Trailer Talk: Marvel, Melissa McCarthy and Madness

Big Game

I don't often talk about foreign features, but this one did stick out like a sore thumb through its rather odd casting choice of Samuel L Jackson as the President. There is some comedy, a lot of action and possibly a viewing that could entertain. I wouldn't hold high hopes on it, but if word of mouth is good then a viewing may very well be likely.

Peanuts

A simple retread on the previous festive tease, this is more-or-less the same as before but with all signs of Christmas removed to ensure year-round viewing. Nothing special, but at least you can watch it during summer instead.

Ant-Man

After multiple teases throughout the week, including a smart ant-sized teaser for this trailer, Marvel finally releases footage for the long-awaited feature of the pint-sized hero. And the reaction was lukewarm. Granted, it does fall for the typical formula for a trailer for an action film, but people expected more. As first trailers go, it does well in enticing audiences - particularly in those final moments with Paul Rudd in action - but it does come across as generic, and the comedy is few in number. The future may still be bright for this troubled picture, but it needs to step up its game.

Chappie

The first trailer enthralled, the second trailer not so much. What was a film which looked very appealing for its unique new storytelling for the A.I. tale, it's a pity that this trailer plays things safer by being more apathetic towards Hugh Jackman's prejudiced character, to the point that he becomes cartoony against a robot watching He-Man. It's an odd choice, but the film does still look appealing.

The Voices

What an odd film. Whilst talking animals have become a norm for Hollywood since the 1990s, being used to this degree is an interesting decision. Add the chatty decapitated head of Gemma Arterton and a mental Ryan Reynolds, and you have a film which can easily falter but may have a small chance of being good. Critics seem to be liking it, but it's still debatable what audiences will see in it.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Marvel quickly returns to the fray with the second/third/fourth trailer for their highly-anticipated sequel, and the hype is clearly deserving. Sure, it doesn't give any more insight into the story or show much of Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Paul Bettany (or even anything), but it still presents itself as one of the must-sees of 2015. Not much new, but it sure does keep the excitement building.

Playing it Cool

This could be 2015's answer to What If, just with a more audience-attainable cast. Yes, much like the Daniel Radcliffe rom-com, this film does appear to have some form of heart and comedic value, even if it will eventually come across as nothing particularly special in the long run. It does look appealing, and with its superhero-centric cast could gain a wider following, but we'll see.

Unfriended

Why on earth is everyone going on about this film? It looks nothing short than cheap. It's scareless, actorless. and just plain dull. The fact that everyone is excited for it makes me fearful for its eventual box office gross...

Spy

Melissa McCarthy returns for another comedy-free comedy as she plays a CIA office worker put in the field when all of their secret agents' identities are revealed. Like many comedies before, this lacks any humour of any form in both the green and red band versions of this trailer whilst the acting is subpar at best. Maybe the only reason it's gotten Brits in a flutter is because Miranda Hart has a big screen appearance - not that it'll mean anything.

Get Hard

This must be a rushed production, as its first trailer only came out a month ago and the film is scheduled for release for March. It apparently has appeal, but I see none of it in this or the previous trailer. Skip!

Everly

Salma Hayek is stuck in her apartment and being hunted. I'm sure she'll end up being invincible as this film looks nothing more than meh. Aside from a few scenes which could be appealing, there's not much going for it.