The Best Trailers for the Worst Movies: Trailers That Hyped Disappointing Films

Trailers are often the first taste of a film that moviegoers get, and they play a crucial role in setting expectations. However, there are instances where the buzz generated by a trailer fails to live up to the actual film. In this article, we explore some trailers that, despite being highly regarded and praised by audiences, failed to deliver the goods in their respective films. We'll focus on three standout examples that highlight the gap between hype and reality.

The Force Awakens: The Last Jedi

Arguably the worst Star Wars film, The Last Jedi, boasts one of the most iconic and memorable trailers in movie history. The trailer was edited expertly, leaving audiences intrigued about the dramatic character arcs, deep themes, and action sequences. With lines like 'It’s not just about the First Order, it’s about the past,' the trailer succeeded in generating immense excitement among fans.

The trailer set the stage by emphasizing:

Dramatic and deep themes Character growth Exciting action sequences Conflicts between key characters like Rey and Kylo Ren Threatening visuals of the First Order and Snoke

However, the actual film did not live up to these promising aspects. Snoke's role was significantly diminished, much to the disappointment of many viewers. The First Order was portrayed as a comedic element rather than a serious threat. Despite some outstanding performances, such as Andy Serkis's portrayal of Snoke, the overall impact was less than expected. The action scenes were standard and lacked the innovation that had been anticipated.

Hyping a Disappointment: Suburbicon

David O. Russell's Suburbicon also received positive buzz from its trailer, which promised a similar style to the works of the Cohen Brothers. However, the actual movie was met with widespread disappointment, described as a 'horrible gibbering mess' by many critics. The trailer's promise of dark humor and Cohen Brothers-style storytelling was largely unfounded.

Looking at the trailer, it suggested a film that would grip the audience with its intelligent character studies and incisive commentary on 1950s America. Indeed, there were a few clever gags, but these were vastly outnumbered by the numerous plot holes and underdeveloped character arcs, rendering it a vastly less pleasant experience than anticipated.

Robbin Williams in 'Toys'

Perhaps the most ironic and disappointing case is the 1992 film adaptation of Toys, where the trailer featured extensive footage from the beloved children's cartoon series, all set to the iconic theme song. These clips gave a fantastic preview of the film, which was expected to return the magic of the show to the big screen.

Unfortunately, the actual movie was a major letdown. The trailer was so misleading that it actually gathered more interest than the subsequent film attracted. The movie failed to capture the essence of the beloved show, and many found the humor and story direction to be completely off the mark.

In conclusion, these examples highlight the importance of trailer-making as a critical part of a movie's marketing strategy. While a trailer can be a powerful tool to set expectations, it must also stay aligned with the reality of the film it represents. To truly enjoy a movie, it’s wise to approach a film critically and with a clear understanding of the risks involved, especially when influenced by a highly acclaimed trailer.

Keywords: trailers, worst movies, failed sequels, film marketing