“Escape Room” Movie Review

Escape rooms are one of the latest trends and a challenging, yet exhilarating way for friends to spend time together. Bragi F. Schut and Maria Melnik, writers of the “Escape Room,” used these entertaining puzzle rooms as inspiration for their newest thriller mystery, The “Escape Room” which was released on January 4, 2019.

Lauren Harris (‘19) says, “I am so excited to see it. I heard that it was one of the best movies out right now and love horror and thriller films so I have high expectations.”

Zoey, Ben, Jason, Amanda, Mike, and Gabe are six strangers who were mailed a little black box. The box is a mini puzzle and once they open it an invitation to the escape room appears. It says the first person to escape the room is awarded a million dollars.

The six strangers arrive into what appears as a waiting room until one tries to open the door and walk out. The knob falls off and the players realize they are in the first room.

Each of the following rooms have a specific detail relating to one of the stranger’s pasts. The only way to escape one room is by finding and using clues to get out.

In the hospital themed room, it was clever how each bed revealed why each person was selected to participate in this competition. It then becomes clear each of the players were selected because they were all involved in an accident that left them as the lone survivor.

**Possible spoiler zone**

I found it highly intriguing when Zoey faked her death in order to trick the creators of the escape room. The only way to win the game is by being the sole survivor.

When all of the players are supposedly dead and Ben is only remaining, he asks to claim his reward. The game maker then tries to kill him. Zoey reappears and hits the maker over the head. That scene provided the most suspense and personally, it was the most entertaining and thrilling part of the whole movie.

**End of spoiler zone**

The movie has sparked debates as to whether or not it is worth all the hype.

Grace Lahart (‘21) says, “It is hands down one of my top five movies I’ve ever seen. I had fun watching it and I think it did a really nice job of keeping me on the edge of my seat.”

oh my god I just saw the new escape room movie and it was literally one of the best movies I’ve EVER watched 10/10 would recommend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— James Charles (@jamescharles) January 6, 2019

Others do not believe the movie was well put together and think there are parts that could have been done better.

Nina Perez (‘19) says, “I expected a lot better. It was easy for me to guess what was going to happen next. I’m disappointed because the trailer made it look amazing, but personally it is far from it.”

The “Escape Room” received a 5.2 out of 10  on Rotten Tomatoes. It is categorized as a fail for not incorporating parts that set the movie over the top and not reaching its full potential.