“Trap,” directed by M. Night Shyamalan, stars Josh Hartnett as a serial killer in a thriller filled with twists that often feel contrived. The film attempts to deliver a high-stakes narrative but falls into Shyamalan’s trademark pattern of over-the-top plot twists.

The Evolution of Shyamalan’s Career

Shyamalan’s career can be divided into four distinct periods. He first gained fame with “The Sixth Sense” in 1999 and was compared to Spielberg for his visionary storytelling. This era includes hits like “Unbreakable,” “Signs,” and “The Village.” However, his subsequent films like “Lady in the Water” and “The Happening” marked a decline, with his twist endings becoming predictable. Shyamalan then shifted to sci-fi with movies like “The Last Airbender” and “After Earth.” His resurgence began with “Split” in 2016, leading to a mix of hits and misses in recent years.

Plot Summary

“Trap” takes place in Tanaka Arena during a concert by pop superstar Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan, Shyamalan’s daughter). Josh Hartnett plays Cooper, a seemingly average dad trying to bond with his daughter, Riley (Alison Donoughue), at the concert. However, it is soon revealed that Cooper is the Butcher, a notorious serial killer who has eluded capture for years.

The authorities, led by a veteran FBI profiler (played by Hayley Mills), have set a trap to capture the Butcher at the concert. The arena is surrounded by S.W.A.T. teams, and the challenge is to identify and apprehend Cooper among the 3,000 adult males in the audience. The authorities have limited clues, including surveillance footage and a possible animal tattoo.

Twists and Turns

As the plot unfolds, Cooper attempts to escape the arena by infiltrating various areas, including backstage. The narrative takes several convoluted turns, including a cameo by Shyamalan himself as Lady Raven’s uncle, which facilitates Cooper’s access to restricted areas. These twists strain credibility and detract from the film’s tension.

Character Analysis

Josh Hartnett delivers a compelling performance, portraying Cooper as a complex character torn between his murderous tendencies and his love for his daughter. The film explores his dual nature but does so in a manner that feels forced and lacks depth. The supporting cast, including Saleka Shyamalan and Hayley Mills, deliver solid performances but are overshadowed by the implausible plot.

Music and Atmosphere

The film’s music, composed by the band Steam Powered Giraffe, stands out with catchy original songs that enhance the atmosphere during concert scenes. The music provides a refreshing break from the film’s heavy-handed plot twists.

Final Thoughts

“Trap” is a mixed bag. While it features strong performances and an engaging musical score, its convoluted plot twists and lack of plausibility undermine the overall experience. Fans of Shyamalan’s earlier work may find elements to enjoy, but the film ultimately falls short of recapturing the magic of his best efforts.

The latest episode of House of the Dragon delves deep into the fantasy world that Game of Thrones fans have come to love. Initially, Game of Thrones captivated audiences by minimizing fantasy elements, focusing instead on political intrigue and brutal realism. However, House of the Dragon now fully embraces its fantastical roots, delivering a visually spectacular and emotionally intense episode.

The climax of this episode stands out with its breathtaking dragon battle, marking a significant shift from mere sigils and background dragons to full-fledged aerial combat. The sight of three dragons clashing over a besieged castle, while soldiers scramble for cover below, provides the epic fantasy spectacle that fans have been eagerly anticipating. These scenes finally bring the Targaryen family’s fiery feud to life, showcasing the destructive power of their dragons.

Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) emerges as a central figure, riding the formidable dragon Vhagar into battle without hesitation. His ruthless determination contrasts sharply with the hesitation he showed after Lucerys’ death last season. Aemond’s actions are calculated, ensuring his brother is committed to a fight he cannot win. Meanwhile, Rhaenys (Eve Best) displays a deep understanding of the stakes, yet chooses to engage in the battle, adding to the episode’s intensity. Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney), goaded into battle, faces severe consequences for his arrogance, highlighting the personal toll of these conflicts.

This episode is not just about dragon battles; it also excels in its human drama. At Harrenhal, Daemon (Matt Smith) struggles with his sanity, influenced by Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) and the cursed heartwood bed he sleeps in. His hallucinations of young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) add depth to his character’s internal conflict. The Targaryen civil war extends beyond dragon fights, affecting various factions and revealing the complexities of loyalty and power in Westeros.

The episode also offers insights into the Targaryen family dynamics. Aegon’s council scenes highlight his disinterest in ruling, contrasted with Aemond’s fluency in High Valyrian and strategic acumen. Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke) grapples with her own challenges, including a medical abortion, and her interactions with Aegon reveal the sacrifices made to secure his throne. Alicent’s conversation with Ser Larys (Matthew Needham) hints at her doubts about her son’s legitimacy, adding another layer of intrigue.

Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) returns to a divided council, with Rhaenys and Corlys (Steven Toussaint) attempting to maintain order. Rhaenyra’s reluctant decision to send Rhaenys to defend Rook’s Rest underscores the difficult choices she faces as she navigates the realm’s politics and the prophecy of the Prince Who Was Promised.

Directed by Alan Taylor, known for his work on Game of Thrones, this episode masterfully balances political maneuvering with intense warfare. Taylor captures the darker sides of characters like Daemon, Larys, and Aemond, adding depth to the narrative. Aemond’s triumphant yet sinister demeanor as he stands over his wounded brother encapsulates the episode’s tension and drama.

As the Targaryen family’s internal conflict heats up, House of the Dragon promises more thrilling episodes ahead. If the rest of the season follows this episode’s lead, fans are in for a captivating and fiery journey.

After an illustrious 23-year career, wrestling icon John Cena is gearing up for his final match in the WWE. The 16-time world champion made a surprise announcement during Saturday’s Money in the Bank event in Toronto, Canada, revealing that he will retire from WWE following WrestleMania 2025.

Known for his mantra “never give up,” Cena broke tradition by unveiling a new towel emblazoned with “The last time is now.” Addressing the shocked audience, Cena stated, “Why am I here? Tonight, I officially announce my retirement from the WWE,” eliciting gasps from the crowd.

Cena’s farewell won’t be immediate, as he plans to continue participating in WWE events leading up to his final match. He also revealed his involvement with Monday Night Raw as it transitions to Netflix in January 2025. “This farewell, it does not end tonight,” Cena said. “It is filled with opportunity. Raw makes history next year when it moves to Netflix. I’ve never been a part of Raw on Netflix, that is history. That is a first, and I will be there.”

Cena outlined his final appearances, stating that the 2025 Royal Rumble and the 2025 Elimination Chamber will be his last for those events. The climax of his farewell tour will be at WrestleMania 2025 in Las Vegas, marking his final appearance in the WWE ring.

Despite initial boos from the audience, the crowd soon shifted to chanting “thank you Cena,” to which he expressed his gratitude. “Thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built for so many years,” Cena responded. “Thank you so much always for your voice, because it’s really loud, and your honesty, because it’s beautifully brutal. And most of all, thank you so much for allowing me to be with you here tonight to let the whole world know that we are planning something unforgettable, which also involves me returning to Toronto to kick some ass!”

Cena, who signed with WWE in 2001, has transitioned to part-time wrestling since 2018 as he expanded his acting career. He has starred in films such as Daddy’s Home (2015), Blockers (2018), The Suicide Squad (2021), and his HBO Max series spin-off Peacemaker.

As Cena prepares to hang up his wrestling boots, fans can look forward to his final, unforgettable matches leading up to WrestleMania 2025, celebrating the career of one of WWE’s greatest superstars.