Comic Book: The Movie (2004) (V)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

Mark Hamill

Release Date:

27 January 2004 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Hollywood invaded the Comic Book World... Now the real Comic Book Heros are striking back!

Plot:

A host of real-life celebrities - including Hugh Hefner, Stan Lee, and Kevin Smith - journey into the world of comic book fandom...

Plot Keywords:

Comic Book | Convention | Hugh Hefner | Fandom | Fake Documentary

Awards:

3 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Mark Hamill	...	Donald Swan
Donna D'Errico	...	Liberty Lass / Papaya Smith
Billy West	...	Leo Matuzik
Joseph Burns	...	Jack Whitney (as Joseph I. Burns)
Roger Rose	...	Taylor Donohue
Jess Harnell	...	Ricky
Lori Alan	...	Anita Levine
Daran Norris	...	Commander Courage / Bruce Easly
Tom Kenny	...	Derek Sprang
Scott LaRose	...	Mac (Comic Store Pal #1)
Gary Anthony Williams	...	Kurt (Comic Store Pal #2)
Arleen Sorkin	...	Ms. Q (studio secretary)
Bob Lange	...	Himself
James Arnold Taylor	...	J.T.
Debi Derryberry	...	Debby Newman

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for language, sexual content and some drug references.

Runtime:

106 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, USA

Company:

Creative Light Entertainment

Trivia:

In a scene in the Comic Book Convention, A man dressed in a Sgt. Kabukiman outfit says, "Were gonna make our own damn movie!" "Make Your Own Damn Movie" is a book by Lloyd Kaufman who wrote and directed the movie Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. (1990)

Quotes:

Donald Swan: I couldn't bring myself to go to the signing. Not when he turned the character into some stupid acronym: Covert Operations Unit Reconnaissance And Guerilla Enforcement.
[pause]
Donald Swan: Actually, that sounds kinda neat.

Movie Connections:

References Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

Soundtrack:

Commander Courage Theme

At least they respect the fans

The movie was rather odd, but it did have its moments. It works better if one really knows comics, vintage collectibles, the movie industry, and the actors involved (especially the ones known for voiceovers for popular shows). For those heavily into science fiction and comics, it was fun to pick out the people making cameos, including the "Men Behind the Mask." Mark Hamill's approach showed respect and reverence for the fan base, as well as poking a healthy dose of fun at the movie industry. The DVD has a lot of extra information including some of the panels these talented actors chaired. The movie was made for the fans, but unlike some movies of this ilk, they showed respect instead of making it a geeks on parade feature.