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.

Teaser trailer for Andrew Stanton’s John Carter (2011) Mystifies

The teaser trailer for John Carter (2011), formerly titled “John Carter of Mars,” came online a few months ago and tempered expectations.  On the one hand Disney/Pixar legend Andrew Stanton directs the film; he’s proven his worth in directing Finding Nemo and Wall-E and co-wrote numerous Pixar movies including Toy Story.  This will be his first live-action film and features a gifted cast.  On the other hand, the preview borders on cheesy with a multitude of CGI (albeit decently rendered for a preview) and leaves something to be desired.  Then again, don’t all teaser trailers do that?

Film Review: The Way Back

Even before I heard that Hollywood had plans to make The Way Back, the story behind it piqued my interests. When I found out that acclaimed filmmaker Peter Weir had been attached to direct the film, it went on my list of movies-to-see. It is loosely based on Slawomir Rawicz’s ghost-written book The Long Walk, which is an allegedly true story about his and six fellow Siberian Gulag prisoners’ escape and trek to freedom. Several critics of the book have continuously called its accuracy into question. Unfortunately, Soviet records revealed that Rawicz’s true story is different from what is accounted for in the book; in other words, the novel’s veracity has been debunked (according to many). While I was disappointed to learn that the film is basically a work of fiction, as Weir stated, this fact does not take too much away from The Way Back – it is still a good movie that features solid performances, breathtaking cinematography, and an inspiring story. However, it fails to fully engage the viewer’s emotions; if it had, the film could have been a great one.