The Tempest Directed by: Julie Taymor Starring: Helen Mirren, Russell Brand, Djimon Hounsou Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 10, 2010

TRAILER SCORE: 8/10

MY THOUGHTS: I'm not just saying this as a Julie Taymor fan (I'm still working on forgiving the atrocity that is Across the Universe) but this trailer really does have something about it. I think I'm in the same camp as Nick Allen when it comes to remakes. I want something new from a remake. Now, I know Shakespeare is a touchy subject. You either love it or hate it when it comes to new interpretations. I admit I wasn't a huge fan of Baz Luhrman's re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet but I can't really put my finger on what it is about The Tempest. For starters, I think it's a bold move to change Prospero into Prospera. I might have more reservations if it wasn't for the casting of Mirren, but the cast that Taymor's assembled for The Tempest gives me some hope for the project. My biggest concern is that the special effects of the film will overshadow the story and the acting. That's a significant amount of the trailer and while it's visually impressive, I wish an equal amount had been dedicated to the story itself. Regardless, already being familiar with the play and the changes that Taymor has made to this project, I still have hope for this one.