Trailer Wednesday: Super 8 and The Smurfs

Nope, it’s not some cheesy ’50s rock ‘n roll band name, it’s this week’s trailer selection. Talk about polar opposites: “Super 8” brings us a supernatural sci-fi period piece from the mind of J.J. Abrams with the help of Steven Spielberg and Amblin Entertainment, whereas “The Smurfs” so shamelessly blends CGI and live-action with hopes of making us laugh come August.

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Super 8

We saw a teaser trailer attached to “Iron Man 2” before this movie even started filming and then a Super Bowl spot that gave us nostalgic chills as if watching “E.T.” all over again. Now, a full-length trailer for J.J. Abrams’ latest film, “Super 8,” has debuted and it’s even more of an enigma now.

This summer is full of sequels and films with a built-in audience (four superhero movies, “Transformers,” the final “Harry Potter,” etc.) so it would be easy on principle to dismiss “Super 8.” I wouldn’t be so quick to do so, especially now. It could just be great trailer editing, but when Abrams didn’t disappoint with “Cloverfield,” it’s hard to imagine his own story and directing wouldn’t make for an even bigger surprise.

The movie follows a group of friends who are out filming with their super 8 camera when they witness a horrible train incident that unleashes something other-worldly and causes strange phenomena to occur throughout their small town.

Super 8 Trailer

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The Smurfs

Always wonder when your beloved Smurfs would see a motion picture of their own? And then, did you ever think it would end up like this? The plot is still under wraps, but it’s pretty obvious the Smurfs are animated and in a live-action world and they’ve come under the watch of humans played by Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays (“Glee”). Hank Azaria co-stars as the evil Gargamel, which is fitting.

I didn’t count, but I think it’s nearly five times that the word “Smurf” is used as a verb, which defines trailer overkill. With some toilet jokes and the like as well as perpetuating the TV series’ biggest flaw in one female Smurf who more or less gets no mind of her own and ogled constantly.

Frankly, it’s enough to make you Smurf on Aug. 3.

The Smurfs Trailer