Christopher Nolan has been using the internet to his advantage to spread the mystery about the next and final installment in his Batman trilogy. He’s posted small, yet confusing clips and cryptic pictures of his characters. There are multiple stories about what the plot will be and the teaser trailer before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 did nothing to clear the water. I will let you come to your own conclusions after the trailer, but my opinion is that this film just continues to build anticipation and that if this is anything less than amazing people will be disappointed. I have a lot of faith that Nolan will not let his audience down.
Contagion
The next trailer on our list today is Stephen Soderbergh’s next film, Contagion, starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Marion Cotillard and Laurence Fishburne. The film revolves around a strain of virus that spreads and kills the infected within days. The story seems to focus more on the panic and crumbling of structure than the actual fighting of the virus, kind of like a zombie film without the undead roaming around for brains. I think this one looks pretty strong as well and will probably put this on my list of most anticipated films this Fall.
What are your thoughts and comments about these trailers? Good/bad?
This is the final trailer for the final film in the Harry Potter series. I am glad that we finally get to see some more scenes than what they have been showing us for the last year and a half. My excitement for this film had been dwindling a bit and this picked it back up just a tad:
Being Green (3rd Muppets Teaser)
Here is the third clever marketing tactic by Jason Segel and The Muppets, set to tie in with the release of Green Lantern. While these might get old after a little while, these parody trailers are still enjoyable. Plus, this is the first one that involves the Swedish Chef, one of my personal favorite characters.
I look back at the young naive Chris of five months ago and wonder what led me to make the list of my anticipated movies of 2011. I think I had a lot of caffeine pumping through the bloodstream and was probably highly unstable coming down from the holiday season.
Now, that the spring air is clearing my head and I have a little bit more granularity on films coming out this summer, I present to you this list of my Top Ten Anticipated Summer Movies:
When an alcoholic relapses, causing him to lose his wife and his job, he holds a yard sale on his front lawn in an attempt to start over. A new neighbor might be the key to his return to form.
Chris’ Take: Will Ferrell returns to what seems like a similar role to Stranger than Fiction. Rather than the loud and brash character that he normally plays, he will be shifting gears to play the understated, yet desperate man. The film had trouble finding a distributor, but now that it is about to make its release it is receiving rave early reviews (90% on RT). While it may not end up being my favorite movie this summer, I certainly have hope that it will bring back the dramedic style that Ferrell showed a knack for in 2006.
Synopsis from IMDB: After losing his job, a middle-aged man re-invents himself by going back to college.
Chris’ Take: Who doesn’t like Tom Hanks? He is probably one of the most genuinely likeable guys in Hollywood and his knack for comic timing is uncanny. While he has been in some bad movies recently, overall everything he touches seems to at least end up in “decent” territory. Another plus, is that he is getting in the director’s chair again, a place he hasn’t been since That Thing You Do!, which was just a downright enjoyable experience to watch. There is a downside for me to this movie though: Julia Roberts. She is never really bad in her movies, it’s just something about her….
I don't know what it is about your face, but if you don't fix it...I'll fix it for you.
Synopsis from IMDB: Teenager Charley Brewster (Yelchin) guesses that his new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Farrell) is a vampire responsible for a string of recent deaths. When no one he knows believes him, he enlists Peter Vincent (Tennant), the opportunistic host of his favorite TV show, to help him take down Jerry and his guardian.
Chris’ Take: I think Scream 4, wet my appetite for horror movies that know how to have fun. While too many of them get old, I think I will be ready by the time Fright Night hits theaters. The remake of the 1985 cult classic will hopefully not only pay its respects to the original, but will take its style and update it. I think the cast is intriguing, bringing in Colin Farrell to replace Chris Sarandon as the vampire Jerry Dandridge. I am interested to see if Farrell has as much fun with the role as Sarandon seemed to have.
Synopsis from IMDB: After witnessing a mysterious train crash, a group of friends in the summer of 1979 begin noticing strange happenings going around in their small town, and begin to investigate into the strange phenomenon.
Chris’ Take: J.J. Abrams certainly knows how to market his films, shrouding them in mystery so that half of the audience in the theater is only there so they can stop staying up at night wondering what the heck that random trailer they saw was about. He also makes pretty good films to boot. What I like about Super 8 is that it looks like it wants to return to the coming of age adventure tale that made films like The Goonies and E.T. so popular, memorable and appeal to all ages. While it still is unclear what the movie is about, it is an original script and not a remake, reboot, adaptation or sequel, which already garners some points in my book.
Synopsis from IMDB: The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.
Chris’ Take: The trailers for this film looked cheesy and somewhat campy, which is why it didn’t even come near my most anticipated movies for this year earlier. With all the buzz and great early reviews (and there are a lot of them), this film rapidly shot up my list. I was afraid that this film, especially with how little audiences seem to know about the character, would just merely be tossed in as a stepping stone to The Avengers. However, all the raving about this film hints that it could be this year’s Iron Man.
Synopsis from IMDB: The end begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione go back to Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemort’s final horcruxes, but when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.
Chris’ Take: I think at the beginning of the year my anticipation for this film was much higher, but the first one did not age well in my mind. I know I kind of liked it, but at the same time I thought it could be so much more. Now, while I will definitely be part of the droves that show up for this one, I am not as excited about it, because since the first and second parts were filmed at the same time, they probably have the same tone. Films that do that tend to either maintain their level of success, or their level of ineptitude.
Pictured: Ineptitude
My hope is that the swan song of the Harry Potter films will be the exception to that and improve on the first part.
Synopsis from IMDB: After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America’s ideals.
Chris’ Take: This looks like it will be one of the more ambitious superhero films, in both special effects and storyline. Captain America is hard to take seriously because as a comic book character he almost grew into a caricature of the patriotic era during World War II, even if he wasn’t meant to be. That is not to say that he isn’t a great character, but that just became my perception, and a couple of months ago it dimmed my desire to see this film. Now, watching the trailer and seeing him come to life, be taken seriously, and have Hugo Weaving playing Red Skull…
And the fact that they stayed true to the look without using fruity tights.
I am amped about it and look forward to seeing a classic character revived(cue the Team America theme song).
Synopsis from IMDB: The story centers around a family with three boys in the 1950s. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence.
Chris’ Take: While this film topped my list at the beginning of the year, but hipsteresque rumblings from director Terrence Malick and actor Fiona Shaw have dropped it from the #1 spot. Shaw said this to Empire Online, “I can’t tell you what it’s about because it’s about everything.” Sounds pretty ambitious, but a little bit too ambitious. That is not to say that I can’t wait to see the result, because the trailer moved me like no trailer has moved me before. Malick apparently let some of the actors write their parts for the film, based on general ideas in his head and let them pick where they wanted to film it, then molded what they came up with into his overall concept for the film. Sound confusing? Yeah, I am not sure I quite know how that works, but the heart that Malick poured into it, and the originality of the style, is enough to boost this past several special effects riddled summer spectacles on this list.
Synopsis from IMDB: A young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.
Chris’ Take: Guillermo Del Toro is one of the best directors in the business, and even though he is not at the helm of this film, his touch is all over it. Troy Nixey, is under Del Toro’s tutelage for his feature film directorial debut and it looks like a good old fashioned haunted house story. I am disappointed to see Katie Holmes in the lead, but I have a hard time believing Del Toro would attach his name to anything that wasn’t at least “decent”. I mean, did you hear his strong words while on tour with the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World DVD release troupe? As some of you know, Pac and I are avid fans of the horror genre and I think this has the potential to be one of the best, if not the best, to come out this year.
Synopsis from IMDB: In 1963, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend… and future archenemy.
Chris’ Take: This was the only comic book movie to make my list the first time around, but it was only somewhere in the middle of the pack. After the second trailer, which I will show below, I am brimming with joy to see a retro version of the X-Men franchise. Even though we know where the characters will eventually end up, there is still that desire to see the beginning of the complex relationship between Professor X and Magneto (or Charles and Erik). Also, Bryan Singer is returning to the director’s chair after the franchise was chewed up and vomited back on the screen by Bret Ratner and Gavin Hood. I don’t know if it will pull it off, but I want this film to be the redemption of the film series and return the X-Men back to their former glory.
Synopsis from IMDB: As Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: The release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 to home video will probably be the ramp up to the marketing campaign for the release of …Part 2 to release this summer. The first installment of this two part chapter was a well made, engaging film for franchise die-hards and casual fans alike. Those who want to watch or re-watch part 1 before heading to theaters for the finale of the Harry Potter saga will make up most of this DVD/Blu-Ray’s buyers, but is likely to do pretty well. For those of you die-hard fans who can wait, however, you may be better served waiting for the 2nd part to release on Blu-Ray, as you’ll probably be able to get a collector’s set with both films. You can read our Take Two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 by clicking here.
Add Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 to your Netflix Queue.
Synopsis from IMDB: The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: The King’s Speech was one of the best films of 2010 as indicated by its multiple Academy Award nominations and wins. Everything about this film is noteworthy when discussing cinematic achievement, and it is extremely entertaining to boot. There’s not much else needed to say about this film except that it is a must watch. Though there isn’t much else needed to say, we still managed to think of a few things in our Take Two of The King’s Speech.
Synopsis from IMDB: A hard-living Hollywood actor re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: I didn’t think I had heard of this film until I re-watched the trailer and was reminiscent of seeing it once. Though the trailer doesn’t tell you much, except that the film is written and directed by Sophia Coppola, it does have a certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the description of the film does minimally peak my interest. This film will probably make its way to the lower half of my Netflix queue. However, being written and directed by Sophia Coppola and featuring a song by The Strokes in the trailer will probably grab the attention of some viewers more than it did my own.
Synopsis from IMDB: Life for a happy couple is turned upside down after their young son dies in an accident. Based on a play by David Lindsay-Abaire.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: I feel obligated to mention when a film is nominated for an Academy Award because it is a prestigious honor and does provide the film (and my take) credibility. I am starting to feel like a broken record though as every week at least one Oscar nominated film is released to home video. This week seems like every film, including Rabbit Hole, as Nicole Kidman was nominated for best actress. I know Rabbit Hole will be a great film but I often have a hard time putting these types of films high on my Netflix queue simply due to their often melancholy themes and tone.
Synopsis from IMDB: Travel writer Lemuel Gulliver takes an assignment in Bermuda, but ends up on the island of Liliput, where he towers over its tiny citizens.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: I have not had the (dis)pleasure of seeing Gulliver’s Travels so I’m going to try hard not to pass too much judgment, though every inclination tells me this movie is terrible. Jack Black once was able to carry a movie as a lead (that one time being School of Rock), now I can only handle him in supporting roles or animated features. Judging by the trailer it seems they took a lot of creative liberties with Jonathan Swift’s book as well, which typically isn’t a good thing.
Synopsis from IMDB: Siberian gulag escapees walk 4000 miles overland to freedom in India.
Trailer:
Pac’s Take: Though I have seen Harry Potter and The King’s Speech, of all the films releasing this week, The Way Back interests me most. Peter Weir is a very good director, as indicated by the abridged filmography in the trailer, and Ed Harris has a very strong screen presence and rarely chooses bad roles. Colin Farrell even seems to be moving past his Miami Vice days and is choosing his roles more wisely (though back to back remakes of Fright Night and Total Recall may prove otherwise). Despite its limited release in theaters this should prove to be worthy of at least a rental.
I have to admit that I was kind of bored by the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, but it was still pretty good and set up the expectation for the finale. I have been waiting for a more in depth trailer for Part 2, but instead of a full length trailer Warner Bros released a shorter, teaser trailer that plays out more like a featurette:
I’m a little disappointed because they didn’t show a whole lot of footage that wasn’t already in the original trailer for both parts of the film. While hearing the actors and director talk about how exciting the final installment will be, whetted my appetite a little, it didn’t do a whole lot to get me talking more about this and didn’t leave me much to comment on. It’s still definitely one of my most anticipated films of the year, but it probably has fallen a bit more on that list due to some awesome trailers from Captain America and X-Men: First Class.
The Big Bang
I have mentioned several times that I am into film noir, so when I heard about another noir film coming out I was stoked. The Big Bang stars Antonio Banderas, William Fichtner and Sam Elliot and follows Banderas’ character as a private detective hired to find a missing woman. Sounds like a classic noir situation: the cynical detective seeks to help a mysterious woman, and it is never clear who the good guys or bad guys are, he just makes his own way with salty dialogue, some pistols and lots of beatings. Here is the trailer (RED BAND: CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE):
I have seen two trailers for the film and this is the better one. The other one makes it look like a weird mish mash of L.A. Confidential, Drive Angryand sci-fi. So while there are two trailers making them look like entirely different films, I am still intrigued by a new noir film and the cast is decent, so there is certainly some promise.
2011 is here, and with that comes a slew of sequels, remakes, etc., but also the promise of some truly fantastic films. Unfortunately, as I wrote this list, I realized that there are very few independent films on here for me to generate some buzz about. This list is comprised of films that I know of that are coming out this year and it is pretty scant so far. I have my reasons for each of them, most of them having to do with the directors, so if you all disagree with me, feel free to express your opinion in the comments.
Synopsis from IMDB: Two British comic-book geeks traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien outside Area 51.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: It is good to see Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, one of the best comedic duos, back on screen together. Plus, you add Greg Mottola (Superbad) to the director’s chair and a dash of Jason Bateman playing a sardonic government agent and it looks like it will be comic gold.
Synopsis from IMDB: An American priest travels to Italy to study at an exorcism school.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: Yeah, I know, it looks like another exorcism movie.
But wait I thought....
But, with Anthony Hopkins playing a dual role as both teacher and possessed, I hope he can recover from his appearance in The Wolfman. I am really only looking forward to this to see what he can do as someone possessed by the Devil. My hope is that it will be an even more disturbing Hannibal Lecter-ish character, but that is aiming really high.
Synopsis from IMDB: A young girl is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: This was my first reaction to the trailer:
Whaaaat?
But then I let it settle a bit and came to the conclusion that Snyder is one of the most visually inventive directors out there and it looks like he will have a field day with this one. Since its source material is critically acclaimed, I am not that worried about the story either. I think this will be an exciting film to see in the theaters, but I will probably only need to see it once.
Synopsis from IMDB: A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: I do not like Robert Pattinson, but I really like the other two starring actors. I also think this film will have visual flair and will be one of the more beautiful films of the year.
6. X-Men First Class
Release Date: 3 June, 2011
Starring: James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones, Kevin Bacon
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Synopsis from IMDB: Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-MEN.
Trailer:
No Official Trailer Available
Chris’ Take: I was completely disappointed with the last two X-Men films, but there is hope yet again for the franchise with Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, Layer Cake) taking control of the director’s chair and Bryan Singer, the man who made the first two films some of the best superhero adaptations, producing. I think this film will return to some of the grit that made them so likable in the first place.
Oh yeah, and Kevin Bacon.
5. The Green Hornet
Release Date: 14 January, 2011
Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou
Director: Michel Gondry
Synopsis from IMDB: Following the death of his father, Britt Reid, heir to his father’s large company, teams up with his late dad’s assistant Kato to become a masked crime fighting team.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: When I first heard about this, I didn’t give it a second thought. Seth Rogen transports his vulgarity spewing every man character, whose charm is rapidly wearing out, into another vehicle. But, a little comment from Michel Gondry after Comic-Con got me thinking I might want to see this. Apparently, at Comic-Con the die hard Green Hornet fans didn’t think it stuck to the source material close enough and Michel Gondry essentially said that it was because he wanted to make a good movie. I have a lot of faith in Gondry, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of my all-time favorite films, so I hope he can inject his skill into a flimsy idea.
4. Sherlock Holmes II
Release Date: 16 December, 2011
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris
Director: Guy Ritchie
Synopsis from IMDB: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson try to outwit their fiercest adversary, Dr. Moriarty.
Trailer:
No Official Trailer Available
Chris’ Take: The first installment was witty and the pace was perfect. I really enjoyed that it got past the cartoonish version of Holmes and spent some times showing some flaws. Guy Ritchie is a great director for this as well and while I am disappointed that Daniel Day-Lewis won’t be playing Moriarty, I am interested to see what Mad Men’s Jared Harris does with the role.
3. The Muppets
Release Date: 23 November, 2011
Starring: The Muppets, Jason Segel, Amy Adams
Director: James Bobin
Synopsis from IMDB: Kermit the Frog and his Muppet pals put on a show to save their theater.
Trailer:
No Official Trailer Available
Chris’ Take: I grew up with the Muppets and one of the few Christmas movies that I can struggle through is A Muppet’s Christmas Carol. I am glad to see someone like Segel taking this over, since he has a great respect and love for The Muppets, as witnessed in this clip from Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
James Bobin is a great pick to direct as well and he is teaming up with Bret McKenzie from Flight of the Conchords to make the music, which should be a good combination as well. There have been a lot of rumored cameos as well. Here are just some of the names that might be attached to the project: Emily Blunt, Jane Lynch, Jack Black, Ed Helms, John Krasinski, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Mickey Rooney, Billy Crystal, and Lady Gaga.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Release Date: 15 July, 2011
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes
Director: David Yates
Synopsis from IMDB: The end begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione go back to Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemorts final horcruxes, but when Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: I almost fell asleep during that last one, but I am sure this one will keep me awake as the series comes to an end. There really isn’t much to say about this that most of you don’t already know, except for why this isn’t #1.
1. The Tree of Life
Release Date: 27 May, 2011
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain, Fiona Shaw
Director: Terrence Malick
Synopsis from IMDB: The story centers around a family with three boys in the 1950s. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: I don’t think I have ever seen a trailer as breathtaking and captivating as that was. Based on that alone this is my most anticipated film of the year. I just hope the emotions captured in the preview can be stretched out for the duration of the film.
Some of you might notice a distinct lack of some superhero films on here, which based on the rumors flying around the web, you might think I would put on here. While I do look forward to seeing some of them, namely Green Lantern and Captain America, I think that the Marvel films will be more of a bridge to the Avengers project and will lack focus and direction. I hope I am wrong since I am a sucker for superhero films, but I can’t say that I expect much from them.
Because this is all they expect from me.
What are some of your most anticipated films of the year? Share them in the comments.
Despite what you may think, there are other films coming out this weekend besides Harry Potter. Will they pose any box office threat? Nope. Will they be any good? We’ll see. Here are the wide releases for this weekend:
Synopsis from IMDB: Voldemort’s power is growing stronger. He now has control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledore’s work and find the rest of the Horcruxes to defeat the Dark Lord. But little hope remains for the Trio, and the rest of the Wizarding World, so everything they do must go as planned.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: I started out, despising the Harry Potter series. Especially, when the first film came out and I thought it was pretty lame. Overcoming my prejudice took the help of my brother, Jerome, who told me to give the second film a chance and I was very surprised at the increase in quality and the series keeps getting better. I look forward to the final installments and hope that when I see this film on opening weekend, I won’t be surrounded by a throng of people, from middle school to adults who peaked in middle school, with lightning scars and coke bottle glasses.
Synopsis from IMDB: A married couple’s life is turned upside down when the wife is accused of a murder.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: Russell Crowe, at one point he was one of the best actors around and seeing his name on the marquee was something worth noting, but in the last five years, it seems like while the movies he is in are decent, his performances are rather boring. I think I would enjoy this film a lot more if Liam Neeson was playing the lead since he has proven he has a knack for kicking people’s asses to get his family back. Plus, Neeson is a better actor in general. Even with Paul Haggis (Crash, Casino Royale) as writer and director, I think this will be a film that will be exciting to watch, but easy to forget.
Heartless
Rated: R
Starring: Jim Sturgess, Clemence Poesy, Noel Clark
Director: Phillip Ridley
Synopsis from IMDB: Jamie Morgan, a young man with a large heart-shaped birthmark on his face, discovers that there are demons on the streets of East London.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: This is a film I didn’t know about until about 20 minutes ago, which is odd considering it is a wide release. This was released in the UK last year to moderate critical acclaim and has pretty good reviews in the U.S. so far. If you are not into Harry Potter and Russell Crowe’s increasingly haggard looking jowls are not enough to entice you to the theater, this might be something for you to see.
Limited Releases
White Material
Rated: Unrated
Starring: Isabelle Huppert, Isaach De Bankole, Christopher Lambert
Director: Claire Denis
Synopsis from IMDB: Denis revisits Africa, this time exploring a place rife with civil and racial conflict. A white French family outlawed in its home and attempting to save its coffee plantation connects with a black hero also embroiled in the tumult. All try to survive as their world rapidly crumbles around them.
Trailer:
Chris’ Take: French film is some of the most beautiful out there, at least the stuff that makes it to the States and this film looks like no exception. It received great reviews and critical acclaim at several festivals. Obviously, this isn’t one that really needs to be seen in the theater and will probably be just as good if seen on DVD.
The Dark Knight Rises
Contagion
Brian Pac Sostak
Chris Petersen
Sarah Higgins
stjerome03
Chris and Pac Take on Hollywood 