14 DAY TRIAL // A movie trailer is no longer a good reference for the film you're about to see (and for which it was made), but that doesn't mean they're not a pleasure to watch. On the contrary, actually.
Below is a list of the most awesome 11 trailers released in 2011, as comprised by Moviefone. Most of these films failed to rise to the bar set by the trailer but that doesn't make them any less cool.
A trailer is by now – and should be regarded as such – a standalone production. Good or bad, it should only offer you a slight indication of what you're about to see, but not a guarantee that said film will be good or bad.
Let's get started on this.
*Please be advised that some of these trailers are red band and, as such, discretion is recommended when watching them.
11. “Arena”
The opener on the list, “Arena,” starring Kellan Lutz and Samuel L. Jackson is a good example of that. The straight-to-DVD action film has a cool, ZOMG LOLZ-inducing trailer, but the end result is anything but that.
10. “Paranormal Activity 3”
Not many thought the franchise still had it in it to keep going, but it did, even though this installment pales in comparison to the previous two and, of course, the original. The teaser, though, now that's something worth checking out.
9. “The Avengers”
We can't say whether the film will be as good as the trailer but one thing is certain: the teaser looks incredible. This is Marvel's biggest movie to date, one that brings together all superheroes in the Marvel universe and this alone should be enough to keep comic book fans happy.
8. “Drive” (red band)
We've already agreed that 2011 was the year of Ryan Gosling in many respects. “Drive,” a film that got critics and diehard fans raving mad with praise, also has one of the best trailers out there: violent, dark, atmospheric and, most important of all, with Ryan Gosling in it.
7. “21 Jump Street” (red band)
It's been a while since a good buddy cop comedy came out, and “21 Jump Street” promises to be just that. The trailer at least should make you watch it: it's shameless, it's ridiculous and it's hilarious.
6. “Hunger Games”
One of the most anticipated films of 2012, “Hunger Games” has a trailer to match. The best part of it, though, Moviefone writes, is that it only tackles the events in the first part of the book – just imagine the goodies in store for us in future teasers!
5. “The Muppets”
“The Muppets” aimed to attract a larger audience by spoofing famous trailers, including for “Twilight” and “Paranormal Activity.” But it's another one that takes the cake, the one embedded here, which is “funny, nostalgic and just the right amount of meta,” Moviefone writes.
4. “Like Crazy”
“Like Crazy” turned out to be a disappointment for too many reasons to mention here. Nevertheless, the trailer for it was just perfect: crazy young, romantic, beautiful, a real tearjerker.
3. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”
Just epic.
2. “Super 8”
“If you're wondering why this trailer is amazing, here are two reasons: (1) Coach Taylor; (2) the music from 'Cocoon',” Moviefone writes. Kudos also go to the movie studio for coming out with a marketing campaign for it that revealed very little about the plot.
1. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Considered a strong Oscar contender, it would be impossible to think this remake could get even more buzz – yet that's what happened when the trailer came out. With a brilliant cast, an excellent director and music from the unmistakable Trent Reznor, the trailer also comes with the most awesome tagline ever: “The feel-bad movie of Christmas.”
An honorable mention (or the top-top position, according to us) goes to the first teaser for “The Dark Knight Rises.” It just doesn't get any cooler than this.
