Posted: 03/07/07

Trailing the movie scene
Rating the newest trailers

Jon Taylor l managing editor
jtaylor@smcvt.edu

Year of the Dog(4/13) – This movie, written and directed by Mike White (who wrote School of Rock and Orange County), stars SNL alum Molly Shannon as a secretary whose dog dies. Doesn’t sound exciting? Well, her life goes into a slight tailspin and she meets Peter Sarsgaard (who is always good) and kooky Wes Anderson-meets-romantic comedy-type stuff happens. It might be worth seeing, but I’m holding out for more snippets of the movie.  

GPA: 3.5

The Hoax (4/13 – limited) – I’ll admit it. I hate all Richard Gere movies, except for The Mothman Prophecies, which was unique in its ability to make Gere likable. With that being said, The Hoax doesn’t look too bad for a Gere-starring vehicle. However, the storyline about a writer who makes up a story and gets away with it is well-worn territory for Hollywood (Shattered Glass, anyone?). Approach this one with caution.

GPA: 3.0

Fracture (4/20) – Fracture could potentially be a gripping film filled with powerhouse performances. One could expect no less from the pairing of Anthony Hopkins as a murder suspect and Ryan Gosling as a young district attorney. The only problem I foresee with this trailer is its generic psychological crime-drama premise. You’ll probably want to wait until Fracture is on DVD because it won’t be earth-shattering enough to spend $8 on.

GPA: 3.1

First Snow (4/23) – Ever since his remarkable turn in Memento, I’ve been waiting for Guy Pearce to really break out and show his acting abilities. If he keeps doing projects like First Snow, involving a fortune teller in a trailer park, Piper Perabo (from the awful Coyote Ugly), and something about the first snowfall of the year, don’t expect to be seeing him clasping an Oscar anytime soon.

GPA: 2.0

Blind Dating (5/11) – This is a tricky one. Blind Dating is the first romantic comedy that I’ve ever heard of that features a blind 20-something as a protagonist. Initially, the trailer uses this character’s disability as a means to deliver a punch line, and then switches to try to turn this faux pas into a sweet love story. Although it co-stars Eddie Kaye Thomas, who was magnificently funny as Finch in American Pie, I would probably stay away from this one. There’ll be protests.

GPA: 2.3

Firehouse Dog (6/1) – This trailer is so bad that I suggest watching it. My description couldn’t match the disgusting feeling you’ll have in your stomach afterwards.

GPA: 0.4

Last week's Trailing the movie scene

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters (4/13) – Why this show is becoming a feature-length film is beyond me, seeing as this Cartoon Network show isn’t really any good at all. Curiously, I laughed hysterically while watching this trailer, particularly because of the flaming chicken, but I can’t foresee watching those obnoxious characters for longer than 10 minutes. My advice: enjoy the trailer, skip the movie.

GPA: 2.5

Away From Her (5/4) – This directorial debut from Sarah Polley, best known for her performance in the remake of Dawn of the Dead, looks to be a genuinely moving portrait of an elderly couple dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. It may be hard to find this film at a theater near you, but it’s probably worth the trip to an art house. Don’t forget to bring some Kleenex.

GPA: 3.8

Delta Farce (5/11) – No, no, no. It’s another movie starring Larry the Cable Guy, the unfunniest man of all-time. This trailer almost made me leave the theater. That should tell you how bad this is going to be.

GPA: - 0.5

Knocked Up (6/1)– This new comedy from Judd Apatow, best known for directing and co-writing The 40-Year-Old Virgin, stars Seth Rogen (You, Me and Dupree) as a twenty-something who impregnates a one-night-stand. As improbable as it seems, the future mother-to-be is Katherine Heigl of Grey’s Anatomy fame. Although this coupling is highly doubtful in real life, it looks like it works in this trailer. This is really one to look forward to, if only foranother hilarious supporting effort from Paul Rudd.

GPA: 3.8

1408 (7/13) – It would be easy to dismiss this psychological horror / thriller trailer if it weren’t for John Cusack’s presence. His film choices are generally spot-on (I forgive him for Must Love Dogs) and this looks to be no different. Be warned, however, like most trailers, this one seems to give away a little too much.

GPA: 3.5

The Simpsons Movie(7/27)– I think it’s safe to say that all Simpsons' fans were scared of a potential movie spin-off after 18 (generally) successful seasons on TV. Quite shockingly, the official trailer for this animated feature is uproariously funny and should quell any fan’s fears of box office poison. Although the plot seems drained of ambition, anticipate this one - it's box office gold this summer.

GPA: 3.7