The Mouse Trap is an intriguing attempt to blend horror with nostalgic elements, but it ultimately delivers a mixed bag of results. The film's arcade setting is visually appealing, capturing the essence of 90s nostalgia, and it’s clear that the production team put significant effort into creating an authentic backdrop. However, despite this strong visual foundation, the movie struggles with execution in several areas.
The cast is a mixed ensemble, with Simon Phillips standing out as the masked killer Mickey Mouse. His performance is both chilling and entertaining, providing a solid anchor for the movie. Allegra Nocita is nice to look at and also delivers a captivating presence. However, many other cast members fail to leave a lasting impression, and the overall acting feels inconsistent, with some performances coming off as amateurish and forced.
The script is better than anticipated, offering some clever moments and a few solid kills that horror fans will appreciate. Yet, it struggles with pacing and coherence, featuring long stretches of filler, such as an unnecessarily lengthy opening scroll and extended interrogation scenes that add little to the plot. The film's attempt at humor, particularly with its fourth-wall-breaking moments, often feels awkward and out of place.
One significant issue is the mask design. Despite using a vintage 1960s Mickey Mouse mask repainted in black and white, the overall effect feels cheap and unconvincing. The sight of an actor's beard poking out from the mouth of the mask is particularly distracting and detracts from the horror element.
While the film makes an effort to connect to Mickey Mouse lore, the connection is minimal. Aside from the Steamboat Willie excerpts in the opening credits, there is little to tie the movie to the iconic character, making the theme feel more like a gimmick than a genuine attempt at creating a unique horror story.
The kills, though decent, are sparse, leaving gore enthusiasts wanting more. Additionally, the Canadian accents throughout the film can be distracting, often making it feel more like an episode of Letterkenny than a serious horror movie.
Compared to other recent horror films, The Mouse Trap falls flat. It lacks the depth needed to elevate it beyond a novelty act. The film thinks it’s more clever than it is, and the lack of explanation for the supernatural elements only adds to the confusion.
Ultimately, The Mouse Trap is a mediocre slasher that offers moments of fun but fails to live up to its potential. It may appeal to those looking for a quirky, low-budget horror film with a nostalgic twist, but for most viewers, it will likely be a forgettable experience. If you're expecting a Disney-themed horror film, this isn’t it. However, if you're in the mood for a subpar slasher with a Mickey Mouse mask, you might find some entertainment here.
Jessie Hobson