XXXIV | TRAILER TUESDAY | XXXIV

This week we have a handful of comedies and thrillers that look really good. Many that seem to be full of action as well.  We also have the long awaited trailer for a movie based on an incredibly popular video game series. One common theme among most of these trailers is a great soundtrack! All except the one that should already have more than enough of its own original music scores to feature...

Hopefully you'll find something you enjoy!

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (5/20/2016):

I was going to avoid this trailer because I hadn't seen the last movie, much like Jason Bourne, but realized there wasn't likely to be much in the ways of spoilers. Beyond the two main male lead characters being buddy buddy by the end, which was a fairly predictable outcome. Despite wanting to really see Neighbors, I never got around to it, but having seen this trailer (and the Red-Band version) I'd like to.

This seems like more of the same raunchy comedy depicted in the first, but instead of shenanigans between a married couple and a frat, they have to deal with a new sorority that has moved in. This is nothing new for Seth Rogen (Knocked Up, This Is the End), but I was always interested in Zac Efron's involvement. Looks like he is sticking around and likes the genre, these not being the only adult comedies he's been in. There's been a surge of films he's been a part of over the past few years, but I always thought it would be refreshing to see him in a role that wasn't the typecast hunky heartthrob. It will be equally as interesting to see Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass, Carrie) in a more comedic role (Rose Byrne being no stranger to it, Bridesmaids), as well as some of the unknown (at least to me) supporting cast.

This should make for a fun film for those liking adult comedies. I went with the original trailer, but I'd recommend checking out the Red-Band one as well. A lot of funny scenes, though many are repeated here, that hopefully aren't all the movie has to offer. I'm sure there will be a lot more hidden comedic gems inside.

The Nice Guys (5/20/2016):

This is a movie that seems to be flying under the radar, which is strange because it's starring some pretty strong talent (Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling), including Kim Basinger! I can't even recall the last movie I've seen her in. Cellular maybe? A surprisingly good movie also featuring Chris Evans. Either way, I haven't heard or seen much promotion for this action comedy.

There wasn't anything laugh-my-ass-off funny in the trailer (though, to be fair there wasn't anything like that in the above Neighbors 2 trailer either for me), but I think that there's great chemistry between Gosling and Crowe. The Nice Guys trailer sells itself as a comedy, but there may be a fair amount of drama within. Reading up on the movie I've found it's a mystery revolving around a suicide (or murder) of a porn star. Or a mafia/cartell? Or both?! Or who knows! I think the comedic timing of these two leads is going to what either makes or breaks the film. The rest may be fairly secondary.

The director, Shane Black (Lethal Weapon franchise, The Long Kiss Goodnight), has a decent track record. He's also helming the new Predator reboot, so I have some faith! It may end up being a really great buddy cop movie, which it's director certainly has experience with.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (6/24/2016):

Speaking of laugh-my-ass-off funny, that's how I felt with this trailer. Not going to lie, I've watched it multiple times and I found myself laughing each and every time. I'm positive there are still more great moments to be seen in the film. The chemistry between Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, Event Horizon) and Julian Dennison looks fantastic and I also feel it will be there among some of the supporting cast (Rachel House and Oscar Kightley). And whoever it is that's talking about jet packs, who I mistook as Hugh Jackman!

The trailer is put together really well, and I'm surprised by the apparent budget that seems to be involved with the project. I was expecting a very modest Indie, but some of the scenes betray that belief. It has a very big budget feel to it, mixed with some directing/cinematography that reminds me of Wes Anderson films (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou). Out of the movies featured so far, this is the first I'd definitely like to see in theaters.

The Accountant (10/14/2016):

Following up Batman v Superman, Ben Affleck is back with another drama/action/thriller! Along for the ride is Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect, who seems to be in every movie under the sun nowadays!), though you only catch a glimpse of her (to be fair, delivering the one paramount question throughout the trailer).

Even though this feels like a teaser trailer, I personally think it's great and should be left as is. We don't need any further information about who these characters are. The teasing and hints are more than enough and we are left intrigued and curious. I definitely want to learn more and I'd like to discover it by actually watching the movie.

The trailer's pacing is great and the song selection blends in seamlessly — it's not overpowering or jarring. We can see a handful of the cast beyond those mentioned above, which also includes Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, Daredevil) and J.K. Simmons (Juno, Whiplash).  John Lithgow (3rd Rock from the Sun, Shrek) is listed, though I think I missed him in the trailer. The talent is definitely there, and yes I even mean Affleck! I'm really interested in seeing this movie.

Inferno - Teaser Trailer (10/28/2016):

This movie wraps up the Dan Brown trilogy (or does it? Trilogies are so yesteryear), and brings back Tom Hanks reprising his role as Robert Langdon. I liked the first movie, The Da Vinci Code a lot, though much of the enjoyment came from all of the drama and controversy surrounding the book series. I can't recall if any stirred around the sequel, so I'm really curious if it will with this third movie.

I think Tom Hanks has always delivered on the role (mind you, I haven't read the books) and he really takes it to heart. Ron Howard directing again is also great. From the trailer we get hints at yet another conspiracy the Symbologist must unravel before a earth-shattering event takes place. Eventually we'll get a full trailer where more of the plot will be revealed. It would be nice to get a few more actual introductions to the characters involved.

I like the lore and hypothetical conspiracy theories worked into these books/films. I really should read the books!

Assassin's Creed (12/21/2016):

So they finally went and made a movie based on the Assassin's Creed video game franchise. I've only played a handful of these games and never through completion. They may get repetitive, but they are really fun. Micheal Fassbender (X-Men franchise, Prometheus), one of Hollywood's new A-List actors appearing in a ton of movies these last few years, is taking on the lead role of Callum Lynch. Marion Cotillard (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises) and Jeremy Irons (Die Hard with a Vengeance, Batman v Superman) round out some of the supporting cast.

It looks like the movie is opting for an original story, taking place during the Spanish Inquisition, rather than following along a previous plotline of any of the games. I think this is a positive thing, as long as they continue down some of the same beats, which they seem to do. It looks like the essence of what makes Assassin's Creed great is present. I'm not sure if there will be the attempt to connect the movie to the games in any fashion, but it's possible.

When it comes to video game movie adaptations there is a long string of epic failures (though, I'm partial to Mortal Kombat). Some actors, no matter how seasoned, can't act their way out of a shitty script. I'm hoping that this treatment gets the love it deserves. I remember hearing Fassbender had never heard of and/or played the game series before, which always irks me. However, given the specific story of Assassin's Creed, that aspect may almost work for the movie.

Most feedback for the trailer has been positive, minus the music. I have to agree that as soon as it kicked in I was detached. I just doesn't seem to fit and I can't figure out why (I think it's more than being Kanye West), when there is already specific soundtracks for the franchise, they chose that song. Granted, most times trailer music isn't indicative of what will appear in the movie. I suspect the next trailer will find something more fitting. Something that will draw both fans and newcomers to the series into the story.

Either way, this movie may make or break he future of video game movie adaptations. No pressure!

Did any of the featured movies interest you? Have you seen the first Neighbors movie? If so, are you looking forward to the sequel? Do you think Crowe and Gosling will have good chemistry in The Nice Guys? What's your favorite buddy cop movie? Did you laugh during the Hunt for the Wilderpeople trailer? Do you think The Accountant needs another trailer? Are you a fan of the Dan Brown books and/or the movies? Do you think Tom Hanks fits the role of Robert Langdon? How do you feel about Michael Fassbender in the lead role of Assassin's Creed? Have you played any of the games? If so, do you have a favorite?