Trailer Talk: Jolie, Jimi and Gillian

Dracula Untold
The fact that this trailer presents its title within the first 40 seconds of the trailer really gives off an idea of the film's quality. Whilst it succeeds in presenting a dark broody tone for the horrific action hybrid, and Luke Evans is certainly trying to give his all to this troubled script, it does look a bit poor. It gives off the usual plot ideal as various films prior in which the main character is losing his humanity whilst trying to be a husband and father...wait, isn't this just like the first half of this year's RoboCop reboot?

The Skeleton Twins
This does look like a simplistic indie film with big comedic talent as they try and break out of their moulds with calm jokes as opposed to the bombastic humour seen in Wiig and Hader's filmography. Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't, but it's far too subtle in this trailer with more focus on the emotions of these characters.

Hector and the Search for Happiness
With this trailer, it looks like Simon Pegg is taking a leaf out of Adam Sandler's book by featuring in a comedy which takes place in another country, in this case several. However, unlike Sandler, who brings along friends to make various fart/poo jokes, Pegg is treating it more like a tour guide to all the countries featured and how much fun can be had. And whilst it does fall for the silly emotional aspect as expected with wife Rosamund Pike, there were times in which the jokes did succeed - more in an internal amusement way than aloud.

Beyond the Lights
I watched this trailer for the pure reason of Gugu Mbatha-Raw, following her strong performance as the titular role in Belle, intrigued as to whether she could pass along her expertise in a film I had no knowledge of. But alas, whilst the singing is good and the chemistry is realistic, it too follows simplistic storylines with a star forced into this light who doesn't feel like she's herself. Nothing too special.

Horrible Bosses 2
I haven't seen the first Horrible Bosses so I can't really comment on the consistency of the jokes and storyline. What I am sure of though is that, surprisingly, there are some good jokes involved, and if not then the delivery really helps out (namely with Jennifer Aniston's scene at the end). The trailer does quite simply show that this is the tone this series goes in, and if new viewers like it they should view it.

Jimi: All is By My Side
This does look like a promising biopic on the infamous singer from the 60s, with a strong performance shining through by André Lauren Benjamin. I doubt it will resonate as much as it will come cinematic release, but it does look like a film critics will enjoy with its racial themes and great musical numbers.

Sharknado 2: The Second One
Of course I'm going to venture into the odd world of Sharknado, one of the most popular TV movies of the last year, with this sequel trailer. I haven't seen the first 'instalment' but from what I've gathered about The Second One is that it's likely it follows in the footsteps of its predecessor. I shan't be in a hurry to watch this pile of chum, but it's probable that many will.

Guardians of the Galaxy
Just when I thought the final trailer had been released, another one pops up out of nowhere. Perhaps the weakest of the trailers to date, it works more as an advertisement of the various 80s songs which feature in the same way as the previous inclusions. The part which does work is the extended clip from the "That's a fake laugh" scene from the previous trailer, which has a hilarious continuation with Groot (Vin Diesel). It's already established that I am excited for this film, and look forward to its release. 20 days to go!

Gone Girl
This is a film which has a lot of buzz, with the source material being based on the popular novel by Gillian Flynn and the increasing popularity of future Batman Ben Affleck with the successes of The Town and Argo. This too has a large Oscar buzz, and this trailer really adds heat to the Oscar flame. Whilst I dislike the concluding shots of Pike for possible spoilers, the rest looks absolutely superb.

Exodus: Gods and Kings
I have a bit of a sour taste with religious movies following the borefest that is Noah, so seeing another Biblical epic does leave me worried. Add Ridley Scott coming off from 2013's critical flop The Counselor, and it does create fear. I'm not familiar with the full story of Moses, but I can't say this trailer wins me over. I wasn't even sure which character was which until a second viewing which can give off further fear for studios and audiences alike. Take caution with what is shown.

Unbroken
Angelina Jolie returns behind the camera in her second directorial attempt following critical flop In the Land of Blood and Honey, and this time there's a lot more buzz for reasons unknown to me. It does feel like another one of those "epic true stories" which are made left right and centre these days, but Jolie has stepped up her game in terms of direction as it looks a lot more sleek. There's some great editing involved and an interesting premise, but I'm unsure on how emotional it will be in comparison to how much it wants to be. There's a wind of cliché within it all with the strong patriotism so it may fail with foreign audiences, but who knows.