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- Category: Commentary
- Published: Tuesday, 03 June 2008 07:41
- Written by INMX
As an attendee of San Diego’s 2009 Comic-Con I was privileged to see the premiere of Bruce Timm’s animated Green Lantern: First Flight directed by Lauren Montgomery. A co-production between Warner Brother’s and DC Comics, this is the fifth DC Universe original movie which will be released in Blu-Ray, DVD and On Demand Video.
As an uninitiated viewer I was able to follow the origin story of the Green Lantern and how he came to acquire his powers. Keeping his abilities a secret as he learns how to use them, he is contacted by the Green Lantern Corps and is mentored by the respected Lantern Sinestro.
After a few adventures, The Green Lantern, voiced by Christopher Meloni, assumes a leadership role and leads the Green Lantern Corps in a new, invigorated direction. Probably with many new adventures to follow.
I enjoyed the film and there was enough humor there to keep the adults engaged as well. I predict that this film will do well for the franchise.
During San Diego’s 2009 Comic-Con convention, attendees were treated to an early look at the animated film Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey. Introduced by Dr. Harry Kloor, writer of such television shows as Star Trek: Voyager, and Earth: Final Conflict. Dr. Kloor promises a unique and educational experience.
Based on a theory that Dr. Kloor once entertained, that photons actually surf light rays, this film centers around a character named Dave, a photon, voiced by Chris Pine, who must leave the sun and reach the Cassini Space Craft before it is destroyed.
Using actual images from space captured during seven NASA and NASA/ESA space missions, this animated three-dimensional film will be beautiful, and scientific as well. The film makers hope to attract young minds to the science of space and influence a whole new generation of space explorers. Dr. Kloor is so keen on the project that it is endorsed by NASA, the X Prize Organization, the Young Astronauts Council, the International Space University and the Challenge Center for Space Science Education.
Once the film is released in September, supporting educational material will be available for free to download on-line. This way educators and amateur scientists may achieve a deeper understanding of the science involved in the film.
Interestingly, Dr. Harry Kloor’s theory about photon surfing has since been proven to be true, making his fantasy epic even more substantial. The animation is expected to be fantastic and the musical score will include actual sounds recorded from space.
In addition to Chris Pine, other voice actors will include, Samuel L. Jackson, Hayden Christensen, James Earl Jones, William Shatner, Mark Hamill, Brent Spiner, Robert Picardo, and Doug Jones. All with serious Sci-Fi credits. But the most exciting cast member is Neil Armstrong himself, as Dr. Jack Morrow. A cinematic first for this historic space legend.
Other voice actors include Amanda Peet, Sandra Oh, Jason Alexander, Tom Kenny, Casey Kasem, and Abigial Breslin, to name a few more. Making this film an exciting, education and entertaining event to look forward to.
Reported by Melanie Wilson San Diego Comic-Con 2009
Visit Melanie Wilson's Blog on LAMelbox.blogspot.com
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In the middle of a very interesting panel discussion by two of film’s greatest film innovators, a very odd man walked up on stage and asked to share the director’s water. James Cameron was completely unfazed, but Peter Jackson looked a little concerned, as he was sitting at a different angle and saw the character approach. As security grabbed the man and escorted him off stage, Peter Jackson nervously volunteered that he hoped that they didn’t rough him up. James Cameron shrugged and said that he thought he was all part of the show. Watch video of the incident below.
A back stage observer told me that the interloper was pressed up against the back wall and was questioned. It is not known if he was arrested, or ejected from the convention. Most people thought it was a prank. One that was luckily harmless. But security does need to be tighter if we want the stars to continue to come. I believe that this is the first visit for both directors.
The Warner Brothers panel early Friday morning was full to capacity at San Diego’s 2009 Comic-Con. The first film to be introduced was Where The Wild Things Are, where new star Max Record enchanted the audience with his warm, natural presence and impromptu speech. Standing there in front of several thousand enthusiastic people must have been overwhelming for the young Max, but he handled himself well and was able to recover as we watched a clip from the movie.
The film’s style was intriguing and the puppet-like characters reminded me of Sid and Marty Kroft’s creations from long ago. They are life-size, yet capable of showing personality and emotion. I wasn’t very excited about this film when originally announced, but now I’m curious enough that I really want to go. Artistically this film is a real challenge and I liked what I saw. I’m really rooting for this film and hope they nailed it.
The next film to be introduced was The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman. This film was presented to us by showing an animated short, which was moving and powerful. The animated clip gives us some back-story on Gary Oldman’s character, Carnegie, and how he may have grown up with an extreme prejudice to anything religious. The filmmakers and the star were very vague about giving us more details, but Gary Oldman let it slip that the book of Eli may be about a super hero with the initials J.C. I’ll be watching for more info. The subsequent live-action clip showed a badass Denzel Washington in a post-apocalyptic world. The Hughes brothers have created a very stylish film.
The Third film to be presented was a re-make of Nightmare On Elm Street with Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Krueger. I heard a lot of grumbling around me on this one. Although no one had a problem with Jackie Earle Haley taking on the role, some people had a problem with the film being remade at all. Why mess with a classic? The filmmakers justified their decision by stating that they are introducing the franchise to a whole new generation. They also promised that the new Nightmare would be even scarier. I’ll take their word on that one.
The Box was shown to us next. This film is a psychological thriller based on a what-if premise. What if a man showed up on your doorstep and offered you a million dollars to push a button, knowing that if you do, someone you didn’t know would die. This Twilight Zone type of story stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden as the couple who must face this moral dilemma. Frank Langella plays the mysterious, creepy, man who holds the box and a suitcase full of money. I like my horror films to be more cerebral, so I’ll probably enjoy this one. Watch THE BOX trailer
Out of all the films that were introduced to us, the one I’m the most excited about is Jonah Hex. I was completely unfamiliar with this comic-book character going in to this panel, but I love the premise. Set in the Civil War era, Jonah Hex is a Western Bounty Hunter who roams the country taking out bad guys. He is a scarred, flawed, anti-hero with many personal demons, and I loved the look that Josh Brolin brings to the character. Megan Fox also stars in the film. I really like Westerns so I’m looking forward to this film. The movie looks very cool with a touch of magic and mysticism.
The final film in the Warner Brothers panel was Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. The filmmakers have promised that they have gone back to the source material and have taken great pains to give us a more authentic Holmes. I’m a little skeptical; the film clips were focused on a lot of action. But, I’ll reserve my judgment until I’ve seen the film. Holmes is a favorite character of mine and I’ve read all of the short stories. Although I like both Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, my concern is that they may have gone too modern, or have tried too hard to make Holmes relevant for today’s kids. In my opinion Holmes is a classic character and is as relevant today as he ever was. I’m open to another go, just don’t mess it up. You don’t want to alienate your older fans in trying to serve the younger. Watch SHERLOCK HOLMES trailer.
Reported by Melanie Wilson San Diego Comic-Con 2009
Visit Melanie Wilson's Blog on LAMelbox.blogspot.com
The Comic Con convention in San Diego has come and gone once again. This year saw an increase in attendance with teeny boppers invading the geek fest - thanks to TWILIGHT taking over the convention early on during the five day event.
Here are some other eventful panel discussions and news from Comic Con 2009.
Warner Bros. Reveals Movie Line-Up
TV: Burn Notice and Dexter Panels
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HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (Aug. 23, 2008) – A thousand lucky screaming fans were surprised when stars from “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”— Zac Efron, Ashley Tisdale, Olesya Rulin, KayCee Stroh, Chris Warren Jr., Ryne Sanborn, Justin Martin, Matt Prokop and Jemma McKenzie-Brown and Director Kenny Ortega— showed up to cheer them on as they participated in the Ultimate Fan Pep Rally, an event which included an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming film and sing-a-longs with the previous "High School Musical" movies.
For more, watch video from the event.
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CineMovie.TV went into hyperdrive at the Hollywood premiere of the first animated Star Wars feature, "Star Wars: The Clone Wars". Anabell reports from the red carpet complete with stormtroopers and R2D2.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars opens August 15.
Watch new trailers & preview movie posters.
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