Escape Room (2019)

As a seasoned escape room enthusiast with over 30+ rooms under my belt (including the SAW experience in Vegas – thanks, friend!), I was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement for “Escape Room” (2019). Sure, the real-life tragedies surrounding escape rooms at the time cast a bit of a shadow, but I went in with an open mind and a thirst for some cinematic puzzle-solving.

And let me tell you, this movie delivered. From the moment the diverse group of characters – a driven student, a troubled retail worker, a war veteran with PTSD, and a few others – received their mysterious invitations, I knew we were in for a wild ride. The opening sequence, with each character showcasing their unique problem-solving style, was a brilliant foreshadowing of their roles in the deadly game to come.

Now, here’s where things got really interesting. As the game master unleashed a series of elaborate and deadly rooms, each designed to trigger a specific player’s past trauma, I quickly realized that these weren’t just random contestants. They were all sole survivors of horrific events, a fact that resonated with me on a personal level, having faced my own share of challenges.

The first room, a sweltering oven that slowly heated up, had me yelling, “No no no, no no no!” at the screen. But as the characters used their combined skills to escape, I was reminded of the power of teamwork and resilience.

From a chilling winter cabin to a gravity-defying upside-down pool hall, each room was more intricate and terrifying than the last. Danny, the arrogant escape room enthusiast who underestimated the danger, became the first casualty, plunging into icy water. (A harsh reminder that even experts can get it wrong!)

The finale, set in a hospital with rooms mirroring the characters’ past traumas, was a masterclass in suspense. Zoey, the quick-witted protagonist, realized the cameras watching them meant the audience held their fate in their hands. Her desperate act of destroying the cameras while the others focused on the final puzzle was a stroke of genius.

The ending, with its cliffhanger reveal of another escape room in a plane, left me wanting more. “Escape Room” is a thrilling, well-paced film that delivers on its premise. It’s a refreshing break from big-budget blockbusters, and a must-see for fans of suspense and puzzle-solving. Just be prepared for some intense moments and maybe a few nightmares about killer escape rooms. You’ve been warned!

Rating: PG-13 (USA)

Release date: January 4, 2019 (United States)

Running Time: 100 minutes

Rating: 6.0 Mainasty Masterpieces