Written by Logan J. Fowler & Justin Matchick
Release Date: January 2016
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy
Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu (Birdman)
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: I knew nothing about this movie until I saw the trailer. Quite honestly, I still know nothing about this movie (plot-wise, to be more specific). -LJF
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: I was a big fan of Alejandro Innaritu’s Birdman and I’m actually surprised he has a new film already coming out since he previously had pretty large gaps of time between each new film. Not only that, but it also starts arguably the biggest star on the planet right now (Leonardo DiCaprio) and the fastest rising star of the past few years (Tom Hardy). Combining the acting abilities of these two plus the directorial strengths of Innaritu has me very excited. – JTM
Rate the Trailer: 4 out of 5. There’s a LOT of heavy action in this trailer so that’s a plus The music overpowers the human words and noises, but that seems intentional to show tension. Leo and Tom look bad ass. Otherwise, there’s not much to go on, but I feel like that’s ok. Most trailers these days give away too much and this one plays it safe on keeping things undercover. The movie itself looks bizarre in ways, but I would expect nothing less from the director of Birdman. –LJF
Rate the Trailer: 4 out of 5. This definitely has the feel of an Innaritu film, with the steadycam shots and certain scenes which look to be taken directly from long tracking shots. Unlike Birdman, which seemed almost claustrophobic as most of the action took place backstage in cramped theater dressing rooms, The Revenant looks positively epic with wide open skies and beautiful shots of the expanse. Drums, which were a major part of the music and themes of Birdman, recur here as pounding war drums dominate all other sounds. Hardy and DiCaprio don’t get much to say here, but their performances look to match the intensity of the film. – JTM
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Undecided. I do want to see this movie, but I’m just not sure of what method. Theater seems unlikely for now; However, I may wait to see what the buzz is going into the movie and make my decision then. Otherwise, it’s a rental no question. –LJF
Theater, Rent, Undecided, No Thanks: Theater. Similar to the Coen Brother’s True Grit and Tarantino’s Django Unchained, The Revenant is looking to be a dark, violent, and gritty Western which could dominate come Oscar season. That is more than enough to get me to see it in cinemas. Speaking of Tarantino, his similarly dark and violent western The Hateful Eight is also due for release later this year which could result in an interesting rivalry between the two films come awards time. – JTM
The Revenant is in theaters January 2016
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