Trailer: Cloud Atlas

Directors: Tom Tykwer, Andy and Lana Wachowski

Writers: Tom Tykwer, Andy and Lana Wachowski

Stars: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry and Hugh Grant (and many others)

Based on: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Release Date: October 26, 2012

An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.

Cloud Atlas is (much like Life of Pi) one of those books that I've been wanting to read, but haven’t gotten into yet. It follows the story or stories of several characters from different time periods and how their choices affect one another.

I have to admit that when I found out Cloud Atlas was being made into a movie, I was very surprised. I really admire the courage of the filmmakers in taking such a bold project. Cloud Atlas is a bold book that's hard to adapt. And it's hard to sell to audiences.

Why?

1. Everyone (including the directors) who read the book say it's hard to explain. And I have to agree. Even after reading the summery and watching the 5-minute trailer, I don't know how to explain the story because it's not one story.
2. It’s several stories thrown in a mix of every genre you could think of, from a historical drama to a post-apocalyptic sci-fi. I felt like I was watching a series of short films being thrown together as one movie.
3. It's directed by three people, which can be off-putting sometimes.

I nonetheless am really looking forward to Cloud Atlas. I like to believe that audiences could still embrace this movie despite it not being what they usually prefer. The ensemble cast is awesome. I don't remember the last time I've seen actors play multiple roles in a film. That would be interesting to see. The visuals are stunning, as expected from the creators of the Matrix. And overall, I love stories that have to do with choice and how our choices affect our lives and the lives of others.

Although this is one of the longest trailers I've seen in a while, but it doesn't feel long. It doesn't succeed in explaining the movie, but it keeps you intrigued. I really am up for a bold cinematic experience. If Cloud Atlas did succeed, it could be another Oscar contender.

Trailer: Life of Pi

Director: Ang Lee
Writers: David Magee
Stars: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan and Tobey Maguire
Based on: Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Release date: November 21, 2012

The story of an Indian boy named Pi, a zookeeper's son who finds himself in the company of a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.

After years of waiting, the movie is finally here! I really feel bad for not getting to read the book yet, but I've been meaning to. Although nobody speaks in the trailer, you get a good glimpse of what sure to be a heart-warming story. I've always been into friendship stories between humans and animals. While I usually like those featuring horses, an animal who could easily slice you off is interesting too. Aside from the story, the visuals look stunning. I'm not really a fan of 3-D, but it could enhance the watching experience, seeing how breathtaking the imagery is.

Yann Martel's Life of Pi is a bestselling sensation, Booker prize winning novel and it has been optioned since 2002. Before Ang Lee took the director's chair, several directors were in talks to take on the project, including M. Night Shyamalan (Thank god that didn't happen!) This will also be Suraj Sharma's first major motion picture. I always like to see new actors emerge in the scene.


With a fantastic directing and a strong source material, Life of Pi has potential as an Oscar contender.

I can't wait to see this movie!