2008 Woodie Awards
Anticipated films for summer release
Andy Bockelman
Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: Entertainment
The summer season is a time when viewers beat the heat by escaping into air-conditioned entertainment domes known as movie theaters for hours upon hours of special effects, painstakingly choreographed action sequences and plenty of goofy but lovable characters. This summer is no exception, with an impressive medley of cinematic features.
No. 1 "Speed Racer" - The title racecar driver (Emile Hirsch) makes his mark in the world of international racing with the help of his family, friends and his legendary car, the Mach 5. The Wachowski brothers have created an amazing Technicolor acid trip in their realization of the popular Japanimation show. Helped along by John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Christina Ricci and Matthew Fox, this fun-filled adrenaline rush will burn up the multiplexes like the Mach 5 speeding down the track.
No. 2 "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" - The Pevensie children (William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley) return to the mythical land of Narnia, meeting up with a young rebel (Ben Barnes) who seeks to claim his royal lineage. The second in one of the most endearing fantasy series of all time, "Prince Caspian" will be a rollicking feature for families and literary buffs alike.
No. 3 "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" - The world-renowned archaeologist (Harrison Ford) returns for another epic adventure. Even after nearly 20 years, Ford and director Steven Spielberg have not lost a step, and newcomers Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf and Ray Winstone will make this even more of an event two decades in the making.
No. 4 "Kung Fu Panda" - Lazy Po the Panda (voice of Jack Black) must embark on a quest to become a master of martial arts. The Dreamworks cartoon looks particularly bright, and with a voice cast that includes Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Lucy Liu and Angelina Jolie, it should be as winning as any live-action karate film.
No. 5 "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" - An Israeli soldier (Adam Sandler) tires of his career and relocates to New York as a hairstylist, becoming an instant sensation. Sandler seems to be pushing the boundaries of good taste more than usual in a script that he co-wrote. However, Judd Apatow's touches may keep his usual loutishness in check.
No. 1 "Speed Racer" - The title racecar driver (Emile Hirsch) makes his mark in the world of international racing with the help of his family, friends and his legendary car, the Mach 5. The Wachowski brothers have created an amazing Technicolor acid trip in their realization of the popular Japanimation show. Helped along by John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Christina Ricci and Matthew Fox, this fun-filled adrenaline rush will burn up the multiplexes like the Mach 5 speeding down the track.
No. 2 "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" - The Pevensie children (William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley) return to the mythical land of Narnia, meeting up with a young rebel (Ben Barnes) who seeks to claim his royal lineage. The second in one of the most endearing fantasy series of all time, "Prince Caspian" will be a rollicking feature for families and literary buffs alike.
No. 3 "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" - The world-renowned archaeologist (Harrison Ford) returns for another epic adventure. Even after nearly 20 years, Ford and director Steven Spielberg have not lost a step, and newcomers Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf and Ray Winstone will make this even more of an event two decades in the making.
No. 4 "Kung Fu Panda" - Lazy Po the Panda (voice of Jack Black) must embark on a quest to become a master of martial arts. The Dreamworks cartoon looks particularly bright, and with a voice cast that includes Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Lucy Liu and Angelina Jolie, it should be as winning as any live-action karate film.
No. 5 "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" - An Israeli soldier (Adam Sandler) tires of his career and relocates to New York as a hairstylist, becoming an instant sensation. Sandler seems to be pushing the boundaries of good taste more than usual in a script that he co-wrote. However, Judd Apatow's touches may keep his usual loutishness in check.
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