2008 Movie Lineup

Madhura Chitnavis - Roanoke Times & World News

Lights, camera...: 2008 promises to be a hot year for movies

Movie-lovers can look forward to 2008 because it's sure to be a hot year for movies.

A lot of sequels to classics, such as "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" and even "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay," will be released.

In addition, 2008 should be an awesome year for seeing a lot of star-power on screen.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the movies that will soon be in theaters:

Feb. 8

"Fools Gold"

Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson star in this part romantic comedy, part action-adventure film.

McConaughey and Hudson play Ben and Tess Finnegan, a treasure-hunting couple on the verge of divorce. Ben hears about an 18th century queen's dowry full of treasure chests and becomes obsessed with finding the goods. This, and many other events, prompt Tess to leave him.

Ben soon learns he is not the only one after the treasure, and the race is on between Ben and his arch rival. Ben gets help from a rich father and daughter, coincidentally running into Tess in the process.

"Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay"

In this sequel, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) get involved with the authorities. The pot-smoking duo is accused of being terrorists for attempting to smuggle marijuana onto an Amsterdam-bound flight.

March 21

"Drillbit Taylor"

Three high school freshmen place an ad in a magazine for a bodyguard. The cheapest offer comes from a homeless man named Drillbit Taylor, (Owen Wilson). To toughen them up, Taylor puts the teens through serious mental and physical training.

March 28

"Wanted"

Mark Millar's novel series comes to life on screen. Wes is a 25-year-old unsuccessful slacker who is more than what he appears to be on the surface.

After his father is murdered, a mysterious woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie) drafts him into a fraternity, where Wes is encouraged to avenge his father's death and unleash his inner powers. Fox teaches him how to develop lightning-fast reflexes and incredible agility. As Wes draws closer to his associates, he realizes the society has a dark purpose: Carrying out death sentences decided by fate itself.

April 4

"Nim's Island"

Abigail Breslin stars as a little girl living on an island with her scientist father. When her father mysteriously disappears, she contacts the author of a book she is reading via e-mail in an attempt to rescue him.

May 2

"Iron Man"

Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures join forces to create this superhero classic. Philanthropist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) creates an indestructible suit built to fight off evil. Gwyneth Paltrow also stars  as Stark's secretary, while Terrence Howard plays Stark's colleague.

May 16

"Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"

The Pevensie siblings return to the enchanting, magical world of Narnia to discover it has been nearly 1,300 years (in Narnia time) since their last visit. The Golden Age of Narnia has ended, and Narnia is now ruled by tyrannous King Miraz. Upon meeting Prince Caspian, the rightful heir to the throne, the Pevensie siblings set out to find the majestic Aslan and return Narnia to glory.

July 2

"Hancock"

Will Smith stars as a superhero and notorious womanizer. This movie shows Smith as a good citizen and superhero, living the life of a disillusioned, faltering man.

Sept. 19

"Inkheart"

Brendan Fraser stars in this film adaptation of Cornelia Funke's best-selling novel. Fraser plays a loving father who is an amazing storyteller. His skills accidentally bring book characters, including an evil villain, to life.

Oct. 18

"Eagle Eye"

"Transformers" star Shia LaBeouf plays a young slacker returning home from school, only to learn he and his mother have been accused of performing terrorist-like activities. To prove their innocence, the pair join a dangerous organization preparing to carry out an assassination.

Nov. 21

"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince"

Harry attends his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, only to discover more about Lord Voldemort. While at Hogwarts, Harry receives help from a so-called, "half-blood prince." But who is this prince? Harry finds out in this installment of the series.

Dec. 19

"Angels and Demons"

In this sequel to "The Da Vinci Code," Tom Hanks plays Prof. Robert Langdon, a well-renowned symbologist. While inspecting a murder victim, the professor finds a code on the body. This clue leads him to a surreptitious plan involving the Catholic church.

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