Previews: Nine Lives Trailer, Deadpool and more!

Plenty in this week’s preview of upcoming films, including the Nine Lives trailer, a Deadpool clip, Zoolander 2 and more…

Nine Lives Trailer

Talking animal film alert! A cat is at the centre of the film in the Nine Lives trailer. The film tells the story of a billionaire businessman who finds himself trapped in the body of the family cat. Starring Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Garner and Christopher Walken, Nine Lives is set for release later this year.

Deadpool Clip

What is clear from the fantastic marketing for the film is that Deadpool is not for children. This clip falls in line with what has been revealed. Deadpool looks as if it will be a heady mix of comedy and action. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, and Gina Careno, Deadpool hits UK screens on 10th February 2016.

Zoolander 2 Commercial

Here is a spoof commercial for Zoolander 2. The clip offers us a insight into Kristen Wiig’s character Alexanya Atoz. The film certainly continues the theme of parodying the fashion industry. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell reprise their roles in Zoolander 2, which opens in UK cinemas on 12th February 2016.

The Secret Life of Pets Poster and Trailer

Here is a poster for one of the most anticipated films of the summer (in my eyes at least). The Secret Life of Pets answers one of lives quintessential questions; what do pets do whilst their humans are at work? With the voices of Louis C.K., Kevin Hart and Eric Stonestreet, The Secret Life of Pets will be released on 24th June 2016.

Disorder Trailer

Disorder focuses on a secret service soldier who takes a private job protecting a wealthy family. Matthias Schoenaerts stars as the soldier, and Diane Kruger as the wife of the wealthy businessman. Disorder will receive its UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on 21st February, and will be released in cinemas on 25th March 2016.

Eddie The Eagle Trailer

Eddie The Eagle tells the story of Michael Edwards and his determination to become Britain’s first Olympic ski jumper. The film stars Taron Egerton in the title role, and Hugh Jackman as Eddie’s coach. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, Eddie The Eagle is out in UK cinemas on 1st April 2016.

Film Review: I Am Bruce Lee

I Am Bruce Lee is a documentary that exists to accentuate Bruce Lee the legend, rather than focusing too heavily on Bruce Lee on a personal level. Nevertheless, it is an interesting watch, particularly for those less familiar with Lee.

With the participation of family members, collaborators, contemporaries and successful fans, I Am Bruce Lee discusses the talented martial artist and actor. The documentary reveals his journey from Hong Kong child actor to American television sidekick and beyond. Combining archive footage with interviews with a host of participants, I Am Bruce Lee pays homage to the legend of Bruce Lee…

I Am Bruce Lee does not take the form of a regular documentary in that there is no narrator to guide proceedings. Instead, the film features numerous interviewees discussing Bruce Lee, expounding on key aspects of his career. Without this guiding voice, the documentary could have easily lost its way. It stays on track for the most part, although there are a couple of forays from the chronological story.

The variety of interviewees that feature in I Am Bruce Lee is interesting. As expected, family members, friends and collaborators all share their opinions on Lee, as well as some insight into him as a person. However a significant number of the participants have no real connection to Bruce Lee, apart from hailing him as an influence. In the case of Gina Carano and Dana White, this inspiration makes perfect sense. Less logical is the inclusion of Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas. Although it could be argued that his inclusion illustrates the breadth of Bruce Lee’s influence, it would have been more illuminating to use the time to feature more anecdotes from those who knew Lee best.

I Am Bruce Lee very much feeds into the public persona of the subject. There is some insight on what Lee was like in his home life and on the film set. More of this kind of anecdote would have been welcome, as the documentary would have also provided for those who are already big fans of Lee. Moreover, whilst the discussion of his influence on Mixed Martial Arts was interesting, I Am Bruce Lee appears to have neglected to have followed up with Jeet Kune Do with quite the same relish.

For those who no little about Bruce Lee, the documentary is a great introduction to him and his public persona. I Am Bruce Lee may offer little new to longtime fans, however.

Film Review: Haywire

Given the talented cast and director involved with this project, Haywire is a disappointing film. At best, the film is mildly entertaining, although it never really engages the viewer.

Mallory Kane is a freelance operative, working for a company that hires out her services to government and other powerful figures. After a mission goes wrong, Mallory discovers that she has been betrayed. On the run, Mallory must find out the truth and fight to stay alive…

Haywire is very much a by-the-numbers action thriller, offering little innovation or surprise. The narrative is predictable, with the flashback format doing little to alleviate this. Haywire features the usual themes of double crosses and omnipotent agencies, which is fine but for the lack of development or decent storytelling. Moreover, anyone who has seen the Haywire trailer will have had the movie ruined as it gives everything away.

The only thing that distinguishes Haywire from a plethora of similar action films is its choice of protagonist. It would be refreshing to have a female hero at the centre of Haywire if the depiction of her character was not so lacklustre. Apart from the fact that she is a good-looking female, everything about Mallory suggests stereotypically male traits. She uses force to fight back against her male antagonists, rather than having to use ingenuity. Her seduction, for want of a better word, of one of the male characters is also very masculine. Mallory is the only female in the film except for a few extras, yet she is a man in all but gender.

Characters in Haywire are barely developed. Mallory’s relationship with her father is presumably meant to humanise her, but does little to endear the audience to her character. Similarly, Kenneth and Aaron are too one-dimensional for the audience to care about.

Performances in the film are fine. Gina Carano does a decent job as Mallory, excelling in the fight sequences. Ewan McGregor, Michael Douglas, Channing Tatum and Antonio Banderas are given little to do in their narrow roles. Director Steven Soderbergh appears to think that quirky angles are enough to make a straightforward action thriller.

Haywire is not painful viewing, but neither is it particularly enjoyable. Give it a miss.

Haywire Trailer

Haywire comes with quite a pedigree. The film combines director Steven Soderbergh with a stellar cast that includes Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender and Antonio Banderas. Haywire is an action thriller that focuses on a CIA agent played by Gina Carano. It will be interesting to see whether the MMA fighter has any acting chops when Haywire is released on 20th January 2012.