Hollywood is insisting that we move on to the current calendar year (What is this thing called "2012"?) before we're wrapped with the 2011 Oscar Contenders. Boo! Don't they know we prefer things all regimented like? So we've fallen behind. We've no choice but to abbreviate our Yes, No, Maybe So feature to get caught back up. So let's talk about four new trailers that have...
What's that?!? They're not new anymore? Stop rushing me.
None of the movies have opened yet so they're fair game. Care for a nerve-wracking conversation with Sigourney Weaver? Some senior mugging with Diane & Kevin? Think Jeremy Renner can fill Matt Damon's big shoes?
"Help. I'm lost in the thick woods of movie trailers."
Which of these movies are you eager to see, which will you avoid, and which of these first tastes leave you undecided? Four new(ish) trailers after the jump. Discuss! You've been too quiet and are freaking me out.
DARLING COMPANION
Yes Well, so many endearing actors we don't get to see that much in big roles are working this ensemble.
No It looks a little broad, right? Keaton and Kline can be adorable when they aren't being insufferable but it can be a fine line with the born hams.
Maybe So On the other hand, who knows. Why can't the year of the movie dog extend into 2012 and embrace "Freeway".
THE BOURNE LEGACY
Yes Jeremy Renner: Yes! Though I hope he moves away from the franchises soon; Joan Allen: You can't make one of these movies without her. It's the law!; Edward Norton: Franchise penance for past behavior while Mark Ruffalo takes over as The Hulk?; David Strathairn, Albert Finney: Of course; Donna Murphy: Why thank you, casting director. A nice surprise; The point being: it's all about the cast, since the template is already so familiar. (Oscar Isaac is also in this and he's a yes too though I didn't spot him in the trailer)
No The obscuring lines that move across the screen are meant to heighten anticipation but if you're not anticipating they annoy. We've already had three of these films. Are we expected to be just anxious for this to arrive? I don't know if you agree but they need to show me I should be excited rather than spend the time milking my non-existent excitement. Plus when the lines go vertically and separated I am reminded of Dynasty's opening credits because it happened at me in my formative years and now I am as old as Jeremy Renner thinking about Dynasty instead of Jason Bourne or whoever this new guy is. And while we're back in the 1980s this plot seems to be Yoda inspired. 'There is another.'
Maybe So Fine cast. Good director (regardless of what Matt Damon thinks of him). But I'm not excited yet.
SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD
Yes Promising start to the trailer introducing the high concept with economy.
We'll be bringing you your countdown to the End of Days along with all your classic rock favorites."
That's really all you need given that Carell is the star and his whole persona swings with great implicit familiarity on that 'my life is falling apart but this amuses' vine he's swung on to great effect previously. I don't mean this in a bad way. It's not tired shtick yet. And I'm amused that we're getting a comic variation on the plot of Melancholia so quickly. And big bonus points for casting Melanie Lynskey and Patton Oswalt in supporting roles.
No Eh... I could do without the gay panic moment in "Friendsies" when Steve thinks the very very happy host is going to kiss him.
Maybe So With such an unusual concept will the film dare to mine any fresh unusual comic material. Or just the usual sort of middle age crisis yucks and the usual sort of Hollywood-Approved much older man and younger woman romance? (I'm assuming that Keira and Steve fall for each other even if they're searching for lost loves)
COLD LIGHT OF DAY
Caution: This trailer seems to contain the entire plot
Yes Don't you love it when SigWeavie says...
You're scared and scared people holding guns in my face scares me."
...but she sounds as calm as you and I might be whilst dropping off dry cleaning. Nothing scares this badass bitch. Bring it Ripley! At least you have real actors to play off of this time if you know what I mean.
No Well, haven't we just seen the whole movie but for the finale?
Maybe So Henry Cavill's jawline is pretty sweet. Bruce & Sigourney are always fun to watch even in subpar movies but does the movie have any worthwhile setpieces or did they blow their wad with the shot of Cavill jumping off the roof. He can't fly yet. Man of Steel doesn't open until 2013.
YES NO MAYBE SO? Have it in... 4 times in the comments.