Film Preview: The 33 (2015)

Page Revisions:

(August 23, 2015) Original

Release Date:

November 13, 2015

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “Based on the real-life event, when a gold and copper mine collapses, it traps 33 miners underground for 69 days.”

Poster Rating: C+ / B- / C / D / C / C- (3) / B- / C+

Review: (#1) The best element of this first design is the inset in the title of the folks who live above ground who are worried for those depicted in the bottom of the design. It’s a strong design in that regard, but doesn’t overall appeal as it should. (#2) A beam of light leading down to the trapped miners is an interesting stylistic choice and it works for the most part, recalling a time when all-star casts were displayed as floating heads.

(#3) We go from creative to unabashed generic and it’s not a good transition. (#4) And worse, we have something that may be an attempt at creativity, but succeeds at almost nothing. (#5) Differing images between the letter spaces isn’t a common design these days, though it’s a bit boring when paired with the stark white background. (#6-#8) While these three designs are different visually, they are largely similar stylistically and that style is dismissable.

(#9) A slightly different take on design #2, the sides of the shaft are split between two separate characters and two separate backgrounds. It’s not better, just different. (#10) If you recognize the flag, this design may have some relevance. Otherwise, you aren’t likely to care about it.

Trailer Rating: B-

Review: There’s only a modest amount of tension in this trailer, which doesn’t help keep the point of the film at the forefront. The trailer makes this seem less like a true story and more like a contrived thriller with only a minimal rooting interest.

Oscar Prospects:

This is the kind of subject matter that could easily appeal to Oscar voters. The quality of the film will determine whether it can break into a rather crowded competition this year, but real life dramas and success stories are an easier sell.