Author: Timothy

  • Comic-Con: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

    The panel for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was entertaining, with a lot of the reason being the director himself, Edgar Wright. He called each cast member out on stage while forcing them to describe their feelings in one word — and had an obsession to ask the audience in attendance if they love chocolate.

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    Courtesy of Hickey

    After all the cast members at hand were situated, Wright informed the attendees that there’s two very special guests that he wanted to introduce — he then announced Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. They walked on stage with arms victoriously raised while the crowd erupted with uproarious cheers. Just before shaking hands with the director, Wright then informed the audience, “And they will not be in the movie . . . nor are they special guests.” Pegg and Frost acted disappointed and sad, pathetically walking backstage while the lights dimmed — with “Aww!” from the crowd in unison.

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    Courtesy of Hickey

    Edgar Wright then finally introduced the star of the film, Michael Cera — who came out in a crude Captain America costume; it was a way to tease cast member Chris Evans who couldn’t make it to the panel due to filming Captain America, and the fans ate it up.

    Asked of when he first heard of Scott Pilgrim, Edgar Wright answered that he first caught wind of the comic in 2004 when it came out and instantly fell in love with it. He got in talks with the creator Bryan Lee O’Malley (who participated in the panel) and began work to bring a film adaptation of the comic into fruition.

    Wright then went into detail about the fight scenes being approached as video game levels; and that the actors were trained by the likes of accomplished stuntmen — one namely being Brad Allen.

    Michael Cera talked about a kiss scene and how he was worried about it — since it was a kiss with another guy — so Edgar Wright did the sensible thing and took him aside and casually kissed him on the lips and said, “See? That isn’t so bad!” Wright then cut in, jokingly adding, “I bet Stallone didn’t kiss any of his cast members!”

    At the end of the panel Edgar Wright informed us that the film is shot in 2D and that tickets will be at regular price; the audience cheered; then he excitedly said, “So see it twice!” which garnered louder cheers. The panel came to a close when Wright announced that those in attendance who have a 1-Up button will get to see a screening with him and the cast.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Convention Whoa

    I was meaning to write new posts everyday during Comic-Con, but frankly, it just isn’t possible unless it’s quick tidbits. Then by the time I get home I’m too exhausted to write — but trust me, I’m putting together some posts for my few readers to check out that I’m working on with what ever free time I have. It’ll be worth it. Maybe.

  • Preview Night at Comic-Con

    Yesterday was preview night for Comic-Con, but it didn’t feel like it at all. Downtown was congested with traffic and parking lots were quickly filling up; there were droves of people walking to and from the convention center. It was already packed when I got inside with a friend. It became a physical feat for us to reach the meeting spot with another friend. It felt like a normal day at Comic-Con . . . and it was only preview night.

    We eventually got to the Marvel booth, which had a life-size version of Odin’s throne. There was a queue for posters, so being the comic nerds we are, we got in line. We reached the front and were handed the Thor posters of the art pieces I wrote about yesterday. Score. We asked if they’ll be giving away the Captain America posters as well — we were told that they’ll be handed out later; to check back later. Naturally we headed back to the booth and glanced over the table — they were handing out the Captain America posters. We booked it to the end of the line; one of my friends lightly shoved a kid out of the way. What can I say? It’s exclusive posters and we must have them. So yes, I now have both posters — mission accomplished. I’m ecstatic over it.

    What feels like forever ago, preview night at Comic-Con was more of a way to pick up our badges and take a quick look around the floor. There were hardly any booths set up and many were still in the process of getting ready. Yesterday, it felt like an actual Comic-Con day; all the booths were open for business. Today the real fun begins. God help us all.

  • Thor and Captain America Concept Art Pieces

    Recently Marvel released concept art pieces for Thor and Captain America. They’ll be available at Comic-Con as mini-one-sheets. Obviously this means I’ll be getting them. What? Don’t look at me like that — just look at them!

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  • Dwayne Johnson Returns to Action in Faster

    Finally breaking free from family movies, Dwayne Johnson is making a return to action films in the movie Faster which will open in theaters on Thanksgiving.

    Dwayne Johnson will play the part of an ex-con who is out to avenge his brother’s death, while being chased by a character portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton.

    Frankly, I’m pretty excited to see Faster when it’s released. Dwayne Johnson has a natural charisma that draws in audiences.

  • M. Night Shyamalan Snaps at Reporter

    In a press conference in Mexico City, a reporter asked M. Night Shyamalan if choosing a commercial project (The Last Airbender) was a way to restore faith with the audience who believe his work has regressed  throughout the years — his summarized response was, “I think if I thought like you I’d kill myself”.

    M. Night Shyamalan completely deflected a valid question from a reporter and went on the defensive. He seems to become delusional that his work has only improved; that general opinion and criticisms are something to scoff at. Shyamalan really should take others’ opinions into account — especially since his latest project, Devil, was met with jeers from audiences during the trailer. His ego is going to end up hurting his career if he doesn’t snap out of it and realize he isn’t the visionary he alludes himself to be.

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  • Ghost Rider Sequel

    Despite the failure that the Ghost Rider film was, Nicolas Cage will be reprising the title role. Directing the new movie will be Crank directors Brian Taylor and Mark Neveldine. The screenplay will be based on an old draft written by David Goyer.

    Film rights to Ghost Rider would have went back to Marvel if Sony didn’t put a movie into production by November 14th, so of course they pushed forward.

    As big of a fan Nicolas Cage professes to be, he simply isn’t right for the role. He doesn’t seem capable of portraying the character’s inner struggles, as evident in the prior film.

    The first Ghost Rider movie also suffered from the fight scenes. There were no emotional weight behind any of the fights. Nor was there any real sense of endangerment for Ghost Rider. It merely felt like scenes to segue into the next. The villains were ineffectual and didn’t impose a real threat.

    If there’s going to be any chance of success, they need to stick to the horror elements that they nearly ignored in the first film. They tried to make it a dark action movie, which ultimately hurt the flick. It should have been filmed in a similar vein to Blade, but with the horror ramped up. Shying away from the violence made the film feel cartoon-like — Ghost Rider is a violent, horror comic book; the feel of the comic should be used for the movies.

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    [UPDATE on Ghost Rider Sequel][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Bet on Movies Update

    Earlier in the month I wrote a post on the possibility of trades on the box office. On Thursday a financial reform legislation that includes the ban on trading on box office returns has been approved by the U.S. Senate. Now all that’s needed is a signature from President Obama.

    Overall it was a smart decision. It would have been easily abused to influence the film industry. It would have been counterproductive with a new focus on trading and less on producing a movie that’s worthwhile — suits screw with film projects enough as is. A film should flourish based on its own merits.

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