Trailer Hitch
By Jim Van Nest
November 3, 2005
Welcome to Trailer Hitch, your weekly look at the latest movie trailers to hit the Internet. This week we've got a couple sequels, Albert Brooks and a visit to Narnia. It's been awhile, so let's get right to it.
Like this EVER needed to happen.
Underworld: Evolution
Ya know, I remember a time when a movie had to be good to have a sequel. Joining the never-ending list of sequels that never needed to happen is Underworld: Evolution. Guess what? The centuries-old battle between vampires and lichen is still going on. Kate Beckinsale is back and she's brought her leather trenchcoat with her. If we're lucky, we'll even get to see her jump from a really high ledge. Apparently the vampires aren't too happy with her from the first movie and it turns out the only way she can save herself is by going to the very first vampire. What this will accomplish I have no idea and frankly, I don't care. With lots of special effects and battles, this looks like nothing more than a rehash of the original. So, if you liked Underworld, chances are you'll like Underworld: Evolution.
Can you ever just be, like, whelmed?
Guarding Eddy
The trailer for Guarding Eddy seems to have a been there-done that feel to it. It's the story of a retarded kid who runs off to Los Angeles to try out for the LA Clippers. Naturally, he doesn't get a tryout and finds himself at a homeless shelter where he just happens to get hooked up with an injured Clipper. From what I can tell, Brian Presley (Eddy) seems to be channeling Leo Dicaprio from Gilbert Grape. What I can't tell is if that is good or bad. It's based on a true story and that's what intrigues me a bit. But from the trailer it seems like we've really seen this story before.
OK, I'm intrigued
Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World
Right off the bat I'll say that I'm a big fan of Albert Brooks and this looks to be your typical Brooks film. The US government decides they might learn more about the Muslim world if they can figure out what makes them laugh. So, naturally, they send Albert Brooks to find out. The trailer pretty much shows a series of misadventures and cultural differences between the American and Muslim worlds. In a lot of hands, this topic and film could easily head toward offensive. In writer/director Brooks' hands, I have a feeling he'll stay on the humorous, non-offensive side of the issue and he may have just made a nice little gem of a film. Coming from Warner Independent Pictures, I don't expect a huge opening, but hopefully it'll find its niche.
Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic
Sarah Silverman is kinda funny. I've never found her hilarious and I couldn't imagine actually going to see a film all about her comedy. That being said, this trailer looks pretty funny. While it's basically a concert film, there are several musical numbers and bits thrown in to break the monotony. I don't think we have another Raw on our hands here, but I have a feeling this might be a pretty well-received and funny little movie. Also, I usually only see her on television...I had no idea how dirty her stand up is. Certainly explains how she can put up with Jimmy Kimmel.
I'm counting down the days.
Final Destination 3
Okay, I know only a couple paragraphs ago I slammed needless sequels. Color me a hypocrite, I guess. I really liked Final Destination. And while FD2 seemed little more than a rehash of the original with cooler deaths, I liked it too. And for those of us who love the Cedar Point, we might want to think twice about this one as it seems the main accident this time is a roller coaster jumping the tracks. As in the previous films, some people got off right before the coaster went down, thus cheating death. As the trailer tells us: the first time death found them, the second time death warned them, this time death will finish them. Oooooooh, gives me chills!!
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe Trailer 2 (Trailer of the Week)
I'm not sure that it's possible that I could add any more hype to this film. But I'll certainly try. The trailer is eye-popping. I can't imagine what the movie will be like. We get to see quite a bit of Narnia in this trailer and we meet several of the animal characters, including Aslan. The effects look wonderful and the interaction between the actors and CGI animals appears seamless. I honestly don't think I could possibly gush enough about this one. With my schedule, I don't have the luxury of seeing many films on opening night. This one will make the list. Outstanding.
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