When I first saw the trailer for Mouse Trap, I thought I was in for something quirky and fun — a mix of coming-of-age antics and eerie mystery with a clever twist. The setup seemed decent, and I went in with no spoilers, hoping to be pleasantly surprised. The first five minutes seemed to hold some promise, but unfortunately, things took a turn — and not for the better.
Let’s start with the positives. The two lead girls carry the early part of the film with strong performances, and the amusement park setting gave the story a colorful and engaging backdrop. The kids in the film feel authentic — they behave like real kids, awkward and impulsive — and their humor occasionally lands with surprising charm. One standout bit involved a girl skipping a long shift to sneak off for a boy she likes, only to ghost everyone afterward. It’s oddly funny in a very teenage way.
The Mickey Mouse-style costume? Genuinely creepy in all the right ways. When this masked figure starts lurking and chasing characters around, it adds a layer of intrigue and suspense that briefly elevates the film. The mystery thickens, and a love triangle involving Alex and her friends gives the early act some needed depth. Honestly, the first 20 minutes had me hopeful.
But then… it crashes.
The plot loses momentum quickly, and the writing becomes its biggest weakness. Conversations between characters start feeling unnatural and, at times, painfully awkward. Some dialogue just doesn’t work — it’s stiff, forced, or simply doesn’t move the story forward. It feels like a missed opportunity because the setup had real potential.
While the special effects and lighting tricks (especially how they play off the costumed figure) are solid, they’re undercut by poor pacing and character decisions that defy logic. For example, how does someone just fall asleep knowing a costumed maniac is on the loose? The suspension of disbelief gets tested way too often.
The detective subplot is a mixed bag — one of them is passable, while the rest fall into cringeworthy territory. Their lines often feel like filler, and they add little to the central narrative. Characters frequently make baffling choices, and even when clever ideas do emerge, they’re rarely given time to land or pay off.
Mouse Trap isn’t without merit. There are flickers of originality, some genuine laughs, and creative design choices. But the writing drags everything down. What begins with intrigue ends with frustration.
Final Verdict:
I wouldn’t recommend this film. It’s not quite awful, but far from what it could’ve been. Save your time — and your sanity — and have a cuppa instead.
Rating: 3/10
More trap than treasure.
