Trailer Talk: The Big Jungle Birds Games

Creed

Remember how I said that the first trailer revolved less on Rocky than anticipated? Well, the second trailer showcases a lot more of him to the point of reaching spoiler territory, and as such starts to lose a little footing. While the change of focus is likely due to the recent failure of Michael B. Jordan's Fantastic Four, it's seems a bit much to hint towards Stallone's fate. But still, Creed does remain appealing.

The Jungle Book

Anyone who follows me on Twitter will know that I'm hugely against the upcoming splurge of remakes currently in development at the Walt Disney Company, what with the first three forays Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent and Cinderella each failing to grasp a reaction higher than 'unnecessary' and a number of the choices being made by the studio barely worthy of a response other than a loud resounding "No!" (I mean, a live action Winnie the Pooh?! A Mary Poppins sequel/remake?! An Aladdin prequel about genies?! Even that one segment from Fantasia is getting a movie!). But fortunately for Jon Favreau, he seems to have made Disney's best remake to date thanks to strong visuals, good direction and a well edited teaser. My only gripe? I'm still coming to terms with Scarlett Johansson as Kaa - although that's mostly because of how good Sterling Holloway was in the 1967 original.

The Divergent Series: Allegiant

Let's get something straight - I abhor the Divergent series. The first film was a travesty, and my avoiding of Insurgent seems to have been well-placed going less-than-spectacular reviews on the likes of Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. So how nice of Lionsgate to commemorate the abysmal franchise by spending the first half of the third instalment's trailer looking back at how much time audience of wasted of their lives...all while promising that the third will be no different. Bleurgh.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part Two

Sticking to the YA front (what with the influx of trailers caused by the release of The Scorch Trials) is The Hunger Games' measly attempt of reminding audiences that Katniss has a sister...while pretty much telling everyone that she's going to end up dead. And it isn't helped by the fact that the whole thing is made out as though it's a fanvid, what with its poor editing and everything. Here's the thing Lionsgate - if you're going to do a fan-like tribute to whatever loathsome YA franchise you're working on, at least try and get it right like some people can!

In the Heart of the Sea

What with the film being delayed to Christmas after initially being scheduled for March (I even remember the first trailer playing ahead of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies last December), this supposedly final trailer ahead of its Christmas release does remain to show promise in the story area, but oddly the special effects still look unpolished, which when considering the fact that the whole film focuses on a whale really baffles you. Nevertheless, Ron Howard's next film does intrigue and interest.

Bridge of Spies

While little new of note compared to past trailers for the next Spielberg/Hanks collaboration, Bridge of Spies remains a film to look forward to thanks to its presentation and subject matter. Plus, y'know, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

Steve Jobs

The Michael Fassbender-lead biopic that recently impressed critics at the Telluride Film Festival releases a new trailer, and it remains impressive. Not only with the great editing in the opening minute with the screen shrinking, but with finally clarifying that it takes place across 3 separate events. Steve Jobs is certainly a film I plan on seeing, primarily for Fassbender's performance.

Point Break

SKIP!

The Walk

I think I'd be too scared to actually watch The Walk in the desired IMAX experience due to a very mild case of vertigo, but that doesn't mean I'll be put off from watching the film itself - least of all on the big screen. The Walk does look like a strong addition to Zemeckis' filmography, and once this is published the film will be out in limited release so we'll get an idea if it actually is, but I'll certainly be buying a ticket...even if Joseph Gordon-Levitt still looks a little freaky.

The Big Short

Well this certainly has captured my attention. Comedy director Adam McKay (who recently did work on the Ant-Man screenplay) doing a serious film would usually be disinteresting, but considering the intriguing plot details and a great set of cast members ranging from Brad Pitt to Steve Carell...so maybe a watch is in order!

The Peanuts Movie

With very little new compared to the previous trailer, this potentially final teaser gives its final chance to win over new audiences...and wastes it by simply rehashing the other one. But like I've said before, I really want to see this, with most of the aesthetic sticking to the original style (although I miss the weird dancing from the original cartoons) I'll still be watching it...but I'm a tad cautious.

The Angry Birds Movie

Here's the thing: I don't have anything against the Angry Birds franchise. The game is basic but harmless; the spin-offs are a little cash-grabby but don't do any damage; and a film of them is a natural thing to do, especially with animation. But with this particular studio and this particular cast, you have something which could go very wrong - and it's been something that was evident back when the first promotional image of the redesigned birds was released many months ago. And now we're seeing them moving with tacky jokes, one-note characterisations and animation which looked more focused on making the scenery pretty? The only noteworthy actors on show are Danny McBride (a first for him) and Bill Hader, who sounds suspiciously like a Simpsons character but cannot pinpoint which one. I'll watch, but I won't like.

The Revenant

Borrowing the majority of elements from the first teaser released back in July, it does delve a little more into what it's about and continues to pump the blood with aniticipation. What else can I say about a film that's got a place on my most-aniticapted list?

Spectre

Hot off the heels of a lukewarm response to Sam Smith's Bond song (my response to it? Not a big music fan, so Smith does little for me. The song itself is a little bland, especially for something as big as Bond) comes the final, albeit short, trailer for the ambiguous sequel, offering very little than to remind audiences that you can book tickets now. Well, it doesn't actually, but it reminds them that they should see if they can.