Comic Con: Report #3
Posted by: Paul Heath
Source: Zboneman.com
Date: 11th August 2005

In the last of his reports from this year's COMIC CON over in San Diego, Zboneman's Adam Mast attends panels for KING KONG, SUPERMAN RETURNS, THE FOG, AEON FLUX and more. Check it out!

Taking a cue from the madness that was Friday, John and I decided that we weren’t going to screw around on Saturday. Not with the line-up Comic Con had planned for that particular day. Our plan was to get in line at 5:30 A.M. Even though the Superman Returns panel wasn’t until 10:30 A.M., we knew it was going to be a big day, and we were certain that there would be fans crazier than us. Sadly, we couldn’t twist Tyler’s arm into taking part in our pre-dawn madness, but we did convince him to drop us off at the convention center. He then went back to the hotel to sleep. Upon arrival, things were somewhat confusing. We went directly to Hall H to discover only three people in line. About two hundred feet away, there was another line of about 100 people. We began to question which damn line we were supposed to be in. No one seemed to be sure. Finally, a group of security guards appeared and said there would actually be two lines. One for Hall H and one to get into the collector’s floor. At this point, John and I were in the collector’s floor line, so we made a mad sprint back to the other line. Well, I made the sprint. John was unable to run because of his defective mouth. It was just too damn painful for him. By the time I got to the Hall H line, I was still number three (as was John), so no big loss.

We passed the hours chilling with the cool folks behind us in line. We talked movies and such, and it made the time go by much faster. We also watched Dawn of the Dead (I’m talking the original Romero classic! Not that dull remake!) on our portable DVD player. John even managed to catch a few zzz’s. I was too wired to sleep. I continued talking movies with our new found friends. At about 9:30 A.M., we were let into Hall H. This was a big improvement over the way things were handled the previous morning. On Friday, the first event of the day started late because they couldn’t get everyone in the building in time. They weren’t about to let that happen today. Once we got into Hall H it was, once again, mad dash time. As fate would have it, John and I got front row dead center. It doesn’t get any better than that. After sitting for a few minutes, security tried to re-position the center section to the side seats. Why? we’re not certain. Given that we all waited long hours in line, it seemed only fair that we got the best seats in the house. At any rate, the security guards were no match for the sizable crowd that took up nearly the entire middle/front portion of the hall. None of us were budging, so they finally just gave up. In the end, if they didn’t want us to sit where we were sitting, they should have just roped the area off like they did with the press area on the side/front section of the hall. Anyway, as we got ever so closer to show time, the bigger the buzz became. At about 10:00 A.M., Tyler showed up and was amazed to see how well the line wait paid off. We were in for one hell of a day, and I’m about to tell you all about it.

WARNER BROTHERS PRESENTS SUPERMAN RETURNS

I adore Richard Donner’s take on Superman. It remains my very favorite superhero adaptation of all time. I even enjoyed Richard Lester’s Superman II albeit not quite as much as the first film. For years, Warner Brothers has tried to re-ignite the franchise. Kevin Smith took a whack at the screenplay, and Tim Burton and Nicolas Cage were even attached to the project for a while. Ultimately though, it would be X-Men and The Usual Suspects helmer Bryan Singer who would step up to the plate and take on what is easily one of the most eagerly anticipated superhero films of all time. Singer flew in from Australia just to pump up the crowd (and boy were his arms tired), and it was evident that the guy was exhausted beyond belief as he had bags under his eyes. Why did he make the trip? Simply put, this was Comic-Con, and Superman is perhaps the most popular comic book of all time, so the humble film maker (an absolute fan favorite) felt that he needed to be there. Singer fielded questions and even went into detail about the genesis of this sequel and why he left X-Men III to do this instead. Superman has always been one of his favorite superheroes, and in particular, he is very fond of Donner’s take on the mythology. He even went on to reveal that he pitched his idea for Superman Returns to Richard Donner before he took it to Warner Brothers. Donner loved the pitch and helped Singer land the gig.

Superman Returns’ plot has been kept under wraps, but Singer did suggest that the film will put Superman I and II in a sort of vague history. The title of the movie has two meanings. Obviously, it’s the return of the franchise, but Superman Returns is also meant to be taken literal as well. In the film, Superman flees Earth only to return several years later. Upon his return, things are quite different. For starters, Lois Lane is now married and with child. Why Superman leaves in the first place is unclear, but it’s certainly a terrific concept. Singer blew the audience away with a reel of footage, a four minute glimpse featuring several stunning images (accompanied by John Williams’ stirring score) and we were the first audience to see it. New comer Brandon Routh looks exceptional as the Man of Steel, but it’s his moments as Clark Kent that are most appealing. There were other cool images to be found in the reel including a shot of Kevin Spacey as Lex Luther, James Karen and Eva Marie Saint as Clark Kent’s human parents, and Frank Langella as Daily Planet head honcho Perry White. There were also a couple of quick glimpses of Superman taking flight. Although this was a mere tease, it was more then enough to whet our appetites. I’m so pumped for this movie, I can’t even tell you! It doesn’t open until next summer, but I’m already counting the days. On a special side note, Singer revealed that he will use John Williams’ main theme in the movie, and he also mentioned that there will be unused Marlon Brando footage from the first film incorporated into Superman Returns. On June 30 2006, look to the sky!

PARAMOUNT PICTURES PRESENTS WAR OF THE WORLDS AND AEON FLUX

WAR OF THE WORLDS

War of the Worlds had already been unleashed by the time Comic Con rolled around, but that didn’t stop Paramount and Dreamworks from doing a small presentation with the film’s special effects crew. The most interesting part of the presentation came when an audience member asked effects supervisor Pablo Helman if Spielberg was aware of an inconsistency involving a working digital camera in the beginning of the film, at a point when all mechanical devices had apparently been rendered inoperatable. Helman smiled and said that he didn’t think Spielberg really cared. The truth is, in a film like War of the Worlds, if the film maker has you in the palm of his hand, little things like that don’t really matter. Strangely though, legions of movie fans have been quick to point out numerous flaws in War of the Worlds. Personally, I recognized the flaws but enjoyed the movie so much, that I didn’t really care.

AEON FLUX

Aeon Flux is a live action version of the trippy animated shorts that were made famous by MTV. The movie stars Charlize Theron as a sort of futuristic bad ass trained to survive under any conditions. The movie has a visually sumptuous look to it, and the director of the project was clearly inspired by The Matrix. Theron was in attendance to take questions but mostly, guys were just staring at her. I know that sounds sexist, but it’s the honest to God truth. Truthfully though, I was listening and I wasn’t feeling it. I just didn’t get the impression that she really wanted to be there all that much. Still, Aeon Flux looks like an interesting flick. I’ll certainly see it when it comes out.

KEVIN SMITH

I have a fair share of friends who can’t stand Kevin Smith. They either say he’s too offensive or that he’s just flat out overrated. While I still consider these people friends, I have to say, firmly, that they’re out of their fucking minds! And I’m not just saying that because the Clerks creator bares an uncanny resemblance to the Boneman. Kevin Smith is an absolute scream, and I love the guy’s attitude. I’ve had the opportunity to meet him in person a couple of times, the first being at a Sundance screening of what I believe to be his most accomplished work, Chasing Amy. He was incredibly gracious, and the way he talks to his fans really has to be witnessed to be understood. He not only talks, he listens. This is to say that he really loves to engage in conversations. He has an incredible knack for getting along with everyone he comes into contact with. For those not familiar, his public appearances have become absolutely legendary, and anyone whose seen his "An Evening With Kevin Smith" DVD knows exactly what I’m talking about. Smith was on hand at Comic Con 2005, and he had the 6,500 capacity crowd in the palm of his hand. For an hour he energetically threw out filthy jokes, discussed future projects and even got into a nasty verbal match with a crazed religious zealot in the audience. The highlight came when an eager fan revealed that his own father blamed Mr. Smith for the way he turned out. Smith replied with a playful; "Why? Because I fucked your mother?" The audience howled with laughter and then were just as suddenly hushed by the young man’s inevitable response; "Actually, my mother’s dead" the somber fan revealed. Gasps could be heard throughout the hall. Always the seasoned veteran however, Smith got the last laugh. "I know." he quipped without a second thought. "That’s because I fucked her to death."

Smith consistently gets away with behavior like this because he’s so damn likable. No matter how vulgar he gets (and he gets awfully vulgar) there’s always a playfulness that makes him incredibly endearing. As far as what Mr. Smith has in store for the future, he did mention that he is prepping Clerks 2: Passion of the Clerks and should have it out early next year. This sequel will re-connect with Dante and Randal (as well as Jay and Silent Bob) ten years after the raunchy adventures that took place in the first picture, in a kind of bathroom humor version of Before Sunset. Smith also shocked the audience when he revealed he will direct a feature based on the famed Canadian television show Degrassi (a show which he and Jason Mewes will also guest star in). Finally, at the end of his hour long discussion, he introduced Richard Kelly (director of Donnie Darko) to the stage. The film maker spoke a bit about his long awaited new effort, a futuristic sci fi musical called Southland Tales. Kevin Smith will have a supporting role in the movie. Very little is known about the actual plot, and Kelly was vague about details, but if it’s anything like Donnie Darko, then expect something innovative and unique. Sign me up. The hour was really about Smith though, who proved once again why he’s become so popular through the years – because he loves his fans and treats them as equals. If you haven’t seen An Evening With Kevin Smith, check out the DVD. Also, watch for Evening Harder: An Evening With Kevin Smith Vol. 2 due out at the end of the year.

UNIVERSAL PRESENTS SLITHER AND SERENITY

SLITHER

I wasn’t familiar with the new film Slither, but after the panel, I was kind of excited about the flick. It’s a new horror picture from screenwriter James Gunn. I’m not a huge fan of this guy. He wrote the remake of Dawn of the Dead as well as the live action Scooby Doo movies, and Slither is his directorial debut. This horror film basically plays on the "dangerous plague infects town" formula. But I have to tell you, I love Gunn’s energy and enjoyed listening to his cast talk about the project, most notably Michael Rooker (Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer) and Nathan Fillion (of the soon to be released Serenity). They were extremely charismatic. Gunn showed a trailer for the movie and it looks pretty damn entertaining if a tad derivative. What’s most impressive, is the use of old school make up effects. There will be CG but it will be minimal. As a result, Slither looks to have an 80's gorefest feel to it (think Re-Animator and Return of the Living Dead). Gunn also promises plenty of blood. This movie will be rated R. Amen to that!

SERENITY

I was fortunate enough to see Serenity back in May. I don’t have a review up because I’ve been so damn busy covering various events, but I should have it up soon. To paraphrase though, Joss Whedon knocked it out of the park. I never saw Firefly (the TV. show that inspired Serenity) but the film made me want to go back and take a look at the series. Since the show’s cancellation, legions of fans (known as Brown Coats) have kept it’s spirit alive, and because of it, Whedon decided to make a feature film. As it turns out, the movie is damn good. I suppose it does have a slight TV. feel to it, but it’s worlds better than other recent films that have made the jump to the big screen (i.e. Bewitched and The Dukes of Hazzard). Serenity is science fiction, but it isn’t a Trek rip off. It’s something much different. Serenity is hip, witty and alive with perfectly placed humor and it also benefits from a couple of really unexpected shocks. What really makes the film soar though, is the cast chemistry. And that chemistry was alive and well on stage as all the actors in the film (with exception of Alan Tudyk who couldn’t make it because of the flu) were on hand to discuss the movie and pledge their allegiance to Captain Joss Whedon. The entire cast was alive with energy, and this was probably the most entertaining of all the actual film panels. The fans asked many questions, but the most interesting one came from an attendee who wanted to know in which fashion each cast member might want their character to be killed off. There is a bit of irony to this question but I can’t go into it or it might ruin a surprise in the movie. Anyway, this cast treats each other as family and it comes across on screen and off. Serenity opens on Sept. 30th. It’s a terrific entertainment. Go check it out. I should be able to get a review up before then.

SONY PRESENTS THE FOG, UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION, AND GHOST RIDER

UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION

This follow up to Underworld basically looks like more of the same. The gorgeous Kate Beckinsale runs around in a tight leather outfit on cool looking sets in a film cut to look like a music video. Still, it could be fun. Oh and did I mention it features Kate Beckinsale running around in a tight leather outfit? As for Scott Speedman, all I can say is this; If there’s ever a bio pic made about the band Creed, Speedman has to play lead singer Scott Stapp. The director was on hand along with Speedman and Beckinsale. The most touching moment of the panel came when a weeping female fan poured her heart out and told Beckinsale how much she admired her. Beckinsale was so moved that she got up from the stage, ran over, and gave the young woman a hug. Immediately following, the next attendee (who happened to be male), told Beckinsale how much he admired her...needless to say, it didn’t work out as well for him. But it fetched a good-natured laugh. Regardless, I really like Beckinsale a lot. She was excellent in Laurel Canyon, and I’d like to see her do movies of that nature. Not that there’s anything wrong with her running around in tight leather outfits mind you.

THE FOG

This is one of those projects that just pisses me off. I’m a huge fan of John Carpenter’s original, even if it was plagued by an extremely low budget. That was one of it’s many charms. Carpenter was forced to be creative in a pre-CGI world and the end result was a creepy, atmospheric thriller that should have been left alone. Alas, Hollywood never learns. Strangely though, Carpenter himself is involved in this project as a consultant. This version of The Fog is being directed by Rupert Wainwright (screenwriter of Stigmata), and if the trailer is any indication, I don’t think I’m going to like the movie too much. The effects look showy and the film appears to be cut like the recent Amityville Horror remake, another updating I couldn’t stand. This Fog will star Tom Welling of Smallville fame and independent film darling Parker Posey, a terrific actress who will take on a role made famous by Adrien Barbeau. Let’s just say that Posey is going to have some awfully big cups to fill. I hope this movie is good, but I can’t get excited about it at all.

GHOST RIDER

Marvel’s comic book Ghost Rider gets the big screen treatment with Daredevil director Mark Steven Johnson at the helm and Nicolas Cage and Eva Mendes starring. I’m not too familiar with the source material but by the sound of the applause, it was apparent that most of the crowd was. Cage will play the title role, a biker/superhero. Director Johnson took a fair share of abuse in an extremely gracious fashion. At one point, a disgruntled audience member leaned toward the microphone and blurted out: "Look! I don’t mean to sound like an asshole here but Daredevil–WHAT THE FUCK!" Johnson was quick to point out that there were many people who didn’t like that film, but that he was still very proud of it. He also encouraged fans to seek out the special edition on DVD. At any rate, he promises that Ghost Rider will be a great time. He also revealed that Cage (he couldn’t be at Comic Con because he was shooting a movie) is a huge fan of Ghost Rider and plans on doing justice to the project. Eva Mendes is spunky and tough. She’s also quite the looker. Ghost Rider opens in 2006.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS KING KONG

Of all the films coming out in 2005, King Kong is the one I’m most excited about. Why? For a number of reasons. Peter Jackson directing! State of the art special effects! A retelling of an absolute classic! And, of course, it stars Jack Black! While I am tired of retreads, this is one I have a lot of faith in. Peter Jackson has often suggested that the original 30's version of Kong was a major inspiration so it comes as no surprise that he’s taking on this project. Quite frankly, I don’t think there’s a better man for the job. Mr. Jackson couldn’t be at Comic Con this year as he’s knee deep in post production, but he did send a taped message in which he talked about the making of the movie. He also presented the trailer which nearly everyone has seen at this point. Of course being the amazingly cool guy Jackson is, he wouldn’t let us leave without letting us taste a little something extra. In this case, it was a three and a half minute sequence featuring a pissed off Kong fighting off a family of hungry T-Rexs in an attempt to rescue damsel in distress Ann Darow (Naomi Watts). What made this sequence so unique was the fact that only about 25 % of the effects shots were completed. For anyone whose really into movies, this was a special honor, as we were treated to a true look into the film making process. While the breathtaking sequence was incomplete, it flowed amazingly well inter-cutting live shots of Naomi Watts reacting to nothing in front of a blue screen, to animatic shots of Kong pummeling a vicious T-Rex. Following the surprisingly lengthy sequence, Mr. Jackson once again apologized for not being able to be in attendance via a video message. Thankfully though, there were other representatives in the house as the lights came up–Adrien Brody, Naomi Watts and Jack Black. The audience went nuts. As the three actors fielded questions from the crowd, it was clear that Mr. Black was the big draw on this particular day. He really looked to be enjoying himself. When it was initially announced that Black would be Carl Denham in King Kong, many frowned. Not me. I thought it was a great choice. I love Adrien Brody and Naomi Watts, but it is brilliant funny man Jack Black that stands to gain the most exposure from this movie. I’m rooting for you Broseph.

TENACIOUS D

What better way to end our Comic Con adventure than with a live performance from the self proclaimed greatest rock band in the world. I’m referring, of course, to the musical stylings of Tenacious D. Kevin Smith actually introduced the band suggesting that Tenacious D were part of a very short list of men who’s dicks he’d suck if given the opportunity. As the D hit the stage, KG immediately walked up to Smith and dropped trou. It was a hilarious (if a tad disturbing) sight. Front men Jack Black and Kyle Gass then dazzled the crowd with a near hour long set of classics (including “Tribute,” “Wonder Boy,” and “Fuck Her Gently”) and new tunes (including a winner called “What’s Wrong With Our Government”) which are to be featured in their upcoming movie. That’s right! A Tenacious D movie. It’s called The Pick of Destiny. The title alone is hilarious, and I’m sure that’s not even a fraction of how hilarious the movie will be. Not much is known about the plot but who really cares. IT’S A TENACIOUS D MOVIE! I’m guessing it’ll have some kind of a Spinal Tap vibe to it. It’s being directed by Liam Lynch and should be out next year. Anyway, the performance was awe inspiring. What I really love about these guys is that you can’t just dismiss them as some crazy novelty act. They’re amazing musicians and extremely funny dudes to boot. Jack is a manic ball of energy, while KG is a goofy, lovable teddy bear. Simply put, these guys rocked the house. I didn’t want their set to end. If you don’t own their CD pick it up, and if you haven’t seen their HBO series, by all means–TREAT YOURSELVES NOW! It’s available on DVD. Tenacious D are raunchy but extremely funny, and they truly are one of the greatest rock bands in the world.

Following the righteous Tenacious D set, I bumped into actor Miguel Ferrer (of Robocop fame) who was on hand to promote New Line Cinema’s The Man. It was actually bizarre that he was there as I had been cracking John and Tyler up with this weird impersonation I do from the movie Robocop. I also managed to get a Tenacious D guitar pick from JB and KG touring buddy, Lee (there’s a terrific tune about him on the D’s debut album). What an honor.

IT’S A WRAP

A lot of really cool events went down at Comic Con 2005. Far too many for us to cover everything. Hell, we didn’t even get to stay through Sunday. That’s when Disney did their much buzzed about presentation on The Chronicles of Narnia. Universal also did a big piece on Doom starring The Rock. Oh well, you can’t have everything. Anyway, as you can plainly see, we did get to see some really amazing stuff. If your into movies and comic books, hit Comic Con in San Diego next July. It’s a blast!

Adam Mast. Zboneman.com

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