Parents' Guide to The Trust

You may not want to put your trust -- that you'll be entertained, that is -- in The Trust. Here's why not: It severely lacks the kind of character development that would give you a reason to root for the two would-be thieves; tension as the heist unfolds; chemistry between the characters; and any sense of what it's trying to say. Do we want the leads to get away with their caper? Are they in any danger? What happens once the job is complete? The film doesn't address any of this, making it difficult for viewers to feel invested in the story.

Stone is first presented as a a mid-career hack who goes by the book, much to the irritation of his fellow officers. So it comes a a surprise when he decides to go rogue, and we're never presented with any justification for his decision. His partner, Waters, is a sad-sack stoner who seems willing to cut any corner, so it doesn't quite fit that he'd be willing to go the extra mile to pull off this job. In fact, pretty much none of this makes sense, right up to the very end -- which features a surprise twist that destroys any possible sense of empathy just as viewers might be starting to feel something positive for one of characters. Oh, and Jerry Lewis appears briefly, too, for some reason that (surprise!) is never explained.