Preview: Films of 08 and beyond.

With the end of 2007 rapidly approaching, I've begun to look at the year ahead of us as well as even a bit further for the films that I am really chomping at the bit for. A couple of these films are ones that I am more excited about than any other films beforehand, so it's hard to really narrow it down to 5 films. The 5 films in question will all be released (at least as of this posting) in 2008, so lets start with an early, January release.

5: Cloverfield. 1/18/08

If you have yet to see a trailer of this film, I highly recommend you look for one right away. Cloverfield is an epic monster movie set in New York City, shot in a very distinct style as though the characters in the film are using handheld cameras (or at least thats what I get from the promos so far). None of the previews or promotional items for the film have yet to actually show the monster in question, and at some points it was rumored to be yet another Godzilla film, but those rumors have been pushed aside for the most part in favor of a new, completely original take on the monster genre. I've never been a fan of giant monster films, but this one just looks so different that I cant wait to get a good glimpse at the big beastie in question.

4: Where the Wild Things Are. 10/03/08

I have always been a fan of the work of Spike Jonze, which comes mainly though the large library of music videos that he has directed. To see him make a feature length film, not to mention a very imaginative one based off of a classic children's novel, will be a thrilling experience once it hits the silver screen. I haven't heard too much about this movie yet, but considering the amazing imagination of Jonze, I am certain that he will do the book justice and bring it to the screen in a way we cant imagine.

3: James Bond 22. 11/07/08.

Sure, this one is almost a year away, but c'mon. Its James Bond. Really, the drawing factor for this film is Daniel Craig, who many argue is the best Bond since Sean Connery himself. I thought that this film's prequel "Casino Royale" was absolutely brilliant, so I eagerly await to see what shockwaves that film will have on the future installments of the franchise. This is another film of which there has been very little released about, but news did surface a few months ago that Craig has signed on for multiple Bond films, so the hope that a stretching storyline the like existed in the Connery era has begun to shine.

2: Wall-e. 06/27/08.

Oh this movie just looks like so much fun, not to mention absolutely GORGEOUS. Pixar has done some really good work in the past few years, with "The Incredibles" being their pinnacle work in my book, but the design for "Wall-e" looks so absolutely astonishing that I just cant wait to see it for myself. The film apparently is almost devoid of any actual speech; they even called in the guy who did the sounds for R2-D2 to make the sounds for this film. The film is about a robot that was left on earth for 700 years after humanity left and his desire to seek out his purpose. This film, until today, was my #1 choice, but a new trailer came out for...

1: The Dark Knight. 07/18/08

...which made me scream like a little fangirl. Before this new trailer and the six minute short film preluding "I Am Legend", it was hard to get a grasp on just how Heath Ledger was going to take on the role of The Joker. I was completely skeptical of his ability to take on such a psychotic role, but after these two teasers, I am convinced that this film is going to be one of the most action packed, adrenaline pumping films of the last decade. They really are taking the gloves off for this film and diving deep into the darker aspects of the Batman universe, presenting a new face of the superhero for the masses. This is sure to be the thrill ride of the year.



Honorable mentions:

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. 05/22/08.

I want to see it, but at the same time I'm quite skeptical about this film. Is Harrison Ford really going to be able to pull this off, or will it seem like one long joke?


Alice in Wonderland. TBA 2010.

Ok, so Im getting WAY ahead of myself here, but cmon! Alice in Wonderland by TIM BURTON!? Anyone who has seen how American McGee took on Alice might have a brief idea of how Burton will go about with this, but anyone who is unfamiliar with McGee is most likely in for quite a shocker when they see the first screens of this film.



Well that's that list. There are a huge number of good films to look forward to next year, so there is sure to be something for everyone.