MovieViral.com

Playing games on Facebook has become extremely popular as of late, whether you are a college student or my mom (true story). Not one to pass up on an opportunity like that, Paramount Home Entertainment has created a G.I. Joe Facebook Game to promote their November 3rd release of G.I. Joe on Blu-rayand DVD. The app is called G.I. Joe Faceoff , and it allows you to choose and customize a major character either from the Joes or the Cobras. Then you fight an opponent and get points for winning.


The points can be used to purchase upgrades, additional weapons, items and vehicles. As you accumulate wins, you are moved up in ranking (4 ranking levels total). At each new level, additional clothing options are unlocked that you can use to outfit your character. You can recruit friends (earning points for doing so each time) and share your progress as you move up the ranks to become the ultimate G.I. Joe or Cobra operative. Also, there are 2 clips from the DVD bonus features that can be accessed by playing the game.





Sounds fun, right? Well the problem I have with this game (along with many other Facebook and even iPhone game apps) is that you don’t actually do anything once the fighting starts. You just sit there and watch as their health meters go down. The characters on the screen don’t even move! Now, I know many who like to play game apps online and on their phone are into the planning part of things. Customizing your character’s outfit and stats may be what tickle your fantasy, but personally I like to watch, and even better, participate, in some real action. That’s why I don’t play Farmville on Facebook (no offense to my many friends and relatives who do play it).


At the very least, try the game out so you check out the bonus clips. I don’t want to ruin the fun by posting them here. Let us know what you think of the game in comments below!

This week on ViralCast, Matt, Scott and I discuss and review GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra (spoilers included). Then we chat District 9 and what it means, as well as it’s possible impact. Make sure you check out the MovieViral.com Official Forum.

Direct link: http://movieviral.com/music/podcast/ViralCast15.mp3

WARNING: This review contains spoilers.

So I went to my first ever midnight showing of a movie last night and I decided to go with G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. A couple of things I noticed right off the bat made me leery about the film. One, there was no one dressed up like Scarlet or Baroness (or anyone else, but who cares about the rest). Not really a sign of what the movie was to be like, just bummed that I didn’t see anyone.  Secondly, and most importantly, the theater was empty. Not a good sign when the die-hard Joe fans are not even out supporting the film. Goes to show what damage the trailers and all of the negative hype did to it.

Obviously from the title, you can tell that this movie is going to be a prequel type movie, that shows basically the start up points of a lot of characters. The very first scene in the movie is from 1641 and shows James McCullen (the first to wear the iron mask, but as punishment for selling arms to both sides during war). It also shows you how and why a lot of characters come to play, and where they stand in the movie. From childhood fights between Storm Shadow and Snake-Eyes, to Baroness’s choice in men.

I went into the movie with incredibly high hopes. G.I. Joe is my childhood. I grew up with this stuff. I spent most of my days as a kid digging up the backyard with my mother’s spoons and building forts in the trees. I needed this movie to be good. No, I needed this movie to be great. But alas, it was not.

I will never understand what would make a writer/director change so much of a staple in history. Whether it be character background, and most importantly, character visualization. And, why a major company such as Hasbro would let this happen. I can understand appealing to those who are not fans and/or know nothing of the stories, but for those that do follow, it’s a smack to the face.

In the movie, G.I. Joe is a special undercover task force that their main goal is to stop this group of unknowns that use Nanotechnology to rule and destroy the world. Not too far fetched from current technology. The “nano-mites” can be used to destroy an entire city, or be injected into a person for complete mind control. All in the palm of your hand with a kill-switch. This is where good ol’ Chrome Dome steps up and takes control. Especially since the technology was created by his company. Now its up to the Joe’s to stop them.

Too much was changed in this film. Whether or not you feel as if it was a good change, who knows. I for one did not care for most. I think the characters they chose to fill out the movie was good. Too many others may have flooded the movie and went too far. After all, they have stories to create for just about all of those in it. And they may have gotten one story right. And that was Destro’s. I won’t get into all of them, but here a few key roles.

Destro – Played by Christopher Eccleston: Nailed it. He has such a cool look to him. From the suit, to the hair, to the accent. They could not have picked a better actor to play Destro. He takes a major place in this film as the leader of M.A.R.S. (Military Armament Research Syndicate) with is an arms dealer. Passed on through many generations of McCullen’s. He shows his pride in the name throughout. Be prepared though for the masking. I found it to look horrible. The way he gets the mask was a tad off for me as well.

The Doctor/Rex – Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Another role that was that was greatly played. Of course we have nothing to base this off being a new character. However, as we have all heard and know by know, The Doctor becomes Cobra Commander. While as The Doctor, he was terrific. Very maniacal in both speech and his manor-isms. I say speech because I LOVED his voice. It was so close to the voice that we all know. I thought this was the better role in the movie. Until he puts that damn Cobra Commander mask on at the end. Yes, the end. 5 minutes left in the movie. Once the mask went on, the voice changed and then lost me.

2 of the biggest villains in history of television and entertainment and you messed up their biggest assets. Bad move.

Ripcord – Marlon Wayans: A lot of talk going into it on how much humor would be added to this. And I can say it was perfect. He was on the whole movie. Both as an action hero, and for comedic relief. Great choice for the movie.

I’m not going to get into the rest of the cast because nothing really stuck out as great. The rest were “ok players” with nothing to make them stand out. Although Scarlet and Baroness were fantastic to look at. Grrrr.

Again, a lot of story changing that will make a fan lower their rating of the movie. Go into it not as a fan, and you will watch a great action film. Tons of action. So much in fact that some of the scenes were so quick you couldn’t catch them. Lots of CGI. Unfortunately with the CGI it had a lot of ups and downs. Very high ups and very low downs. Not much in between and somewhat inconsistent. Neo-Vipers feel no pain or show no fear, yet when they fall, they yell “aahhhh” or “umph”. I’m very picky.

A lot happens in the movie. A lot that it will be tough to see a sequel created with the lack of some key people from this film (you’ll see what I mean). I give it a 6.5 out of 10

We will definitely have more discussion and spoilers in the forum so if you are not a member, I suggest you sign up. Because signing up is half the battle. (Sorry, that was horrible)

Yo Joe!

Discuss all the viral campaigns at the official MovieViral Community.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: PLEASE SEE OUR COVERAGE UPDATE)


It’s almost here! The one and only 2009 San Diego Comic-Con International is coming up in two days. To be sure you’re still infected with viral, MovieViral.com will be at the 2009 Comic Con for live coverage. I will be there, giving you guys (or gals) daily updates and previews.


To be sure your not lost or curious of what events are going to be present at this year’s Comic Con, this is the current schedule through July 23-26:

*The events in bold have a current viral campaign or have potential viral/strong interest

Thursday July 23:
10:15-11:15 – Summit Entertainment: Astro Boy — A superhero origin story set in a futuristic world, Astro Boy is an all-new CG-animated feature film based on the classic manga about a young robot with incredible powers and his adventure-filled journey in search of his identity and destiny. Director David Bowers, producer Maryanne Grager, and stars Freddie Highmore (Astro) and Kristen Bell (Cora) debut footage exclusive to Comic-Con 2009 and answer your questions about bringing this beloved hero to the big screen. Room 6BCF


11:00-12:30 – Disney: 3D Panel — Walt Disney Pictures presents key filmmakers, select cast members and previously unseen footage from its upcoming slate, including Disney’s A Christmas Carol, Alice In Wonderland and Tron. Special guests include Robert Zemeckis, Tim Burton, Sean Bailey, Steve Lisberger, and moderator Patton Oswalt. Hall H


11:30-12:30 Hasbro: G.I. Joe— The Hasbro design and marketing teams—Aaron Archer and Michelino Paolino (Hasbro Design), and Jeff Labovitz (Hasbro Marketing), discuss the upcoming release of the G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra movie, the new toy line hitting shelves, the new video game, and much more! This panel will include special guests that you won’t want to miss, plus Q&A time. Room 7AB


12:45-1:30 – 3D Showcase: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, The Hole, The Final Destination — Get a first look at 3 brand new films in stunning 3D! First up, it’s Columbia Pictures and Sony Animation’s Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, inspired by the classic children’s book, the film focuses on a town where food begins to fall from the sky like rain. See an extended 3D clip from this eagerly awaited animated film!


Next up, legendary director Joe Dante (Gremlins 1 & 2, Innerspace, Explorers, The Howling) makes his return to the genre he knows best with the 3D thriller The Hole. Three kids come face to face with their darkest fears after they unlock a bottomless hole in the basement that makes their nightmares come to life. Join Dante—along with actress Haley Bennett (The Haunting of Molly Hartley)—as he discusses his return to thrillers, working in 3D, and The Hole. And finally, it’s The Final Destination, the new film in the popular series from Warner Bros. See an exclusive clip in 3D, from the upcoming film. Hall H


1:45-2:45 – Summit Entertainment — Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek of exclusive footage of some of its upcoming major film releases, including Astro Boy, Sorority Row, and The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Hall H


2:00-3:00 – Sony Pictures Animation: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs — In 2009, Columbia Pictures’ and Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will be the most delicious event since macaroni met cheese. Inspired by the classic children’s book, the film focuses on a town where food begins to fall from the sky like rain. Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian) is the voice of Flint Lockwood, a young inventor who dreams of creating something that will improve everyone’s life. Anna Faris (The House Bunny) takes on the role of Sam Sparks, a weathergirl covering the phenomenon who hides her intelligence behind a perky exterior. Appearing in person: Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Bobb’e J. Thompson, and directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord. Room 6BCF


3:00-4:15 – 20th Century Fox and James Cameron present Avatar — In this first public screening of footage in 3D from his much-anticipated action/adventure/fantasy, James Cameron, producer Jon Landau, and cast members take you to a spectacular new world beyond imagination. Conceived 14 years ago and over four years in the making, Avatar breaks new ground in delivering a fully immersive, emotional story and reinvents the movie-going experience. Hall H


4:30-5:15 – Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus — Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of both Comic-Con and Monty Python, we welcome the sole American Python, the great animator and director Terry Gilliam (Time Bandits, Brazil, 12 Monkeys) to introduce you to his new film starring Christopher Plummer, Johnny Depp, Heath Ledger, Colin Farrell, Jude Law, Verne Troyer, Tom Waits, and Lily Cole. Hall H


5:15-5:45 – Overture Pictures: Pandorum — Don’t fear the end of the world. Fear what happens next. From the producers of the Resident Evil film franchise comes a terrifying thriller in which two crewmembers wake up on an abandoned spacecraft with no idea who they are, how long they’ve been asleep, or what their mission is. The two soon discover they’re actually not alone—and the reality of their situation is more horrifying than they could have imagined. Appearing in person to give you a taste of Pandorum are stars Ben Foster (X-Men: The Last Stand, 3:10 to Yuma, 30 Days of Night), Cung Le (The Ultimate Fighter), and Antje Traue. Pandorum is in theaters September 18. Hall H


5:30-6:30 – The Physics of Hollywood Movies — Join physics instructor Adam Weiner (author of Don’t Try This at Home! The Physics of Hollywood Movies) for an interactive presentation employing basic physical principles and a sense of humor in analyzing scenes from favorite Hollywood science fiction, superhero, and action movies, from Iron Man to 2001: A Space Odyssey, and actually learn the physics behind them—both good and bad! Room 30CDE


5:45-6:45 – Kick-Ass — World premiere footage from Kick-Ass, based on Mark Millar’s bestselling comic, is presented by director Matthew Vaughn (Stardust, Layercake). Joining him on the panel are Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad), and comic co-creator John Romita Jr., among others, including a surprise guest. You don’t want to miss the chance to be the first to experience this gritty, brash, and funny actioner. Hall H


6:30-7:00 – Focus Features: Thirst — Focus Features and Comic-Con present a rare U.S. appearance by acclaimed Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook, whose “scandalous vampire melodrama” Thirst just won the Prix du Jury (Jury Prize) at the 2009 Cannes International Film Festival. Park will show clips from the movie— which opens in select cities on July 31—and discuss his career. Hall H

9:30-12:00 – Halloween Comes Early: Trick ‘r Treat Screening — Be among the first to see writer/director Michael Dougherty’s (Superman Returns, X2) creepy, darkly comic celebration of the scariest night of the year. Ballroom 20


Friday July 24:
10:00-12:30 – Warner Bros. — Join WB for a look at their much anticipated slate of upcoming genre films, including Where The Wild Things Are, The Book of Eli, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Box, Jonah Hex, and Sherlock Holmes. Hall H


10:30-11:30 – Coraline — Visionary director and screenwriter Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas) and Newbery Medal-winning author Neil Gaiman discuss the making of the LAIKA/Focus Features 2009 breakout animated hit film Coraline. In celebration of Universal Studio’s Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD release of the critically acclaimed stop-motion film, Selick and Gaiman will be joined by lead animator and LAIKA CEO/president Travis Knight, producer Bill Mechanic (CEO of Pandemonium and producer of Dark Water and The New World), character fabrication supervisor Georgina Hayns (Corpse Bride), and voice talent Keith David (Crash). Panelists will offer an in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpse at how this astonishing and suspenseful adventure—the first stop-motion animated feature originally produced in stereoscopic 3D—was painstakingly brought to life. The panel is moderated by IGN movies/DVD editor-in-chief Eric Moro. Room 6A


12:45-2:15 – Disney: Animation Panel — Walt Disney Pictures, Disney•Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios present a director panel with previously unseen footage from its upcoming animated slate, including Toy Story & Toy Story 2 – Double Feature, Beauty And The Beast, Toy Story 3, Prep & Landing, The Princess and the Frog and Ponyo. Special guests include Lee Unkrich, Kirk Wise, Ron Clements, John Musker, and Hayao Miyazaki. John Lasseter hosts the panel, with Patton Oswalt moderating. Hall H


1:45-2:45 – Robert Rodriguez — Join famed director Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids) for a first look at his upcoming family film Shorts, followed by Q&A. Room 6DE


2:00-3:00 – The Design Process for Film and Television — The making of a film or television show is a collaborative process. The director enlists the talents of his/her key collaborators—the costume designer, the production illustrator, and the production designer—right from the start of a production. Costume illustrators and concept & storyboard artists, brought on to productions to develop images under the guidance of the designers, serve a key position in the web of communication that is essential to filmmaking. This panel gives a glimpse into the fundamental importance of illustration, as well as the seamless creativity between the key conceptual departments on favorite feature films and television productions. Moderator William David Hogan, director and storyboard artist (The Orphan), hosts costume illustrators from CDG, Local 892: Robin Richesson (Iron Man), Phillip Boutte, Jr. (Jonah Hex), Felipe Sanchez (Green Hornet), Christian Cordella (GI Joe), and Brain Valenzuela (Star Trek 2009), as well as illustrators and artists from Local 800: Jeff Errico (Burlesque), Dawn Brown (Star Trek 2009), Ricardo Delgado (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), and Josh Nizzi (Transformers Revenge of the Fallen). Room 32AB


2:30-3:30 – Focus Features: 9 — Focus Features and Comic-Con present an exclusive look inside director Shane Acker’s animated fantasy epic 9, the feature-length expansion of his short film of the same name. Directors Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov are among the feature version’s producers. The action-packed adventure—opening nationwide 9/9/09—takes place after our world fell to pieces, when a group of “stitchpunk” creations must summon individual strengths well beyond their own proportions. While showcasing a stunning steampunk-styled visual brilliance, 9 dynamically explores the will to live, the power of community, and how one soul can change the world. Join Shane Acker, Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov, and actors Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly LIVE for this panel presentation! Hall H


3:45-5:00 – Sony Pictures Entertainment: Legion and District 9 — Sony Pictures Entertainment and Screen Gems introduce two great new movie projects exclusively to Comic-Con attendees!


Appearing on stage for Legion: Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, The DaVinci Code), Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights, Supernatural), Tyrese Gibson (Transformers, Death Race), Doug Jones (Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer and Abe Sapien in Hellboy), and director Scott Stewart (helming his first feature film after working on VFX for Sin City, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, and Iron Man, among many others).


Peter Jackson makes his eagerly and long-awaited first visit to Comic-Con to introduce you to the world of District 9, which focuses on a world in which extraterrestrials have become refugees in South Africa. Please join Peter Jackson as he gives fans a first look at scenes from District 9 and takes your questions along with director Neill Blomkamp and star Sharlto Copley. Hall H


4:15-5:15 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — This look at the whole spectrum of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (from comics to toys to TV to movies to video games) celebrates the 25th anniversary of the world-famous brand. Moderator Gary Richardson (CEO, Mirage Studios) discusses the evolution of the Turtles with those people instrumental in the characters’ incredible success. Panelists include Kevin Eastman (co-creator of TMNT), Lloyd Goldfine (supervising producer, 4Kids Productions), Steve Barron (director of the original TMNT movie), Karl Aaronian (senior VP of marketing, Giochi Preziosi U.S.A.), Matt Leunig (associate producer, Ubisoft), and Galen Walker (producer of new TMNT movie slated for 2011). Room 6DE


4:30-5:30 – Production Designers — These craftspeople create the physical look for a movie or TV program, be it Star Wars or a talk show. Without the designer, the actors would be performing in empty space. Here a group of these artists at the top of their game talk about the challenges and pleasures of their craft, and answer audience questions. Panelists include Stuart Blatt (Dollhouse), Scott Chambliss (Star Wars), Nathan Crowley (The Dark Knight), and Alex McDowell (Watchmen). Moderating the panel is John Muto (Terminator 2 3D). Room 30AB


5:15-6:15 – Lucasfilm: Star Wars Spectacular — Get all the latest news from the Star Wars universe—including some of Lucasfilm’s most tightly guarded secrets—in an all-new show format! Special guest hosts G4’s Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira grill a galaxy of guests from The Clone Wars and beyond, including supervising director Dave Filoni, plus voice talent from the show and more! See a live table-read of an exclusive new Clone Wars script—leading directly into the series’ second season! Find out about the worldwide Star Wars Concert Tour, the latest Star Wars games from LucasArts, upcoming DVD (and Blu-ray!) releases and more! And become a part of Star Wars history with your own Saga stories and movie memories! It’s an all-new, interactive Star Wars Spectacular! Hall H


6:30-7:30 Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries — A discussion with iconic filmmakers James Cameron (Avatar) and Peter Jackson (District 9) on the Future of Film—EW moderates an in-depth conversation with these two cinematic giants about the art of film narrative and how technology and global culture will alter the art of on-screen storytelling in the next 20 years. Hall H


Saturday July 25:
10:00-11:00 – Writers’ Guild Panel: PG-13 Animation — Is animation growing up, or is a PG-13 rating just an excuse for cartoon writers to use bad words and graphically kill off their characters? Alan Burnett (Green Lantern: First Flight), Matt Wayne (Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms), Michael Jelenic (Wonder Woman), Charles Horn (Robot Chicken), Paul Dini (Return of the Joker), Greg Johnson (The Ultimate Avengers, The Invincible Iron Man, Doctor Strange), and Stan Berkowitz (Justice League: New Frontier, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies) will answer this as well as other, more serious questions about this new genre (if you don’t count 1972’s Fritz the Cat). Spoiler alert: Expect these writers to announce lots of exciting new projects. Room 3


1:30-2:30 – Miramax: Extract — Mike Judge, the creator of such comedy classics as Office Space, Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill is back with his latest film Extract starring Jason Bateman (Arrested Development), Mila Kunis (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), and Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live). Join Judge and his cast for a discussion and first look at scenes from their new film. Hall H


2:45-3:45 – Sony Pictures: Zombieland and 2012 — Sony Pictures previews two exciting new movies at Comic-Con! Zombieland—What if the Zombies won? Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has made a habit of running from what scares him. Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) doesn’t have fears. If he did, he’d kick their ever-living ass. In a world overrun by zombies, these two are perfectly evolved survivors. But now, they’re about to stare down the most terrifying prospect of all: each other. Also starring Emma Stone and Abigal Breslin as two sisters who seem to constantly cause even more trouble for our erstwhile heroes. Appearing on stage: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and director Ruben Fleischer.


2012—Director Roland Emmerich has tried to destroy civilization before, but nothing you’ve seen will prepare you for what he has in store for the world in 2012. Never before has a date in history been so significant to so many cultures, so many religions, scientists, and governments. 2012 is an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. Roland will be onstage to reassure us it’s all make-believe… we hope. Hall H


3:30-4:30 – Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day — In the sequel to the cult classic The Boondock Saints, director Troy Duffy brings back Sean Patrick Flanery (Suicide Kings, Powder), Norman Reedus (American Gangster, Blade 2), and Billy Connolly (The Last Samurai) and introduces Carlo Berardinucci, Clifton Collins Jr. (Star Trek, Crank 2) as a new partner-in-crime, and Julie Benz (Rambo, Punisher 2, Saw) as the sexy FBI operative who is hot on their trail. Join Troy and the cast for a panel discussion about the new film and the world premiere of the trailer. Room 6DE


3:30-4:30 – Costume Designers: Designing for Feature Films — Characters created by writers and comic book illustrators are made real for the screen via the artistry of costume designers. Meet the women and men who are the costume designers on this year’s blockbuster films. Panel moderator Susan Nininger, costume designer and board member of the Costume Designers Guild, Local 892, is joined by costume designers Sanja Hays (The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor), Ellen Mirojnick (G.I. Joe), Mary Vogt (Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer), Rita Ryack (Hairspray), and Ha Nguyen (Priest). Room 30AB


4:00-5:00 – Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment: Iron Man 2 — Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the sequel to the blockbuster film based on the legendary Marvel superhero Iron Man. Directed by Jon Favreau, Iron Man 2 stars Robert Downey Jr. Joining Downey in the cast are Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Jon Favreau, Clark Gregg, John Slattery, Mickey Rourke, and Samuel L. Jackson. Hall H


4:30-5:30 – Vanguard Films: Emo Boy — Vanguard Films will announce its slate of new projects including Emo Boy, the big screen adaptation of Stephen Emond’s SLG graphic novel, with a special Q&A with the movie’s director, Kyle Newman (Fanboys). Other projects to be announced include Illegal Aliens, a new graphic novel/movie franchise being produced by Vanguard and Platinum Comics, and Alien Band, an animated feature set to go into production in the fall of 2009. A preview will also be shown from Vanguard’s upcoming film Space Chimps 3D. Room 10


5:15-6:45 – Kevin Smith — Direct from New York City, where he’s directing the new Warner Bros. film A Couple of Dicks starring Bruce Willis, Seann William Scott, and Tracy Morgan, Kevin Smith returns to the Hall H stage for his annual report to the masses. And remember: he flew in just for YOU. Hall H


6:30-7:30 – Black Dynamite — He’s super cool and he knows kung-fu! When “The Man” murders his brother and floods the ghetto with adulterated malt liquor, Black Dynamite is the one hero willing to fight all the way from the blood-soaked city streets to the hallowed halls of the Honky House. Michael Jai White (The Dark Knight) stars as Black Dynamite, a gun toting, nunchuck-wielding ladies’ man and soul brother. Director and writer Scott Sanders (Think as Thieves) is joined by cast members including Arsenio Hall, Tommy Davidson (In Living Color), Byron Minns (Undisputed), Salli Richardson-Whitfield (I Am Legend), moderator Elvis Mitchell, and more! Room 5AB


8:30-12:15 – Watchmen: Director’s Cut — Live with Zack Snyder! Plus Sneak Peek of Batman: Arkham Asylum with Mark Hamill & Kevin Conroy — Get the ultimate inside track on two landmark Warner Bros. releases with the world premiere screening of Watchmen: Director’s Cut and a first-look panel for the breakout Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment game Batman: Arkham Asylum. The festivities will open with a Batman: Arkham Asylum panel led by the benchmark voices of Batman and the Joker, Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series) and Mark Hamill (Star Wars), as well as award-winning writer Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series). Then Watchmen director Zack Snyder, legendary illustrator Dave Gibbons and actor Jackie Earle Haley discuss the nuances of the film’s Director’s Cut — which hit stores on July 21st. And for the pièce de résistance, Snyder will host a BD Live Community event—providing a real-time, in-person director’s commentary for Comic-Con attendees (and BD Live viewers at home) as the film rolls. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions of Snyder via computer kiosks within the room, making for an entirely interactive viewing experience. Room 6BCF


10:00-12:00 – Give ‘Em Hell Malone Screening and Panel — Catch an exclusive early screening of the upcoming noir-action film Give ‘Em Hell Malone, followed by a Q&A with stars Thomas Jane (The Punisher) and Chris Yen, along with director Russell Mulcahy (Highlander) and writer Mark Hosack. Room 6DE


Sunday July 26:
10:30-11:30 – The Art of Adapting Comics to the Screen — Jeff Goldsmith (senior editor for Creative Screenwriting magazine) examines the in-depth process of adapting comic books to the big screen with a stellar panel including David Hayter (Watchmen), Gregory Noveck (Sr. VP of creative affairs, DC Comics), and Josh Olson (A History of Violence). Room 5AB


12:30-1:00 – Roadside Attractions: Mystery Team — They were kid detectives. Now they’re 18 and still solving child crimes. When challenged to solve a murder, the Mystery Team sees an opportunity to prove they’re real detectives. A dark world of drugs, violence, and swear words awaits them. Mystery Team is the first film by popular Internet comedians Derrick Comedy, and at this panel the group—writers/stars Dominic Dierkes, Donald Glover, and DC Pierson, producer Meggie McFadden, and director/editor Dan Eckman—will be on hand to discuss the film, along with a special VIP moderator. The group will also be debuting an all-new Mystery Team short film. Ballroom 20


1:00-1:30 – Overture Pictures: Paper Heart — Despite professing a belief that she’s incapable of love, comedian and actress Charlyne Yi finds herself falling for “Michael Cera,” played by Michael Cera, in this intoxicating mix of documentary, improvisation, and romance. Charlyne Yi, producer/co-writer Nick Jasenovec, and co-star Jake Johnson will be onstage to show clips and pursue the ultimate question: Does true love really exist? Ballroom 20

MOVIEVIRAL’S MAIN VIRAL EVENTS

SHANE ACKER’S 9:

ALL COMIC-CON LONG


ALL DAY- Take a ride on the 9 San Diego Pedicabs and be the first to see exclusive videos and content for 9 when you unlock the QR code. Make sure you find all of them, there are different codes which will unveil unique content, not to be missed! To prep for a QR sighting, text READER to 4FOCUS for instructions on downloading our preferred reader so your phone is QR-ready.


Special Edition Collectible Cards from 9 will be distributed daily throughout the San Diego Gaslamp District. The first 100 people to find the 8 character cards plus 1 exclusive machine card and bring their completed set (9 cards total) to NECA (booth # 4345) will win a guaranteed place in line to receive an autograph by Timur Bekmambetov, Shane Acker, and Elijah Wood. Check out NECA (booth #4345) for the latest 9 & CORALINE. news.


FRIDAY, JULY 24TH
2:30PM- 9 Panel in Hall H with filmmakers Shane Acker, Tim Burton,
3:30PM Timur Bekmambetov and stars Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly.
Official Twitter

PETER JACKSON’S DISTRICT 9:



There’s going to be an exclusive fan screening for this film on Thursday July 23 in an undisclosed location in San Diego! I’ll be there.


Also on Friday July 24th:

Peter Jackson makes his eagerly and long-awaited first visit to Comic-Con to introduce you to the world of District 9, which focuses on a world in which extraterrestrials have become refugees in South Africa. Please join Peter Jackson as he gives fans a first look at scenes from District 9 and takes your questions along with director Neill Blomkamp and star Sharlto Copley. Hall H

As confirmed by the D-9 community watch site , this is all correct. If your going to San Diego, don’t forget about this!
Official Twitter

ROLAND EMMERICH’S 2012:

Nick has had an update concerning 2012’s status at Comic Con.


Follow this twitter for more information and updates.

RUBEN FLEISCHER’S ZOMBIELAND:

Zombiewalk in San Diego! Not viral related but still awesome….


Follow theirtwitter for more information on this.


Also:

2:45-3:45 – Sony Pictures: Zombieland and 2012 — Sony Pictures previews two exciting new movies at Comic-Con! Zombieland—What if the Zombies won? Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has made a habit of running from what scares him. Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) doesn’t have fears. If he did, he’d kick their ever-living ass. In a world overrun by zombies, these two are perfectly evolved survivors. But now, they’re about to stare down the most terrifying prospect of all: each other. Also starring Emma Stone and Abigal Breslin as two sisters who seem to constantly cause even more trouble for our erstwhile heroes. Appearing on stage: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and director Ruben Fleischer.

Go to this site for more information. The first 150 zombies to check in will receive a FREE Zombieland Comic-Con t-shirt!


Also these films aren’t viral related but they are a must see at this year’s Comic Con:

1. Iron Man 2
2. Avatar
3. GI Joe: Rise Of The Cobra
4. Twilight: New Moon
5. Trick Or Treat
6. The Box
7. Thirst
8. Kick Ass

and many more……


Be sure to follow my Twitter for most up-to-date Comic-Con news. So wish me luck and hopefully we get juicy details on these films.

Could Hasbro be going the way of Marvel? Matt found this tidbit of trivia on IMDB.com:

SPOILER: Tyrese Gibson confirmed that his character Sergeant Epps would make contact with Hawk from G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra(2009). Both Transformers and G.I. Joe are Hasbro toylines, and have crossed over in the past: an episode of “Transformers” (1984) featured a character from “G.I. Joe” (1985), and crossovers have also occurred between the two in their own comics.

Now this could just be a rumor or wishful thinking, since  a quick Google search doesn’t bring up anything to corroborate the story. Also, IMDB is notorious for not being reliable. Given the success of the new Marvel Studios crossing over their films, this doesn’t seem too surprising to me. Also, the buzz for G.I. Joe has been lackluster, so maybe rubbing off some of that Transformers mojo could help its box office.

Assuming it’s true, the real question is whether this is a one-off deal, or a sign of things to come. If G.I. Joe is a success, there could be sequels, and we know Michael Bay is planning to make Transformers 3 already. There are also several more Hasbro game-based movies coming down the Hollywood pipeline, including Battleship and Ridley Scott’s Monopoly. Could more crossovers be on the horizon for these films? Granted, they are still in the planning stages, so it’s anyone’s guess. Me, I’m just waiting to see Mr. Monopoly in Candy Land 2 in 2019.

UPDATE: Peter at Slashfilm has confirmed that it was an April Fools Joke that made it’s way onto IMDB. Figures.