Director Seth Gordon’s big screen adaptation of Baywatch is mildly entertaining, yet feels like a missed opportunity. The big names redeem the film rather, but not to a very great extent.
Lifeguards Mitch Buchannon and his crew patrol the beach, to safeguard visitors and keep an eye on suspicious activity. When Olympian Matt Brody shows up for duty, he must show he can match up to the competition…
Much-loved nineties television series Baywatch is the latest property to receive the big-screen treatment. Given the success of 21 Jump Street, it is not hard to see why filmmakers thought this would be a successful enterprise. Yet, in comparison to that film remake, Seth Gordon’s film falls short of the mark.
The plot of Baywatch is suitable enough. There is sufficient space for both action and humour to unfold. However, the main strand of the drugs found on the beach becomes a little laborious. Coming in at almost two hours, the film takes it time to reach its conclusion. This hinders the comedic aspect as a result. There are some amusing jokes, but not all generates laugh. The crude humour is hit and miss, and the repetitive jokes feel over laboured.
The film combines various narrative strands into its central plot. Brody functions to offer a redemption story, whilst CJ and Ronnie provide a romance angle. Both these ideas are fine additions, yet the former is a little over-egged. Like the television series, the film offers a plenty of shots of scantily-clad women. Yet, in 2017, Baywatch evens the scale by offering a voyeuristic view of Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, more often topless than not. The main cast are very likeable, and thus offer some redemption from the less stellar aspects of the film. Priyanka Chopra pitches the right tone in the antagonist role.
Above all, Baywatch feels like it squandered its potential. This is symbolised in perfect fashion with the cameo appearance by Pamela Anderson. She makes an appearance, yet is given no lines.
Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest The Beguiled trailer, Baywatch, Alien: Covenant, and more…
The Beguiled Trailer
Here is the latest The Beguiled trailer. The film is from writer-director Sofia Coppola, and is based on the novel of the same name. The novel was made into a film starring Clint Eastwood in 1971. Coppola’s version stars Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning. The Beguiled will be released in UK cinemas on 14th July 2017.
Alien: Covenant Crew Message
The marketing team behind Alien: Covenant are being astute at feeding viewers information before the film is released. Like the earlier clip of the crew socialising, this video reveals a bit more about one of the personalities in advance of the film’s release. Directed by Ridley Scott, Alien: Covenant hits UK screens on 12th May 2017.
Baywatch Poster
Here is the latest Baywatch poster. Based on the beloved nineties television series, the action-comedy stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra, and Alexandra Daddario. If the original theme isn’t featured heavily in the film, the filmmakers are missing a hell of a trick. Baywatch launches onto UK screens on 29th May 2017.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle Quick Peek
Here is a super speedy look at Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The film is a sequel to the 2015 hit Kingsman: The Secret Service, and sees the return of Taron Egerton and Colin Firth. They are joined by Julianne Moore, Halle Berry and Channing Tatum. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is scheduled for release in UK cinemas in September 2017.
American Assassin Trailer
Here is the first trailer for American Assassin. The film is based on the best-selling book of the same name, the film is about a CIA Black Ops recruit. It stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, and Taylor Kitsch. American Assassin hits UK cinemas on 15th September 2017.
The Red Turtle Trailer
The Red Turtle is the latest Studio Ghibli film. The animated film tells the story of a man shipwrecked on an island inhabited by turtles. The film is the feature debut of director Michael Dudok de WitMichael Dudok de Wit, who is known for his animated shorts. The Red Turtle will be released in cinemas on 26th May 2016.
Last night the Super Bowl took place. But more relevantly, some of the most anticipated movie trailers aired during the broadcast. Here are the Super Bowl 2017 trailers, ranked in the most subjective of manners…
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.10: Fast & Furious 8
This spot for Fast & Furious 8 displays the all-star cast of this sequel, but may give viewers a sense of déjà vu. The fast cars, the big set pieces; Fast & Furious 8 is definitely in the same mold as its many predecessors. The film is out on UK screens on 14th April 2017.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.9: Ghost in the Shell
This Super Bowl spot for Ghost in the Shell was released a few days ago, so offers little in the way of surprise. The spot is swift and to the point, giving an indication of the style of the film and the setting. Ghost in the Shell hits UK screens on 31st March 2017.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.8: Transformers: The Last Knight
This extended spot for Transformers: The Last Knight begins with the same voiceover as previous trailers for the film. This spot focuses on the spectacle of wide-scale destruction, images of Transformers only feature in the last few seconds. Transformers: The Last Knight hits the big screen in June 2017.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.7: Baywatch
This spot for the Baywatch movie gives the briefest look at the characters in this remake of the television show. Wisely, the focus is on Dwayne Johnson, who plays Mitch Buchanan. Fans of the original show will be hoping for an affectionate but humorous tribute. Baywatch is out in UK cinemas on 31st May 2017.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.6: Logan
This spot for the upcoming Logan shows viewers much of what has already been seen in previous trailers. However, as with previous trailers, the soundtrack game is strong, and the clips look interesting. With Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart reprising their roles, Logan launches on to UK screens on 3rd March 2017.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.5: Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge
This extended spot for Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (known as Dead Men Tell No Tales in the US) focuses on supporting characters and spectacle, with Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow only making an appearance in the final few seconds. This is a smart move; with the exposure of the actor’s private life, and indeed backlash against recent performances, it is probably best to downplay his role. Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge is released in UK cinemas on 26th May 2017.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.4: John Wick: Chapter Two
This spot for John Wick: Chapter Two riffs on its release date competition, Fifty Shades Darker. The focus of this trailer is rapid-fire action, unsurprisingly. It works very well. John Wick: Chapter Two is out on 17th February, with previews on Valentine’s Day.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.3: Life
The tv spot that aired during the Super Bowl 2017 can be seen here. Above is the full international trailer for Life, a sci-fi thriller, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, and Ryan Reynolds. The full trailer lulls viewers into a false sense of security, but it seems that Life is a pretty serious film. UK viewers see for themselves when the film hits UK screens on 24th February 2017.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.2: A Cure For Wellness
A Cure for Wellness‘ TV spot takes the form of an American pharmaceutical advert. Given the premise of the film, it is most fitting. Gore Verbinski’s film looks aesthetically pleasing and narratively intriguing. Starring Dane DeHaan, Jason Isaacs and Mia Goth, A Cure for Wellness is released in UK cinemas on 24th February 2017.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers No.1: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
This extended spot for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has everything viewers would hope for from a preview of this film. A great soundtrack, wonderful visuals, a look at the film’s main characters, and sufficient humour. Baby Groot and co will return to UK screens on 28th April 2017.
Super Bowl 2017 Trailers Bonus: Stranger Things
Ok so Stranger Things is not a film, but it is so fantastic that I had to feature it. The first season was a glorious homage to Stephen King, Steven Spielberg, David Cronenberg (and much more besides), and the second season seems to continue this tradition. This spot does not reveal much about the plot, but the kids are dressed as Ghostbusters. Stranger Things season 2 will be available on Netflix from Halloween.
Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including a moving Baywatch poster, The Eyes of My Mother, A Cure for Wellness, and more…
Baywatch Poster
Zac Efron promotes his new film in this moving Baywatch poster. The film, based on the 1990s television show, the film stars Efron, alongside Dwayne Johnson, Priyanka Chopra, and Alexandra Daddario. Baywatch hits the big screen on 31st May 2017.
The Eyes of My Mother
Gothic horror The Eyes of My Mother looks intriguing. The directorial debut of Nicolas Pesce, the film is about a young women whose dark curiosities are triggered following a tragedy in her life. Starring Kika Magalhaes, Will Brill, and Clara Wong, The Eyes of My Mother will be released in UK cinemas on 24th march 2017.
A Cure for Wellness Clip
A Cure for Wellness looks rather creepy, if the above clip is anything to go by. The film stars Dane DeHaan as a young executive sent to retrieve his company’s CEO from a remote wellness centre. Directed by Gore Verbinski, the film also stars Oscar Isaacs and Mia Goth. A Cure for Wellness will hit UK cinemas on 24th February 2017.
Certain Women Poster
Following Meek’s Cutoff and Night Moves, director Kelly Reichardt’s latest film is Certain Women. The film stars Michelle Williams, Kristen Stewart as three women trying to forge there own paths in the plains of the American Northwest. Certain Women is out at UK cinemas on 3rd March 2017.
The Great Wall Featurette
Matt Damon describes The Great Wall as a “full-on battle monster movie” in the above featurette. He also speaks about his character, and the plot of the film. The Great Wall also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, and Willem Dafoe. Directed by Zhang Yimou, the film is out at UK cinemas on 17th February 2017.
Logan Trailer
Wolverine has turned babysitter in this latest X-Men movie. The film sees Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart reprise their roles in a dystopian road movie. James Mangold directs, and the film also stars Dafne Keen. Logan launches onto UK screens on 1st March 2017.
Beauty and the Beast Poster
Emma Watson looks very much the part of Belle in this latest Beauty and the Beast poster. From the images and clips revealed so far, this live-action remake is keeping the visual style of the original animated film. Also starring Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, and Ian McKellan, Beauty and the Beast is out on UK screens on 17th March 2017.
City of Tiny Lights Trailer
City of Tiny Lights very much evokes the look and feel of a neo-noir of decades past. Liz Ahmed stars as a deadbeat private eye whose services are engaged by a high-class prostitute. Also starring Billie Piper, City of Tiny Lights will be released in UK cinemas on 7th April 2017.
This week’s preview of coming attractions features the new Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer, Baywatch, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, The Mummy, and more…
Spider-Man: Homecoming Trailer
Here is the full Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer. The film seems to be very much in the style of the recent Marvel films, not least with the appearance of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark. Starring Tom Holland as the title character, and featuring Michael Keaton and Marisa Tomei, Spider-Man: Homecoming is set for release on 7th July 2017.
Baywatch Trailer
Here is the trailer for the Baywatch film. Whilst it is yet another film reboot of a television show, this one looks like it will be a lot of fun. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, and Priyanka Chopra, the film reprises the characters from the original television show. Directed by Horrible Bosses‘ Seth Gordon, Baywatch will be released in Summer 2017.
Goodfellas Trailer
Here is the first new Goodfellas in 25 years, produced for the 4K restoration of the film. The film is being re-released UK-wide, and as part of the BFI’s Martin Scorsese’s retrospective season which runs from 1st January-28th February 2017. The classic gangster film will be re-released in UK cinemas on 20th January 2017.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 Trailer
Baby Groot is just enchanting. Here is the first real look at next year’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Guardians of the Galaxy was a brilliant mix of action, spectacle, comedy, and music, and the sequel seems to offer the same. The film sees the return of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, and the voice of Bradley Cooper. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will hit UK screens on 28th April 2017.
Live By Night Poster
Here is the latest poster for Live By Night. Director, screenwriter and star Ben Affleck channels the classic gangster movie with his latest. Affleck collaborates with author Dennis Lehane once again (after Gone Baby Gone) for the Boston-set thriller. Featuring an all-star cast, Live By Night will be released in UK cinemas on 13th January 2017.
The Mummy Trailer
Here is the trailer for Universal’s The Mummy. The film is another incarnation of the series of films, the first of which was released in 1932. This version stars Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, and Annabelle Wallis. Much of the action seems to take place in London, continuing the trend of city being destroyed in big-budget movies. The Mummy will hit UK screens on 9th June 2017.
Transformers: The Last Knight Trailer
Here is the trailer for the latest Transformers movie, the fifth in this franchise. Mark Wahlberg returns in Transformers: The Last Knight, along with Stanley Tucci, Josh Duhamel, and Tyrese Gibson. Anthony Hopkins also joins the cast this time around. Transformers: The Last Knight is set for release in Summer 2017.
I Heart The Talkies 