Better get in line now. Thursday in the Hall will start out with 2 panels back-to-back that are going to bring out the fanatic fans. Gaining access will be right next to impossible.
First up: 12:45-1:45 “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2”. Not only is it “Twilight” but it is the last “Twilight” and an end of an era so the screaming masses will do their Twi-hardest to get in that room with Kristin, Robbie and the rest. Exclusive footage is promised as well as a Q & A. I’m guessing camp-outs starting Monday.
Then as if that didn’t make things manic enough, Tim Burton will follow with his “Frankenweenie”. A different fan base but just as crazed. “Burton” fan and “Twilight” fan vying for the same seat…There will be blood.
2:05-3:05 Walt Disney Studios: “Frankenweenie,” “Oz: The Great and Powerful,” and “Wreck-it Ralph”— Too cool. Q & A and footage of all three. “Oz” should be interesting and Raimi’s dark take on the classic could do well by some fanboy buzz. The film cost an estimated “whole lotta money” so any buzz is appreciated. The screaming legions will blow their top for Burton though but do not expect a special appearance from Johnny Depp. According to the tabloids, he is dealing with some heavy personal problems. Besides, he isn’t even in “Frankenweenie”. As for “Wreck-It Ralph,” I am very excited as the film looks like the video game world version of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”. Extremely Dated Spoiler Alert: Doc Brown Framed the Rabbit.
3:25-4:25 “CZ12” or “Chinese Zodiac”- And then the room clears out. No disrespect to Jackie Chan, the director and producer of this old-school action flick. I love the man. Big Fan. “Drunken Master 2”? Best Ku Fu-er ever. But after “Twilight” and Burton, the sobbing crazies will descend upon the Floor and we will actually get a chance to take a seat in the grand Hall. This is my plan, at least. Besides, maybe “CZ12” will be something worth checking out. The movie stars Jackie Chan, Kwone Sang Woo and with a special guest appearance by Oliver Platt. It was filmed around the world and Chan has stated that he has made an all-out fist-flying flick to remind people that he is not only a comedian. Real funny, Jackie.
4:45-5:45 “The Expendables 2-Real American Heroes”- Sly is back (again) as the master of the action sequel will give you a preview of the (and I quote) “the real-deal muscles, weapons, skills, and explosions that went into making a film even bigger and badder than the original”. I don’t know about this one as the original really let me down. The cast is AMAZING of course and I hope that the Great Mumbler can figure out something for them to do. He has Chuck Norris!!! Van Damme!! As for who will actually show up for the Q & A, the announced talent is as follow: Sylvester, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Arnold Schwarzenegger !!!
6:15-8:15 The Virtual Drive-In- This is a pretty cool panel where 3 smaller genre films are showcased in the big room to give some exposure to the little guys. I attended last year and saw my first glimpse of “Grave Encounters” and “Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil”. This year the three featured are “Branded,” “Crave” and “Coldwater”. I know nothing of them but I will be sure to attend just in case we have a cult classic just waiting to be discovered.
That’s it for Thursday July 12th. Starts off huge and then mellows to a smooth finish with some tiny horror films looking for some love.
Next up: Friday Hall H gets taken over by Television Shows!!!!
On a Friday? I guess the love affair with Hollywood is officially over.
Saturday will rock though with Tarantino, Superman and our little buddy Bilbo.
Friday’s schedule Here
Saturday’s Schedule right Here
What are you going to attend?