New Movie Trailer Reviews: Sparks, Duds and Sleepers

Here’s the second installment of Movie Trailers: Sparks, Duds and Sleepers. The Sparks look interesting and entertaining and have a shot at being successful. The Duds, tired and cliched, are just the opposite. The Sleepers are low-key, possibly independent  films that, regardless of box-office success, are significant. All of this is with the caveat that I’m judging the films by their trailers only.  Comments are always welcome, especially if you disagree.

Sparks

Title: The Grey

Synopsis: Liam Neeson battles wolves in Alaska.

Why a Spark?

Plain and simple: Liam Neeson. He’s evolved into one of the best action film actors, ever.

Trailer link: http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2672533017/

Title: Contraband

Synopsis:  A smugger jumps back into the game.

Why a Spark? 

I know the plot may be old- a guy turns his back on a life of crime and is forced to return, but the cast is great and the photography earthy.

Trailer link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1524137/

Duds

Title: The Innkeepers

Synopsis:  With two days left before an old hotel closes, amateurish paranormal investigates try to flush out a ghost.

Why a Dud?

Derivative, worn out para-normal fare, maybe worth watching when not much else is on. Looks as appealing as The Banger Sisters.

Trailer link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1594562/

Title: Red Tails

Synopsis: Exploits of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Why a Dud?

Despite the great special effects the dialog in the trailer is cliched and worse than corny.

Trailer link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0485985/

Sleepers

Title: Bullhead (Rundskop)

Synopsis: A Flemish farmer makes a deal to hop up his cattle.

Why a Sleeper?

Cool, unusual story and makes you happy someone put up money for this film.

Trailer Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1821593/

Title: Man on a Ledge

Synopsis: A dude threatens to jump off a building (it’s a red herring for a diamond robbery).

Why a Sleeper?

Good cast and twisty action. Ever since A History of Violence Ed Harris is the bad guy of choice.

Trailer link: http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4159021337/