Robert Mitchum’s famous line about acting in “bad” movies for the paycheck might just be Val Kilmer’s career philosophy, judging by some of his film choices. In a similar vein of questionable cinema, “The Traveler Pelicula” emerges, and while it starts with a flicker of potential, it quickly descends into a muddle of nonsensical plot twists.
Initially, “The Traveler Pelicula” hints at a compelling, albeit familiar, setup. The atmosphere is tense, and the premise of a mysterious stranger arriving at a police station seems ripe for a taut thriller. There’s a derivative quality to the script, relying on stereotypical characters rather than nuanced individuals, but momentarily, this can be overlooked for the sake of genre expectations. One might even draw comparisons to classic Western revenge tales, envisioning Kilmer’s character as a wronged spirit seeking justice, reminiscent of Clint Eastwood’s ghostly avenger in High Plains Drifter. Had “The Traveler Pelicula” pursued this straightforward path of supernatural vengeance, it might have delivered a simple yet effective, even if somewhat predictable, thriller, perhaps echoing the morality plays found in The Twilight Zone.
However, the narrative takes a sharp detour, succumbing to the now-clichéd trend of twist endings popularized by M. Night Shyamalan. This is where “The Traveler Pelicula” truly loses its way. In an attempt to elevate the film beyond a simple revenge story, the writers introduce a major plot twist that ultimately undermines the entire narrative. Instead of adding depth or complexity, this “big reveal” feels absurd and illogical, completely dismantling any sense of coherence previously established. The twist not only fails to surprise in a satisfying way but actively invalidates the preceding events, rendering much of what the audience has witnessed meaningless. The carefully constructed tension dissipates, replaced by confusion and a sense of narrative betrayal.
Ultimately, “The Traveler Pelicula” serves as a cautionary example of how a promising premise can be squandered by a poorly executed plot twist. What begins as a potentially intriguing thriller devolves into a confusing and ultimately forgettable cinematic experience. Perhaps, like Mitchum and possibly Kilmer, we can simply acknowledge that sometimes, even for actors, “they pay you for the bad ones too,” and move on, hoping for better cinematic travels next time.
