Careful What You Wish For (2015)
Careful What You Wish For (2015) Movie Review
*Careful What You Wish For* (2015), directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, is a thriller that attempts to weave a tale of temptation, deception, and consequence but falls short due to its predictable plot and lackluster execution. Starring Nick Jonas as Doug Martin, a young man entangled in a dangerous affair with Lena Harper (Isabel Lucas), the film aims for noir-inspired intrigue but struggles to maintain depth or originality.
## Plot Overview
The story follows Doug, a teenager spending the summer at his family’s lake house. When a wealthy investment banker, Elliot Harper (Dermot Mulroney), and his alluring wife, Lena, move in next door, Doug is drawn into a web of risky choices. What begins as a youthful fantasy quickly spirals into a nightmare involving betrayal, murder, and a questionable insurance policy. The narrative tries to keep viewers guessing with twists, but most are telegraphed early, diminishing the suspense.
## Performances
Nick Jonas delivers a passable performance as Doug, capturing the naivety of youth but lacking the emotional range to elevate the character beyond a generic protagonist. Isabel Lucas as Lena is enigmatic yet underwritten, leaving her motivations vague and her character more of a plot device than a fully realized figure. Dermot Mulroney provides the film’s strongest moments, bringing a calculated intensity to Elliot, though even he can’t salvage the script’s weaker moments. Supporting roles, including Paul Sorvino as a suspicious sheriff, feel underutilized and stereotypical.
## Direction and Cinematography
Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum’s direction leans heavily on familiar thriller tropes—shadowy lighting, tense music cues, and lingering shots of the lake setting. While the cinematography captures the serene yet isolating vibe of the lakeside town, it does little to distinguish itself from other low-budget thrillers. The pacing drags in the first half, with repetitive scenes that delay the inevitable plot turns, and the climax feels rushed and unearned.
## Writing and Themes
The screenplay by Chris Frisina attempts to explore themes of greed, youthful impulsiveness, and the consequences of crossing moral lines. However, the dialogue is often clunky, and the characters’ decisions feel driven by plot convenience rather than authentic motivations. The film gestures toward noir classics but lacks the psychological depth or moral ambiguity that defines the genre. Twists meant to shock are predictable, and the resolution ties up loose ends too neatly, undermining the story’s stakes.
## Overall Impression
*Careful What You Wish For* is a forgettable entry in the thriller genre, hampered by a formulaic script and uneven performances. While it might appeal to viewers seeking a light, undemanding mystery, it fails to deliver the tension or complexity needed to stand out. Fans of Nick Jonas or Dermot Mulroney may find moments to enjoy, but the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to tell a compelling story.
**Rating: 4/10**
*Recommended for*: Fans of predictable thrillers or those curious about Nick Jonas’ early acting roles.
*Skip it if*: You’re looking for a fresh, gripping, or emotionally resonant thriller.
