Trap and Dramatic Effect: A Movie Review

Director/writer: Jason Horton.

Trap is the latest film from both director Jason Horton (Edges of Darkness) and Zapruter Productions. Currently the film is looking for distribution and in the film Horton shows that he can change tones from action-oriented to drama. Trap is not horror like his previous production, Edges of Darkness, but more dramatic thriller. Also, Horton adds in an interesting, diverse soundtrack that might even involve the director singing!

The film was recently finished and the press release calls Trap "the newest thriller from director Jason Horton" (Trap). Yet, the film is mostly a dramatic feature with thriller elements. The story succintly involves a kidnapping of young vixen, Tennessee (Ashton Blanchard) who has developed a devilish charm at a very early age. One of the kidnappers falls for the captive and here things twist and turn, as characters Franklin (Alonzo F. Jones) and Walt (Allen Perada) have a falling out. Despite what the press says, this is primarily a drama.

One small criticism of execution. The first scene involving Tori (Annemarie Pazmino) could have been cut right at the shotgun misfire to build tension. This scene's resolution could have been interweaved into the the second act that moves along at a slow burn. With the beginning and middle looked at, how about the ending?

This is where Horton's intelligence shines, as the characters, who have been built and introduced, come to heads in fight for survival, love and money. The film involves these themes and has elements of tragedy, where the central protagonist undergoes some deep soul-searching and loss. No happy ending here. Now, a final comment outside of the themes, where the music produces a more well rounded film.

Horton's previous film, Edges of Darkness, involved no, or very little soundtrack and Trap adds in a little Chubby Checker, and other breakout artists. Trap really shows a transition and a transformation of the director, as the many plot devices from Edges, are replaced with a more focused and more musical feature. The film also features the musical artists Cudacade and Peachey Keene, but the film's title screen poses an important question. Is that Horton singing his country twang on the film's main track?

Trap is not available through wide release, as of yet, with the film accepting offers for purchase. Once distribution is completed, Trap will move to theatres and DVD stores soon after. Here is a vote that you will also move to theatres and to DVD stores to enjoy Trap.

Directing techniques/coaching: 7.
Acting/believability/consistency: 6.75 (Alonzo shows some improvement here from Edges, with an energetic and sometime comedic performance in early scenes).
Continuity/pacing/transitions: 7 (the pacing almost slows to a stall in the second act, but everything else is spot on).

Overall: 6.90.

If you are a film buyer visit the Trap website for screener details and availability:

Trap Homepage

If you are a fan of indie filmmaking, or dramatic thrillers check out this behind the scenes clip, which will be on the DVD:



Sources:

Trap. Press Release. 5 March 2010.

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Posted in: 2010,alonzo f. jones,annemarie pazmino,cast,crew,crime drama,distribution,drama,edges of darkness,jason horton,movie clip,movie poster,movie review,zapruter