Trapped – Grand Isle (2019)

Directed by: Stephen S. Campanelli | 97 minutes | action, thriller | Actors: Nicolas Cage, KaDee Strickland, Luke Benward, Kelsey Grammer, Zulay Henao, Oliver Trevena, Emily Marie Palmer, Beatrice Hernandez, Rob Mars, Danny Le Boyer, Trey Tycer, Haley Milsap, Isabella Grace Roark, Duncan Casey

Nicolas Cage is a busy man. For example, the actor played in no fewer than six (!) films in 2019. It shows the work ethic of this American. Well, work ethic is a big word. Most of the projects he takes on don’t show much enthusiasm. ‘Trapped’ – his latest job from 2019 – is a good example of this.

In ‘Trapped’, Cage plays Walter. This man lives with his wife Fancy (KaDee Strickland) in a Victorian mansion. When a stranger knocks on the couple’s door and asks for shelter because a hurricane is approaching, the couple decides to let the man in. Bad plan, because this guy turns out to have a rather dubious past. Detective Jones (Kelsey Grammer) investigates a report and uncovers some shocking secrets.

This film from director Stephen S. Campanelli is clearly a must. You don’t have to see this film for an artistic vision, deeper thoughts or sparkling special effects. Not for passionate acting either, by the way. ‘Trapped’ – or ‘Grand Isle’ as the film is also called – is a flat thriller without tension, atmosphere or fun. This is a bread project where a lot of people were kept at work and could therefore support their families.

Cage doesn’t feel like it and sleepwalks through the film. Once again he presents a cartoonish, bold caricature of a man that no one can identify with. ‘Trapped’ shows Cage on autopilot and that’s a shame. Especially since the actor really does have talent and can blow critics away with his playing and reach (which he really does). In movies like ‘Joe’, ‘Mandy’ and ‘Colour Out Of Space’ he recently proved himself still a great actor. Unfortunately, these outliers are overrun with stuffing like ‘Trapped’.

The usually charismatic Grammer also did not enjoy his role. If you are a diehard fan of Cage then this is for you. However, if you expect more from a film, such as originality, convincing accents, good acting, a vision and a good soundtrack, then you can safely skip this assembly line.