The two reactions I’ve heard to The FP have either been in the territory of “it’s a lot of fun” or “it’s completely unwatchable.” Appropriate, then, that my reaction to the red band trailer, from IGN (via AICN), shifted between “this looks kind of entertaining” to “oh, you have got to be kidding me.” (Not in a positive sense.)

So while I could find merit in certain parts that are being sold here — the cinematography and gritty production design, primarily — something about the pitch and tone of everything else is just… grating. I’d love to be wrong here; something that can successfully create an over-the-top sensibility appeals to and entertains me on a very base level. But if it’s anything like this preview, The FP will have already lost me.

Watch the trailer below:

Synopsis: After hometown hero BTRO (Brandon Barrera) is slain on the dance platform by trash-talking thug leader L Dubba E, his protégé little brother JTRO (Jason Trost) vows never to duel again and vanishes into self-imposed isolation. A year later, he’s located by distressed former gang-mate KC/DC (CRANK 2’s Art Hsu) and learns of the desperate state of The FP. Not only is the neighborhood in pieces; the villainous L Dubba E has his claws on Stacey (Caitlyn Folley), JTRO’s ultimate crush. There’s no other choice; our hero must return to restore order and regain the pride of his hometown. KC/ DC enlists guru BLT (Nick Principe) to school JTRO in the sacred art of ancient “Beat-Beat” technique via rigorous training sequences. Eventually, JTRO defeats enough low-ranking challengers to earn his cage match with Dubba E, and hopefully win back The FP along with the heart of Stacey. THE FP is a fury of fancy footwork, triumphant montages, and neon street wear that Moviefone calls “a rare ready-made cult hit!”

Directed by Brandon and Jason Trost, The FP will open in limited release on March 16th.

Did this trailer sell you on the style and world of The FP, or does it look like too much?