Comic-Con International Hip to Be Square
July 23, 2008
Alright, it’s July and you know what that means, the return of Comic-Con International. No longer a strict bastion for freaks, geeks, trekkies and computer-gamers’, Comic-Con over the last few years, has become Hollywood Sheik and Hollywood is turning out!
Comic-Con has become the one of the most important events for the movie industry. For example, the buzz at last years convention was the viral marketing campaign for the J.J. Abrams’ film, Cloverfield. The Internet was on fire for 1-18-08 and its mysterious photos of Rob’s going away party, destruction and Asian cooking recipes. Abrams himself visited Comic-Con to release information regarding the upcoming film and dispel rumors about the viral campaign.
Director Jon Favreau visited the 2007 convention promoting his new project, Iron Man. “Last year, before we went to Comic-Con, nobody was talking about Iron Man,” Favreau continues, “but by the end of our presentation to those 6,500 fans they were sending instant messages and writing blog posts and we instantly had a buzz around the world.”
Promoters expect visitors to this year’s convention will top 120,000 and that doesn’t include the Hollywood elite. Rumor has it that Paris Hilton is planning a visit to geek-dom in an effort to promote her new film, Repo! The Genetic Opera.
Pearl Jam Shreds VH1 Rock Honors
July 18, 2008
Last night VH1 broadcast their Rock Honors for The Who. I’m not here to tout the Who’s accolades over the years or the fact that Townsend may be the most innovative writer of the late 60’s and early 70’s. But I must give props to the performers and bands that lent their talent to the Who Rock Honors show.
The Foo Fighters did a brilliant version of Young Man Blues from the Live At Leeds album. Incubus gave an inspiring performance of the Who classics, I Can’t Explain and I Can See For Miles, while the Flaming Lips delivered a fantastic version of Overture from the Rock Opera Tommy, complete with smashed instruments.
Alright, now to the best performance of the night and I say that with real conviction! I shit you not… after last night’s performance I could listen to Pearl Jam cover Who songs for the rest of my life. Eddie Vedder was on point, the band’s energy level was higher than a Georgia pine and the sound was positively electrifying! I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the Who live on several occasions including a mid 70’s performance of songs from Quadrophenia. Pearl Jams’ take on Love Reign O’er Me and The Real Me was absolute perfection. If you want to know how it felt as a kid listening to the Who live, then Pearl Jam’s performance last night was a glimpse into that world.
If you didn’t get a chance to catch last night’s broadcast, by all means find out when it airs next and check it out!
Britney Loses Again
July 18, 2008
The AP is reporting that attorneys for Britney Spears announced that an agreement has been reached granting the former pop princess additional visits with her children.
Attorneys for Spears and Kevin Federline met with a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner in closed chambers Friday morning. However a spokesperson said no formal settlement has been filed with the Court.
E! News is reporting that the principle parties agreed that Kevin Federline, better known as K-Fed would receive legal and physical custody of Sean Preston and Jayden James while Spears will have expanded visitation rights.
In an attempt to spin the positive aspect of losing one’s children, Spears’ attorney, Laura Wasser, said the agreement will give Spears more time with her young sons. While Federline has full custody, Wasser says Spears may get expanded rights by the end of the year.
We can only hope that this is the last wakeup call Britney needs. The train wreck that she called her life over the past two years has taken its toll and for the sake of her two young children, I hope she keeps it together.
Not Another Dark Knight Review
July 18, 2008
This is not another Dark Knight review. Viewing a film is interpretational and I believe each person takes something different from the table as they exit the theater. Film is cathartic; it provides us with an outlet through which we live vicariously, provokes and inspires us and allows us to identify with individuals and make judgment calls form the comfort of our seats.
“The Dark Knight will be one of the year’s best films and catapult the Batman franchise into the top most echelon of the comic based genre.”
It was inevitable that Hollywood would eventually break out a brush that was capable of painting these familiar comic book characters in more detail. Up until recently the comic genre has been deluded with two dimensional characters that were incapable of showing much more emotion than anger or vengeance. Eventually, the lack of plot, depth and over abundance of digitally effects would only lead to a collapse of the audience’s interest and the genre would fade away. With the release of films such as Spiderman II, Hell Boy II, Iron Man and now The Dark Knight, the comic genre I am pleased to say is alive and well.
Drugs… Andy Dick… and a 17 Year Old Girl
July 16, 2008
Okay with a name like Dick how do you stay out of trouble? If your first name is Andy… you don’t. As if the comedian hasn’t had enough problems in the past with alcohol and drugs, what does he do? Fondles a 17 year old girl’s boobs. I use to think that Andy was just a free spirited spacey kinda’ guy, but now I’m convinced… he’s an idiot!
The 17 year old girl told police that Andy Dick assaulted her by pulling down her tank top and exposing her breasts. Murrieta Police representatives said that Mr. Dick was “extremely intoxicated”. When searched it was discovered that he was carrying marijuana and Xanax in his pockets.
Murrieta Police said, the comedian had been warned earlier by officers to leave a local bar or face charges of public intoxication. Lt. Vrooman of the Murrieta Police Department said officers were called to the Corner Pocket Sports Bar around 9 PM Tuesday after receiving several calls about a disturbance. After officers arrived, they found Mr. Dick smashed and gave him the option of leaving the establishment rather than being arrested. Police didn’t state if Dick was the source of the disturbance.
Dick migrated to another bar, Buffalo Wild Wings on Murrieta Hot Springs Road, where he continued to drink with friends. Several customers at th
e bar recognized Dick and approached him, including a 17 year old girl.
As Dick and his friends were leaving, the comedian spotted the young girls and shouted, “There are the girls.” He allegedly approached the 17 year old and her friend and proceeded to fondle her breast with his right hand and pull down her top. Shortly there after Dick and his friends got into a pick up truck and attempted to leave but were detained by police.
Murrieta Police said Dick was intoxicated and argumentative, but wouldn’t elaborate further. Police found a gram of marijuana and Xanax in his pocket.