Film Preview: The Program (2016)

Page Revisions:

(September 27, 2015) Original
(March 13, 2016) New Trailer (#2) / Updated Release Date (changed from “Coming Soon”) / Updated Links

Release Date:

March 18, 2016

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “An Irish sports journalist becomes convinced that Lance Armstrong’s performances during the Tour de France victories are fueled by banned substances. With this conviction, he starts hunting for evidence that will expose Armstrong.”

Poster Rating: C- / C+ (4) / C+ / B-

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Review: (#1) Perhaps I’m just dense, but I don’t really get this entire design. The overzealous use of the color yellow may conjure an image of the film’s subject, but it does little to create intrigue, at least the right kind of intrigue. (#2-#5) These character posters seem like overkill and while the yellow is unnecessarily distracting, they use generally unique character images which at least give them a most distinctiveness.

(#6) More details on design #2 doesn’t necessary make for a better design, just a similar one. (#7) On the other hand, diminishing the excessive yellow coloring to focus on a setting that feels more natural and pointed is a minor win.

Trailer Rating: B / B

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Review: (#1) Not certain if they think they’ll get sued, but the references to Lance Armstrong by name are minimal, which might make the audience wonder what the significance of the film is. Those who followed the scandal might be interested in enough, but will it be enough?

(#2) You know it’s a serious drama, but with a comedian as one of the primary players, it’s hard to take the film entirely seriously. However, the producers make the film look as compelling and significant as possible with plenty of drama to offer the audience an opportunity beyond standard biopics, but in reality exactly like the standard.

Oscar Prospects:

The film hasn’t yielded much buzz, though it could emerge as a dark horse contender if it’s really good. It also hasn’t gotten a release date, which could hurt it. Ben Foster has been bubbling under for years, but will this be his big breakthrough?