Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Trailer vs. Trailer

Today I present two trailers for upcoming movies, one that surprised me at how good it looked and one that looks shockingly bad:


As a football fan, I usually find myself bitching about football movies, instead of trying to enjoy them. It's probably the same way with glass movers and car chase movies. There's always something with the football part of it that's enough to drive me crazy, and keep me from enjoying it. It's rare I find myself looking forward to a football movie, but that's exactly the case with The Express: The Ernie Davis Story. For college football fans, there's a lot to like here: the name (nice retro structure), an authentic CGI recreation of Syracuse's defunct Archbold Stadium, and the fact that it's based on Davis, one of history's greatest forgotten football stars. But what really pleases me is the way the movie's trailer is handled, that is they leave out any mention of Davis' tragic final chapter.

Davis was the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy, then tragically died from leukemia two years later, never playing a down of pro football. It would be easy to show in the trailer that the movie ends up being a weepie, but the images are all about action and Conquering Obstacles. In an age where all of Tropic Thunder's funny lines are put in the trailer, I find this refreshing.

Now for something completely revolting: Lakeview Terrace. This movie brings to the forefront the fear of many people: living next door to Samuel L. Jackson ... the cop ... who doesn't like interracial marriage. I can understand why this movie was made -- since 2008 was in fear of not having a Sam Jackson Screams movie, and the perils of interracial marriage is a topic everyone likes examining. Oh, and it's PG-13. Has it won you over yet? See if you can count how many lines in the trailer make you grit your teeth, I got 9 (my favorite: "I'm a cop, you have to do what I say!"). The scene with Jackson trying to cut down their trees looks promising.

11 comments:

TALKING MOVIEzzz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Actually, J.R. Jones in the Chicago Reader called it a masterpiece in the paper today, saying it reflects on the issues that arose from Rodney King beating and riots after the white cops were acquitted.

Adam Ross said...

Thanks for pointing out J.D.'s review, Marilyn, he makes a good case for the film. It certainly sounds better than the trailer makes it out to be -- and as a new father I have to base all my opinions on trailers, since I don't actually see movies in theaters any more.

elgringo said...

Congrats on the freedom-stealing baby, Adam. Haha. I'm probably not going to see either of these movies. Give me Miracle of St. Anna and Fanboys and I'll be happy.

Burbanked said...

I feel sad and stupid that I wasn't familiar with Ernie Davis' fate before I read your article, Adam. And it's even more unforgivable because I'm an SU alum.

I thought the EXPRESS trailer was terrific, too, and it's a great example of a movie I knew nothing about previously, yet the trailer absolutely sold me on seeing it.

I liked the LAKEVIEW TERRACE trailer when I saw it the first time. I'm a fan of the cheesy UNLAWFUL ENTRY, however, so that could have something to do with it. Upon repeated viewings, the LT clip doesn't hold up too well; it feels more predictable and dull.

It being a Labute movie gives me some hope, but I've read that what he brings to the story doesn't follow through enough. Still wouldn't mind seeing it though.

Adam Ross said...

And speaking of SU and Ernie Davis, seems the statue they recently erected of him has a few historical inaccuracies:

Whoops

Anonymous said...

I adore Kerry Washington, but I think I'd rather watch backyard wrestling on YouTube than Lakeview Terrace.

Who's the audience for that movie? Adult film lovers? Teenagers on a date? Movie geeks hoping there's snakes in it? Idontgetit.

Adam, I know you could write a more compelling movie than David Loughery.

elgringo said...

Hey Adam,
I'm hosting a "My Best Post" Blog-a-Thon on Oct. 3rd through Oct. 5th. Wanna participate?

Full details are at: http://he-shot-cyrus.blogspot.com/2008/09/big-announcement-best-post-blog-thon.html

Thanks,
Scott

Marty McKee said...

I remember when LAKESIDE TERRACE was called UNLAWFUL ENTRY.

Marty McKee said...

Drat...that's what I get for not reading the comments before commenting myself.

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