Trailerblazing -- The Counselor/12 Years a Slave/The Fifth Estate

The Counselor -- October 25, 2013 -- directed by Ridley Scott -- starring Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem, Brad Pitt, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz 

Based on the teaser, we are in for a wild ride, to say the least. Iconic director, dream cast and Cormac McCarthy's first screenplay. I mean... seriously? This film actually exists? Let me compose myself. I have to say, I like the Wild West feel that the trailer boasts. There sure is something dangerously unpredictable about those deserts and sun-drenched townships. See 2 Days in the Valley, "Breaking Bad" and numerous other examples. The film seems to be one of those precious thrillers for adults, the kind that has become a rare breed in an era of reboots, remakes, rethinks and similar redoings. The snippets of dialogue are typical McCarthy -- stark yet multilayered exchanges between tortured souls in an unforgiving world. I am glad to see Fassbender getting juicy roles and working with fantastic directors. From the calculated ambiguity that the actor portrayed to perfection in Ridley Scott's Prometheus, I can tell that the duo should have another winner of a performance on their hands. Also, from what I can witness, this is Diaz's return to top form. Her character seems complex, as does Bardem's. I am loving Bardem's dibs on crazy hair, by the way. Joking aside, he makes for one hell of a villain and I hope that he gets a good arc. All in all, I can safely conclude that Christmas comes early this year.

12 Years a Slave -- December 26, 2013 -- directed by Steve McQueen -- starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti, Sarah Paulson, Garret Dillahunt

This could very well be one of those trailers that change your life. Where do I begin? McQueen is an artist in every sense of the word. Hunger was an uncompromising peek into the psyche of freedom fighters and Shame was a startling portrayal of addiction. We have come to expect nothing less than stellar results from McQueen and this trailer shows what should become another gem in his filmography. The heavy subject matter -- based on a true story, no less -- is a delicate tale that should only be handled by such a brilliant cast and director. On that note, I am happy that the incredible Ejiofor is getting a chance to shine as the lead. He has been criminally underused in mediocre action fare like 2012 and Salt and this film is going to show the performance caliber that he is capable of. As for Fassbender, what I saw in the trailer gave me chills. The man is masterful at disappearing into any character's skin and I cannot even fathom the levels of inhumanity that this character stoops to. This film is one of my top ten most anticipated works of the year and I am looking forward to seeing McQueen's raw style utilized to tell Solomon Northup's story. 

The Fifth Estate -- October 18, 2013 -- directed by Bill Condon -- starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Carice van Houten, Stanley Tucci, Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie

Whether or not you agree with Julian Assange's philosophies, whether or not you support Wikileaks, you have to admit that he is a polarizing figure and that his life story would make for a fascinating narrative. Having said that, I do wonder what kind of perspective Condon's film takes. The trailer implies that Assange is portrayed as an idealist who had somehow lost his way and allowed his ego to take over. Whatever the filmmakers have chosen to do, it has to be said that Cumberbatch is the perfect choice to play the elusive journalist. He is one of those actors that simply become someone else in each film and, based on the interviews and news footage that I have seen, Cumberbatch picks up Assange's distanced awkwardness to a T. From the trailer, it looks like the story concentrates on the human factor within the political equations, rather than scrapping this truly interesting aspect in favor of cheap thrills and sensationalism. The screenplay also seems to be examining the effect of the Wikileaks phenomenon from different viewpoints, leaping from Assange and his crew to U.S. government officials, from the media to the general public. The film looks very intriguing and the cast is an eclectic, international mix of talent. I believe that the piece will be an entertaining dramatic thriller and I am looking forward to seeing what appear to be spectacular performances.

Summer Review #3 -- Fast & Furious 6

Before this high-octane fantasy was even released, the seventh Fast & Furious entry was announced for next year. The popularity of the franchise is at an all-time high, and the filmmakers keep tricking it out similarly to the vehicles populating the films. At the same time, they are keeping certain elements familiar, allowing the fans to come back again and again to the characters we know and love.

When former British Special Forces operative Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) destroys a Russian military convoy in his search for a destructive device, agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) asks Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his team for help in taking Shaw down. Complicating the matters is Shaw's second in command, Letty Ortiz (Michelle Rodriguez), Dominic's presumed dead ex-girlfriend. With a new agent (Gina Carano) joining Hobbs, the team sets off for London to break up Shaw's operation... 

The one word that best describes this film is MORE. There are more chases, more fights and more effects all around. The scale of the franchise now expands to Europe and the locations are utilized to maximum potential. I am particularly referring to the subway sequence, which also boasts some admirable editing. The airplane and the highway scenes are the other two to remember. Long and elaborate, they each take the action to a new level and offer up some intriguing developments. With adrenaline pumping at every turn, the film is a thrill to experience on the big screen. Simply put, it is the stuff that summer blockbusters are made of. Watch out for the very last scene as well; if you are a fan, it is sure to rock your world.

The actors have more to do here than in the previous installment. I have always loved the chemistry between Walker and Diesel and think that Johnson is a great addition to the series. Carano is an action force to be reckoned with, as is Rodriguez, whose return is explored in a very interesting storyline. It also has to be said that the actresses' fight scenes are incredibly choreographed and executed. As Shaw, Evans is pragmatic and ominous. He possesses a certain darkness that makes me really look forward to his portrayal of Dracula next year. The cast takes advantage of the techno toys and obviously have fun doing it, making the film that much more exciting for the audience. 

The Fast & Furious franchise is a summer treat if ever there was one. Without signs of pretense or lethargy, it keeps revving up its engine and racing off into success. It is a fun time at the multiplex and, during a period of restless heat and bleak news enveloping the world, that is occasionally all you need.

8/10