Cooper is revealed to be the Butcher, and the concert is actually a setup by the police to capture him. The cast also includes Kid Cudi, Hayley Mills, Tim Russ and Alison Pill, who add depth and diversity to the film’s ensemble.
“Trap” will compete with Universal’s “Twisters,” which is aiming to gross between $17 million and $19 million in its third weekend. Another new Sony release, the family film “Harold and the Purple Crayon” starring Zachary Levi, is expected to earn between $6 million and $7 million after $725,000 in previews. Several films vying for audience attention this weekend add an element of unpredictability to the box office landscape.
Shyamalan’s films often create anticipation due to their unique storylines and reputation for twist endings. Although his recent works have received mixed response, audiences continue to be drawn to his honest and genre-focused filmmaking style. “Trap” presents an interesting premise with a familiar but mysterious lead in Josh Hartnett, making for a terrific film.
An engaging setup. Hartnett, who has come a long way from his teenage days, still brings a mix of familiarity and mystery to his role, which adds to the film’s overall appeal.
Despite its promising start, however, “Trap” struggles to maintain tension. Hartnett’s character, Cooper, doesn’t get caught due more to luck than cunning, as the film’s police operation lacks credibility. The dialogue, typical of Shyamalan’s style, is often awkward and cumbersome. Hartnett’s performance oscillates between affable father and determined psychopath, with not enough depth to fully understand the character. This inconsistency undermines the film’s ability to fully captivate the audience.
Shyamalan has laid a strong foundation with a clever setup and an appealing lead actor, but “Trap” ultimately falters, its flaws becoming apparent as the story progresses. The film’s attractive design and interesting cultural setting fade away in the face of a lack of sustained tension and credible execution. Initial intrigue gives way to frustration as the story unravels, leaving viewers wanting a more coherent and entertaining experience.
One goes to see an M. Night Shyamalan film to like it, not necessarily because his recent track record has instilled hope, but because his films possess a level of sincerity that is becoming increasingly rare. Shyamalan’s unflinching commitment to the genre and his ability to craft interesting plots are remarkable. He believes passionately in his work and wants viewers to get lost in his world. Yet, time and again, these journeys prove challenging, and perhaps even more so with “Trap.”
The plot of “Trap” is undeniably fascinating: A loving father takes his daughter to meet her favorite pop idol, only to discover that he’s a serial killer at the center of a major police sting. Staging a suspense movie at a Taylor Swift-ian event and daring the audience to root for the bad guy is both fun and daring. The casting of Josh Hartnett, who brings both the comfort of familiarity and an atmosphere of mystery, adds an interesting dynamic to the film. He’s been away from the spotlight for so long that the audience almost needs to get reacquainted with him. Shyamalan’s commitment to his vision is evident in the film’s setup and casting, but “Trap” ultimately fails to deliver on its initial promise. The film’s sleek exterior reveals a weak interior. The tension never rises as much as it should, and the film’s central police operation feels incredibly manufactured. Dialogue that’s distracting
The film’s impact is further diminished by being cumbersome and awkward. Hartnett’s character lacks the necessary shading, swinging too widely between an affable common man and a determined psychopath.
In short, while “Trap” makes a strong initial showing at the box office and boasts an interesting premise and appealing cast, it struggles to maintain momentum. As the story progresses, the film’s flaws become apparent, leading to a less-than-satisfying viewing experience. Like many of Shyamalan’s works, the film is a mix of serious ambition and uneven execution, leaving audiences divided in their reception.