Trailerblazing -- Snowpiercer/Lucy/I Origins/Gone Girl

Snowpiercer (2013) -- June 27, 2014 -- directed by Joon-ho Bong -- starring Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt, Octavia Spencer

Since this film is populated by actors that continuously pick intriguing projects, it is guaranteed to be worth seeing. The story of a classist society on a train journeying across the post-apocalyptic world boasts a terrific cast and a grey-tinted, grinding set design. I love the aesthetic juxtapositions that the trailer offers, as well as the uncompromising approach to the subject matter -- no, I do not like glitz with my apocalypse. One of the most captivating actors around, Swinton was born to play the eccentric, autocratic leader. Spencer and Bell are good additions to the cast -- I do not think that either of them has done a movie like this one before. On another note, I am happy to see Evans in a dark piece like this one, playing a character radiating grit and determination. I find that he does not get too many chances to show how talented he really is (watch Sunshine and Puncture, while we are at it). All in all, Snowpiercer seems like a great dystopian classic in the making.

Lucy (2014) -- August 6, 2014 -- directed by Luc Besson -- starring Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Analeigh Tipton

I had never thought of Johansson as an action heroine. Then she became Natasha Romanoff a.k.a. the Black Widow, and gave us some of the most impressive work of her career. I like the idea of Johansson's cool energy combined with Besson's kooky ingenuity and it is nice to see the filmmaker going back to form in such a big way. Freeman is always a formidable presence -- that voice! I cannot stress enough how much I love the cinematography, which comes as no surprise, being that it was done by Besson's frequent collaborator Thierry Arbogast. The idea of using 100% of brain power is not exactly original -- think (the rather underwhelming) Limitless -- but it is a matter of content here, and the concept is wrapped in a dynamic package that promises to grip us from start to finish. I cannot wait.

I Origins (2014) -- July 18, 2014 -- directed by Mike Cahill -- starring Michael Pitt, Brit Marling, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Steven Yeun, Archie Panjabi

Examining a philosophical topic in a new light is a rare thing in today's cinema, often dominated by blockbusters and ways to make a quick buck. From the looks of the trailer, Another Earth helmer Cahill's new work is a tender, sumptuous examination of life, death and several other concepts tied into our humanity. I also love the usage of color combined with the mysterious nature of those numbers. Both Pitt and Marling always make interesting career choices, so it is fantastic to see the two actors in one film. I Origins seems like one of those narratives that are incomparable -- true originals that find beauty in the world and manage to expand on its meaning. The only issue I have is that the trailer gives away much of the plot; at the same time, more surprises might well be in store, so we should not be griping. In a time of year when Godzilla roars and Transformers fly, it is nice to see a story that takes imagination to a whole new level through thoughtful symbolism. 

Gone Girl (2014) -- October 3, 2014 -- directed by David Fincher -- starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Missi Pyle, Tyler Perry

Disclaimer: I have not read Gillian Flynn's wildly popular thriller yet. Therefore, I can only review this trailer from the standpoint of an avid moviegoer captivated by a good story. From what I know, this one is a doozie. The tale of a missing woman and her husband that emerges as the prime suspect is full of ambiguous characters and peppered by jabs of dark humor. With his opus of morality tales like Se7en and The Social Network, Fincher is the perfect director for this adaptation -- hey, he was even Flynn's first choice. As far as the casting goes, Affleck has shown he was a better director than actor so far in my opinion, save for Good Will Hunting and Argo. However, he does possess an all-American, apple pie wholesomeness that can surprise you with a swerve into volatility. I have never been a huge fan of Pike's, finding her to be too one-note in her portrayals, but I trust Fincher with his choices. After all, this is the man that gave us films such as Fight Club, which showcased Brad Pitt at his most satirical, and the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, which gave us Rooney Mara at her darkest. The trailer is haunted by a suitably ethereal cover of Elvis Costello's "She" -- suffice to say, this is a far cry from Notting Hill. This film looks like one not to be missed.