Although 2000 seemed promising, many film critics were less than enthusiastic about Hollywood"s releases last year. According to box-office numbers, which were low compared to previous years, movie consumerism was lackluster as well. Whether it was due to a less-than satisfactory crop of movies, soaring ticket prices or the growing popularity of DVDs, the exact reasons are unknown. However, looking at what is in store for 2001, it is apparent that in response to low ticket sales Hollywood is recycling previously successful ideas and genres. Many of the films coming out in the next couple of years either borrow from the plots of former blockbusters or are sequels to the original. The following is a list of movies either in production or set for release in 2001:

"Hannibal" (release date: Feb. 9)

There"s been a lot of hype surrounding this sequel to "Silence of the Lambs." MGM"s latest publicity stunt was to send over 500 cooking books out to various media sources, with each book signed "Bon Appetit" by Hannibal Lector. Hannibal Lector, of course, is the serial-killing cannibal character made famous by actor Anthony Hopkins.

Although Hopkins will be reprising his role as Lector for the sequel, Jodie Foster chose not to return as FBI agent Clarice Starling. Incidentally, actress Julianne Moore will be playing Starling. It has been reported that one of Foster"s reasons for not coming back is due to her dislike for the book upon which "Hannibal" is based.

The original director, Jonathan Demme, has also bowed out of the project because he believes the book to be too violent. Instead, Ridley Scott ("Alien," "Gladiator") will be directing. Although the movie ends differently than the book, "Hannibal" is said to follow the novel quite closely, with the plot involving Clarice Starling protecting Lector from a vengeful victim (Gary Oldman). Ray Liotta also stars.

"Pearl Harbor" (release date: May 25)

Starring Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett, "Pearl Harbor" can best be described as a mix between "Titanic" and "Saving Private Ryan." Affleck and Hartnett each play aviators who fall in love with the same woman. Based upon the fateful bombing that occurred at the Pearl Harbor naval base on December 7, 1941, the movie also covers the events that followed, including the raid on Tokyo.

Directed by Michael Bay ("The Rock," "Armageddon") and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, this movie promises to be full of action, cool special effects and pyrotechnics. In fact, despite its whopping starting budget of $145 million Ben Affleck is only getting $250,000, a petty paycheck compared to the millions he"s received for past projects. The film also stars Alec Baldwin, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Tom Sizemore ("Saving Private Ryan") and Jon Voight.

"American Pie 2" (tentative release date: Summer 2001)

Alyson Hannigan ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), who played the scene-stealing "band camp" girl, is unsure about coming back for this sequel. However, most of the original cast members are expected to return, in addition to actor Bill Paxton ("Twister"), who is reportedly in talks to play Stifler"s dad. (We were only introduced to Stifler"s mom in the first movie.)

Also, Adam Hertz is again penning the screenplay, although the plot of "American Pie 2" has yet to be announced. The two latest rumors, though, involve the four boys either going to Europe to find Nadia (Shannon Elizabeth) or simply reuniting back home after their first year at college.

"Jurassic Park 3" (release date: July 18)

With the last "Jurassic Park" installment "The Lost World," grossing $229 million domestically, "Jurassic Park 3" was inevitable. Instead of picking up where "The Lost World" left off, though, actor Sam Neill (Dr. Grant) has told the Australia Morning Herald that the movie is actually set in-between the first two films.

Although plot details remain to be confirmed, the premise of "Jurassic Park 3" is expected to revolve around a rescue attempt led by Dr. Grant, when an airplane crashes on the island. Laura Dern (Dr. Ellie Sattler), is returning to do a cameo, but the rest of the cast is new and includes such notables as Tea Leoni ("The Family Man") and William H. Macy ("Magnolia").

"Planet of the Apes" (release date: July 27)

Say good-bye to Charlton Heston. Not only are the rumors of a cameo false, but this new version of Pierre Boulle"s 1963 novel will look nothing like Heston"s 1968 film. Although the premise is the same a pilot (Mark Wahlberg) lands on a strange new planet where human-like apes dominate this contemporary version will have a decidedly modern-day slant.

Directed by Tim Burton ("Sleepy Hollow"), 20th Century Fox has kept many of the details under wraps.