Browsing through the iTunes movie trailers definitely is a beloved activity when all others fail to garner the interest of an over the top bored human being. That gives rise to the “Most Popular” section on the iTunes Movie Trailers app. As any film buff will tell you, a reserved sentiment of apprehension engulfs me when plunging into the compilation of the “most popular iTunes movie trailers” list.
1. The Magnificent Seven
This is an attempt at rekindling an old flame. A 56-year-old flame to be exact. The movie had quite some shoes to fill, as the previous version has garnered Academy Awards nominations and has been selected to be part of the National Film Registry, with a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes to boot. The film is a variation on classic western themes and stars Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke under the baton of Antoine Fuqua, of King Arthur (2004) renown.
2. The Girl on the Train
This movie is based on an eponymous best-selling novel by British writer Paula Hawkins. A psychological thriller that draws on the themes of mental disease and domestic violence, The Girl on the Train has star-studded cast that includes Emily Watson, Lisa Kudrow, Justin Theroux and Laura Prepon. The 2:30 minutes clip on iTunes Movie Trailers makes the promise of an entertaining mystery. It is directed by Tate Taylor.
3. Warcraft
Maybe one of the most eagerly anticipated titles of 2016, especially for die-hard fans of Blizzard’s franchise. What can be stated with a high degree of accuracy about Warcraft is that it will certainly be a visual feast, considering its budget that is in excess of $100 million. The fantasy epic stars Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton under the direction of Duncan Jones. Furthermore, I am also excited by the film’s score, expecting an orchestral odyssey from the composer Ramin Djawadi, of Game of Thrones fame.
4. Hands of Stone
This should be the next Raging Bull, as it even stars Robert De Niro in a supporting role. The movie follows the story of acclaimed boxer Roberto Duran, a welterweight champion of the 80’s and 90’s. The shoes of Duran will be filled by Edgar Ramirez (who starred in the Wrath of the Titans) while the director is Jonathan Jakubowicz, a much-lauded Venezuelan filmmaker.
5. Equals
It promises to be a heartbreaking sci-fi love story, in a dystopian future that features humans who have totally erased their emotional side. The lovers, played by Kristen Stewart, manage to tear down the wall of indifference and access their feelings when a mysterious illness affects the perfect society. The film had its premiere at the Venice film festival in the autumn of 2015 and was released in 2016, on July 15th.
6. Search Party
This vies to be a comedy in the vein of The Hangover series. It will be the directorial debut of Scot Armstrong and stars T. J. Miller, Thomas Middleditch, and Adam Pally. It should be a delight for all light-movie lovers.
7. A Bigger Splash
It is an international co-production that the producers released in Italy and France. The trailer is exclusive to the iTunes Movie Trailers reservoir. The film is an erotic thriller that is based on a previous French creation, and it stars Ralph Fiennes and Dakota Johnson, under the direction of Italian Luca Guadagnino. The positive side of movies that came to life in other lands is that Rotten Tomatoes has reviews for them, and A Bigger Splash is at 84% on the Tomatometer.
8. Doctor Strange
Purports to be the latest migration of the Marvel universe in the realm of the film reel. Fans of the comics undoubtedly know all there is to the plot, so we’ll skip that. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role, with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rachel McAdams supporting him. Scott Derrickson directed the movie and the Walt Disney Studios distributed it.
9. The Birth of a Nation
This is an upcoming film drawing on the drama of African Americans in the pre-Civil War era. It follows the story of Nat Turner, who leads a rebellion of the slaves sometime in the 1830’s. The movie is a laureate of the Sundance film festival and promises to be an engrossing experience.
10. Nine Lives
Should be a cute little thing, as it centers on the premise of Kevin Spacey turning into a cat. They had postponed its release date at the time from the initial April 29th to August 5th, 2016. It also stars Robbie Amell and Jennifer Garner.
Finally, the 10 most popular titles on iTunes Movie Trailers paint a portrait of some of the most interesting big-budget fantasy epics. We all know the creators intended them for a quick profit. You can see in them bits of potential cinematic genius. Thus, they get their lion’s share predominantly at awards ceremonies.
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