Let’s break down the 5 trailers during Gladiator II

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As a seasoned moviegoer with a soft spot for both action and humor, I must say that my Friday night at the AMC Theater was nothing short of exhilarating! We were all geared up to witness the epic return of Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator 2, but before we could, we were treated to a delightful array of upcoming movie trailers.

On a Friday evening, November 22nd, my spouse and I decided to visit an AMC Theater for a screening of “Gladiator 2“. To ensure we didn’t miss the film, we had bought our tickets in advance. We also pre-ordered a popcorn bucket (specifically from Cinemark’s Colosseum) and drinks. Once settled, we were all set to enjoy the movie.

Prior to the movie’s start (keep an eye out for more articles coming soon), we endured various previews of forthcoming films. In this piece, I will be talking about 5 of these trailers and my personal opinions on whether I would choose to watch them in a theater or give them a miss altogether.

Let’s begin!

Kraven the Hunter

The first trailer was for Kraven the Hunter, based on the Marvel comics character of the same name. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, we watched the red band trailer which delivered more blood and gore than even Gladiator II.

I’ve never before watched a trailer for this movie, and it turns out I’m completely unaware of the character. The trailer’s intense action reminded me strongly of both Deadpool and Wolverine, but without their characteristic humor.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by its pulsating rhythm and rapid tempo. This masterpiece managed to intrigue me without divulging any crucial plot details. What truly sealed the deal for me was the hauntingly perfect choice of Johnny Cash’s “The Man Comes Around” as the trailer song – a decision that added an extra layer of anticipation and excitement.

Among all musicians, Johnny Cash stands out as one of my personal favorites. The juxtaposition of his music with the gritty movie trailer was nothing short of an artistic triumph being crafted on-screen. Is it set for a theater release?

Maybe. It was one of the few trailers that left an impact on me after leaving the theater.

Love Hurts

I found myself delightfully astonished by the movie “Love Hurts”. Initially, it appears to be a straightforward tale about a successful real estate agent who has a kind heart, perhaps even a bit too accommodating. However, as the story unfolds, it transforms into a humorous, high-octane, espionage-like film.

In a delightful blend of action and comedy, the movie features Ke Huy Quan, a beloved figure in Hollywood, unveiling an unexpected past as a formidable assassin who opted for a career change to real estate. However, trouble brews when his sibling targets him, and complications arise involving an old romantic interest.

While Quan forcefully sends adversaries crashing through walls and windows, he expresses apologies as he proceeds to dish out more punishment in self-defense. However, it’s just a matter of time before his past persona resurfaces, and when that happens, the friendly Quan will be nothing more than a memory.

Will I see this movie in theaters? Most likely!

Thunderbolts

I had previously watched this trailer, but the theater version seemed to cut some scenes irregularly. Given the array of Marvel characters depicted in it (with the possible exception of Bob), many fans find it reminiscent of Marvel’s counterpart to DC’s Suicide Squad.

The trailer showcased a few humorous scenes, but it was primarily presented as a dramatic, action-filled movie that would appeal to fans who prefer the grittier, more violent aspects of Marvel. The Thunderbolts squad includes Yelena (Black Widow), Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier), Alexei Shostakov (Red Guardian), John Walker, Taskmaster, and Ava Starr (Ghost).

At some stage in recent times, I’ve developed a sense of weariness towards the Marvel Universe. Despite being engrossed by the second season of Loki, films like Deadpool & Wolverine stood out as exceptional this year, other productions such as Secret Invasion left me feeling disappointed, Agatha All Along was just average, and The Marvels didn’t capture my attention enough to watch it, and I probably won’t in the future.

I’m undecided about Thunderbolts; it’s not a movie I’m eagerly anticipating like The Fantastic Four: First Steps. However, as the release date approaches, I might find myself persuaded to go to the cinema and watch it.

Better Man

How do I provide my honest opinion on this…mess? Will I be seeing this film in theaters?

Certainly not, there’s something unsettlingly familiar about the creepy valley and uninspired narrative (to be honest, it seems like this could be the plot for just about any artist in today’s world). I can hardly imagine how this film managed to get approved.

The monkey gains popularity after becoming part of a boy band, yearning for visibility, recognition, and fame.

You are a talking monkey. In what world would you not become famous?

Companion

Last but not least is the creepy, horror/thriller flick Companion, which left me scratching my head as to what was really going on. Starring Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher, my best educated guess about the film’s plot is that Thatcher is a robot whom Quaid becomes obsessed with.

She’s handcuffed to her chair during dinner, constantly pursued, with Quaid slaughtering numerous individuals throughout. It seems like he’s doing this to keep his kidnapping of her a secret.

Could it be that they aim to help him break free from his fixation? In the midst of his violent fury, Quaid sports the most heart-meltingly sad puppy eyes on a woman who finds it daunting just to share the same space with him.

Will I be watching this movie at the cinema? Given my curiosity, I’m inclined more towards not going.

Horror isn’t my favorite genre of media, with mild exceptions (The Walking Dead and The Last of Us). I’d rather sit down and enjoy a historical fiction story, light comedy, or a heartfelt (not cringey or overrated) romance film.

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2024-11-24 01:15