Previews: Hellboy Trailer, Pain and Glory, More!

A profusion of films in this week’s preview of coming attractions, including the new Hellboy trailer, Pain and Glory, Mid90s and more…

Hellboy Trailer

Above is the brand new Hellboy trailer. The film is set in England, where the title character has to take on an ancient sorceress. Hellboy stars David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Daniel Dae Kim, and Sasha Lane. The film hits UK screens on 11th April 2019.

Pain and Glory Trailer

Pain and Glory is the latest film from Pedro Almodóvar. The veteran filmmaker’s latest is about a film director in decline as he experiences a number of encounters from his past. With a cast that includes Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, Pain and Glory will be released in UK cinemas on 23rd August 2019.

Little Trailer

Here is the trailer for Little. The film is a reversal of the Big/13 Going on 30 bodyswap comedy, with the adult being the one who returns to childhood. Little is based on an idea by Marsai Martin, who stars alongside Regina Hall and Issa Rae. The film is directed by Tina Gordon, with a screenplay by Tracy Oliver and Gordon. Little is out at UK cinemas on 12th April 2019.

Rocketman Trailer

Taron Egerton plays Elton John in this new Rocketman trailer. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the film is a biopic of the legendary singer. Egerton has recorded some of Elton John’s most famous songs for the film, which counts John among the executive producers. Rocketman will hit UK cinemas in May 2019.

Mid90s Trailer

Here is the trailer for Jonah Hill’s directorial debut Mid90s. Hill also wrote the film, which is a coming of age tale about a young boy in 1990s Los Angeles. The film stars Sunny Suljic, Katherine Waterston, and Lucas Hedges. Mid90s will be released on UK screens on 12th April 2019.

The Curse of La Llorona Poster

The Curse of La Llorona is a new horror about a weeping woman caught between heaven and hell. The film counts James Wan among its producers, and is the directorial debut of Michael Chaves. The Curse of La Llorona is set for release on 3rd May 2019.

Lords of Chaos Trailer

Lords of Chaos has been getting rave reviews, as well as some notoriety for how graphic it is. The film tells the semi-true story of the birth of Norwegian black metal with the band Mayhem. Starring Rory Culkin, Emory Cohen, and Sky Ferreira, Lords of Chaos will hit UK screens on 29th March 2019.

Under the Silver Lake Trailer

Under The Silver Lake is the new film from writer-director David Robert Mitchell (It Follows). The film stars Andrew Garfield and Riley Keough. The film is a neo-noir about a man who discovers a mysterious woman swimming in his apartment complex’s pool. Under the Silver Lake will be released at cinemas and on Mubi from 15th March 2019.

Film Review: War Dogs

Todd Phillips’ War Dogs is a funny and engaging crime comedy-drama. The film entertains throughout its madcap tale.

David Packouz is at a standstill career-wise, when is school friend Efraim Diveroli arrives back into town. Efraim is making a great success of bidding on US military contracts, and invites David to join him. With their business expanding, the pair try to enter the big leagues of arms dealing…

Based on a Rolling Stone article, War Dogs is the true story of two high-school friends who became arms dealers during the Afghanistan war. Certainly some of the incidents in the film may appear far-fetched, but they are based in reality. The film is certainly a case of the truth being stranger than fiction.

The film is told from the point of view of David, a somewhat naive young man who shows insight later. It is easy to see why David is beguiled by his old friend Efraim; the latter appears to have a vociferous appetite for living. Nevertheless, at times David seems a bit too gullible in believing his friend’s excuses or reasoning. Overall, the pair have good chemistry, and are tremendous fun to watch.

The reason that War Dogs works so well is because of the tone that permeates the film. The tale gives an insight into arms dealing and the US military that few will know about. Phillips gives a clear opinion on what he thinks of this. Yet the film is funny and informative without being preachy or flippant. Similarly, there are shades of grey with the protagonists. Phillips does not completely condemn or absolve them, making for a more engaging film.

Miles Teller is decent as David. It is Jonah Hill who steals the show, however, as Efraim. It is one of the actor’s strongest roles to date – he is a lot of fun to watch. Bradley Cooper also amuses in a small role. The soundtrack to the film works well, much like in Phillips’ The Hangover.

Phillips perfectly blends entertainment with education in War Dogs. A great watch.

Stuff To Look At

Here lies the brand new Interstellar trailer, plus Cinderella, Transformers: Age of Extinction, A Million Ways to Die in the West and more…

Interstellar

Here is the latest Interstellar trailer. Christopher Nolan’s hotly anticipated film stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine. Interstellar will be released in the UK on 7th November 2014.

Cinderella

Hot on the tails of the upcoming Maleficent, another Disney classic is given the live-action treatment. Starring Cate Blanchett, Stellan Skarsgård and Helena Bonham Carter, and directed by Kenneth Branagh, This teaser does not reveal much, except an awfully shiny glass slipper. I always thought glass shoes would be incredibly painful to walk in, yet Cinderella dances the night away in hers. Anyway, Cinderella is set for release on 3rd April 2015.

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Here is the latest trailer for Transformers: Age of Extinction. The most important thing you will see occurs in the last twenty seconds. Dinobots! Starring Marky Mark, Stanley Tucci and Kelsey Grammer, although the humans are decidedly less important than the robots in disguise. Transformers: Age of Extinction hits UK screens on 10th July 2014.

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Above is a clip from the upcoming comedy A Million Ways to Die in the West. Without context, the clip seems only to offer a glimpse into the character of Albert, played by Seth MacFarlane, who also directs, produces and co-writes the film. A Million Ways to Die in the West is released in cinemas on 30th May 2014.

22 Jump Street

Here is a new clip from 21 Jump Street sequel 22 Jump Street. The film sees Schmidt and Jenko head to college. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum had good chemistry in the first film, which will hopefully be replicated here. 22 Jump Street hits UK cinemas on 6th June 2014.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

I saw this trailer in Imax a few days ago, and it looks mighty impressive on the big screen. The follow-up to the 2011 hit Rise of the Planet of the Apes stars Gary Oldman and Jason Clarke. I am hoping for flashback sequences of baby Cesar, although great action will do just fine. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is released on 17th July 2014.

Summer of Cinema

Here is a compilation of all the big films that are being released this summer, from the Film Distributors’ Association. I didn’t recognise all of them, but there are some exciting films to come this season. If you can’t get enough of trailer compilations, I suggest you check out this blockbuster one by AMONymous.

Film Review: The Wolf of Wall Street

Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street is Hollywood cinema at its finest. Scorsese’s adaptation of Jordan Belfort’s memoirs is magnificent.

A young Jordan Belfort is keen to establish a career on Wall Street in the 1980s. He becomes wildly successful, even with his unorthodox ways and lifestyle. His financial achievements come at a cost however…

The Wolf of Wall Street is a thoroughly entertaining black comedy that engages throughout its three hour duration. Martin Scorsese illustrated his flair for the darkly comic with 1982’s The King of Comedy, and his latest has some parallels with it.

The Wolf of Wall Street is raucous, outrageous and always compelling. The incidents that occur in the film are often wild, such is the nature of the story. Yet this is part of the reason that the film is so great; the sense of disbelief often generates humour. Scorsese’s film is often laugh out loud funny.

The narration and voiceover works well in The Wolf of Wall Street, thanks to its protagonist. Scorsese and screenwriter Terence Winter do not present Belfort’s activities in a positive or negative light. They simply present the story in an engaging manner. Despite the humour, there is no endorsement of criminal or immoral action. The audience are left to form their own opinion; The Wolf of Wall Street is thankfully free of moralising.

Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a tour de force performance. DiCaprio is electric as Belfort; his performance is more than worthy of the praise and nominations he has hitherto received. Jonah Hill provides great support as Donnie, and is responsible for a good portion of the humour.

Scorsese’s direction is as impeccable as ever, ably assisted by editor Thelma Schoonmaker. The soundtrack is also strong. The Wolf of Wall Street is marvellously rambunctious film. Highly recommended.

Stuff To Look At

A brand new clip from The Wolf of Wall Street, Muppets Most Wanted and plenty more…

The Wolf of Wall Street

After the excitement for the trailer, here is a new clip from The Wolf of Wall Street. Jonah Hill’s character looks like he could be a lot of fun. Based on Jordan Belfort’s memoirs, The Wolf of Wall Street is out in UK cinemas on 17th January 2013.

Muppets Most Wanted

Following the release of the trailer, here is the poster for Muppets Most Wanted. The film has a lot to live up to, after the success of The Muppets. Muppets Most Wanted is set for release on 28th March 2014.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Here is a clip from the upcoming sequel Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. Will Ferrell and his co-stars have done a lot of publicity for the movie, and there is a weight of expectation given that the original has become such a favourite. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues hits UK screens on 18th December 2013.

American Hustle

This poster is just everything. The Hair. The Costumes. The Hair. With an all-star cast, American Hustle is released in the West End on 20th December 2013 and in the rest of the UK on 1st January 2014.

Robocop

I watched the director’s cut of the original Robocop again recently and it really does hold up well (bar a few dated special effects). What this remake has going for it is an impressive cast (Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton). RoboCop is released in UK cinemas on 7th February 2014.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

After the fantastic posters, here is a new image of Michael Fassbender from X-Men: Days of Future Past. The film blends its predecessor with the previous series of X-Men films, by the casting at least. X-Men: Days of Future Past is scheduled for a May 2014 release.

Maleficent

This teaser trailer for Disney’s Maleficent reveals little bar the title character. After the success of the musical Wicked and Oz The Great and Powerful, there seems to be a trend for revisiting fairy tales to show the other side. Maleficent is due for release in the UK in Spring 2014.

Film Review: This Is The End

Apocalyptic comedy This Is The End is squarely aimed at the Judd Apatow audience. It is sometimes crude, but more often than not pretty amusing.

When Jay Baruchel goes to Los Angeles for the weekend, he is hoping to spend the time catching up with his best friend Seth Rogen. However Seth is keen that they go to a party at James Franco’s house. The party is a bad idea, but not for the reasons Jay thought…

In This Is The End, all the characters play themselves. The film itself boasts a fun premise – a group of Hollywood actors trying to survive an apocalypse. This set-up wears a little thin over the almost two-hour duration, but This Is The End is thoroughly entertaining for the most part.

The fact that the characters a playing themselves, or at least a version of themselves, is one of the film’s main attributes. With the inclusion of a plethora of cameos, it is certainly fun to watch these stars sending themselves up. Nonetheless, it is a pity that James Franco, for example, does not make more of his perceived persona.

The humour in This Is The End is often crass. This is not unexpected, however, given the talent involved in the film. Although the jokes tend to go for the lowest common denominator, the humour does generate laughs.

Jay Baruchel is a likeable protagonist. He functions as the ‘normal guy’ within the sea of celebrities. As a result, he is the one viewers will most likely identify with. Jonah Hill and Craig Robinson offer good support, whilst some of the film’s funniest moments arise from the high-profile cameos.

Although it won’t be to everyone’s tastes, This Is The End should certainly satisfy the demographic it will appeal to. The film is silly fun, and recommend just for this purpose.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of stuff on upcoming movies this week, including the brand new Anchorman: The Legend Continues trailer, Disney’s Frozen, and more…

Anchorman: The Legend Continues

Here is the latest Anchorman: The Legend Continues trailer. Almost ten years later, one of the funniest comedies of the 2000s gets a sequel. The original cast are joined by a host of other stars, including Harrison Ford, Tina Fey and Sacha Baron Cohen. Anchorman: The Legend Continues hits the big screen on 20th December 2013.

Frozen

Here is the first trailer for Frozen, the latest animated comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The trailer reveals little about the plot, which revolves around a girl trying to find her sister in a kingdom besieged by an eternal winter. Frozen is due for release on 6th December 2013.

The LEGO Movie

The first trailer for The LEGO Movie was released today. Featuring the voices of Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson and Elizabeth Banks, The LEGO Movie will be released in UK cinemas on 14th February 2014.

The Wolf of Wall Street

There was a palpable excitement (at least virtually) when this trailer for The Wolf of Wall Street was released on Monday. There is little not to like in this trailer of Martin Scorsese’s latest film. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill (and a monkey!), The Wolf of Wall Street is out 17th January 2014. I can’t wait.

The Wolverine

Here is the latest trailer for The Wolverine. I wonder if one day Hugh Jackman will become too old to play Wolverine. But for this upcoming film he still looks the part. The Wolverine will be released in 3D on 25th July 2013.

300: Rise of an Empire

300: Rise of an Empire is a prequel to the 2006 hit 300. The film has the same look as its predecessor, even though Zack Snyder is not at the helm for this adventure. 300: Rise of an Empire is due for release in March 2014.

Frances Ha

Here is the trailer for Noah Baumbach’s Frances Ha, co-written and starring Greta Gerwig. Worthy of the praise it has hitherto received, the film explores the friendships of a dance company apprentice in New York. Frances Ha is released in UK cinemas on 26th July 2013.

Despicable Me 2

Above is a short featurette with Steve Carell exploring the upcoming animated sequel Despicable Me 2. I am kind of relieved that there is a unicorn in this film as well. Despicable Me 2 hits UK screens on 28th June 2013.

Film Review: The Watch

The Watch is a sufficiently entertaining film. The comedy needed better and more frequent jokes to become memorable, however.

Evan is an active member of the community. When a murder takes place in the store which he manages, Evan decides to form a neighbourhood watch. The other members are more keen to use the group as a way to escape their daily routine, but Evan insists on investigating the mysterious death…

The Watch offers a comedy with a science-fiction twist. Trailers for the film posit it as a straightforward comedy, which belies the sci-fi angle. The aspect of The Watch is fairly potent, particularly in the second half of the film.

The problem with The Watch is that several of the jokes fall flat. For a comedy, there is a lack of belly laughs. This is because the jokes that are present fail to work, and there are not as many of the jokes that do. The Watch could have been a lot funnier.

The elements of action and sci-fi function suitably well. There is enough in this area of the film to keep the audience entertained. The premise of The Watch is perfectly fine, it’s only in the execution that the film falters. The need of screenwriters Seth Rogen, Jared Stern and Evan Goldberg to give Evan in particular more of an emotional edge appears a misstep. As the humour does not always work, it can feel as if viewers are being lumbered with a serious angle without the comedy pay off.

Production values in Akvia Schaffer’s film are great. Performances from the cast are also good, although the main players never really step out of their comfort zone. Vince Vaughn plays the same kind of brash character audiences have seen from him before, while Jonah Hill does bring humour as the slightly eccentric Franklin.

The Watch works well enough not to bore or annoy viewers. However, it is unlikely to leave them begging for more. A suitable lazy afternoon film.

Film Review: 21 Jump Street

With its self-flagellation and wry nods, 21 Jump Street is surprisingly enjoyable. Viewers looking for a decent action comedy won’t go far wrong with Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s film.

Schmidt and Jenko become best friends while training to be police officers, despite their differences at high school. After a rough start to their careers, the pair are sent undercover to pose as students at a high school. They must try to infiltrate a drugs ring whilst blending in with fellow students…

A film remake of a 1980s television series shouldn’t be good. However, it is the fact that the screenwriters know this and have carved their script accordingly, that makes 21 Jump Street so great. The plot of the film is similar to one featured in the television show. What the film version does is provide amusement and references in spades. The level of self-awareness is definitely a positive, as it provides several laughs.

21 Jump Street flips high school conventions to modernise depictions. This is a wise move, offering a more realistic portrayal of high school hierarchy. It is also integral to the narrative, and aids in character development. Many viewers in their 20s and over will be able to identify with the protagonists’ confusion over what is now cool.

Nods to the 1980s work well throughout the film. The use of N.W.A’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’ is a nice touch, with former group member Ice Cube starring in the film. The connection with the eighties is also apparent with the type of antagonists that appear; they seem very much a throwback to this decade.

Casting and performances in 21 Jump Street are great. Jonah Hill, who co-wrote the story, is well suited to the role of Schmidt, while Channing Tatum is surprisingly adept in his comedic role. Solid support is provided by Ice Cube, Brie Larson and Caroline Aaron. The film also boasts good production values and a decent soundtrack.

21 Jump Street is the type of film that the majority of viewers will find hugely entertaining. The film offers a gregarious tone and plenty of laughs.

Trailer Round-Up

This week saw the release of the first trailer of Frankenweenie, one of my most anticipated films of the year. Also included is the new Avengers Assemble trailer, Neighbourhood Watch and The Dictator.

Frankenweenie

I used to be a huge Tim Burton fan. I even wrote  a dissertation on his films. More recently, like many, I have found the proliferation of remakes a little tiresome. Although it is also a remake, at least Frankenweenie is Burton remaking his own work. The original short film can be found on The Nightmare Before Christmas DVD. From the above trailer, Frankenweenie looks like quintessential Burton, with a noticeable reference to the Universal Frankenstein films. Frankenweenie is released on 5th October 2012.

Avengers Assemble

The Avengers has had a name change; it is now Avengers Assemble. The full trailer was released earlier this week, and gives us an insight into the film’s plot. Avengers Assemble features Mark Ruffalo as Hulk, the third actor to play this role in the last nine years. Nevertheless, there is continuity with Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson all returning. Avengers Assemble is out on 26th April 2012.

The Dictator

This trailer has been floating around for a while, but with Sasha Baron Cohen’s Oscars appearance I thought I would share it. The Dictator features Baron Cohen doing his usual caricature thing. This time, however, the subject matter is more resonant with current affairs. No doubt there will be thematic parallels with the Middle East uprising. The Dictator is released on 16th May 2012.

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch is a new comedy starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn. Not sure where Owen Wilson is on this one. Instead, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade round up the leads. The film is the first major Hollywood role for Ayoade. The film is about a neighbourhood watch group seemingly overstating their importance in suburbia. Neighbourhood Watch is out on 24th August 2012.