Trailer Talk: Avengers, Clooney and Whales

Miss Meadows

The idea of a "Pulp Fiction Mary Poppins" is an intriguing one, as former Batman girlfriend Katie Holmes goes on a killing spree as teacher Miss Meadows. It does look somewhat interesting, especially with her bright choices in clothing, so perhaps it's something to keep an eye out on. However, it may be a risky prospect as it could be a little too sugar coated.

Tomorrowland

Soon after I placed the film on my Top 10 for 2015 list, Disney released this gem of a teaser onto the world out of the blue, and it makes me feel overly pleased that I predicted correctly as the film looks extravagant. Brad Bird's direction is excellent stuff as is the editing between transitions of the two worlds, and kudos to the young actress successfully managing to repeat her actions perfectly. It may tell little of the story itself, but boy am I ready to see it.

Big Hero 6

Ahead of its US release next Friday, Disney showed off this final trailer alongside Tomorrowland at New York Comic Con, and it gives a bit more focus to the team aspect. There isn't anything particularly new here, but it offers some new footage as it begins its fight against Interstellar (which is released on the same day).

Focus

                                      

This is an interesting one. On one hand, you have Margot Robbie hot off the heels from The Wolf of Wall Street and in the first of many roles for her following its success. On the other hand, you have Will Smith in his first major role since last year's dismal After Earth, plus his cameo in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. But Focus could be the bridge which creates a merge of good and bad, with a so-so premise but strong visuals. Proceed with caution.

A Merry Friggin Christmas

                                      

Here come the Christmas films. Out of the holiday season's roster, this is perhaps the most interesting due to the untimely death of Robin Williams. The film doesn't look particularly strong or remotely funny, so it's a pity that this is one of the last films in his filmography.

In the Heart of the Sea

                                      

This film is perking the interest of various whale protectors who believe this film will encourage whale hunting in those countries where it still exists. But this adaptation of the true story behind Moby Dick is nothing more than a retelling of a real event, and an interesting one to boot. There's always a story about an abnormally enlarged animal, usually a lizard or the infamous gorilla King Kong, but here it's naturally large mammal in a well-directed trailer. Keep an eye out for this film.

Unbroken

                                      

Similarly to the first trailer, this seems to be cluttered with content from various sectors, varying from Olympics to being stranded to being enslaved in Japan, with the added element of a troubled childhood. Whilst Angelina Jolie is doing a marvellous job in the director's seat, the content itself appears all over the place with no cohesion. I'm sure the film itself will be linear and well-edited, but this trailer isn't.

Top Five

                                      

This film seems to be very safe for Chris Rock. With his film career consisting mainly of Madagascar-related material, he needs a hit to relight his career outside of the animation genre, but Top Five isn't it. It's a relatively small storyline lending itself to poor jokes and an off cast.

The Woman in Black: Angel of Death

                                      

Hmm, another conventional horror movie trailer in time for Halloween. This time for the sequel to 2012's box office hit The Woman in Black, with an equally dull trailer. No scares, no integrity, just pure boredom. 

The Gambler

                                      

Aside from a remarkable physical change by Mark Wahlberg, this film does have some good editing and a funny John Goodman. Everything else is currently debatable, as like Focus it follows a simplistic idea which could do good or bad. Time will tell.

Insidious: Chapter 3

                                      

Oooff, what a scare-less teaser. Basic jumpscares, dull characters, dodgy camerawork, it's all rather meh for this third instalment to the horror franchise. New characters, new ways of boring.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

                                      

Something completely different is the highly-anticipated Avengers sequel, which leaked a week before its intended release during Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (a preview clip is taking its place). Thanks to Joss Whedon's stylistic direction, the superb editing by the team at Marvel, and the brilliant rendition of Pinocchio's 'Got No Strings' to match with the film's tone, it brings across what could potentially be the studio's strongest film to date. It's bigger, it's bolder, and oh boy am I excited for its release. HULKBUSTER SMASH!