Mindcage (2022)

'Mindcage' is a bad one! I probably didn't dislike it as much as I should've (the ending almost made that true, granted), likely due to the actors involved, but yeah... it's poor. I do feel like there is a good idea in there, the winged creations are also pretty neat; just lamely utilised. Another positive, the only other one I have, is Melissa Roxburgh, whose performance is quite solid all the way through. I wasn't aware of Roxburgh a matter of hours ago, though her co-stars I am more than familiar with: Martin Lawrence, John Malkovich and Robert Knepper. All three named are great in other things, in this not so much. The standout is Malkovich, albeit in a role that feels rather typical. Lawrence plays it totally straight and, although it is good to see a different acting style from him, doesn't feel right; a miscast. Knepper is OK in a bit part.

This film aspires to be a compelling psychological thriller but falls short in several areas. Martin Lawrence's portrayal of Detective Jake Doyle often feels exaggerated, lacking the subtlety needed for the role. In contrast, Melissa Roxburgh delivers a more grounded performance as Detective Mary Kelly, providing some stability to the film. John Malkovich, as the incarcerated serial killer "The Artist," brings his usual strong presence to the role. However, his limited screen time restricts the depth and impact of his character, leaving the audience wanting more from his performance. The production values are modest, with certain technical aspects detracting from the viewing experience. Notably, the sound design suffers from excessive reverb in specific scenes, which diminishes the film's overall quality and gives it an unpolished feel. There is no indication that this audio effect was an intentional artistic choice by the director. While Mindcage has moments that hint at potential, such as its atmospheric settings and a few intriguing plot twists, these elements are overshadowed by its execution flaws. The film struggles to engage the audience fully, resulting in a viewing experience that is ultimately unsatisfying.