Previews: The Addams Family Trailer, Booksmart, More!

The Addams Family Trailer

A plethora of film-related goodness in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including The Addams Family trailer, Booksmart, My Spy and more…

The Addams Family trailer is here. This first look at the new animated film gives a taste of the humour we can expect. The voice cast for this latest iteration includes Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, and Chloë Grace Moretz. The Addams Family is set for release on 25th October 2019.

Booksmart Trailer

Booksmart is the directorial debut from Olivia Wilde. The film received critical acclaim on its premiere at SXSW in March. The comedy focuses on two high school friends, played by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever. The cast also includes Jason Sudeikis and Lisa Kudrow. Booksmart is due to hit UK screens on 27th May 2019.

My Spy Trailer

Dave Bautista’s latest film is action comedy My Spy. The film is about a hardened CIA operative who is at the mercy of a young girl when sent undercover to surveil her family. The film also stars Ken Jeong and Chloe Coleman. My Spy is coming soon to UK cinemas.

The Corrupted Trailer

Here is the trailer for crime thriller The Corrupted. The film is set in East London, and is about a land grab that occurred following the Olympic Games. The Corrupted stars Sam Claflin, Timothy Spall, and Noel Clarke. The film is set for release on 3rd May 2019.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile Trailer

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile tells the story of notorious serial killer Ted Bundy. The film focuses on Bundy and his relationship with single mother Liz. The film’s cast features Zac Efron and Lily Collins. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile will be released in UK cinemas and on Sky Cinema on 3rd May 2019.

Previews: Ant-Man Trailer, Irrational Man Trailer and More

Previews of forthcoming attractions this week include the latest Ant-Man trailer, Irrational Man, Steve Jobs…

Ant-Man Trailer

Here is the latest Ant-Man trailer. The film looks like it will have a healthy dose of comedy, and given that the film is about an ant-sized superhero, this will be welcome. Starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, Ant-Man hits the big screen on 17th July 2015.

Irrational Man Trailer

Woody Allen’s latest film Irrational Man stars Joaquin Phoenix as a philosophy professor who  gets caught in a love triangle with two women. Emma Stone returns for her second performance in an Allen film whilst it is the first for Parker Posey and Joaquin Phoenix. Irrational Man opens in UK cinemas on 11th September 2015.

Steve Jobs Trailer

Here is the debut trailer for Steve Jobs. The film comes with quite a pedigree; it is directed by Danny Boyle, written by Aaron Sorkin, and stars Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen. Steve Jobs will be released in UK cinemas on 13th November 2015.

The Walk Poster

The Walk is based on the true story of a man who walked between the two World Trade Centre towers in New York. The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon and Ben Kingsley, and is directed by Robert Zebecks. The Walk hits the big screen on 2nd October 2015.

Creed

The Rocky franchise gets another instalment, albeit with a bit of a difference. Michael B. Jordan stars as the son of Apollo Creed, and sees Sylvester Stallone reprise his role as the boxing legend. Creed also reunites Jordan with his Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler. Creed is set for release on 27th November 2015.

The Diary of a Teenage Girl Trailer

The Diary of a Teenage Girl has already won praise at film festivals this year. The film is about a teenage girl growing up in San Francisco in the 1970s. Starring Bel Powley, Kirsten Wiig and Alexander Skarsgård, The Diary of a Teenage Girl will hit the big screen in the UK on 7th August 2015.

Masterminds

New comedy Masterminds tells the true story of a group of idiots who pulled off a $17 million heist. The film stars Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Own Wilson and Jason Sudeikis. Masterminds will hit UK screens on 7th August 2015.

 

 

Film Review: Horrible Bosses 2

With Horrible Bosses 2, director Sean Anders offers more of the same in this crime caper sequel.

Sick of dealing with awful bosses, Nick, Dale and Kurt decide to launch their own business. Things look promising, until an investor pulls out leaving the trio in a desperate situation. With limited options, the group turn to crime…

Horrible Bosses 2 is undoubtedly a silly movie. However, this is not to say that the film is not entertaining. The humour continues in the same vein as Horrible Bosses. Those left unimpressed by the first instalment will find this film equally unappealing.

The comedy in Horrible Bosses 2 often appeals at the basest form. The jokes can be a bit hit and miss, but the spirit of the film is amiable. What makes Horrible Bosses 2 enjoyable is the camaraderie between the main characters. The actors clearly have good chemistry, and this shines through into the film.

Director and co-writer Sean Anders keeps the action moving at a good pace. Plotting in the film is not exactly convincing, but this aura of unlikeliness adds to the film’s zany nature. The plot twists are predictable, but there is enough humour to negate this.

There are a few overt reference to a particular point of view that Horrible Bosses 2 takes. The stance is not particularly groundbreaking, but offers more of a message than the first film. Nevertheless, for the most part, Horrible Bosses 2 concentrates on comedic elements. The insinuation at the end of the film harks back to an aspect of the first film that some viewers found questionable.

Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis reprise their roles with the same energy as the first film. Jennifer Aniston pushes further into crudeness with Julia, setting the character as an even starker contrast to the roles she is usually associated with. Chris Pine is a good addition to the cast.

With a good soundtrack and enviable cast, Horrible Bosses 2 is a decent comedy sequel that should satisfy its intended audience.

Film Review: Drinking Buddies

Joe Swanberg’s Drinking Buddies is a well-constructed indie comedy drama.

Kate works at a Chicago brewery alongside Luke. The pair get on great together, joking and flirting throughout the day. The problem is that they are both in relationships…

Writer and director Joe Swanberg has fashioned a believable comedy drama with Drinking Buddies. The great thing about the story is that it is not too obvious. The film does not take the turns that the audience may think it will.

Characters in the film are well developed. The two protagonists appear authentic in their behaviours and actions. The supporting characters are also convincing.

The friendship between Kate and Luke is intricate and believable. Swanberg has not created a glossy romantic comedy. Instead, there is an authenticity to the friendships and scenarios in Drinking Buddies. The characters live down-to-earth lives, and the mundanity of their routines is a refreshing change.

Drinking Buddies is peppered with amusing lines and incidents. The dialogue feels natural rather than forced; perhaps due to the fact it was improvised rather than scripted. More serious scenes also sit well in the overall tone of Drinking Buddies. The pace that the narrative progresses allows for character development. For some viewers, this may feel a tad slow.

Olivia Wilde offers a decent performance as Kate. Jake Johnson steals the show however as the charismatic Luke. Anna Kendrick is well cast as Jill, whist Jason Sudeikis amuses in a small role.

Drinking Buddies is the kind of relationship-focussed film viewers will want to see more of.

Drinking Buddies is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2013.

Film Review: We’re The Millers

We’re The Millers is an entertaining comedy with endearing characters. Overall, the film satisfies.

Dave Clark is a drug dealer. When he is in debt to his boss, he is offered a way out which involves smuggling drugs across the border. In order to fly under the radar, Dave persuades a stripper and two teens to act as his family…

Often a comedy which tries to inject a more emotional aspect to the narrative stumbles. Rawson Marshall Thurber’s film succeeds where others have failed thanks to its solid script and direction.

We’re The Millers is amusing throughout. The jokes hit far more often than they miss. The humour is frequently crass, but generates laughs nevertheless. The film gets the tone right, with the ability to switch effortlessly from humorous to serious to absurd.

The characters in the film are crafted so that they charm viewers. On the surface, none of the members of the fake family are particularly appealing. As We’re The Millers progresses, however, the protagonists become less one-dimensional and more endearing. It is this that makes the developing relationships and increase in emotion a welcome shift.

The plot offers a healthy dose of bemusement. It is a silly premise, but works because the jokes garner laughs and the emotional moments can be touching. There is an element of predictability to the narrative, but the film is sufficiently charming that this is not really an issue.

The sequence in which Jennifer Aniston’s Rose strips was heavily featured in the trailer. The scene itself would be entirely gratuitous if it wasn’t for Jason Sudeikis’ character breaking the fourth wall. This signals to the audience that everyone is in on the joke.

Sudeikis and Aniston exhibit their veteran comedy chops. It is Will Poulter as Kenny who often steals the show however. The young actor shows real talent in this genre. The soundtrack is also used to good effect.

It is worth staying for the blooper reel at the end of We’re The Millers. A fun and occasionally warming comedy.

Stuff To Look At

A treasure trove of film stuff, including the latest Thor: The Dark World trailer, Muppets Most Wanted and more…

Thor: The Dark World

Here is the new Thor: The Dark World trailer. It looks as if it will bring the same blend of action and comedy as its predecessor and Avengers Assemble. Thor: The Dark World is set for release in UK cinemas on 30th October 2013.

Muppets Most Wanted

The teaser trailer for Muppets Most Wanted (formerly known as The Muppets… Again) was released this week. There are plenty of celebrity appearances it seems, with Ricky Gervais taking the human lead. Muppets Most Wanted is due for release in Spring 2014.

Upstream Colour

I have seen Shane Carruth’s Upstream Colour and can report it is well worth the watch. The film is rather abstract, but is absorbing viewing. Upstream Colour is released in UK cinemas on 30th August 2013.

Blue Jasmine

Here is the trailer for Woody Allen’s latest, Blue Jasmine. Set in San Francisco, the film features Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkins and Alec Baldwin. From the trailer alone, it looks as if Blanchett will be fantastic. Blue Jasmine is released in UK cinemas on 27th September 2013.

We’re The Millers

Here is a featurette on We’re The Millers, the new comedy starring Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston. From previously trailers, the film looks as if it could be pretty funny. We’re The Millers is released in the UK on 23rd August 2013.

Stuff To Look At

Posters galore this week! Disney’s animated short Get a Horse gets a screening, a trailer for Meet The Millers, a clip from The Heat and more…

Get a Horse

Mickey Mouse is back! Well, kind of. On Tuesday 11th June 2013 Disney unveil the never-before seen animated short Get a Horse. The hand-drawn short features Mickey Mouse and the voice of Walt Disney. It is being screened at Annecy Animation Festival in France, no word yet on if Get a Horse will become available widely.

The Heat

Sandra Bullock’s character has some uncomfortable questions to answer in this clip from upcoming buddy cop movie The Heat. Also starring Melissa McCarthy, the film is director Paul Feig’s follow up to Bridesmaids. The Heat is released in UK cinemas on 31st July 2013.

Planes

Here is the latest poster for Planes, the upcoming animated feature from Disney. The trailer for the film can be viewed here. Planes is being advertised as from ‘above the world of Cars‘, and the parallels between the films are clear. Planes hits UK cinemas on 16th August 2013.

We’re The Millers

We’re The Millers reunites Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston in a new comedy. Jennifer Aniston is certainly ageing well. We’re The Millers, which also stars Emma Roberts and Will Poulter, is released in the UK on 23rd August 2013.

The World’s End

Here is one of the newly-released character poster for The World’s End. The film reunites director Edgar Wright with stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The film also stars Martin Freeman and Rosamund Pike. The World’s End hits UK screens on 19th July 2013.

Film Review: Epic

When titling a film with a term such as Epic, it is surely hoped that the movie lives up to this billing. Unfortunately Epic is an uninspired animated adventure.

Professor Bomba believes in a race of tiny people living in the forest, and he has spent his whole career trying to prove their existence. When his daughter M.K. comes to stay, she gets closer to them than he could ever believe…

The problem with Chris Wedge’s Epic is two-fold. Firstly, the narrative is not really engaging. There is no real sense of peril. Despite the protestations of potential calamity, it never feels as if anything bad will happen. There is little in the story for viewers to get their teeth into.

Secondly, none of Epic‘s characters are endearing. The usual archetypes are present here, and there is little to no development beyond this. The comic sidekicks are not really successful in their function as they fail to raise laughs. M.K. has a struggle that is played out rather despondently. The villain meanwhile is so caricature that he never poses  any real danger.

As the adventure itself is not captivating, the film needed something to make it entertaining. Almost all the attempts at humour fall flat. An attempt at romance adds nothing to the overall film except posing some puzzling questions with the way the film concludes.

Epic‘s production values excel beyond the narrative restraints. The film looks great, with animation appearing crisp. The 3D works well, as it tends to do for most animated films.

The film features a host of well-known stars voicing its characters. Some, like Jason Sudeikis and Josh Hutcherson, do a good job. With others, it is difficult to forget which actor is voicing them. This is particularly true of Colin Farrell and Beyonce Knowles; their voices are unmistakable for any viewers who are familiar with them.

Epic is an unsatisfying film that is unlikely to engender a strong positive response from viewers young and old.

Trailer Round-Up

This week has seen the release of the first trailer for new Bond movie Skyfall and the teaser for Anchorman 2. Also featured are The Campaign, Killer Joe and Cosmopolis.

Skyfall

Well isn’t this exciting? Albeit with less of the unreserved glamour of the Roger Moore days, Bond is back in what’s looks to be another frenetic adventure. The tube train excerpt is sure to strike fear in the heart of any London commuter. Quantum of Solace was a bit disappointing, but hopefully director Sam Mendes will return Daniel Craig’s Bond to the form of Casino Royale. Skyfall is released on 26th October 2012.

Anchorman 2

A belated sequel to a much-loved film is always tricky. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy was a fantastic film, so the idea of a sequel is received with equal parts glee and skepticism. This teaser reveals nothing really about the film itself, but it is great to see Will Ferrell reunited with Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and David Koechner. Hopefully that hot piece Baxter will also return for the sequel.

The Campaign

Before Anchorman 2 is released, here is another slice of Will Ferrell. The Campaign is a new comedy starring Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis and Jason Sudeikis. Ferrell’s line during the trash talking sequence alone makes me want to go and see this film. The Campaign is out on 28th September 2012.

Killer Joe

This looks like it will be a combination of tense and absurd. William Friedkin directs Killer Joe, based on a play by Tracy Letts. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch and Juno Temple. Killer Joe is released in cinemas on 29th June 2012.

Cosmopolis

David Cronenberg’s last film, A Dangerous Method, was a letdown. From this brief teaser, Cosmopolis immediately looks inherently more Cronenberg, which is definitely a good thing. Starring Robert Pattinson, Paul Giamatti, Samantha Morton and Juliette Binoche, Cosmopolis is released on 15th June 2012.

Film Review: Horrible Bosses

Horrible Bosses is a fun comedy that entertains throughout. All is forgiven, Jennifer Aniston. Well almost all. Not The Bounty Hunter.

Friends Nick, Kurt and Dale all hate their bosses. Nick’s boss Dave has psychotic tendencies. Kurt’s new boss Bobby is a habitual drug user. Dale’s boss Julia makes unwanted sexual advances towards him on a daily basis. The trio contemplate killing their bosses, but things don’t go according to plan…

Horrible Bosses works very well as a 15-rated comedy. The humour is sometimes lewd but never descends too far into crassness. There are some very amusing site gags as well as a script that is punctuated with humour throughout. The comedy has a universal appeal. It is not too close to the bone as to offend people, yet there are some darkly humorous jokes.

Seth Gordon’s film is well paced, and provides some tension (although this is never without humour). Given the premise, the narrative seems quite predictable from the outset. Nevertheless, the film features a number of small twists, making it more difficult to predict the outcome. Horrible Bosses does some of the things expected of it, but subverts other elements.

Considering that there are several main characters, it is unsurprising that the film relies on stereotypes to a certain extent. The trio of friends are sufficiently developed and have a believable relationship. However, the screenwriters have made the bosses into caricatures. This may sound like a negative, but it reality it is not. Given the genre, these over-the-top characters are responsible for much of the film’s humour. The bosses are given the freedom to be as outlandish as possible, making them far worse than the average nasty employer. As well as creating humour, this gives credence to the murder plot.

Horrible Bosses boasts great performances from its stellar cast. Jason Bateman is as watchable as ever as Nick, playing the straight guy to the more comical friends. Jason Sudeikis is a lot of fun as Kurt, while Charlie Day once again shows off his comedy chops as Dale. Jamie Foxx is amusing in a small role.

As Dave, Kevin Spacey appears to be playing a more heighten version of himself. Colin Farrell is wildly amusing as Bobby, but is sadly underused. Jennifer Aniston is great as Julie. It is refreshing to see her in a different type of role, which goes some way to redeem her recent film choices. Aniston also seems to be having a lot of fun with her character.

Horrible Bosses is highly recommended for mainstream comedy fans. Although it is unlikely to win any awards, it should prove very enjoyable for audiences.

Horrible Bosses is out in UK cinemas on 22nd July 2011.