Why I Often Avoid Watching Movies Based on Their Trailers

As a movie enthusiast, I have come to rely on a variety of sources when deciding whether to watch a film. Trailers play a significant role in this decision, but I've found that they are not always the most reliable indicator of whether a movie is worth watching. In this article, I will discuss my reasons for often avoiding movies based on trailers and offer insights that might help others make more informed decisions.

How Trailers Can Mislead

Trailers can be incredibly powerful marketing tools, but they often misrepresent or sensationalize the films they are promoting. Consider Terminator Genisys - the trailer gave us the impression that the plot twist involving a younger version of the main character would be impactful, but the execution was far from satisfactory. Similarly, the Star Trek III: The Search for Spock trailer hinted at a key moment that was part of the film's climax, which, when seen in full, significantly reduced the tension and drama of the scene.

Some Movies Turn Out Better Than Expected

While many trailers can be misleading, there are instances where the actual movie exceeds expectations. For example, I initially didn't enjoy the trailer for How to Train Your Dragon 3, but the film itself was a pleasant surprise. This underscores the importance of not basing your entire judgment on the trailer and actually giving the movie a chance.

Trailers for Low Budget Films

There's one particular Malayalam movie, Nhan Dubaikaran, whose trailer put me off completely. The movie, starring Aadhil Ibrahim and a new cast, looked like a short film and the trailer itself gave away the entire story, making it unnecessary to watch the full film. Even though Aadhil Ibrahim is an up-and-coming star in the Malayalam film industry, the trailer was so revealing that watching the movie would have felt redundant. On the other hand, some trailers do not reveal too much and can serve as a teaser for the full experience.

Factors I Consider When Choosing a Movie

When choosing to watch a movie, I don't rely solely on trailers or marketing hype. Instead, I consider a variety of factors:

Is the premise interesting and original? Are the action clips properly timed and impactful? Do the sound bites make sense in the context of the scenes they come from?

Even if a movie stars big-name actors or is based on a popular book, I still question its value. Certain stars and directors have particular standards, and their names can sometimes draw me in. However, I still prioritize a good story, phenomenal filmography, interesting settings, and a terrific musical score. Additionally, critically acclaimed reviews can provide valuable insights into the film's quality.

Examples of Films That Disappoint Based on Trailers

One example of a film that sparked significant disappointment based on its trailer is the sequel to the iconic Ghostbusters. The trailer portrayed a film that seemed to target and hate masculinity, which was particularly offensive to me. The film displayed masculine women, and one scene where the protagonists destroy a ghost by shooting at its "balls" further reinforced my negative feelings. The inclusion of such content in a film marketed to a broad audience in the era of #MeToo and the inclusivity movement is deeply problematic.

Furthermore, the idea that this was just a comedy did not alleviate my concerns. Old movies often portrayed both women and men negatively, but the Ghostbusters remake seemed to cater to a different brand of hate. This sentiment was echoed by a friend of mine who pointed out the underlying tensions and negative portrayals in both the trailer and the film itself.

These examples highlight the importance of seeking out more than just trailers for making informed movie decisions. It's essential to consider multiple sources and potentially the actual movie itself to gain a more accurate understanding of what the film offers.