COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL - FRI. JULY 21, 2006
A fresh new day, and we are certainly not any more rested. It’s no joke that Comic Con is a 24/7 experience. So we try to take naps wherever we can. We headed of to the Convention Center, but knew that a Friday held a bigger throng of people to wade through.
“Competing For The Young Adult Mind With Words And Pictures”- A seminar that discussed how to get kids to actually pick up a book and read. We do worry that the new media world will destroy the art of books, but we forget that the Internet requires reading as well. This panel goes over the topics of maintaining interest in the printed word on paper pages, and how children might get into it.
“Who Wants To Be A Superhero” - Stan Lee hosts this panel in which people are invited to submit their ideas, costumes, and attitude into becoming a real, live superhero. The chosen winners will be part of a new TV show on Thursdays, starting July 27th. This was a very cool panel with an idea that really caught the attention of a lot of hidden heroes, and gave them the opportunity to share their visions with the world.
“Snoop Dogg’s Hood Of Horror” - Snoop Dogg himself hosted this preview panel about Snoop’s new urban-tinged horror anthology. Joining him were producer/writer Tim Sullivan, producer Martin Shore, and actors Billy Dee Williams, Ernie Hudson, Danny Trejo, Daniella Alonso, and Brande Roderick. Always an entertaining time when Snoop is in the house.
“Heroes” TV pilot premiere - The cast and producers of the anticipated new TV show, “Heroes,” were onhand to share it with the audience and talk about the making of it. “Heroes” is sure to be a hit, as it follows the escapades of seemingly ordinary people who discover that they have extraordinary abilities. A slight variation of superhero themes.
“Spotlight On Roger Corman” - The king of B-films was on-hand to discuss his 50 years in the filmmaking business. You can’t claim to be a fan of films and not know Roger Corman’s name. He has made some of the greatest cult films to date, and he is the master at maintaining low budgets, while creating quality products. A captivating look at a filmmaking genius.
“Spotlight On Forrest J. Ackerman” - Forry Ackerman is one of the most legendary names in Sci-Fi, especially having coined that very term. For decades he maintained a veritable museum of film in the genres of Sci-Fi, fantasy, and horror, and is a walking encyclopedia.
“New Line Cinema Presents” - A huge crowd anticipated favorite panel, featuring the first appearance of acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson. This preview panel showcased the upcoming “Snakes On A Plane,” “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning,” and “Final Destination 3.” The hall was packed to the gills with star-crazed fans. “Final Destination 3” featured a panel of director James Wong, along with actors Ryan Merriman, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. There was a a brief trailer showing of “TCM:TB.” Then it was on to the main event, as Sam Jackson appeared onstage, to a wildly cheering crowd. On the panel also was actor Keenan Thompson, director David R. Ellis, and snake-wrangler to the stars, a very entertaining Jules Sylvester. Jules scared the brown stains into the underwear of the audience when, amidst showcasing a few of the snake stars of the film, be brought out a 40 foot python. Even Keenan, who had been in the film, opted to quietly walk off side stage. Jules just laughed it off, as he enlisted his volunteers to help him carry the snake onstage. Samuel L. Jackson was on top of his game. He is as nice as one could hope a film star could be, as he chatted with the crowd about the making of the film. There was a Q&A with the audience, as members would be brought up to the microphone in the hallway, to ask questions.
One group of kids asked, “Mr. Jackson, we love and respect you. Would you allow us to make a human throne for you to sit upon?” Jackson laughingly, but politely declined, pondering a moment later on the creepiness factor of that suggestion. Most questions were pretty upfront and intelligent. Then came time for the final question as the panel had to wrap things up. The moderator stated, “And now the final question. This one is going to be really important.” It was just too bad that an idiot was the final questioner. His question was, “Mr. Jackson, how did the snakes get on the plane.” Amidst the groans and boos of the crowd, Jackson tried to contain and compose himself before retorting, “You dumb motherf**ker! You... I can’t believe you. Goddammit. What the hell is wrong with you? Spend your allowance and buy a ticket to see the movie, you motherf**ker! Damn.” in his usual, Samuel L. Jackson manner that has made him famous. The audience applauded wildly at his appropriate comeback, as the questioner quietly sat down. Jackson waved to the crowd and thanked everybody, before saying that he would love to come back again.
“The Descent” Film Premiere - Neil Marshall’s “The Descent” was premiered downtown to audience members who were able to find tickets. For a review of the film, click here:
http://www.kaos2000.net/ftv/filmreviews/descent/
The final event of the evening was the ever-popular “Spike & Mike’s Sick & Twisted Festival Of Animation” - Spike holds the torch for this ongoing animated shorts festival that tours the country. It always begins at Comic Con to test out films to unsuspecting crowds. It has always been a big hit, until recent years. This year, two funny cartoons, some great Bill Plympton works, and the rest was a basic shitfest. ‘Nuff said.
Next up - Saturday, July 22
Written by Philip Anderson with contributions by Keith Denison / Perlito Godoy |
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