Another self-regarding screenplay from Andrew (The Truman Show, Gattaca) Niccol, but Al Pacino is on hand to paper over the concept's cracks. A director whose prima donna (Winona Ryder) walks out, he simulates virtual actress S1mOne ("hmm, less Streep, more Bacall"), who becomes a global superstar. Could go further, but the comedy's smart and the acting, ironically, is great.
OPENS APRIL 25, CERT 15, 106 MINS
Everything about this slice of uber-trash is insane. Remember John McNaughton's Wild Things—so over-the-top that it was both atrocious and brilliant? Trapped is its mad twin, the one they lock in the attic. Anything casting Kevin Bacon and Courtney Love (neither of whom has ever consciously under-acted) as a pair of deranged kidnappers has to have loads going for it, however hysterically flawed.
In brief: Bacon grabs Charlize Theron while Love nabs Stuart Townsend; they delegate minding the kid to Pruitt Taylor Vince and demand money.
A Bosnian and a Serb share a trench in this Oscar-winning anti-war film which uses farce and satire to convey its message. The director's an experienced documentary maker; there's truth in his portrayal of an absurd conflict. Sadly the late, great British actress Katrin Cartlidge, ever one to support worthy causes, is miscast as an egocentric reporter.
