(Bi-weekly feature written for Lost In The Multiplex)
Ready for some more trailer news? The weeks never seem to disappoint as this week we have even more long-awaited trailers, including that for Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows, the latest Men In Black instalment, and for Walter Salles’ latest film, On The Road. This week is also a brilliant week for comedies, with a funny new trailer for What To Expect When You’re Expecting highlighting the male cast of Chris Rock, Thomas Lennon, Rob Huebel, and Rodrigo Santoro, but also with a less funny trailer for Adam Sandler’s latest film, That’s My Boy, which stars Lonely Island star Andy Samberg. Nevertheless, don’t let that turn you away.
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Dark Shadows
First up is the first trailer for Tim Burton’s vampire pic Dark Shadows has been released. Based on the 1966-1971 classic gothic soap opera, this first look at this classic Burtonesque film is what we have all been waiting for. With a hint of comedy and entertainment it has completely altered my perspective on the film, and it actually looks like it could be a bit of fun whilst keeping its dark undertone at the same time. Starring Johnny Depp in the lead role, of course, the film follows the character of Barnabas Collins, a wealthy playboy who is transformed into a vampire and buried by a jilted lover, Angelique (Eva Green). After being dug up 200 years later, Collins attempts to reintegrate with his descendants, led by Elizabeth (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Roger (Jonny Lee Miller), whilst he also crosses the path with various monsters, witches, werewolves and ghosts, all of whom have secrets. Also starring Helena Bonham Carter and Chloë Grace Moretz, the film is set to be released on 11th May.
Men In Black 3
Another first look is the new trailer for the return of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as Agents J and Agent K in Men In Black 3. Back taking charge of some off looking aliens running loose in New York City and wiping the memories of those they encounter, the new trailer brings back some great nostalgia, and is full of what we loved about the first two films. For this latest instalment, released a whole decade later than its predecessor, Agent J must travel back in time to the 1960s to change history and stop an alien from assassinating a much younger version of his partner, played by Josh Brolin. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, Men In Black 3 also stars Alice Eve, Emma Thompson and Bill Hader, and is set to be released on 25th May.
Now Is Good
Upcoming drama Now Is Good, starring Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga) alongside Jeremy Irvine (War Horse), also has its first trailer. Directed by Ol Parker, Fanning plays 17-year-old Tessa who, diagnosed with terminal cancer, compiles a list of things she’d like to do before she dies, determined to experience some regular teen thrills whilst she still has the chance, top of the list being to lose her virginity (I think that’s where Irvine comes in!). Also starring Kaya Scodelario (Skins Series 1-4), Paddy Considine (Submarine), Olivia Williams (Wild Bill), and Joe Cole (Skins Series 6), Now Is Good, set to be released on 25th May, is sure to pull a heart string or two.
The Cabin in the Woods
The highly anticipated horrorshow from Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard has a new trailer ready for its release on the 13th of April here in the UK. Following five friends who go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, The Cabin in the Woods isn’t your typical teen horror cliché. When the group get more than they bargained for, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods as clues that something isn’t right begins to ruin their stay. The trailer doesn’t give too much away which is great, as what it does show generates a lot of curiosity. Whilst reviews for the film are currently embargoed, many have been giving subtle hints to how great the film is, which says a lot by itself when relating to a horror flick. Starring Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford among others, I’m mostly looking forward to seeing this because of Chris Hemsworth.
What To Expect When You’re Expecting
Comedy-drama What To Expect When You’re Expecting has a great new trailer this week. Starring the likes of Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, Jennifer Lopez, Chace Crawford, Chris Rock, Matthew Morrison, Thomas Lennon, and Joe Manganiello, this film looks set to be one of the great comedies of the year. The new trailer introduces us to the dads of the film, also known as the ‘Dudes Group’, and shows off the great combination of comedians that fill out the father roles. From these few clips alone the film looks worth watching. Directed by Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee) and written by Heather Hach (Freaky Friday) with a rewrite coming from Shauna Cross (Whip It), the is based on the book of the same written by Heidi Murkoff and is out in cinemas on 23rd May.
That’s My Boy
A not-so-funny looking trailer is for Adam Sandler’s latest film, That’s My Boy. Starring in the role of a ‘father figure’, Sandler plays a foul-mouthed hedonistic playboy who arrives on his straight-laced son’s doorsteps just before his wedding day. Sandler’s films always bring on controversy but I’m usually a fan; at first I was looking forward to this because of the fact that Sandler’s on-screen son is played by Lonely Island star Andy Samberg, but the trailer has ruined all hope I had for this film. Also starring Leighton Meester and James Caan, the film is co-directed by Sean Anders and John Morris with a script first coming from David Caspe that was followed up by a rewrite by David Wain and Ken Marino. I’d like to say unfortunately we have to wait until 7th September to see this film in the UK, but I’m hoping the wait may be enough time to make me even consider seeing this one.
On The Road
Another big, first trailer recently is that for Walter Salles’ latest film, On The Road. Starring Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund and Sam Riley, the film is an adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s acclaimed novel of the same name, and follows the two male leads search for “It”, which results in a fast paced, energetic roller coaster ride with highs and lows throughout the US. Also starring Amy Adams, Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen, the film is set to be released on 21st September.
In Our Nature
Premiering last week at SXSW, the new trailer for In Our Nature looks like writer-director Brian Savelson’s has made a fantastic feature debut. Starring Jena Malone (Donnie Darko), John Slattery (TV’s Mad Men), Zach Gilford (TV’s Friday Night Lights), and Gabrielle Union (Think Like A Man), the film is a portrait of two couples at a crossroads, as what was supposed to be a romantic getaway for two young lovers, turns into an uncomfortable confrontation with the young man’s estranged father and his own new girlfriend. With no release date for this one yet, Savelson looks like he has done a great job with his first attempt of film making.
Elfie Hopkins
Directed and written by Ryan Andrews with co-writer Riyad Barmania, another teen-vampire pic has a new trailer this week. Elfie Hopkins, starring Ray and Jamie Winstone with Kimberley Nixon and Steven Mackintosh, the film follows an aspiring teen detective who stumbles into her first real case when investigating the mysterious new family in her neighbourhood. Sounds a bit like Fright Night to me, and the new trailer doesn’t do anything to say any more than that. Hopefully there will be some better promotion for this before its release on 20th April.
ParaNorman
Dealing a lot better with a supernatural comedy is the second trailer for Laika’s upcoming stop-motion animation, ParaNorman. With Kodi Smit-McPhee (Let Me In) as the voice over for the eponymous Norman, the film follows a misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, who must take on a haul of ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse. The impressive voice cast also includes Casey Affleck, Jeff Garlin, John Goodman, Anna Kendrick, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Directed and written by Chris Butler and co-directed by Sam Fell, the film is Butler’s writing and directorial debut. It has a very Tim Burton feel to it, yet somehow funnier, so I’m quite looking forward to its release on 14th September.
Meeting Evil
On a more serious note, Meeting Evil starring Luke Wilson and Samuel L. Jackson and set to be released on 4th May has a new mysterious trailer. Written and directed by Chris Fisher (S. Darko), the film is based on Thomas Berger’s original 1992 crime novel of the same name, and sees Wilson in the lead as a family man forced to go to great lengths to protect his family.
The Cold Light
And finally, the new trailer for Mabrouk El Mechri’s action thriller The Cold Light highlights its main cast of Bruce Willis, Henry Cavill and Sigourney Weaver. Set to be released in UK cinemas on 6th April, the film follows a young Wall Street trader who, after his family is kidnapped during their sailing trip in Spain, is confronted by the people responsible – intelligence agents looking to recover a mysterious briefcase.
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