Here is the official Screen Rant 2008 movie preview! Below you’ll find a list of 48 movies that you’ll most likely consider seeing this year along with a description, month of release and recommendation for each one.
I realize that “Top 10″ lists are all the rage at the end of the year and you’ve probably noticed that there haven’t been any of those here. I did think about it, but really - there were already so many other sites churning them out (and some of them did quite a nice job) that I didn’t feel the need. Plus, I just didn’t see enough movies in 2007 to be able to create my own list of best, worst or otherwise.
However 2008 looks like it’s going to be a pretty awesome year for movie fans. To prove it, from the list below movies that get a pre-release recommendation from me outnumber obvious stinkers by a margin of almost three to one! I was truly not prepared for numbers like those when I set out to create this preview.
Now I’m not going to mention every movie under the sun here - just the ones that I think Screen Rant readers will be most interested in. Namely, sci fi, fantasy, and superhero flicks with a few others thrown in. There are view-worthy movies not mentioned below as well as upcoming bombs that are missing from the following list.
Keep in mind that my predictions are based on my most excellent gut-check instincts but are no guarantee that I am 100% on the mark regarding how great or awful the movies listed below will be.
So read on to see Screen Rant’s 2008 movie preview and recommendations of what you should go out of your way to see - and what you should avoid like the plague.
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There’s not usually much during this time of year, but 2008 looks surprisingly strong for movies in the following months.
JANUARY
Cloverfield
If you haven’t heard of this J.J. Abrams monster movie, you don’t spend ANY time surfing the web. This one is right around the corner and the buzz has been building since last July via a vague early trailer and viral marketing.
SR says: This could be really cool, but the anticipation for it is so high that it will be difficult to meet expectations.
See it?: Yes
Rambo
Much like the recent Rocky Balboa film, Stallone brings back one of his iconic characters for another go-round.
SR says: As in the recent Rocky movie, Stallone is going to show Rambo in the context of the passage of time since the last movie. It worked for Rocky and I’m betting it will work for Rambo. Leave the kiddies at home for this one, folks.
See it?: Yes
Meet the SpartansA low-brow take-off on the 2007 hit 300.
SR says: If you must watch this, wait for the DVD release, drink heavily and then pop in the movie. Maybe then you’ll find it funny.
See it?: No
Untraceable
Diane Lane stars in this suspense film where serial killer meets YouTube.
SR says: Dumbest poster ever and no doubt anyone who knows anything about computers will roll their eyes at what transpires in this movie.
See it?: No
FEBRUARY
Jumper
Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson star in a sci fi thriller involving a small number of people who have the ability to teleport - and those who hunt them.
SR says: This has “sleeper” written all over it. I’m betting it’ll be one of those little gems that may not make a lot of money but will be thoroughly enjoyed by those who show up to watch it.
See it?: Yes
The Spiderwick ChroniclesA young boy discovers a world of goblins and fairies that exists just beneath the surface of what we can see.
SR says: A high quality film that will make a ton of money from family audiences.
See it?: Yes
Be Kind RewindA Jack Black comedy about a guy who mistakenly erases all the videos at a rental store and who creates his own versions of popular movies that end up being wildly popular themselves.
SR says: I don’t cover comedies much here, but the buzz on this is quite excellent and Jack Black has not yet jumped the shark.
See it?: Yes
The SignalA trio of directors each creates one third of this horror film about a mysterious signal that causes the population to go violently insane.
SR says: I’ve seen this and gave it an excellent review but there doesn’t seem to be much interest in it for some reason. Unfortunately I don’t think this one will do very well.
See it?: Yes
Vantage PointThe attempted assassination of a U.S. President is told through multiple points of view.
SR says: I’ve only seen one trailer for this but it looks like it’s going to be quite good and features the likes of Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver, Dennis Quaid and William Hurt.
See it?: Yes
Semi-ProWill Ferrell stars in a comedy about professional volleyball players.
SR says: Either you like Ferrell’s style as of late or you don’t. I haven’t liked him since Elf.
See it?: No
The EyeJessica Alba stars in a remake of yet another Japanese horror movie as a woman who receives an eye transplant from a now-deceased killer.
SR says: As usual, I’m betting the original Japanese version is better than the remake, although Alba is never a strain on the eyes, so there is that.
See it?: No
The Hottie and the NottieParis Hilton stars in a comedy.
SR says: Do I really have to add anything to that?
See it?: Hell no
MARCH
10,000 BCRoland Emmerich follows up The Day After Tomorrow with an epic caveman movie.
SR says: Sorry, but while this one looks like it will have cool visuals, but much like the movie I just mentioned it’s going to be mildly mediocre at best.
See it?: Your call
DoomsdayA futuristic action thriller where a team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race from the director of The Descent.
SR says: I only saw the one preview for this at the San Diego Comic-con. It had a very strong Damnation Alley vibe, and while I didn’t love The Descent, I do believe director Neil Marshall is a talented guy.
See it?: Yes
Horton Hears a WhoJim Carrey provides the voice for the lead character in another screen version of a Dr Seuss classic.
SR says: While it looks like it’s strictly for the kiddies, at least it looks more true to the source material than the God-awful live action The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, which also starred Carrey.
See it?: Yes, if you have very young children
Superhero!
A comedic send-up of superhero movies.
SR says: Haven’t heard of this one? Me neither. It’s from the guy who brought us the last couple of Scary Movie films. Folks, pass on this one and wait for Will Smith in Hancock.
See it?: No
APRIL
LeatherheadsA George Clooney-directed and starring comedy about the birth of professional football back in the 1920’s.
SR says: Hey, look… a comedy that actually looks funny without resorting to moronic humor!
See it?: Yes
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo BayThe guys from White Castle are imprisoned at Guantanamo. Much hilarity is supposed to ensue.
SR says: Ok, I haven’t seen their first movie yet, but trying to extract laughs from Guantanamo and terrorists? Doubtful.
See it?: Your call
The Forbidden KingdomA teen obsessed with martial arts is transported to China to fight alongside Kung Fu warriors.
SR says: Jackie Chan and Jet Li together in one movie and it turns out to be this? It looks like a PG-rated fantasy/fish out of water flick instead of a real kung-fu movie.
See it?: Your call
This is it folks, the premium movie viewing season for those of us that love a great blockbuster, and this summer’s looking really good!
MAY
Iron ManRobert Downey Jr as Tony Stark: Billionaire weapons manufacturer who while captured creates a powerful suit of armor and uses it to fight the forces of evil.
SR says: I’ve personally been waiting for this film my whole life and what a relief it is that it’s looking like they’re going to knock it out of the park. Iron Man has gone from relative obscurity to one of the most highly anticipated films of 2008!
See it?: Hell Yes!
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal SkullAfter almost 20 years Harrison Ford reprises his role as the archaeological adventurer with George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg at the helm.
SR says: While I’m trying to temper my enthusiasm about this, most people are extremely excited about it. While I think it’s a longshot that Lucas and Spielberg can inject the youthful exuberance of the previous films into this one, I’m not betting against it. We are talking about Spielberg as director, after all!
See it?: Yes
Speed RacerThe Wachowskis (who brought us The Matrix films) are finally back with a live action version of the 1960’s anime series.
SR says: This is going to be either incredibly popular or will seem totally cheesy with a surreal, psychedelic look. Amazingly they’ve opted to go for a G-rating on this one.
See it?: Yes
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince CaspianA follow up to the financial mega-hit The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe based on the C.S. Lewis novel.
SR says: While the first one was ok, I thought it fell a bit short overall. This one looks like it may be more powerful and engaging than the previous film.
See it?: Yes
Starship DaveA crew of miniature aliens operate a spaceship that has a human form. While trying to save their planet, the aliens encounter a new problem, as their ship becomes smitten with an Earth woman.
SR says: Eddie Murphy tries to make his comedic comeback. Again. Sorry, Eddie, but much like Chevy Chase, it looks like you’ve lost your comedy mojo.
See it?: No
Sex and the City: The MovieA big screen version of the popular HBO series starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Catrrall.
SR says: The only reason I mention this is to tell you how much I don’t care about this movie.
See it?: No
JUNE
You Don’t Mess with the ZohanAdam Sandler plays an Israeli counter-terrorist expert who leaves everything behind to come to America to become… a hair stylist.
SR says: It’s always dangerous to draw a conclusion about a comedy based on a trailer, but believe it or not this one looks really funny to me.
See it?: Yes
The HappeningFamous twist-ending director M. Night Shyamalan returns with an apocalyptic thriller.
SR says: Shyamalan has lost some of his prestige with recent films but if he can check his ego at the door this may end up being a decent flick (although if what I hear is true and the story being about Earth itself killing off humans to save itself, I’ll vomit.
See it?: Yes
The Incredible HulkA reboot of The Hulk superhero movie franchise starring big names like Ed Norton, Liv Tyler and William Hurt and directed by the guy who brought us the adrenaline/action movie The Transporter.
SR says: Up until now there has been an incredible lack of buzz about this one but I’m betting it’s going to sneak up on us all and be awesome.
See it?: Yes
Get SmartA remake of the 1960’s TV show with Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway.
SR says: Although both of these actors are very funny in the right roles, the director doesn’t exactly have a stellar track record when it comes to funny movies.
See it?: Undecided
Wall-EThe next Pixar movie starring a cute little lonely robot in the far off future.
SR says: It’s Pixar so it will be awesome. That is all you need to know.
See it?: Yes
WantedAction flick about professional assassins based on graphic novels by Mark Millar. Stars Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie.
SR says: Based on the trailer this looks like a cool Matrix-style action flick.
See it?: Yes
JULY
HancockWill Smith as a slacker who happens to possess super-powers and causes almost as much destruction as he prevents when he flies into action.
SR says: Based on the trailer and Will Smith, this looks to be a very funny twist on the superhero genre.
See it?: Yes
Hellboy 2: The Golden ArmyGuillermo del Toro writes and directs Ron Perlman as the wise-cracking Hellboy once again in this story of an epic battle between good and evil.
SR says: I just re-watched the first one and had forgotten how excellent it was. With Del Toro coming back for this sequel I’m really looking forward to it.
See it?: Yes
The Dark KnightChris Nolan once again directs Christian Bale as Batman in this follow-up to Batman Begins which pits our hero against his ultimate nemesis: The Joker.
SR says: As much as I’m a huge Iron Man fan, this movie is tied with that for the one I’m most looking forward to in 2008, no question about it.
See it?: Do you really even need me to answer this one?
The X-Files 2Little is known about the story for this film which once again pairs up Scully and Mulder.
SR says: Other writers here at Screen Rant are excited about this, but not I. At least I hear it’s going to be a standalone movie instead of continuing down the ridiculously twisted plot path established in the TV series and previous film.
See it?: Your call
AUGUST
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon EmperorThis is The Mummy 3, another addition to this series after a seven year hiatus. Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh join the cast in this story penned by the guys behind TV’s Smallville.
SR says: The previous two films were the lightest sort of popcorn movie fluff imaginable, so while this may turn out to be mindless fun, it’s not my kind of mindless fun.
See it?: Your call
DragonballA live action film based on the long running Japanese animated series.
SR says: I’m completely unfamiliar with the animated version so I’ll be coming to this one completely fresh and have no opinion at this point.
See it?: Undecided
Trailer TrashEli Roth takes fake movie trailers, the concept that filled the space between Planet Terror and Death Proof in the box office bomb Grindhouse, and turns the idea into a full 90 minute experience.
SR says: It’s a great idea as most people love movie trailers (myself included), but Roth’s fake trailer for the fictional horror movie Thanksgiving was particularly vile. I can’t imagine sitting through 90 minutes of horror movie trailers by him and I don’t know if too many others will either. Plus if it fails Roth will no doubt blame everyone else for it.
See it?: No
Babylon A.D.Vin Diesel returns to the big screen as a mercenary transporting a woman who unknown to him carries a genetically modified organism.
SR says: There really isn’t enough out about this movie to make a judgement either way, but at least it looks like they’re putting Vin in the sort of role he was born to play.
See it?: Yes
Well that’s it for the big summer movie season, although you might still include September in that with the next couple of movies. While there are still a couple of heavy hitters in the following list, most of the action for 2008 is now behind us at this point.
SEPTEMBER
Punisher: War ZoneFrank Castle (but not Thomas Jane) returns to fight crime, this time in New York City.
SR says: I thought the last one was a misfire and am hoping for more from this latest version, but it’s being directed by a GIRL. (I’m kidding, hopefully Lexi Alexander will do a great job.)
See it?: Yes
Death Race 3000A remake of the early 70’s Roger Corman cult classic about a society in the near future that is entertained by a cross country race where pedestrians are run over for points.
SR says: Although I’m a big fan of Jason Statham, it’s being directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. What does that mean? Massive suckage, folks, that’s what.
See it?: Yes, but only if you want to see how terrible a movie can be
OCTOBER
ValkyrieA Tom Cruise movie about a German officer who plots to assassinate Hitler during World War II.
SR says: Bryan Singer directs and except for his less than stellar Superman Returns, he has an excellent track record.
See it?: Yes
ScannersA remake of the cult classic sci fi horror flick by David Cronenberg about telekinetic people being used by the government to carry out assassinations.
SR says: Beyond David Goyer being attached to direct, right now nothing is known about this film. Gut check-o-meter says it shouldn’t be made.
See it?: Undecided, but leaning towards no
Saw 5The fifth in this gore-driven horror series.
SR says: Yawn.
See it?: No. Is this really necessary?
NOVEMBER
James Bond 22Not much is known about this beyond the fact that Daniel Craig is returning.
SR says: While Martin Campbell, who directed the previous film is not returning, Marc Forster who has taken the reins has an excellent resume.
See it?: Yes
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceThe next (and final?) Harry Potter movie.
SR says: Sorry I can’t tell you more or if I’m unsure whether this is the last. I’m just not that big a fan of the series and I don’t read the books. I’m sure it’ll make a ton of money.
See it?: Yes
DECEMBER
The Day the Earth Stood StillA remake of the classic 1950’s Cold War era sci fi movie, this time starring Keanu Reeves as the enigmatic visitor from another world.
SR says: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again regarding remakes: Stay. Away. From. Classic. Films.
See it?: Yes, just to see how badly they mess it up
Star Trek 11J.J. Abrams reboots the Star Trek universe for a new generation.
SR says: I’m torn on this one. I want it to be great but doing a brand new version of such an iconic TV and movie franchise with brand new actors portraying the original ones is a VERY risky proposition.
See it?: Yes, no matter which way it goes, this is a must see
Well there you have it - the high (and low) lights of the 2008 movie season. It looks like it’s actually going to be a very good year with far fewer sequels than we saw in 2007. If you’d like see what we consider the hottest 15 films from the above list to, check out our most anticipated movies of 2008.
Please chime in with your opinions on the list above, whether you agree or disagree. 
I want to give a big thank you to both FirstShowing.net and IMDB.com for the excellent resources on their sites that helped me to compile this list!
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57 Comments
I was looking forward to “Rambo” more prior to learning that there will be no pre-release screenings for critics. That is NOT a good sign.
Regarding “The Eye”, I just saw the Asian version and while it was pretty low key I liked it. No doubt the remake will not have the same tone and will instead go for bashing us over the head.
Vic
great list vic! i printed out this listed and tacked it to my office wall. also, semi-pro isn’t about volleyball, its about basketball (the ABA to be exact, just FYI.)
QUOTE: “Nice post. I am stoked about seeing The Eye and Untraceable.”
Yes, “UNTRACEABLE” is very very good. Very intense and suspenseful. They seem to have atleast tried to make the film technically authentic too. Diane Lane was superb.
X FILES 2 is the best movie 2008!!
I think it will be great
Paul-Franco, if your still out there, you seem like a fan of the show. Ques? Do you think they should tackle the Conspiracy issue or do a stand alone story?
Conspiracy issue. That sort of thing needs to be adressed.
Yea KEL, I think alot of the townsfolk are scared of the conpspiracy issue.
Were living in a time where (truth is becoming the enemy of the state)and were told not to go there….
It sickens me.
Its funny though how alot of townfolk hated the way the conspiracy issue was never resolved yet tune into Lost every week like junkies.
^
You’re damn right,Steve!
Now ‘days,the truth IS the enemy!! We are no longer a free country any more!
Steve, Kel.
We’re posting messages about monsters, space ships, uniforms and celebrities.
Not free?
Hey Jim, I don’t want to drag this review post down this road.
^
But if you want to take the red pill email me offsite.
Don’t know if you’re still reading this thread, Vic, but I just saw the trailer for “The Happening”, and from what I’ve seen it looks like the storyline we both feared has been left in-tact (plants emitting a self-defense that causes humans to destroy themselves).
Wow Jerseycajun, you would think the plantlife would have done this along time ago if they could.
^
This is the lamest idea Mcknight Shamalen has come up with since “the village”.
^
What’s happened to this guy.
First of all this is a total rip-off of the 60’s film “The day of the Trifeds”.
^
Did McKnight think that we wouldn’t see thru his “inconvienant truth rip-off”. Wow. Whata dork.
^
Thanks for the warning Jerseycajun.
Wow Jerseycajun, you would think the plantlife would have done this along time ago if they could.
^
This is the lamest idea Mcknight Shamalen has come up with since “the village”.
^
What’s happened to this guy.
First of all this is a total rip-off of the 60’s film “The day of the Triffeds”.
^
Did McKnight think that we wouldn’t see thru his “inconvienant truth rip-off”. Wow. Whata dork.
^
Thanks for the warning Jerseycajun.
ASIDE from the “Earth rebels against humans” angle, I actually thought the trailer was very creepy and effective. Just hadn’t had a chance to post it up here yet.
Vic
I think Shyamalan deserves a chance. I liked “Unbreakable” or was it because it was a Bruce Willis vehicle?? Anyway, terrestrial dangers are much more likely than an “Andromeda Strain”. I admit I probably won’t see the movie but the earth is more hostile than we give it credit for. It’s only because man has built up so many defences against nature. If you want some believable examples there are common fruits in our diet that while the fruit is harmless the seeds arn’t. What about the potato harvest the FDA had to have destroyed a few years back because the particular variety was dangerously allergenic? Of course the bean sprout growing out of the kids nostril is still a memorable old tale…Ha..ha When you think about it that tale was brobably more influential than The Triffids.
Just my two cents…
Dragonball isn’t coming out till April 2009. thought you might want to know that.
Yo Vickster: Good Call on IronMan, Wowzie; ya gotta have heart (hard? - bad speakers at the drive-in @ Albuquerque.dem). CC/fs
p.s. Good bet on the next “Bale” movie, batkid.
p2s. Yes, The Truth Was Out There {&?} (with a writing academy for jillions); yet, ‘Ya Gotta Believe,’ babycakes, Davey E.* Dickughie is still prettier than Gilly gal. (Now he can go back to soft Porn cable/dish.) Poor Tia: Will she ever recover and birth somewhatz besides little green alienistas? If so it will be: “The Day The Earth Stood Still”{er Up}:
p3s: You scanned it here first!! - vs. Jaybird Burr Leno: e’what blows Harley chrome pipe, and is no longer acceptable at WGA open sodapop bars; yet Chris and Frank wish him a happy “Love Ride” into beautiful downtown Eagle Rock (neo-Right turn from the late J.C.’s Butbank). YET ONLY IF YOU LAY OFF FUNNIEST MAN FROM CANADA, JAMES ALOYSIOUS CARREY, I **, WHO HAD A SAINT FOR A MENTOR “WITH A FUNNY WALK” (see Davey Geffen’s Bio), WE WILL TRANSPORT U(2) TO YOUSE FAVORITE SURROUNDED SOUND BUTTERED POPCORN (no salt) PALACE ON SUNSET & SEMI-PRIVATELY PREVUE OUR C’ING ATTRACTION. “XfsII” WILL MAKE Y’ALL COME. (don’t take it 2 personal, Gilly). So solly Cholly, too much time on my key and pointer hands.
-hmm, maybe youse would like to bring ‘Carnivale’ back - to French, British, CBC, Italia,Japan and Spanish Cableitos - US Broadcast sucks: Especially ur fascistic Fox News.(11/369?)^^^ phhew; there I said it, so Ciao Ciao - to Bradley Intl - before my Passports and Visas get lifted - by tall men in black suits who never smile but carry hard things in their pockets that they try hard to rub against curly, dark-haired women from South of the Rock of Gibraltar (hint-hint).
* E. for ENORMOUS
** Jimmy already took a bottle of red pills - after the most beautiful American woman since M.M. left him (initials R.Z.).(Other than U, G.A.)
V.H. eyes only: call, using, NSA code {5-2002-85455553445/6996~^((^.310.655-1770 x-34537,opt 2} and ask for “B writer.” F.S.
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