The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Comic Con 2004 Review
By: Dee Miyamura

In my many years in fandom, I've gone the entire gambit. From partying teenager, to line standing adult, to volunteer, to "press representative". I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly from each of these vantage points and could grouse and complain volumes. But won't. At least not here, not now.

Comic Con has a separate area of great size just for Autographs. However; ”LOST" and "New Line Cinema/ROTK", used the dealers room floor. Almost at the same time! This created a lot of confusion... for the fans awaiting autographs, for the stars signing autographs, for the PR people, Comic Cons volunteer staff, etc.... This could have been handled better.

The heat and humidity of San Diego did not stop the fans from attending! Hotels were booked up solid. Traffic horrendous and parking, whew. Almost unavailable!! It was eight (8) hours round trip for the representatives of Nevermore Magazine. The grand total for the driver twenty-four (24) hours in three (3) days!

I regret that I was unable to see Lucas film announce the title to Episode III. "Revenge of the Sith." Hundreds of panels, art displays, comic books, photos, jewelry, actors, writers, directors, and more on two floors.

Friday, July 24, early evening held the biggest packed panel.
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BLADE TRINITY

Wesley Snipes returns in Blade 3. He's aided in dispatching vampires by Jennifer Biel and Ryan Reynolds. Biel and Reynolds joins director David Goyer in a lively Q&A.

Jennifer Biel (T.V. audiences know her best as the eldest daughter on "7th Heaven") kicks some serious vampire butt with silver blades both hand-held and boot-tipped. Her film clip shows a woman who can hold her own.

Ryan Reynolds, a native of Vancouver Canada, where principal photography took place. He adds a bit of irony and sarcasm as his vampire hunter (in the film clip) is shown dealing with a vampire Pomeranian dog, and a vampires giving him nutritional advice.

Ms. Biel confirms a grueling training schedule of approximately six (6) months in martial arts. Bruises were common, and she admits the only major injury to report was to Mr. Reynolds. She said: "Ryan hurt his widdle finger."

Ryan confirms, and adds it was a blood blister.

A fan inquires if Jennifer will do any On-Line chats. She admits not having one scheduled, but will.

She confessed she does not read comic books.

Director David Goyer enjoys the chemistry with his three lead stars.

Mr. Goyer said he turned down many writing jobs to concentrate on directing. He would like the opportunity to do another Blade, or Nightstalker, and had negotiated funds "in case".

Another fan asked David regarding the blades in lieu of wooden stakes to kill vampires. He answered that after investigating other legends, he decided to go with "silver blades".

Yet another questioned about the "Can You Top This Fear", in how can you be successful and turn out a good quality product. Mr.Goyer acknowledged this fear, and says each Blade is different.

Director David Goyer commented that even though "Blade Trinity" has some humor injected. He assures everyone. "Don't worry. It's still dark and grim."
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HAROLD AND KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE

The intensity of Blade Trinity was interrupted with the irreverent humor of John Cho and Kal Penn. This movie's stars did their own Q&A.
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CELLULAR

A quick one about cell phones and that is all I remember. However; a screening was won by a woman called Lillie who was called during the presentation.
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THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING

Co-Producer Rick Porras. DVD producers Mike Mulvihill and Michael Pellerin. Billy (Pippin) Boyd and David (Faramir) Wenham hit the stage to shouts, whistles, and cheers!!

Peter Jackson was unable to attend due to pre-production for "King Kong". He shares a message via pre-recorded tape. All to officially announce the Special Edition DVD. Of course, with all the multi-media and internet, this was known before the audience returned home.

Dominic Monaghan and Elijah Wood have a made up language. This was put to good use on a song called Halfling that Viggo put on his CD. "Pandemonium in America" with leading guitarist Buckethead. Mr. Boyd said. However; I am unable to track down the particulars on this CD.

Billy replied to a fan's inquiry regarding music. He said he was writing music again. That a music CD of his own is not out of the question.

Mr. Boyd squeals on Viggo, saying it was HIS idea to throw the apples in FOTR, and it was Viggo himself throwing them! Confesses this is also one of his favorite scenes. He likes the scene with all four hobbits at the end.

Mr. Wenham answered he enjoyed his scenes with Pippin. The intense scene where the question is raised, "if Boromir lived and Faramir died," to what is preferred is another favorite of his. The extended will show the great love and respect between the brothers! His first scene was the love scene with Eowyn (Miranda Otto). In Australia, David and Miranda are good friends. Telling the story of a love scene in a bath tub and how they laughed and laughed.


From the extended ROTK, Boyd says several of Pip looking for Merry in the battlefield. Some showed Pip finding Merry, others show he doesn't find him. Boyd also likes Sam's wedding. During one of the takes, Viggo kissed Billy on the mouth! The feeling...queasy.

The skulls from ROTK. Billy managed to steal a "full size" one. Forgot totally, and then, while cleaning house, threw it out! The producers wished they had even one of the miniature skulls. They revealed they shot 7 million feet of film. 12 1/2 million feet of extras and deleted scenes!

Mr. Boyd calls the books, "An incredible piece of work."

THE PRANK. Tanya, who passes out the script revisions, gives Dom and Billy one where they fall through Treebeard, and, lose their clothing and end up naked! Billy says Pip's line was something like: "That was weird, do you feel cold?" and Merry's reply is, "Yes.....hhhhold me."

Mr. Boyd said he relishes the film as Pip "motion like a fish progression". How he grew up and changed.

Billy Boyd has completed "On A Clear Day" as Peter Mullin. Very different from Pip. He is also the voice of Chucky's offspring. David Wenham completed "Three Dollars", about the crumbling life of a man with only $3 in his pocket and is reflective on this.

Fans inquired if the star read comic books. David answered "doesn't really read, but will" to which Billy added, "I agree."

***

LOST

The new ABC series created by JJ Abrams (who gave us "Alias"), takes it's Wednesday night spot.
Mr. Abrams was unavailable for his panel.

The first episode was shown. An intense race to survive the first hours and minutes, following a horrific airplane crash. It is revealed the plane was off course.

Actors Matthew Fox, Dominic Monaghan, and Evangeline Lilly are joined by writers and producers Paul Dini, Damon Lindeloff, Bryan Buck, and fresh from Angel/Buffy, David Fury!

Although all hints to dinosaurs on the island. The producers promise there are none or ever will be on this island. That this will be character driven, more than just survivors on an island. Filming in Hawaii, talk about hard work and bad conditions (cough/cough).

Mr. Monaghan calls his character Charlie. "Edgy, contemporary...Levels of badness with some goodness."

It is however up against "Smallville". Will it survive? We will see.