Some movie trailers sizzle, but others fizzle

Some movie trailers sizzle, but others fizzle

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Deseretnews.com

By Jeff Vice
Deseret Morning News


I like to be early.

For example, I'm already fully geeked for both "300" and "Spider-Man 3," even though those films won't be released until next year — March 9 and May 4, respectively.

And no, it's not just because both are based on comic books ("300" was inspired by a comic-book miniseries written and drawn by "Sin City" creator Frank Miller).

Those particular movies have two of the best trailers out there. The scenes from the Spartan historical epic "300" appear to have been taken directly from Miller's comic-book panels, while the "Spidey 3" teaser just oozes creepiness.

They're also the current cream of the crop when it comes to movie trailers and teasers.

I've already gone on about the misleading spots for both "Man of the Year" and "Flags of Our Fathers" (though the later spots for the latter film have at least started showing more of the actual plot).

And yes, you'd be correct if you guessed that this is my roundabout way of reintroducing an occasional feature of this column, a critique of trailers and television spots for upcoming movies:

CASINO ROYALE (in theaters Nov. 17)
Wow. A James Bond movie that looks all killer with no filler. But seriously, this one is all action and implies that the filmmakers (and new 007 Daniel Craig) are taking the material more seriously for a change. *** 1/2

THE FOUNTAIN (Nov. 22)
Speaking of wow, the spots for this science-fiction, starring Hugh Jackman, have some pretty trippy visuals. I couldn't tell you what it's supposed to be about, but it definitely looks cool. ***

STRANGER THAN FICTION (Nov. 10)
And speaking of trippy, this new Will Ferrell comedy looks like it could have come from the demented mind of Charlie Kaufman ("Being John Malkovich"), but it's actually from new writer Zach Helm and the director of "Finding Neverland," Marc Forster. But it's intriguing. ***

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (Dec. 22)
If the film is more about "Jumanji"-style chaos and less about Ben Stiller goofiness, as the trailer makes it appear, this could be fun. ** 1/2

HAPPY FEET (Nov. 17)
Call me crazy, but I prefer real penguins to cutesy, digital-animated creations that sing and dance — especially with Robin Williams' voice. **

ERAGON (Dec. 15)
I realize there's still time to improve them, but the digital effects here look even cheesier than those in last year's "Chronicles of Narnia" adaptation. **

FLUSHED AWAY (Nov. 3)
It's a sign of desperation when all you have to show in a trailer for your animated film is a string of toilet jokes. * 1/2

THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE (Nov. 3)
Although toilet humor might be preferable to the sight of the painfully unfunny Martin Short under heavy makeup as Jack Frost. *




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