Movie Trailers!

Recently I was talking to two of my coworkers about movies and while surfing IMDb with them, I probably said "Oh and this one's (insert number here) trailer is amazing!" like, at least 5 times.

After a long and stressful (but fun and successful!) 12 hour day of filming, I have retreated to my room and am now going to finally make a list of my favorite trailers to share with you all! Excite!

Note: these are in no particular order.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)



Right?! It's punchy and, let's be honest, sexy. The middle is my favorite, and admittedly it could've ended stronger, but it gave just a taste of what the movie is while still making it look freaking awesome (and it IS freaking awesome, so success there). It's also is really light on the objectification of women (unlike that new M:I 5 trailer. Yuck. But the rest of that trailer is cool.) and Tom Cruise running while freakishly upright. Ya'll know what I'm talking about. And uh, Jeremy Renner.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)



Dude, ok. First of all, Hans Zimmer just has a punch that can't be denied. The editing to his music just makes you air-punch and bang your head. Second of all, the beginning is perfect because Watson's line, "Oh how I've missed you Holmes" prompts the audience to think how much they've missed Sherlock and how much they'd love to see more of him in a new movie. *finger to nose* Clever, clever! There are some nice comedic lines thrown in and we get a peak at more hallmark, incredible slo-mo scenes that are yet to come. Wonderful stuff.

Man of Steel (2013)



Mostly I'm just completely in love with all the shots of him as a kid in those jeans, white shirt, and red cape. I like this trailer because it casts Superman in an everyday light, and emphasizes his profound effect, either catastrophic or savior-like, on the world. I need to watch the movie itself again, but this trailer made me so excited. Seriously, that shot of little Clark putting his hands on his hips is gold. The coloring is interesting with how cool everything is--even the reds are cold rather than hot. The LotR soundtrack over it is nice, not my favorite, but I like how it gives the story that other-worldly feeling. Clark is literally an alien, all alone on Earth, the last of his kind (minus Zod and cronies . . .) and he has a huge responsibility on his shoulders. I don't care what you say--I'm a Superman fan.

Skyfall (2012)



DUDE. Honestly, can it get better than this? We tease at the conflict, but mostly we get to see the beautiful cinematography of this film. The flash that happens when that guy says "Skyfall" is powerful--this trailer is cut for emotion, not just kinetics, and Daniel Craig's blue eyes and solemn face are perfect. We see Ralph Fiennes and Judy Dench (love the rack focus), both incredible actors which means incredible performances. Location, color, action, that shot of the guy falling, the light bar illuminating his eyes, and can we say MUSIC? Holy cow, I love the all the variations of the Bond theme that happens in these movies. London and Daniel Craig, two of the most beautifully sculpted things. :D Seriously, so so good.

Epic (2013)



Ok, even though this movie was a bit of a let down, this trailer is still awesome. I probably love it so much because it was pretty much my imaginary world visualized. As kids, Kaitlin and I spent many, many hours creating this other world filled with many creatures and where light and dark were in constant conflict. The leaf men, sparrow riding, and even the mice all remind me of that. And I love how most of the trailer doesn't have dialogue. Beautiful animation and world-building.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)



Admittedly, this is the only trailer I've seen for HtTYD 2, but it's a doozy. I mean, teasers really don't have much plot reveal to them anyway--most people who are going to see this movie are going because they wish dragons were real and that they could ride one. Well, wish granted vicariously through this teaser. The animation of these movies has always been stunning and this teaser is no exception. Besides, Hiccup five years older is disconcertingly attractive. The audience who was in their tweens/teens when the first movie came out are now four years older, and the subsequent change in Hiccup is a major draw. But mostly Toothless is incredible and incredibly animated. :]

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)



A trailer succeeds when it captures the tone and atmosphere of the movie and this trailer does that perfectly. It highlights character, design, and feel, completely leaving alone the plotline. When those beats start to get hit and the cutting picks up in pace--dude, it's awesome. And no one can beat "Hooked on a Feeling." The quick dissolve into the comedic again right at the end is perfect. This movie is high on action but doesn't take itself too seriously, which is exactly what this trailer communicates. It's glossy, it's polished, and it kicks butt.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)



I remember seeing this trailer for the first time in the theater. I was completely blown away. It helps that the footage from this movie is completely stunning, but I also loved the atmosphere the trailer created. It still very much feels like Ben Stiller, but it also has a "life is beautiful, go out and live it" feel and message to it. I love the song, I love the no dialogue, and I love how it doesn't give away specifics of the plot. Even without any dialogue, you know that here is the story of a man who dreams of a more adventurous life, and finally goes out and has it. Great stuff.

Alright, well I know I'm missing some, but these are the ones that immediately came to my mind. As you can see, it usually takes a great movie to make a great trailer because you can show less while you're really showing more--plot or comedic spoilers aren't needed to hook an audience because the movie is visually/musically/actor-ly quality-dense, so you can show less without sacrificing the quality of your trailer.

It is my secret dream to become Amanda from The Holiday and be paid big bucks to create these 1 to 2 1/2 minute pieces of commercialism that have the potential to be art. Yeah it's all about money, but hey, have you ever gone to a movie that you didn't see a trailer for?

I'm an Introvert, and I'm Sorry

I'm feeling very invaded today.

My house is full of people, and has been since about 5pm. Three people have knocked on my bedroom door, two of which were surprise visits from wardies wanting to "just stop and say hi." I know you think I'm a project, that I need fellowshipping, that I don't feel welcome. But news flash. I do feel welcome. I'm just comfortable not "munch and mingling" myself to death. You're very sweet and I know you mean well, but not everyone likes hugs from people they aren't close to.

I know the terms "introvert" and "extrovert" have been thrown around way too much lately, usually coupled with some vague, sweeping generalization about types of people and their behavior. I really dislike broad categorization of people, and I feel cheap saying "I'm an introvert."

But I am.

My room is my safe haven. Deciding to go out and socialize is a decision that takes some consideration. I don't like pointless interactions between people, and I don't like forcing myself to talk. Whenever I force myself to be social, talking and speaking up, I usually say something stupid and always regret it. Heck, my stomach gets upset before I'm about to see people that are already my friends, so when I'm in my shell, don't try to pull me out. I don't like being looked at, and I'm trying to work on my eye contact problems.

I'm a listener. I'm an eavesdropper. I'm a thinker. I like analysis. I'm fine staying in my room all day. Sometimes it's heaven to just sit quietly and let others do all the talking, to fly under the radar. I like empty apartments, baking by myself, and isolating myself with a pair of headphones.

I also like to hang out with friends. Occasionally, I like people to recognize my accomplishments and make me the center of attention. I like going out and doing activities. I like to make other people laugh, especially if it's a whole room full of people. I like to speak up when I have something to say. I like to be spontaneous, and I don't know what I'd do without my friends. I want people to know I exist. I want to be invited places. Movie parties are my favorite.

But when I've decided to be a hermit for the day, please respect the safe zone.