Ready for 2008? Writers strike or no Hollywood is, and here are ten films (many of them - surprise, surprise - sequels) audiences are already probably wishing they could start standing in line to see. (In order of release.)
The Marvel's metal-cald superhero comes to the big screen in Paramount Pictures' Iron Man
Iron Man (May 2)
I’m not familiar with the comic book, but given the positive reception at Comic Con I’d say they maybe got it right. Director Jon Favreau (love him as a comedic actor!) cast Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, a millionaire and alcoholic who finds himself in iron suit following an accident and uses it to, you know, do superhero stuff. It’s also good that Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard are in the cast. That trailer is pretty darn good, too. [watch the teaser trailer]
Ben Barnes in Walt Disney Pictures' The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (May 16)
The adaptation of the first installment of C.S. Lewis’ fantasy novels provided solid, large-scale entertainment in 2005. This summer sees a return to Narnia in this take on the fourth book in the epic series. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are all back, this time to free an imprisoned Prince whom they must help to save Narnia. This is the only other story to feature all four kids and the action should be even more of a factor in this one. [view the theatrical trailer]
Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf in Paramount Pictures' Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (May 22)
Is there a film fan who doesn't want to see that fedora and whip again? Harrison Ford dons them both for a fourth time as everyone’s favorite archeologist and he's joined by Karen Allen for the first time since Raiders of the Lost Ark as Marion Ravenwood. Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone and (best of all) Cate Blanchett join the cast as well. Speilberg back directing is a positive sign as these old-fashioned action-adventure serials are exactly what he does best. David Koepp (Jurassic Park) wrote the script, so all the pieces seem to be in place for a high-quality Memorial Day blockbuster.
A lonely robot gazes skyward in Walt Disney Pictures' Wall-E
Wall-E (June 27)
The Pixar machine rolls on, this time heading into the future with a tale of the last robot on an otherwise uninhabited Earth. The teaser trailer is adorable, and this studio knows how to do 3-D animation. This time they take the chance of adding live-action as well. Their stories are usually endearing and funny too, so kids and adults alike enjoy them and this one should be no different (even if they are exploring new ground). Stellar box office recipets seem assured. [view the theatrical trailer]
Director Christopher Nolan and actor Heath Ledger on the set of Warner Bros' The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight (July 18)
The recently released trailer suggests two things about this sequel to 2004's Batman Begins. First, director Christopher Nolan has once again hit on a tone combining pulse-pounding action and psychological realism. Second, Heath Ledger has the Joker down perfectly, taking the character down a far darker road than Jack Nicholson ever could have imagined. Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman return with Maggie Gyllenhaal and Aaron Eckhart joinging them. [view the theatrical trailer]
Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams in New Line Cinemas' The Time-Traveler's Wife
The Time-Traveler’s Wife (Fall TBD)
An amazing novel (written by Audrey Niffenegger) about a man with a gene that causes him to time travel during moments of stress comes to the big screen. Eric Bana plays the traveler and Rachel McAdams stars as his wife. Together, they must deal with the strain his condition puts on their marriage. Having read the novel, I am eager to experience this romantic tale as a film. It is sad and mature, so viewers might want to bring the tissues! I also like that the great Ron Livingston (Music Within) is in the cast.
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is another year older in Warner Bros' Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (November 21)
David Yates will be back to direct this one after turning Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix into bot a critical and financial success out. This bodes well for the tragic sixth and penultimate installment in the J.K. Rowling's epic fantay series, but I know fans are more anxious to see all the romance blossoming at Hogwarts this year. Hermione, Ron and Lavender Brown should be a classic love triangle and good fun to watch (especially because readers already know who he ends up with!). Plus, Jim Broadbent has joined the cast, hopefully helping make Half-Blood Prince the perfect set-up for the seventh and final adventure.
Daniel Craig returns as agent 007 in MGM/Sony Pictures' untitled Bond 22
Bond 22 (November 7)
There isn’t even a title yet, but the excellence of Daniel Craig’s first turn as 007 merits this follow-up a place on the list. There is a lot of other unknown information, too, like plot details or who the latest Bond girl is, but filming is nevertheless currently underway. The best news is that Marc Forster, of Monster’s Ball and Finding Neverland, is at the helm as the director. Judi Dench as M is now a mainstay, of course, but the addition of Jeffrey Wright was genius and he also returns here. Even female fans should be impatient for this one. (Editor Note: actresses Gemma Arterton and Olga Kurylenko were recently announced as the new Bond Girls.)
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet reunite in Dreamworks' Revolutionary Road
Revolutionary Road (December 18)
Talented director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) has reunited his Academy Award-nominated wife Kate Winslet with her equally nominated Titanic costar Leonardo DiCaprio for this suburban ‘50s-set drama based on the novel by Richard Yates. That’s a lot of talent! At the very least the acting is sure to be stellar in this story of a couple raising their kids while dealing with the era's stifling social mores. Expect to this one to be prime fodder for awards consideration.
Nicole Kidman in 20th Century Fox's Australia
Australia (December TBD)
Colorful and visionary director Baz Luhrmann finally returns with his first film since 2001's Moulin Rouge. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman star in this epic about a woman hiring a stoic stranger to help save her her cattle ranch during World War II. I love that Luhrmann is making a tale back in his home country (his first since 1993's Strictly Ballroom). I'm also sure we'll get the usual amazing production design and visuals we've come to expect from him. That’s part of the director's signature style, after all, and that’s why his films are always worth waiting for.
