Previews: Jurassic World Trailer, Inside Out Clip and more

Plenty in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the latest Jurassic World trailer, a clip from Inside Out, plus Black Mass, Danny Collins and more…

Jurassic World Trailer

Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the next instalment of his dinosaur franchise. This Jurassic World trailer reveals a little more about the plot of the film and its new dinosaurs. Although genetically-modified dinosaurs may raise eyebrows, the casting of Chris Pratt certainly does appeal following his turn in Guardians of the Galaxy. Jurassic World  will hit UK screens on 11th June 2015.

Black Mass

My, doesn’t Johnny Depp look different? Black Mass focuses on Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger and his unlikely alliance with the FBI in the 1970s. The film also stars Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kevin Bacon. Back Mass is set for release on 25th September 2015.

Mad Max: Fury Road Legacy Trailer

This retro Mad Max: Fury Road trailer is smart marketing. It differentiates the film from other remakes, a key factor in this is the return of director George Miller. Starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road steams into UK cinemas on 14th May 2015.

Inside Out Clip

The more I see of Inside Out, the more I am looking forward to it. Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, the film focuses on Riley and her fluctuating emotions growing up. Inside Out is screening at Cannes Film Festival this May, and will be released in 24th July 2015.

Danny Collins Trailer

Danny Collins stars Al Pacino as an ageing rock star who goes on a journey to rediscover his family and himself. Based on a true story, the film also stars Annette Bening, Christopher Plummer and Jennifer Garner. Danny Collins will be released on UK screens on 29th May 2015.

Mr Holmes Trailer

Mr Holmes features an older version of the infamous detective than is usually portrayed on screen. Ian McKellan plays Sherlock Holmes as a returned detective, living in his farmhouse, who turns his attention to an unsolved case. Also starring Laura Linney, Mr Holmes is set for release on 19th June 2015.

Man Up Clip

Man Up is a new romantic comedy starring Simon Pegg and Lake Bell. The film is premised on a case of mistaken identity; Pegg’s Jack thinks Bell’s Nancy is his blind date. Also starring Olivia Williams and Rory Kinear, Man Up reaches UK cinemas on 29th May 2015.

Suffragette Trailer

This first trailer for Suffragette offers us a peak at Sarah Gavron’s historical drama. Suffragette is the first feature film to tell the story of British women’s fight for the right to vote at the turn of last century. With an enviable cast that includes Meryl Streep and Carey Mulligan, Suffragette is set for release on 30th October 2015.

Summer Blockbuster Montage

Every year, film journalist Amon Warmann creates a montage of the Summer movie blockbusters. This year’s video features Mad Max: Road Fury, Ant-Man, Tomorrowland – A World Beyond and more. Check out his blog here.

Trailer Round-Up

It’s all about the Avengers: Age of Ultron latest trailer this week, but there is plenty more besides…

Avengers: Age of Ultron

The latest trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron looks ever so exciting. The film has a tough act to follow with the success of its predecessor, but from this trailer it looks up to the job. Avengers: Age of Ultron launches on to the big screens on 23rd April 2015 in the UK.

Mr Holmes

Mr Holmes offers a different take on the famous detective. Ian McKellen plays an older Sherlock Holmes, retired and living in a remote farmhouse, who tackles an unsolved mystery. Mr Holmes is out on UK screens on 19th June 2015.

While We’re Young

Noah Baumbach’s While We’re Young sees the writer-director team up with Ben Stiller again. Also starring Naomi Watts and Amanda Seyfried, While We’re Young focuses on a middle-aged couple and the disruption in their lives caused by a younger couple. The film is released in UK cinemas on 3rd April 2015.

The Face of an Angel

Inspired by the killing of British student Meredith Kercher in Italy, The Face of an Angel examines the obsession with violent stories, whether fictional or real. Michael Winterbottom’s film, starring Kate Beckinsale and Daniel Brühl, is out in UK cinemas on 27th March 2015.

The Salvation

Mads Mikkelsen is the protagonist in western The Salvation. Also starring Eva Green and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the film focuses on a man who avengers his family, and the consequences of this. The Salvation hits UK screens on 17th April 2015.

Film Review: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Middle chapter The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is an improvement on predecessor An Unexpected Journey, capturing the spirit of the original Lord of the Rings films.

Hobbit Bilbo Baggins, wizard Gandalf and the company of dwarves continue on their quest to reclaim Erebor, homeland of Thorin, from dragon Smaug. The group face a perilous journey through Mirkwood Forest and beyond…

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug sets a good pace almost immediately. Much of the scene-setting was taken care of in An Unexpected Journey, which allows for this instalment to brim with action and progression. There is certainly more going on in this film.

Director Peter Jackson has, as ever, created an immersive fantasy world. The locations are quintessential fantasy, as are the characters that inhabit them.

With a running time of two hours and forty minutes, there is ample time for the narrative to unfold. The world that Jackson has created is so removed from reality that it is difficult to know how much time has passed. Nonetheless, The Desolation of Smaug does not rush the journey, nor the screen time of its title character.

The dragon Smaug offers a formidable opponent to Bilbo and company. Even before any encounter takes place, there is sufficient myth-making to build a reputation and sense of apprehension. Elsewhere, Legolas makes a welcome return; his presence is particularly gratifying in the action sequences.

Production values in The Desolation of Smaug are superb. The 3D is utilised seamlessly, and effects appear authentic. The score is also effective and successfully evokes the atmosphere of the earlier Lord of the Rings trilogy. Performances are good throughout, with Martin Freeman and Ian McKellen reprises their roles with energy. Benedict Cumberbatch is a good choice for the voice of Smaug, while Luke Evans is a decent addition to the cast.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is an adventure-filled film that leaves the audience eager for the final chapter.