Time Trap (2018)

Movie Name/Year: Time Trap (2018)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Length: 87 minutes

Rating: TV-14

Production/Distribution: Filmsmith Production & Management, Rising Phoenix Casting, Pad Thai Pictures, Paladin, Broadmedia Studios, Eagle Films, Giant Interactive, Giant Pictures

Directors: Mark Dennis, Ben Foster

Writer: Mark Dennis

Actors: Andrew Wilson, Cassidy Gifford, Brianne Howey, Reiley McClendon, Olivia Draguicevich, Max Wright, Hans Marrero, Rich Skidmore

Blurb from IMDb: A professor enters a cave and goes missing. Some of his students come looking for him and get trapped in the cave as well.

Cat’s Point of View:

I’ve given Time Trap some side-eye regard since it hit Netflix and appeared in the platform’s suggestions of things I might like. Sci-fi is my jam, after all. It seemed initially appealing on the surface, but time-related stories can get into sticky wickets really fast if they’re not done right. Needless to say, I was glad its number came up, so to speak, for my mid-week review.

My experience with the movie, however, has left me somewhat conflicted.

I suspect that I had a hard time getting out of my own head and immersing in the story. This was one of those times I found myself cocking my head to the side like a confused puppy while watching. Some things just didn’t add up for me. The film set its own paradox up well – I just don’t know if I believed it.

That being said, the premise of this tale was creative, and I don’t think I’ve quite seen this type of story done before in this way.

The cast didn’t slouch in their performances. The setting was even relatively believable for most of the movie. I also appreciated that they shot in real caves rather than creating a duplicated environment. There were a lot of factors going in this film’s favor.

I think a lot of my issues with the movie stem from the last quarter of it. There is quite a bit of tension built-up to a convincing climax – and then the ending somewhat pulls the rug out from under your feet.

My suggestion? If you want to get the most out of this film, don’t watch the trailer. It takes the wind out of the sails of some of the ‘shocking reveals’.

Aside from that, I wouldn’t necessarily steer anyone away from this one. In fact, I’d be interested in having a discussion about the film with anyone who has watched it. I just wouldn’t think to recommend this one if someone asked me for a few good sci-fi titles.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 56%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 75%

Metascore – 46%

Metacritic User Score – 4.8/10

IMDB Score – 6.5/10

CinemaScore – None

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 2.5/5

Trust the Dice Parental Advisory Rating – PG-13

  

Movie Trailer: