It’s only the middle of April, but it’s never too early to begin analyzing this year’s Awards Season. As Summer rolls in, studios will be unveiling trailers for anticipated contenders. Some, however, have jumped the gun with early marketing campaigns – hoping for some lasting promotional success. So far these films have made good first impressions:
“Get On Up” – Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson in “42”) plays the iconic James Brown in this biopic life story. The musical drama re-teams “The Help” director Tate Taylor with stars Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. Looks like a major hit. Aug. 1
“The Boxtrolls” – The latest stop-motion animated collaboration from Focus Features and Laika (who’ve scored Oscar nominations with “Coraline” and “ParaNorman”) is practically a lock for a nod, off of its funny, inventive and quite memorable teaser trailers. Sept. 26
“Gone Girl” – The just-released debut preview of “The Social Network” director David Fincher’s drama is incredibly intriguing. Based on the book by Gillian Flynn (who also wrote the screenplay), Ben Affleck stars as a man on a desperate search for his missing wife. But did he actually kill her? Oct. 3
“Interstellar” – So far, only a brief teaser has been released for Christopher Nolan’s space mystery. But we do know that recent Oscar winners Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway will be looking for seconds, and they’re joined by Jessica Chastain and Matt Damon. Plus, there are limitless possibilities for stunning, Nolan-esque visual effects. Nov. 7
“Unbroken” – Angelina Jolie goes back behind the camera for the true story of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, who was captured by the Japanese during WWII. An inside look aired on NBC during February’s Winter Games. I’m sure Jolie is thinking Gold. Dec. 25