There is a common understanding that viewers tune in to watch the Super Bowl commercials as much they do to watch the actual game, if not more so. I’m sure this was especially true during this year’s blowout game, but there were other good reasons to stay tuned that evening. If you’re a movie buff like me, you were especially paying careful attention to the exclusive TV spots of trailers and sneak peeks for the upcoming year. Safe to say in those regards the Super Bowl did not disappoint.
This year’s titles are sure to get readers geared up for this year’s releases, especially with so many action-packed thrillers and deep rooted story lines. From the world premiere of trailers like The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Captain America: Winter Solider, to leg-pulling previews of Transformers: Age of Extinction and Need for Speed, I present a list of which trailer did it better from last night’s content.
[new page =The Monuments Men]
10. The Monuments Men
We’ll start the list with a gripping tale of history and culture showcased in the TV spot for The Monuments Men starring an crowd pleasing cast such as George Clooney (Gravity), Matt Damon (Elysium), and Cate Blanchet (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug). Based on the true story, the film portrays a side of war often kept in the shadows, highlighting the importance of preserving the important works we leave behind. See the movie this Friday February 7.
[new page =3 Days to Kill]
9. 3 Days to Kill
Kevin Costner (Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit) steps back into an action role in this die hard movie preview. Costner stars as a Secret Service Agent on a war path determined to do one last mission to save his life. The trailer contained the kind of car chase and gun fight scenes typical of an action filled rogue hero movie, but one can’t deny the outstanding ability of such a venerable actor. The film also stars Amber Heard (Machete Kills) and will be released February 21, 2014.
[new page =Muppets Most Wanted]
8. Muppets Most Wanted
The Muppets have returned to the big screen and intend to keep it that way in their upcoming film Muppets Most Wanted. The preview consists of an epically hilarious critique of the movie through the eyes of beloved fans, proving their ability to laugh at themselves while building on everyone’s beloved character. The new round of celebrity cameos include comedians such as Ricky Gervais (Life’s Too Short), Tina Fey (30 Rock), and Ty Burrell (Modern Family), and will be in theaters March 21, 2014.
[new page =Draft Day]
7. Draft Day
As if one TV spot wasn’t enough, Kevin Costner (Man of Steel) stars in another Super Bowl preview from last night’s game in Draft Day, a film about the behind the scene operations of NFL drafts. With Jennifer Garner (Dallas Buyers Club) and Tom Welling (Smallville), the trailer comes at a perfect time to keep fans excited for the next season of football, highlighting the chaotic wheeling and dealing of risky trades. The film will be released April 11, 2014.
[new page =Need for Speed]
6. Need for Speed
A video game classic gets a big screen debut in the fast lane tale of Need for Speed. This TV spot offers an adrenaline fueled preview of high end cars and deadly police chases expected from a game that focuses on the rush of evading the law and fierce racing. The film stars TV favorite Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) and respected hip-hop artist Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi (How to Make It in America) and premieres March 14, 2014.
[new page =Pompeii]
5. Pompeii
One of the most memorable events in ancient history gets a new twist in the TV spot for Pompeii. Starring Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), the story of the epic disaster turns to one of romance and freedom has Harington attempts to escape the destruction of Mt. Vesuvius with love interest Emily Browning (Sucker Punch) and comrade Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Thor: The Dark World). The fire and brimstone CGI is captivating enough to get viewers psyched for the upcoming February 14, 2014 release.
[new page =Noah]
4. Noah
This flood filled TV spot shows the modern day retelling of the classic Bible epic. Russell Crowe (Man of Steel), Jennifer Connelly (Winter’s Tale), and Emma Watson, (Harry Potter) star together as the Ark building family striving to save whatever they can from a certain tidal doom. The trailer forecasts more than just bad weather in this highly anticipated film, with scenes of a barbarian army and an unknown space anomaly. It is set to release March 28, 2014.
[new page =Transformers: Age of Extinction]
3. Transformers: Age of Extinction
Just when you thought more explosions in a Transformers movie wasn’t possible, the preview for Age of Extinction reassured viewers that the action never stops in the next movie in Michael Bay’s continuing saga. Though one has to wonder just how disguised a robot can be as a big metallic dragon, the trailer highlights the speculative doom the title suggests. The film stars Mark Wahlberg (Lone Survivor) in the lead role a long side Nicole Peltz (Bates Motel), Stanley Tucci (The Hunger Games), and Kelsey Grammar (X-Men: The Last Stand). The release date is June 27, 2014.
[new page =Captain American: The Winter Soldier]
2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated films of 2014, The Winter Soldier Super Bowl TV spot offered an unsettling patriotic preview in the next Marvel Studio smash hit. Smash is indeed the appropriate word, judging from the amount of exponential explosions and fast paced fight scenes. The film follows up with Captain America, played by Chris Evans (The Avengers) with reprised roles from Samuel L. Jackson (RoboCop), Scarlett Johansson (Don Jon), and Sebastian San (Captain America: The First Avenger). The film will be released April 4.
[new page =The Amazing Spider-Man 2]
1. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
After the successful revamp of the franchise in the first blockbuster, I’d say the majority of viewers were extremely anxious to see a better look at the upcoming sequel. The trailer captured the humorous and down-to-Earth Peter Parker that Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man) has come to portray. The electrifying intensity of Jamie Foxx’s character mixed with the recorded over dub-step music is sure to draw huge crowds come May 2, 2014. The film also stars Emma Stone (The Croods) and Dane DeHaan (Lincoln).
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
