While I wish I'd seen Deathtrap before seeing either version of Sleuth, I can't change the order of my original viewings. The live performed play of Sleuth is an incredible experience, but the film was a total letdown. The remake in 2002 was appallingly awful, making audiences wonder why Hollywood ever created it. After seeing Deathtrap, I wondered that question even more; it was the best way to remake Sleuth--why didn't they just call it a day?In the remake of Sleuth, Hollywood thought they were being clever in reversing the cast since so many years had passed. The premise is this: an older man invites a younger man to his house for a drink. In 1972, Michael Caine played the young man, and in 2002, he played the older man. In theory, it was cute. However, after Michael played the older man in Deathtrap--a film in which an older man invites a younger man to his house for a drink-there was no need to remake Sleuth at all! The plots and themes are so incredibly similar, it's a wonder Ira Levin's original play didn't get sued for copying Anthony Shaffer's play!That introduction aside, I absolutely loved Deathtrap and found it an infinitely superior film to either Sleuth film. I realize I haven't told you anything about the plot, but it's so complex and layered, it's really best if you don't know anything about it. It's extremely tense and dark, but at the same time it's quick and witty, showing how entertaining it must have been to watch on the stage. Michael Caine, Dyan Cannon, and Christopher Reeve give incredible performances, each combining the necessary talents to perform in a play and a film. They're grand enough to communicate a very dramatic setting, but they all include subtleties in their deliveries that could only be captured by a camera. Sidney Lumet's direction must have been wonderful, for all three principle players to be in top performance.There are moments when you'll want to stand up and shout at the television, so anxious for the characters to listen to you, or for the actors to hear your compliments. Dyan Cannon tries to stop her husband from making a terrible mistake, and the expression on her face truly shows everything on her mind that she's not saying. Christopher Reeve realizes what's about to happen to him, and he masks his fear so slightly the other characters don't catch on, but not so much that the audience can't tell he's afraid. Michael Caine vacillates from every emotion he has on-hand so quickly that he seems to be simultaneously thinking on his feet and following an incredibly calculated plan-which makes this such a perfect remake of Sleuth!The older character in Sleuth has wheels constantly turning in his head, but he's also written to be posh and blueblood, something Michael Caine has difficulty pulling off. In Deathtrap, the older character doesn't have to be posh and blueblood; he has an entirely different reason for his behavior, one that makes sense and that Michael Caine plays convincingly. He runs the gamut of emotions in this role, just as Laurence Olivier did in Sleuth. Surprisingly, Deathtrap was ignored during awards season, even though each player was deserving of at least a nomination. The acting is fantastic, and the plot will have your stomach in knots from start to finish. Plus, there's an incredible amount of eye candy, with three beautiful people on the screen. Give it a watch; I highly recommend it!Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to violence, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

As one reviewer said "It's hard to talk about this film without giving too much away" - and I do agree with this statement about the film. This is a movie one just has to simply watch for themselves because if you are told to much about the film then it would ruin the entire movie.Is Deathtrap good? Yes it is a very good mystery dramedy (comedy-drama). It has it's comical moments but the film also has it's times of drama. If you like mysteries then you may enjoy this film.Are you wanting a double feature? I would recommend this movie (Deathtrap) along with movies like: "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid", "Clue", "Sleuth", or "Murder by Death".8/10

I am usually more than happy to include spoilers in my reviews. However, this is a film which I so thoroughly recommend to anyone who hasn't seen it that I would not wish to cheat the unsuspecting viewer out of any of the treats which are in store for him. So let me just offer the briefest synopsis of the set-up: Sidney (Michael Caine) is a successful playwright who has hit such a comprehensive writer's block that his career is pretty much over, although no-one knows this at present. He receives a manuscript from unknown writer Clifford (Christopher Reeve) who is looking for advice. When he discovers that it is brilliant, he begins to ponder how he might manage things so as to get his own name on it as author...Ira Levin's play rightly retains a high level of theatricality, particularly given its subject matter. It is essentially a three hander (the third character being Clifford's wife Myra, played by Dyan Cannon, and the three principals have seldom been better.Most of all, though, the viewer will enjoy the ride as this movie goes in directions which are never anticipated and elicits performances which are completely unexpected.Enjoy!

Playwright Sidney Bruhl (a wonderfully over-the-top Michael Caine) would kill for a hit play. Enter young wonder kid (a solid Reeve) who's just written such a play. Weave into this Bruhl's overly hysterical wife (superbly played by Cannon) and a German psychic (a very funny Irene Worth) and you've got yourself a wonderfully funny suspense flick.While not up to "Sleuth" standards, "Deathtrap" is none the less a very capable, twist filled comical suspense ride based on a terrific play by Ira Levin. The performers are obviously having a field day with the material, with Caine in particular delivering top notch lines with gusto.The film loses a bit of steam midway through and the ending is a lot less satisfying than the hilarious one in the original play but overall "Deathtrap" is solid, well acted and suspenseful fun.