Trailer Talk: Pixar, Phoenix and Paintings

Big Eyes

Tim Burton has been in a bit of a slump as of late. With 2012's Dark Shadows failing to make a dent during The Avengers' box office hold and Frankenweenie failing to met its target demographic in the overcrowded market, it makes sense that the once critically-acclaimed director would go a little safe whilst keeping to his trademark creepy nature by making this biopic. But in this trailer it comes off as a bit cheery. Granted, it does have turmoil between the Keanes, but the colour palette is all too bright while the sudden big-eyed people in the latter half do seem to be the only thing which makes up a Burton film. It does look a little interesting, but not riveting enough for a movie ticket.

The Interview

Rogen and Franco are still playing the assassination side of this comedy a little quiet as with their recent green-band trailer, but they're still keeping to the same formula of sex and drug jokes. Sure, it works for some, but for me it's an insta-pass.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

When it was announced that this film was going to be pushed back until February, there were doubts that this film could do badly, as the story tends to be if any film does so. But here, it doesn't give off that belief. Some CGI shots still need some touching up, such as Colin Firth's back flip, but aside from that it looks brilliant. Samuel L Jackson is clearly having a lot of fun with his role, with humour galore ("If you get blood on the carpets, you have to take the carpet off!") and inventive uses of umbrellas and artificial limbs. Very excited!


Big Hero 6

Disney are on a roll. Frozen hit the billion dollar club, Captain America broke April records, Guardians of the Galaxy became the highest grossing film of the summer with its August release, while the likes of Maleficent, Planes and Muppets Most Wanted all doing well in their own rights. Big Hero 6 does have the biggest fight as a follow-up to Frozen, and this trailer isn't as enjoyable as the first few, but it does prove that it has what it takes. It has a lot more focus on the rest of the group and what brings them together whilst showing off the pristine animation and humour as per previously. It looks like a fun ride which I look forward to joining.

Jupiter Ascending

 I had forgotten all about this film, which was originally scheduled for release this summer before suddenly being pushed back until February 2015. However, unlike Kingsman, it does look complete and ready for release, and it does look a bit dull. It seems to have fallen for the classic idea of returning to home turf for a big climatic battle which doesn't look at all appealing here. Add obvious love hinting and Mila Kunis evolving into a 'badass', it seems all too simple from the makers of The Matrix.

The Wedding Ringer

Kevin Hart is currently a king of comedy in the box office, whilst human Olaf Josh Gad is slowly going up the ladder of stardom. This does have a good enough premise, but it does fall flat in actuality. Jokes fail, particularly that flamed grandmother, and it's predictable as heck. Pass!

Blackhat

This has a similar feel to last year's stinker The Fifth Estate. Big name star, computer hacking, politics...it's all alike. The actors look a little bored and various scenes do appear to look dull, while the direction is a little shoddy. It isn't that appealing.

Inherent Vice

Oh boy, I suddenly got pumped for this movie! Having heard a lot of buzz before production began, and with many cinephiles in a flurry for this, this trailer's appearance certainly helps clear away the unknown. It's funny, a strong cast, and a nice 70s feel to it through its music, setting and feel. It has a classic vibe and I cannot wait for it. My only problem is the narrator at the end, but it's certain that it won't be inn the final film.

Horrible Bosses 2

While the trio do obviously have strong chemistry, and it's clear they're going on the 22 Jump Street route of having their mentor be more of a part in this film (in this case Jamie Foxx), but there's very little going for it besides that. Maybe the Fight Club scene but the rest is rather simple and overdone.

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Ahh, the biblical epic; current residence of Ridley Scott following the critical mauling of The Counselor last year. Similarly to the first trailer, I'm not really getting into it. It has good enough visuals but is limited in subsistence and feels more or less the same as Noah.

Interstellar

Christopher Nolan has earned the respect of audiences and critics following the Dark Knight trilogy and Inception, so it's clear that this film has incredibly high levels of hype - already there's Oscar buzz despite there being no screenings yet. For this final tease, it plays more on the exploration aspect then the effects on the world leading up to it, which makes a refreshing change and gives off the opportunity to see more of Anne Hathaway and Nolan's strong directive style. I look forward to its release next month.

Tak3n

Liam Neeson is at it again, and this time he's the one being hunted down in this trilogy finale. It's good that they've added a twist to the storyline instead of a rehash, and with the death of Fanke Janssen increases the danger whilst exploring Neeson's past. Yes, there's a simple premise, but it may reinvigorate the series for its final outing.

Inside Out

2015 is a big year for Pixar. Not only are they returning to the fray with two new films (this and The Good Dinosaur) after a year off, but also they're celebrating 20 years of feature films and the original Toy Story. As such, the trailer plays on that by opening with a montage going through almost all Pixar's films - bar Toy Story 2 and Cars 2 - from Toy Story to Up and many more. It's a celebration edited really well, and the choice of clips really shows how proud they are of their work and how they affect the audience. Having done a Pixar marathon earlier this year, it gives a brief look at what I loved about those films. Then comes the new stuff, with a quick introduction to the characters of our next grand adventure, and it's definitely got me pumped. The animation looks beautiful, the casting is strong (I just love that Amy Poehler is voicing Joy, having just gone through all six seasons of Parks and Recreation recently and loved it), and it just looks great. It's simple but incredibly effective, and even gave off a laugh in its short moments of screentime. I look forward to 2015.