Welcome to the weekly column Trailing Off in which I take a look at a trailer from the past week and analyze its potential. This will be done using an obnoxious amount of analyzing and personal thoughts on the cast and crew as well as expectations. Coming every Sunday (it's called Trailing Off for a reason), I will attempt to highlight films ranging from new blockbusters to lesser known indies and give them their due. Partially to spread awareness, I do believe that there is an art to the sell and will do my best to highlight why these trailers matter or don't with approval (trove) or disapproval (trash). So please stop by, recommend some trailers, and I will see you next time.
Trailer in Discussion
Directed By: Joss Whedon
Written By: Joss Whedon, Stan Lee (comic book) and Jack Kirby (comic book)
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo
- Preamble -
Everything that can be said about The Avengers has been said. People love the film and deservedly so. It is one of the best superhero films of the decade. In fact, it likely embodies what every film strives for beyond the Christopher Nolan model. It may have been a little too bland in some departments, but it was serviceable entertainment in ways that nobody expected to work. To say the least, it proved that Marvel Studios could do whatever they wanted and it would work. Within a few years, they made Captain America and Thor into iconic characters in ways that didn't seem plausible.
With that said, their world building strategy is worrisome for me. Where the "Phase One" introduced us to new characters and gave us stand alone films that filled in the gaps, "Phase Two" felt like it was matched with stories that bridged The Avengers and The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron. They weren't necessarily stories as they were pieces of exposition that didn't make for compelling stories that continued each individual character. It was about getting concepts through so that the next Avengers film wouldn't need to slow down. It is a problem that has caused me to lose interest. Also, the fact that there's an infinite plan for Marvel bothers me, as I want them to end at some point. I want to know what else they can do. Even Guardians of the Galaxy, which was as different as things get, felt oddly rooted in a universe and hit all of the familiar tropes.
I have secretly held hope that Age of Ultron would be worthwhile. I have given up on the standalone movies that connect everything. I want to see the action go down and since The Avengers was rather fun, there's hope that Joss Whedon can deliver once again. I haven't been paying attention to promos because I don't care that much. I also loathe Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. too much to watch it for its gimmicky garbage. What is left is an oversaturation of the market. Just give me The Avengers movies, because there's no way that I would really care about them separately if all they're doing is serving as exposition pieces.
So, I am rather enthused to know that the Age of Ultron trailer is out and it means that I can start throwing up curiosity again. It was supposed to air during Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. next week, but thankfully it was leaked because nobody cares about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and would watch it online later anyways. I don't have much else to say... let's just cut to the next section.
- Dissection -
Well, that's a little self-serving. Sticking in the Disney iconic song "There Are No Strings on Me" from Pinocchio. It adds dramatic tension, but it also feels very familiar. It reminds me too much of The Dark Knight Rises with the destruction playing over a very ominous song. The world is falling apart and Iron Man is putting on a lot of weight for some reason. I don't get what is going on other than that everyone is super sad and the world is falling apart. It is nice to see everyone together, but it looks like everyone is super sad and there isn't much to look forward to. Get to the action. Don't get caught up in pretentious brooding. Give something tangible.
Also, I will not elaborate, but it is also evident that this is becoming a conglomerate of sorts because it no longer is strictly an American affair. Maybe their global fights will lead to something worthwhile. However, with Iron Man 3 featuring scenes specifically for Chinese audiences, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a lot of pandering in this one to foreign audiences. The Great Wall of China makes a cameo. It already feels like a lot of compromising to fit within both the Disney corporation and appeal to an international audience. I get that is what blockbusters in general need to do, but they also sacrifice something enjoyable to their home audience.
I will see it regardless because I am curious to see if it holds a candle to the first one. Even if they randomly threw in new characters, I'd like to think that Whedon can do something compelling with this material. However, the superhero genre is increasingly dull and my patience for mediocrity is waning. I can't have Marvel convince me to buy a lot of pointless products just so I can get back story. It worked for The Avengers, but I doubt that it will work here. If I leave more confused on what is happening next than enjoying what happened in the moment, then something is wrong and I may give up on any future nonsense with The Avengers. It was cute when it was novelty. Now it's just annoying.
- One Sentence Sell -
Those good old reliable superheroes are back in a trailer that mixes conglomerations, international audiences and super sad stuff.
- Trash or Trove -
TRASH
It is fine and has an interesting concept. However, it doesn't get me excited. It is a lot better than The Avengers teaser trailer, but it also doesn't have enough weight to get me to care. Ooh, the world is falling apart and everyone is sad. In fact, Iron Man is so sad that he put on weight. Still, it is a lot of familiar imagery and nothing really new or exciting to offer. Also, it gets me hung up on the fact that this is meant to appeal to an international audience instead of the home base.
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