Thursday, September 2. 2010
Tally August Movie Days and September Begins!
Movie Tally Time and Blog catch up is here!! I really need to share my stories about my movie watching as I've been having some fun adventures but my procrastination tendencies prevail! Perhaps soon I will just to lock myself in a room and do nothing but write, but until that happens I am here to share my list of flicks that I have seen through July, August and the beginning of this September. YUP! ENJOY!
TOTAL MOVIES SEEN IN 2010: 380
NEW MOVIES: 226
213. Private Parts – 7/20 /10 – VHS
214. Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics – 7/22/10 – SDCC
215. The Lost Boys: The Thirst – 7/22/10 – SDCC
216. Batman: Under The Red Hood – 7/23/10 – SDCC
217. Dark and Stormy – 7/29/30 – New Beverly
218. The Lost Skeleton of Cadarva Returns Again – 7/29/10
219. Salt – 7/30/10 – Disney AMC
220. Leviathan – 7/31/10 – VHS
221. Wheels on Meals – 8/1/10 – VHS
222. The Quiet Earth – 8/5/10 – VHS
223. Hi, Mom! – 8/7/10 – New Beverly
224. Django – 8/8/10 – DVD
225. The Expendables – 8/10/10 – Clarity Screening Room
226. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – 8/13/10 – Burbank AMC
227. Acts of Violence – 8/14/10 – New Beverly
228. You Only Live Twice – 8/19/10 – New Beverly
229. Billion Dollar Brain – 8/19/10 – New Beverly
230. Realm of the Senses – 8/20/10 – New Beverly
231. Empire of Passion – 8/20/10 – New Beverly
232. Death Valley – 8/22/10 – New Beverly
233. Don’t Answer The Phone! – 8/22/10 - On Demand
234. Their Own Desire – 8/24/10 – TCM
235. Piranha 3D – 8/26/10 – Burbank AMC
236. Bad Dreams – 8/29/10 – New Beverly
237. Yakuza Graveyard – 8/31/10 – DVD
238. SECRET MOVIE – 9/1/10 – WB LOT
RE-SEE MOVIES: 129
119. Sky High – 7/25/10 DVD
120. Tears of the Black Tiger – 7/26/10 – DVD
121. Modern Girls – 8/1/10 – New Beverly
122. Rosalie Goes Shopping – 8/2/10 – VHS
123. The Victim – 8/3/10 – DVD
124. Jackie Brown – 8/6/10 – Proud Bird – Alamo Rolling Road Show
125. Enemy Mine – 8/8/10 – New Beverly
126. The Three Caballeros – 8/8/10 – New Beverly
127. The Rocketeer – 8/9/10 – Arclight Hollywood
128. Kick-Ass – 8/11/10 – DVD
129. Kick-Ass – 8/12/10 – DVD
130. Drag Me To Hell – 8/15/10 – On Demand
131. Justice League: The New Frontier – 8/16/10 – DVD
132. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – 8/16/10 – VHS
133. Pete’s Dragon – 8/17/10 – Arclight Pasadena
134. Enchanted – 8/21/10 – TV
135. Zombieland – 8/22/10 - TV
136. Evil Dead II – 8/23/10 – DVD – with Commentary
137. The Black Hole – 8/23/10 – Arclight Hollywood
138. Tapeheads – 8/25/10 – New Beverly
139. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure – 8/29/10 – New Beverly
140. Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey – 8/29/10 – New Beverly
141. Tales From The Darkside: The Movie – 8/30/10 – DVD
142. Atlantis: The Lost Empire – 9/01/10 – DVD
I need to watch more movies! How many movies have you seen?
TOTAL MOVIES SEEN IN 2010: 380
NEW MOVIES: 226
213. Private Parts – 7/20 /10 – VHS
214. Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics – 7/22/10 – SDCC
215. The Lost Boys: The Thirst – 7/22/10 – SDCC
216. Batman: Under The Red Hood – 7/23/10 – SDCC
217. Dark and Stormy – 7/29/30 – New Beverly
218. The Lost Skeleton of Cadarva Returns Again – 7/29/10
219. Salt – 7/30/10 – Disney AMC
220. Leviathan – 7/31/10 – VHS
221. Wheels on Meals – 8/1/10 – VHS
222. The Quiet Earth – 8/5/10 – VHS
223. Hi, Mom! – 8/7/10 – New Beverly
224. Django – 8/8/10 – DVD
225. The Expendables – 8/10/10 – Clarity Screening Room
226. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – 8/13/10 – Burbank AMC
227. Acts of Violence – 8/14/10 – New Beverly
228. You Only Live Twice – 8/19/10 – New Beverly
229. Billion Dollar Brain – 8/19/10 – New Beverly
230. Realm of the Senses – 8/20/10 – New Beverly
231. Empire of Passion – 8/20/10 – New Beverly
232. Death Valley – 8/22/10 – New Beverly
233. Don’t Answer The Phone! – 8/22/10 - On Demand
234. Their Own Desire – 8/24/10 – TCM
235. Piranha 3D – 8/26/10 – Burbank AMC
236. Bad Dreams – 8/29/10 – New Beverly
237. Yakuza Graveyard – 8/31/10 – DVD
238. SECRET MOVIE – 9/1/10 – WB LOT
RE-SEE MOVIES: 129
119. Sky High – 7/25/10 DVD
120. Tears of the Black Tiger – 7/26/10 – DVD
121. Modern Girls – 8/1/10 – New Beverly
122. Rosalie Goes Shopping – 8/2/10 – VHS
123. The Victim – 8/3/10 – DVD
124. Jackie Brown – 8/6/10 – Proud Bird – Alamo Rolling Road Show
125. Enemy Mine – 8/8/10 – New Beverly
126. The Three Caballeros – 8/8/10 – New Beverly
127. The Rocketeer – 8/9/10 – Arclight Hollywood
128. Kick-Ass – 8/11/10 – DVD
129. Kick-Ass – 8/12/10 – DVD
130. Drag Me To Hell – 8/15/10 – On Demand
131. Justice League: The New Frontier – 8/16/10 – DVD
132. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – 8/16/10 – VHS
133. Pete’s Dragon – 8/17/10 – Arclight Pasadena
134. Enchanted – 8/21/10 – TV
135. Zombieland – 8/22/10 - TV
136. Evil Dead II – 8/23/10 – DVD – with Commentary
137. The Black Hole – 8/23/10 – Arclight Hollywood
138. Tapeheads – 8/25/10 – New Beverly
139. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure – 8/29/10 – New Beverly
140. Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey – 8/29/10 – New Beverly
141. Tales From The Darkside: The Movie – 8/30/10 – DVD
142. Atlantis: The Lost Empire – 9/01/10 – DVD
I need to watch more movies! How many movies have you seen?
Wednesday, August 11. 2010
The Rock-A-Who? Up, Up and Blast Away!
I love Super Heroes. It's a simple and true fact about me, being the geek that I am. My Super Hero love likely started with SUPERMAN who flew in via the movies. Later on I fell into comic books and became a DC fangirl where I found my favorite hero BOOSTER GOLD. Then as time went on and I watched more and more movies I became quite fond of hero flicks and it is probably why a film like DARKMAN is my all time favorite.The summer of 1991 when THE ROCKETEER came out in theaters I was 14 years old. I was very excited about it and couldn't wait for the weekend it would first screen! Actually I remember it quite well because I DIDN'T get to see it as soon as I had hoped. There was a little family mix up as we had some outta town family around and my Dad didn't take me. Oh, I was not happy about that!
But when I did finally see THE ROCKETEER it was an awesome day! I fell for Cliff Secord and got a little obsessed with the movie. I remember I got a ROCKETEER t-shirt, collected the card set, and I was even doodling pictures of the flying man for my movie scrapbook. (Yes, I scrapbooked movie stuff.) And today I still love THE ROCKETEER so very very much, yup!
It's funny because it was after THE ROCKETEER movie that I got some of the comic books by Dave Stevens and they only fueled my fandom some more.
The Rocketeer Rocks!
In THE ROCKETEER Cliff Secord is a stunt pilot who gets his hands on the rocket and dons of the guise the Flying Man. It's truly an iconic figure, flashing back to old serials of the Rocket Man, and it's set in a classic era ripe with old Hollywood nostalgia. Maybe that's why THE ROCKETEER also appeals to the movie fan in me making it one of my top faves.
Last night at the Arclight in Hollywood I had the chance to watch THE ROCKETEER once again in a theater! The D23, the Official Disney Fan Club, presented the screening which has been part of an ongoing Disney Movie series this month at the various Arclight theaters. THE ROCKETEER was a sold out show!
I got my ticket!
At 8pm it began with a D23 rep who did an introduction, along with a Disney archivist and they were talking about some behind the scene facts as this film is just one year shy of it's 20th anniversary. They mentioned the pre-CGI imagery of the film and how when the rocket is blasting flames those are real flames. The actual suit was well padded with fire retardant material. Now that's old school movie magic. THE ROCKETEER was actually supposed to be part of a trilogy and everyone was contracted for it, but since it didn't do that well in the box office here it never came to be.
It turned out that one of THE ROCKETEER screenwriters was in the audience and he came on down to chat too! Danny Bilson co-wrote the story and was very proud of the movie, he had brought his 8-year-old daughter to watch it with him. (Danny Bilson also wrote ELIMINATORS and he came out to the screening at the New Beverly.) Danny also gave a nod to creator Dave Stevens, who passed away two years ago. I also learned that Dave Stevens actually had an uncredited cameo in the film, wearing the ROCKETEER suit briefly. After a give away the lights went out and a trailer for Disney's 101 Dalmations played and then THE ROCKETEER hit the screen. From that moment on a smile grew on my face and never left.
THE ROCKETEER is a true hero, out to save his girl while stopping the bad guys with evil plans! I was anxious for the moment when THE ROCKETEER first makes his appearance, swept up with giddy delight watching Cliff (Bill Campbell) and Peevy (Alan Arkin) as they test the suit. I imagined just how amazing it would be to fly through the sky.
The movie is exciting, funny and just classic. Everyone in the theater seemed to feel the same way as there was a lot of cheering going on. Cheers and claps ensued as THE ROCKETEER flew through the sky and accomplished his heroic deeds! I won't lie that I got teary eyed at those moments and I seriously grinned ear to ear.
HERO SHOT
THE ROCKETEER truly does hold up time and time again! The packed theater proves it, and I wish there would have been more movies. I'm quite happy knowing the spirit of THE ROCKETEER continues and I can't wait to share it with my nieces next and get them sayin' one of my favorite lines, "ROCK-A-WHO?"
Up, Up and Blast Away!
Sunday, August 1. 2010
My Comic Con 2010 Adventure
Comic Con is one of my favorite times of year and it has come and gone just like a dream, a great geek dream! It was a week ago this adventure ended and it's taken me a while to get this together to share the news, I guess it's part of the post comic con blues that I took so long, but I must share my fun!
Comic Con has always been a big summer getaway adventure where I dive into my Comic Book geekdom, indulge in my toy buying and revel in exciting movie news. It is a weekend for pop culture junkies and I enjoy every moment as much as I can.
This is the third year I've made it down for the preview night in what was my 11th Comic Con (yeah I think that's right, 11 Comic Cons!), and I managed to see most of the panels I wanted to see, geek out with my friends, take a TON of pictures, watch a few movies, grab a bunch of swag, buy comic books, toys, comic books and other treats and it was all 100% awesome.
What you'll read next is my break down of the things I saw each day and I hope you enjoy the story!
Driving down on Wednesday morning with my folks (my Dad attends Comic Con) and 2 of my fellow groovy fangirl pals, we were all giddy and anxious for Comic Con to begin.
There was a huge swell of people at the convention center by the time we arrived and getting badges picked up was fast and easy as regular attendees, but then we had to wait in a stuffy and sweaty hallway packed with anxious geeks counting down to when the show floor would officially open up.
Once on the show floor I stuck with my dad as we searched out the Comic Book vendors and began snagging freebies. Before the night was through we picked up 40+ comic books, mostly from $1.00 bins and I managed to get a ticket for the Mattel line the next day for some toys. I had scouted out a few other things, spotted the Starro masks and was on a mission to find them come Thursday! So, yes indeed, Comic Con was off to a fantastic start! This geek is easy to please.
On Thursday morning I made a big decision and that was to focus on walking the floor and getting some toys rather than see the TRON panel. Yup, I missed out, but I knew a lot of my friends would be there and I would hear the scoops, besides I was more interested in tracking down FLYNN'S Arcade and hanging out there!
At MATTEL I got the Plastic Man figure for my friend, the LOBO figure and the Polly Pocket Super Heroes for myself. I was on a search for more Justice League Animated figures but never found any at a reasonable price. (That just meant I got more comic books.
)
The first panel I saw at Comic Con was for BURN NOTICE and what a line there was to get seated into Ballroom 20!! I had to go down a flight of stairs, walk them back up and weave through a series of lines outside before even getting back inside the convention center. WHEW! But what matters is that I made it just as it was all getting starting and I didn't miss a moment of my favorite actor, BRUCE CAMPBELL, as he hit the stage. Bruce was lookin' pretty suave and up to his usual shtick handing out a few dollar bills to fans who shout out they love him, man if I was sitting closer one of those dollars could have been mine!
The big BURN NOTICE news was that Bruce Campbell is getting his own prequel movie on USA which will follow SAM AXE and his last mission before he wound up in Miami himself. Yup, that news makes me happy!! Actor, director Tim Matheson who also was on stage offered show creator Matt Nix a wad of $2 bills for the job of directing. As Bruce said; "USA finally got their shit together."
Another bonus to for the BURN NOTICE attendees was a CHUCK FINLEY t-shirt! Chuck Finley is Sam Axe's cover name and his face is on the shirt, it's pretty awesome and yes I have one!
Later that day I attended the RADICAL PUBLISHING panel, moderated by Harry Knowles. I didn't know much about RADICAL until the panel I attended last year and they really have a cool line of comics. Of their new books featured I was most interested in EARP SAINTS FOR SINNERS which Sam Raimi is set to adapt and direct as a feature. (Yes, I go where Sam Raimi goes!) I'm really happy there's new companies like RADICAL out there continuing with Comic Book storytelling. RADICAL's line is pretty mature with lots of sci-fi and horror so check 'em out.
Next up THE MASTERS OF THE WEB panel began in the same room and featured many movie web journalists who all came together to discuss movie reviews, movie marketing, movie rumors, and running websites featuring such content. The best part of this panel was that they finally had a woman, Jen Yamato (Cinematical.com/Hitfix.com), involved in the discussion. Jen held her own among the boys who included moderator John Campena, Edward Douglas (ComingSoon.net), Vic Holterman (Screenrant.com), Mike Sampson (joblo.com), George "El Guapo" Roush (LatinoReview.com), Erik Davis (Cinematical.com), and Devil Faraci (CHUD.com). Also on the panel there was Writer/Producer Roberto Orci and director Edgar Wright who fielded a few questions of their own about movie reviewers and their relationships to filmmakers. As a somewhat regular movie blogger myself I really enjoyed this panel but am frustrated by the boys club that it is, the female geek voice is still overshadowed in many ways. But that is a serious discussion for another day...
After this panel my friends and I joined the masses awaiting entry to HALL H to see THE EXPENDABLES followed by SCOTT PILGRIM. We made it inside, with decent seats, as THE EXPENDABLES was underway. Harry Knowles was moderating SYLVESTER STALLONE, DOLPH LUNGREN, STEVE AUSTIN, RANDY COUTURE and TERRY CREWS. It was a fun discussion; they all loved talking about their injuries, Sly and Steve were going back and forth about Sly's broken neck, and Randy was being asked a lot of questions about his upcoming UFC match. Sly shared two scenes, the tunnel sequence was incredible and had everyone on the edge of their seats with it's it's bloody, brutal action! I'm pretty jazzed for the movie coming this August!
EDGAR WRIGHT took over for SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD and he introduced SCOTT PILGRIM creator BRYAN LEE O'MALLEY and the rest of his cast; Michael Cera (who was wearing a Captain America costume the whole time), Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ellen Wong, Mark Webber, Alison Pill, Johnny Simmons, Kieran Culkin, Satya Babha, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman, Mae Whitman, Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza. Edgar had his own questions for each of the cast and they all played along. I was most excited to see JASON SCHWARTZMAN who was sporting a mustache!
Sadly I wasn't among the many who got the special 1UP button at the panel to see the movie that night, with Edgar leading the line to the theater and answering more questions at stop lights. Now how do I know Edgar did that? Well a fellow New Bev friend of mine made it in and told me later..., damn him, the lucky bastard.
My Thursday evening was spent in movie mode, I went to see the documentary SECRET ORIGIN: THE STORY OF DC COMICS in a packed room. I am a DC fangirl 100% and this doc is a must see for any comic book fan. It really packed a lot of info together quickly, but it featured a full history of the company and the start of the industry.
At 10 p.m. I made my way to the Hilton Bayfront Hotel to see the World Premiere of LOST BOYS: THE THIRST. It was back in 2008 that I attended the screening of LOST BOYS: THE TRIBE at Comic Con where Cory Feldman and Jamison Newlander came out in character as the FROG BROTHERS and it was one of my favorite con moments though the movie was pretty bad. For THE THIRST Corey and Jamison returned but not in FROG mode. They were both very excited to share their new movie. Corey said he hoped the film delivers more of what the fans wanted after the disappointment of the last one and the crowd was definitely ready for it as many were sporting their Edgar bandannas and glow sticks.
The fun of the film was the comic book store setting, Edgar's comic book collecting ways and some new vampire weapons but honestly it was pretty lame. If only they could restart it with just Edgar and Alan on the hunt, the two of them on their own it could be amazing.
Now onto Friday! THE WALKING DEAD panel started the day off after a long, long, long line! By the time my friends and I made it inside the panel had begun, but the best part was we didn't miss the new trailer which was screened twice and both times I got chills. I have read the series, though I still need to finish volume 11 and snag 12, and it's amazing, scary and feels very real. I love it!
Frank Darabont and the rest of the cast are all having a lot of fun filming the show and Greg Nicotero's zombies look fantastic. One of the big bits of news was that Battlestar Galactica composer Bear McCreary is now on board the WALKING DEAD! October can't get here soon enough! The trailer played continuously at the WALKING DEAD booth the rest of the weekend and I couldn't help but watch it again and again whenever I passed on by.
The panel adventure continued back in HALL H where SUPER hit the stage. James Gunn directed SUPER and it stars Rainn Wilson, Liv Tyler, Ellen Page, Nathan Fillion and Michael Rooker. Gunn's does love his super heroes, remember his film THE SPECIALS? I really did enjoy that one and actually I was at the Comic Con panel for it way back when! But I digress, SUPER has Rainn as the Crimson Bolt and he's trying to save his new bride, played by Liv Tyler, from the clutches of a drug ring. A scene shared featured the Crimson Bolt standing up against a guy trying to butt in line. It involved a wrench! (YIKES!) The film has a very dark sensibility and seems quite funny. I'm gonna watch it, how could I miss a film with Nathan Fillion as a super hero named THE HOLY AVENGER!?! Right?
Venturing outside the convention center my friends and I made our way to the SCOTT PILGRIM EXPERIENCE where we got some free garlic bread while we waited in line trying for some silk screened t-shirts. Sadly they closed out the shirt line early but we did get flip books made and we played the new video game.
After more wandering back on the show floor and a meal with my friends I ended the night with another movie. I caught the encore screening of BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD. Judd Winick wrote this story where a new hooded vigilante is trying to take over Gotham and Batman is left to face some regrets from his own past. I was happy to learn that Jensen Ackles was in the film and a video intro from Jensen was shown before it started.
DC Universe continues to deliver fine animated films and it's a blast watching them with a geeky cheering comic book crowd! They also had a trailer for SUPERMAN/BATMAN APOCALYPSE which comes out in September and Tim Daly and Tim Conroy return as Superman and Batman, respectively. I really can't wait for that one!
I spent most of Saturday wandering the halls strolling artist alley, and the small press aisles and when my guy Dave made it to the convention center we made our way down to FLYNN'S which was on 6th street. FLYNN'S was one of my favorite things at the COMIC CON last year and this year it was just as cool.
We got FLYNN'S coin pouches with special game coins, there were a bunch of old arcade machines on free play and they were demoing the new TRON game coming out later this year.
After the arcade section you go down a hallway to see a replica of Flynn's lab and the lights were flickering. Beyond that, through a blue lit tunnel we entered a lounge which Dave described as a "matrix cafe" and bottles of Coke Zero were being given out. The room was bathed in a blue light with couches and video screens which eventually played the new TRON: LEGACY trailer. It was a fun spectacle to behold.
After FLYNN'S we got some free pizza and a soda thanks to Cartoon Network who took over a small pizza joint. It really is cool how Comic Con extends beyond the convention center and while on the streets we managed to nab almost a complete set of big bags for the show MYTHBUSTERS.
Later on that afternoon I wandered through Brett Reid's Garage where the Green Hornet girls were cruising in Black Beauty and giving Comic Con-ers rides and I eventually found the ROCKET POPPETEERS ice cream truck and snagged a t-shirt and buttons.
There really is so much to see at Comic Con and you ultimately have to make your choice of walking hallways, strolling the Gaslamp district or parking it in Hall H, I do what I can to mix it all up.
Saturday night my friends and I had a meal at SyFy's Carpe Diem cafe and I got the scoop on the incident that went down at HALL H with the eye stabbing as my friend was there when it went down. It's still hard to believe that actually happened. CRAZY!!
After eats we all tried to get into FLYNN'S one more time but it was closed up early and being torn down! BOO!! At least we got the security guards to give us each a coin pouch! Polite manners do a geek good!
Sunday was bittersweet as it was the last day of the show! I got on the floor just after 9 a.m. and made my way to the Ballroom 20 line to see SUPERNATURAL and maybe SMALLVILLE which I didn't get to see because the line was insanely long. I'd say it was the longest line I stood in all convention weekend as it winded down next to the marina and almost discouraged me from my goal! But you can't keep a real fangirl from her destination and I was in the Ballroom for every moment of SUPERNATURAL making it all worthwhile.
Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki were on stage with fellow actors Jim Beaver and Misha Collins, series creator Eric Kripke, and writers Sera Gamble and Ben Edlund. Sera and Ben are now taking over the show as executive producers. They started things off with a teaser of the next season and I honestly can't wait for it to start back up since it really is my favorite show these days.
Jensen directed this seasons first episode and Jim Beaver poked some fun at that, the cast really does like making fun of each other. With the apocalypse story wrapped up this next season is promising more monsters of the week, and guest star appearance from Mitch Pileggi of X-Files fame and the MYTHBUSTERS. Kripke talked a bit about the SUPERNATURAL Anime coming from Japan but sadly won't be available here so they encouraged us all to make a demand for it. One of the highlights was Jensen talking about killing vampires this next season making a jab at the other pale vamps currently on screen. The Ballroom cheered!
The panel wrapped up as it has the last few years with a look at the Gag Reel coming up on the next DVD! It was hilarious as always! OH how I love the Winchester Boys! And that was my last panel of Comic Con!
I spent the rest of my afternoon wandering the show floor, finding a few friends, looking for some more comic books and toys. By that time we left my feet were pretty tired.
Thanks to my dad and his comic buying help we came home with 225 comic books, all back issues for various series we collect. I'm happy to report that I finally completed my run of HOWARD THE DUCK after finding issue #33.
Swag wise I had one hell of a haul! I nabbed 16 t-shirts and 20 giant bags and a load of random nick knacks. What will I do with it all? I don't know yet but I think I need more wall space or something!
Now, the countdown to COMIC CON 2011 has begun! I am excited just thinking about what will be the next big thing while I relieve my memories with all the pictures I took. OH, I really can't wait till next year!
And now it's all done! It really is like a dream as I'm back to my L.A. days and getting back to my movie going ways, but comic books are my still very much a part of my life and Comic Con is a big help to my collecting completest ways! So, THANKS again COMIC CON and see you next year!! YUP!
Cat Ready For Comic Con!
Comic Con has always been a big summer getaway adventure where I dive into my Comic Book geekdom, indulge in my toy buying and revel in exciting movie news. It is a weekend for pop culture junkies and I enjoy every moment as much as I can.
This is the third year I've made it down for the preview night in what was my 11th Comic Con (yeah I think that's right, 11 Comic Cons!), and I managed to see most of the panels I wanted to see, geek out with my friends, take a TON of pictures, watch a few movies, grab a bunch of swag, buy comic books, toys, comic books and other treats and it was all 100% awesome.
WELCOME TO COMIC CON!
What you'll read next is my break down of the things I saw each day and I hope you enjoy the story!
Driving down on Wednesday morning with my folks (my Dad attends Comic Con) and 2 of my fellow groovy fangirl pals, we were all giddy and anxious for Comic Con to begin.
Ladies of Comic Con!
There was a huge swell of people at the convention center by the time we arrived and getting badges picked up was fast and easy as regular attendees, but then we had to wait in a stuffy and sweaty hallway packed with anxious geeks counting down to when the show floor would officially open up.
Sweaty Hallway!
Once on the show floor I stuck with my dad as we searched out the Comic Book vendors and began snagging freebies. Before the night was through we picked up 40+ comic books, mostly from $1.00 bins and I managed to get a ticket for the Mattel line the next day for some toys. I had scouted out a few other things, spotted the Starro masks and was on a mission to find them come Thursday! So, yes indeed, Comic Con was off to a fantastic start! This geek is easy to please.
ME and CAT on a Comic Book Buying Mission.
On Thursday morning I made a big decision and that was to focus on walking the floor and getting some toys rather than see the TRON panel. Yup, I missed out, but I knew a lot of my friends would be there and I would hear the scoops, besides I was more interested in tracking down FLYNN'S Arcade and hanging out there!
At MATTEL I got the Plastic Man figure for my friend, the LOBO figure and the Polly Pocket Super Heroes for myself. I was on a search for more Justice League Animated figures but never found any at a reasonable price. (That just meant I got more comic books.
)
Long Long Line!
The first panel I saw at Comic Con was for BURN NOTICE and what a line there was to get seated into Ballroom 20!! I had to go down a flight of stairs, walk them back up and weave through a series of lines outside before even getting back inside the convention center. WHEW! But what matters is that I made it just as it was all getting starting and I didn't miss a moment of my favorite actor, BRUCE CAMPBELL, as he hit the stage. Bruce was lookin' pretty suave and up to his usual shtick handing out a few dollar bills to fans who shout out they love him, man if I was sitting closer one of those dollars could have been mine!
Bruce tossing Goodies!
The big BURN NOTICE news was that Bruce Campbell is getting his own prequel movie on USA which will follow SAM AXE and his last mission before he wound up in Miami himself. Yup, that news makes me happy!! Actor, director Tim Matheson who also was on stage offered show creator Matt Nix a wad of $2 bills for the job of directing. As Bruce said; "USA finally got their shit together."
Tim Matheson and Bruce Campbell
Another bonus to for the BURN NOTICE attendees was a CHUCK FINLEY t-shirt! Chuck Finley is Sam Axe's cover name and his face is on the shirt, it's pretty awesome and yes I have one!
Later that day I attended the RADICAL PUBLISHING panel, moderated by Harry Knowles. I didn't know much about RADICAL until the panel I attended last year and they really have a cool line of comics. Of their new books featured I was most interested in EARP SAINTS FOR SINNERS which Sam Raimi is set to adapt and direct as a feature. (Yes, I go where Sam Raimi goes!) I'm really happy there's new companies like RADICAL out there continuing with Comic Book storytelling. RADICAL's line is pretty mature with lots of sci-fi and horror so check 'em out.
MASTER OF THE WEB
Next up THE MASTERS OF THE WEB panel began in the same room and featured many movie web journalists who all came together to discuss movie reviews, movie marketing, movie rumors, and running websites featuring such content. The best part of this panel was that they finally had a woman, Jen Yamato (Cinematical.com/Hitfix.com), involved in the discussion. Jen held her own among the boys who included moderator John Campena, Edward Douglas (ComingSoon.net), Vic Holterman (Screenrant.com), Mike Sampson (joblo.com), George "El Guapo" Roush (LatinoReview.com), Erik Davis (Cinematical.com), and Devil Faraci (CHUD.com). Also on the panel there was Writer/Producer Roberto Orci and director Edgar Wright who fielded a few questions of their own about movie reviewers and their relationships to filmmakers. As a somewhat regular movie blogger myself I really enjoyed this panel but am frustrated by the boys club that it is, the female geek voice is still overshadowed in many ways. But that is a serious discussion for another day...
Edgar Joins the Masters of the Web
After this panel my friends and I joined the masses awaiting entry to HALL H to see THE EXPENDABLES followed by SCOTT PILGRIM. We made it inside, with decent seats, as THE EXPENDABLES was underway. Harry Knowles was moderating SYLVESTER STALLONE, DOLPH LUNGREN, STEVE AUSTIN, RANDY COUTURE and TERRY CREWS. It was a fun discussion; they all loved talking about their injuries, Sly and Steve were going back and forth about Sly's broken neck, and Randy was being asked a lot of questions about his upcoming UFC match. Sly shared two scenes, the tunnel sequence was incredible and had everyone on the edge of their seats with it's it's bloody, brutal action! I'm pretty jazzed for the movie coming this August!
EXPENDABLES, Steve, Sly and Dolph!
Edgar intros Bryan Lee O'Malley
EDGAR WRIGHT took over for SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD and he introduced SCOTT PILGRIM creator BRYAN LEE O'MALLEY and the rest of his cast; Michael Cera (who was wearing a Captain America costume the whole time), Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ellen Wong, Mark Webber, Alison Pill, Johnny Simmons, Kieran Culkin, Satya Babha, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman, Mae Whitman, Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza. Edgar had his own questions for each of the cast and they all played along. I was most excited to see JASON SCHWARTZMAN who was sporting a mustache!
Brandon Routh and Jason Schwartzman
Michael "Captain America" Cera
Mas Pilgrim Cast
Sadly I wasn't among the many who got the special 1UP button at the panel to see the movie that night, with Edgar leading the line to the theater and answering more questions at stop lights. Now how do I know Edgar did that? Well a fellow New Bev friend of mine made it in and told me later..., damn him, the lucky bastard.
Darn you 1UP Button!
My Thursday evening was spent in movie mode, I went to see the documentary SECRET ORIGIN: THE STORY OF DC COMICS in a packed room. I am a DC fangirl 100% and this doc is a must see for any comic book fan. It really packed a lot of info together quickly, but it featured a full history of the company and the start of the industry.
At 10 p.m. I made my way to the Hilton Bayfront Hotel to see the World Premiere of LOST BOYS: THE THIRST. It was back in 2008 that I attended the screening of LOST BOYS: THE TRIBE at Comic Con where Cory Feldman and Jamison Newlander came out in character as the FROG BROTHERS and it was one of my favorite con moments though the movie was pretty bad. For THE THIRST Corey and Jamison returned but not in FROG mode. They were both very excited to share their new movie. Corey said he hoped the film delivers more of what the fans wanted after the disappointment of the last one and the crowd was definitely ready for it as many were sporting their Edgar bandannas and glow sticks.
The Frog Brothers
The fun of the film was the comic book store setting, Edgar's comic book collecting ways and some new vampire weapons but honestly it was pretty lame. If only they could restart it with just Edgar and Alan on the hunt, the two of them on their own it could be amazing.
The Walking Dead Booth
Now onto Friday! THE WALKING DEAD panel started the day off after a long, long, long line! By the time my friends and I made it inside the panel had begun, but the best part was we didn't miss the new trailer which was screened twice and both times I got chills. I have read the series, though I still need to finish volume 11 and snag 12, and it's amazing, scary and feels very real. I love it!
Frank Darabont and the rest of the cast are all having a lot of fun filming the show and Greg Nicotero's zombies look fantastic. One of the big bits of news was that Battlestar Galactica composer Bear McCreary is now on board the WALKING DEAD! October can't get here soon enough! The trailer played continuously at the WALKING DEAD booth the rest of the weekend and I couldn't help but watch it again and again whenever I passed on by.
The Walking Dead Booth
HALL H Welcomes You!
The panel adventure continued back in HALL H where SUPER hit the stage. James Gunn directed SUPER and it stars Rainn Wilson, Liv Tyler, Ellen Page, Nathan Fillion and Michael Rooker. Gunn's does love his super heroes, remember his film THE SPECIALS? I really did enjoy that one and actually I was at the Comic Con panel for it way back when! But I digress, SUPER has Rainn as the Crimson Bolt and he's trying to save his new bride, played by Liv Tyler, from the clutches of a drug ring. A scene shared featured the Crimson Bolt standing up against a guy trying to butt in line. It involved a wrench! (YIKES!) The film has a very dark sensibility and seems quite funny. I'm gonna watch it, how could I miss a film with Nathan Fillion as a super hero named THE HOLY AVENGER!?! Right?
SUPER PANEL
Nathan is Holy!
Venturing outside the convention center my friends and I made our way to the SCOTT PILGRIM EXPERIENCE where we got some free garlic bread while we waited in line trying for some silk screened t-shirts. Sadly they closed out the shirt line early but we did get flip books made and we played the new video game.
We lined up!
Inside the Scott Pilgrim Experience
After more wandering back on the show floor and a meal with my friends I ended the night with another movie. I caught the encore screening of BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD. Judd Winick wrote this story where a new hooded vigilante is trying to take over Gotham and Batman is left to face some regrets from his own past. I was happy to learn that Jensen Ackles was in the film and a video intro from Jensen was shown before it started.
DC Universe continues to deliver fine animated films and it's a blast watching them with a geeky cheering comic book crowd! They also had a trailer for SUPERMAN/BATMAN APOCALYPSE which comes out in September and Tim Daly and Tim Conroy return as Superman and Batman, respectively. I really can't wait for that one!
Ash and Wonder Woman hang out!
I spent most of Saturday wandering the halls strolling artist alley, and the small press aisles and when my guy Dave made it to the convention center we made our way down to FLYNN'S which was on 6th street. FLYNN'S was one of my favorite things at the COMIC CON last year and this year it was just as cool.
I got my ticket!!
Cat and Dave at FLYNN'S
We got FLYNN'S coin pouches with special game coins, there were a bunch of old arcade machines on free play and they were demoing the new TRON game coming out later this year.
HOME OF TRON!
After the arcade section you go down a hallway to see a replica of Flynn's lab and the lights were flickering. Beyond that, through a blue lit tunnel we entered a lounge which Dave described as a "matrix cafe" and bottles of Coke Zero were being given out. The room was bathed in a blue light with couches and video screens which eventually played the new TRON: LEGACY trailer. It was a fun spectacle to behold.
Lounging waiting for TRON: LEGACY trailer.
FREE FOOD!
After FLYNN'S we got some free pizza and a soda thanks to Cartoon Network who took over a small pizza joint. It really is cool how Comic Con extends beyond the convention center and while on the streets we managed to nab almost a complete set of big bags for the show MYTHBUSTERS.
Later on that afternoon I wandered through Brett Reid's Garage where the Green Hornet girls were cruising in Black Beauty and giving Comic Con-ers rides and I eventually found the ROCKET POPPETEERS ice cream truck and snagged a t-shirt and buttons.
FREE T-SHIRT!
There really is so much to see at Comic Con and you ultimately have to make your choice of walking hallways, strolling the Gaslamp district or parking it in Hall H, I do what I can to mix it all up.
Saturday night my friends and I had a meal at SyFy's Carpe Diem cafe and I got the scoop on the incident that went down at HALL H with the eye stabbing as my friend was there when it went down. It's still hard to believe that actually happened. CRAZY!!
After eats we all tried to get into FLYNN'S one more time but it was closed up early and being torn down! BOO!! At least we got the security guards to give us each a coin pouch! Polite manners do a geek good!
Comic Con Hallway
Sunday was bittersweet as it was the last day of the show! I got on the floor just after 9 a.m. and made my way to the Ballroom 20 line to see SUPERNATURAL and maybe SMALLVILLE which I didn't get to see because the line was insanely long. I'd say it was the longest line I stood in all convention weekend as it winded down next to the marina and almost discouraged me from my goal! But you can't keep a real fangirl from her destination and I was in the Ballroom for every moment of SUPERNATURAL making it all worthwhile.
Jared and Jensen are cute!
Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki were on stage with fellow actors Jim Beaver and Misha Collins, series creator Eric Kripke, and writers Sera Gamble and Ben Edlund. Sera and Ben are now taking over the show as executive producers. They started things off with a teaser of the next season and I honestly can't wait for it to start back up since it really is my favorite show these days.
Jim and Misha are funny!
Jensen directed this seasons first episode and Jim Beaver poked some fun at that, the cast really does like making fun of each other. With the apocalypse story wrapped up this next season is promising more monsters of the week, and guest star appearance from Mitch Pileggi of X-Files fame and the MYTHBUSTERS. Kripke talked a bit about the SUPERNATURAL Anime coming from Japan but sadly won't be available here so they encouraged us all to make a demand for it. One of the highlights was Jensen talking about killing vampires this next season making a jab at the other pale vamps currently on screen. The Ballroom cheered!
The panel wrapped up as it has the last few years with a look at the Gag Reel coming up on the next DVD! It was hilarious as always! OH how I love the Winchester Boys! And that was my last panel of Comic Con!
I spent the rest of my afternoon wandering the show floor, finding a few friends, looking for some more comic books and toys. By that time we left my feet were pretty tired.
Thanks to my dad and his comic buying help we came home with 225 comic books, all back issues for various series we collect. I'm happy to report that I finally completed my run of HOWARD THE DUCK after finding issue #33.
Misc. Bits of Swag
Swag wise I had one hell of a haul! I nabbed 16 t-shirts and 20 giant bags and a load of random nick knacks. What will I do with it all? I don't know yet but I think I need more wall space or something!
A pile of bags!
Now, the countdown to COMIC CON 2011 has begun! I am excited just thinking about what will be the next big thing while I relieve my memories with all the pictures I took. OH, I really can't wait till next year!
And now it's all done! It really is like a dream as I'm back to my L.A. days and getting back to my movie going ways, but comic books are my still very much a part of my life and Comic Con is a big help to my collecting completest ways! So, THANKS again COMIC CON and see you next year!! YUP!
Thursday, July 22. 2010
Comic Con Preview Night 2010
Comic Con 2010 is here! Comic Con is Awesome! Comic Con I Love You!
Yes, I am excited to be at Comic Con another year!
Arriving for Preview Night I've already got a bunch of comic books and am quite happy!! I also have found me a few other fun goodies!
Now, I cannot wait for the movie TRON and hope to find FLYNN's Arcade!
So, Comic Con is here again and I can't wait for lots and lots more fun.
I did post another little Comic Con rambling at CAT READS COMICS, so check it out too! And remember to follow my tweets if you'd Like To Know More!
Yup Yup Yup!
See you at Comic Con!
Land of the Geeks!
Yes, I am excited to be at Comic Con another year!
Cat Loves Comic Books!
Arriving for Preview Night I've already got a bunch of comic books and am quite happy!! I also have found me a few other fun goodies!
Movie Buttons are cool!
Batman - Red Hood
Now, I cannot wait for the movie TRON and hope to find FLYNN's Arcade!
Triggered a Nerdgasam!
So, Comic Con is here again and I can't wait for lots and lots more fun.
I did post another little Comic Con rambling at CAT READS COMICS, so check it out too! And remember to follow my tweets if you'd Like To Know More!
Yup Yup Yup!
See you at Comic Con!
Tuesday, July 20. 2010
Tally Updates and Comic Con Countdown!
I am still watching movies, missing a day or two but doubling up other times and having my fun watching new and old things. I'm getting ready to go to Comic Con in San Diego and have been working on my plan for things to see, and comics and toys to buy!!!
At Comic Con there will be so much to see and I may just wind up walking the aisles endlessly in search of comic books to add to my collection that exceeds 65 long boxes. (Yes, I said LONG BOXES!) Truth be told I have the intention to fill a long box with new "old" comic books. Post Comic Con I can't wait to spend some time filling it all away.
Collecting Comic Books is fun!
While I'm at Comic Con, I will be twittering my adventure and sharing lots of pictures! (I just cleared out my iPhone to get ready for the overload and am back to my most geeky case!) I hope you come follow along over at: http://twitter.com/cahcat
Now if you're not down at Comic Con and live here in Los Angeles might I suggest a few movie events to attend, please go be my Proxy! When I'm back we can swap stories!
Here's what's at the New Beverly:
july 21, 22 - Lynn Redgrave tribute
o Georgy Girl (1966)
o The National Health (1973)
july 23, 24
o Two by Preston Sturges
o Christmas in July (1940)
o Hail the Conquering Hero (1944)
july 24 - MIDNIGHT
o co-presented by Horror Movie A Day
o The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
And this will surely be fun at The Silent Movie Theater:
SPECIAL SUNDAY EVENT:
7/25 @ 6:00pm / Series: Dennis Hopper: Wasn't Born To Follow
Dennis Hopper Triple Feature & BBQ:
Blue Velvet / Hoosiers / River's Edge
The Egyptian has something awesome:
Friday, July 23 - 7:30 PM
Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner in person between films.
10 FROM YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS, 1973, 92 min., Dir. Max Liebman. A compilation of sketches from the comedy-variety series starring Sid Caesar telecast live on the NBC television network from 1950 to 1954. Followed by ENTER LAUGHING, 1967, Sony Repertory, 112 min. Dir. Carl Reiner.
Saturday, July 24 - 7:30 PM
THE JERK, 1979, Universal, 94 min. Dir. Carl Reiner.
DEAD MEN DON'T WEAR PLAID, 1982, Universal, 88 min. Dir. Carl Reiner.
Discussion between films with Carl Reiner.
Ok and last but not least my Movie Tally!
Total Movies Seen So Far in 2010 = 330
NEW MOVIES: Total = 212
198. The Last Airbender – 7/2/10 – AMC 6
199. Starship Troopers 3: Marauder – 7/3/10 – DVD
200. Hell Comes to Frog Town – 7/5/10 – DVD
201. Mother – 7/6/10 – New Beverly
202. Memories Of Murder – 7/6/10 – New Beverly
203. Fire In The Sky – 7/7/10 – New Beverly
204. Predators – 7/9/10 – The Grove
205. Holy Mountain – 7/10/10 – New Beverly
206. Diamond Men – 7/12/10 – VHS
207. In The Loop – 7/13/10 – Cable TV
208. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – 7/14/10
209. Frank and Ollie – 7/15/10 – New Beverly
210. Inception – 7/16/10 – Burbank AMC
211. Girl With A Dragon Tattoo – 7/18/10
212. Hollywood Hot Tub – 7/19/10 – VHS
RE-SEE MOVIES: Total = 118
114. El Topo – 7/10/10 – New Beverly
115. Manhunter – 7/11/10 – New Beverly
116. Feast – 7/11/10 – DVD
117. Feast 2: Sloppy Seconds – 7/11/10 – DVD
118. Overboard – 7/14/10 – We Channel
At Comic Con there will be so much to see and I may just wind up walking the aisles endlessly in search of comic books to add to my collection that exceeds 65 long boxes. (Yes, I said LONG BOXES!) Truth be told I have the intention to fill a long box with new "old" comic books. Post Comic Con I can't wait to spend some time filling it all away. Collecting Comic Books is fun!
While I'm at Comic Con, I will be twittering my adventure and sharing lots of pictures! (I just cleared out my iPhone to get ready for the overload and am back to my most geeky case!) I hope you come follow along over at: http://twitter.com/cahcat
Geek Ware!
Now if you're not down at Comic Con and live here in Los Angeles might I suggest a few movie events to attend, please go be my Proxy! When I'm back we can swap stories!
Here's what's at the New Beverly:
july 21, 22 - Lynn Redgrave tribute
o Georgy Girl (1966)
o The National Health (1973)
july 23, 24
o Two by Preston Sturges
o Christmas in July (1940)
o Hail the Conquering Hero (1944)
july 24 - MIDNIGHT
o co-presented by Horror Movie A Day
o The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
And this will surely be fun at The Silent Movie Theater:
SPECIAL SUNDAY EVENT:
7/25 @ 6:00pm / Series: Dennis Hopper: Wasn't Born To Follow
Dennis Hopper Triple Feature & BBQ:
Blue Velvet / Hoosiers / River's Edge
The Egyptian has something awesome:
Friday, July 23 - 7:30 PM
Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner in person between films.
10 FROM YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS, 1973, 92 min., Dir. Max Liebman. A compilation of sketches from the comedy-variety series starring Sid Caesar telecast live on the NBC television network from 1950 to 1954. Followed by ENTER LAUGHING, 1967, Sony Repertory, 112 min. Dir. Carl Reiner.
Saturday, July 24 - 7:30 PM
THE JERK, 1979, Universal, 94 min. Dir. Carl Reiner.
DEAD MEN DON'T WEAR PLAID, 1982, Universal, 88 min. Dir. Carl Reiner.
Discussion between films with Carl Reiner.
Ok and last but not least my Movie Tally!
Total Movies Seen So Far in 2010 = 330
NEW MOVIES: Total = 212
198. The Last Airbender – 7/2/10 – AMC 6
199. Starship Troopers 3: Marauder – 7/3/10 – DVD
200. Hell Comes to Frog Town – 7/5/10 – DVD
201. Mother – 7/6/10 – New Beverly
202. Memories Of Murder – 7/6/10 – New Beverly
203. Fire In The Sky – 7/7/10 – New Beverly
204. Predators – 7/9/10 – The Grove
205. Holy Mountain – 7/10/10 – New Beverly
206. Diamond Men – 7/12/10 – VHS
207. In The Loop – 7/13/10 – Cable TV
208. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – 7/14/10
209. Frank and Ollie – 7/15/10 – New Beverly
210. Inception – 7/16/10 – Burbank AMC
211. Girl With A Dragon Tattoo – 7/18/10
212. Hollywood Hot Tub – 7/19/10 – VHS
RE-SEE MOVIES: Total = 118
114. El Topo – 7/10/10 – New Beverly
115. Manhunter – 7/11/10 – New Beverly
116. Feast – 7/11/10 – DVD
117. Feast 2: Sloppy Seconds – 7/11/10 – DVD
118. Overboard – 7/14/10 – We Channel
Thursday, July 1. 2010
JUNE MOVIE TALLY! - Would You Like To Know More?
Total Movies seen in 2010 = 310
NEW MOVIES: 197 TOTAL
192. Faster Blade Poisonous Darts – 6/24/10 – DVD
193. DRACULA (Frank Langella) – 6/26/10 – New Beverly
194. Front Page – 6/27/10 – DVD
195. The Magic Christian – 6/28/10 – VHS
196. Bonnie’s Kids – 6/29/10 – New Beverly
197. Detroit 9000 – 6/29/10 – New Beverly
RE-SEE MOVIES: 113 TOTAL
108. Peter No Tail – 6/24/10 – VHS
109. Spaceship Troopers – 6/25/10 – DVD
110. GREASE – 6/25/10 – Hollywood Bowl – Sing-A-Long
• Nosferatu The Vampyre – 6/26/10 – New Beverly (incomplete)
111. Love At First Bite – 6/26/10 – New Beverly
112. Meatballs Part 2 – 6/27/10 – New Beverly
113. Superman – 6/30/10 – Bay Theater
JUNE STATS 2010:
Total Movies seen in June: 44
New Movies: 25
Re-Sees: 19
JUNE STATS 2009:
Total Movies seen in June: 51
New Movies: 42
Re-Sees: 9
Total Seen in 2009 at end of June: 290
NEW MOVIES: 197 TOTAL
192. Faster Blade Poisonous Darts – 6/24/10 – DVD
193. DRACULA (Frank Langella) – 6/26/10 – New Beverly
194. Front Page – 6/27/10 – DVD
195. The Magic Christian – 6/28/10 – VHS
196. Bonnie’s Kids – 6/29/10 – New Beverly
197. Detroit 9000 – 6/29/10 – New Beverly
RE-SEE MOVIES: 113 TOTAL
108. Peter No Tail – 6/24/10 – VHS
109. Spaceship Troopers – 6/25/10 – DVD
110. GREASE – 6/25/10 – Hollywood Bowl – Sing-A-Long
• Nosferatu The Vampyre – 6/26/10 – New Beverly (incomplete)
111. Love At First Bite – 6/26/10 – New Beverly
112. Meatballs Part 2 – 6/27/10 – New Beverly
113. Superman – 6/30/10 – Bay Theater
JUNE STATS 2010:
Total Movies seen in June: 44
New Movies: 25
Re-Sees: 19
JUNE STATS 2009:
Total Movies seen in June: 51
New Movies: 42
Re-Sees: 9
Total Seen in 2009 at end of June: 290
Thursday, June 24. 2010
Movie Tally - June Viewing Continues!
TOTAL MOVIES SEEN IN 2010: 298
NEW MOVIES: 191 TOTAL
179. 4D Man – 6/1/10 – Instant
180. Cross Worlds – 6/3/10 – Instant
181. The Lost Empire – 6/5/10 – New Beverly
182. Splice – 6/6/10 – Edwards 10
183. Prison – 6/10/10 – New Beverly
184. The Horror Show – 6/10/10 – New Beverly
185. The Book Of Eli – 6/15/10 – DVD
186. Bad Boys II – 6/18/10 – DVD
187. The A-Team – 6/18/10 – Mann Santa Monica
188. Play Misty For Me – 6/19/10 – New Beverly
189. The Outfit – 6/20/10 – New Beverly
190. Point Blank – 6/20/10 – New Beverly
191. Law Abiding Citizen – 6/22/10 – On Demand
RE-SEE MOVIES: 107 TOTAL
89. Hudson Hawk – 6/3/10 – Instant
90. Brother From Another Planet – 6/3/10 – Instant
91. Cobra – 6/4/10 – New Beverly
92. Tango and Cash – 6/4/10 – New Beverly
93. Chopping Mall – 6/5/10 – New Beverly
94. Taken – 6/6/10 – On Demand
95. May – 6/7/10 – DVD
96. Blow Out – 6/8/10 – New Beverly
97. Revenge of the Nerds – 6/9/10 – New Beverly
98. Heavenly Bodies – 6/9/10 – New Beverly
99. Ponyo – 6/11/10 – DVD
100. Beetlejuice – 6/12/10 – Cemetery
101. The Mist – 6/13/10 – DVD
102. Hot Fuzz – 6/14/10 – XBOX
103. Speed Racer – 6/16/10 – DVD
104. Wild Thing – 6/21/10 – VHS
105. Darkman – 6/22/10 – HD/DVD
106. Bagdad Café – 6/23/10 – New Beverly
107. Gas Food Lodging – 6/23/10 – New Beverly
NEW MOVIES: 191 TOTAL
179. 4D Man – 6/1/10 – Instant
180. Cross Worlds – 6/3/10 – Instant
181. The Lost Empire – 6/5/10 – New Beverly
182. Splice – 6/6/10 – Edwards 10
183. Prison – 6/10/10 – New Beverly
184. The Horror Show – 6/10/10 – New Beverly
185. The Book Of Eli – 6/15/10 – DVD
186. Bad Boys II – 6/18/10 – DVD
187. The A-Team – 6/18/10 – Mann Santa Monica
188. Play Misty For Me – 6/19/10 – New Beverly
189. The Outfit – 6/20/10 – New Beverly
190. Point Blank – 6/20/10 – New Beverly
191. Law Abiding Citizen – 6/22/10 – On Demand
RE-SEE MOVIES: 107 TOTAL
89. Hudson Hawk – 6/3/10 – Instant
90. Brother From Another Planet – 6/3/10 – Instant
91. Cobra – 6/4/10 – New Beverly
92. Tango and Cash – 6/4/10 – New Beverly
93. Chopping Mall – 6/5/10 – New Beverly
94. Taken – 6/6/10 – On Demand
95. May – 6/7/10 – DVD
96. Blow Out – 6/8/10 – New Beverly
97. Revenge of the Nerds – 6/9/10 – New Beverly
98. Heavenly Bodies – 6/9/10 – New Beverly
99. Ponyo – 6/11/10 – DVD
100. Beetlejuice – 6/12/10 – Cemetery
101. The Mist – 6/13/10 – DVD
102. Hot Fuzz – 6/14/10 – XBOX
103. Speed Racer – 6/16/10 – DVD
104. Wild Thing – 6/21/10 – VHS
105. Darkman – 6/22/10 – HD/DVD
106. Bagdad Café – 6/23/10 – New Beverly
107. Gas Food Lodging – 6/23/10 – New Beverly
Thursday, June 10. 2010
FUTURE SELF
My friend Eric Branscum, who I met through my favorite theater NEW BEVERLY, has made a short film called FUTURE SELF about a guy named Peter who's caught up in a time travel plot when he's visited by his "future self."
I'd like to share it with all who visit here because I dig it and I'm all for sharing what my filmmaker friends are up to, yup. Oh, and I also helped out a day on the film, holding a boom mic, and if you look close you'll see my name in the credits.
Please watch and enjoy!!!
I'd like to share it with all who visit here because I dig it and I'm all for sharing what my filmmaker friends are up to, yup. Oh, and I also helped out a day on the film, holding a boom mic, and if you look close you'll see my name in the credits.
Please watch and enjoy!!!
Future Self from Eric Branscum on Vimeo.
Tuesday, June 1. 2010
May Movie Tally Totals!
June is here and May is done so it's time for movie tally round up! The sad thing is that I must admit I have missed a day of movie watching. I was on a roll with at least a movie a day (it was my New Years Resolution for 2010) and then a bad allergy attack hit me hard and I missed out breaking my streak. Grrrrrr!!! But the good news is I am still watching movies, back on track and squeezing in 3 movies in a day when and while I can.
But I digress...Here it is...Movie Tally Time!!
Total Movies seen so far in 2010: 266
NEW MOVIES TOTAL: 178
169. Choke Canyon – 5/17/10 – VHS
170. Americana – 5/20/10 – New Beverly
171. Shooting Fish – 5/24/10 – VHS
172. Squirm – 5/25/10 – New Beverly
173. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths – 5/26/10 – Instant
174. Street Fighter II: Animated Movie – 5/26/10 – Instant
175. Narrow Margin – 5/27/10 – New Beverly
176. Mystery Team – 5/29/10 – New Beverly
177. 99/44 100% Dead – 5/30/10 – New Beverly
178. Dragon Hunt – 5/31/10 – Silent Movie Theater
RE-SEE MOVIES TOTAL: 88
79. Midnight Madness – 5/18/10 – VHS
80. Sneakers – 5/19/10 – Instant
81. Long Riders – 5/20/10 – New Beverly
82. Tommy – 5/21/10 – Academy (Wilshire)
83. The Last Dragon – 5/23/10 – Instant
84. Eight Legged Freaks – 5/26/10 – Instant
85. Warlock – 5/26/10 – Instant
86. The Killer is Loose – 5/27/10 – New Beverly
87. The Quick and The Dead – 5/28/10 – Instant
88. Ghostbusters – 5/29/10 – New Beverly
TALLY BITS:
Total New Movies seen in May 2010: 21
Total Re-See Movies seen in May 2010: 22
2009 Comparisons:
Total movies seen at end of May 2009: 239 (That was 184 New Movies plus 55 Re-Sees)
New Movies Seen in May 2009: 31
Re-See Movies Seen in May 2009: 16
It does seems like I slowed down a little in May, but the pace is steady and that make me happy. This month of June is set with lots of movies!! Phil (who programs the midnights at the New Beverly) is celebrating his birthday with has a week of movies and that includes a few triple feature nights!! Then there's an L.A. Film Festival starting up after that and I hope to catch a few screenings there. So many movies and so little time! Here's hoping a new work gig doesn't distract me much and I keep up my movie a day pace! Yup! Wish me luck fellow movie watchers! Let's all keep watching movies! YUP
But I digress...Here it is...Movie Tally Time!!
Total Movies seen so far in 2010: 266
NEW MOVIES TOTAL: 178
169. Choke Canyon – 5/17/10 – VHS
170. Americana – 5/20/10 – New Beverly
171. Shooting Fish – 5/24/10 – VHS
172. Squirm – 5/25/10 – New Beverly
173. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths – 5/26/10 – Instant
174. Street Fighter II: Animated Movie – 5/26/10 – Instant
175. Narrow Margin – 5/27/10 – New Beverly
176. Mystery Team – 5/29/10 – New Beverly
177. 99/44 100% Dead – 5/30/10 – New Beverly
178. Dragon Hunt – 5/31/10 – Silent Movie Theater
RE-SEE MOVIES TOTAL: 88
79. Midnight Madness – 5/18/10 – VHS
80. Sneakers – 5/19/10 – Instant
81. Long Riders – 5/20/10 – New Beverly
82. Tommy – 5/21/10 – Academy (Wilshire)
83. The Last Dragon – 5/23/10 – Instant
84. Eight Legged Freaks – 5/26/10 – Instant
85. Warlock – 5/26/10 – Instant
86. The Killer is Loose – 5/27/10 – New Beverly
87. The Quick and The Dead – 5/28/10 – Instant
88. Ghostbusters – 5/29/10 – New Beverly
TALLY BITS:
Total New Movies seen in May 2010: 21
Total Re-See Movies seen in May 2010: 22
2009 Comparisons:
Total movies seen at end of May 2009: 239 (That was 184 New Movies plus 55 Re-Sees)
New Movies Seen in May 2009: 31
Re-See Movies Seen in May 2009: 16
It does seems like I slowed down a little in May, but the pace is steady and that make me happy. This month of June is set with lots of movies!! Phil (who programs the midnights at the New Beverly) is celebrating his birthday with has a week of movies and that includes a few triple feature nights!! Then there's an L.A. Film Festival starting up after that and I hope to catch a few screenings there. So many movies and so little time! Here's hoping a new work gig doesn't distract me much and I keep up my movie a day pace! Yup! Wish me luck fellow movie watchers! Let's all keep watching movies! YUP
Tuesday, May 18. 2010
NEAR DARK Back At The New Beverly
NEAR DARK = COOL VAMPIRES
As a movie watcher I really enjoy revisiting movies I've seen before and love nothing more then getting the chance to see those films on a big screen and that's why the New Beverly just spoils me rotten.
On Thursday, May 6 the New Beverly featured a Kathryn Bigelow double feature with THE HURT LOCKER and NEAR DARK. I was there for just NEAR DARK since it's one of my favorite vampire flicks and there was a Q&A lined up with actors BILL PAXTON and JENETTE GOLDSTEIN!
Bill, Jenette, Julia
New Beverly Julia kicked off the introduction and questions. Bill and Jenette seemed excited to be there, they have a good chemistry between them. They both commented on how special it was for actors to work together on multiple projects since Near Dark also rejoined the them with Lance Henricksen after Aliens. They agreed that it added to their family vibe for the film.
Each of them talked about how they were cast for their parts and called Kathryn an encouraging director who let them do quite a bit of improvisation while filming.
Bill talked about the music in the movie and how much he liked a lot of the songs during the roadhouse scene with the CRAMPS cover of FEVER. He said that Kathryn ended up paying out of her pocket for those tunes.
Talkin' about Vampires!
Jenette brought up actor Joshua John Miller who plays kid vampire Homer in the film and she recalls just how creepy she found him to be back then. Bill's memory of Joshua involved Joshua dancing to Tina Turner music.
It was interesting when Bill teased that there was some drama about the script and writer but then quickly tried to change the topic, that little tease left us all more then a bit curious.
As the talk went on that night they just shared their good memories and Bill made a fun jab at True Blood vampires as he walked out of the theater and the lights went out.
Near Dark Boy and Girls!
Near Dark began to play and I remember all over again just why it's one of my favorite films. A vampire film with some mean and tough vamps, I wouldn't want to pick any of them up hitchhiking or get caught in a dark alley where they could be hiding. It was this movie that I think of when I think of Adrian Pasdar!
(swoon!)This movie is a treasure of the 80's and it's totally DOESN'T suck! (Haha!) I love NEAR DARK! That is all! Yup!
