Summer is here… time for baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and America’s real pastime… hitting the local cinema to watch the latest from Hollywood’s annual blockbuster invasion. Last year’s summer slate was a bit weak in our opinion, but the 2011 line-up looks promising, with plenty of action, superheroes, big budget special effects and high-profile sequels. Lots of ‘em will be in 3-D too, so expect to pay more for the privilege of watching these flicks with annoying glasses that freak out your eyeballs and provide you with a throbbing, five-alarm headache.
While movies rely heavily on word of mouth for box office longevity, it doesn’t stop distributors on spending millions to promote these films. You’ll also see numerous tie-ins with fast food restaurants, toys, cereals, mobile tags and even toothpaste. But the first line of defense for getting the word out is usually the movie trailer.
In its simplest terms, the movie trailer is an extended commercial for the film. The term ‘trailer’ was coined because the previews originally ran after the feature film. It’s evolved through the years with quicker cuts, intense music, heightened drama, sophisticated effects and less narration. Most experts will agree that movie trailers have gotten better over the years, while the movies in general have become worse. Guess you can’t have everything.
Years ago, going to the theater was the only way to see these coming attractions. Now with the internet, the release of an anticipated trailer can rack up millions of views the very first day it hits cyberspace. This can be a good or bad thing for movie companies. Aside from making the actual trailer, it’s free advertising for the movie companies that stick these trailers on YouTube and other video sharing sites, plus it has the potential to go viral in a big way. However, with so many trailers accessible to the general public, a potential customer can spend hours watching these movie previews on their desktop or mobile phone. Many of these trailers will become a blur after awhile in the viewer’s mind. Only the best ones will remain fresh in their mind and create a desire to plunk down ten to fifteen bucks, purchase grossly overpriced popcorn and soft drinks and then sit in a seat that hundreds of other strangers have also sat in over the last week.
We thought it’d be fun for our staff to watch this summer’s blockbuster movie trailers and describe which one they enjoyed the most and why. Not surprisingly, we all chose different movies (we can’t ever even agree on where to go to lunch, let alone favorite movies). So sit back with a giant tub of hot, buttered popcorn and a carton of Buncha Crunch… and enjoy the best of this season’s movie trailers.
Jim Likes:
It stands out from the other trailers because:
I took my wife to see the original movie right before her first trip to Vegas. Although our experience paralleled little with that of the movie characters, it served as the premier handbook for “WHAT NOT TO DO” when in Vegas. Naturally, the latest story brings back some great memories! (Trip to Bangkok – yet to be determined)
The one thing about the trailer I would change:
I only hope that the best (or only) funny parts of the movie were those shared in the trailer. All too often that seems to be the case, however I’m hopeful that with this dream team cast, they will take the franchise to the next level.
The movie will be a hit because:
I don’t think I have met someone that hasn’t seen (and loved) the first one. That being said the stakes are high, but I’m hopeful this will deliver. You can’t help but identify with at least one of the characters, not to mention what character each one of your friends would be if you were playing the parts. I think that’s what makes watching these movies so much fun!
Why I will buy a ticket and see this movie in the theater:
Nothing beats getting the “usual suspects” together and taking up a whole row in the local movie theater. The big screen, the huge bag of popcorn, the awesome sound system, the sticky floor from spilled Coke – it’s all of these things and more that help us justify the 9 dollar ticket price. (oh and not to mention – the prospect of seeing a really funny movie!)
Runner Up: Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Wes Likes:
It stands out from the other trailers because:
It reminds me of an ET type of movie blended with a little Close Encounters, and a splash of Independence Day. Anyone who knows me, know I like anything related to paranormal / UFO / aliens. Plus they have been really keeping the movie trailer a secret and only releasing certain parts at a time. I think the first teaser trailer aired during the Super Bowl.
The one thing about the trailer I would change:
The music should be a bit more sinister.
The movie will be a hit because:
A combination of Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams… nuff said.
Why I will buy a ticket and see this movie in the theater: I am interested in anything UFO, Alien, Area 51, etc. This film piqued my interest since I first saw the trailer. I am a fan of Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams alike. Abrams created LOST, which still remains my favorite show. (Even though Eric will fight me to the death about it).
This looks like a great Sci-Fi film and is a must see on the big screen!
Runner Up: Captain America
Eric Likes:
It stands out from the other trailers because:
The trailer really seems to capture the tone of the movie; it’s funny and draws you into this bizarre event. Looks like there will be a lot of laughs.
The one thing about the trailer I would change:
The opening 30 seconds of the trailer is funny, but doesn’t tell much about the story.
The movie will be a hit because:
I have read about the actual events that loosely inspired this movie. While the actual events are very bizarre and somewhat sad, it looks like the movie will try and put on a comedic spin on the story. It looks very unique. Plus, I’m a big Aziz Ansari fan.
Why I will buy a ticket and see this movie in the theater:
Aziz Ansari and Jesse Eisenberg are in it, and it looks like it there will be a lot of laughs.
Runner Up: The Trip
Jeff Likes:
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
It stands out from the other trailers because:
I actually had no intention of seeing another Pirates of the Caribbean movie since I was so disappointed with the last two movies. But the trailer is great. It’s well edited and does a wonderful job of capturing the essence and feel of the franchise, while offering something new. There are other movies I want to see more, but the trailer has actually changed my mind about watching the film. That’s why it’s my pick.
The one thing about the trailer I would change:
Some of the special effects in the trailer, namely the explosions, look cheap. Probably because the actual FX weren’t finished in time to be included in this trailer.
The movie will be a hit because:
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow has proved to be box office gold with audiences around the world. That, along with this trailer, should be enough to make this one of the summer’s biggest hits – even if the movie doesn’t live up to the expectations.
Why I will buy a ticket and see this movie in the theater:
I’m a huge fan of pirates and the supernatural and this movie looks like it delivers these elements on a grand scale. (keeping fingers crossed)
Runner Up: Thor
