Trailerblazing -- A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night/Into the Woods

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night -- January 19, 2014 -- directed by Ana Lily Amirpour -- starring Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi, Marshall Manesh

This gorgeous, eerie trailer for an Iranian vampire western noir comes to us after the film had been feted at Sundance. Ana Lily Amirpour's story of a female vampire stalking a city in ruins appears to be weaving the topics of freedom and women's rights into its narrative, while giving us a brand new fantasy world to admire. It should be noted that Amirpour had also written the graphic novel that the film was based on, just in case you feel particularly inspired to explore this realm further after viewing. The black-and-white cinematography adds to the mystery, while the offbeat types populating the landscape add to the sense of uncharted dread. The effects are void of any CGI, which makes for a refreshing change and a more genuine horror experience. Elijah Wood's production company SpectreVision is behind this title, and we can only hope that it is merely one of many a subversive film to come this season.  

Into the Woods -- December 25, 2014 -- directed by Rob Marshall -- starring Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Emily Blunt, Johnny Depp

  

It is official: Meryl Streep can do ANYTHING. Well, that fact really became official a while ago, but this time the actor taps into her mystical side to bring to life yet another character in her diverse canon -- a singing witch. The trailer brings to mind the cinematic musicals of yesteryear, but Into the Woods has a decidedly contemporary flavor and what seems to be excellent, observant dialogue with a dash of irony. I like the twists on the fairy tale tropes and the gorgeous cinematography by Dion Beebe. On another note, I look forward to seeing Pine in a musical, because this man truly is a revelation -- you're welcome -- and I do hope that he gets to use those pipes again in the future. It is also good to see the multitalented James Corden in a big production, as well as a mini Prada reunion as a bonus. Finally, it is a treat to see Rob Marshall return to the genre with such a cast. From the looks of it, this is without a doubt the film event of the Christmas season and a potential award contender come January.