Trailer Hitch
By Eric Hughes
June 11, 2008
Welcome to Trailer Hitch, BOP's look at the latest movie trailers to hit the Internet. This week: SNL scene-stealer Andy Samberg launches into orbit, Kevin Costner officially breaks his Waterworld/3000 Miles to Graceland/The Upside of Anger curse and comedian Bill Maher firmly signs his name on Pat Robertson's hate list.
Kicking It – Opens June 13th
I'm not sure whether the actual Liberation Entertainment documentary will follow suit, but I couldn't help but think how amateur this thing looked. White text steadily growing over a black background; corny, yet inspirational music; slow-motion video. Let's just say there's nothing groundbreaking here in the trailer, about the creation and execution of a World Cup for homeless people - appropriately called The Homeless World Cup. The film specifically follows seven players from all over the world who hope to overcome dangerous addictions and life on the streets to make their dreams on the soccer field. Colin Farrell is the docu's narrator.
Grade: D+
Also expected to be released on this date: The Happening, The Incredible Hulk
Space Chimps – Opens July 18th
Following past successes in Ice Age, Robots and The Simpsons Movie, 20th Century Fox continues its penetration of the digital animation film business with the wacky Space Chimps. Featuring an all-star voice cast including the likes of SNL's Andy Samberg and Kenan Thompson, Jeff Daniels, Cheryl Hines, Stanley Tucci and Kristen Chenoweth, Space Chimps tells the story of Ham III (Samberg), grandson of the first chimpanzee in space enlisted by NASA to retrieve a missing probe alongside crewmates Lt. Luana (Hines) and Commander Titan (Patrick Warburton). And the film makes great use of Beverly Hills Cop's electronic instrumental theme, Axel F, during Ham III's space training, where a NASA employee shakes his dirty self to the catchy tune. The trailer is an abundant source of funny material, evidence that the film should serve as excellent kidvid counterprogramming to The Dark Knight.
Grade: A-
Also expected to be released on this date: The Dark Knight, Mamma Mia!
Swing Vote – Opens August 1st
Wait a second, did hell just freeze over? Because apparently Kevin Costner is attached to a comedy project that looks to be his first good movie role since 1989's Field of Dreams. Granted, Swing Vote appears to be of a completely different genre - slapstick comedy - yet this kind of unexpected news certainly is a cause for celebration. In Swing Vote, Costner stars as Bud Johnson, a man who casts his vote for president on Election Day, only to be informed later that the vote caused errors and must be recast. Given that both presidential candidates (Dennis Hopper, Kelsey Grammar) miraculously received 50 percent of the vote, Bud's vote will ultimately decide which old white guy makes it in the White House. Also starring comic George Lopez, Nathan Lane and Stanley Tucci, this one looks like it could be a solid competitor to Rainn Wilson's The Rocker.
Grade: B+
Also expected to be released on this date: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, The Rocker
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