Review of Trespass (2011) by Roger P — 16 Nov 2011

Christmas is several weeks away but, having just seen this ludicrous film, I've already had my first portion of turkey. Quite how something directed by Joel Schumacher and starring actors of the calibre of Nicole Kidman and Nicolas Cage could be such a mess is anyone's guess.

But a mess it most certainly is. The basic premise of the film - an attempt by a gang of hoodlums to rob a seemingly wealthy couple who live in a beautiful detached house that is protected by extensive security arrangements - is not in itself a bad one (even if it's not exactly original).

But there are so many holes in the detail of the plot that "Trespass" is, quite frankly, laughable. Indeed, I am not ashamed to confess that I burst into uncontrollable laughter during two supposedly tense scenes.

And there were a couple of other occasions when I successfully managed to stifle an impending chortle. The unintentional comedy supersedes any sense of suspense that the director is trying to convey. And the acting, by all concerned, is hammy and unconvincing (although I suppose it's unfair to blame the cast because they cannot be held responsible for the risible script).

I did not pay to see the film: my ticket was free, courtesy of Sky TV. Had I done so, I would almost certainly have felt short-changed. I take no pleasure in writing this. Give "Trespass" a wide berth.

2/10.