Trailer Round-Up – 18 June, 2017

Flatliners Director: Niels Arden Oplev Writer: Ben Ripley Cast: Ellen Page, Diego Luna, Nina Dobrev, James Norton, Kiersey Clemons, Kiefer Sutherland Release Date: 29 September 2017 Medical students experiment on "near death" experiences that involve past tragedies until the dark consequences begin to jeopardize their lives. I'm unfamiliar with the original, so I can't compare how the new version/sequel holds up. On its own merits, it's an intriguing, if slightly ridiculous premise. Unfortunately, the trailer devolves into generic horror cliches by the end, which is far less interesting. Daddy's Home 2 Director: Sean Anders Writer: Sean Anders, John Morris Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, John Cena, John Lithgow, Mel Gibson Release Date: 10 November (US), 22 November (UK), 2017 Brad and Dusty must deal with their intrusive fathers during the holidays. For everyone out there chomping at the bit for more hilarious Daddy's Home hijinks, here comes the sequel you long for! The most interesting/inexplicable thing about this movie is that it's Mel Gibson's mainstream acting comeback. Apart from that, it looks like a disposable, mildly amusing at best comedy. It's moderately embarrassing to see so many talented people working on this. Goodbye Christopher Robin Director: Simon Curtis Writer: Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Simon Vaughan Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, Kelly Macdonald Release Date: 29 September (UK), 13 October (US), 2017 A. A. Milne finds inspiration for his Winnie the Pooh tales through his interactions with his young son Christopher Robin Milne. Whimsical almost to a fault, this seems like a sweet, fun, family friendly time at the movies. It's a short trailer that successfully conveys the premise and intended tone. Probably not going to be an awards season contender, but seems enjoyable nonetheless. Detroit Director: Kathryn Bigelow Writer: Mark Boal Cast: John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore, Jason Mitchell, Hannah Murray, Kaitlyn Dever, Jack Reynor, Ben O'Toole, Joseph David-Jones, John Krasinski, Anthony Mackie Release Date: 4 August (US), 25 August (UK), 2017 A police raid in Detroit in 1967 results in one of the largest and most intense riots in United States history, leading to the federalization of the Michigan National Guard and the involvement of two Airborne Divisions of the United States Army. Tense, gripping, with an ensemble cast and a critically acclaimed director at the helm - count me in. The second trailer for Detroit is a lot more involving than the first and focuses more on John Boeyga's character. What's particularly effective is the looped sound clip of "Change is coming" that really builds tension and excitement. Brigsby Bear Director: Dave McCary Writer: Kyle Mooney, Kevin Costello Cast: Kyle Mooney, Claire Danes, Mark Hamill, Greg Kinnear, Andy Samberg, Matt Walsh, Michaela Watkins, Beck Bennett Release Date: 28 July (US, Limited) 2017 Brigsby Bear Adventures is a children's TV show produced for an audience of one: James. When the show abruptly ends, James's life changes forever, and he sets out to finish the story himself. Bizarre, visually captivating, solid cast and critical acclaim? This trailer knows its audience and how to sell them something. There's next to nothing in the trailer that lets you know what the movie is even about, but that's part of why it works so well. It's so weird that you find yourself drawn to it. Happy Death Day Director: Christopher B. Landon Writer: Christopher B. Landon, Scott Lobdell Cast: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine Release Date: 13 October (US), 20 October (UK), 2017 Tree must relive the same day over and over again until she figures out who is trying to kill her and why. It's just Groundhog Day with a horror movie twist, which isn't even a new idea. I'm usually all up for Time Loop stories, but this one doesn't seem to bring anything fresh or interesting to the formula - it's all stuff we've seen a bunch of times in movies and TV.