Film Preview: Trolls (2016)

Page Revisions:

(July 17, 2016) Original
(September 18, 2016) New Trailer (#3) / New Posters (#2-#8)
(October 30, 2016) New Posters (#9-#17)

Release Date:

November 4, 2016

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “From the creators of Shrek comes the most smart, funny, irreverent animated comedy of the year, DreamWorks’ Trolls. This holiday season, enter a colorful, wondrous world populated by hilariously unforgettable characters and discover the story of the overly optimistic Trolls, with a constant song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have trolls in their stomach. Featuring original music from Justin Timberlake, and soon-to-be classic mash-ups of songs from other popular artists, the film stars the voice talents of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Russell Brand, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Icona Pop, Gwen Stefani, and many more. DreamWorks’ TROLLS is a fresh, broad comedy filled with music, heart and hair-raising adventures. In November of 2016, nothing can prepare you for our new Troll world.”

Poster Rating: C- / C- (5) / C- / C+ / C- (4) / C / C- (4)

SEE ALL POSTERS BELOW
Review: (#1) The obnoxious swirl of color might be fitting to the film’s sugary richness, but it makes for a poor poster design, especially without any richness of detail.

(#2-#6) There is no one who isn’t familiar with the Troll Dolls themselves that doesn’t understand the key component was the tall hair, but relying solely on that motif for character posters is a cheap ploy. (#7) The same issue with the individual character designs is at play with this design, which only shifts focus to the two key characters without needed derivation. (#8) It isn’t much better than the prior 6 designs, but the visual filter adds something distinctive, though repetitive. It doesn’t quite work.

(#9-#12) This series of character posters has nothing new to note from prior, similar versions. (#13) It’s bright and chipper and that might tie in nicely to the film, it still lacks imagination and detail. (#14-#17) Another series of character posters that don’t break any new ground.

Trailer Rating: F / B / B-

SEE ALL TRAILERS BELOW
Review: (#1) This teaser trailer is obnoxious and annoying. How they could make something so trifling is beyond me. (#2) On the other hand, the first full trailer is endearing in a childish way. The film certainly looks like it will only appeal to children, but that’s not always a bad thing. It also shows just how far DreamWorks has faded in recent years.

(#3) More of an infomercial about the film than a trailer, this short effort does a decent job highlighting the music used in the film and, were it not so leaden and focused on the real life stars, it might have worked more effectively.

Oscar Prospects:

It’s a longshot. I don’t say that because it looks too simplistic and kid-friendly, though that is a mitigating factor, but because DreamWorks has weakened and the film has way too much competition this year.