First things first does Escape Room promise you a thrilling ride? Yes, it does and there's so much you can expect from it. The ones who are nerdy or are well acquainted with this game would willingly embrace this movie for the sufficient entertainment quotient it carries. The concept is no brainer and in fact, it's something that we all are well versed with. If you are a true Bollywood fan, you would instantly connect the film with Sanjay Dutt and Imran Khan's Luck that released in 2009. This is more intriguing of course, but the core remains the same.

Starting with the storyline, it's about six strangers, a shy student Zoey (Taylor Russell), grocery store worker Ben (Logan Miller), army vet Amanda (Deborah Ann Woll), a truck driver Mike (Tyler Labine), nerdy gamer Danny (Nik Dodani), and a financial trader Jason (Jay Ellis). They all receive a box with a voucher to play the Escape Room. The one lucky winner will take home the prize of $10,000. While the invite makes the game look like a child's play, it's clearly not. It's only when these strangers come together in a room, they realise the game is deadly and the stakes are really high. What follows next is an intriguing tale of survival of the fittest or should we say the luckiest.

As we spoke earlier, the concept is nothing extraordinary. It's about a mastermind who picks six strangers with a common thread that binds them. And what exactly is that? Well, they all are blessed with good luck. The participants of this game have individually faced some tragic incidents in their lives only to be the sole survivors. Now the game is on to reveal who's the luckiest of them all or who is willing to save his/her life at the cost of other. With six different rooms filled with torturous tasks, it's essential for them to find the clues and save their lives. The execution of which is promising and it keeps you engaged throughout. Probably that's the best part of the movie along with the performances and a slight twist that comes towards the end.

Trust director Adam Robitel to take you on a roller coaster ride sans any seat belt. You will find yourself on the edge of your seats everytime these actors try and gamble for their lives. With a huge 20 storey building coupled with some iconic settings, including a wintry outdoor environment and an upside-down bar, Robitel takes his storytelling a notch higher and that deserves a round of applause. Blame him for making you feel all the torture in real life and his actors face it in reel life. His direction is exceptional and so is cinematography by Marc Spicer.

Coming to the performances, Taylor Russell as Zoey stands apart from the rest. She's shy, smart and empathetic. Jay Ellis as Jason is shrewd, selfish and definitely not a team player but a fine actor. Deborah Ann Woll as Amanda is however wasted I believe. Her character looked promising but unfortunately, she didn't have enough scope to nail it right. Other actors provide just the right support to keep the boat sailing. Kudos to the casting director for getting this cast right. They play a crucial role in holding your attention right till the end.

However, that's also a major reason why this Robitel directorial looks flawed. The movie is very elaborative when it comes to its puzzles and that even makes sense. Since the movie is all about 'Escape Room' the writer and the director have invested enough time in designing puzzles that would scare the s**t out of you. But a bit more narration about the characters would have helped strengthen the script. Initially, you don't get engrossed in them and by the time you do, they are gone for good. Also, since the concept is repetitive, there's no 'wow' factor in its story. Yes, the idea stands tall with its narration but no novelty factor kills your zeal somehow.

Coming to the climax, (read spoiler) I am so glad it didn't have a similar ending like Michael Douglas' The Game. Everything that's happening on the big screen in the pretext of a game is real and there are no happy moments. A major twist towards the end is impressive and worth all your time.

There's ample scope for the makers to come up with a sequel and we hope the outcome gets interesting and intriguing with time.

Yay! 

Taylor Russell as Zoey

Great narration

Good direction

Nay! 

No unique concept

No scope for Deborah Ann Woll

Less character detailing

Final Thoughts

Escape Room is definitely a one-time watch and you won't repent it. We suggest you don't 'Escape' from this movie as there's enough 'room' for your entertainment.

 

Rating:3out of 5

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 01, 2019 10:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).