New movies come out in droves every year, and 2008's going to be no exception. And while there's going to be tons of sequels to previous hit films or new installments to existing franchises, there's also going to be some newcomers that could give them a run for their money and rack in some serious dough. Not sure what to go see? Well here's a list of some of 2008's upcoming flicks that look like they could make it big on the silver screen.
CLOVERFIELD:
Lot of hype and speculation on this one from producer J.J. Abrams, but from what's been gathered the plot seems to center around a giant monster attack on New York. After seeing the trailer that premiered with Transformers, which had a release date but no title, moviegoers are sure to flock to theaters just to see what's going on. (JAN 18)
MEET THE SPARTANS:
This year's round of parody films kicks off with this sequel to Epic Movie that mainly spoofs 300 but also rips into other films and pop culture, like Spider-Man 3, You Got Served, American Idol and Deal or No Deal. Sure to be a must for fans of the Scary Movie flicks and similar spoof movies. (JAN 25)
RAMBO:
John Rambo is back, and this time the Vietnam vet takes on the Burmese army to rescue kidnapped humanitarian aide missionaries. Given the surprise success of Rocky Balboa, Stallone's return to the other character that made him famous is sure to draw in action fans and those who want to see some explosions. (JAN 25)
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES:
Based on the popular children's book series by Holly Black and Tony Diterlizzi about the magical adventures of the Grace children when they discover a fairy world beneath the home of their great-great-uncle Arthur Spiderwick. A good family flick that'll make a nice tide-over until the next Harry Potter comes out. (FEB 15)
BE KIND REWIND:
When he accidentally erases all the tapes in the local video store with an electromagnetic surge, Jack Black and his buddy Mos Def re-film all the movies for the store's loyal customers. Yeah, sounds a little silly, but that's what Jack Black does best. (FEB 22)
10,000 B.C.:
At the dawn of man, a mammoth hunter becomes the world's first hero to save his tribe from extinction and rescue his kidnapped love from a tyrant. Directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day), this should be a hit with fans of 300 and similar epic, period-piece films. (MAR 7)
HORTON HEARS A WHO!:
Horton the elephant protects a speck of dust, home to the Whos of Whoville, despite torment from his neighbors and the evil plans of Sour Kangaroo. Jim Carrey does another Dr. Seuss-based, and the use of CGI rather than live action could give it a better look than previous live action outings. (MAR 14)
HAROLD AND KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY:
Sent to Guantanamo Bay after lighting a bong on a plane, Harold and Kumar encounter a whole new batch of strangeness as they try to get out. Perfect for those who enjoyed the first film or those who just want some pointless laughs. (APRIL 25)
REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA:
The GeneCo company provides organ transplants during an epidemic of organ failures, but for those who can't keep up with the payments, they send their “repo men” to take the organs back. It may have Paris Hilton among the cast, but curiosity about a “horror musical” alone may bring in the fans to see it. (APRIL 25)
IRON MAN:
Based on the Marvel comic book about an inventor who builds a high tech suit of armor to escape his terrorist kidnappers and become a hero. Lot of positive buzz on this one, from the casting of Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark to the special effects by Stan Winston. (MAY 2)
SPEED RACER:
Directed by the Wachowski brothers, this live action version of the hit anime series has Speed (Emile Hirch) taking on the Crucible, the dangerous cross-country race that took his brother's life, to uncover corporate corruption. After being in development since 1992, the success of the long-awaited film could seal the fate of future anime-based films. (MAY 9)
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN:
Based on the second book of C.S. Lewis' hit fantasy series, this sequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has the four Pevensie children returning to Narnia to help young Prince Caspian reclaim his kingdom from his uncle, the evil King Miraz. Another fun fantasy outing, especially for those who enjoyed the first film. (MAY 16)
INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL:
