Action/ Adventure Film Trailers

The stereotypical action film has five main acpescts these are action scenes, a love story, exotic locations, a hero and a villian. Most of these themes are demonstrated in the trailers for The Dark Knight Rises, Avatar and Kung Fu Panda 2 which are all Action/ Adventure films.

As all of these films fall into the genre of action they contain a variety of action scenes which create tension and suspense for the audience throughout. However, these action scenes are portayed in different ways due to the different audiences and storylines which make up the film. In the first screenshot from 'The Dark Knight Rises' trailer it looks very dark and violent, this suggests to the audience that this action film is more suited to an older audience as children may find these scenes distressing. The second screenshot from the 'Avatar' trailer is another action shot although this time it is shown in more of an uplifting battle against magical creatures. This scene in the trailer will demonstrate to the audience that it is suitable for older children and adults as there may be some conflict in this film. The final screenshot is from the trailer 'Kung Fu Panda 2' which looks magical and a lot more child friendly as the action in this scene is not violent or unpleasant for younger audiences. However, this would suggest to the viewer that it is not an adults film as they may find it uninteresting and slow moving.

Another theme in action films is the love story between the two main characters which could be for the female audience who may not be so interested in the action scenes. Only the 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'Avatar' show a love plot in the trailer which suggests that 'Kung Fu Panda 2' is more of a childrens film so therefore wouldnt be suitable for that age bracket. The first screenshot from 'The Dark Knight Rises' trailer shows Batman, the main character, having an intimate moment with a mysterious woman. This subplot may interest the female audience and cause them to want to go and see it. The other screenshot from the 'Avatar' trailer shows Sam Worthington's love interest in the film. This will show the audience that it is not a childrens film and may be interesting for men and women.

The next feature of action films is the exotic locations which range between urban cities. 'The Dark Knight Rises' and magical islands, Kung Fu Panda 2'. These locations are interesting and different for the viewer as they are so unusual and exciting.

The hero of an action film is one of the main aspects as they are the character that the audience are supposed to relate with and want to be. However, in these three films they are all portrayed very differently due to the storyline and enviroment in which they live. In 'The Dark Knight Rises' the main character Batman is not the typical hero as he is on the run from the police. He takes on a dark persona which is very unusual in a action film and shown in the trailer. In contrast the main character Po who is the hero in 'Kung Fu Panda 2' is timid and not very brave. The younger audience may find this funny and comical.

The villain in action films is one of the main aspects as they create the journey or mission that the hero is set to face. In both 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'Avatar' the villains are both quite intense. Neither of the trailers show the villains for very long as they may want them to seem mysterious so the audience finds them threatening and scary. Their identity is unusual which alienates them from the audience as they cannot relate to them as characters.