Previews: Pete’s Dragon Trailer, The Accountant and More!

Lots to see in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Pete’s Dragon trailer, The Accountant, Wonder Woman and more…

Pete’s Dragon Trailer

Here is the new Pete’s Dragon trailer. The film is a live-action remake of the animated classic. Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, and Wes Bentley are joined by Oakes Fegley as the title character. Pete’s Dragon will be released in UK cinemas on 12th August 2016.

The Accountant Trailer

Here is the latest trailer for The Accountant. The film stars Ben Affleck as a maths savant who works on the books for criminal organisations. Also starring Anna Kendrick and J.K. Simmons, The Accountant is out in the UK on 4th November 2016.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Featurette

Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Samuel L. Jackson and others discuss the upcoming Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Directed by Tim Burton, Jane Goldman wrote the screenplay, based on the novel by Ransom Riggs. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children hits UK screens on 30th September 2016.

Office Christmas Party Trailer

Office Christmas Party is a new comedy from Josh Gordon and Will Speck, the directors of The Switch and Blades of Glory. The film is about staff who host an epic Christmas party to impress a potential client. With an ensemble cast that includes  Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, and Courtney B. Vance, Office Christmas Party makes its way onto UK screens on 9th December 2016.

Ben-Hur Trailer

Here is the second trailer for Ben-Hur. The film is an adaptation of the 1880 Christian novel, like the three film versions that have come before. This version stars Jack Huston, Morgan Freeman, and Toby Kebbell. Ben-Hur hits UK screens on 7th September 2016.

T2 Teaser Trailer

This feels like it has come from nowhere. A belated sequel to Trainspotting, T2 reunites director Danny Boyle with the original cast, including Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle and Jonny Lee Miller. T2 is set for release on 27th January 2016.

Blair Witch Trailer

Another unexpected sequel to a 1990s film. Horror movie The Woods was revealed to be Blair Witch, a sequel to The Blair Witch Project. Blair Witch is directed by Adam Winged, who has had recent successes with You’re Next and The Guest. Blair Witch hits UK screens on 16th September 2016.

Nerve Clip

Nerve seems to the correct name for this film, is the above clip is anything to go by. The film is directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, who rose to fame through their film Catfish. Starring Emma Roberts and Dave Franco, Nerve is out in UK cinemas on 11th August 2016.

Kong: Skull Island Poster

Kong: Skull Island is a reimagining of the cinema stalwart King Kong. The film has a more contemporary setting than the last version of the monster movie. Kong: Skull Island stars Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and John Goodman. The film is set for release in 2017.

Wonder Woman Trailer

The film many comic book fans have been waiting decades for is almost here. After her appearance in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman finally gets her own film. Gal Gadot is joined by Chris Pine, Connie Nielson, and Robin Wright. Directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman will hit cinemas 2nd June 2017.

The LEGO Batman Movie Trailer

After the character was such a big hit in The LEGO Movie, it is no surprise that Batman gets his own film. The LEGO Batman Movie looks like it will be as amusing as its predecessor, if the trailer is anything to go by. With the voices of Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Cera and Rosario Dawson, The LEGO Batman Movie launches on to UK screens in February 2017.

Suicide Squad Video

This Suicide Squad video concentrates on Harley Quinn from the upcoming movie. The film features a roster of villains who are tasked with completing a mission for a US agent. Starring Margot Robbie, Will Smith, Jared Leto, and Viola Davis, Suicide Squad hits UK cinemas on 5th August 2016.

Film Review: Cake

Daniel Barnz’s Cake blends drama with black comedy. The film hinges on a strong performance by lead Jennifer Aniston, which she pulls off with aplomb.

Claire becomes fascinated by the suicide of one of the women in her chronic pain support group. As she delves deeper into the circumstances of the suicide, Claire needs to confront her own tragedy…

Cake is a drama with flecks of dark humour. Screenwriter Patrick Tobin focuses on protagonist Claire, a misanthropic character who is buried in physical and emotional pain. Rather than dealing with her problems stoically, Claire lashes out at those around her. The character is well drawn; viewers will be able to sympathise with her pain and understand her attitude.

The narrative of Cake is on the light side. The film functions more as a character study than anything else. Other characters appear for Claire to rally against, or to open up part of the tragedy that Claire is trying to avoid. The backstory of what has happened to Claire is not revealed until late on in the film, despite hints being dropped along the way. This works well to retain the audience’s attention; Claire has a lot to be angry and frustrated about, but the full extent is not made clear until much later.

The second half of Cake is more sentimental than the first, with Claire reluctantly facing up to issues. Director Daniel Barnz’s film never becomes schmaltzy, but there is a change in tone. The device of the hallucinations functions to provide black humour and for Claire to elucidate her feelings. The device is partially successful, although sometimes it seems as if the need for Claire to vocalise her feelings is overplayed.

Jennifer Aniston offers one of the strongest performances of her career. She is completely believable as the acerbic Claire. Good support is provided by Adriana Barraza, whilst Felicity Huffman and Lucy Punch are decent in minor roles.

Cake entertains throughout, even if it is not wholly satisfying. The film is certainly worth a watch for Aniston’s performance.

Cake is available on Blu-Ray and DVD from 29th June 2015.

Stuff To Look At

A plethora of movie trailers and clips on Oscar nomination day, including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Blackhat and Cake…

Avengers: Age of Ultron

It all looks very, very bad in sequel Avengers: Age of Ultron. Where are jokes of Loki? From the above trailer, it looks like this Marvel instalment will have a more serious tone. Not that this is a bad thing, as last year’s superlative Captain America: The Winter Soldier can attest to. Avengers: Age of Ultron hits UK cinemas on 24th April 2015.

Selma

So Selma may have been snubbed for several awards, but at least it has received a Best Picture nod from the Academy. Starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., Selma tells the story of his struggle to secure voting rights for African Americans. The film is released in the UK on 6th February 2015.

Cake

Jennifer Aniston may have been snubbed for a Best Actress nomination at this year’s Oscars, but Cake still seems worth a look. A dark comedy, the film focuses on Aniston’s character and dubious relationship with a widower. Cake will be released in UK cinemas on 20th February 2015.

Blackhat

Director Michael Mann delves into the world of global cybercrime with his latest thriller Blackhat. Starring Chis Hemsworth and Viola Davis, the film concentrates on convicted hacker who is helping the government tackle a network of criminals. Blackhat hits UK screens on 20th February 2015.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Following yesterday’s world premiere of Kingsman: The Secret Service, here is a clip from the film. Following the success of Kick-Ass, screenwriter Jane Goldman and writer-director Matthew Vaughan team up again for another adaptation of a comic book. Kingsman: The Secret Service is released on 29th January 2015.

Run All Night

Here is the trailer for action thriller Run All Night. The film is about a prolific hit man played by Liam Neeson. Also starring Ed Harris and Joel Kinnamen, Run All Night is set for release in the UK on 1st May 2015.

Inherent Vice

This clip from Inherent Vice sees Joaquin Phoenix reunited with his Walk The Line co-star Reese Witherspoon. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and with a stellar cast, Inherent Vice hits UK screens on 30th January 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.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of cinematic delights this week, including the latest trailer for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Into The Woods, Paddington and more…

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Here is the latest trailer for the final instalment of Peter Jackson’s second Tolkien franchise, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Sadly Gollum is nowhere to be seen, but there is plenty of hobbits, eleves, wizards and the like. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will hit UK screens on  12th December 2014.

Into The Woods

Carrying on with the fantasy theme, a full trailer for Into The Woods dropped this week. It seems to have all the winning ingredients; fairy tales, musical numbers, and a great cast. Meryl Streep in particular looks wonderfully hammy as the witch. Into The Woods will be released in UK cinemas on 9th January 2015.

Horrible Bosses 2

Above is a clip from the forthcoming sequel Horrible Bosses 2. The film unites the main cast from the first film with newcomers Chris Pine and Christoph Waltz. It was refreshing to see Jennifer Aniston in a different kind of role in the first film, and it looks like this is no different. Horrible Bosses 2 is out on 28th November 2014.

Paddington

Oh my! Paddington in the snow. I recently bought a red duffle coat, and was told that I looked like a cross between Paddington Bear and Red Riding Hood. It was the greatest compliment ever. Anyway, Paddington, featuring Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Julie Walters, will reach UK screens on 28th November 2014.

The Gambler

What is interesting about this trailer for The Gambler is that it uses The Rolling Stones’ ‘Gimme Shelter’, a song that many film fans will associate with The Departed, which also memorably starred Marky Mark. The Gambler, which also stars John Goodman and Brie Larson, is set for release in UK cinemas on 19th December 2014.

The Pyramid

Above is a featurette on upcoming horror The Pyramid. What I want to know is what exactly is in these pyramids. Is it mummies come to life? Or is it a more Indiana Jones-style bent? The Pyramid is out in UK cinemas on 5th December 2014.

Annie

Contemporary remake of the classic musical Annie is out just in time for Christmas. It is unclear how much singing will be involved from the above trailer, and how much Cameron Diaz’s Miss Hannigan will replicate the original. But here’s hoping. Annie hits UK screens on 20th December 2014.

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: Wanderlust

Light on narrative, but with substantial laughs, Wanderlust is an entertaining 98 minutes. It is surprising that the film performed poorly on its opening weekend at the US box office, as it is enjoyable enough.

After buying a small but expensive apartment in New York, George and Linda’s financial situation changes. Forced to move to Altanta to stay with George’s brother, the couple stumble across a commune on their journey. The alternative lifestyle could offer a solution to George and Linda’s housing problem…

Directed and co-written by David Wain, Wanderlust begins well; the opening sequence is a good set up for the rest of the film. The premise of the movie is a simple one, although there are some amusing sidelines. Wanderlust offers few real surprises, but the selling point is not its originality.

Wanderlust‘s lack of pretensions is definitely a positive. The film only enters a more serious territory on a few occasions. The emphasis lies firmly on making viewers laugh, rather than on any more deeper meaning. There are moments in the film where director Wain pushes a joke to its extreme. This results in some cringing, although humour is always retained.

The film has a streak of randomness that runs throughout. This works well as another layer to the humour. Episodes such as the brief appearance of George’s nephew add little to the overall narrative but are successful in providing amusement. The script capitalises on these unusual moments.

Performances by the two leads are fine. Paul Rudd in particular seems happy to play the fool, while Jennifer Aniston appears slightly less game. As Seth, Justin Theroux is a bit of a scene stealer. This role, as well as  Theroux’s high-profile romance with co-star Aniston, should see the actorincreasingly feature in Hollywood’s output.

Wanderlust is sometimes crass, but this is hardly surprising given Judd Apatow’s involvement. Nevertheless, it is an amusing comedy for those looking for some mindless fun.

All I Want for Christmas… Part 2

Part 2 of my home video picks. These Blu-rays and DVDs are all released in time to be bought for Christmas presents. There are plenty of DVDs angling for stocking space, but these are three of the better ones.

Super 8

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One of my favourite films of the year, Super 8 is a must see for fans of Spielberg’s 1980s blockbusters. Directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film a group of teenagers shooting a movie who witness a terrifying crash. Super 8 pays homage to Spielberg’s classic sci-fi/adventure films, mixing nostalgia with pure entertainment. Rated 12, the film should be enjoyed by teens as well as adults who remember the films Super 8 pays homage to. The film is out on Triple Play Blu-Ray and DVD today. The DVD features a commentary plus two featurettes, while the Blu-Ray features a host of extras.

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Rise of the Planet of the Apes 

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Along with Super 8, Rise of the Planet of the Apes stood out among this summer’s blockbusters. Many were dubious about the film, a prequel to the science-fiction classic Planet of the Apes. However, director Rupert Wyatt delivered an unexpectedly good blockbuster, which offered a sound narrative as well as impressive special effects. Released on DVD and Blu-Ray today, Rise of the Planet of the Apes will surely be a welcome gift for anyone who enjoyed the film this summer. The DVD features deleted scenes, whilst the Blu-ray offers a number of featurettes, as well as audio commentaries.

Horrible Bosses

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One for older viewers, the 15-rated Horrible Bosses is out on DVD and Triple Play Blu-Ray now. 2011 has not exactly been a vintage year for Hollywood comedy, but Horrible Bosses stands out as one of the better ones. Featuring a stellar cast, the film is about three disgruntled employees who plot to murder their bosses. There are some great jokes, although the film is worth watching for Jennifer Aniston’s star turn alone. The Blu-Ray offers some great extras including interviews with the cast, featurettes and additional scenes.