We wrote a while ago that the movies of fall 2001 were not drawing a good deal of search interest. But what about 2002? We are now beginning to see interest in the movie which may be the first hit of next year: Black Hawk Down.

Black Hawk Down is based on a best-selling book by reporter Mark Bowden. It tells the story of the 1993 battle in Mogadishu, Somalia, between U.S. Army Rangers and troops loyal to Somalian warlord Mohammed Farrah Aidid.

According to the website Upcomingmovies.com, "An elite force of 120 American Delta Force units and Ranger infantry were dropped into Mogadishu on October 3rd, 1993, to abduct two of Aidid's lieutenants. Instead, two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down, and what was expected to take an hour lasted 15, resulting in the deaths of 18 Americans, 73 wounded, and hundreds of Somalians dead." Part of the movie involves the rescue of those Rangers who were shot down, and the movie's tag line is "Leave No Man Behind."

Black Hawk Down has a lot going for it. First of all, it is timely. Our war in Afghanistan -- and the possible introduction of ground troops -- makes the parallels to Somalia inescapable. Much of the Defense Department's planning seems to be aimed at preventing another Mogadishu occurrence. Add to this the fact that the men who shot down the Black Hawk were possibly members of a cell of Al-Qaeda.

Second, the film has buzz. Test screenings have reportedly gone very well. The movie was originally supposed to open in March. Now it has been moved back to January 18, with New York and Los Angeles screenings scheduled for December 28 so that the movie makes it just under the wire for Oscar consideration.

Third, the film has an ensemble cast of up-and-coming stars. Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, and William Fichtner all appear in the film, along with the well-respected Sam Shepard as the commanding officer. Most importantly, this is the next big film for Mr. Breakout Star 2001, Josh Hartnett.

The film may even bring its own breakout star, actor Eric Bana. This will be the first American film for the Australian heartthrob, previously famous as a sketch comic.

If you want to know more about Black Hawk Down before it appears in theatres, you can buy the book at Lycos Shop. Or, check out this detailed website about the book and our war in Somalia.

TOMORROW: The new Lycos 50.