Dunkirk Theatrical Trailer (2017)

Second full trailer for Dunkirk, starring Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance and more.

Acclaimed auteur Christopher Nolan directs this World War II thriller about the evacuation of Allied troops from the French city of Dunkirk before Nazi forces can take hold.

Warner Bros can't help how excited they are over another Christopher Nolan collaboration. Just in anticipation of the above trailer, the studio couldn't help but release a new TV spot every day in order to remind audiences that this preview was shortly heading their way.

Further showcasing their support of the director, the studio gave Nolan an amazing offer to bring the World War II tale to the big screen. Not only will the filmmaker get $20 million upfront, but he's also pitted to get 20% of the box office gross. This is considered the largest deal for any director. A deal only matched by Peter Jackson for King Kong.

And, being Christopher Nolan, the director did all he could to have practical effects effects used in the film instead of CGI. Case in point -- those naval destroyers you (quickly) see in the trailer are the real deal.

To be honest, if this was just any World War II movie from any other director I would not be all that impressed. Yes, the battle sequences look gritty and the visuals look top notch, but it's not exactly blowing my mind in typical Nolan fashion. But, maybe that is this director's catch-22. The anticipation around him is always so high, causing expectations to be unreasonable. But, on the other hand, even with me not being blown away by what is shown, I know that the film will still be great. Why? Because it is Christopher Nolan. Of course.

Dunkirk definitely looks to be walking that fine line between action sequences and characters audiences can care about. Having the wonderful Mark Rylance play a civilian seems to be a genius move. Allowing some of the story to take place around a non-military man. Not that the film necessarily needs the talents of Rylance, as every piece of dialogue feels Academy grade.

So, yes, a lot to like. Maybe a few more viewings to take everything in...