Hello folks! I haven’t done a trailer post since Man of Steel last weekend and this past week there have been quite a few trailers that caught my attention, so I thought I’d highlight ’em here in case some of you have not seen it.
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Cloud Atlas
I’ve been quite curious about this movie for some time ever since it was reported over a year ago. I even did a spotlight post for it and boy just check out the star-studded cast! Well, this past week we got an extended trailer (5-min long!) and by golly it looks spectacular! I thought that the Tom Hanks + Halle Berry combo is rather odd, but the whole trailer is so surreal anyway. Despite the length of the trailer though, the story is as cryptic as ever. Truthfully I had no idea what it’s about but reading this description of the plot might give you somewhat of a clue:
An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.
The story is based on British author David Mitchell’s award-winning sci-fi novel of the same name, it was published in 2004. On top of the amazing cast from all over the world, I’m curious about it because it’s from the Wachowski siblings. It certainly is an ambitious project, let’s see if the Wachowski could pull this off. Would this be as groundbreaking as The Matrix over a decade ago?
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The Master
I’ve been waiting for Joaquin Phoenix to come back to acting from his supposed *retirement.* So the moment I saw this trailer I REALLY want to see this.
A 1950s-set drama centered on the relationship between a charismatic intellectual known as “the Master” whose faith-based organization begins to catch on in America, and a young drifter who becomes his right-hand man.
From the trailer, the faith-based organization is curiously similar to Scientology and this Daily Beast article written by someone who was a Scientologist for 15 years seems to confirm that The Master character could very well be based on L. Ron Hubbard.
Of course director Paul Thomas Anderson nor anyone from the studio is confirming that. No matter, this looks like an intriguing film indeed and both Philip Seymour Hoffman and Phoenix’s performances seems poised for major buzz comes award season.
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Chasing Mavericks
I’ve mentioned this film on the Gerry Butler Special post, and here’s the official description:
CHASING MAVERICKS is the inspirational true story of real life surfing phenom Jay Moriarity (newcomer Jonny Weston). When 15 year old Jay discovers that the mythic Mavericks surf break, one of the biggest waves on Earth, is not only real, but exists just miles from his Santa Cruz home, he enlists the help of local legend Frosty Hesson (Butler) to train him to survive it. As Jay and Frosty embark on their quest to accomplish the impossible, they form a unique friendship that transforms both their lives, and their quest to tame Mavericks becomes about far more than surfing.
Truth be told, I’m not too fond of this trailer. Jay’s story seems compelling but I’m not seeing it in the trailer, it looks bland and formulaic, though those waves do look spectacular. But hey, hopefully a meh trailer means a good movie, after all the Curtis Hanson did direct one of my favorite crime thrillers L.A. Confidential.
I do love the fact that Butler actually learned to surf for the first time for this movie, instead of just using a stand in. Those surf shots look real and Butler looks pretty convincing as a surfer mentor, so I remain optimistic about this one. Now that I think about it, this’ll be the first surfing movie since I watch like Point Break! Btw, I like the first poster that still has the old title, but this latest one is very artistic and has that ‘surfer dude’ personality.
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BONUS:
Behold the power of iconic music. Someone made this Man of Steel teaser and set it to John Williams’ Superman score:
It’s got the EXACT same footage but it immediately feels sooooo much more powerful and gives you that holy goosebumps watching it. I know I should give Hans Zimmer the benefit of the doubt that he’d create something special for this film but man, you can’t deny just how amazing Williams’ score is and clearly it’s such a timeless piece of work!
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Well, thoughts on any of these films folks? Which one are you anticipating most?
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
Cloud Atlas looks very interesting, if I remember correctly, wasn’t it supposed to open back in May? Good thing they moved the release date because it would’ve gotten crush by The Avengers. I’m also looking forward to The Master, I’m not a big Paul Anderson fan but he makes interesting films. His last film, There Will Be Blood was descent but I didn’t think it was a masterpiece like some people said. I still think Magnolia is his best film.
Chasing Mavericks reminds me of The Karate Kid, instead of martial arts, the older male is teaching the younger one how to surf, ha ha.
That re-scored Man of Steel teaser didn’t do much for me, as much I love Williams’ score of the original Superman film, they need to do a clean slate for the new one. Just like what Nolan did to the Batman franchise, up until then people were still talking about Danny Elfman’s score. I think people are use to Zimmer’s score of Batman now.
Ted, I’m with you on TWBB. I thought it was only good too but I really liked Jonny Greenwood’s score (Radiohead) and Daniel Day Lewis is just a force in almost everything he’s in. PT Anderson is the new Altman basically and that’s not a knock. When Altman was in poor health shooting Gosford Park, (highly recommended for you Dowton Abbey fans) PT was on standby to complete the film in case Altman couldn’t finish it. That’s a pretty high compliment paid from Altman acknowledging his protege Anderson.
Oddly when I think of the older Batman I think of Prince rather than Elfman. Bat dance… let’s do it! lol. I wouldn’t mind seeing a new score for the new movie. New movie, new era.
Cloud Atlas is the kind of movie I’m glad Hollywood is still willing to make. Not sure about the cast yet but the trailer certainly goes for it. Hmm… Cloud Atlas or another Transformers. Cloud Atlas please!
Ruth, seriously, here’s some surfing movies I’d recommend if you’re at all interested. Big Wednesday (directed by John Milius who was good friends with Lucas, Coppola and Spielberg), The Endless Summer (doc) and my favorite… Dogtown & Z-boys (the doc)… It shows how skateboarding evolved from surfers who came up with the idea of ‘surfing’ on land when the waves weren’t ridable. It’s a lot better than the movie made about it.
Hi Dave, ha..ha.. please NO MORE Transformers!! But this Cloud Atlas trailer just looks glorious!!
I did hear about Big Wednesday, I guess I’m just not big on surfing movies so it’s not on my radar, but I’ll give that one a shot.
Oh wow I totally forgot Prince also did some work on the soundtrack of Burton’s Batman, I gotta watch that film again. I was so obsessed with it when I younger, I remember I begged my parents to buy it on VHS for me and I’ve watched several times.
Wow didn’t know PT was Altman’s backup, that’s a high compliment.
My favorite surfing movie is still Point Break, love all the cheesiness from that film. And that naked lady kicking Keanu’s butt was pretty awesome!
Hey Ted, do you have Point Break blu-ray? If so would you mind if I borrow it? I’ve been wanting to rewatch that movie for ages!
Yes I do have Point Break on BD, also if you want to own it, it’s only $8 at Best Buy or Amazon. But I’d be more than glad to lend it to you.
Oh really? I didn’t know it was delayed. I haven’t seen anything by PT Anderson but this one looks very good. I still have to see Magnolia.
Ha..ha.. yeah, people were saying that Gerry is the new Mr. Miyagi 🙂
I hear ya Ted, I guess I’m just too nostalgic as Williams’ score is what I’ve always remembered about Superman. I can’t wait to hear what Zimmer has in store!!
Yeah I remember it was originally scheduled for a May opening, then I assume the studio realized they shouldn’t go up again a bunch of superheroes.
I think Magnolia will be a good start if you want to see a PT’s film and I also really like Punch Drunk Love starring of all people Adam Sandler. That was Sandler tried his hands at dramatic role, wish he’d stuck with it more.
Oh yeah, I’ll give those two films a watch soon. Punch Drunk Love did get a good review for an Adam Sandler movie. I think it probably just doesn’t pay as well as his dumb comedies, that’s why he doesn’t do those more.
Cloud Atlas has got me curious. It looks like it will either be really awesome or really bad(That, and i’m hoping it goes good for my FD).
The master also looks good. CHasing Mavericks however doesn’t really spark my interest
True Julian, Cloud Atlas could easily be a mess as it’s so darn cryptic! I do hope there’s a captivating story in there to go w/ the visual spectacle.
Cloud Atlas looks like it’s going to be one hell of a ride but hopefully, it will coherent enough despite the super complicated structure of the narrative. Else, it could be really painful to watch.
Chasing Mavericks looks like a TV movie but oh well, it could be fun enough to watch…
Yep, coherent is key as there seems to be a lot going on in multiple universe! Wasn’t that the complaint people had w/ The Fountain??
I do hope Chasing Mavericks would be much better than a TV movie, but that trailer certainly didn’t do it justice.
Happy Monday Ruth, Did you miss me?? LOL
The Master does look amazing. I am so looking forward to getting stuck into Award season now, and this is going to win everything…. well maybe!!
Happy Monday, matey! Yes I do! Hope you had a great time camping.
I think The Master might win some acting nods, I am excited to see Joaquin acting again!
I also find Hanks/Halle combo strangely horrid, especially since they are both bad actors who got Oscars for some unknown reason. But the rest of the cast is rather lovely. Fingers crossed for the movie.
Oh Dezzy, I can see that about Halle Berry but Hanks is a great actor and a likable guy, I’m surprised you didn’t like him. I do like the young British actors in Cloud Atlas like Ben Whishaw and James D’Arcy.
I had been debating for a few months as to whether or not to read ‘Cloud Atlas.’ My favorite bookstore insists it’s an incredible book, however difficult it may be to get through. I think I’ll wait till after I see the movie, though.
From what I’ve read, Cloud Atlas does seem like a tough book to get through, so maybe waiting until after the film might be a good idea, Rich.
Well, well, I have to admit I am lovin’ GB in a wet suit!
Ahah, I knew you would 🙂 What did you think of the trailer though??
I’m pretty much only interested in it because of GB. Teenage boys and surfing aren’t on my radar at all. The trailer actually reminds me a little of Nim’s Island, GB seems like the same kind of father-figure here. But I rate NI higher than what I see in this trailer so far..
Cloud Atlas, This has peaked my interest, a star studded cast indeed. looks surreal and definitely one to ponder.
Hi there, welcome to FC! Cloud Atlas definitely has a lot going for it, I hope the final product is just as impressive.
Nice post, Ruth!
Cloud Atlas: I am DYING to see that one. The cast is just amazing and that extended trailer was glorious. I have high expectations for that one. Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint.
The Master: I’m a very big fan of PTA, PSH, Joaquín and Amy so imagine my excitement. The trailer makes it look like we’re in for a treat. I predict many Oscar nominations, at least for acting, directing and cinematography (which looks spectacular). Very, very excited for this one. Also, I don’t mean to be rude or anything, and I don’t know if anyone’s told you yet but that poster is so fake! Haha, it even uses a pic from Capote hehe!
Chasing Mavericks: yeah, not interested AT ALL.
Man of Steel: wow, the teasers were very good to start with but this music improved them so much!
Yeah, that Cloud Atlas trailer definitely sold me! I do hope the movie itself can live up to it.
Oh I didn’t know that poster was a fake, ahah, I haven’t seen Capote so that’s why. I’m surprised nobody called me out on it. I’ll see if I can find the official one.
Oy, that’s what I’m afraid of about Chasing Mavericks, even me as a massive GB fan thinks it’s meh 😦
Yeah, that Man of Steel w/ John Williams music and Brando’s VO gives me goose bumps!
yay! I love trailer posts! 😉
I loved the Cloud Atlas one too. Though I don’t share your enthusiasm for The Master. ha.
I did see Chasing Mavericks trailer in theaters the other day. It reminded me of Soul Surfer.
Now, see, if Man of Steel had done that music or something similar to begin with I’d be even more stoked to see it! But, it’s okay that the trailer isn’t that amazing (to me). I’d rather the movie be awesome and the trailer to be so-so than vice versa.
I’m enthusiastic about Joaquin more than the movie, to be honest, but Cloud Atlas does look good! Would you recommend Soul Surfer? I’m intrigued because that girl is a Christian but is the movie any good?
Not able to catch the trailers just yet, but I am REALLY looking forward to The Master. As you said, it’s going to be great to see Phoenix back from his retirement.
I didn’t think he was really serious about retiring but yeah, nice to see him back on screen again!
The Master trailer is creepy and intriguing and I really want to see it, Paul Thomas Anderson is one of my favorite directors. Cloud Atlas is pretty mind blowing, too, but it looks rather complicated, I am curious to see how the final cut will look like!