It is time for the event that I so eagerly await every year. Yes, my friends, am I talking about San Diego 's very own COMIC-CON!!!

This month, instead of analyzing movies, DVDs, TV shows, and books down to their slightest details, I am here to tell you about the wonder that is Comic-Con. If you've read previous Crystal Says.. entries, you know that this event lasts for four-and-a-half glorious days of nerddom. Last year, I did sort of an introduction to the Con, so if you're curious about all the basics, click here for the August, 2004, diatribe. If you just want to experience me geeking out about the sneak peeks of future blockbuster footage and movie star sightings, read on..

Thursday, July 14, 2005
The Con starts off with some surprising workshops for a so-called slow day. In the past, Thursdays have always been an idyllic time to schlep around the dealer's room (three football fields worth of comics, toys, and art for sale plus booths that feature video games, movie studios, publishing houses, and artist portfolio critiques, among a thousand other activities). It's also a day where I can relax at the back of comic book workshops and perhaps a fan movie forum or two. But it looks like the Con has grown. <weep> The aisles of the exhibit hall are already choked with shoppers and the powers that be have actually closed the doors on a presentation or two (more on that later). It's unheard of. I'm afraid that the days of the old Con are gone. <weep, weep>

After venturing onto "the floor" (the dealer's room), a friend and I check out the booths then eat a decent though overpriced lunch. Soon though, we scoot upstairs, eagerly awaiting our first workshop. Weeeeee!!!! Comic-Con has started! We decide to sit in on the CFQ (magazine) Summer Movie Preview. Sweet. Trailers and snark, all in the same sitting. Here are the highlights:
• THE BROTHERS GRIMM - You might've already seen this hyper-kinetic, funny, scary trailer that features Matt Damon and Heath Ledger as fake ghost hunters. Most notable is that this is director Terry Gilliam's return to glory (He's the visual genius behind films like BRAZIL , THE FISHER KING, and TWELVE MONKEYS.). I'm rooting for this movie because of Gilliam, a maverick who doesn't quite fit within the paint-by-number lines of Hollywood . But even if I had no emotional connection for the underdog, I'd still be looking forward to the humorous, warped content. Seriously, we're going to get a load of twisted fairy tales, great Matt Damon comedic timing, and crazy special effects. Can't wait, and the buzz on this was good.
• TRANSFORMERS - This is no joke: they're making a movie about those weird/cool toys. I'd be booing if Steven Spielberg wasn't the executive producer. It is announced that Michael Bay is directing (but at "press time" it looks as if that might not be happening any more), so there'll be tons of explosions. Since the film won't be released until 2007, we didn't get to see any previews, but we did glimpse the mockups (computer-animated plans for the Transformers as well as action scene ideas). They played that irritating song the whole time, too ("Transformers, more than meets the eye." You totally know it.). Truthfully, the mockups looked fairly decent, but I'm curious about what sort of story this film will have. It's a toss up as to whether this will be awesome or a huge disaster.
• THE CORPSE BRIDE - Like THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, this is another Tim Burton stop-motion animated picture. It looks funny and quirky-par for the Burton course. The lead character resembles Johnny Depp to a T, so that's a plus. He acts as strange as Depp, as well, so I like that, too. Overall, cute with good buzz from the CFQ panel.
• MIRRORMASK - This preview was freaky. I can't even describe it, except to say that it's a dark, cubed fantasy-almost like a dusky Picasso painting. I was uncomfortable watching the trailer, but the creepy/beautiful artistry is fascinating. Truly, this film is visually innovative. The word is that the first ten minutes are hard to get through, but the rest is like a "very rich meal." Take that to mean what you will.

After the CFQ panel, I attend a presentation for A SCANNER DARKLY, a much-anticipated film adaptation of Philip K. Dick's story. You know Dick's work: BLADE RUNNER ("Do Androids Dream of Sheep?") is a sci-fi masterpiece. I don't know what I am expecting from this preview-more darkness and dreary, rain-slicked chaos?-but it isn't what I get. First, let me mention that the panel features not only the movie's creators, but they have brought along a Philip K. Dick robot. It is so very strange. I am unable to stay for the question/answer period, but I hear that the robot talked and it was totally surreal. At any rate, they show a Con exclusive (which means the footage hasn't yet been revealed to the public yet, and that's because the Con is special ). This movie is animated, but not in any way you're familiar with (unless you've seen WAKING LIFE, which director Richard Linklater also helmed). What they have done with the film is this: animators colored over the real actors and backgrounds to make a totally different viewing experience, one that shivers and shifts, one that puts you at a distance from reality. They show us an entire scene, sans sound mix or final animation. Personally, I'm not into the "look" of this animation. To me, it's not visually pleasing; it's disjointed, but I think, artistically, that suits Dick's work. This will be a DVD experience for me, I suppose, because I can't see myself going to the theater for it.

Next, after another stop on "the floor," I attend a panel that is so full that they have to close the doors. You all know Bruce Campbell, right? If you don't, click here for the April, 2005, Crystal Says. (DVD section). Bruce gives lots of shout outs to his new book MAKE LOVE THE BRUCE CAMPBELL WAY and trades riffs with his fans. The man is sidesplitting, and I can't describe what he said without sounding like a dope who is telling a joke the wrong way. Just watch a Bruce movie and listen to the commentary. You'll know exactly why this room is full of adoring people.

At this point, I have to leave for the day, so I unfortunately miss the David Cronenberg panel. Dang. THE HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (which has a kick-ass trailer) is going to be a noteworthy movie, and I wanted to hear what this director had to say.

Friday, July 15, 2005
Now we're getting to the really big guns.

The day starts off with an incredibly long line to get into Hall H. This place is roughly the size of a football field (yes, everything is measured out in football fields for me), and it holds 6,500 people. Fans are packed into the area because they're hot to see the first huge blockbuster/star-studded presentation of the Con: V FOR VENDETTA. V is based on an Alan Moore graphic novel. If you don't know who he is, run out and buy one of his very literary stories. He's amazing. I highly suggest WATCHMEN, which is a subversive look at the superhero genre. FROM HELL is great, too, but pretty horrific (It is about Jack the Ripper, so beware.). Even though the film version of V FOR VENDETTA doesn't have Moore 's blessing, I'm definitely going to see it. It looks to be an explosive, politically charged movie with deep content. It explores the motivations of a terrorist/freedom fighter (depending on the POV, so they say). Natalie Portman has graced us with her presence, and she comes off as sweet and articulate. She's a teeny little thing, too, and her head is still shaved for her role in V. They preview the trailer (a Con exclusive!) for us to great cheers. Certainly on my viewing list for the end of the year.

Next, the V crowd is shuffled off to the blast of flashbulbs. Then, a trailer that won't be shown outside of the Con covers the big screens in Hall H. It's HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE! Excellent preview: scary, intense, and everything you'd expect from the ultimate Quidditch match. I'm so there.

Afterward, Darren Aronofsky is brought on. He's a great filmmaker (as you probably know if you've seen REQUIEM FOR A DREAM-a movie that just about tore me apart). He not only shows us footage from his passion project, THE FOUNTAIN, but he introduces us to Rachel Weisz (THE MUMMY), the heroine of his movie. Uh-huh, boys, she's as beautiful as she looks on screen, so calm down. Anyway, the footage (the first ten minutes of the movie, complete with the usual Con caveats: "it's unfinished, still needs special effects and sounds, etc.") is provocative. According to Aronofsky, Warner Brothers has no idea how to market this film, and it's obvious why. This is going to be another profound exercise from this director in philosophy and mind-bending questions about the meaning of life. It is confusing, sure, but as Aronofsky says, "That's why there's ninety more minutes of movie to explain everything." Hugh Jackman is the hero, and he plays a conquistador, scientist, and astronaut. You heard me. I'm very intrigued with everything I don't know about this film, and I'll certainly end up seeing it.

Following this, some creators from THE CORPSE BRIDE come on to show us exclusive footage. We get to see a scene with Johnny Depp's character wandering the woods and accidentally proposing to a dead woman. (Hey, this is a Tim Burton movie. What did you expect?) Included is a fun musical number that features Danny Elfman's music and voice (Boingo forever!). As I said before, this looks like a good time.

Before I take off for a different room, I see a sneak peak (exclusive!) of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 2: DEAD MAN'S CHEST. Bitchin'! If you haven't caught a picture on the Internet yet of Davy Jones, try to get to it. This is some creature design. He's a pirate with a squid face; if it weren't so ugly it'd be beautiful. We also see Keira Knightly fooling around with two swords in a practice session as well as Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow running away from some cannibals who've captured him. He has the best expression on his face. I suspect I might fall out of my chair laughing when I finally see the actual scene in the theater.

Soon after this presentation, I cruise out of the mammoth Hall H to the smaller rooms upstairs. I have to see the actors and creators of VERONICA MARS, daggonit! I'm always asking you guys to watch this TV show, and even if it's moving to Wednesday night at nine o'clock (across from LOST), it's worth your TiVo efforts. The panel starts off by showing the DVD (coming out in October) highlights from season one, and there's no better argument for my VERONICA-love than all the awesome dialogue that was flying from the screen. Really-if you're missing Buffy's smart mouth, you'll love Veronica. This show is so well written that I'd hate to see it disappear into oblivion. Many of the stars have shown up (the actors who play Weevil, Duncan, Daddy Mars, and the crowd favorite, Logan) as well as uber-producer Joel Silver and the creator, Rob Thomas (who rocks). As a huge bonus, guess who else is there.? Charisma Carpenter!!! You know-Cordelia from BUFFY!!! She's joining the show and, according to her, will play "a bitch." (She says this in a teasing little sing-song voice that tells you she's already enjoying it.) The panel obviously loves being with each other and they adore the fans. Any scoop for season two though? Why, yes. Veronica's friendship with Wallace will be sorely tested. There will be another big mystery to take the place of Lilly Kane's (and we probably won't be seeing Lilly anymore). Veronica is over "the rape" and will have tons of romantic complications. And.oh.an episode with BUFFY alums Charisma Carpenter and Alyson Hannigan? Let's see. perhaps . Rob Thomas was very open to the possibility. So once again, everyone, please catch up on VERONICA MARS when season one comes out on DVD in October. And watch season two!!!! You won't regret it.

Okay, my pimping session is over. And so is Friday, because after VERONICA MARS, I go out to dinner with a friend I haven't seen in a while. My life is totally well rounded.

Saturday, June 16, 2005
This is always the biggest Con day. We find out that this year, about 100,000 people are attending. It feels like every one of them is there today, too. And most of them are in Hall H, where I'm camped out for as long as my hamstrings will hold out. (Have you ever tried to sit in the same chair for eight hours? I thought not. One word: atrophy.) But the geek-pain is well worth it.

First, we see exclusive footage of SUPERMAN RETURNS. The director, Bryan Singer (THE USUAL SUSPECTS, X-MEN), has just gotten off a plane from Australia , where they're shooting SR. He's cut a special trailer for the Con (because we're special , remember?). Here's the very interesting premise of the movie: It's supposed to take place a couple of years after the first SUPERMAN (Richard Donner's version). Superman has left Earth to, I think, see if his home planet still exists, but he's returned to find that much has changed (like Lois Lane getting married and having a baby). Risky, because SR is basically ignoring all those sequels. There is a lot of fanboy tension in the room, a lot of questions about why the Supersuit is so dark and why young Kate Bosworth has been cast as the seasoned reporter Lois Lane. (There're plenty of questions about the "unknown" actor playing the man of steel, too.) After the trailer is played, you can feel the stress lift; most of the fans give it a standing ovation. I, myself, don't stand. I like what I saw, but I think the ovation comes more from fanboy relief that Singer isn't screwing up the franchise than anything. Basically, these are my impressions: the cinematography is gorgeous, with soft, deep colors reminiscent of pre-World War Two and smoky skylines. Superman's "dark" suit fits in very well with the art direction and definitely lends romance to the tone. What little we see of Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor looks great; heck, it's Spacey. He's going to rule. When Brandon Routh is shown as Clark Kent, he's a real mix of young Tom Cruise and Christopher Reeve (eerily so). As Superman, I'm still not sure I felt Routh's physical presence, not like I did with Reeve. My gosh, the moment Reeve stepped on screen, you knew he could leap tall buildings in a single bound and stop bullets with his chest. And I have to say that Kate Bosworth didn't come off as Lois Lane to me. I loved Margot Kidder as Lane, and even though Bosworth has shown a lot of charm in the roles she's previously played, I haven't seen any of that in this short glimpse of footage. She's missing that spunk and spark, and it seems that she's so intent on playing a "grown up" (proving all the fanboys wrong when they question her ability to come off as "a seasoned reporter) that she has forgotten the Lois Lane part. I don't know. We'll see, but my first impression of the characterization isn't great. Still, when we're shown an image of Clark Kent starting to rip open his shirt as he runs down an alley in preparation to play the hero, I get chills..

After all that craziness, Paramount takes the stage with AEON FLUX. This is a movie based on the MTV Liquid TV animated series about a freedom fighter whose moral compass is a bit fuzzy (but compelling). Charlize Theron shows up, looking very glam and poised in a black goth dress shirt. As far as the exclusive footage goes, I can't say I'm swept away. There're a couple of neat action scenes, but I don't' have any feel for the tone or excitement about wanting to see it.

Or maybe I'm just stoked for the next presentation. From previous Crystal Says. entries, you might remember that I totally dig Kevin Smith (click here for the April, 2003, Kevin Smith shrine in the DVD section). Like Bruce Campbell's panel, I can't describe this without everything falling flat. Let's just say that this is the announcement that comes before the presentation: "Kevin Smith is a Comic-Con favorite and he loves his fans. But he does use adult humor, so if you've got young children in here, you might want to leave the room." He doesn't disappoint. If you want any movie news, here it is: Smith will soon be working on CLERKS 2: THE PASSION OF THE CLERKS (and, yes, there was much talk about the title); it'll be about how bored the clerks are and how they'll make a movie about working in a convenience store. Smith will be directing the feature film version of DEGRASSI HIGH. Interesting. I think he likes the TV show a lot. Also, Smith will be doing some big acting in Richard Kelly's SOUTHLAND TALES. Kelly (director of the great DONNIE DARKO) even comes on stage to show us a sort of horny storyboard from the film, and he says that Smith will play a veteran of the Gulf War who's wheelchair bound.

If you're a fan of FIREFLY, that Joss Whedon TV series that Fox TV messed up, you've probably already seen the SERENITY trailer. Whedon, the stud who created BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, has somehow managed to make the failed TV series into a movie. Amazing. I have to say that I haven't watched FIREFLY, so I have no great enthusiasm for this, but it could be good. The cast is very funny and loves playing off each other, so this is actually a great panel.

Then Sony trucks out the stars and creators for three movies: a remake of THE FOG (Maggie Grace from LOST is present and it looks like it could be fine), UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION and GHOST RIDER. U:E comes with Kate Beckinsale (many males begin drooling, even though her husband is the director and has his arm around her on the panel), Scott Speedman (from FELICITY-what a babe), and an "unfinished" exclusive reel of footage. It looks like the first UNDERWORLD but there are some hot sex scenes going on. I'll see it, of course. For GHOST RIDER, Eva Mendes (HITCH) comes with the director and Avi Arad, the guru who makes sure Marvel comics get made into movies. Nicolas Cage will star and the trailer looks good, with a definite Route 66/decrepit American West ghost town feel. I receive a free GHOST RIDER hat, too, so I walk away happy.

Now.one of the biggest attractions of Comic-Con.the panel for KING KONG. Peter Jackson (director of LORD OF THE RINGS) has filmed a presentation for the Con since he can't attend. He has also supplied very raw footage of a fight scene between three T-Rexes and Kong on Skull Island ; it's so unfinished that CGI still needs to be polished and some of the blue screen backgrounds haven't been filled in with details yet. As a matter of fact, some of the shots are computer-generated storyboards. But it doesn't matter. If this sequence is any indication, this movie will be great. The action is hold-your-breath intense and the crowd eats it up, especially at the end when Kong decimates the T-Rex in a manner that makes everyone go UUUUUGGGGHHHHH (but in a good way). Check me out-I'm already in line for this one. As a cherry on top of the sundae, the lights go up and who do you think is on stage? The stars-Adrien Brody (THE PIANIST), Naomi Watts (THE RING), and Jack Black ( SCHOOL OF ROCK , general crazy dude)!!!

Unfortunately, at this point, I have to leave for the day. So sad. I'm unable to stay for the TENANCIOUS D panel (Jack Black's band). Argh.

Sunday, July 17, 2005
This is my day to really hit "the floor." I buy loads of comics and then go to my last panel, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. Did you ever read these books when you were younger? Pure magic. I was so affected by what happened to Aslan that I remember getting sick to my stomach. (I won't tell you what happens in case you haven't read the books, but if you have.man-you know exactly what I mean.) There is a lot of special effects talk at this panel, and I fully believe this movie will be incredible. We are reassured that it won't resemble LORD OF THE RINGS (the same special effects team worked on those movies), so don't worry about that. Just come to the theater in December and enjoy. I'm going to try to be there. I'm worried I won't be able to handle the whole Aslan thing though-I hate crying in public.

So there it is.my Con adventure for the year. Until 2006.excelsior!!!