[Note: I've been sick all week, so this is later than scheduled. TV pilots segment is coming up]
As with anyone who has attended Comic-Con knows, there are
too many concurrent panels, too long lines, and too little time, so you're
forced to be selective and choose which panels you could have the best chance to
get into without camping out or wasting all day.
Having attended most major feature film panels for many years
(for coverage from previous years, click
here), I've noticed the
lines have grown out of control over the years due to the extreme
popularity.
The only solution is to
expand the space of the convention center to accommodate the swelling interest
and size of the crowd.
This year I did
something different by attending a mix of smaller art-related panels, a number of
pilot and established TV shows, and several feature films, including a press
conference.
***
Here are some of the highlights of several feature films: (check
back later for TV pilots)
Europa Report (August 2, 2013)
In attendance: director Sebastian Cordero, composer Bear
McCreary, producer Ben Browning, actress Karolina Wydra, scientists Steve Vance
and Kevin Hand; moderated by astronomer Dr. Phil Plait
"Europa Report" puts more emphasis on science in
'science fiction.' It's a faux
documentary ("found footage" style) of a space exploration to investigate whether there are elements of
life in Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, with its vast liquid water and
ocean. The imageries that are not only
clear and striking, but also realistically shot (based on actual images from
NASA), evoking a sense of awe, discovery and danger. The filmmakers really go for realism, at the same time,
understands that science has to find a balance with a story and characters that
are compelling. The space suit weighs
50 lbs. with a camera attached in the helmet, so the audience would see images
directly from the astronaut's eyes. As
far as music goes, they try to strike that balance between cold and mechanical,
and orchestra-like music typical for movies, and aiming for a melody that is
beautiful and evocative, and hopefully connect with the audience. The film has been compared to
"Moon" and "2001: A Space Odyssey."
"Ender's Game" (November 1, 2013)
In attendance: writer/director Gavin Hood, producer Roberto
Orci, stars Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfield
The trailer showed an impressive space war with a boy
soldier (Ender) in command. The movie
is based on a novel by Orson Scott, a story about gifted children learning the
arts of war in an advanced military school in preparation for battle with the
aliens to save the human race.
According to Hood, the movie isn't just about good vs. evil
with simple characters; it has a complex moral story. While the trailer doesn't show anything more than actions, the
story is supposedly about leadership, compassion, empathy, tolerance,
self-identity, and how you define your moral position in the world.
Hailee mentioned that she had to train boot camp to prepare
for the physically demanding role, including learning to march and salute.
Ford's role in the movie is
mentor-manipulator.
An iconic figure,
Ford made his second appearance in Hall H (first was 2010 for "
Cowboys & Aliens") and was the highlight of the panel.
Fans were clamoring and lining up to ask him
questions, including goofy questions about Han Solo and Indiana Jones.
"Divergent" (March 21, 2014)
In attendance: author Veronica Roth, director Neil Burger,
main stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James, joined by supporting stars, Mekhi Phifer, Maggie Q, Miles Teller, Ansel
Elgort, Zoe Kravitz, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Christian Madsen, Amy Newbold, Ben Lamb
The ensemble cast came to Comic-Con fresh from finishing
shooting just two days ago. Woodley
sounded endearingly nervous and commented about how huge the crowd in Hall H
was. The moderator made a good-natured
joke about the accent of the good-looking James, who was the target of
affection from female fans.
Based on the best-selling young adult fiction by Veronica
Roth, "Divergent," is an intriguing story about a fragmented society
in a distant future, where it's divided into five factions; bravery,
selflessness, intelligence, kindness, honesty.
Each person belongs to and must conform to the virtue of his or her
faction.
One member of the selflessness faction (Woodley) is
dissatisfied with her faction and wishes to move to another faction.
Mentored by a member of the other faction
(James), she has to undergo rigorous training and prove herself.
The footage shown is action-packed,
involving leaping off train and buildings, martial arts training, crowd surfing
and knife-throwing.
One particular
standout scene is the knife-throwing scene with Woodley's character standing
still, and having her ear nicked by the last throw.
Done right, "Divergent" could be the next "
The HungerGames."
When asked about bravery, Woodley emphasized that her
character was not a superhero; she's a
normal person put in an extraordinary position, who would rise to the occasion.
James responded that it's how you deal with what's asked of you and in the face
of fear, and that's what would define you.
It's about not being afraid to demonstrate what you're afraid of and
deal with things that are scary.
"Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (April 4,
2014)
In attendance at the Marvel press conference: directors
Anthony Russo and John Russo, stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L.
Jackson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Emily VanCamp, Frank Grillo, Cobie
Smulders
The next installment of "Captain America" would be
modern and edgy. Johansson talked about
working more intimately and close on the ground than in "The
Avengers." Evans discussed about
working closely with Johansson as Black Widow. Something happens in the
relationship and they would need to rely on each other. Van Camp's character, 'Kate,' has been
rumored to be Cap's love interest, but Van Camp wasn't allowed to divulge what
role she's playing and how she's introduced in the movie. Stan mentioned about the similarity of his
character, Winter Soldier, with Cap, as a lost man in a new world, discovering
his role and identity.
Evans also discussed about Cap's conflicts in the modern
world. It's a more challenging world
than the 1940s in a sense that it's not as black and white anymore; it's
gray. Back in the day, Nazi's were the
bad guys. Now we're dealing with a
blurred line between civil liberty and security. Cap, viewed as a boy scout and lacking in humor, can't rely on
being fish-out-water situation anymore to be entertaining. He's been briefed about the world and he has
a cell phone.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" (August 1, 2014)
In attendance at the Marvel press conference: director James
Gunn, stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker,
Benicio del Toro, Karen Gillan
Gunn clarified the basic premise of the movie. It's family coming together, individuals who
have acted selfishly throughout their lives learning things about themselves
and act as heroes. The movie's tone
will be lighter and more family-friendly.
It's revealed that villain Thanos, seen in post-credit "The
Avengers" will connect this movie to the larger Marvel Universe.
Pratt mentioned about how great Marvel movies were and it's
because of the great stories, singling out how Iron Man became so well-known to
people outside comic fans. He thought
it's the same thing with this movie, which has a cool story. He joked about his physical training and
transformation to be fit for the movie.
Zaldana was excited to do something different, sort of an anti-hero movie. The characters - rebels, thieves, assassins
- are learning their lessons, and with Gunn's interpretation, there will be a
lot of levity.
***
Another lively panel I attended was Q&A with directors Marc Webb ("
The Amazing Spider-Man"), Alfonso Cuaron ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and upcoming "Gravity") and Edgar Wright (upcoming "Ant-Man").
Other scoops coming out of Comic-Con include:
- "Age
of Ultron" is the title of "The Avengers 2" (2015). The movie is said to be darker and more
global in scope. Ultron is a
super-intelligent robot with a conquest to rule earth.
- Superman
will face off Batman in "Man
of Steel 2" (2015). There
have been debates about whether this is a desperate move from DC to catch
up with Marvel by having the two biggest superheroes in the world dueling
out in one movie.
- "Flash"
is slated for 2016 and "Justice League" (DC's all-star
superheroes ensemble) 2017.
***
While it might be cool to attend a Marvel press conference,
it's certainly different from marveling in a fan-centric event. Some members of the press may be fans
themselves and humorous exchanges take place occasionally, but a press event is
mostly devoid of excitement. The
interactions are lot more measured, subdued.
None of the thunderous cheers, wild surprises or overall mass
hysteria. Passionate fans, devoted and
star-struck, make up most of the fun and create an electrifying
experience. There is simply no
comparison.
In addition to star-studded panels, frenzied exhibits halls,
costumed characters and outer exhibits in downtown San Diego entertained fans
and visitors alike.
If you've never
attended or don't intend to attend Comic-Con next year, walk around downtown
and soak in the ambiance.
It's perfect
for people-watch, take silly pictures, party or just hang out.
And that's a wrap!
http://www.sdentertainer.com/arts/comic-con-2013-feature-film-highlights/
[left click to enlarge pictures]
