Ridley Scott is due, apparently. After a dosage of entertaining but fatally flawed films, namely Prometheus in 2012 and Exodus: Gods and Kings in 2014, Scott is hopefully coming back strong with The Martian, an adaptation of Andy Weir’s book of the same name. And if Scott’s name isn’t enough to get you interested, throw in Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean and, of all people, Kristen Wiig. Considering the Oscar-friendly timing of the release and the boisterous marketing push The Martian is privileged to receive, 20th Century Fox clearly thinks this one’s a winner. Here’s the second trailer:

You’ll notice a subtle shift in tone from the introductory trailer, with a little less emphasis on Damon himself and a little more on the enormous supporting cast. That’s appropriate. Chastain brings her fiction space chops to the proceedings while Daniels, who’s graduated into the annals of wise movie patriarchs thanks to Aaron Sorkin’s lionizing of the man in The Newsroom, gets to look on the action with disgruntled pessimism.

There is a universe where I also mention Kate Mara’s boon to the marketing for The Martian, but this isn’t it. Sorry, Kate Mara.

Perhaps the most peculiar thing about The Martian is just how quickly the book transitioned into a movie. Andy Weir self-published his novel back in 2011, only to have it republished under the Crown Publishing (itself apart of the behemoth Random House) umbrella in 2014. Now, one year later, it’s a movie backed by all the money-making machinations of Hollywood. This fast-track from little-known to Damonization is a pristine example of just how fast technology makes the entertainment industry move. It lets producers capitalize, literally, on the trending and the viral with alarming expediency.

Now, if only we can get a meta take on Damon’s space adventuring will Hollywood truly steal my heart.

The Second Trailer for The Martian is Somehow Better Than the First

There isn’t a western that’s just a western anymore. We’re living in a post-Deadwood world now, where Hell on Wheels exists almost exclusively as a way to yearn for the superior and tragically cancelled HBO series. Everything else you might call a western is actually something else that might’ve just been a western 50 years ago.

Justified, FX’s recently ended series starring Deadwood’s Timothy Olyphant, was a modern western with familiar western themes but decidedly unfamiliar backdrops. That series also starred the underrated Walton Goggins as the premier antithesis to Olyphant’s character. Goggins, perhaps without coincidence, happens to be in Tarantino’s second western film, The Hateful Eight, due out this Christmas. Here’s the trailer for that movie, in which Kurt Russell reminds us all he’s still alive and Tarantino reminds us all he’s still the best dude ever:

Best moment: when Tim Roth opens up his mouth for the first time.

But this isn’t strictly a western either, since every Tarantino film is a Tarantino film first and anything else second. The Hateful Eight actually rings closest to Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, putting in close proximity a group of dangerous and unpredictable personalities, as opposed to the more traditionally plotted Django Unchained, Tarantino’s other western film that isn’t actually a western film.

Second on our list of sort-of things today is Westworld, which might not have hit at a more culturally poignant moment for a Michael Creighton IP. Here’s the trailer for the upcoming HBO series, based on an old movie, based on a book that is older but isn’t considered an old book because books are really, really old:

Best moment: when I thought that one shot was of John Hawkes. Worst moment: when I learned that John Hawkes isn’t actually in this series at all. I miss Deadwood.

Get it? This is a western that’s the least western-like, due to the fact that it’s actually a science fiction tale about self-aware robots existing in a western theme park for people. The original film focused heavily on the human side of this story. This time around it’s more about the robots, and it’s also an HBO show. But it’s most definitely not a western. Except it kind of is.

J.J. Abrams and Jonathan Nolan, the same team behind the infallible Person of Interest, are the primary creative forces behind this project. That should excite you. For now, though, go watch some Hell on Wheels on Netflix and weep.

A Week of Westerns: Must-Watch Westworld and The Hateful Eight Trailers

Ryan Reynolds and director Tim Miller are trying to remake the movie Deadpool into the comic book Deadpool after the disastrous representation in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. They got the R rating, they got the costume, they got the mouth.

Now, the official Deadpool trailer is out, following some iffy leaks out of Comic-Con. Low and behold, it’s a red-band trailer, full of all the cussing and headshots you could reasonably ask for.

1. Oh that’s right, this trailer is meant for non Comic-Con people, which means we start with a love interest and intercede it with sex.
2. Don’t make the super suit animated? That’s a confirmed fourth wall break.
3. Wait, if he’s breaking the fourth wall before the surgery, is that canon? I’m really asking. I have no idea.
4. Upon further research, I still have no idea, but I can’t help but hear all 10 of these top fourth wall-breaking Deadpool moments in Reynolds’ voice now.
5. I think Steven Spielberg already did this shot in War of the Worlds, only through a window and looking at Dakota Fanning.
6. We finally get an on-screen super hero that just murders the hell out of people.
7. That triple headshot is for the video gamers out there.
8. I’ll need to watch this one right after Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, in the likely case that Zack Snyder’s film fails to live up to expectations and I need to wash the seriousness out of my eyes…
9. …because my expectations for this film are in tune with the small scale and borderline trashy, albeit light enough on the cussing to prevent eye-roll, humor
10. I’m gonna love it.

Reynolds takes on the challenging (for anybody but Reynolds, apparently) role when the film hits in February 2016.

10 Gut Reactions to the First Official Deadpool Trailer

A film of greater legend than Anchorman and even greater relevance than the rest of Ben Stiller’s career, Zoolander was exactly the thing that everyone wanted more of, but was too afraid to ask for. Worry not, for Hollywood’s most prolific creation are those films with the number 2 in them. The first Zoolander 2 trailer is here.

I had the pleasure of watching this in an actual movie theater before knowing about it, which means the bait and switch kind of worked – Zoolander himself doesn’t show up on screen until more than a minute in. The result was a sense of surprise I hadn’t felt since Zoolander turned left and finally delivered Magnum. I’m glad I had the chance to ruin that opportunity for you in this very post.

However, upon second viewing, the Zoolander 2 trailer did drop a few hints before its big reveal. After all, I’m not sure the word Eugoogly is in the dictionary, nor does a No Left Turn sign warrant placement among the human brain’s most accomplished creations.

Okay there were a lot of hints, Mermen and dancing monkeys chief among them.

Zoolander 2 is hitting theaters, according to a couple of websites, on Feb. 12, 2016, though the end of this trailer suggests that may be in flux. In addition to Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell and Christine Taylor returning in their respective roles, Zoolander 2 is adding the likes of Kristen Wiig, Olivia Munn and Fred Armisen to the mix.

Also listed on the IMDB page for this movie are Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber. Hopefully those aren’t the only celebrity cameos in the final film. West also appeared in Ferrell’s Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, ever capitalizing on his carefully cultivated, Zoolander-like public image.

Why did God make ugly people?

The First Zoolander 2 Trailer Reminds Us of the Power of Stupidity

It’s a cliche now that movie trailers often turn out better than the movie they’re promoting, but in the time between the trailer’s release and the actual movie premiere, there’s always the sweet, sweet hope that, in fact, THIS TIME, this movie will be the GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF MOVIES.

So here are 10 winter movie trailers OK, OK, what you really want to see is a teaser trailer for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Well, that ain’t happen’. Ahem, so here are 10 holiday movie trailers that will have you thinking about maybe possibly (kind of) dropping $50 at the movieplex.

INTERSTELLAR

The reviews so far have been surprisingly mixed, but this secretive and prestigious project is like catnip to fans of Christopher Nolan and hoity-toity sc-fi a la 2001: A Space Odyssey. (November 7)

BIG HERO 6

Disney Animation and Marvel have been on a roll of late, and this colorful and clever blend of both powerhouses looks like a mega hit on the scale of last year’s Frozen. (November 7)

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

You’re wondering when this series will ever end, but Peter Jackson’s epic spectacles make for exciting trailers. (December 17th)

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 1

Director Francis Lawrence’s take on Catching Fire breathed life into this series, and the stirring trailer gives hope that fans won’t be disappointed.  (November 21)

AMERICAN SNIPER

Bradley Cooper stars in the Clint Eastwood-directed story of Chris Kyle, the Navy SEAL who recorded more confirmed kills than any other American. (December 25)

EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

Master director Ridley Scott takes on Cecil B. DeMille and the most epic of epics. It’s even got Ben Kingsley for good measure. (December 12)

UNBROKEN

World War II-era drama aims high with a Chariots of Fire-flavored story about a true-life war hero and Olympian. (December 25)

INTO THE WOODS

Musical fairy tale movie based on the Brothers Grimm stories stars Johnny Depp but is shockingly not directed by Tim Burton. (December 25)

PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR

The slapstick quartet of penguins from the Madagascar series now get their own brand spankin’ new movie. (November 26)

FOXCATCHER

Steve Carell takes a shot at an Oscar in this true sports movie set in the ’80s about an Olympic wrestler and his eccentric multimillionaire coach. (November 14)

Required Viewing: Holiday 2014 Movie Trailers

It’s a cliche now that movie trailers often turn out better than the movie they’re promoting, but in the time between the trailer’s release and the actual movie premiere, there’s always the sweet, sweet hope that, in fact, THIS TIME, this movie will be the GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF MOVIES.

Here are 10 summer movie trailers that will have you feeling like a 12-year-old kid again (sorry, Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles):

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

You say you’ve never heard of them? Doesn’t matter. If this Marvel movie succeeds (and will), expect more ’70s comics to make it to the silver screen (Black Panther).  (August 1)

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION

Since Shia LaBeouf is “not famous” anymore, Mark Wahlberg steps in to carry on this incessant franchise (#4 and you know it’s not the last).  (June 27)

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

A stellar cast headlines this sequel to three different movies: The Last Stand, First Class and The Wolverine. Have your CliffsNotes ready.  (May 23)

GODZILLA

Heisenberg himself (Bryan Cranston) faces off against the classic Japanese monster in the latest reboot/remake/sequel.   (May 16)

JUPITER ASCENDING

Sci-fi fans are taking a wait-and-see attitude with the Wachowskis’ first original material since The Matrix Revolutions (gulp).   (July 18)

MALEFICENT

Tongues will be tied at the ticket counter for this live-action retelling of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty story.   (May 30)

SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR

Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller return to Basin City nearly 10 years after the original.   (August 22)

THE GIVER

The latest young adult dystopian sci-fi offering to hit the silver screen, but this one has a pretty good pedigree (Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep).   (August 15)

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Taking place 10 years after the well-received 2011 reboot, this simian CGI fest once again follows Andy Serkis as Caesar the chimp.   (July 11)

EDGE OF TOMORROW

Tom Cruise follows up last year’s very solid Oblivion with another sci-fi adventure (plus a dash of Groundhog Day for good measure).   (June 6)

Required Viewing: 2014 Summer Movie Trailers

With the 3D-masterpiece Gravity lighting up theaters in October as never seen before, it’s time to see what else Hollywood has in store for us over the next few months. Typically, fall is the time where studios roll out their Oscar-ready vehicles, but over the past several years it has also become a time where big-budget tentpole movies have begun to spring up—and with them their trailers (usually filled with big explosions).

As always, between the release of a movie’s trailer and its actual premiere, there is the sweet, sweet hope that this movie, finally, will be the GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF MOVIES.

Here are seven (green-band) movie trailers that will make you hope that the fall season hasn’t already peaked with Gravity… which it probably already has:

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

The stylish cinematography and the Of Monsters and Men soundtrack create a unique and charming mood in the first movie trailer for this remake directed by Ben Stiller. The extended international trailer is also pretty good. (December 25)

ENDER’S GAME

One of the most hotly anticipated movies of the fall, this final trailer for the popular science fiction book adaption showcases some fine special effects and a non-somnambulant performance by Harrison Ford. Big question mark is the kid. (November 1)

THE MONUMENTS MEN

With a big all-star cast and World War II backdrop, the second movie trailer for this George Clooney-directed film has a decidedly retro-Hollywood feel and looks like a lot of old-fashioned fun. (December 18)

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (3D)

The second trailer for The Hobbit 2 is an excellent blend of mystery, action, dialogue of great import and spectacular Peter Jackson set pieces. The Benedict Cumberbatch-voiced Smaug is a treat. (December 13)

47 RONIN (3D)

While this troubled production has been delayed a couple years, the trailer’s visuals look cool and Keanu is in his natural element here…which is a good thing. (December 25)

THOR: THE DARK WORLD (3D)

Looks like The Avengers crossed with The Lord of the Rings, but also looks better than the first Thor. (November 8)

JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT

This reboot of the popular Tom Clancy character stars Chris Pine (Captain Kirk) in this Bourne-esque first movie trailer. Fans of the series have their fingers crossed that it honors the spirit of Clancy.

Required Viewing: Fall 2013 Movie Trailers

It’s a cliche now that movie trailers often turn out better than the movie they’re promoting, but in the months between the trailer’s release and the actual movie premiere, there’s always the sweet, sweet hope that, in fact, THIS TIME, this movie will be the GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF MOVIES.

Here are seven awesome movie trailers (green band only, friends) that make you feel like a 12-year-old kid once again:

PACIFIC RIM

Giant robots. Need I say more? From director Guillermo del Toro. (July 12)

MAN OF STEEL

The third movie trailer for Supes is simply epic. (June 14)

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

More emphasis on the baddie (Benedict Cumberbatch) in the third trailer. (May 17)

IRON MAN 3

Better-than-average movie trailer explosions plus Gandhi as a bad guy.  (May 3)

THE GREAT GATSBY

Originally slated for release as Oscar Bait late last year, the release was pushed back to summer 2013. (May 10)

THE WOLVERINE

Hugh Jackman’s hirsute anti-hero finds himself in modern-day Japan, always a great backdrop for movies.  (July 26)

ELYSIUM

A bald Matt Damon stars in  Oblivion After Earth Elysium, an Earth-is-doomed sci-fi pic from the District 9 guy. (August 9)

Required Viewing: 2013 Summer Movie Trailers