"What Did I Just See?": BVS: Dawn of Justice Comic Con Trailer

This trailer was at the top of my list for most anticipated moments for Comic Con this year. As you may know by now, I am a huge Batman fanatic. I live and breath Batman. That being said, I was more than a little pumped when watching this trailer the now 15,000 times that I have. This trailer was simply magnificent in every way so, this installment of “What Did I Just See?” is going to be a little different. I would usually talk about “What Didn’t Work?” but seeing how this trailer was just a nonstop powerhouse of awesomeness, I am going to skip that segment and simply list “What Did Work?” I am also going to talk about some speculations and things you may have missed in the trailer, and what some things in the trailer could allude to. So, lets put on our cowls and breakdown this spectacular trailer!

What Worked?

Holding Superman Accountable

We’ve known for some time that the world will hold Superman accountable for the hundreds of deaths that were a direct cause of his fight with Zod. It’s a great way to open up this trailer at the courthouse where Superman is being tried by a committee. It shows that the world does not yet stand in solidarity with heroes, and most of all, Superman. It gives a great sense of why not only Batman, but the entire world, sees Superman as a threat, and to some degree, a murderer.

Deaths for Batman

We know that Batman has been out of commission for a while and that he’s seen his share of devastation. However, the deaths of his employees, or “family”, and his inability to save them or protect them during Superman’s battle are a great way to motivate Bruce to suit up once more. We know that the driving force for Batman’s crusade is to save those who can’t protect themselves, and to avenge those who have died at the hands of criminals, like his parents who get a nice little scene in this trailer, or Jason Todd whose Robin outfit we see (more on him in the speculation area). Now that Batman has had his family hurt once more, the flames of rage are burning once more.

Jeremy Fucking Irons

There is no one else that could deliver the lines he has with the same amount of gravitas and precision as he does. With a Batman as badass and rage-filled as this one, we needed an Alfred who could contend emotionally with him. Jeremy Irons is the only one that can believably stand up to Batman and tell him like it is. Also, his look is so great. He looks like an old spy who still has that fire burning in him, but with much more wisdom. I can’t wait to see and hear the dialogue between he and Ben Affleck.

Lex Zuckerberg

Even though I wish Lex was a tad bigger, I am totally sold on Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Lex Luthor. He is cocky and deceitful just like how his character should be. He is surprisingly compelling as a formidable foe. There is the obvious brain vs. brawn matchup between he and Superman brewing here. This makes me very excited. Also, he has hair in this trailer, so he will presumably lose it as a plot point, and I’m totally ok with that because that has been done successfully in the past.

Wonder Woman

My doubts of Gal Gadot are gone. She gives off a very good vibe. When fighting she has a smirk like Diana should have. She is obviously up against a formidable opponent, and Wonder Woman always loves a good battle. She looks like, even though she is taking this seriously, she is enjoying a good fight. Also, I’m so glad that she and Batman know each other’s secret identities and that they seem to be a bit flirtatious together. I hope this is a sign that perhaps they will have a bit of a romance, much like in the Justice League animated show. She also looks believable as this strong powerful woman. Many complained that she was too skinny, but she seems very fit and ready for battle in this trailer.

The Batman

I call him The Batman because he is certainly a figure of justice that deserves the “The.” Ben Affleck is fucking killing it in this role as not only The Batman, but as Bruce Wayne as well. He is creating a blend of both personas that mixes extremely well, while also making it believable and understandable that they are both two masks he wears at different times. His motivations, as I touched on above, are great ways to set up the pure rage that is boiling beneath the surface. I love how Ben Affleck is literally trembling with anger throughout this trailer as well. You can see this rage not only in his demeanor, but his eyes as well. When he is watching the devastation of Metropolis, as well as describing Superman’s abilities, you can see the seriousness, sadness, and rage. He is also very agile which has been a problem in the past Batman movies. While being agile, he is also HUGE in stature and extremely demanding whenever he is seen. Ben Affleck is the truest Batman we have ever seen. He embodies all of the physical elements that Batman has, as well as the emotions that come with living under the cowl.

Tone

Many people shit on DC for being so dark. I think it’s not only smart for them to embrace this tone as a great way to separate themselves from Marvel, but it's wise of them to stick more closely to the source material they have chosen. There are many incarnations of these characters and they have stated which comics are influencing them. Why would they draw inspiration from the Dark Knight Returns, and then make a movie full of jokes and lightheartedness? It wouldn’t make sense, and would in turn make the film a mess. I applaud them for embracing the source material they are drawing inspiration from, and they are doing a great job capturing the feel of these comics.

Visuals

This trailer is beautiful. The interspliced shots, establishing shots, close-ups, action shots, etc. They are all done with grace and precision. I loved seeing Superman shoot his heat vision then cut to Batman dodging heat vision (although I don’t believe it is Superman shooting at him). The shots help establish and convey all of what is being said as well as add tidbits of information not being talked about. For instance, my comment about Diana enjoying the battle was in part due to the close-up on her as she is thrown into a wall. The trembling I noticed in Ben Affleck was also in part due to the close-up shots that let us be able to observe these minor details that only further enhance our experience and understanding of the trailer.

Speculation

Jason Todd

Seeing Jason Todd’s Robin suit with a message from the Joker left behind on it is an obvious indication that he was murdered by the Joker. However, I think that they aren’t just putting this in there for mere dramatic effect. I think this is foreshadowing the events of the upcoming solo Batman film where Jason Todd comes back as the Red Hood. I also think that the staff he is holding is indeed a staff that Jason Todd used. Although it may not look like a traditional staff, it would make sense that perhaps they created a staff with some modifications. I think this is actually what we see Batman holding in the previous trailer, and what he uses to inject kryptonite into Superman with. I also think that he chooses this weapon as a means of motivation and as a reminder that he sees Superman in a similar light to the Joker at this point. He uses this staff because it is that of a fallen comrade taken from him by someone he deems to be a criminal. Superman has already killed his employees that are described as being his family, so it would make sense that he’s using one of his “family” members signature weapon to defeat an enemy that has taken what he holds closest to him.

Joker Knows Everything

It’s very suspicious that the Joker is presumably sending Batman mail directly, and calling him out for letting his family die. His note also serves as a nice poke at the death of Jason Todd at his hands. I’m assuming that during one of their previous altercations, Batman either revealed his alter ego, or it was uncovered by the Joker during the interrogation and torture of Jason Todd. I don’t quite know how or why the Joker knows who The Batman is, but it’s a very interesting dynamic that we haven’t seen before.

The Pockocmoc Satellite

I had brought this up in my review for the first trailer, but we get to see an extended look at the Pockocmoc satellite launch. I am still convinced it is some form of threat that Superman deters as a means of winning over the trust of the American military. It is clearly Russian, but this time the labelling has been removed from the satellite itself. It still bears the Russian flag, and could be a bit of foreshadowing to a larger conflict that will soon involve all of the heroes.

BatMurder?

A lot of people are calling out Batman’s obvious necksnap during the desert scene. Many don’t believe it is Batman considering he doesn’t kill people. I am wondering if these “Super Soldiers” are actually people. I’m thinking they might not be. Knowing that Lex will be using Zod’s DNA for something nefarious, and having billions of dollars at his disposal, it would make sense that perhaps Lex has created some sort of humanoid robot squadron. Now here me out. Zack Snyder admitted that Metallo was in the first draft for the film, but was later cut. Metallo is a humanoid robot with the mind of a man and powered by kryptonite. I don’t think its that farfetched to believe that Luthor has created a small scale squadron of androids to battle Superman, in place of Metallo. They can in fact serve as a precursor to the introduction of Metallo. Also, it is suspicious that we never see any skin, or any of the soldiers faces. So, with all of that said, perhaps Batman knows they aren’t human, and is then using lethal tactics in hopes of destroying them.

Doomsday Is Upon Us

From Luthor getting Kryptonite, Zod’s body, and being an all-around maniacal asshole, I think it is obvious that he creates Doomsday. We also see Lexcorps destroyed, as if something escaped, hence all of the bullets on the ground as Luthor walks through the facility. Also, we see a scene with massive devastation and fire as the Batwing flies overhead. As stated before, we see Superman using his heat vision, which he only does in extreme cases. I doubt very much so that he’s using it towards Batman. Also, Wonder Woman wouldn’t fight Superman as she is descibed as the gateway drug to the Justice League, which insinuates she is the uniting force that brings both heroes together. So if she isn’t fighting Superman, or Batman, she must be fighting someone very strong as she is seen being thrown into a wall, and using a powerful attack. I just hope we get to see this big grey son-of-a-bitch soon!

Overall Assessment

This trailer fucking delivered. It gave me more of the story, it conveyed tone, it showed character motivation, and established an overall sense of understanding of the conflict. It kicked major ass all around.

Score: 10/10

If you’ve stuck around this long to read my huge in depth nerdgasm, I thank you! Please be sure to let me know what you all thought in the comments below and let’s start a conversation. What did you think of the trailer? Were you as impressed and blown away as me? Or did you fucking hate it? As always, please follow me on Twitter @HaneyCasey, check me out on MoviePilot.com/HaneyCasey, and check out my own website at SlackerNerds.com.

"What Did I Just See?": Creed Trailer #1

Well, just like the rest of the internet, I’m going fucking crazy over this Creed trailer. This movie has been on my radar for quite some time, and I’ve been a bit skeptical about it’s existence. All of my doubt has been quelled, and I am now 100% behind this film. It is getting everything right and landing all the punches. Let’s get back up after getting hit by that trailer, and begin to break it down!

What Worked?

Position in This Universe

One of the things I was most worried about was this becoming another Rocky story. I am so done with that character being the center, and I was hoping to see him as a true mentor to Adonis. Luckily, this trailer makes it very clear that Adonis is the star, and Rocky is nothing more than the guide and mentor. There is even a part in the trailer that states, “You legacy is more than your name.” I love this because it is starting us on a new journey with a character that is completely autonomous and not reliant on the history that came before. However, the history and prior movies are just sprinkled into this one which only makes this movie richer. It is the perfect amount of connection to the Rocky movies, while remaining different enough to tell its own story. I couldn’t be more excited for the approach they are taking with this.

Michael B. Jordan

It’s fitting that he’s playing the Human Torch because he is on fucking fire right now! Ever since I saw Fruitvale Station, I had no doubt that he was going to be a super star. He is nothing short of excellent as an actor. He embodies the emotions and lives of each character he portrays. He also has such a sense of realism to him. I truly forget he’s acting when he’s on screen, and I don’t think there is anything greater an actor can do than that. He is so intense and heartfelt in this trailer. There is a hard balance in boxing movies between intensity and heart that the Rocky franchise defined, and it’s great to see that Michael B. Jordan has that same magic that Stallone did back in the day. I have no doubt I will love seeing him perform as much as I did seeing Stallone for my first time in Rocky and the subsequent Rocky films. He had big gloves to fill as a hero for this new take on the franchise, and hasn’t just filled them, but surpassed expectations completely.

Tone

The greatest part of the Rocky franchise has been the feeling of realism and the triumph felt from hard work. When we first see Philly, we are brought back to that blue collar environment where hard work is the only way to work. There is this grittiness (and I mean that in the best way possible) about Philly that just serves as the perfect background for a story of an underdog. The tone is very reminiscent of the original Rocky, without feeling like a carbon copy.

Italian Stallion

Thank you Stallone. Thank you for finally doing what we’ve wanted you to do for so long. You are finally approaching one of your existing franchises in a way that is not only believable but a great fit for where you are in not only your career, but also in your life. It’s great to see you be the mentor you deserve to be. I’m confident, just as you are, that Michael B. Jordan will be a worthy successor to the boxing drama genre that you defined. Thank you for guiding and seeking a man of his talent to reinvigorate the franchise you worked so hard to build.

The Music

I don’t know what song that was, but holy shit was it a great fit for this trailer! The way they synced up beats with the punches was fantastic. I also liked the gradual increase in intensity as tension built up with Adonis’s training. The words also fit the boxing genre. Sometimes music can make or break a trailer, and in this case it helped elevate it even further.

Overall Assessment

I would usually do another section called, “What Didn’t Work?” however this trailer was absolute, solid gold. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this trailer and it didn’t leave me with any expectations unfulfilled. It delivered everything and more that I could hope for. It also got me excited for the film as well as giving me a great general sense of the story. The trailer landed every single punch and has definitely knocked me out!

Score: 10/10 Knockout!

As always, let me know what you thought! Did you like the trailer? Is there anything negative you found in it? How excited for this film are you? Please be sure to comment and be sure to follow me on Twitter @HaneyCasey, catch me on MoviePilot.com/HaneyCasey and of course on my website SlackerNerds.com. Thanks for reading!

"What Did I Just See?": The Martian Trailer #1

Source: geeksnack.com

This trailer wants me to feel quite a few different emotions in a very short span of time! That’s ok though. I’ve been following this movie since it was announced, and I’m just happy to finally see some footage. The trailer itself had some great moments as well as a few moments that had me going eh. Speaking of these moments, to slightly change a Matt Damon line in the trailer, I’m going to have to critic the shit out of this. So, take a seat and leave no man behind as we dive into this trailer review!

What Worked?

The Cast (or Should I Call Them Crew?)

The day before the trailer dropped, they had released a short video of Matt Damon’s character Mark Watany helps introduce each crew member. It gave a lot of insight to the level of camaraderie we’d be seeing in the trailer. Once, the trailer dropped, I didn’t see a decreased level of this bond. I saw each character interact with each other very naturally and as if they’d been through hell and back together. Not only does each actor work well with the other, but the amount of talent in this movie is basically criminal. Each actor is nothing but sheer talent. Even those with smaller roles are fucking thespians! I can’t wait to get a bigger chunk of screen time of them all on Mars before the storm. And Jeff Daniels, you either make me fucking crack up, or make me feel the kind of emotion that I don’t even experience in real life! I’m glad to see him a huge movie like this.

Those Landscapes!

Some of these visuals are very convincing. Landscapes are usually one of Ridley Scott’s strong areas, so it’s really no surprise that I felt like I was literally watching footage from Mars. However, while being unsurprised I was still impressed. I am someone who really appreciates when movies take the time to create luscious settings for their characters to inhabit, such as Mad Max: Fury Road or Jurassic Park. I just hope that we get to see more of Mars than what is shown in the trailer.

The Cinematography

The tracking shots, establishing shots, and close-ups really hit the viewer on all fronts. It funnels you down to the nitty gritty while reminding you of the grandeur that is present throughout. Also, something that I didn’t notice until after a few viewings, I thought it was clever that the shots on Mars have a very distinct red tone to them while all shots on Earth have a very distinct blue hue to them to further the disconnect and dichotomy between the two worlds. I found myself feeling more and more considered by the fact that Watany was on Mars, and I figured out that it was this color trick that kept disconnecting my mind. I enjoyed that very much.

The Plot

Who isn’t fascinated and at least somewhat frightened of space? Especially being left stranded in such a hospitable place. Shit, I can’t even imagine being left in like Detroit for a night without a phone without starting to panic, let alone being left on Mars! Watany’s perseverance is so human that it just draws you in. I don’t ever wish to be in any kind of similar situation, but I could only hope to have the knowledge and perseverance to, “Science the shit out this!” Also, the idea that his crew is going to go rogue and get his ass is awesome. They are some badass astronauts! Overall, just the idea of being left behind on Mars with minimal supplies and your wits is terrifying, but extremely interesting. Now, add in all the other elements like the crew coming back, other Mars related accidents or occurrences, and any other things we don’t even know are coming make me so hyped for this movie!

What Didn’t Work?

Everyone is Sad

Literally, the first shot of every character introduced in this movie look sad as shit. I mean this isn’t a huge issue, but I just feel like this is the wrong way to introduce characters that are going to be beacons of hope and perseverance. Each character has the courage to do something amazing in this film, yet all look like they shit their pants in front of a crowd and now everyone’s laughing at them.

Overall Tone

I mentioned this a bit already, but wow does this trailer feel a bit all over the place with what it expects you to feel. It starts with sadness, then goes to hopelessness, then comedy, then hopeful, then it wants you to feel tense at the prospect of such time until Watany is saved. The transitions between each emotion is too abrupt so that I feel almost fatigued by the end of the trailer. It also takes away from the cohesiveness of the trailer. I would have rather they split these emotions into two separate trailers. I would have liked the first trailer to feel a bit hopeless with underlying prospects of a solution, only to deliver a hopeful solution in the second trailer. It would’ve let the audience catch their bearings and better experience what the filmmakers were trying to make us feel.

I Know It All

I haven’t read the book nor looked for spoilers online, yet now I feel like I know 70% of this film from just watching this trailer. It’s only the first trailer too! It wasn’t as bad as the Southpaw trailers, but I feel like the audience could have gone without knowing quite as much as we do now thanks to the trailer. For instance, I would have liked to see his ingenuity flourish on screen, and find out that his crew’s decision to get him back would be an act of mutiny. I feel like these could have been left out and still got us excited for the film.

Overall Assessment

Honestly, the trailer was damn good and got me even more excited for this film than I already was. It has done it’s job, and doesn’t make me nervous. Each criticism I had was a bit more self-contained within the trailer itself, but the movie still looks extremely interesting and fun. I can’t wait for it! Also, quick side-note, the title of the film, The Martian, seems to insinuate to me that perhaps he ends up having to stay on the planet, or even he and the crew must live on the planet indefinitely. I think that’d be a great plot twist!

Score: Better Than Living On Mars I’m Sure!

As always my friends, let me know what you think in the comments below and tell me if you had a similar impression, or you just think I’m crazy! I would love to hear what you all thought about this first trailer! Did you get even more excited? Less excited? Did it give too much away? Did it switch tone to quickly? Please be sure to follow me on Twitter @HaneyCasey and check me out on comicbookmovie.com, hitz247.com, and of course on my website www.slackernerds.com!

"What Did I Just See?": Bridge of Spies

Again, we are reminded why spies are so goddamn cool. From gadgetry, to secret documents, backroom meetings, politics, and high stakes, this movie is shaping up to be one hell of a spy thriller, let alone just a fantastic film. This has been Steven Spielberg's sleeper project for some time and it’s great to finally see some footage from it. The trailer delivered everything and more that I was hoping to see from this film. The picture this movie paints is so precise and authentic from the period style clothing, vehicles, and language to the explanation of how the Cold War was operated; with information instead of bullets. The Cold War has always been a huge interest of mine, but I have always thought it hard to bring to life in a movie considering there isn’t much action, but Spielberg has proven that with the guidance of his masterful vision, the Cold War can be just as thrilling as any other major war. So, put let’s open our secret coins to decypher the trailer we’ve just seen!

What Worked?

Tom “Golden Boy” Hanks

My god, can Tom Hanks just do a shitty movie so the rest of us can feel better about ourselves being non-accomplishing lazy bums? Well, fortunately/unfortunately it looks like this movie might just be another Oscar performance by Hanks. He continues down his long road of nothing but pure thespian achievement. He is a true joy to watch. He unlike many others, can demand so much from the audience and his fellow actors while on screen, but also have this unshakeable, honorable vulnerability. He just always seems to be portraying the best of mankind in a role, while seeming to actually be one of the best people around off screen. Hanks is going to be key to humanizing both sides of the Cold War conflict, and reminding the world that we are all human and deserve to be treated with dignity no matter what. It is a heartfelt message only deliverable by the Tom Hanks Express.

Piece This Period Together

I love when a movie takes place in a different era and gets the settings and props so right that it feels as if they filmed it during that decade. It helps too that the 50s to 60s are one of my favorite time periods to observe. There is such a style that spans across the globe with architecture, clothing, and machinery that I just love to observe. This movie gives me such an authentic taste of what life was like during this time that I just can’t help but marvel at it. Whoever is responsible for this deserves one hell of a high five.

Spy vs. Spy

I feel like it has been a while since we have seen a spy film that actually focuses on the art of espionage. The last effort that I can remember was Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which made a great attempt, but ultimately fell a little flat. James Bond used to be a great place to get our fix for gadgetry and stealth, but within the last 10 years, the Bond films have seemed to focus much more on the explosions and action of the spy world. I really appreciate that this trailer even goes out of its way to differentiate itself from these type of spy stories by inserting itself into the Cold War, or the War of Words. I’m very eager to see espionage be the center of a film once again, and I think many others feel the same.

The Message

I don’t want to get too political and emotional, but I think the message this movie is tackling is worth noting. I think it’s important for people to remember that even the people we consider to be our enemies are still human beings. Regardless if they would do for us what we’d do for them, we must treat everyone with dignity and respect. Hank’s crusade to remind both nations of this is a noble one as well as a compelling one. I hope the movie will hit this message with even more gravitas than was shown in the trailer because this is something worth reminding everyone.

What Didn’t Work?

To be honest this trailer was a homerun through and through. It felt different from other trailers out there, while also selling me on the characters, plot, and setting. It’s very rare that there isn’t at least a little something for me to nitpick, but when you consider who's involved in this film, it really shouldn’t be any surprise that this trailer was masterfully crafted.

Overall Assessment

This trailer kicked ass. It sold you on the intensity and high stakes of what the plot is, while giving you authenticity on a whole other level. It presented a flawed, but noble character who is relatable even in a very unrelatable situation. The trailer is visually stunning and each shot seems to be handcrafted for maximum emotional reaction. This trailer just reaffirms what we all already know and expect from not only Tom Hanks, but also the film god himself, Steven Spielberg.

Score: Nuke em’/Nuke em’

"What Did I Just See?": Everest

“BWAAAAP!” Like most trailers these days the trailer for Everest starts out with a now obligatory BWAAAAP. For some reason, trailer makers think that this sounds establishes epicness and tension, but all it really does now is create a bit of a parody of itself. Besides the fact that they employ this giant trumpet sound a bit too much, the talent involved in this film is undeniably present. Also, the trailer is beautifully shot. The CGI is amazing, and each actor seems to be bringing their A-game. So, let’s dive into this trailer and do what us nerds to best! *BWAAAAP*

What Worked?

Talent

Right off the bat, we are introduced to the star of the film Jason Clarke, who is becoming more and more of a blockbuster powerhouse. He can really carry a film and bounce off of huge actors very well, as seen in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes between he and Gary Oldman and Andy Serkis. He seems very capable and believable to lead this talent heavy cast and its exciting to seem him alongside other amazing actors.

Next we see Josh Brolin, who his admittedly hit or miss, but I feel like he does best when he is surrounded by other talented actors. He seems to be best served when he has someone else to play off of. I would rather see him as a bit of rougher character, but considering this is based of a true story its understandable why he would have to fit a specific character’s personality.

Then we see John Hawkes and Michael Kelly who have both been involved in plenty of great films and t.v. shows. Both are very solid when around other characters and have proven time and time again that they can hold there own around A-listers. Hopefully this will help show a wider audience their abilities and help land them more starring roles. Also, I must say, Doug Stamper is one of my favorite t.v. characters of the last 10 years, so really anything Michael Kelly does is going to be great in my book.

We get to quickly see Jake Gyllenhaal who seems to disappear into his character. I actually missed him the first time I watched the trailer. It wasn’t until the second time that I even noticed him with his huge beard and glasses. I love to see Gyllenhaal transform and he is a very reliable dramatic actor. I can’t wait to see him be put through this extreme situation of life and death.

Finally, Keira Knightley, who has some brief dialogue with Jason Clarke, seems ok so far. I’m still unsure about her amount of screen time in the film, but she is a solid actress. I feel like her character could be really flat since she will mostly be talking into a phone, but she can exude a lot of emotion with very little physical presence.

Premise

I couldn’t imagine climbing Mt. Everest let alone getting caught in a fucking storm whilst at the top of it. I think I would just accept my death and curl up to die. Luckily, I’m not ever going to be in that situation, and no one is making a movie about me. However, these brave guys had not only the balls enough to climb up, but to try and climb back down during a horrific storm. Honestly, even if the acting was bad, which it won’t be, this would still be pretty amazing to see visualized on the big screen. I think the fact that this is a real story just helps give this film an unneeded edge to be even greater than it most likely will be. Plus, each of these actors are very much so character actors, and since each is playing a real person, it will be interesting to see how true to each person the actors stay.

The Visuals

As I touched on before, these visuals are fucking great. Period. It’s just the time we are living in that allows us to create such stunning and realistic CGI that I seriously can’t tell the difference sometimes. The shot with the storm coming in over the surrounding mountains looked and felt so real that the only thing reminding me that it was CGI was my existing knowledge that it was. If I didn’t already know how such a shot in a movie like this was achieved, I would be fooled into believing that they actually went to a location and risked their lives to film a storm of that magnitude closing in on them. Also, I like the use of very wide establishing shots contradicting with the closeups of each character. It helps makes us aware of how small the human can be in the face of mother nature. It was very nice imagery.

What Didn’t Work?

Character Focus

This is a bit of a minor problem because this movie is obviously an ensemble piece. However, the trailer seems to be heavily focused on Jason Clarke, Keira Knightley, and Josh Brolin. I don’t know the true story behind this film, so perhaps the other characters die early on or something, but the trailer didn’t give me a sense of camaraderie that I’d expect out of a team risking their lives together. I like each character individually, but I want close to equal amounts of focus on each.

Trailer Invariability

Although I liked the trailer overall, I felt like I’d still seen it a million times. All trailers seem to be using the same template these days. The inclusion of the “BWAAAAP,” just cements my feelings on this. Although, I do feel like this is a broader issue, it isn’t necessarily terrible. Really what it is doing is creating a bit of a fatigue with trailers for me. Luckily my interest in this film is pretty high, so I am more capable of looking past this issue, but I wish trailers would start to shake things up a bit.

Overall Assessment

This trailer definitely got me even more excited for this film. It didn’t totally showcase it’s star-studded cast as well as I wish they would have, but it set up the plot very well. It also gave a glimpse of the the eye candy (CGI, not shirtless Gyllenhaal) that is to come. I think this trailer did it’s job, but I hope the second trailer delivers a bit more of the cast and the type of people they will be playing.

Score: 6/10 (Like the actors, the trailer seems to make it to the top of Everest, but things get a

       bit turbulent after that.)