New year to mark release
of movie sequels
By Jeff Cantwell
Staff
Writer
The new year is here and the movie industry is
now on the wake of the gaudy, big-drama Oscar rush. So what does the
average moviegoer have to look forward to this year? Sequels. 2002
is the year of the sequel, with "Blade 2," "Men in Black 2," and "Harry
Potter" and "Lord of the Rings" installments. And who could forget
"Star Wars: Attack of the Clones." But those don't come around for
months. Here is a look at some of the movies coming during your semester
here at Purdue.
January
Black Hawk Down: The true story of a botched
mission in Somalia. This film was released in three theaters to be
considered for this year's Oscars, but it gets its world release on
Jan. 18. With a strong cast and an unstoppable director, this Ridley
Scott film is an experience moviegoers shouldn't miss. Jan. 18
Brotherhood of the Wolf: Opening in France
last year to rave reviews, this movie makes its United States premier.
This genre-crossing film combines horror, martial arts and period
drama into one experience that could be the coolest film on screen
this year. Jan. 25
Count of Monte Cristo: The ultimate tale
of revenge. Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce are two strong actors on the
rise. It looks to be a solid remake of the classic tale. Jan. 25
February
Collateral Damage: The long delayed Arnold
Schwarzenegger action flick hits theaters in early February. The plot
focuses on a one-man revenge on a terrorist. The last Arnie flick,
"The Sixth Day," was actually better than it looked; maybe this film
will have the same luck. Feb. 8
Hart's War: Yet another war movie about
a general (Bruce Willis) and a young soldier (Collin Farrell) and
an escape from a prison camp. Farrell is trying to prove that all
the talk of his talent is true. He will have to work especially hard
after "American Outlaws." Feb. 15
Queen of the Damned: Another screen adaptation
to an Anne Rice vampire novel. The late Aaliyah has the starring role.
Hopefully it can hold up to its predecessor, "Interview with a Vampire,"
which had the help of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. Feb. 22
March
We Were Soldiers: The Vietnam War movie
starring Mel Gibson, written and directed by William Wallace, was
moved forward in Hollywood's rush to release war movies. Look for
heroic deeds, powerful speeches and valiant sacrifices all in the
name of America. Mar. 1
Time Machine: Another remake of a classic
novel, this time one by H.G. Wells. Guy Pearce stars as the man who
wishes to save the past, but instead ends up fighting for the future.
Mar. 8
Resident Evil: The overly popular video
game gets the transfer to the big screen. Don't expect much from this
film, but hopefully Milla Jovovich and Michelle Rodriguez ("The Fast
and the Furious") will give us a horrifically tense experience. Mar
15
E.T: In Hollywood's ever-present need
to fix what is not broken, Steven Spielberg is re-releasing his classic
alien film with newly enhanced visual effects, for example, E.T.'s
mouth moves more realistically. There will also be a few new scenes.
It will be great to see "E.T." on the big screen again, even if they
do change the guard's machine guns into flashlights. Mar. 22
Blade II: The surprise smash, "Blade,"
has led to its sequel. Look for a full returning cast, more vampires
and more violence. With luck, the film will not fall into the sequel
trap of rehashing the original. Mar 29
April
Big Trouble: Postponed because of Sept.
11, this comedy based on the Dave Barry novel looks like an entertaining
romp of a film, even with terrorists and shootings. A strong cast
including Tim Allen and Rene Russo lead the way. Apr. 5
Changing Lanes: Ben Affleck and Sam Jackson
star in this thriller about an unfortunate accident and what results
when Jackson gets angry at a yuppie Affleck. Seems pretty run of the
mill, but it could be a surprise. Apr. 12
The Scorpion King: The worst part of "The
Mummy Returns" — The Rock gets his own film. This movie just
looks down right dumb, but with The Rock in the lead and the power
of wrestling behind it, it seems bound to make a killing at the box
office. Apr. 19
These are not, by any means, all the films to
look forward to this spring. You shouldn't forget about "Spiderman"
in early May. But hopefully this gets your mind moving for the 2002
movie season.
