12 Reasons To Head To The Movies In 2008

January 18: “Cloverfield”

It may sound silly – a gang of friends throw a going away party the very night a giant monster attacks New York City, but “Cloverfield” bares the J. J. Abrams stamp, leaving many in high-anticipation of this horror film. Adding to the suspense? The film is documented just like the super-suspenseful “Blair Witch Project” – from the terrorized group’s own video camera.

January 25: “Rambo”

Posters are already cropping up featuring a spray painted imprint of Sylvester Stallone’s manly jaw and trademark “Rambo” bandana as the hype over the fourth installment of this film franchise begins to grow. Many doubted the box office legend could successfully revive “Rocky” as an over-50, but he did and he did to great effect. Now, it’s “Rambo’s” turn as the action packed Burmese jungle fighting journey hits the screens at the end of January.

March 14: “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who”

Jim Carey brought to life Dr. Seuss lovable baddie-with-a-heart, the Grinch, in 2000s, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” and later this year, he’ll be helping bring to life another of the beloved childrens author’s characters. Carey will voice the elephant Horton for the animated feature due out March 14. He’ll be joined by Steve Carell who takes on the very miniscule Mayor of Whoville. Also loaning their vocal skills? Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Dane Cook, Seth Rogen and “Superbad’s” Jonah Hill.

May 16: “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”

His movie isn’t out for months, but already Ben Barnes, who plays Prince Caspian in the latest Narnia chronicle is quickly becoming one to watch. The newest big screen version of the popular books brings the Pevensie children back to the fairytale land of Narnia as they struggle to return Prince Caspian to his throne after he is overthrown by an evildoer.

May 22: “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”

Harrison Ford reprises his role as Indy in the fourth installment of the famed action adventure directed by Spielberg, and written by George Lucas and David Koepp. 21-year-old Shia LaBeouf joins the fun as the young Mutt Williams, helping Indy race against the Soviets to find the crystal skull. Further adding to the star power? Cate Blanchett as Agent Spalko.

May 30: “Sex and The City: The Movie”

New York’s fab four finally make their big screen debut on Labor Day weekend. While plot details have been kept ever so secret, one can hardly doubt, it’ll be a film full of fashion, friendship and fabulousness and perhaps, a wedding?

June 13: “The Incredible Hulk”

Super actor Edward Norton brings cult television classic, “The Incredible Hulk,” to the big screen in June. The intense actor will bring to life Bruce Banner, the trouble doctor stuck trying to unravel why the slightest twinge of anger, turns him into a muscle-popping, crazy-eyed green beast (with a heart). The lovely Liv Tyler fills out the cast as Betty Ross.

June 20: “Get Smart”

Steve Carell could do little wrong in 2007 and his 2008 schedule looks just as handsome thanks to his upcoming role as bumbling Agent 86, Maxwell Smart. Helping him battle the forces of KAOS is Agent 99, played by the endearingly charming Anne Hathaway.

June 27: “Wanted”

The sexy movie stills, released late last year, got pulses racing and on June 27, fans will finally get to see how Angelina Jolie turns a nobody — Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy), into a slaying machine. Jolie’s Fox character helps Wesbecome more flexibile (always useful for an assassin) than a yoga master as he bends gravity on his avenging killing spree.

July 2: “Hancock”

Spiderman had plenty of troubles with the press when he first started out, but for Will Smith’s Hancock, he’s still having issues with his public image. Or course, it may have something to do with the damage he leaves after saving someone’s life – neat and tidy, Hancock is not. Helping this modern day superhero out with his public persona? PR guy Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman). Charlize Theron (Mary Embron) also joins the ride.

July 18: “Mamma Mia!”

After over a billion in takings worldwide from the popular stage show, “Mamma Mia,” the story about a bride-to-be, soundtracked of course, by Swedish supergroup ABBA finally hits the big screen. Former “Veronica Mars,” co-star Amanda Seyfriend plays Sophie, the bride in the making, while Meryl Streep ups the billing as her mother Donna. Steamy actor Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan help round out the star-studded and rather international, cast.

July 10: “The Dark Knight”

An early still of Aussie actor Heath Ledger as The Joker, left a thousand nightmares in its wake. On July 10, fans of the “Batman” empire will finally get to see if Heath is just as scary on-screen as he is in those pictures. Christian Bale returns as the buffed up “Batman,” while Maggie Gyllenhaal takes on her first major leading lady blockbuster-to-be role as Bruce Wayne’s love interest, Rachel Dawes.