We here at the Austinist Film Section believe that holidays should be extended for as long as possible, which is why we are just now bringing you all the news that is fit to be released regarding SXSW 08. Don't judge us. Everybody needs a little vacay now and then. That said, we are super pumped about the 2008 opening night film, 21.

Based on the 2003 Ben Mezrich romp Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, odds are that 21 will be more fun than a bank of slot machines after six Long Island Iced Teas. It's a crap shoot though, considering that Director Robert Luketic's last two projects were the almost unwatchable Monster-In-Law (Jane Fonda and J.Lo? How could this go wrong?) and the tail end of a stream of silly tween comedies, Win a Date With Tad Hamilton! . However, he did direct the jackpot of guilty pleasures, Legally Blonde. I mean, we've just made a string of bad gambling jokes, so the least we can do is give the guy a little grace. Keep in mind that 21 is backed by the acting chops of Kevin Spacey, with pretty faces Kate Bosworth and that guy from the Beatles movie, so if nothing else, it will be easy to look at. And it has a rolling-on-a-bed-covered-in-money scene, which automatically earns it at least three stars from us, sight unseen.

As a side note, if you haven't read Mezrich's book, do it now. Everyone loves David and Goliath stories and this one is fast paced and action packed. Furthermore, the hilarious dust jacket made us think it was published in the 1970s, giving off visions of high roller suites awash in orange shag carpeting and plush purple leisure suits. Apparently when you win millions of dollars, the last thing on your mind is art direction.

In addition to the opening night film, a slew of other titles have been released for this year's festival, and we are giddy with anticipation:

At the Death House Door
Directed by Steve James and Peter Gilbert, this doc follows the story of Carlos DeLuna, a prisoner who was possibly wrongly executed by our state's very fine penal system and Pastor Carroll Pickett, the Death House Chaplain, who was present at the very first lethal injection in Texas and also spent the last day of DeLuna's life with him. Considering the current state of the union regarding lethal injections, we predict that this one will be standing room only.

Dreams With Sharp Teeth
People either love or hate Harlan Ellison. He is known as much for his work in the genre of science fiction as he is for his combustive temperament. In this documentary portrait, director Erik Nelson helps Ellison to look back on his fabled and influential writing career, bringing out the humanity of the man through the eyes of his family and friends.

Flawless
Demi Moore Diamond Heist! She may be old, but damn, she looks good. Directed by Michael Radford, Moore and our old man crush Michael Caine flit about 1960's London, plotting to steal The Man's lucky charms. Finally, a movie about diamonds without the crushing guilt.

Run Fatboy Run
Even with moobs, Simon Pegg will forever be our red headed sweetheart. In this no doubt gut-busting comedy, directed by awkward incarnate David Schwimmer, Pegg takes cues from the Pointer Sisters and decides to Jump Run for MyThandie Newton's Love. If only 26.2 miles weren't such an incredibly long distance....

Wild Blue Yonder
Celia Maysles had no idea her father and his brother Albert were pioneers of verite documentary filmmaking. In her directorial debut, Maysles is determined to find her roots, with or without the blessing of her family.

Apparently the full list of films will be available in February, but we urge you to buy your badges now while the price is right, or at least lower than it will become this Friday, January 11th, when you will be laying down at least $25 bucks more. If nothing else, just check out SXSW Film's new snazzy website with up-to-the-minute information on the goings on and the happenings. March 7th is only two months away people! Get Excited!