Weekly Trailer Roundup 11/3/14 Thru 11/9/14

Greg Rodgers November 10th, 2014 - 7:28 AM

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.

I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. I also believe children have become key part of the movie industry’s future. Hook them on the habit of going to movies early and let them spend away as they grow up. Movies aimed at kids and/or families make up a huge chunk of the industry, and this week’s batch of trailers reflects that. So gas up the mini-van, pack some PB & Js, and for God’s sake watch your language – this week it’s all about the kids.

#5 – Annie

Updated for modern day, this is actually the third movie adaptation of the original musical. Lots of things have changed, but judging from the trailer this looks like it retains the core of the Annie we all grew up with. Also, Cameron Diaz feels like a pretty inspired choice as the boozy and floozie Ms. Hannigan. Jay-Z is a producer on this, and lord know he could stand to make some money, so go out and support him, folks.

#4 – McFarland, USA

There’s no getting around the paint-by-numbers feel of this one, though Kevin Costner does have a way of making these types of movies work.

#3 – Paddington

Poor little Paddington comes saddled with some extra heavy baggage. This movie was delayed multiple times – once when it lost original Paddington voice Colin Firth – and has been moved entirely out of the holiday season and into the doldrums of next January. Still, the character is beloved by many and surrounded here by a talented live-action cast, including Nicole Kidman and Sally Hawkins.

#2 – The Penguins of Madagascar

Dreamworks Animation has really given new meaning to the idea of squeezing every last dollar out of a franchise. Once the sequels become unprofitable, create spin-offs! And so we have this first solo adventure for those quirky tuxedo-clad creatures from the popular Madagascar series.

#1 – Minions

Not to be outdone, animation house Illumination has its own spin-off featuring quirky secondary characters ready to hit theaters. All cynicism aside, this is a fun trailer.