IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 10TH 2012

SAFE HOUSE MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: Universal is in the action-picture business this year, what with this picture kicking off a roster that also includes the remake Contraband, Battleship, The Bourne Legacy, 47 Ronin, and — just maybe — Snow White and the Huntsman. What we’re most interested in here is the interaction between Reynolds and Washington since we imagine it’ll be adversarial, somewhat humorous, and really handsome. Daniel Espinosa, director of Swedish hit Easy Money (which is up for a sequel and a Hollywood remake), makes his Stateside debut.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 10TH 2012

THE VOW MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: What do Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum have in common? They’ve both starred in adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels; meanwhile, in North Carolina, Sparks must be thinking that this story would have made for a best-seller.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 10TH 2012

PERFECT SENSE MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: Documented exhibitionist Ewan McGregor strips down yet again for his Young Adam director, David Mackenzie, whom I love for ditching Hollywood after making Spread. A lovely couple fighting back against a doomsday scenario could generate positive word of mouth for this indie — still the most effective marketing tool available. On the subject of Eva Green, can I just say she is the main reason I’m primed for the Dark Shadows remake; her version of Angelique could set fire to the entire production.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 10TH 2012

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: This is the most awkward shoehorning of Dwayne Johnson into an action film to date; at least his character in the upcoming G.I. Joe sequel exists in that world’s mythology, and the Fast and Furious franchise has never strived for narrative credibility. I think the original Journey’s worldwide gross triggered the sequel greenlighting, and I sense that U.S. audiences will yet again only be marginally interested this quest to find Michael Caine. Five bucks says Josh Hutcherson has already forgot he made this movie as he prepares to spend the next few years in the Hunger Games universe; meanwhile, Kristen Davis finds herself nearly benched in yet another movie.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 10TH 2012

STAR WARS EPISODE 1 THE PHANTHOM MENACE 3D MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: With fan disenfranchisement seemingly at an all time high, this could be a Jar Jar-level bad idea and a spoke in the wheel of the 3D re-release trend. Personally, I’d rather see the “Clone Wars” on the big screen.

IN THEATERS JANUARY 27TH 2012

RAMPART MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: Oren Moverman enters into David Ayer territory for his follow-up to The Messenger, which earned a second Oscar nomination for Woody Harrelson. Harrelson is front and center in this LAPD drama and it’s clear the strategists behind the film are positioning him for a third nod; behind the scenes, powerhouse PR agent Cynthia Schwartz and her new company are handling the Academy reins. Look for Harrelson’s initial dislike of the film to be played up, as he and Moverman reconciled in Toronto at the premiere.

IN THEATER FEBRUARY 10TH 2012

THE TURIN HORSE MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: Bela Tarr’s final film will be released in New York City as part of a complete retrospective of his work at Lincoln Center. Loved throughout the world, Tarr’s work is rarely seen in U.S. theaters, and with a national release promised for Turin Horse, I suggest putting yourself to the test if you’re uninitiated. Curiously, Christopher Hitchens wrote of the incident fictionalized here in his last Vanity Fair essay before his passing.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 17TH 2012

GHOST RIDER 2: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: No surprise that Eva Mendes isn’t returning, but what boggles the mind is the business decision to install directing team Neveldine/Taylor behind the cameras (and effects) for the sequel; sort of like a sleaze-movie version of Bjork, the duo’s numbers have declined with every release since the original Crank.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 17TH 2012

THIS MEANS WAR MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: I enjoy McG’s movies; he’s the likable alternative to Brett Ratner. And the presence of writer Simon Kinberg (Sherlock Holmes) is an indication that, as absent minded as these proceedings might be, there will probably be some sexual attraction between Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy. And no offense to Reese, but we think supporting player Chelsea Handler truly is worth fighting over.

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 17TH 2012

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY MOVIE TRAILER

The Buzz: We’ve heard a lot of stories about beloved Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli’s future; rumors are circulating about them closing up shop if their movies continue to underperform in the U.S. We’re opting to believe that the worldwide appeal of their works will keep them in business, though we do wonder how much longer Hayao Miyazaki, who will be 71 this year, will keep at it (eternally, we hope).