Welcome to our latest roundup of some of the recently released trailers, with thoughts and feedback from the CineChat team. As always, please let us know your thoughts regarding any of these upcoming movies/shows in the comments or on any of our social media platforms.
Nomadland
From IMDb: Follows a woman in her sixties who, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad. Released January 2021
Mary: Well that doesn’t tell you much of anything at all. But at this point who wouldn’t watch anything Frances McDormand decided to do? It’s a no brainer really.
Matt: As the film has just won the top prizes at both Venice and Toronto Film Festival I think we’ll definitely be hearing a lot more about it over the next 6 months! I’ve heard it’s almost certainly a lock for Best Picture, Director, Actress, Screenplay and Cinematography nominations (if not more)!
Clare: I love the simplicity. As an indie film fan, the festival crests, and the two names Frances McDormand and Chloe Zhao – it’s all you need to know.
Lee: Such as simple trailer, as everyone has already mentioned. I’ve seen nothing but positive buzz about this online and Frances McDormand was amazing in Three Billboards, so that’s enough for me to want to watch.
Marvel’s WandaVision
From IMDb: TV-Series Spinoff from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Containing the characters Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff and The Vision. Released later this year
Mary: I loved the relationship between Wanda and Vision in the Marvel movies so I’m super excited to see this. I think the premise is fantastic, so different, this looks like it had a great cast too. Marvel have known exactly what they were doing from the very beginning so I have no doubt this is going to be excellent, can’t wait!
Lee: To be honest, I initially wasn’t sure what to make of WandaVision when promo images first started coming through late last year/early this year – it just looked a bit too… odd! I’ve watched the trailer a few times now though and it really is growing on me. I’ve also read up on a few articles by comic book geeks who are far more knowledgeable than me when it comes to theories and character possibilities, which has only served to get me a lot more interested and excited for this. Plus, it’s now the only MCU content we’re getting this year, so I need to savour it!
Matt: I get it, and I don’t get it… It’s like Deadpool for me, a spin-off where characters start winking at the camera and the style is completely separate, yet it’s supposed to belong in the same universe, but it’s also an alternate reality, but also not. I objectively like the look of this and the concept, but simply wish it wasn’t Marvel, don’t particularly like any of the characters or really the actors if I’m honest – unpopular opinion, I know, but I just don’t find most of them likeable!
Clare: I cannot express how much joy this trailer has bought me since its release. It’s been my most anticipated release of the year and I am chomping at the bit to see it. Everything looks like chaotic perfection. As an utter television obsesser from an early age, I grew up watching reruns of Bewitched, and the little magic twitches made my heart swoon. I know from the previous teaser trailer there’s also elements from all generations of TV sitcom and I am beyond excited for the references. Kathryn Hahn was such an exciting piece of casting that I had missed, she picks the oddest of projects so I’m so eager to see what her role will be in this. And then you have Elizabeth Olsen. I’ve been besotted by her since she appeared in Martha, Marcy, May, Marlene and her work on Sorry For Your Loss broke my heart weekly during its two-season run. She’s consistently proved herself to be one of the most versatile young actresses, and whilst Wanda has not had the most screen time in the Avengers franchise, she has bought so much heart and emotion to the character. It’s finally time for the most powerful Avenger to step into the spotlight and I could not be more delighted for it to be through the medium of TV, especially with such wonderful homages to TV of the past.
The Croods: A New Age
From IMDb: The prehistoric family the Croods are challenged by a rival family the Bettermans, who claim to be better and more evolved. Released January 2021
Mary: I loved The Croods it was such a fun idea for an animation. It had a great voice cast and even an emotional ending. I had no idea a sequel was in the works and it doesn’t look quite as good as the first one but how many sequels are. It will be a good laugh and some light relief for a while.
Matt: I’m probably missing some key information as I haven’t seen the first film (it’s not one I’ve personally heard anyone raving about) so I’m not entirely sure when/where this is meant to be set(?) but there are some chuckle-worthy moments in the trailer that I imagine will be the best parts of the film so I’m content not seeing this, even though it is very colourful!
Clare: I hadn’t realised the original film had been successful enough for a sequel. This doesn’t seem entirely up my street, and I definitely feel the trailer showed too much, but it seems like it has a lot of spirit and heart in it. I hope that along with the fun, and what seems like stunning animation, there are also some messages about accepting each others differences. It seems like the perfect vehicle for that.
Lee: I remember taking the whole family to see the first Croods movie at the cinema and all of us came away having enjoyed it immensely. As always with animated sequels, they feel they have to introduce new characters and expand the world the original characters inhabit. On this occasion, I’m not sure I really want to see these new characters in a movie. I’ll try and catch this one when it gets a home release, but it doesn’t look anywhere near as good as the first movie.
Supernova
From IMDb: Sam and Tusker partners of 20 years, who are travelling across England in their old RV visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with early-onset dementia two years ago, their time together is the most important thing they have. Released November 2020
Mary: Oh wow, this is going to be incredible I can tell. I also know quite certainly that I am going to cry like a baby watching this. What amazing casting, I would never think to put Stanley Tucci (who I adore by the way) and Colin Firth (who is making amazing choices lately) together but my god don’t you just believe the pairing? I am so excited for this.
Matt: I think this has the potential to be very, very special indeed. Though I don’t expect this to be a high Oscar contender, I hope at the very least it is seen and considered. Both Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth have had an excellent decade and this seems like the perfect, natural next film for both of them. I’m very excited.
Clare: Oh I almost started to cry just from the trailer. How wonderfully edited, the score just swells up all the emotions from the performances. I am very excited for this film, I know it’s going to break my heart, but to see those performances from two such legendary actors. I cannot wait.
Lee: Anything involving dementia, or a similar illness, and its consequent effect on loved ones, always hits me very hard. Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci are more than capable of making this hit even harder, and I think this looks like being something very special.
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet
From IMDb: One man has seen more of the natural world than any other. This unique feature documentary is his witness statement. Released October 2020
Mary: I can’t wait to see this. My husband and I love watching David Attenborough. If you don’t feel relaxed listening to his voice then nothing will do it for you! You know when you watch an Attenborough doc it is going to be of the highest quality.
Matt: I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’ve fully watched any of his other documentaries, (though I want to and know that they are outstanding) – but this one interests me most of all. When Attenborough speaks, the world listens. And as deeply upsetting it is that a documentary like this is even necessary, let’s hope it’s the wake-up call we’ve all been waiting for.
Clare: Like Matt, I’ve never been interested in Attenborough’s work, but know of the quality and calibre. I spend a lot of time self-educating about environmental and sustainability issues so this feels like vital viewing. I hope it’s successful in its aims.
Lee: He has one of the most recognisable voices in the world and has become hugely respected and loved by millions. His documentaries are educational, informative and powerful enough to initiate action (most notably his coverage of plastics in our oceans), so anything that continu`es that work is more than welcome. I think we all know, now more than ever, what a danger to ourselves and our planet the human race as a whole are, so if anyone can provide guidance or answers then we need to be listening.
A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting
From IMDb: A babysitter embarks on a mission to save a child who’s been abducted by monsters. Released October 2020
Mary: Ok I’m pretty sure I’m not the intended audience for this. But I will totally be watching it, this looks like the Halloween kookiness that I love. I don’t think this will be breaking any boundaries but it’ll be a great one for the tweens around Halloween
Matt: It looks sort of terrible, but kids would absolutely love this. (And Mary.) It’s as if Beetlejuice, Labyrinth, Spy Kids and Hocus Pocus has a child… like, a collective child or something…!
Clare: Totally in Mary’s camp, this is not named at me at all but I am 100% going to be watching, it looks silly, wacky, the production design looks amazing.The kidnapped kid Jacob amazed me in A Wrinkle in Time (in what looks like a very similar role) so I’m excited to see him appear again. Sign me up!
Lee: Well, count me in with the rest of the (big) kids because I am definitely going to be watching this! It’s a great concept and looks like a lot of fun. I just hope the movie is as good as the trailer makes out.