Top 10 Trailers of 2010

The following list of previews may be either teaser trailers or full-length theatrical trailers. To qualify, the preview had to have been initially released in 2010; the movie itself did not have to be released in 2010. Furthermore, the trailer does not necessarily have to represent the movie that well; it may be far better than the actual film. I chose and ranked the following previews based on a few different factors. For instance, the trailers should excite or intrigue viewers and possibly convince them to go see the film. Also, I took into account how well the trailers have been made, from their soundtracks to editing and so on. Whether or not the previews spoil the plot is a factor too. I tried to choose the top ten based on a combination of my favorite trailers and the best made ones. I provide more analysis for each of the top ten listed and give a few notes about certain honorable mentions.

At the end of the post, you can vote on which preview is your favorite of 2010.

 

10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (full, two part trailer)

• The exciting full-length theatrical trailer for Deathly Hallows features both Parts 1 and 2. This is probably the weakest preview on this top 10 list; I could make a case for several of the honorable mentions to replace this trailer. Nonetheless, this preview is action-packed and promises to deliver an epic finale to the “worldwide phenomenon” that is the Harry Potter film series. Also, seeing that millions of people are fans of the novels and films (making this the most-viewed trailer on Youtube), the trailer could rank much higher of many people’s lists of best trailers of the year. However, it seems to spoil a good deal of action-packed moments, but it does excite the viewer (especially if he/she is a fan). On the bright side, the trailer does not give away much about the actual story that film-Potter fans do not already know; it teases audiences with stirring moments from the two films. The grand-finale deserves a grand preview, and its producers apparently understood that in making this one.

 

9. Super 8

• J.J. Abrams, co-creator of Lost and director of the 2009 Star Trek film, will direct this film and Steven Spielberg is an executive producer for it. The trailer is intriguing, and Abrams/Spielberg have the right credentials, but it is not as captivating as Abrams’ mysterious preview for Cloverfield, on which he served as a producer. Plot details have been kept under wraps and likely will remain that way until the film’s release. Nonetheless, the teaser is exciting and the project has a lot of promise. Look for it on June 10, 2011.

 

8. Toy Story 3

• Producers could have simply said: “new movie by Pixar” and millions would line up to see it. The heartwarming finale of Pixar’s first feature film and one of the best trilogies of all time, animated or not, Toy Story 3 was many people’s most anticipated movie of the year. The first official trailer is touching and filled with fun. While the second half of the preview, which displays some of the story from the film, has a few funny moments, it is not why this trailer is one of the year’s best. The inclusion of Randy Newman’s “Losing You” during the inspired opening sequence, which shows Andy growing up, is very moving. Moreover, the trailer did not spoil all of the film’s best moments or give away how affecting the film’s conclusion would be; then again, we should have known better with Pixar’s magical touches.

 

7. The Tree of Life

• The Tree of Life, filmed in 2008 but held up due to distribution issues, will finally be released on May 27, 2011. Director Terrence Malick’s films are widely regarded as beautiful masterpieces with stunning cinematography. Brad Pitt and Sean Penn should give noteworthy performances for the film.  The first trailer gives little to no plot but that does not matter much; it is marvelously shot with crystal clear, vibrant images. Furthermore, the clips of nature and otherworldly phenomena are wondrous and the editing is exciting.  In addition, the dramatic score fits perfectly with the preview. The preview does not even spoil the film’s premise yet it is still absorbing.

6. True Grit

• A-list cast, check. A-list director(s), check. Awesome material, check. The trailer for the Coen brothers’ remake of the classic John Wayne film True Grit, a performance he won an Oscar for, is a hype-inducing preview. The trailer hints at some of the fine performances by Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Barry Pepper, and Hailee Steinfeld and it showcases the film’s great cinematography. Furthermore, Johnny Cash’s “God’s Gonna’ Cut You Down” is perfect for the trailer. Of course, the final line and shot (literally) of the preview where Jeff Bridges shoots —– (won’t be spoiled here) is awesome: “I can do nothin’ for ya, son — [Retribution Christmas 2010].” One drawback, though, is that the preview does spoil a fairly significant plot point for those who have not seen the original. Nevertheless, True Grit’s theatrical trailer is very good.

 

5. Tron: Legacy

• Tron: Legacy, like a couple of other films on this list, has several exciting, well-made trailers. Of them all, the third official trailer is the best and most electrifying. It boasts dazzling images and an outstanding soundtrack by Daft Punk (the song “C.L.U.” featured in this preview). Like the song, the trailer builds up to an exciting crescendo. It informs non-TRON fans with some backstory and provides the right amount of narrative for the film; it does not show all of the most thrilling moments or spoil too much of the plot. However, the film’s plot, characters, and dialogue could have used some of the same magic and effort that the producers put into the trailer. Nonetheless, the Tron: Legacy trailer does what a preview is designed to do and deserves to be on everyone’s top 10 list. And of course, “Brrrrrrrrmmmmmm…….Brrrrrmmmmmm” sets an awesome tone for a preview (this seemed to rip-off Inception’s trailer music, but it actually can be found in Daft Punk’s “C.L.U.”).

 

 

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* From here on I had trouble ranking the final four. The top two are definitely the top two, but which is #1 and #2 was difficult to determine; the same goes for #3 and #4. *
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4. Black Swan

• This film also has a few very good previews and I could not choose just one. Although Black Swan has only one official (US) trailer, the producers made a “music video trailer” as well. The full theatrical trailer crazy good, literally. It begins slowly with some simple exposition about the story and characters then quickly descends into a hellish nightmare for the main character Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman). A “sensual” ballet competitor, an overbearing mother, evil mirrors, paintings and creatures are after Nina. Then, after the trailer’s thrilling climax, viewers are hit with two indelible images: a feather being pulled out of Nina’s back and her bloodshot eyes; what better way to end a preview and intrigue the viewer? In addition, the Portman-Mila Kunis kiss probably made the trailer more intriguing for some viewers. As always, composer Clint Mansell’s score to the trailer (and film) is riveting; it definitely sets the tone for both.

• The “Music Video Trailer” does not give much plot away at all, but it is an excellent companion piece to the theatrical trailer. It is stirring and haunts viewers. We are inundated with rapid-fire dark, subliminal images set to The Chemical Brothers’ “Don’t Think.” The “it’s MY turn” moment and subsequent editing is gripping. Both previews are dark, atmospheric, and simply amazing. Besides, a new movie by the bold, visionary director Darren Aronofsky? I’m there.

 

3. The Town

• I first witnessed the trailer for The Town on a huge IMAX screen before Inception, and it utterly captivated me. Right from the get-go the preview sets a tense, Heat-like tone. At first glance, the trailer seemed to spoil a huge plot point because it shows Ben Affleck’s character forming a relationship with Rebecca Hall’s character and then shows him as one of her kidnappers; many disliked the trailer and did not want to see the movie for that reason. However, the audience knows this within the first five or so minutes of the movie; it is not meant to be a big twist. Once viewers get past that potential misfire, the trailer is full of action and culminates with exhilarating power. The images of bank-robbing nuns, Affleck firing his sub-machine gun and the final line stick in your mind long after the credits roll. Lastly, the film itself (and trailer) features both superstars and rising actors as well in Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm, and Blake Lively. By the way, see Affleck’s Gone Baby Gone as well as this movie.

2. The Social Network

• The first theatrical trailer for this film actually turned me off at first. How could a movie about Facebook be thrilling? Furthermore, my previous viewings of Jesse Eisenberg’s films clouded my judgment; I did not recognize until later the more serious tones that the trailer delivers. The trailer for The Social Network is actually quite brilliant. The first 52 seconds wonderfully portray the Facebook experience; then, the rest of the preview reveals a movie that deals less with Facebook itself and more with friendship, loyalty, crime, and ambition. The choir version of Radiohead’s “Creep” is perfect for the trailer. Best yet, the trailer does not ruin the movie’s best scenes or lines. On the other hand, people may be indifferent to the movie/trailer because of their preconceived notions about the film’s subject material and the trailer may not do enough to set the record straight about what the film is and is not about. Once you see the film, though, you do see how well-made the trailer is and how it encapsulates the movie’s darker mood. Still, as amazing as the movie turned out to be, the trailer just misses being perfect; it did not convince enough viewers to see the film – the critical acclaim did that. The film is one of a few on this list that lived up to its hype; in this case, The Social Network exceeded expectations from an already excellent trailer. The film may be #2 on this list, but come Oscar time it may very well be #1.

 

1. Inception

• For many of the films on this list the director’s (or studio’s) reputation is enough to attract millions of people to movie theaters. Fans and audiences hope the directors’ film will be great and the trailer is their first impression. Yet, an underwhelming or disappointing preview can deflate high expectations. Christopher Nolan has that power to draw even billions of dollars to the box office, as The Dark Knight has demonstrated. His latest film Inception has outstanding trailers that got better and better; the film’s teaser, first two trailers, and 15^th TV spot are extremely intriguing and exhilarating. The renowned gravity-defying hallway fight scene appears in each preview and astounds viewers. The star-studded cast, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, also builds up marketability of the movie. The TV spots are also badass with awesome soundtracks. About every preview seems to use the “Brrrrmmmmmm” horn to pump up the viewer; the amount of parody previews made using Inception’s trailer music proves how apt it is for a movie trailer. The editing in each trailer and TV spot is also excellent; even the intercut title screens are riveting.

• Of all the previews, the second trailer which features Zack Hemsey’s “Mind Heist,” a song specifically made for the trailer, helps to make it the best of the year. The trailer exhibits countless unforgettable images, such as cities folding on themselves, anti-gravity hotel rooms and elevator shafts, skyscrapers collapsing into the ocean, a train running through a city street, and what appears to be DiCaprio trapped between closing walls just to name a few. Inception’s second trailer blows fans’ already titanic expectations out of the water; the hype surrounding the film exploded. Sure, once you see the movie you realize how many spoiler moments appear in the trailer(s), but before then almost no one really knew how the movie would turn out to be. As such, the one drawback is that the previews mislead audiences into believing “inception” means stealing an idea and not planting one; the breathtaking TV Spot #15 clears that up with its brilliant intercut titles: “10 hours / To invade the mind / Plant an idea / And get out / Alive.” Viewers’ first impression of Inception could hardly have been any better. The trailers are both “under [and] out of control;” it dreams much bigger.
• Here is the teaser trailer, first full trailer, and 15th TV spot…

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The following films had trailers that deserve honorable mentions. The last few have appeared on many others’ top ten lists and may not have warranted an honorable mention otherwise. The titles are LINKS to the previews on youtube (instead of embedding these here). As an aside, I had Shutter Island, Clash of the Titans, and The Crazies on this list before realizing their trailers were first released sometime in late 2009.

The Fighter

– Just like the movie itself, the first official trailer’s best thing is Christian Bale; he is absolutely phenomenal and his performance elevates the film. Too bad the trailer did not feature hardly any of the mother played by Melissa Leo, who is equally great in the movie. Anyways, the trailer is a rousing, uplifting piece that should attract many to see The Fighter.

Winter’s Bone

– This trailer adequately portrays the atmospheric tension found in the film. It might even give viewers expectations of a more intense thriller and pace than what the movie actually has; Winter’s Bone is definitely stunning though. “Is this going to be our time?” and “why didn’t you listen?” stand out as terrific moments in the preview.

Blue Valentine

– The trailer seems goofy at first but once it begins to display the rise and fall of this couple’s relationship, viewers are given a taste of how heartbreaking this film might be (especially from 0:57-1:00 and 1:07-1:10). Led by highly underrated stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, this film has garnered much acclaim. The trailer seems to deliver enough goods to convince audiences to put themselves through this emotionally devastating film. Lastly, Gosling’s “You Always Hurt the One You Love” is brilliant in this preview.

127 Hours

– While we all know how this film ends, the teaser trailer does a good job of fascinating the viewer without giving really anything away. Is it enough to convince viewers to see the movie? Perhaps, but most likely people will go to the movie to see the heroic story played out and not because of the trailer. Still, this preview gives enough of character exposition and teases the audience with his utter desperation.

Cowboys and Aliens

– Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, and director Jon Favreau (Iron Man)? Although the title spurs some chuckles, count me in for what looks to be a wild, action-packed ride, and this preview seems to barely scratch the surface. This is an intriguing trailer to an intriguing concept (that could very well end up as foolish, in a bad way).

Catfish

– Not based on a true story or inspired by true events, this film IS a true story…at least that is what the trailer wants you to think. I have not seen the film but this is a great teaser that promises to be an “emotional roller-coaster” with a “shattering conclusion.” Hmm…

Your Highness (Restricted Trailer)

– The restricted trailer, which is over three minutes, gives a glimpse of what may be a hilarious action-comedy. The other Danny McBride action-comedy I saw turned out to be one of my all-time favorite comedies: Tropic Thunder; here’s to hoping this one at least approaches how that comedic level. Throw in talented stars Natalie Portman, James Franco (who McBride co-starred in Pineapple Express with), and Zooey Deschanel and you’ve got a promising trailer.

Others included: Battle: Los Angeles, Buried, Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, and Kick-Ass (Red Band Trailer).

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