Trap
Scorecard, moments that moved us, Timmy is back, New pod drop.
We had to double-check that our Gen Z coworkers were on TikTok instead of doing their jobs to make sure it wasn’t 2001. An M. Night Shyamalan flick is the most anticipated movie opening this weekend, and Josh Hartnett is the leading man (and is still hot, tbh)? We are so back.
Here’s what we have for you this week:
Concession Stand Scorecard: Trap
Temp These Takes: Speeches and monologues that made us feel something
Watchlist Worthy: Timmy C is back as an iconic folk singer.
New Pod Drop: Presumed Guilty of watching anything with Jake Gyllenhaal
This week’s movie - “Trap”
Letterboxd Description:
30,000 FANS. 300 COPS. 1 SERIAL KILLER. NO ESCAPE.
A father and teen daughter attend a pop concert, where they realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event.
Best Watched With
Anyone who wants a concert and a movie - a la the Eras Tour.
End credit thoughts
This movie jumps straight into the action from runtime marker 0:01. If you thought the plot twist revealed in the trailer was M. Night showing his hand, rest assured, he was. Trap starts strong with the suspense and mystery of a serial killer thriller, but at some point, we found ourselves laughing at parts we weren’t sure we were supposed to. The small chuckles did not fully stop the anxiety from building each time Cooper found himself about to be caught.
M. Night didn't skimp on making this feel like a stop on the Eras Tour. We were fully bought in to the idea that this was a real concert full of adoring fans. Instead of a traditional score, we were given the music of Lady Raven (played and performed by Saleka, daughter of M. Night).
Josh Harnett disappeared for a minute, but his talent did not. From cheesy dad to evil genius with ice running through his veins to a monster who is always on the brink of losing control. Even though it was difficult to pin down Hartnett's Cooper and what he was going for, we enjoyed watching it all happen. Hartnett manages to have some great moments of insanity with a smile.
We get plenty of suspense, but the story doesn't get anywhere near the thriller/horror labels. We don’t mind when a great filmmaker asks us to suspend disbelief on account of a great story, but M. Night is asking too much of us not to be distracted by some of his choices.
We can’t deny the excitement of going to the theaters for a filmmaker who’s been around for decades starring an actor who has disappeared for the better part of one. But Trap did not have us sold on the price of admission.
There are rumors that M. Night's entire goal with this movie was to introduce the world to his daughter and her music. We don't know if that's true, but if it is, we respect it (use your platform, M. Night!) but you can discover his daughter in your PJs on your couch.
Wait until streaming for this one.
Best monologue or speech
Eric
"That you are here—that life exists and identity. That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse." Carpe Diem, O Captain My Captain - the list can go on and on with moving scenes and moments in this film. But the one that stuck with me was Mr. Keating's delivery of a Whitman poem in the classroom. He gathers the fellas around with a double-time "HUDDLE UP," and he asks us the ultimate question with an ever-elusive answer: “What will your verse be?”
Sarah
Coach Yoast’s speech to the defense at the regional championship game in Remember the Titans. “I don’t want them to gain another yard. YOU BLITZ ALL NIGHT.” Epic speech, followed by an absolutely unforgettable montage of tackles. I have goosebumps thinking about this scene.
Josh
Robin Williams gives us a few invaluable monologues in Good Will Hunting (1997). Still, it’s the one on the park bench that has been significant in my encouragement to experience life, not just read about it. To know what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel, to wake up next to someone and truly be happy, to be totally vulnerable is part of why I said yes to traveling abroad and not just read about The Code of Hammurabi but know what the basalt stele it’s made from feels like, to not just to see the Venice canals but to experience what it’s like to be in them, and to risk loss and grief by loving something more than I love myself.
New Mexico Drew
If you want me to run through a brick wall, fire up Remember the Titans and cue Coach Boone standing in the Gettysburg cemetery, inspiring his players to come together as a team. If you want me to stand up, concussed, and attempt to run through a second wall? Play Coach Yoast’s “We blitz ALL NIGHT” speech.
What’s your take? Hit Reply or leave a comment below and let us know!
A Complete Unknown (2024) directed by James Mangold
Not only has Timothee Chalamet been on a RUN these past five years, he is showing his range: Little Women (2019), The French Dispatch (2021), Dune (2021), Don’t Look Up (2021), Wonka (2023), Dune: Part 2 (2024).
Despite only being 28 years old, he has worked with Greta Gerwig, Wes Anderson, Denis Villeneuve, Adam McKay, Luca Guadagnino, and Martin Scorsese, all of whom have made Best Picture nominated movies (and some even won)—all of which are in different genres with characters of different demeanors.
Now, Chalamet is continuing an incredible year working with James Mangold and portraying the arguably best American singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan. The whispers of Mangold directing yet another Oscar-worthy performance by Chalamet are making a buzz on the internet, and I do not doubt the words the whispers carry.
-Jp :)
Letterboxd Description:
In 1961, 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York City searching for his hero, an ailing Woody Guthrie. The New York folk scene’s members embrace Dylan and recognize his talent. But as his gigs in downtown clubs propel Dylan to a cultural phenomenon over the years, his strong relationships to people in the folk music world, and the sound altogether, begin to change and confuse.
Other movies directed by James Mangold:
Logan (2017)
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Presumed Innocent & New To Streaming August ‘24 #032
🎧 Listen to this podcast at Apple Podcasts or Spotify
🎥 Watch the video of this podcast on Spotify
In this episode, Josh and Eric discuss the intriguing legal drama 'Presumed Innocent' and its captivating finale. They share their thoughts on the standout performances of the cast, especially by Bill Camp and Peter Sarsgaard. The duo also highlights several new and upcoming streaming releases, including 'Kingdom of Heaven,' 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,' 'World War Z,' 'The Fall Guy,' 'The Bike Riders,' and anticipated shows like 'House of the Dragon' and 'Only Murders in the Building.' Tune in for their movie recommendations that range from dramatic epics to thrilling zombie films.
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