Weekly Trailer Roundup - 9/28/13 thru 10/4

Tim Falkenberg October 4th, 2013 - 1:40 PM

Welcome to the Weekly Trailer Roundup, where we count down the top five trailers released in the past week, “top” being defined any way we want to at the moment…exciting, ridiculous, best, worst…

These are the trailers that, for one reason or another, you should be paying attention to.

It was not a banner week in the trailerverse. Trailers for a couple big movies, like Rio 2 or Jack Ryan, were aggressively mediocre, while most of the new indie projects worth keeping an eye on spun out new trailers in advance of the recent festivals. That said, in a top-heavy week, we think we’ve still found a few that will be worth your time.

#5 – The Armstrong Lie Theatrical Trailer

The first of several inbound films which focus on the disgraced American cyclist is a documentary. What started as a chronicle of Armstrong’s late career comeback turned into a front row seat to the whole shebang falling apart.

#4 – The Imagineering Story Theatrical Trailer

Walt Disney theme parks are a staple of modern family vacations, but it’s really only a generation or two ago that such a thing didn’t exist. This doc chronicles Disney’s vision for a new kind of entertainment destination and the people who made it happen.

#3 – The Broken Circle Breakdown Theatrical Trailer

After more than a year touring festivals and seeing a smattering of theatrical releases in foreign territories, this bluegrass-infused drama is finally coming to the U.S. November 1. It certainly seems to be channeling (as the trailer points out) films like Walk the Line and Blue Valentine, and we’ll throw the more recent Crazy Heart into the comparison ring as well.

#2 – CZ12 Theatrical Trailer

Here’s where things get really interesting this week. Alternatively titled Chinese Zodiac, this is one part Ocean’s 11, two parts Mission: Impossible, and a whole lot of classic Jackie Chan action. That’s right, the martial arts master is still at it, and looks to be as entertaining as ever with his trademark blend of slapstick comedy and frenetic action. Oh, and there’s a roller blade suit. I want one.

#1 – The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Theatrical Trailer 2

Cards on the table, I have a somewhat higher opinion of Peter Jackson’s first Hobbit movie than many do. We’ve already gushed on this trailer (and talked about what the movie is likely to include) earlier this week, so check out that article for more on The Hobbit.