Systematic Sequels: Jurassic Fever

Source: i09.com

By now most have seen the powerhouse that is Jurassic World. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ve at least heard of the huge amounts of money it has been making. Fortunately and/or unfortunately it seems like we will be getting Jurassic World sequels. Chris Pratt recently stated that he’s signed on to do a bunch more films if that’s what they desire to do. The movie even sets up for a potential sequel as B.D. Wong escapes the island with all of his research and most of the dinosaur embryos. With all of this information present, it looks as if we are undoubtedly getting a Jurassic World sequel whether we like it or not. I’m going to break down a couple of different ways in which they could make a sequel to this film and speculate as to what is possibly to come. Let’s keep our tickets to Jurassic World and board the speculation train.

Jurassic Wars

Source: imgur.com

A lot of this film is spent talking about the militaristic applications of these specially bred, and trained dinosaurs. Even Pratt’s character was an ex-Navy man. We saw the military gear the In-Gen is now in possession of as well as all of the men they have in their command. I don’t think that they’d lay on this military layer so heavy without any intention to use it later. We didn’t get a real pay off in this movie other than B.D. Wong escaping with the embryos in an In-Gen helicopter. I think it’s logical to speculate that the next movie could see the actual military application of these dinosaurs. Perhaps, they could use the experience of the Indominus Rex incident to help further their research in controlling these animals’ minds and bodies with even more precision. Once these dino’s start being used in combat, they call in the only man who has a lot of experience in both worlds; Chris Pratt. He will be used as the hero and centerpiece to help wrangle these bred monsters who are now killing on the battlefield. Obviously, the dinos would begin to go crazy and just kill everyone including their breeders, and that is why Pratt is needed so much.

I don’t necessarily like this idea, because I feel like it really takes away from the wonder that is the Jurassic Universe. Colin Trevorrow even said himself in an interview with Schmoes Know that what made Jurassic World so special was the fact that they returned to the original formula of dinosaurs in a park wreaking havoc. I don’t think Jurassic Wars would bring that same formula to the table and would ultimately end up feeling like a beefed up version of The Lost World and the Fast and Furious franchise. Although, a small part of me would love to see these dinos in a more mature climate, but I just don’t think this militaristic aspect is the way to go.

Jurassic Nation

Source: guide.alibaba.com

This could revolve around the fact that the embryos have finally made it off the island and are now presumably being transported back to the United States. With the embryos there, and research/breeding in full swing once again, what would happen if a huge number of dinosaurs were to escape on a piece of land as large as the United States. Again, Pratt, with his Navy background, could be used to help contain the outbreak, while utilizing his dinosaur knowledge and military tactics. Perhaps, the end of the movie has U.S. sectioning off a large piece of land where these dinosaurs are free to roam unharmed and untamed. Much like a nature reserve, but in this case for dinosaurs. This would go along with Pratt’s apprehension about dinosaurs near the general population, but also his immense respect for the creatures. He doesn’t want to just kill dinosaurs, but would rather see them flourish in a healthy environment.

Again, this would bring up memories of the Lost World, but could be on a much bigger scale, and further the world’s perception of dinosaurs in this world. We know that the world had grown tired of the dinosaurs, but after the events of Jurassic World, they’ll be as apprehensive about the presence of dinosaurs as ever. Then to have them basically invade an actual continent would raise the stakes. I would be more interested in this movie because I feel like it’d fit better tonally with the series so far, but I still don’t think that this is really a great option for a sequel.

Do We Need One?

Source: fanpop.com

I really don’t think we need a sequel to this movie, but I think it’s inevitable that we are going to get one. It’s lining up to be one of the largest box office movies of this year let alone of all time. However, I really feel like the the sequel we all wanted to this series was delivered in this movie. We had all of the awesome action, callbacks to the original, raised stakes, and a set of likable characters and dinos. Obviously, they could be doing a sequel that will ultimately blow us all away, but until then I remain skeptical at the idea of having one to this film even though I really enjoyed this movie.


As always guys, let me know what you think in the comments below! Be sure to share this and like it! It all really helps us out. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @HaneyCasey and check out www.slackernerds.com if you aren't already!

Steam Summer Sale. Day 3?

     Taking your phone in the spa can adversely effect your life in more than just the lack of a phone; I'm just finding out about the steam summer sale! Well, its day 3 and lets take a look at the flash sales.

Broforce: Reddit Steam Broforce is a great couch co-op send up of metal slug and 80's action heroes. I played this game with my kids and their friends as well as alone and it is great either way. With names like Rambro, Snake Broskin and of course Brobocop, 80's action movie pop culture definitely adds to the enjoyment its not necessary. Its not at its lowest price ever, but its close, so get this and play it, or check out The Expendabros for free!


Tomb Raider: Metacritic Reddit Steam The Tomb Raider reboot surprised a lot of journalists when it came out; it had the heart of the original with modern day third person mechanics. Couple with a good story and what we have is a solid prequel to Lara's tomb raiding adventures*. (*coming soon)

Trine 3: Steam 3D early access sequel to Trine and Trine 2. Puzzle platformer in the vein of Lost Vikings (too old?). You control 3 characters; wizard, knight and thief, that have different abilities that you can use to solve puzzles. This one also has co-op couch (local) as well as internet.

Also of note, Smallworld 2, based on the board game 80% off and Little Inferno, dark game about apocalyptic winter and burning things 75% off.

REMEMBER! Don't buy unless its a flash sale and wait until the last day to buy if its not. Happy saving.

Regular Guy Review: Jurassic World

This is how a summer movie is done. Huge set pieces, lots of action, fucking dinosaurs, and great human leads all make for one hell of a time at the movie theater. I was lucky enough to see it opening night in a huge theater that was packed to the brim. Needless to say, my theater was going crazy. Chris Pratt was much more macho and charismatic than his usual dorky and quirky self, but it worked really well. The kid actors weren’t too bad either. Although there were some obvious weak points, the movie as a whole delivered exactly what I, and apparently many others, expected it to deliver. Dinosaurs fighting dinosaurs, velociraptors, jungles, suspense, fun characters, and a great sense of wonder. Let’s rip into this movie and digest the good with the bad.

What Worked?

The Fucking Dinosaurs (Duh!)

The dino’s are what we go to these movies to see. We care about the humans, but it’s all about seeing this larger than life animals tear into each other and humans. We want to be terrified and awed by these behemoths. Jurassic World is much more aware of this than both Jurassic Park 2 and 3, and it is better off for it. It gives us plenty of crazy dino action as well as more species to like, dislike, and shit our pants over. The Indominus Rex was a cunning, well-rounded dino villain who was a certified killing machine. It was great seeing her fuck shit up all over this island. Pratt’s raptors were also super awesome. It was uneasy to see them be trained because you expected them to go crazy at a moment's notice, but I think ultimately that helped build more suspense. We also get the classic T-Rex action that we’d expect to get from the Jurassic franchise, but the real award for scariest fucking dinosaur to ever live goes to the Mosasaurus. It’s a humongous underwater dinosaur that just straight up murders the hell out of whatever gets close enough to its enclosure for it to snatch up. It plays a pretty great role in the movie as well. Overall, these dinosaurs did not disappoint.

Pratt Fever

Chris Pratt is definitely building up his nerd portfolio. He’s doing great as Star Lord, but is great as this macho man dinosaur tamer. He is fun to watch, but also dramatically believable in situations of duress. He isn’t very douchy in this film either, which was a very nice surprise. Pratt makes you love him like he always does, but carries the film a bit more than he did in Guardians. He is shaping up to be the next big leading man, and this is just another notch on his impressive belt of hits.

Landscapes

We all love seeing these huge dinosaurs roam in a land large enough and lush enough for them. Just like the first movie, this one gives us some great, sweeping shots of dino’s running and grazing in their designated areas. It makes for really beautiful shots that inspire awe. It’s just one of the many pieces of the Jurassic puzzle that this movie fits perfectly.

What Didn’t Work?

How Big is the Indominus Rex?

The first time we get an obscured look at it, it seems to be comparable to the likes of Godzilla. Then, when we see it for the first time, it doesn’t look very much bigger than the T-Rex. Then, again when we see it slithering around in the forest it looks small. Later on, while it’s being shot at by a helicopter, it looks huge again. Also, when we have a few close-ups of its face getting close to our human characters, it looks giant yet again. Even in the final showdown, it alongside other dinos doesn’t look as menacing as they talked it up to being. I don’t mind it being around the T-Rex size, but I wish it would have looked a bit more consistent throughout the film.

Really? No Cell or Walkie Reception?

There are dinosaurs in this world, but it’s not like we’re living in the Jurassic Age! Why the hell is there so much fucking static on the walkies, and no goddamn reception on the cellphones!? It never explains this, but uses it several times in the movie. I would have liked it if perhaps they had the Indominus knock down a cell tower or something, but nothing of the sort was ever said or shown. I mean what the hell? With the amount of people coming in and out of this place how could they have this bad of reception? I get it, it’s a movie, but this is something that could have easily been added in and explained to make these moments even more tense rather than a little dumb.

Why The Fuck Would You Make This Creature?

I get it. You wanted to make a thrilling animal that would scare the patrons and create a spike in attendance, but why would you literally make an unstoppable killing machine. Who does that benefit whether you’re the park head, or the nefarious scientists doing some black market splicing? Like what the actual fuck? It just seemed a bit weird. There was a little nod when Vincent D’Onofrio told BD Wong to hide evidence of “what they’d been doing there.” But what exactly were they doing, and who would it benefit? It was just a bit confusing trying to find an adequate excuse to do such a dumb thing with so many smart people around.

Overall Assessment

This movie was a great summer movie. It was extremely fun, especially with an engaging audience. It made for a great time at the theater that has seemed to be a bit lacking this summer. I was very happy to return to this world and explore what else we can do with these dinos. Everyone in it acted well, and the action was exciting. There were some very dumb parts in this movie, but that’s to be expected when you’re watching a movie full of dinosaurs in a theme park. All of this being said, you should definitely go see this on the big screen and buy some popcorn. You’ll enjoy yourself.

Score: 7/10

As always, please let me know what you thought in the comments below. Have you seen it yet? Will you see it? Did you like the new dinos? Are you still in love with Pratt? Please be sure to share this, follow me on Twitter @HaneyCasey and check out my website if you aren’t already at www.slackernerds.com. Thank you all for reading!

Regular Guy Review: Spy

Paul Feig has done it again folks. He has created one hell of a film that definitely deserves some of your precious time! The movie is all about the characters Feig creates and steers into the hilarious situations. The spy aspect is really almost background noise to the interactions these characters are having with one another. Literally, all of the actors in this movie are phenomenal. Everyone plays off of each other wonderfully, every comedic nod to the spy genre isn’t too on the nose, and the movie just straight up makes you laugh a lot. Let’s break down exactly why you should listen to a guy like me when I say you need to see this film!

Actors

Source: Huffington Post

Who knew Jason Statham was so damn funny under all of those muscles and mean looks? He is hands down the best part of this movie. There are times when certain lines from Melissa McCarthy outshine him, but overall Statham steals the show. He plays his manly man character who doesn’t play by the rules so damn well. Not only that, but some of the physical comedy involved is perfectly timed and executed. And finally, his extreme dimwittedness while also being extremely cunning is such a hard balance to execute, and Feig along with Statham manage to create the perfect storm.

Melissa McCarthy, when not dealing with self confidence issues, is laugh out loud hysterical. When she grows balls and starts yelling at one of the Swedish bodyguards for Rose Byrne’s character, it ends up being one of the best sequences in a film filled with action and other comedy. McCarthy is a master at shifting between unassuming to rage filled mad dog who will tear you down physically and emotionally. Her banter is some of the best in the business right now, and her insults rival that of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman from Full Metal Jacket. Alongside her banter is her knack for physical comedy. She is the female reincarnation of Chris Farley without a doubt. She can move so swiftly and perform some great stunts on her own.

Rose Byrne who is usually known for playing the nice girl we all seem to know in our lives, transforms into that one customer we all have and despise. She is self absorbed, harsh, dumb, and overly critical with the minutia of life. Whenever she breaks down McCarthy’s confidence it is almost sad, but too hilarious not to laugh. Again, this fine line was balanced upon perfectly by Feig.

Jude Law was charming as always, and his American accent wasn’t half bad. I knew exactly where his character was headed in the plot the whole time, but he still played well with Melissa McCarthy. What’s important in a comedy is to surround those who aren’t the strongest in the genre, with those who are the powerhouses. This is what Feig did with McCarthy and Law. Law who isn’t particularly funny, is transformed into a smart mouthed, critical, dumbwitted spy who embodies that suave personality. He is great in the film, but serves much more as a tool to move along the plot than a character who gets to enjoy the ride like the rest of them.

Finally, the character from left field was McCarthy’s friend in the film Miranda Hart. Wow, she has some comedic chops. Much like McCarthy she has a very strong witty presence surrounding her, but still shrouded in the unassuming outward personality. Her scenes with 50 Cent (yes, he’s in this too, and hilarious!) are stunningly great. Usually, scenes with celebrities are throwaways, but she carries him through like a champ and even helps elevate his comedic presence.

Spy Nods

The whole movie is a borderline spoof of the entire spy genre. The opening scene with Jude Law infiltrating a foreign foes fortress while easily seducing women is a great nod to the Bond films. The next nod comes in the form the opening song’s music video just like the Bond films. Admittedly, this is my least favorite part of not only the Bond films, but also of this one, however I thought it was a well placed, well done nudge to the genre. Also, Statham’s and Law’s characters are both based on obvious archetypes of macho males in the spy genre. They are constantly seducing women, saying things like, “I work alone! I quit. I’ll have to do this on my own!” and always dressing unbelievable nice. The funniest nod, in my opinion, was Statham’s elongated brag story about all the escapades he’s had on missions, to convince McCarthy that he can solve this one on his own. He talks about getting his arm ripped off, and putting it back on with the other and jumping off buildings, to trains, to cars, all while on fire. These are great lines alluding to all of the impossible situations in spy movies that the protagonists seem to make it through unscathed. Again, the whole movie has a perfect balance between spoof and parody as well as orchestrated comedy that is executed to perfection by the cast and Feig.

Are You Convinced Yet?

Source: Youtube

Well, I hope I was able to convince you to see this film, if you have not already. It’s absolutely fantastic and will make you laugh out loud undoubtedly. I guarantee that you haven’t seen Statham, Byrne, or Law this funny before. McCarthy returns to her masterful, comedic form and is aided by the equally talented Miranda Hart, who alongside director Paul Feig help create a wonderful atmosphere for this film. Trust me, you’ll love it.

Score: 9/10

Please be sure to check me out at my website, www.slackernerds.com and follow me on Twitter @HaneyCasey! Please leave some comments and let me know what you think, and be sure to check out my other articles there! Thanks so much for reading guys and girls, and please, stay nerdy.

"What Did I Just See?": The Martian Trailer #1

Source: geeksnack.com

This trailer wants me to feel quite a few different emotions in a very short span of time! That’s ok though. I’ve been following this movie since it was announced, and I’m just happy to finally see some footage. The trailer itself had some great moments as well as a few moments that had me going eh. Speaking of these moments, to slightly change a Matt Damon line in the trailer, I’m going to have to critic the shit out of this. So, take a seat and leave no man behind as we dive into this trailer review!

What Worked?

The Cast (or Should I Call Them Crew?)

The day before the trailer dropped, they had released a short video of Matt Damon’s character Mark Watany helps introduce each crew member. It gave a lot of insight to the level of camaraderie we’d be seeing in the trailer. Once, the trailer dropped, I didn’t see a decreased level of this bond. I saw each character interact with each other very naturally and as if they’d been through hell and back together. Not only does each actor work well with the other, but the amount of talent in this movie is basically criminal. Each actor is nothing but sheer talent. Even those with smaller roles are fucking thespians! I can’t wait to get a bigger chunk of screen time of them all on Mars before the storm. And Jeff Daniels, you either make me fucking crack up, or make me feel the kind of emotion that I don’t even experience in real life! I’m glad to see him a huge movie like this.

Those Landscapes!

Some of these visuals are very convincing. Landscapes are usually one of Ridley Scott’s strong areas, so it’s really no surprise that I felt like I was literally watching footage from Mars. However, while being unsurprised I was still impressed. I am someone who really appreciates when movies take the time to create luscious settings for their characters to inhabit, such as Mad Max: Fury Road or Jurassic Park. I just hope that we get to see more of Mars than what is shown in the trailer.

The Cinematography

The tracking shots, establishing shots, and close-ups really hit the viewer on all fronts. It funnels you down to the nitty gritty while reminding you of the grandeur that is present throughout. Also, something that I didn’t notice until after a few viewings, I thought it was clever that the shots on Mars have a very distinct red tone to them while all shots on Earth have a very distinct blue hue to them to further the disconnect and dichotomy between the two worlds. I found myself feeling more and more considered by the fact that Watany was on Mars, and I figured out that it was this color trick that kept disconnecting my mind. I enjoyed that very much.

The Plot

Who isn’t fascinated and at least somewhat frightened of space? Especially being left stranded in such a hospitable place. Shit, I can’t even imagine being left in like Detroit for a night without a phone without starting to panic, let alone being left on Mars! Watany’s perseverance is so human that it just draws you in. I don’t ever wish to be in any kind of similar situation, but I could only hope to have the knowledge and perseverance to, “Science the shit out this!” Also, the idea that his crew is going to go rogue and get his ass is awesome. They are some badass astronauts! Overall, just the idea of being left behind on Mars with minimal supplies and your wits is terrifying, but extremely interesting. Now, add in all the other elements like the crew coming back, other Mars related accidents or occurrences, and any other things we don’t even know are coming make me so hyped for this movie!

What Didn’t Work?

Everyone is Sad

Literally, the first shot of every character introduced in this movie look sad as shit. I mean this isn’t a huge issue, but I just feel like this is the wrong way to introduce characters that are going to be beacons of hope and perseverance. Each character has the courage to do something amazing in this film, yet all look like they shit their pants in front of a crowd and now everyone’s laughing at them.

Overall Tone

I mentioned this a bit already, but wow does this trailer feel a bit all over the place with what it expects you to feel. It starts with sadness, then goes to hopelessness, then comedy, then hopeful, then it wants you to feel tense at the prospect of such time until Watany is saved. The transitions between each emotion is too abrupt so that I feel almost fatigued by the end of the trailer. It also takes away from the cohesiveness of the trailer. I would have rather they split these emotions into two separate trailers. I would have liked the first trailer to feel a bit hopeless with underlying prospects of a solution, only to deliver a hopeful solution in the second trailer. It would’ve let the audience catch their bearings and better experience what the filmmakers were trying to make us feel.

I Know It All

I haven’t read the book nor looked for spoilers online, yet now I feel like I know 70% of this film from just watching this trailer. It’s only the first trailer too! It wasn’t as bad as the Southpaw trailers, but I feel like the audience could have gone without knowing quite as much as we do now thanks to the trailer. For instance, I would have liked to see his ingenuity flourish on screen, and find out that his crew’s decision to get him back would be an act of mutiny. I feel like these could have been left out and still got us excited for the film.

Overall Assessment

Honestly, the trailer was damn good and got me even more excited for this film than I already was. It has done it’s job, and doesn’t make me nervous. Each criticism I had was a bit more self-contained within the trailer itself, but the movie still looks extremely interesting and fun. I can’t wait for it! Also, quick side-note, the title of the film, The Martian, seems to insinuate to me that perhaps he ends up having to stay on the planet, or even he and the crew must live on the planet indefinitely. I think that’d be a great plot twist!

Score: Better Than Living On Mars I’m Sure!

As always my friends, let me know what you think in the comments below and tell me if you had a similar impression, or you just think I’m crazy! I would love to hear what you all thought about this first trailer! Did you get even more excited? Less excited? Did it give too much away? Did it switch tone to quickly? Please be sure to follow me on Twitter @HaneyCasey and check me out on comicbookmovie.com, hitz247.com, and of course on my website www.slackernerds.com!

Jon Bernthal is the Punisher!

Well holy shit. After I had finished Season 1 of Daredevil, I had written an article about who we could see next in Season 2 of Daredevil that you could read here. In that article, the one character I was most excited for was the Punisher. He is one of my favorite Marvel characters and plainly just one of my favorite characters. Now, not only is the Punisher coming to Daredevil season 2, but he is being played by none other than Jon Bernthal. He is perfect casting for Frank Castle, and I’ve been waiting for him to finally get a role in the superhero genre. I was a huge fan of Thomas Jane, and in my eyes he will always be the Punisher, however Jon Bernthal is the perfect marriage between Thomas Jane and Ray Stevenson. Let’s break down some of the reasons why we should be excited for Jon Bernthal’s upcoming portrayal of the Punisher.

1. His Physique
   
   
   Jon Bernthal is 5’ 10” and is 169 lbs. The Punisher is supposed to be 6’ 1” and 200 lbs. Although Jon Bernthal is not the exact size he has a body type that looks very similar to Frank Castle. Charlie Cox who is also 5’ 10” is not quite as imposing as Jon Bernthal. I think we’ll see a similar dichotomy between Cox and Bernthal as we saw with Bernthal and Andrew Lincoln on The Walking Dead. Also, Jon Bernthal is just as built as Frank Castle is suppose to be.
2. His Career So Far
   
   
   We have seen Jon Bernthal play several different roles, but he always has recurring qualities throughout all of his characters. In The Walking Dead he was a man of extreme will and violence. He was ruthless, but had an internal fight against his humanity. That in and of itself is the essence of Frank Castle. Also, in Fury, he plays an extremely loyal mad dog who is known for being a little out of control. Again, very Frank Castle-esque. Even in The Wolf of Wall Street, he plays the hardcore drug dealer. He has his morals and doesn’t like to cross those much like Frank Castle has his code that he doesn’t break. He continues to do movies and shows that have garnered critical acclaim.
   
3. What Can He Bring to the Role?
   
   
   Bernthal has shown that he is a rising talent and demands the respect on screen that most A-list actors demands. We’ve seen him give physical performances and emotional ones. Much like Thomas Jane, Bernthal has had a few different performances, but has shown great promise in his ability to to have humanity intertwined with great brutality. Also, while still being a rather “unknown” actor, we can count on him giving this role his everything. He will work as hard as he does in every role so that he may gain a viable franchise.

I couldn’t be more excited for this news and I trust that Marvel will finally handle this character with the dignity and respect he deserves. Also, introducing him in Daredevil is an extremely wise move, considering that Marvel’s TV universe is much more violent and gritty than their movie universe. I really trust Jon Bernthal as an actor especially for a role as intense as this. I have been begging for years to see him in a starring role deserving of a wider audience, so that he could really show off his obvious talents. Hopefully, this will be that role for him.

What do you guys think? What did you think of this news? Was he your fancast? Do you think his inclusion in Daredevil is the proper introduction or would you rather see him somewhere else? Please let me know what you think in the comments below and be sure to follow me on Twitter @HaneyCasey.

"What Did I Just See?": Bridge of Spies

Again, we are reminded why spies are so goddamn cool. From gadgetry, to secret documents, backroom meetings, politics, and high stakes, this movie is shaping up to be one hell of a spy thriller, let alone just a fantastic film. This has been Steven Spielberg's sleeper project for some time and it’s great to finally see some footage from it. The trailer delivered everything and more that I was hoping to see from this film. The picture this movie paints is so precise and authentic from the period style clothing, vehicles, and language to the explanation of how the Cold War was operated; with information instead of bullets. The Cold War has always been a huge interest of mine, but I have always thought it hard to bring to life in a movie considering there isn’t much action, but Spielberg has proven that with the guidance of his masterful vision, the Cold War can be just as thrilling as any other major war. So, put let’s open our secret coins to decypher the trailer we’ve just seen!

What Worked?

Tom “Golden Boy” Hanks

My god, can Tom Hanks just do a shitty movie so the rest of us can feel better about ourselves being non-accomplishing lazy bums? Well, fortunately/unfortunately it looks like this movie might just be another Oscar performance by Hanks. He continues down his long road of nothing but pure thespian achievement. He is a true joy to watch. He unlike many others, can demand so much from the audience and his fellow actors while on screen, but also have this unshakeable, honorable vulnerability. He just always seems to be portraying the best of mankind in a role, while seeming to actually be one of the best people around off screen. Hanks is going to be key to humanizing both sides of the Cold War conflict, and reminding the world that we are all human and deserve to be treated with dignity no matter what. It is a heartfelt message only deliverable by the Tom Hanks Express.

Piece This Period Together

I love when a movie takes place in a different era and gets the settings and props so right that it feels as if they filmed it during that decade. It helps too that the 50s to 60s are one of my favorite time periods to observe. There is such a style that spans across the globe with architecture, clothing, and machinery that I just love to observe. This movie gives me such an authentic taste of what life was like during this time that I just can’t help but marvel at it. Whoever is responsible for this deserves one hell of a high five.

Spy vs. Spy

I feel like it has been a while since we have seen a spy film that actually focuses on the art of espionage. The last effort that I can remember was Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which made a great attempt, but ultimately fell a little flat. James Bond used to be a great place to get our fix for gadgetry and stealth, but within the last 10 years, the Bond films have seemed to focus much more on the explosions and action of the spy world. I really appreciate that this trailer even goes out of its way to differentiate itself from these type of spy stories by inserting itself into the Cold War, or the War of Words. I’m very eager to see espionage be the center of a film once again, and I think many others feel the same.

The Message

I don’t want to get too political and emotional, but I think the message this movie is tackling is worth noting. I think it’s important for people to remember that even the people we consider to be our enemies are still human beings. Regardless if they would do for us what we’d do for them, we must treat everyone with dignity and respect. Hank’s crusade to remind both nations of this is a noble one as well as a compelling one. I hope the movie will hit this message with even more gravitas than was shown in the trailer because this is something worth reminding everyone.

What Didn’t Work?

To be honest this trailer was a homerun through and through. It felt different from other trailers out there, while also selling me on the characters, plot, and setting. It’s very rare that there isn’t at least a little something for me to nitpick, but when you consider who's involved in this film, it really shouldn’t be any surprise that this trailer was masterfully crafted.

Overall Assessment

This trailer kicked ass. It sold you on the intensity and high stakes of what the plot is, while giving you authenticity on a whole other level. It presented a flawed, but noble character who is relatable even in a very unrelatable situation. The trailer is visually stunning and each shot seems to be handcrafted for maximum emotional reaction. This trailer just reaffirms what we all already know and expect from not only Tom Hanks, but also the film god himself, Steven Spielberg.

Score: Nuke em’/Nuke em’