Technology

Trap backs itself into every corner

Published

2 months ago

August 3, 2024

Trap’s premise sounded tailor-made to play into M. Night Shyamalan’s twisty strengths and maybe even say something about the modern era of superstars turning their concerts into cinematic events. But for all of its promise, the thriller almost immediately runs out of steam. Shyamalan’s latest is a convoluted misfire whose handful of interesting ideas isn’t nearly enough to keep it from feeling like a notable low point in the director’s filmography.

In its first act, Trap introduces mild-mannered father Cooper Adams (Josh Hartnett) and his daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) as the pair make their way downtown to see superstar Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan) perform in concert. Though Cooper himself doesn’t quite get the singer’s appeal, she’s everything to his daughter. And with Riley dealing with some friend drama at school, Cooper’s all too happy to take her mind off things with a few hours of live music.

Almost everyone who meets the Adamses sees them as just another father-daughter duo hyped up to see the show. Cooper has a secret, though — he’s a serial killer who has his next victim trapped in a dungeon. You can feel the influence of series killer dramas like You and Dexter in the way Trap juxtaposes moments of familial banality with shots of Cooper sneaking furtive, twitchy glances at his phone to watch a livestream of the man he plans to murder next. But the Shyamalan twist of it all comes early on as Trap establishes how the Lady Raven concert is actually an elaborate ploy to smoke Cooper out.

Trap takes inspiration from Operation Flagship, the 1985 sting operation in which US marshals and DC police lured wanted criminals to the Washington Convention Center with the promise of free football tickets. Shyamalan riffs on that real history to imagine how a Taylor Swift-like concert filled with thousands of screaming teens could be weaponized against a monster. But as Trap works through that thought exercise, the movie is quickly boxed in by its core conceit.

Part of the problem is how Trap stretches credulity even for a Shyamalan movie as Cooper uses his constant “trips to the merch table” to learn more about how the police plan to catch him. The cops are pulling men out of the audience, and they aren’t letting people leave without being interviewed. But none of those dangers ever feel especially pressing for Cooper because of how effortlessly he’s able to skirt by them thanks to the plot armor Shyamalan piles onto him out of necessity.

You’re meant to read the strangeness of Cooper’s behavior as a part of his sociopathy, repeatedly slipping away from his daughter on the concert floor. Cooper has to slip away in order for the movie to really move. Otherwise, things would come to an end rather abruptly. But Trap becomes harder and harder to take seriously as Cooper’s situation pushes him to take a series of increasingly absurd — but not exactly exciting — chances on ploys to evade capture.

There’s an absurdity to the way Cooper is able to navigate Trap’s game of cat and mouse that almost feels like Shyamalan is trying to say something about what kind of people are seen as threats to society. As Cooper, Hartnett’s utterly devoid of charisma, and there’s an awkwardness to his interactions with Riley that doesn’t entirely feel intentional. But he’s a handsome white guy, and that seems to be enough to keep people from clocking his overt weirdness.

If fewer of Cooper’s tricks to escape — which serve as the film’s set pieces — came by way of convenient happenstance, Trap might work a bit better as a straight thriller about a predator becoming prey. But the movie goes to such absurd lengths to keep its story going that it definitely feels like Shyamalan ran out of solid ideas early on.

Everything about Trap, from its story to the way it also works as a vehicle for his daughter’s career as a musician, makes it feel like exactly the kind of project you might expect from Shyamalan, who has often self-financed his films since 2015. The director himself cameos as Lady Raven’s uncle and becomes part of the story in a way that connects him to Cooper’s search for an exit. But Shyamalan’s presence in the film is somewhat distracting and has a way of drawing attention to how many of Trap’s characters speak to the camera with a cloyingness the director tends to be very fond of.

Conceptually, this is one of Shyamalan’s most intriguing films, but its foundation is so limiting that it winds up feeling like the director set a trap for himself. It’s a testament to his ability to come up with novel ideas — but that alone isn’t always enough to make for a good time at the movies.

Technology

Backup by BioLite is a beefy emergency battery for your big appliances

Published

2 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Press Room

Backup by BioLite is a beefy emergency battery for your big appliances

Instead of wiring into a home’s breaker box, the Backup by BioLite home backup power solution relies on thin battery panels that can fit behind appliances to keep them running for days at a time. It’s built around two 1.5kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, or LFP) batteries, the Backup Core and Backup Extend. Like any uninterruptible power supply, the Backup Core keeps itself perpetually charged from a wall outlet while power is available, then switches to keep whatever’s plugged into it running during a power outage.

If you need more backup power, up to five Backup Extend units can be connected to a Backup Core unit to expand the total capacity to 9kWh, and you don’t need a contractor or electrician to install any of it.

BioLite’s system was designed to be a cheaper and easier alternative to whole-home backup power solutions that rely on a central battery or gas-powered generator to keep an entire house running during a power outage. A natural gas generator alone can cost well over $5,000, while a Tesla Powerwall installation can set you back over $10,000.

The Backup by BioLite batteries are 29 inches tall and weigh upwards of 40lbs each.

Image: BioLite

The Backup Core battery panel will sell for $1,999, but BioLite will also offer a $2,999 Backup Complete solution, pairing a Core with a single Extend battery, that’s eligible for a 30 percent home energy tax credit. The company says the 3kWh Backup Complete has enough capacity to keep an 18 cubic foot fridge running for up to 60 hours or a larger 26 cubic foot fridge powered for up to 30 hours while also allowing for the occasional use of lights or other smaller appliances.

BioLite is bringing its backup power solution to consumers through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that launches today, with discounts for early backers or those who opt to put down a deposit and pay in full through an installment plan later. Although the company has been around since 2006, making products like a power-generating camp stove, this will be its most expensive offering to date, and the usual caveats and risks with crowdfunded products apply here.

The Backup by BioLite batteries don’t need to be installed on a wall. They can be placed on top of a refrigerator, or hidden behind other furniture.

Image: BioLite

The Backup by BioLite batteries measure 29 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 40 lbs. They’re each just 2.8 inches thick, however, allowing them to be mounted out of sight behind appliances or furniture using hardware that takes about 30 minutes to install, claims the company. But a permanent installation isn’t necessary, as BioLite says the batteries will work just as well placed atop a fridge or slid under a bed.

Technology

Tesla's Cybertruck gets military makeover with tactical twist

Published

2 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Press Room

Tesla's Cybertruck gets military makeover with tactical twist

The future of apocalypse-ready vehicles is here, thanks to a collaboration between Archimedes Defense and Unplugged Performance. Together, they have unveiled the STING package for Tesla’s Cybertruck. This package transforms the Cybertruck into an impressive machine equipped with advanced features tailored for survival and resilience.

Let’s explore how these enhancements make the Cybertruck not just a means of transportation but a vital tool for navigating a world turned upside down. From advanced armor to innovative power sources, we’ll take a closer look at what makes this electric powerhouse ready for anything the future might throw at it.

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STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s all the fuss about?

The STING package for Tesla Cybertrucks is not just futuristic but practically bulletproof and able to charge itself in the middle of nowhere. That’s the STING package in a nutshell, folks. It’s like Tesla and Mad Max had a baby and that baby grew up to be a superhero.

STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The 3 STING variations

The STING package offers three distinct variations: Sting Baja, Sting Protector and Sting APC. Each variation is designed to meet specific operational needs, whether for adventurous off-grid excursions or high-threat environments.

STING Baja: This bad boy is for those who want to go off-road and venture where no charging station has gone before. It comes with the UP INVINCIBLE® off-road package and a nifty frunk-mounted generator that can run on jet fuel, diesel or biodiesel. The AMP Drive G125 is an 800-volt beast that can supercharge the Cybertruck at up to 125kW. And get this: It can even rescue-charge other vehicles.

STING Protector: Stepping it up a notch, this variation adds bolt-on armor plating that can withstand assault rifle rounds. It’s perfect for corporate bigwigs or government officials who like their rides extra secure.

STING APC: The crème de la crème of apocalypse-ready vehicles. This beast can withstand heavy machine gun fire and even improvised explosive devices. The STING APC variation takes protection to a whole new level with upgraded bolt-on offset steel and ceramic armor plating. It’s like driving around in a personal tank.

STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Military applications

The STING package for Tesla Cybertrucks presents intriguing possibilities for tactical operations. Its electric power train offers two key advantages that could revolutionize battlefield tactics: silent mobility and silent watch. These capabilities are often referred to in military terms as having a low acoustic and thermal signature.

Silent mobility

The Cybertruck’s electric motors provide near-silent operation, allowing troops to approach targets without making much noise. This stealth capability could be a game-changer for reconnaissance missions and surprise attacks, enabling forces to get much closer to objectives without detection.

Silent watch

Silent watch is a crucial aspect of military operations where warfighters often engage in observation of enemy activity in silence. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles are loud and inefficient when idling. In contrast, EVs like the Cybertruck consume much less energy and remain silent when stationary while still providing climate control and powering communication devices. This efficiency and stealth during stationary operations can significantly enhance surveillance and covert missions.

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Additional benefits

The Cybertruck’s low center of gravity, due to its battery placement, offers improved stability compared to traditional military vehicles. This could translate to better performance in rough terrain and increased resistance to rollovers, enhancing both safety and maneuverability in combat situations. As the U.S. military explores hybrid and electric options for its tactical fleet, vehicles like the militarized Cybertruck could serve as valuable test beds for integrating cutting-edge EV technology into combat operations.

Law enforcement applications

The benefits of electric vehicles extend beyond military applications. Police fleets could also greatly benefit from EV technology, particularly in terms of efficiency during idle times. Police vehicles often spend a significant amount of time idling while officers conduct surveillance or perform stationary duties. EVs would allow for silent, efficient operation during these periods, reducing fuel consumption while still powering necessary equipment and maintaining climate control.

STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The price of survival

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This sounds expensive.” And you’re right. While prices haven’t been announced yet, the company tells us that pricing is highly dependent on the customization options customers choose. However, it’s safe to assume this won’t come cheap. But considering the Cybertruck’s base price, anyone looking to upgrade to the STING package likely won’t mind the extra cost. After all, can you really put a price on surviving the apocalypse in style?

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STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The STING package for the Cybertruck definitely pushes the limits of what we thought possible for civilian vehicles. It’s a clear sign of our constant drive to be ready for anything, even while hoping for the best. Whether it’s for adventurous civilians, military operations or law enforcement missions, the STING package definitely ensures you’re prepared for extreme conditions and high-threat environments.

How much importance do you place on having a vehicle that can handle extreme conditions, even if you might never encounter them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Mickey 17’s first trailer is light in tone, heavy on dead Robert Pattinsons

Published

9 hours ago

September 17, 2024

Press Room

Mickey 17’s first trailer is light in tone, heavy on dead Robert Pattinsons

It may have been delayed until next year, but at least we now have our first look at Mickey 17. The debut trailer for the sci-fi film — which is helmed by Parasite director Bong Joon-ho and stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes — premiered Tuesday evening. According to the trailer’s description, Barnes “has found himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment to the job… to die, for a living.”

The movie is based on the novel Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton, about “a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim.” The book follows the seventh incarnation of the titular Mickey, but it appears in the movie he dies quite a few more times. In addition to Pattinson, it stars Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo, and Thomas Turgoose.

Mickey 17 will be Joon-ho’s first film since Parasite in 2019, and is slated to hit theaters on January 31st, 2025.