Top 10 Best Trailers of March 2017

We start with the first look at the third and final season of HBO’s “The Leftovers”. It’s seven years since the Sudden Departure – an inexplicable international event which saw 140 million people randomly disappear on October 14th 2011 – but the world still has more questions than answers. Set to the delightfully out-of-place upbeat sound of ABBA, this teaser hints at solutions, but inevitably leaves us hanging. Especially toward the finish, when a strange phone call suggests that Nora might yet see her kids again… Hands up if you saw that coming??

Opening with the sounds of an adoring crowd and closing with a promise for the truth, the latest teaser for “All Eyez on Me” adopts an ominous approach to the Tupac story. Newcomer Demetrius Shipp Jr. takes on the role of the rap icon, while “The Walking Dead”s Danai Gurira stars as Tupac’s mother, Afeni. It’s Gurira’s words of caution which create the tension here, particularly her ‘bulls-eye on your back’ warning. History tells us how events will unfold, but fans have been waiting for a worthy Tupac biopic for years. All eyes really will be on this film to do the rapper justice.

Finally swinging his way into his first solo outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the newest iteration of Spider-Man sees breakout star Tom Holland in the role. “Homecoming” features the web-slinger at the young age of 15, where he must learn to balance the difficulties of being a teen with the responsibilities of his new-found powers. This second trailer showcases a whole lot of the Michael Keaton’s Vulture, a classic Spidey one-liner and enough Tony Stark to tie fans over until Avengers: Infinity War. Let’s just hope that Spider-Man’s move to the MCU means that we’re in for one wild ride!

Bringing Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel of the same name to the small screen, the trailer for “The Handmaid’s Tale” affords us a glimpse of the fictional Republic of Gilead. Elizabeth Moss stars as Offred, a fertile woman in an increasingly infertile world. As she’s bound by an oppressive, dystopic society to bare children for the ‘leaders’, the eeriness and cruelty of Atwood’s creation is laid bare. But Offred isn’t about to suffer in silence. Set for release on the subscription service Hulu, the first three episodes will premiere together, in April.

When a mother sees her daughter’s murder case neglected by local law enforcement, she decides to take matters into her own hands. The result? A straight-faced, fast-paced, stick it to the man black comedy, which sees Frances McDormand give two fingers to the police, and emerge as an early front runner for Oscar success. This movie centres around the billboards of its title, erected to highlight the lack of progress by Woody Harleson’s sheriff and his team on the case. But, as McDormand’s Mildred Hayes eloquently explains to a reporting journalist, the defiant signage is just the start!

Based on the widely acclaimed Japanese manga series, the basic premise for “Death Note” is simple; write down someone’s name, that someone will die. This trailer introduces us to the story’s notebook-wielding grim reaper, Light Turner played by Nat Wolff, for a first look at the unique killing spree which lies in wait. While movie maker’s Netflix have drawn criticism for the apparent whitewashing of main characters and the decision to relocate the action to Seattle, the clip has certainly got fans and critics talking. Shall we begin? Yes, please!

And now to the longest trailer in today’s top 10, and the return of Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson, AKA the not-so-super superhero Deadpool. The ‘No Good Deed’ short sees Wade stumble across a backstreet mugging and an elderly man in need of urgent assistance. But, by the time Reynold’s character has found a phone booth and changed into his trademark costume, the old guy’s needs have… expired. Still, a guy like Deadpool always manages to see the good in a situation, and free ice cream is free ice cream. That this trailer aired before Hugh Jackman’s latest Wolverine adventure “Logan” makes it all the more magnificent.

The DC Extended Universe just got a whole lot bigger. The first trailer for “Justice League” brings together Ben Affleck’s Batman and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, with Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher also joining up, as Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg. Despite some less than favourable reviews for early DCEU efforts, anticipation for this ensemble of good guys is off the charts. There seems a lighter tone to parts of this sneak peek – Bruce Wayne’s ‘I’m rich’ quip being a particular highlight – and unlike DC trailers gone before, this clip doesn’t give a great deal away. And Superman doesn’t feature at all. He can’t really be actually dead, can he??

Today’s runner-up is a full-on, unapologetic action flick, filled with violence and visual splendour. Charlize Theron brings to life Lorraine Broughton, a highly-skilled MI6 agent hell-bent on kicking ass all over 1989 Berlin. “Atomic Blonde” is set just before the fall of the Berlin Wall, and this trailer shows us the more hands-on elements of international espionage. In short, it’s hand-to-hand, weapon-to-weapon chaos, laced with neon lighting, comic timing, and a souped-up ‘80s pop soundtrack. Theron thrills, James McAvoy delights and John Goodman seems unimpressed. But we are impressed. Very much so.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“War of the Planet of the Apes” (2017)

“Wonder Woman” (2017)

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (2017)

We get behind the wheel for today’s winner, the international trailer for “Baby Driver”. This movie sees Ansel Elgort strap in as Baby, the speediest and most reliable getaway driver on the streets. But what really sets this guy apart is that he’s always plugged into his favourite playlist. Earphones at the wheel are never recommended, not least when getaway driving, but Baby’s at his best with a musical accompaniment. The likes of Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey and Lily James also feature here, for an action/comedy/crime mash-up, with just a little bit of romance to boot. It ticks all the right boxes.