Previews: The Commuter Trailer, Tomb Raider, More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the brand new The Commuter trailer, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Tomb Raider, and more…

The Commuter Trailer

Here is the brand new The Commuter trailer. The action thriller is about a regular commuter who is forced to find a hidden passenger on his train. The film sees director Jaume Collet-Serra reunite with Liam Neeson following Non-Stop and Unknown. Also starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, and Sam Neill, The Commuter launches onto UK screens on 19th January 2018.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Trailer

Here is the new Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle trailer. The film is a new adventure based in the world of Jumanji. The film is about four teenagers who are sucked into the jungle world, and stars Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is set for release on 20th December 2017.

Tomb Raider Trailer

This is the trailer for the new Tomb Raider film, a reboot of the game-set series which starred Angelina Jolie in the early 2000s. Alicia Vikander plays Lara Croft, and the film focuses on the character at the beginning of her career. Also starring Dominic West and Walton Goggins, Tomb Raider is scheduled for release in March 2018.

The Glass Castle Clip

Above is a clip from The Glass Castle. The film is based on the memoirs of Jeannette Walls, focussing on her relationship with her unconventional father. Starring Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson, The Glass Castle is out in cinemas on 6th October 2017.

Better Watch Out Trailer

This looks like a lot of fun. Better Watch Out is a Christmas time-set horror comedy about a babysitter who must defend her tween charges from an intruder. The film looks like it has all the ingredients of an entertaining movie, from the trailer above at least. Starring Levi Miller and Olivia DeJonge, Better Watch Out hits UK screens on 8th December 2017.

The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Poster

I was non-plussed about The LEGO NINJAGO Movie but this cat is making it much more appealing. The third LEGO movie, this film is about a group of secret ninja warriors. Featuring the voices of Jackie Chan, Dave Franco, and Justin Theroux, The LEGO NINJAGO Movie is out in UK cinemas on 13th October 2017.

Previews: Alice Through The Looking Glass and more!

A visual feast in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including Alice Through The Looking Glass, Sisters, and By The Sea…

Alice Through The Looking Glass Trailer

Here is the first at upcoming sequel Alice Through The Looking Glass. Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp and the rest of the cast return for the follow-up to 2010’s Alice in Wonderland. Alice Through The Looking Glass is directed by James Bobin, whose work on the last two Muppet films is certainly a good sign. Alice Through The Looking Glass is set for release in the UK on 27th May 2016.

Sisters Poster

Sisters is the latest venture to reunite Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The film is about two disconnected sisters who return to their family home to clear out their childhood bedroom. Directed by Pitch Perfect‘s Jason Moore, Sisters will hit UK screens on 18th December, with previews from 12th December 2015.

The Good Dinosaur Clip

This just looks magical. The Good Dinosaur poses the question of what if the dinosaurs never became extinct. The notion looks rather wonderful in the film, although I do wonder if in reality in would be some horrible Jurassic Park type situation. The Good Dinosaur is out in UK cinemas on 27th November 2015.

By The Sea Featurette

Angelina Jolie speaks about her ideas behind By The Sea. The film is written, directed and stars Jolie, alongside husband Brad Pitt. She states that she has been influenced by European cinema of the 1960s and 1970s, and audiences will be able to see for themselves when By The Sea is released on 11th December 2015.

The Dressmaker Trailer

The Dressmaker stars Kate Winslet as a designer who returns to her childhood small town in Australia. Also starring Judy Davis and Liam Hemsworth, the comedy drama is based on Rosalie Ham’s bestselling novel. The Dressmaker is out in UK cinemas on 20th November 2015.

The Revenant Poster

Is this the film that will get Leonardo DiCaprio his coveted Oscar? The Revenant tells the story of Hugo Glass, a man left for dead in uncharted territory. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, the film also stars Tom Hardy, Will Poulter and Lucas Haas. The Revenant hits UK screens in January 2016.

Dirty Grandpa

Zac Efron stars as the straight-laced groom to be on a road trip with his recently windowed grandfather in comedy Dirty Grandpa. Robert De Niro’s grandfather is not quite the kindly old gentleman however. Also starring Aubrey Plaza, Dirty Grandpa is set for release on 22nd January 2016.

Film Review: Unbroken

Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken tells a remarkable true story, but its execution does not elevate it above other films of this ilk.

Olympic runner Louis Zamperini has put his running career on hold to serve in the US armed forces.

 After a plane crash in the Pacific, Louis must try to survive in harsh conditions, before facing even greater trials…

Based on a true story, Unbroken combines biopic conventions with those of a war movie. Angelina Jolie has returned to war for her second directorial feature, and she chooses to depict the horrors of conflict in detail.

Unbroken‘s  screenplay functions adequately to maintain the audience’s attention. Viewers would be forgiven for expecting more than this, however, with the Coen brothers’ involvement. The crux of Zamperini’s story makes the film engaging; it is inherently interesting, rather than any particular craft of the storytelling.

Jolie offers an unflinching portrait of the horrors of war. The direction is perfunctory in depicting brutality; there is no real flair to this. The flashbacks work to build a picture of the central character. The protagonist has an inspiring story, but Unbroken concentrates on his strength entirely, negating the obvious negative impact that such an experience would have on a person.

Survival is a strong theme in Unbroken. It is a little disappointing that the film did not spend more time on the after effects of Louis’ experiences. Some significant aspects were glossed over in the pre-credits round up. Unbroken could have explored these aspects as part of the film rather than making them an afterthought.

Roger Deakins’ cinematography offers a few beautifully composed shots, but overall it is not quite on par with some of his previous films. Jack O’Connell offers a strong performance as Louis.

Ultimately it is a shame that Unbroken did not offer a more satisfying rendition of its source material. By no means a disaster, nevertheless the film is not the striking cinema it could have been.

Stuff To Look At

A veritable cornucopia of film trailers, images and featurettes this week, including Hot Tub Time Machine 2, Lucy, The Imitation Game and more…

Hot Tub Time Machine 2

Here is the trailer for Hot Tub Time Machine 2. A sequel to 2010’s hit comedy Hot Tub Time Machine, this instalment sees three of the four main characters venturing forward in time. Hot Tub Time Machine 2 will be released in the UK on 26th December 2014.

Fifty Shades of Grey

The hotly-anticipated trailer for Fifty Shades of Grey is here. Having not read the book, I am unsure whether this is what fans of the novel expect. Starring Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, Fifty Shades of Grey is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 13th February 2015.

Lucy

From the above clip, Lucy looks like it will be very entertaining. Luc Besson directs Scarlett Johansson in the sci-fi thriller, from Besson’s own screenplay. Lucy hits the big screen on 22nd August 2014.

The Expendables 3

And with every film, the cast keeps growing. The Expendables 3 sees some familar faces return, along with new additions such as Wesley Snipes and Harrison Ford. From the above featurette, it looks as if the cast had a lot of fun making the film. The Expendables 3 powers its way into cinemas on 14th August 2014.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Here is the latest image from the upcoming Mad Max: Fury Road, which was debuted at Comic Con this week. Although the thought of another belated sequel could be disappointing, this one is directed by original helmer George Miller and stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. Max Max: Fury Road is scheduled for release on 15th May 2015.

The Imitation Game

The first trailer for The Imitation Game was released this week, along with the news that the film will be opening the BFI London Film Festival in October. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game will receive a full release in UK cinemas on 14th November 2014.

Big Hero 6

The more I see of Big Hero 6, the more I am looking forward to the film. Big Hero 6 also reminds me how much I need a robot in my life. The film is due to be released in January 2015.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Here is the latest TV spot for the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It looks as if there will be humour in the film, which is appealing. But the real question is, for where is Krang? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is out in UK cinemas on 17th October 2014.

Let’s Be Cops

Above is a clip from buddy-cop comedy Let’s Be Cops. Damon Wayans Jr. and Jake Johnson star as two friends who dress up as police officers for a costume party and end up being mistaken for the real thing. Let’s Be Cops hits the big screen on 27th August 2014.

Annabelle

Urgh, creepy, creepy, creepy dolls. Annabelle is a spin-off of last year’s horror The Conjuring. The film, which is being produced by horror maestro James Wan, is basically a reminder to never own sinister-looking dolls. Annabelle is set for release on 10th October 2014.

Exodus: Gods and Kings

So is this what Christian Bale has been growing his beard for? Ridley Scott directs epic Exodus: Gods and Kings.  The film stars Christian Bale as Moses, on his quest to free slaves from their Egyptian ruler. You can watch the trailer here. Exodus: Gods and Kings is released in UK cinemas on 26th December 2014.

Magic in the Moonlight

Woody Allen’s latest Magic in the Moonlight is an appealing proposition.  Set in the 1920s, Colin Firth plays a magician attempting to expose psychic Emma Stone. I cannot wait. Magic in the Moonlight is out in the UK on 19th September 2014.

Horrible Bosses 2

Here is the trailer for comedy sequel Horrible Bosses 2. I enjoyed the first film, so am tentatively looking forward to this. Jason Sudeikis, Jason Bateman and Charlie Day return of this instalment, which is scheduled for release on 28th November 2014 in the UK.

Unbroken

Angelina Jolie directs Unbroken, the story of Olympian and war hero Louie Zamperini. With Joel and Ethan Coen among the screenwriters, Unbroken looks to be ticking all the boxes. The film will be released in UK cinemas on 26th December 2014.

Planes 2: Fire and Rescue

The sequel to spin-off Planes, Planes 2: Fire and Rescue sees protagonist Dusty swapping racing for fire fighting. The above clip gives a glimpse of his new team. Planes 2: Fire and Rescue races to the big screen on 8th August 2014.

Million Dollar Arm

Million Dollar Arm is based on the true story of a sports agent who travels to India to look for a young cricket he can transform into a star baseball player. Starring Jon Hamm, Million Dollar Arm is released in UK cinemas on 29th August 2014.

Film Review: Maleficent

Disney’s Maleficent is a rich fairy tale which should prove beguiling to viewers.

A young fairy grows up in a peaceful forest which neighbours a human kingdom. As Maleficent grows up, a betrayal sets in motion a series of events which has consequences for both worlds…

Robert Stromberg’s directorial debut is an aural and visual fantasy feast. The director’s visual effects background is clear from the outset. Notwithstanding, the story is also strong; functioning as a compelling retelling of a well-known tale.

Screenwriter Linda Woolverton’s narrative works to both provide back story to the Sleeping Beauty tale, and to subvert it to make its antagonist more rounded. More than a one-sided villain, Maleficent is given shades to make her character more compelling in this version. Perhaps it says something that she is most enthralling when she is bad, nevertheless the portrayal is satisfying overall.

The influence of recent Disney films is present in Maleficent. This is by no means a bad thing; but simply means that the film may have a twist that some viewers will predict. Nevertheless, the depiction here is a healthy one, that few will find fault with.

Like Woolverton’s work in Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent is a darker fairy tale that still remains accessible for family audiences. The small elements of humour work well to bring lightness. The film would be less family friendly without these moments.

The art direction and costuming plays a substantial role in Maleficent. The effects are also superb, and the cinematography makes the most of its striking subjects. There is some marvellous silhouetting, and camera work in transporting viewers through the fantasy landscape.

Angelina Jolie shines as the title character. She brings a suitable campness to the role of Maleficent. Elle Fanning is well cast as Aurora, and Sharlto Copley is on good form as Stefan.

Maleficent is a highly entertaining fantasy, combining traditions of classical Disney with that of the emerging direction of the studio.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of cinematic delights, including the last Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailer, the latest X-Men: Days of Future Past trailer, Maleficent, Noah and more!

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Above is the final The Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailer. Spider-Man is basically fighting everyone. Everyone. He really needs his Amazing Friends. Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Dane De Haan and Jamie Foxx, The Amazing Spider-man 2 hits UK screens on 18th April 2014.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Here is the latest trailer for sequel X-Men: Days of Future Past. The film features characters from the original X-Men series as well as the younger versions from X-Men: First Class, taking place over two time periods. X-Men: Days of Future Past is released in the UK on 22nd May 2014.

Maleficent

The latest trailer for Maleficent suggests the film will be much more action packed than the standard fairy tale. Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent looks deliciously wicked, yet the trailer indicates that the film will show another side to the iconic character. Maleficent is released in UK cinemas on 30th May 2014.

Noah

I’m sure there are more than two of some of these animals in the latest clip from Noah. Just how big is this ark going to be to fit them all in, with sufficient provisions so they don’t start eating each other? I guess we will find out when Noah hits UK screens on 4th April 2014.

Pioneer

Well this looks tense and interesting. Based on true events, Pioneer is the story of a team of divers going to lay a pipeline in the North Sea. Reportedly due for a Hollywood remake, Pioneer is released in UK cinemas on 11th April 2014.

Snoopy and Charlie Bown: A Peanuts Movie

With Postman Pat and Paddington Bear getting big-screen features, it is not really a surprise that Snoopy is following suit. This teaser does not reveal too, much other than Snoopy is as cheeky as ever. Snoopy and Charlie Brown: A Peanuts Movie is due for release in 2015.

The Maze Runner

THe latest film to be based on a best-selling young adult movel that I haven’t read, The Maze Runner is an action thriller set in a dystopian world. I like the look of the maze in this film, but with my sense of direction I wouldn’t last too long. Starring Dylan O’Brien and Will Poulter, The Maze Runner is out in UK cinemas on 24th October 2014.

Rio 2

‘It’s a Jungle Out Here’ is one of the songs from the upcoming Rio 2. The animated sequel sees the return of Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Leslie Mann and Jamie Foxx. Rio 2 hits UK screens on 4th April 2014.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of cinematic treasure this week, with the new A Million Ways to Die in the West trailer, Noah, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and more…

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Warning: this A Million Ways to Die in the West trailer is red band. A Million Ways to Die in the West is the latest film from Seth MacFarlane, who also leads a cast that includes Charlize Theron and Liam Neeson. A Million Ways to Die in the West is set for release on 6th June 2014 in the UK.

Noah

This is the Superbowl TV spot for Darren Aronofsky’s Noah. It is an intriguing prospect; a director like Aronofsky doing a large-scale biblical epic. The story of Noah does not seem meaty enough for a feature film, so it plot must be fleshed out somehow. The mystery of the unicorns perhaps. Noah is released in UK cinemas on 4th April 2014.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

This new character poster for Captain America: The Winter Soldier suggests Scarlet Johansson’s Black Widow has a prominent role to play in this Marvel sequel. Given her somewhat ambiguous nature in previous appearances, it will be interesting to see what director’s Anthony and Joe Russo do with her here. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is hits UK screens on 26th March 2014.

The LEGO Movie

I used to love Lego so I find The LEGO Movie appealing. From the above featurette, the film smartly does not seem to take itself seriously. With a host of star names and featuring Batman, I am hoping the film will be an amusing adventure. The LEGO Movie is released in cinemas on 14th February 2014.

A Long Way Down

An adaptation of Nick Hornby’s novel, A Long Way Down offers a rather macabre premise made humorous. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette and Aaron Paul, A Long Way Down is out in UK cinemas on 21st March 2014.

Starred Up

Starred Up is a new British drama starring Jack O’Connell and Rupert Friend. The film is about Eric, a troubled teenager transitioning from young offenders’ institute to prison. You can watch the trailer here. Starred Up is released on 21st March 2014.

Maleficent

This new trailer for Maleficent was released earlier this week, with Lana Del Ray’s rendition of ‘Once Upon a Dream’. Angelina Jolie was looks like she was made for the title role, in physical appearance at least. Maleficent looks like it will be quite dark, going back to its fairy tale roots. Maleficent hits UK cinemas on 30 May 2014.

The Invisible Woman

Here is a TV spot for the upcoming film The Invisible Woman. The story of Charles Dickens and his young lover Nelly, the film stars Ralph Fiennes (who also directs) and Felicity Jones. You can read my review here. The Invisible Woman is released nationwide in the UK on 21st February 2014.

Stuff To Look At

Some delights for the eyeballs with Frankenweenie, Monsters University, The Expendables 2 and Pitch Perfect.

Frankenweenie

With these images, you are really spoiling us, Disney. Not content with releasing the first image of Angelina Jolie as Maleficent at the beginning of the week, Disney have also furnished us with new images from Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie. Obviously, I am choosing to share the image of Sparky, the hot piece dog at the centre of the film. Frankenweenie is due for release on 17th October 2012.

Monsters University

I have a terrible confession to make. I have never actually seen Monsters Inc. I know, shoot me down. Many centuries ago, in my brief stint as a ‘Cast Member’ for The Disney Store, we used to sell all kinds of Sully-emblazoned merchandise. Thus, I am aware of the characters and the general happenings of the film, even though I have never watched Monsters Inc. The follow up, prequel Monsters University, is due for release next summer so I have plenty of time to see the original.

The Expendables 2

Of the films out this summer, The Expendables 2 is one I am really looking forward to. With the inclusion of Jason Statham, Jet Li and others, The Expendables 2 is not really an eighties action star reunion. Nevertheless, the film does feature Norris, Stallone, Lundgren, Schwarzenegger and Willis. Not exactly a bad cast. The Expendables 2 is out in cinemas on 16th August and I cannot wait.

Pitch Perfect

What’s this? Another Glee-inspired film about a singing competition? Yes and no. Like Joyful Noise, it is unlikely that the success of Glee did not impact Pitch Perfect being green lit. However, the film seems to have more of an attitude than the television show, so hopefully amusement will trump saccharine sentiment. Pitch Perfect is out in UK cinemas on 19th October 2012.

Film Review: The Tourist

The Tourist is not a good movie. What it promises with its attractive cast and glamorous locations, it fails to deliver with ludicrous plotting and a lack of suspense when it is really needed.

Frank, an American tourist, meets the beautiful Elise while on a train to Venice. She encourages Frank to spend time with her, but little does he realise that she is trying to throw police off the scent of her most-wanted beau. Frank’s life is put in danger, as he is pulled further into Elise’s world…

The Tourist seemingly attempts a cross between a James Bond film and a Hitchcockian thriller. Sadly, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s film gets close to neither. Whilst the initial premise calls for a suspension of disbelief, by the end of the film any attempt at verisimilitude is entirely thrown overboard. The NeverEnding Story looks like a slice of gritty realism in comparison to The Tourist.

There are a number of narrative twists in The Tourist. These become ever more incredulous as the film goes on. The idea of Elise apparently fooling the police by sitting with someone who looks like the man they are after is riddled with holes. The wanted man, Alex, has only been missing two years, so it is questionable why the police think his appearance would have changed so much. Unfortunately, with each twist the story becomes more farcical, finishing with a conclusion that is highly problematic and unconvincing, to say the least.

Furthermore, The Tourist lacks the charm that could have made all the plot holes more forgivable. The small attempts at humour fall flat, and there is a lack of tension in the action sequences. There is never any really sense of danger for the protagonists, thus the boat and rooftop chases seem tame as a result. The Tourist fails to build momentum when it is needed; the ball scene feels less like a climax given all the twists and turns.

The characters featured in the film are not especially believable, or convincing in their behaviour. Although Elise is beautiful, there is never the indication that her and Frank really click. There is not much time donated to their initial conversations, so it is hard to see why Frank would risk his life for someone he happened to meet on a train. Shaw, meanwhile, is the hammiest of villains, thanks to some lazy writing.

Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie are both good actors, yet lack chemistry in The Tourist. Given the script, it is surprising that either one of them signed on to star in the film. Jolie is very attractive, but the constant head-turning and fawning in The Tourist is both unrealistic and tiresome. Perhaps the only bright spark in the entire film is the appearance of Timothy Dalton in a small role. The Tourist, nevertheless, is a long way from The Living Daylights.

Even die-hard fans of Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie will be hard pushed to describe The Tourist as a decent watch, or a good career choice by either of the leads. A disappointing film.

Film Review: Salt

Angelina Jolie dons a series of unconvincing wigs in this unconvincing action thriller. Salt is one of those films that should be good, but ultimately fails to live up to expectations.

Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent, is accused by a defector of being a Russian spy who intends to assassinate the president of Russia in New York. Salt goes on the run after finding her husband missing, with her colleagues in close pursuit…

Salt begins similarly to Minority Report; with an insider being accused of a crime they have yet to commit. With Tom Cruise originally slated to take the title role, the similarities could have continued. Instead, with Jolie at the helm, the film takes a series of twists, none of which are particularly convincing. Furthermore, the ending is rather unsatisfying and comes across as a tad presumptuous.

Phillip Noyce’s film attempts to keep the audience guessing with its twists and revelations (any detail on this would be too much of a spoiler). However, with every twist the film becomes more incredulous. Salt falls into the gap between realist thriller and popcorn action flick. On the hand the film takes itself too seriously to be enjoyed solely for its action angle, and on the other it aims at a degree of realism that depreciates with the film’s descent into disbelief.

Angelina Jolie does a fair job as protagonist Salt, although her artificial hair situation is somewhat distracting. Liev Schreiber is believable as Salt’s boss Ted Winter, although it is the type of role he has been cast in a number of times before. Chiwetel Ejiofor meanwhile is underused as Peabody, the most convincing character in the film.

The action sequences are well crafted, and add some much-needed excitement to proceedings. Even these, however, are marred by implausibility. Salt, for example, jumps from a bridge onto a metal container of a truck, yet is so little injured by this that she is able to make similar jumps moments later. Elsewhere, top CIA and security service agents are portrayed as wholly incompetent, despite the importance of their roles.

If you are looking films in a similar vein, Bourne Identity, Minority Report or The Manchurian Candidate are all superior choices to Salt.