The sensational, must-see trailers for Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy (2011) showcase an incredible cast

This is an absolute must-see film; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011)  ranks in the top ten of my Most Anticipated Films list, partly because the novel was outstanding as well.  Given its release date, it will have to compete with the mega-blockbuster Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part 1, though if you choose that movie over this one then perhaps this isn’t as appealing to you.  Nonetheless, after watching the two provided previews you should be lining up to buy your ticket(s) already.  The first trailer displays brooding suspicion backed by part of Danny Elfman’s The Wolfman score, which helps elevate the preview to one of the year’s best.  The second trailer ups the intensity and utilizes one of this year’s best scores in Henry Jackman’s “Frankenstein’s Monster” from X-Men: First Class, also one of my favorite films of the year (full review HERE).  Aside from the creative genius found in the trailers, the film features an impeccable cast of British actors.  Hopefully Gary Oldman will finally get the awards-recognition he deserves; this film is a great opportunity for him to do so.

Roman Polanski’s Carnage (2011) finally gets a trailer

Regardless of your opinion about Roman Polanski, he still makes solid-to-great films.  For instance, he has brought one of cinema’s greatest screenplays alive with Chinatown (1974), haunted viewers with the disturbing Rosemary’s Baby (1968), recounted a harrowing WWII Holocaust story with The Pianist (2002), and most recently directed the underrated political-thriller The Ghost Writer (2010), which has an amazing final shot.  Now audiences will have the chance to see his next work Carnage on December 16, 2011 (or at the New York Film Festival on September 30).  Finally, the studio has released the film’s first trailer, which stars an excellent four-lead cast of Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Kate Winslet, and Christophe Waltz.

The trailer for Machine Gun Preacher (2011) features vintage Gerard Butler

A few months ago, Gerard Butler received rave reviews after the initial screening for Machine Gun Preacher (2011).  Critics claim that he is a veritable Oscar-nominee for his amazing performance in the film.  Watching the first trailer, you get a glimpse at his forceful turn in a film that seems like one that awards voters tend to favor.

Ridley Scott returns to direct new Blade Runner movie

 

Widely regarded as one of the most influential films ever made, let alone how monumental it was/is to the science-fiction genre, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982) is a classic.  For instance, Christopher Nolan calls it one of his top ten favorite movies of all time and one that repeatedly influences his own work.  For years people wondered and debated if it would ever have a sequel, prequel, or God forbid a remake.  Given its iconic status, many have sharply criticized or at least questioned the value and necessity of doing so.  Nonetheless, after years of speculation, audiences will finally have a new Blade Runner film in the near future.

Daniel Radcliffe faces a new evil in The Woman in Black (2012) trailer

Danielle Radcliffe has stretched his acting legs on Broadway, but now with the Harry Potter franchise finished he must continue his motion-picture career without his wand.  Instead of a snake-faced sorcerer, audiences will see him face an evil ghost out for revenge in his first feature film post-Volde-mortem (sorry had to).

First preview of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’s score by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

After winning last year’s Oscar for Best Original Musical Score for The Social Network (2010), David Fincher recruited Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross again for his English-language remake of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011).  Just a few months away from release, the studio has begun its marketing campaign, first with the teaser trailer (more information found HERE) and now with an early, seven-minute preview of Reznor and Ross’s haunting score.

Patrick Wilson added to the stellar cast of Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel and a first official look at Prometheus (2012)

Nearly completing production, news broke of the casting addition of Patrick Wilson (Watchmen, Insidious).  The legendary director Ridley Scott began working on an original science-fiction story while simultaneously entertaining the idea of an Alien prequel, and Prometheus (2012) is the result.  Reports claim the official synopsis is as follows, along with the first official photograph of the film:

The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire already green-lit and set to be released in Fall 2013

The Hunger Games – starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz, Toby Jones, and Donald Sutherland – has yet to begin its theatrical run on March 23, 2012, but that hasn’t stopped Lionsgate from announcing the release date for the first of three sequels Catching Fire– set for release on November 22, 2013.  The studio plans to split The Hunger Games trilogy, written by Suzanne Collins, into four films, presumably with the final novel bifurcated ala Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Twilight: Breaking Dawn.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt deals with the cancer diagnosis in the 50/50 (2011) trailer

Don’t be turned off or misled by the inclusion of the oft one-dimensional Seth Rogen, 50/50 (2011) has been regarded one of the year’s best yet-to-be-released films and most compelling dramas; the comedy is a nice touch to the dire situation, but by no means is the film to be considered a straight up comedy.  In actuality, early screenings had many viewers in tears at how well the film depicts the situation and praised Joseph Gordon-Levitt‘s portrayal of the conflicted character and Anna Kendrick’s strong performance as well.  Critics have applauded the filmmaker’s ability to smoothly shift between and balance the lighthearted tone with the grave prognosis.  My expectations for the film have steadily risen to the point that it nearly cracks the top twenty-five on my Most Anticipated Films list and may do so in a few weeks.

Spike Lee to direct English-language remake of Park Chan-Wook’s South Korean cult classic revenge film Oldboy (2003)

Well, despite countless concerns and even a failed attempt by Steven Spielberg and Will Smith to remake Park Chan-Wook’s Oldboy (2003), Hollywood will have its English-language remake – Spike Lee is now attached to direct the film of the same name.  It’s happening – fans of the original can only hope for the best now.