This is a little feature I figured I’d do. I call it “T3,” for “Top Ten Thursdays.” Hopefully I’ll get these posted a little earlier in the future.
This week’s T3 is on my most-anticipated films of 2008. The movies that already came out have been disqualified. Unsurprisingly, the list is full of mainly franchise films, but hey, it is what it is.
10. Speed Racer
May 9
The Wachowskis, hot off the controversial, but ultimately enjoyable, V For Vendetta bring us the live-action remake of the classic cartoon. Sure, the cast seems a little odd, and the trailer is a total trip, but any opportunity to see John Goodman on the big screen is a rare treat. Personally, I think this movie just might be entertaining.
9. Get Smart
June 20
The highly anticipated remake of the classic TV series. Not exciting enough. Here’s the cast: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Masi Oka (that guy from Heroes), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Bill Murray and Patrick Warburton. There are some other people too. Now, Peter Segal doesn’t have the strongest track record, but I think this will be one of his good ones.
8. Be Kind Rewind
February 22
Jack Black and Mos Def run a video store. Jack Black accidentally destroys all the tapes. Hilarity ensues. I’m one of those people that really enjoyed Eternal Sunshine and I heard really good things about The Science of Sleep. So I have faith in Michel Gondry, and with a cast this great, how can it not be funny? I hope that’s a question without an answer.
7. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
November 22/December 19
Fincher + Pitt usually turns out pretty well. Fincher + Pitt + Blanchett + F. Scott Fitzgerald? Sign me up. It’s even coming out around Oscar season, maybe he can actually get some recognition this time. Anyway, I just saw a Walmart commercial that used “Dancing in the Moonlight.” I totally made that song.
6. The Happening
Friday, the 13th of June
I’ve pretty much enjoyed everything Shyamalan has given us, even The Village and Lady in the Water. I bet you don’t even know what the plot is, do you? Plants are shooting out gas that makes people commit suicide. That’s awesome. Sounds like a Hard R. I hope so.
5. The Incredible Hulk
June 13
The casting is a lot better this time around, and even though I haven’t seen any of Louis Leterriers’ films, I’ve got a pretty good feeling about this one. Maybe it’s just John’s optimism transferring over to me. Maybe I’ll feel different after the trailer. Who knows. All I know is that right now, it sounds good.
4. Iron Man
May 2
Perfect choices in casting and directing have led me to believe that this will be an incredible experience come this May. By now everyone except John’s Dad has seen the trailer, so, what else is there to say? Looks great.
3. WALL-E
June 27
From the people who brought you Finding Nemo comes a post-apocalyptic story with largely no dialogue. The story sounds unique, profound and touching. This is the movie we’re all gonna be talking about. Perhaps, the E.T. of this generation?
2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
May 22
Rocky, John McClane, Rambo, Indy. We are truly living in the time of the aged bad ass hero. One thing all these revivals have been is good, and I don’t think Spielberg will be the one to break that trend. Harrison Ford looks good in the roll and is playing his age. My only problem with the film is its lengthy title. And I blame George Lucas for that. I get the feeling he’s been a negative influence on the whole project. But whatever, it’ll rock.
1. The Dark Knight
July 18
Not to be confused with the classic Black Knight, what we have here is the sequel to Batman Begins, the film that instantly invalidated all other cinematic incarnations of Batman. With the same team, minus Katie Holmes and plus the late Heath Ledger, this film has incredible scribbled in blood red all over it. If you’ve seen the trailer, how can you not be anxiously awaiting that hot day in July when you finally get to plop down into that theater seat and watch this epic unfold in front of you?
So, what did we learn from this experience? Well, writing about 10 things takes a while. Also, a lot of stuff comes out in June. Until the next time, faithful readers!