Cinematic leftovers: There may be some tasty treats hidden among 2008's castoffs

Is anyone still waiting to see "Fanboys," "He's Just Not That Into You" or "Inkheart"?

The three movies — the first two are comedies, the third is a fantasy — have been scheduled for release and then remained unreleased for so long that it's a wonder anyone even knows they exist at all.

However, there's a better-than-decent chance we'll actually see all three of them at the start of 2009. The early months are typically a period in which studios often dump their "leftovers" or "castoffs" from previous movie "seasons."

Still, you shouldn't completely despair over the early month movie selections. They also include a few movies that are garnering awards talk. Most of those films already opened in New York and Los Angeles around the holidays, so they could qualify for Academy Award consideration. They then get "wider" release, in other cities, over the following months.

Among the acclaimed, supposed 2008 films that will arrive in Utah in early 2009 are the animated war documentary "Waltz With Bashir," Clint Eastwood's latest, "Gran Torino," "The Wrestler" and the fact-based war drama "Defiance."

January also sees the wide release of "Revolutionary Road," a domestic drama that reteams "Titanic" stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

And while we're at it, other early 2009 offerings include:

3-D — In addition to a new IMAX documentary, "Under the Seas," there's a gimmicky remake of the horror film "My Bloody Valentine" and "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience."

ACTION AND THRILLS — Lawsuits permitting, we'll see the release of the "Watchmen" comic book adaptation. And if not, there's still "The International" and "Killshot."

COMEDIES — "Bride Wars" and "Confessions of a Shopaholic" are both clearly aimed at women, while "All About Steve" is probably for guys. But what to make of "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" and "The Pink Panther 2?"

HORROR — "U" seems to be a popular letter for such titles. Witness this season's "The Unborn," "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" and "The Uninvited."

More than 40 movies are scheduled to open between now and the start of March. See New films coming to theater near you this winter for a list of films and tentative release dates.

E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com