Best Trailer
Birdman
First, I remember being so excited to see Michael Keaton I could barely contain myself. Then I actually realized what was happening in this trailer and by the time the camera pushes down that hallway and we see those little birds fly over director Alejandro González Iñárritu's name, I was completely sold. The trailer does an amazing job of giving us a taste of the awesome visual style of the film, while setting up the story, giving us hints of its great performances and offering a taste of its magical realism so you are somewhat prepared for it. Plus, the music cues are just great -- the film's drum score moving into "Misunderstood" and then into the film's more sweeping, classical score. Gives me the giddys and I've already seen the film twice.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Now everything about this is great. I love how it moves from it's Indiana Jones homage to right away showing that the film will have a sense of humor about itself. But obviously what really sold this was the inclusion and amplification of Blue Swede. It's a great song to play over a montage and equally great for the titles to appear over. By the time the film came out and we realized how integral to the plot this song (and the rest of the film's music) was to the plot, the trailer was even more awesome in retrospect.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
As someone who had read the book, the brilliance of marketing this film with these propaganda teasers before an official trailer can not be understated. The whole movie is all about selling itself, so these two Capitol propagandas set the tone really well before we get to the more conventional (but still great) trailer and make this campaign something you really remembered.
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And Finally #3
Nerd Alert
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Now, yes, we've been down this road before. I remember all too well how awesome the trailer for The Phantom Menace looked. I probably watched it a hundred times (in a very tiny window), but I must say this trailer just made me feel relieved. I loved how it focused on new characters so we weren't distracted by how the original trio has aged. I loved how it announced it was a Star wars trailer with a simple shot of desert and a unfamiliar man in a very familiar uniform. And if the sound of those horns playing over a swooping Millennium Falcon doesn't make your heart swell with excitement, you may be too far gone. But you guys, I think we're in really good (JJ) hands.
Best Unexcepted Disneyness
The Avengers: Age of Ultron
When I was little, all I wanted was to meet Pinocchio at Disney World. Once I did, I burst into tears because he was terrifying. Disney finally realized this and allowed the creepster edition of "I've Got No Strings" to score this trailer and my nightmares have come to life, only this time they are voiced by James Spader. I picked the extended version of this trailer because it at least includes a little humor (what actually made The Avengers a great film) in the first part before continuing to torment us with that shiver-inducing song. Also, WHY THE BALLET DANCERS JOSS?
Most Intense (tie)
Whiplash
American Sniper
Quick cuts matched with either drums or heartbeats and I just can't even with either of these. They play especially well in dark theaters when you can hear the audience exhale when they are both over and you're back in silence. So, so good.
So. Many. Tears
The Fault in Our Stars
I cried while watching this trailer. I teared up at the ads on TV. I am a sucker. But the moment I knew it was truly great was when I was in my kitchen and I heard it playing on the TV. Then I walked into the living room to see my male roommate tearing up while watching it. Okay? Okay. Oh, god, it's happening again.
Indie Spotlight
The One I Love
This actually tells you a lot more than you realize. This movie was so weird and fun and the trailer sets that up perfectly.
OMG Award
Jurassic World
Slowed down original score?! Chris Pratt?! "The Park is Open" tagline?! ALL BRILLIANT!
