Trailer Wednesday: The Adjustment Bureau, Easy A

Today’s trailers actually take us beyond the summer of 2010 and into fall. Not that any of us want a “taste of fall” at the moment, but these trailers at least offer some recompense when summer betrays us for fall. First up is sci-fi thriller “The Adjustment Bureau,” previously slated for July but wisely moved out of the warpath of Christopher Nolan’s “Inception.” Next is a teen comedy starring Emma Stone about a girl who takes on a reputation as school slut to better the image of her loser guy peers.

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The Adjustment Bureau

“The Adjustment Bureau” comes from the mind of Philip K. Dick, who wrote the story that inspired “Blade Runner.” That’s a pretty good track record. The film version stars Matt Damon as an aspiring politician who meets British beauty Emily Blunt (“The Devil Wears Prada,” “The Wolfman”) only that’s not his destiny. At least according the Bureau, the men in bowler hats that make sure the universe goes according to plan. These two are never supposed to meet, and because Damon’s future is an important one, they’re willing to compromise knowledge of their existence to get him to leave her behind.

A chase thriller meditating on the notion of fate/free will, “Bureau” is one of those classic science fiction concepts that we don’t see nearly enough of, in my opinion. With two strong leads in Damon and Blunt along with Terrence Stamp perfectly cast as a Bureau man, this is one legitimate reason to look forward to the fall, in particular September 17.

Watch the The Adjustment Bureau trailer on YouTube

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Easy A

“Superbad” and “Zombieland” beauty and comic actress Emma Stone assumes a much-deserved starring role in this teen comedy inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorn’s “The Scarlet Letter.” Olive (Stone), is suddenly thrust in the high school spotlight when she agrees to pretend have sex with her gay friend so that others in the school would stop tormenting him. Soon she’s being asked to help others reps by destroying her own. When a group of girls at school led by Amanda Bynes decide her adulterous ways are an abomination, they suggest she wear an “A” to mark herself in front of the whole school. To show she’s not ashamed, she agrees.

For a script from an unknown writer in Bert V. Royal and Will Gluck (“Fired Up!”) directing, this movie managed to get a heck of a supporting cast. Stanley Tucci play’s Olive’s father and Patricia Clarkson her mother. Lisa Kudrow, Thomas Haden Church and Malcolm McDowell play school faculty members. It’s also original, yet true to the teen comedy spirit, which I think bodes well. “Easy A” will actually compete with “Bureau” on September 17.

Watch the Easy A teaser on YouTube