National Treasure: Book of Secrets Dec. 21
Ben Gates is back and looking to commit an even more ridiculous act than before - kidnap the U.S. president. Hey, it's Nicholas Cage; He just exudes cool. Book of Secrets appears to be yet another film that attempts to cash in on the popularity of its predecessor. But if you really enjoy Riley's (Justin Bartha) excellent dry humor, Ed Harris' deliciously evil grin, and the first Treasure, this sequel promises to at least entertain. C
Sweeney Todd Dec. 21
Take a fantastic revenge story and put in an all-star cast - Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman - and you've got a great movie. Throw in director Tim Burton and a musical score written by Stephen Sondheim, and Todd is shaping up to be the most exciting movie of the holiday season. This twisted tale about a wronged barber who returns to London after years in prison explores how truly deranged a grieving mind can be. A-
Juno Jan. 31
Another film about teenage girls screwing up? Not quite. Juno follows the story of the sarcastic, unfazed teenager Juno MacGuff who discovers, to her annoyance, that she is pregnant. With a comic cast including Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, J.K. Simmons, and Allison Janney, Juno promises to be one of the most bizarre and most enjoyable films of the new year. A
The Accidental Husband March 7
Uma Thurman and Jeffrey Dean Morgan star in this romantic comedy about a radio host who knows everything about love, and the guy who shows her a whole new side of l'amour that she never experienced. However unoriginal this may seem, Morgan at least possesses a unique sort of grungy charm that is refreshing for an audience sick of pretty boys. With a plot-line that my 12-year-old cousin probably could've written, Husband comes off as cute, sappy, and utterly predictable. C+
2008 Woodie Awards
