Brooklyn's Finest Trailer Review

Welcome back Wesley Snipes!

Brooklyn's Finest is out March 5th 2010 and is directed by Antonie Fuqua, whose past works include Training Day, King Arthur, and Shooter. Fuqua to me has made some very solid and watchable movies. Training Day alone should lead to you believe that as cliche as the stories lines in this trailer look, nothing is what it seems with this material in the hands of this director.

The cast for this movie is top notch and everybody seems to fit perfectly into their respective roles. Personally I've been on a little bit of an Ethan Hawke-high. Having watched Daybreakers, Gattaca, and his performance as a smooth talking, sexually open writer in the film compilation New York, I Love You, has made me realize how much I like him as an actor. The reality and intensity he brings to his characters, is one of the reasons I look forward to seeing this movie. Don Cheadle and Richard Gere fill the card as tortured cops counting the days till they are released from the duties, respectively. But I feel the real story here is....Wesley Snipes. I REALLY like him in this trailer. I got flashbacks of movies like New Jack City and Sugar Hill. I hope this is the movie that brings him back to doing Hollywood films and not just straight to dvd releases. Although they were entertaining, the Blade movies were bringing him down and I'm happy they didn't continue them any further. The dichotomy between Wesley Snipes' gangster character and Don Cheadle remind me of a another good cop drama called In Too Deep. The story of an undercover cop struggling to keep his eye on catching the bad guy, but struggles when he's "in too deep" and becomes the closest and most trusted person to this bad guy. I suggest if you haven't seen that movie to check it out. But you can tell from the trailer that the relationship is doomed as Don Cheadle struggles to decide which side he's really on.

So many cop movies have come out and are coming out, your probably asking what makes this one so different and why am I praising this one in particular? It's all in the execution. When I first watched this trailer I was immediately reminded of another cop drama called Pride and Glory, which starred Edward Norton and Colin Farrell, as two brothers who get wrapped up in an investigation that hits close to home. The actions that took place in the movie, mostly the violence, just seemed real unecessary and actually overshadowed the character drama that was supposed to be, I'm assuming, the main focus of the movie. The same could also be said about the movie Max Payne, with Mark Wahlberg, whose over use of in-camera slow motion was only the real decent thing to watch in that entire movie.

There are a lot of things in this trailer that we've seen before. Normally the adding of a song like Jay-Z's "Run this Town" and the prayer to St. Michael that Ethan Hawke's character recites would bother me cause they are in some instances really tacky. But in the execution of the trailer, they don't seem to overshadow the characters or single out just one of them. I could believe that Wesley's gangster persona and Ethan's desperate cop, even though they may have different story lines in the movie, could say that same prayer every day of their lives. So in that one feature we are given a deeper sense of the characters, their motives, and what they could or are going through. Which makes for a successful trailer all around for me.



Box office Prediction- 20 million

Dueces!
Bobby

Cop Out Trailer Review

Is is just me or do you get this "huh?" feeling from watching this trailer?

Cop Out opens February 26th 2010 and is directed by Kevin Smith, whose past works include Clerks 1&2, Chasing Amy, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and Zack and Miri Make a Porno. This is a debut movie for Kevin Smith because it is the first movie he's directing that he hasn't written himself and it is also his first studio movie. But sadly from the trailer, you'd never know that.

For whatever reason Warner Bros. Pictures is not making more out of the fact that Kevin Smith directed this movie. Which I think could have been a powerful marketing tool. You have tons of people who are loyal followers of Kevin Smith, who would go see it based off his name alone! I mean just because you released movies like The Departed, doesn't mean that people will go see this. I'll be honest had I not been following the progress of this movie and known that Kevin Smith was directing, it would have been definitely something I would feel ok with skipping.

My initial reaction to this trailer is apprehension. Even though its directed by a man I greatly admire as a filmmaker this looks like just another studio-formula-driven "buddy cop" movie. Which is really sad because this being Smith's first studio movie you'd imagine it would have some of his touch in it and maybe it will, but I don't see it in the trailer.

The movie stars Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan as partners who don't play by the rules,(the original title of this movie was A Couple of Dicks). I'm sold on Willis, but Tracy Morgan is just downright annoying to me in this trailer! I have a hard time believing his character made it out of basic training to become a cop, much less be a detective. For me he's an actor who is really hit or miss, and based off the trailer he misses. We don't get a good sense of the story either. Only jokes about Tracy Morgan's character being able to make decisions now because we have an Black President and Willis trying to ham up lines that seem like leftovers never used by John McClane. But from the research I've gathered, Willis and Morgan are on the trail of some stolen baseball cards that are worth quite a lot of money. Now you could say that the plot sucks! But in a weird way, one could say that this could be a dirty minded, heartfelt story about two friends that Smith is known for creating, with all the bells and whistles of an action movie.

Maybe?...I know seems far fetched. But it could be an interesting dissection. Don't let yourself think to much on it though.

Anyway the plot is simple enough that people won't lose track of what's going on and it gives the "bad guy moving some crazy amount of drugs" senario a rest, from this rom-com of cop movies.

The big question: Should you go see this movie?

It's obvious that this trailer is terrible! But I am a fan of Kevin Smith and while I might not be there opening night, I'm gonna give this movie some benefit of the doubt. I say give this movie a shot. Could it be horrible? YES! But then again if your a fan of Kevin Smith, if you've been with him throughout the years and appreciate the chances he's taken as a filmmaker a la Jersey Girl, (I really liked that movie, so all you haters can suck it!), then I'm sure you'll be able to find something unique about his take on a buddy cop movie. This is at least what I'm hoping for when I go and see the movie, I believe that even in a bad movie you can find something redeeming and worth it. Smith old buddy, don't let me down!

Box office Prediction- $30-$34 million


Dueces!
Bobby

Valentine's Day Trailer Review

Let's not waste anymore time. Here is how much unoriginality is in "Valentine's Day", Patrick Dempsey is still playing a doctor.

Also as I'm writing this, "Dear John" has just beaten "Avatar" at the box office. WHAT THE FUCK!

"Valentine's Day" opens on Friday February 12th 2010 and is directed by Garry Marshall. Marshall's filmography includes "The Princess Diaries 1 & 2", "Georgia Rule", "Frankie and Johnny" and of course "Pretty Woman". "Pretty Woman" is easily one of the most popular romance movies ever and for me the only romantic movie of Marshall's work that I would own up to owning. Marshall does have the skill as a director to make movies such as "Valentine's Day" "cute", but I'm sure after the opening credits it will feel like the same old thing we've seen again and again.

Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Bradely Cooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Hector Elizondo, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Aston Kutcher, George Lopez, Shirley MacLaine, Queen Latifah, Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts.

Can we say overcompensating?

I'm going to guess these were the leftover audition tapes from the "He's Just Not That Into You" casting session. There is no doubt that this cast is impressive but I'm sure they solely saw that Garry Marshall was directing the movie and immediately thought of "Pretty Woman" and signed on, no questions asked. Actually upon further research I found out that most of them worked for a discounted salary and some even negotiated for a back end deal, probably a share of the box office revenue, because they could shoot their scenes fairly quickly and be away on another project. Basically easy money.

Another huge problem with this trailer is that all its doing is highlighting the faces of these actors and we as the audience are given no idea as to what the story might be, which leads me to believe the story is crap!

A better version of this idea of a movie is the short film compilation "Paris, Je T'amie" or even its successor "New York, I Love You", both of these movies took the idea of the romance movie and made it into something that was fresh and new. 5 minute short films about the different kinds of love; erotic, young love, love between an elderly couple; you see where I'm going with this. Judging by the trailer "Valentine's Day" is doing the same thing but with but an obvious watered down story and formula.

Two of the films writers Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, previously wrote the movie "He's Just Not that Into You", (Queue the dramatic music) which was another poor dissection of love. So its only fitting they would do the same thing over again, but attach a popular holiday to it. The only reason that this movie will do good is because its called Valentine's Day. Its a smart move from New Line to invest in such a movie and release date, cause it pretty much guarantee's them a strong opening box office weekend. My box office prediction is $40 to $50 million, unfortunately.

So in terms of trailer etiquette what have we learned?

1. Get a director whose all about the love.
2. A shit load of actors who can sell the movie.
3. Get the editor to only highlight said actors in the trailer itself.
4. Make sure the movie revolves around a popular holiday.
5. AND.....Don't forget the cool Black Eyed Peas song for the cherry on top.

My suggestion is to stay clear from this movie. Just because its about Valentine's Day and its opening on the same weekend doesn't mean we are obligated to see it. Also if your significant other wants to see this movie, I might suggest a separation or possibly even a trade, "Ill see this if you watch "Star Trek" with me whenever I want", kinda deal. If that doesn't work treat your sweetie to romance movies that are worth the price; "The Apartment", "Ghost", "(500) Days of Summer", or "Sabrina".

Sadly according to Nikkie Finke (DeadlineHollywood.com) there is already talks of a sequel...drum roll please....New Year's Eve. God help us all.

Dueces!
Bobby

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Trailer Review

"The Wolfman" and "Valentine's Day" have competition coming in the form of lightening wielding, water commanding GODS! "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief", finds its way into theaters on Friday February 12th, 2010.

What I can gather from the trailer is that the plot revolves around a young boy named Percy Jackson who inevitably discovers that he is the son of the Greek God Poseidon and for some reason at this exact moment in his life, his Uncle Zeus' lighting bolt has been stolen. QUESTION? Why does Zeus only have ONE lighting bolt?.... Just a thought. So anyway, as the "hero's journey" creedo demands, Percy seems to take up the mantle in finding Zeus' lighting bolt, fulfilling some sort of destiny in the process, that makes this movie possible.

The movie is directed by Chris Columbus whose most recent work includes "I Love, You Beth Cooper" and past works including "Adventures in Babysitting", "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". Granted, the only thing "I Love You, Beth Cooper" had going for it was a naked Hayden Paneittiere, the movie was down right horrible and not something I would base the success of "Percy Jackson" on. So stick with Columbus' skill as a director in the fun times of Babysitting and the magic and wonder he so wonderfully kicked off the Potter films with, to compel you to see this movie, or at least consider it. There is no getting around the fact that after seeing this trailer I was immediately reminded of the Harry Potter films the difference being that we are dealing with bringing the Greek Gods in our world as subject matter here, and I for one am sold on that concept alone.

The movies star power is in its Gods. You have Sean Bean from The "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" as Zeus, Rosario Dawson from "Clerks 2" and "Sin City" as Persephone, and Uma Thurman from "Kill Bill" as Medusa. I'm sold on the women but I honestly wish they could have gotten another actor for the role of Zeus. For me Zeus is a character that is commanding, not just someone who "looks" commanding sitting in a chair made by the art department. Don't get me wrong I enjoy Sean Bean's work as an actor but seeing him in the role reminds me too much of Lord of the Rings. I would have preferred some one like Ray Winstone (Beowulf, Sexy Beast, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) for the role. All of these actors have been in these genre fantasy movies at one point and like this one, I'm expecting nothing less than for each of them to chew up the screen having fun playing their iconic roles.

Chris Columbus selected one of the most famous trio's/casts' in cinema for the Harry Potter series and judging by how well that series is doing presently, whose to say it can't be done again. Each of the actors seems to be put in a roll that fits them and no one seems out of place.

Like most movies these days "Percy Jackson" is based off another popular children's novel from author Rick Riordan and of course Greek Mythology. What I like about this movie is that its set it the present day. Its nice to see a fresh new take, spin, vision, of very famous beings from Greek Mythology. There have been older T.V. shows, like Young Hercules, that dealt with the same subject matter, but when you bring it into present day your introducing a wider audience and a newer one at that to said Mythology.

I think this movie will do very well at the box office because of the wider demographic the movie looks to be aiming for. Who knows it may be the surprise hit of that weekend. My prediction is $20 to $25 million

I'm really hoping that this movie delivers on the excitement and adventure the trailer gives us, cause if not, Zeus might as well have swallowed this flick along with all his kids. But If your not sure about "The Wolfman" and if you don't have the desire to hear grown men and women figure out why they don't have dates in the movie "Valentine's Day", then I say Go and See "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief". It looks to be a movie that will suspend the imagination of kids, teenagers, and adults alike for a few hours and have a good time. If anything it may make you want to look up some Greek Mythology.

Dueces!
Bobby

Exploding Vaginas.

Welcome the to the official blog for The Couch! Dorian and Myself (Bobby Navia), thank you for checking out our first episode and blogspot.

The purpose of the blog is simple, since we can't get to review all the trailers we want, we will give you a rundown of what we think here. In addition to reviewing trailers, we'll also make mention of any DVD's or lesser known movies that we think should be something to check out, or not.

Also, everyone involved with making The Couch are all filmmakers, and as such, we make mistakes and are always looking to improve our skill. So occasionally there might be an episode of the show that we will re-edit and release on YouTube.com, so you can view the changes and improvements.

Once again, hope you enjoy the show and let us know what you think at guysonthecouch@gmail.com

dueces!