Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Darkest Hour trailer, Dunkirk, American Assassin, and more…
Darkest Hour Trailer
Gary Oldman once again proves his chameleon credentials in this new Darkest Hour trailer. Oldman stars as Winston Churchill as he becomes prime minister days before Britain enters World War II. The film also stars Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James, and is directed by Joe Wright (Pan, Hanna). Darkest Hour is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 12th January 2018.
Dunkirk World Premiere Highlights
Here are the highlights from last night’s world premiere of Dunkirk in London’s Leicester Square. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film stars Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance, and Cillian Murphy. Dunkirk will be released in both 70mm and standard presentation on 21st July 2017.
American Assassin Trailer
Here is the second trailer for American Assassin. The presence of Michael Keaton just makes everything better. The film is about a CIA black ops recruit under the training of a Cold War veteran. Keaton is joined by Dylan O’Brien, Taylor Kitsch, and Sanaa Lathan. American Assassin hits UK screens on 15th September 2017.
Atomic Blonde Featurette
This featurette focuses on Atomic Blonde‘s stunt coordination, and Charlize Theron considerable skill in this department. Theron stars as a lethal assassin sent to deliver a priceless dossier in 1980s Berlin. Also starring James McAvoy and John Goodman, Atomic Blonde is out in UK cinemas on 9th August 2017.
Maudie Poster
Here is the poster for Maudie. Based on a true story, the film is about an unlikely romance between a folk artist and a reclusive fish peddler. The film stars Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke, and is directed by Aisling Walsh. Maudie will be released in UK cinemas on 4th August 2017.
Valerian Trailer
Above is the latest look at Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. If nothing else, the film will be a visual feast. Directed by Luc Besson, the film stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne. Valerian will hit UK screens on 2nd August 2017.
This week preview of coming attractions features a new Blade Runner 2049 poster, The Dark Tower, Wonder Woman, and more…
Blade Runner 2049 Poster
Here is Harrison Ford in the latest Blade Runner 2049 poster. Ford reprises his role as Deckard from the 1982 sci-fi classic. He is joined by Ryan Gosling, who plays a LAPD officer who unearths a long-buried secret. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049 is released in UK cinemas on 6th October 2017.
The Dark Tower Trailer
Here is the first trailer for The Dark Tower. The film is based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel. Idris Elba plays the last gunslinger, in a battle with the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey). The Dark Tower will be released in UK cinemas on 18th August 2017.
Wonder Woman Poster
It is less than a month until the release of Wonder Woman, so here’s a new poster. Despite being far behind Marvel in terms of establishing a cinematic universe for their comic book characters, DC have beaten Marvel to the punch in having the first stand-alone film headlined by a female character. Gal Gadot stars as the popular hero, and is joined by Chris Pine, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen. Wonder Woman hits UK screens on 1st June 2017.
Valerian Poster
Here is a new poster for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. I don’t know who Melo is, but it looks interesting. Valerian is a new sci-fi adventure from Luc Besson. The film stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, and Rihanna. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets hits UK screens on 4th August 2017.
Summer 2017 Summer Montage
Every year, the esteemed Amon Warmann creates a montage of all the Summer’s biggest blockbusters. This year’s edition features a variety of hotly anticipated movies, including Wonder Woman, War for the Planet of the Apes (a sequel to 2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), and Spider-Man: Homecoming. Check out the supercut above.
Plenty in this week’s preview of forthcoming attractions, including the new IT trailer, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Ferdinand, and more…
IT Trailer
Here is the brand new IT trailer. The film is an adaption of the Stephen King novel, which was famously made into a television miniseries in 1990. This version tars Bill Skarsgård as the villain Pennywise. IT is set for release in UK cinemas from 8th September 2017.
Spider-Man Homecoming Trailer
Here is the second trailer for the latest Spider-Man movie. Spider-Man: Homecoming sees Tom Hollander’s character return from his adventures in Captain America: Civil War, bringing along with him Tony Stark. The brilliant Michael Keaton plays antagonist Vulture. Spider-Man: Homecoming hits UK screens on 7th July 2017.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Trailer
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is the latest scif-fi adventure from director Luc Besson. The film is set in the distant future, and stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen and Rihanna. Valerian is coming to UK cinemas this Summer.
Ferdinand Trailer
Based on the book, Ferdinand is about a bull who is mistaken for a dangerous beast and torn away from his home. The film features the voices of John Cena, Kate McKinnon, and David Tennant. Ferdinand will be released in UK cinemas on 15th December 2017.
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power Trailer
Well this trailer has arrived at a timely juncture. A sequel to the documentary An Inconvenient Truth, the film focuses again on climate change. A crew follows Al Gore as he fights to highlight the perils of climate change. An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power will be released later this year.
Snatched Trailer
Here is the latest trailer for comedy Snatched. The film stars Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer as a mismatched mother and daughter combination. It will be interesting to see if the comedy prowess of both actresses can create something memorable. Snatched is out in UK cinemas on 19th May 2017.
Justice League Trailer
This Justice League trailer oozes the style of director Zack Snyder. The film introduces new characters of the group to the ones who appeared in last year’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Starring Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, and Ezra Miller, Justice League hits the big screen on 17th November 2017.
A Cure for Wellness is a weird and wonderful gothic thriller. Gore Verbinski relies on audience familiarity with the tropes of genre in order to bewilder and beguile.
Corporate rising star Lockhart is tasked with a mission to retrieve his company’s CEO from a “wellness centre” in the Swiss Alps. When he arrives, things do not appear to be all they seem, despite the calm atmosphere…
Directed by Gore Verbinski and scripted by Justin Haythe (based on a story by the pair), A Cure for Wellness is a gothic gem. The film offers a premise with enough of a hook to reel viewers in. Little is revealed about the protagonist; the mystery initially centres on Pembroke, the CEO Lockhart is tasked with bringing back. As the film progresses, there are various levels of intrigue, from the constantly updated history of the place, to the background and whereabouts of characters.
From the outset, it is clear that there is something awry with the “wellness centre”. Verbinski tempts with some common genre tropes, and allows viewers to ponder these. The film unfolds at its own pace, offering both visual substance and mystery to keep the audience entertained. Verbinski builds layers on these tropes, dropping hints but keeping viewers guessing over final outcome. The psychological aspects of the genre are writ large in this film. Furthermore, the imagery is striking and memorable. The film’s use of iconography borrows heavily from gothic texts. Fans of this genre will likely enjoy spotting the influences.
From an early shot of the winding road to the centre, the cinematography indicates that the film will be a visual feast. There are some great shots, as well as a restricted colour palette to give a distinctive look. Art direction in the film is fantastic. The score is used appropriately, and the sound design highly effective. Dane DeHaan offers a solid performance as Lockhart. Mia Goth is striking as Hannah, whilst Jason Isaacs makes a decent antagonist.
A Cure for Wellness is a salve for those wanting delicious gothic excess in a contemporary setting. The film is peculiar and outlandish, and very entertaining for this.
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.
The first of this year’s previews of coming attractions include the Rings trailer, a new Blade Runner 2049 image, A Cure for Wellness, and more…
Rings Trailer
Here is the latest Rings trailer. The film is a new chapter in the horror franchise. From the synopsis, Rings does not appear to be directly linked to the characters from 2002’s The Ring, or its sequel. The cast includes Matilda Lutz, Jonathan Galecki, and Vincent D’Onofrio. Rings will hit UK screens on 3rd February 2017.
Blade Runner 2049 Image
Above is a new Blade Runner 2049 image. Not much has been revealed about the characters yet – is Ana de Armas’ character a replicant? Is Ryan Gosing’s? Who knows. Also starring Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto, Blade Runner 2049 is due open in UK cinemas on 6th October 2017.
A Cure for Wellness Trailer
A Cure for Wellness has to be one of this year’s most anticipated movies. This trailer reveals a little more about the plot, which concerns a young executive who is sent to retrieve his CEO from a mysterious “wellness” centre. Directed by Gore Verbinski, the film stars Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, and Jason Isaacs. A Cure for Wellness is due for release in UK cinemas in early 2017.
Mute Image
Here is a brand new image from Netflix’s upcoming Mute. Directed by Duncan Jones, the film stars Alexander Skarsgård, Paul Rudd, and Justin Theroux. Set in the near future, the film is about a mute bartender and his search for his missing girlfriend. Mute will be released by Netflix in all their territories later this year.
Beauty and the Beast Video
Here is a short video featuring the leads from the upcoming Beauty and the Beast movie. If follows the clip of Emma Watson singing ‘Something There’, which was released a few days ago. Beauty and the Beast also stars Dan Stevens, and features the voices of Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. The film is out in UK cinemas on 17th March 2017.
The LEGO Batman Movie Poster
I am thrilled to see that the upcoming LEGO Batman Movie features Harley Quinn. The film also sees appearances from Robin, The Joker, and Batgirl. Featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, and Jenny Slate, The LEGO Batman Movie will hit UK screens on 10th February 2017.
Patriots Day Trailer
Patriots Day is the latest film from director Peter Berg (Lone Survivor, Battleship). The film concentrates on the immediate aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Mark Wahlberg heads up a cast that includes John Goodman, Kevin Bacon, and J.K. Simmons. Patriots Day will be released in cinemas on 23rd February 2017.
Coco Image
Here is the first look at Coco, the latest animated film from Disney Pixar. The movie is about a young boy who sets of a chain of events relating to a centuries-old mystery. Coco is directed by Pixar stalwart Lee Unkrick and Adrian Molina, who also wrote the film. Featuring the voices of Gael García Bernal and Benjamin Bratt, Coco is due to be released in UK cinemas in December 2017.
This week’s preview of coming attractions includes the new Beauty and the Beast trailer, plus Live By Night, Moana and more…
Beauty and the Beast Trailer
Here is the first Beauty and the Beast trailer. The first thing that stands out is the accents of the cast; those familiar with the animated classic may find it strange to hear well-known characters with British accents. The second notable thing is how much the sets, props, and costumes resemble the animated film. The film features new songs, as well as the original score. Starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, Beauty and the Beast is set for release on 17th March 2017.
Live By Night Trailer
Ben Affleck directs and stars in Live By Night. The crime thriller is based on the Dennis Lehane novel. From the trailer at least, Affleck seems to emulate the classic Warner Bros gangster movies. Also starring Zoe Saldana and Elle Fanning, Live By Night hits UK screens on 13th January 2017.
Moana Clip
Here is a clip from the upcoming Moana. The film features the voices of Auli’i Carvalho and Dwayne Johnson. It will be interesting to see if directors Ron Clements and John Musker can recapture their earlier magic. Moana launches on to UK screens on 2nd December 2016.
Ghost in the Shell Featurette
Ghost in the Shell is based on the manga series of the same name. This featurette goes behind the scenes on the making of the film, speaking to director Rupert Sanders and others. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Ghost in the Shell is scheduled for release on 31st March 2017.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Trailer
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is the latest film from filmmaker Luc Besson. Benson follows Lucy with another sci-fi film, albeit a futuristic, space-set one. The film stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is out in UK cinemas in Summer 2017.
Plenty of great previews this week, including the new Logan trailer, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Loving, and more…
Logan Trailer
Here is the first Logan trailer, the latest film in the X-Men series. The film is set in the future, and sees Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart reprise their roles. Logan is directed by James Mangold, who helmed 2013’s The Wolverine. The film is set for release in cinemas in 2017.
Loving Featurette
Loving tells the true story of the Richard and Mildred Loving, who fought for their right to live as an interracial couple in late 1950s America. This featurette sees the the cast of the film, including Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga, discuss the characters and the wider background. Loving will be released in UK cinemas on 3rd February 2017.
A Cure for Wellness Trailer
This trailer for A Cure for Wellness looks intriguing. The film is a psychological thriller from director Gore Verbinski. A young executive is sent to a remote wellness centre to retrieve his company’s CEO. Starring Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, and Jason Isaacs, A Cure for Wellness is set for release in early 2017.
Collateral Beauty Poster
Here is the latest poster for Collateral Beauty. The film is about an advertising executive, and the group of colleagues who get him to confront his grief. The film features a stellar cast, including Will Smith, Edward Norton, and Helen Mirren. Collateral Beauty will be out in cinemas on 26th December 2016.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailer
So for most of this first trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, it seems as if Marvel are withholding Baby Groot. But, have no fear, they deliver at the very end. The eagerly anticipated sequel sees the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy reunite. Brand new footage of James Gunn’s film can be seen at screenings of Doctor Strange (released on the 25th October). Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 28th April 2017.
The Accountant TV Spot
Here is one of the latest TV spots for The Accountant. The film had its European premiere in London’s Leicester Square this week. The Accountant stars Ben Affleck as a freelance accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous organisations. The film hits UK screens on 4th November 2016.
When The Amazing Spider-Man 2 works, it works well. When it doesn’t, however, the film disappoints.
Peter Parker is enjoying his role as Spider-Man, although the impact this has on his relationship with girlfriend Gwen Stacey is taking its toll. As Peter hopes to find out more about his parents, he has new antagonists to contend with…
With The Amazing Spider-Man 2, director Marc Webb attempts to blend a journey of discovery with a cartoonish comic book romp. There are parts of both aspects that are effective, but as an overall product the film is a letdown.
The narrative and pacing are a bit of a mess. The main focus of the plot appears to be Peter’s desire to discover more about his father, yet this is picked up and dropped without much thought throughout the film. The forward and back relationship with Gwen is highly reminiscent of the first franchise’s dynamic with Mary Jane. Nevertheless, there are some lovely scenes between Peter and Gwen.
Antagonists in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 are less well developed. The motivations attributed to these characters are dubious at best. There seems to be no genuine reason for a lot of what happens in the film. Given the genre, viewers will expect to suspend disbelief for the more fantastic elements of the movie. However, the antagonists here are given the flimsiest reason to carry out their actions.
This is what makes the film cartoonish. This is further compounded with the heavy use of CGI. Although the effects are good, it is inescapable that the images are computer-generated rather than live action. Camera work in the aerial shots are great, but a showdown between Spider-Man and Electro is pretty much all CGI.
Visuals are strong overall, and the soundtrack is superb. Chemistry between Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker and Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacey is a highlight of the film. Elsewhere, Dane DeHaan is not used effectively as Harry Osborn, while Jamie Foxx exhibits a limited range.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has some strong points, but the issues with its narrative are insurmountable. Hopefully the third instalment will be stronger in this respect.
I Heart The Talkies 