A Fast Woman, a Smart Woman and an Angry Man
7. Wanted
Starring: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp, Angelina Jolie
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Release Date: June 27
Links: Trailer, Official Site
This film doesn't have the brand recognition of many of the other films on the list but we included it for a few reasons. First of all, it's based on a graphic novel by Mark Millar (author of Marvel Comics' The Ultimates, The Ultimates 2 and last year's Civil War) that's about a young man who finds out that his late father was part of a cabal of super villains who secretly run the world ever since they eliminated all the superheroes. It's an interesting premise and, in the right hands, there's definitely a movie there.
Another reason "Wanted" made the list is because of director Timur Bekmambetov. The name may not ring a bell but his fantasy-action films "Night Watch" and "Day Watch" are worth tracking down and renting. Bekmambetov has an eye for comic-book-style action and we're interested in what he can do with a bigger budget and some movie star talent.
The movie version of "Wanted" won't follow the graphic novel panel for panel like "Sin City" or "300" and author Mark Millar has said in interviews that the screenplay actually takes quite a few liberties with the original story, but he claims the essence of his story is intact and he's excited about seeing the finished film. Rather than joining up with super villains in the film version; Wesley, the main character, is recruited by a cadre of assassins. Many of the more "comic book" elements of the story have been toned down for accessibility but we hope not at the cost of the story.
Unfortunately, comic book roots and a stylish director may not be enough to make "Wanted" memorable. Too often we've been seduced by trailers showcasing exciting action only to be burned by a movie that relies on style over substance. That could be the case with "Wanted," but we're still hoping for the best.
-Travis Meacham
6. The Incredible Hulk
Starring: Ed Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt
Director: Louis Leterrier
Release Date: June 13
Links: Trailer, Official Site
When the "L.A. Times" attended this year's ShoWest Convention in Las Vegas, writer John Horn asked a number of attendees what they thought the biggest hit, biggest sleeper and biggest bomb of the summer would be. The new "Incredible Hulk" got a lot of votes in the bomb category.
Then the trailer for the new "Incredible Hulk" was unleashed, and it looks...well, a lot like the last one. Wasn't the whole point to reboot the last one, to correct the sins of the past and give fans a superhero franchise they could get behind? Otherwise, why remake a movie that isn't that old? Instead, most folks seem to feel that the Hulk CGI looks just as bad as it did in the 2003 "Hulk," which was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ang Lee. So much for rebooting the franchise.
In all fairness, the movie may surprise us. "The Incredible Hulk" is directed by Louis Leterrier (the "Transporter" films and Jet Li's "Unleashed"), so the action will likely get ramped up. And most importantly it has Edward Norton stepping into the lead role as Bruce Banner/the Hulk. Then again, Norton has been called the next Dustin Hoffman, and that cuts both ways; both actors are supremely talented and both have similar reputations for being "difficult" on the set. Norton told the audience at Comic-Con 2007 that he wrote the Hulk's script, and the surprise announcement set off some red flags since until that point, Zak Penn ("X2: X-Men United" and "X-Men: The Last Stand") was the film's screenwriter.
Still, the promise of an action-packed Hulk movie with a formidable villain in the Abomination (played by Tim Roth) is enough to keep us interested.
- David Konow
5. X-Files: I Want to Believe
Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Amanda Peet
Director: Chris Carter
Release Date: July 25
Links: Official Site
Yes, the title is terrible. Yes, this sequel to the first "X-files" movie is long overdue. And yes, the popular TV series went on way too long and eventually petered out with a whimper instead of an epic bang that fans deserved. Questions loom around this movie, and few of them are positive. Is "X-Files" still relevant? Did the series miss its window for another feature film? And why oh why is the sequel going to be a stand-alone story instead of being part of the treasured alien invasion "mythology"? I have no answers here - only speculation.
Hey, at least David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are back as the loveable duo Mulder and Scully. And perhaps just as important, Carter himself returns as director and co-writer of the new film. The story, written with longtime "X-Files" producer and writer Frank Spotnitz, has been kept under lock and key, which seems appropriate. What we do know is that the sequel will definitely not be part of the alien invasion storyline. Instead, Mulder and Scully return years after the X-Files unit closed to investigate the disappearance of several women in rural Virginia and a mysterious priest who has visions (played by Billy Connelly of "Fido" and "The Boondock Saints" fame). The movie also stars Amanda Peet ("The Whole Nine Yards") and rapper Xzibit as fellow FBI agents. While Mitch Pileggi returns as the venerable supervisor Agent Skinner, former "X-Files" regulars Robert Patrick and Annabeth Gish will not be returning as Agents Doggett and Reyes.
If anything, "I Want to Believe" should be an interesting litmus test for the "X-Files." No doubt, the show's hardcore following will turn out to see the movie for the opening weekend. But beyond that, the sequel will have to provide something that non-diehard fans can get excited about. And perhaps that's why Carter and company are staying away from the complex alien mythology and sticking with a fresh story that doesn't need a good 20 minutes of "Previously on the X-Files..."
- Rob Wright
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