UNIVERSAL NOT ONLY BROUGHT GREAT FOOTAGE…THEY ALSO BROUGHT ICE CUBE AND DR. DRE!
Article by Adam Mast
FIFTY SHADES
As the header suggests, Universal complimented their sizzle reels with big time talent. Before getting to said sizzle reels and talent however, the studio made a formal announcement regarding the release dates for sequels to the hit that was 50 SHADES OF GREY. Break out the whips! 50 SHADES DARKER will open on Feb. 10th, 2017 with 50 SHADES FREED closing out the BDSM saga on Feb. 9th, 2018.
FURIOUS 8
Following the 50 SHADES announcement, Universal brought FURIOUS 7 producer Neal Moritz on the stage to discuss the wild success that is the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise. Moritz graciously thanked the theater exhibitors for helping propel FURIOUS 7 to the world-wide $1 billion mark in record-breaking time. And in fact, this was the first film in the history of Universal Pictures to reach that hefty milestone. As a token of his appreciation, Moritz then introduced special guest Vin Diesel to the stage. What can you say about Diesel? He’s a class act. Following a heartfelt thank you to the exhibitors, Diesel began to talk about the importance of finishing FURIOUS 7 in an effort to honor his friend Paul Walker, and not but 30 seconds into his speech, it was clear that he was emotional. Still, Diesel managed to get through his speech without completely losing it. And he capped off his heartfelt talk with a surprise announcement; FURIOUS 8 is happening. As if we didn’t already know that. FURIOUS 8 is slated for April 14th, 2017.
PITCH PERFECT 2
Earlier on in the week, CinemaCon was treated to a special advance screening of PITCH PERFECT 2. Unfortunately, we’re not allowed to review it yet, but I feel confident in saying that if you liked the first picture, you’ll most likely enjoy this one too. Director and co-star Elizabeth Banks was on hand to present an extended clip from this musical comedy and as I stated before, she’s even lovelier in person. Prepare to be pitch slapped on May 15th, 2015
THE VISIT
M. Night Shyamalan is back after a string of frowned upon efforts with a low budget thriller called THE VISIT. Shyamalan was on hand with producer Jason Blum, and both film-makers talked about the importance of watching films, especially genre films, in a theater. Scares are infectious. THE VISIT tells the creepy tale of a two kids who get more than they bargained for after their single mother sends them off to spend some time with their slightly off kilter grandparents. Shyamalan presented the trailer and it got a terrific reaction from the crowd, particularly a bizarre (and hilarious) moment involving an oven. Could this be Shyamalan’s comeback? I certainly hope so. At the very least, THE VISIT looks like a ton of fun. It opens on September 11th, 2015.
CRIMSON PEAK
I LOVE Guillermo del Toro and when I heard that Universal was giving him the opportunity to make an R rated haunted house movie…Well…I pretty much wept on the spot. It should be noted that the creepy goth house at the heart of this picture isn’t just a mere location. It’s a fully realized character. A very moody character I might add. I’m a fan of del Toro’s bigger films (HELLBOY and PACIFIC RIM come to mind), but it’s his smaller, more intimate efforts that speak to me most (see DEVIL’S BACKBONE and PAN’S LABYRINTH.) CRIMSON PEAK looks to be somewhere in between. Del Toro was on hand to talk about his latest effort and as he hit the stage, it was clear that he was his jovial, enthusiastic, lovable self. This brilliant film-maker went on to talk about his love of gothic romance and how his goal with CRIMSON PEAK, was to create an operatic spectacle. Of course, he also wants to this film to scare the shit out of audiences and based on the extended clip he shared with us, it’s safe to say that he’s going to pull that off with flying colors. It certainly scared the shit out of Stephen King, and that’s good enough for me. CRIMSON PEAK opens in theaters across the U.S. on October 16th.
TED 2
Seth MacFarlane’s A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST left a bit to be desired, so for his next film, THE FAMILY GUY creator decided he’d go back to a foul-mouthed stuffed animal in a bid for box-office gold. In TED 2, our favorite wise-cracking, pot smoking, smart ass teddy bear is back, and it looks as if he’s matured a bit. Don’t get me wrong. He’s still a wise-cracking, pot smoking, smart ass teddy bear, but his decision to tie the knot with his grocery store co-worker has forced him to look at life from a new perspective. Mark Wahlberg is also back for the ride, but Mila Kunis opted to sit this one out. Instead, MacFarlane has brought in Amanda Seyfried to play what I can only presume will be a new love interest for Funky Bunch. The clip MacFarlane shared with CinemaCon attendees was very R rated, but I have to say, this sizzle reel made me laugh quite a bit. Particularly a sequence in which Wahlberg prepares to give his sperm in an effort to help out a friend in need. Irreverent and raunchy to be sure but TED 2 also looks incredibly funny.
STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON
It’s strange that it’s taken this long to get an N.W.A. biopic to the screen, but better late than never, I suppose. Directed by F. Gary Gray (FRIDAY, THE ITALIAN JOB), STRAIGHT OUT OF COMPTON chronicles the lives of rappers Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Easy-E, and MC Ren (aka N.W.A.) as they navigate their way through the rough streets of Compton while on the road to astronomical success. On hand to talk about the genius of this project were director F. Gary Gray, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube!! For those who think that Ice Cube is nothing but a domesticated ex-rapper, think again. The man still has the fire. Forever the tenacious spokesman, Ice Cube was quick to point out that N.W.A. paved the way for everything from SOUTH PARK to Eminem. N.W.A. is the very personification of speaking your mind so Ice Cube’s words were fittingly appropriate and not at all surprising. If this movie is even half as lively as the pre-sizzle reel entertainment, then Universal is going to have a hit on their hands. Side note; The extended red band trailer totally delivered! STRAIGHT OUT OF COMPTON cruises into U.S. theaters on Aug. 14th!
MINIONS
There are few cinematic creatures as positively adorable as MINIONS and it’s great to see that these exceptionally yellow mischief makers are now getting their very own movie. In this DESPICABLE ME spin-off, we see the MINIONS struggle to find the perfect villainous master. From the dawn of man to the 60’s, they finally find a home in the presence of Scarlett Overkill (voiced by Sandra Bullock), but the question is, will this seemingly perfect union last? Universal treated us to a sizzle reel and the highlight was a creative montage in which the MINIONS come face to face with iconic baddies throughout history. Among them; Dracula and Napoleon Bonaparte. I think it’s safe to say that MINIONS is going to be one this summer’s biggest hits. It opens in theaters across the U.S. on July 10th, 2015.
JURASSIC WORLD
Universal saved JURASSIC WORLD for last which is not entirely surprising given that alongside MINIONS, this will probably be the studio’s biggest movie of the year. Director Colin Trevorrow and star Chris Pratt were on hand to liven up the crowd. More importantly though, they brought along a JURASSIC WORLD sizzle reel, and it offered up plenty of new footage. So how was it? Well, I’d say the stuff that bugged me in the past couple of trailers is still there, but there’s no doubt that this new peek brought quite a bit more intensity. There’s some scary shit going on here, and I love that! There were a handful of terrifying shots featuring the park’s new genetically altered dinosaur getting medieval on the asses of those who cross his massive path, and I’m happy to report that plenty of people get eaten in this movie. And with various scenes in which military squads try to bring down the Indominus Rex, this flick looks to have a bit of an ALIENS vibe going too. Beyond that, there does appear to be a sense of awe on display that THE LOST WORLD and JURASSIC PARK 3 were sorely lacking. Take for example a brief but affectionate Jurassic Petting Zoo sequence. If the sight of children riding atop baby triceratops doesn’t warm the heart and exhilarate you, then I don’t know what will. On the downside, the cheesy banter between Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard remains annoying and I’m also not entirely fond of those futuristic pods that take visitors around the park. And don’t get me started on the Raptor Whisperer stuff. I’m simply not feeling that at all. In the end though, I’m a huge JURASSIC PARK fan and while he only has one film under his belt, I’m also a fan of Trevorrow (if you haven’t seen his SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED, give it a watch.) It is my hope that the scope and adventurous spirit of this love letter to JURASSIC PARK will trump the goofy undercurrent that seems to be a part of all the marketing we’ve seen. This sizzle reel certainly suggested that will be the case. JURASSIC WORLD, starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Judy Greer, and BD Wong, stomps into theaters throughout the U.S. on June 12th, 2015.
In addition to the previously mentioned titles, Universal Pictures also gave us a look at the new Judd Apatow/Amy Schumer comedy TRAINWRECK, the Tina Fey/Amy Poehler headlined SISTERS, the animated feature THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS, and the epic mountain climbing/survival thriller EVEREST.
Check out more articles from the 2015 CinemaCon coverage on cinemast.net!
