Friday, January 24, 2025

Trapped Inn (2024)

 
 
Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video
Movie Name/Year: Trapped Inn (2024)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Length: 1h 55min
Rating: Unrated
Director: Leah Sturgis
Writer: Leah Sturgis
Actors: Matt Rife, Robert Palmer Watkins, Brian Gross, Brielle Gearson, Jaylen Moore, Oliver Trevena, Jacy King, Noemie Maia, Rickey Eugene Brown, Laurel Coeur, Emily Farache, Tal Serror, Mary Vade Bon Coeur
 
IMDb Blurb: An American cycling team trains at a remote European lodge. Teammates start dying mysteriously. Rivals Connor and Greg battle to survive and uncover the cause behind the team's demise.
 
 
Cat’s Point of View:
I don't remember hearing anything about Trapped Inn back around the time it was released. That's not entirely surprising, given that this film came from an indie production company, and likely didn't have a big budget for marketing. I digress...
 
When I watched the trailer, pretty much the only thing that Trapped Inn seemed to have going for it was the recognizable name and face of Matt Rife (Don't Suck, The Private Eye, Beyond the Likes). I've seen his stand-up specials, and his humor isn't always my cup of tea. This didn't strike me as a comedy, however, and I was curious how he handled more serious settings as an actor.
 
 
As an aside, I've seen some of his YouTube videos where he's accompanied friends on paranormal investigations and various adventures. I have to say that in more candid moments – even in front of a camera – he came across as respectful and genuine in those scenarios. With a peek behind the proverbial curtain of his on-stage persona in mind, I felt like he had a real shot at pulling this more serious role off.
 
Generally, I was right. Unfortunately, that didn't really save the movie.
 
Most of the core cast members didn't bungle their roles either, to be honest. Trapped Inn simply suffered from trying to be too many things at once without a clear sense of direction for the story.
 
 
There's a clear theme of isolation and how that impacts the human psyche. I'd also go as far as to say that this story also highlighted how such a claustrophobic atmosphere could be amped up and made worse by fear of a deadly unknown.
 
Outside of that, the other elements of the narrative caused the wheels to fall off the bus. I nearly got whiplash from the number of times the plot seemed to shift with sudden twisty revelations. Just when I thought Trapped Inn was building suspense in one direction, the gears shifted to a setting that made it even harder to suspend disbelief.
 
 
If Trapped Inn had tried to take itself less seriously, it's plausible that it could have offered a fun and memorable experience. Unfortunately, its earnest attempt at selling everything from a super serious perspective made it less cohesive and ultimately forgettable.
 
I can't say that I would offer a recommendation for Trapped Inn – unless someone wanted to turn the plot-shifts into a drinking game. Even then, I don't think it would offer this movie any sort of redemption. At the same time, this wasn't the worst film I've ever watched, so at least there's that.
 
 
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – None
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 77%
Metascore – None
Metacritic User Score – 4.0/10
IMDB Score – 2.9/10
 
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 2.5/5
 
Trust the Dice: Parental Advisory Rating - R
 
 Movie Trailer:

Friday, January 17, 2025

The Platform 2 (2024)

 
 
Streaming Service: Netflix 
Movie Name/Year: The Platform 2 (2024)
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Length: 1h 39min
Rating: TV-MA
Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Writers: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, Pedro Rivero, David Desola, Egoitz Moreno
Actors: Milena Smit, Hovik Keuchkerian, Natalia Tena, Óscar Jaenada, Ivan Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Bastien Ughetto, Armando Buika, Pedro Bachura, Antonia San Juan, Alexandra Masangkay, Emilio Buale, Albert Pla, Gorka Zufiaurre, Ken Appledorn, Hoji Fortuna, Mariamu Toure, Sesinou Henriette, Patty Bonet, Tadashi Ito
 
Metacritic Blurb: As a mysterious leader imposes their rule in the Platform, a new resident becomes embroiled in the battle against this controversial method to fight the brutal feeding system. But when eating from the wrong plate becomes a death sentence, how far would you be willing to go to save your life?
 
 
Selina’s Point of View:
What do I think of The Platform 2? I think my back is killing me.
 
I didn’t move a muscle during the entire film. I’ll be honest, I’m not even sure I was breathing. It had the same achingly impressive suspense that The Platform (2019) did. In fact, it was completely up to the level of the original film. For a sequel to do that is impressive.
 
The social commentary was also on point. It shined a light on how a law that looks good on paper could be seen as unfair. It also showed how bad enforcement of a law could be just as detrimental as if it did not exist in the first place. It was superbly done.
 
 
I didn’t remember much about the first film. After all, it was from the pre-COVID era and the whole world changed shortly after. Never-the-less, I remembered enough to be shocked when I realized it was a prequel. It’s possible I knew that from the trailers, but it’s been long enough that it completely slipped my mind. I was expecting a more sequel-esk plot. That little twist was interesting. It really brought out the differences between the loyalists and the barbarians.
 
There’s also a short scene after the start of the credits that ties everything together in a way I never expected. I’m still a little confused by it, but not in a bad way.
 
I loved The Platform 2. I’ll follow the story as far as they want to take it.
 
 
Cat’s Point of View:
The Platform (2019) may not have been one of my favorite movies, but it certainly stuck with me after we watched it for review in April 2020. I suppose you could say that it was on our “Pandemic Watch List,” even though it was at the very beginning and before things really got wonky. In my review, I pondered whether or not Netflix would revisit the story and provide a sequel. Now I have my answer – even if it wasn't all that I was hoping for.
 
I'll clarify that statement a little.
 
I noted that I wasn't just interested in revisiting the concept, but instead was hoping to learn more about the world or time period that brought about “the pit” and the human social experiment that went with it. Alas, that was not what happened.
 
My mild disappointment aside, that didn't really impact my viewing experience for this sequel. When I watched the trailers, it was clear that The Platform 2 was going to be approaching the story a little differently. Initially, I wasn't even sure if it was going to be tied to the original film. During my watch-through, however, it clicked that I'd seen one of the characters before. By the end, the connections became more clear. Some of the ties that bind the 2 films are more overt, but there's also a more subtle thread that weaves them together – both explanations of which would be spoilers.
 
 
The Platform 2 doesn't have as much mystery as the first film, because we know how the titular platform system works by the time we reach this second experience. (If you haven't watched the first movie, this may all just be more confusing. I'd recommend watching in order.) There's definitely more brutality and shock-value here than examined in the first installment.
 
This story was clearly another slap-in-the-face social commentary. There were a few Uncanny Valley moments that were a little disturbing, but the take on how the extreme enforcement of laws without examination of mitigating circumstances allowing flexibility was clear. It also gives us a hard look at the dark side of those with the power to act on a savior complex and fanatical zealots.
 
I'd have to say that out of the 2 films, the first had more impact. It's even worked its way into culinary arts pop culture. Network television has a reality cooking competition show with Gordon Ramsay (MasterChef USA, Kitchen Nightmares, Hell's Kitchen) called Next Level Chef (2022-). It features the central platform of food that travels through 3 levels, giving chefs on the top first pick and those on the bottom are stuck with whatever's left. (Let me tell you, I cackled when I saw the first preview ad for that show because I instantly recognized where they got the idea.) While I really enjoy the cooking show, and in hindsight I would give The Platform a higher rating, I can't say the same for this sequel.
 
That doesn't take away from the fact that this new film was just as expertly put together and well-executed as the first. It does have its strengths, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout.
 
The Platform 2 went to some really bizarre places and just ultimately left me feeling unsatisfied and unsettled. At the same time, if they decide to turn this into a trilogy, I'd still watch in hopes of learning more about the lore of the twisted Pit and any further connections between those trapped in it.
 
 
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 35%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 25%
Metascore – 45%
Metacritic User Score – 4.2/10
IMDB Score – 4.9/10
 
Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 5/5
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3.5/5
 
Movie Trailer:

Friday, January 10, 2025

Brothers (2024)

 
 
Streaming Service: Amazon Prime
Movie Name/Year: Brothers (2024)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Length: 1h 29min
Rating: R
Director: Max Barbakow
Writers: Etan Cohen, Macon Blair
Actors: Josh Brolin, Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, M. Emmet Walsh, Jen Landon, Brendan Fraser, Glenn Close, Gralen Bryant Banks, Andrew Joseph Brodeur, Margo Moorer, Brooks Indergard, Jonathan Aidan Cockrell, Joshua Mikel, Marisa Tomei
 
IMDb Blurb: Two criminal twin brothers, one who is trying to reform, embark on a dangerous heist road trip. Facing legal troubles, gunfights, and family drama, they must reconcile their differences before their mission leads to self-destruction.
 
 
Selina’s Point of View:
Our first movie back and we are faced with Brothers, starring Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage.
 
From the moment I saw the trailer for Brothers, I was all in. Both Brolin and Dinklage are fantastic actors, and the latter is one of my favorites. Both of them have huge range and can pull off anything from a gentle good guy to a bad-ass bad guy. I figured, if there was any issue, it would be in the chemistry between them.
 
However, the chemistry was fantastic. The way they were at each other’s throat felt familial. It made the family connection much easier to believe. When paired up across from Brendan Fraser, it was a match made in heaven.
 
 
I’ll admit that the comedy was on the 13-year-old side of humor. It isn’t trying to make people think – it’s definitely more of a turn-your-brain-off kind of film. After two months of holidays, however, isn’t that all what we need? A little light laughter and dirty fun? Let the stress of the season fade into the background...
 
 Brothers is not going to be for everyone, but I laughed. There were some good aspects to the script, fun pop-culture references, and decent callbacks. It’s a fun film. Best watched with friends.
 
 
Cat’s Point of View:
When you tell me that the cast for a movie includes Brendan Fraser (No Sudden Move, Killers of the Flower Moon, Doom Patrol), Peter Dinklage (American Dreamer, The Thicket, Wicked), Josh Brolin (Deadpool 2, Dune: Part One, Outer Range), Glenn Close (3Below: Tales of Arcadia, Swan Song, The Deliverance), & Marisa Tomei (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Upgraded, High Tide) you really don't have to say anything else. I'm already going to be chomping at the bit to see that film. It's even better when a powerhouse cast such as this takes part in a production within a genre I enjoy.
 
Crime caper movies that bring in elements of comedy to go with the action tend to be a lot of fun.
 
The trailer had me chuckling and I wanted to see how everything played out with this pair of mismatched twins and their dysfunctional situation. Brothers took a similar aesthetic concept such as Twins (1988) and turned it on its head a bit with the comedy-heist theme.
 
 
I enjoyed the chemistry between Dinklage and Brolin. They had me 100% sold that they were siblings at odds.
 
Whenever I see Brendan Fraser on a screen, I generally just want to give him a hug. His character in Brothers was definitely not what I was expecting, but I'm not mad about it at all.
 
Honestly, I wish I liked it more than I do. I can't even put my finger on why Brothers just wasn't firing on all cylinders for me. Don't get me wrong, though. The performances were solid, it was an entertaining experience, and even kept my attention in spite of the gloomy rainy and wintry weather. That, in itself, is a bit of a feat while I'm still recovering energy reserves following a hectic holiday season.
 
What I would say, however, to anyone that is amused by the trailer but is on the fence regarding watching Brothers is this: give it a shot.
 
 
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 44%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score –40%
Metascore – 50%
Metacritic User Score – 4.1/10
IMDB Score – 5.4/10
 
Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 4/5
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3.5/5
 
Movie Trailer: