Thursday, January 10, 2008

Winter 2008 Movie Preview (Part 2)

New movie releases for February take a slant towards comedy and, to no one’s surprise, romance. After all, Valentine’s Day falls smack dab in the middle of the month, and Hollywood is nothing if not opportunistic. Modest hits could emerge from this month’s roster, with Will Ferrell’s latest, set to arrive on Leap Day, poised to be another box office smash.
Below is a look at some of the month’s highlights, with release dates subject to change.

FEBRUARY
“The Eye”

Starring Jessica Alba, Alessandro Nivola, Parker Posey, Rade Serbedzua
Directed by David Moreau and Xavier Palud

Just like last month, February also leads off with another Japanese horror movie remake. This time out, it’s Alba playing the supposed damsel in distress. In it, she receives an eye transplant and starts seeing some creepy visions. (Feb. 1)
Official Web site

“Fool’s Gold”
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland, Ewen Bremmer and Ray Winstone
Directed by Andy Tennant

McConaughey and Hudson (“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”) reunite for a romantic comedy about an estranged couple finding some common ground during the search for hidden treasure. (Feb. 8)
Official Web site

“Jumper”
Starring Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Diane Lane, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, Tom Hulce
Directed by Doug Liman

Christensen stars as a young man who learns he has the ability to
teleport anywhere. This leads him to discover others like him, some of
whom have more evil desires. A good cast and director looks to lift
what most would probably see as B-grade material. (Feb. 14)
Official Web site

“The Spiderwick Chronicles”
Starring Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright and David Strathairn
Directed by Mark Waters

Another series of children’s books makes its debut on the big screen, with Highmore playing dual roles as twin brothers dealing with strange occurrences at his family’s new home. This film is delayed from a 2007 release, but Paramount Pictures seems to have high hopes for it. (Feb. 15)
Official Web site

“Definitely, Maybe”
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher and Rachel Weisz
Directed by Adam Brooks

Here comes the prerequisite romantic comedy coming out right around Valentine’s Day, with Reynolds starring as a man explaining his past relationship history with his daughter (Breslin), one of which includes his soon-to-be ex-wife. Kind of a sappy premise, but the cast at least looks good. (Feb. 15)
Official Web site

“Vantage Point”
Starring Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver and William Hurt
Directed by Pete Travis

An assassination attempt against the President of the United States
(Hurt) is depicted from multiple viewpoints in this action-thriller
which features a strong cast and a first-time director. (Feb. 22)
Official Web site

“Semi-Pro”
Starring Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, André Benjamin, Maura Tierney, Will Arnett, David Koechner
Directed by Kent Alterman

Ferrell is back in sports comedy mode, taking on basketball this time
as a owner/coach/player on a struggling hoops franchise. A solid
comedic track record combined with not-so-tough box office competition
should lead to some good results for Ferrell and Co. (Feb. 29)
Official Web site

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