Little spark seen from winter movies: a few films light up a grim season for tie-ins.(news)(Industry Overview)

THE WINTER MONTHS have typically been a dumping ground for studio films saddled with low expectations, though in recent years a few galloping hits have emerged, like last year's The Passion of the Christ and How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. In 2005, however, there may be a few surprises.

One of the few movies likely to boost book sales is In Her Shoes, a star-studded adaptation of chick-lit doyenne Jennifer Weiner's first novel that opens April 15. While it remains to be seen if the down-to-earth allure of Weiner's books will translate into a must-see movie, it's still likely to expand the market for her fiction.

The 2002 adaptation of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood did only moderate box office business, but put Harper …