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Fall movie preview

Hollywood hopes big stars equal big blockbusters

After a record-breaking summer, the major movie studios are banking on the Toms (Hanks and Cruise), Julia, Nicole and Angelina to keep churning out box-office hits this fall.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets
December 21
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Buena Vista (DIS)
Nicolas Cage has become somewhat of a caricature in the past few years, shouting his way through movies in a way that probably would even make Al Pacino, who hasn't exactly been known for subtle performances lately, cringe.

But there is no denying that Cage still puts fannies in the seats at the multiplex. To that end, the first "National Treasure" film, which was described by some as kind of a "Da Vinci Code' lite, was a surprise blockbuster in 2004, grossing $173 million.

Now, Cage is back in his role as adventurer Benjamin Franklin Gates. This time around, he's trying to discover clues about what really happened when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

The movie, produced by Disney's Buena Vista studio, is sure to appeal to people right around the holidays and probably should do big box office. Box Office Mojo's Gray said the movie has the potential to replicate the success of last year's surprise hit "Night at the Museum" since it is a family-friendly film.

"The 'National Treasure' sequel is positioned to take advantage of the Christmas audience. It's a big movie that the whole family could go to just like 'Night at the Museum' last year," Gray said.


The Brave One

The Kingdom

The Darjeeling Limited

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?

Saw IV

American Gangster

The Kite Runner

Bee Movie

Lions for Lambs

No Country for Old Men

Beowulf

The Golden Compass

I Am Legend

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Charlie Wilson's War
Blockbuster and Netflix are slugging it out in the DVD market. And the two companies are now taking their battle to the online movie download and streaming business as well. (more)
Powerhouse director Peter Rosten prepares high school students for film careers from an outpost in Montana. (more)
A series of sequels and other blockbusters like "The Simpsons" and "Transformers" helped heat up the silver screen this summer. (more)
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