Trailer Showdown: What Movie Could Defeat the Forces of 'Gravity'?
It's Friday, which means it's time yet again for the Trailer Showdown, that special arena in which we rank the week's new trailers from best to worst.
While usually we have an easy time of it, this week gave us a few surprises, from the thrill of the open sea to the darkest depths of space exploration. We've got some very big stars spread out across a wide spread of genres, meaning there's plenty of opportunities for delight and disappointment alike. While these movies may not appeal to everyone, there actually may be something for everyone.
But enough with the chit-chat, let's get on with it.
1.) 'Ender's Game'
Adapted from the bestselling book, this film takes a look at a not too distant space-tech future where young children are entrusted with the fate of the future during wartime. While Asa Butterfield is usually despicably boring to watch, it looks a bit as if he might prove himself a worthy actor despite his inauspicious beginnings. This story is so wild and inventive, let's hope the film lives up to even half of the possibility of the book. Based on the promise alone, we're ranking it #1.
Starring: Harrison Ford, Abigail Breslin, Asa Butterfield
Release Date: November 1, 2013
2.) 'Gravity'
Were finally drifting into the beginnings of fall, and with it comes yet another space movie where astronauts must attempt to survive as things go catastrophically wrong. I'm having trouble imagining Sandra Bullock as an astronaut, but Clooney sort of lends himself well to the enterprise. Let's hope no one we like dies, but that seems almost impossible given this horrific trailer.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Basher Savage
Release Date: October 4, 2013
A terrifying tale ripped from the headlines, Tom Hanks stars as a boat captain under attack by Somali pirates. When the pirates threaten the lives of the crew, the captain must think quickly to keep his men alive. Looks like Hanks is angling for yet another Oscar nomination. It won't work this time, Hanksy, try again. We see straight through you.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, Max Martini
Release Date: October 11, 2013
4.) 'The Butler'
A tour de force starring some of the biggest actors working today including Oprah herself. No, despite the title, this isn't a murder mystery but instead has to do with a black butler in a predominantly white White House, and closely examines the efforts of the Civil rights movement. This one looks to be both Oscar bait and actually, truly an amazing acting vehicle for everyone involved. Moving and heartfelt despite the pomp and circumstance.
Starring: John Cusack, Forest Whitaker, David Oyelowo
Release Date: October 18, 2013
Kristen Wiig starring in another misfit lady story revolving around a young middle aged woman who hits rock bottom? Sign us up. While this plot centers on a young woman's rise and fall and mostly seems to center on the fall, her relationship with her mother and her mom's weird boyfriend, the possibilities for humor are endless. Since she really hasn't steered us wrong so far, we're gonna give Wiig the benefit of the doubt with this one and rank it highly.
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Darren Criss, Matt Dillon
Release Date: July 19, 2013
6.) 'Populaire'
A quirky French movie about a young secretary whose boss pushes her to win typing competitions? How can I buy 200 more of this, set them up on 200 TVs in my home and watch them simultaneously? This is the perfect bon mot, the perfect confection, the perfect tasty treat of a film, an adorable little slice of nothingness the manages to tug at the heartstrings and lift our spirits a little higher.
Starring: Romain Duris, Déborah François, Bérénice Bejo
Release Date: 2013
7.) 'Europa Report'
Another space movie? We're only given glimpses here and there of what this film revolves around, but there's mystery and glinting images of the sun, moon and planets beyond our imagining. While we're all for wildly incomprehensibly trailers, at least give us something to go on as far as story, sheesh.
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Michael Nyqvist, Christian Camargo
Release Date: June 27, 2013
8.) 'Baggage Claim'
A strong young woman decides she simply can't be the last unmarried woman in her family -- uh, yeah, ok -- and takes off on multiple flights hoping to meet the man of her dreams by cycling through her past suitors. Yeah, a tired out concept with a bit of Adam Brody thrown in. Romantic comedy with hint of desperate pathetic-ness thrown in. C'mon, all of you, you're better than this.
Starring: Paula Patton, Djimon Hounsou, Taye Diggs
Release Date: Sept. 27, 2013
Vikings! Stabbings! Fighting! Tough guys! Swords! Yes, well that's about it, unfortunately. If you're into the utter demolition of human beings while brutal forces make their way towards restoring balance to the kingdom, you might be a fan. Warriors doing warrior things, kings and country swinging in the balance and all that. Probably not worth a watch unless you're simply dying for an epic.
Starring: Charlie Bewley, Clive Standen, James Cosmo
Release Date: July 5, 2013
Worst of the Bunch: The dumbest, hokiest zombie movie. To even say more about it is giving it quite a pass that it doesn't deserve. Do not go see this movie. Just, do not. Don't. Do not. Seriously.
Starring: Jacob Zachar, Alexa Nikolas, Christa B. Allen
Release Date: 2013
Come back next week for more rankings!
