The Movie Screenings of SDCC 2010

This year’s Comic-Con is mysteriously lacking in premiere movie screenings (such as last year’s District 9 and Ninja Assassin), but people looking for movies to see at the con shouldn’t be dismayed. In reality there are three different ways to check out new and fan-favorite films at SDCC. Read on to discover what they are.

1. Comic-Con International Film Festival

Although many attendees completely forget it exists, CCIFF is an awesome place to see independently produced movies that involve scifi, fantasy, and overall geekery. True, it’s difficult to find the rooms in which a film you want to see is showing. It’s also true that many of these films are bland, boring, and just plain bad. You shouldn’t avoid the festival completely though, as every year there are a batch of films that defy the odds and are really, really good.

So how do you find them? Look through the schedule here and see what catches your fancy. Any interesting plots you want to hear more about? Go see it! You don’t have to stay for the whole thing and you might just stumble upon an awesome little flick. I recently interviewed Michael Patrick Sullivan and Susan Lee about there opening-night film Mastermind. Michael expressed that the films in the festival, including his own, are filled with passion and creativity that people don’t see in many bigger productions. Both also stated how attendees are able to discover and champion new genre films instead of becoming a fan of whatever is hot. I urge anyone to take a look at the schedule and see if anything captures their interest.

2. Panels

Many people probably attend panels to see stars or watch new footage, but there are also opportunities to see new or fan favorite films. Here are my top five panels that are movie screenings:

Mega Piranha – Friday 11-12:30 PM – Room 6A – Although it already premiered on the Syfy channel, star Tiffany will be in attendance to introduce the screening and seeing it with a bunch of like-minded people is sure to be a fun experience. I interviewed writer/director Eric Forsberg who said he expects the audience to laugh, groan, and have a great time together at the screening.
Batman: Under the Red Hood – Friday 8-10 PM – Ballroom 20 – The continuing line of DC Animated Movies has suffered ups and downs but this next entry has been getting positive early buzz and its voice-actors include Neil Patrick Harris and John DiMaggio.
Lost Boys: The Thirst – Thursday 10-12 PM – Indigo Ballroom – This movie needs no introduction. Either you’re a fan of the series and will attend this premiere, or you’re not and will simply avoid it. Still, some attendees are sure to be excited for this.
With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story – Saturday 8:30-10:30 – Room 6BCF – This documentary follows Stan Lee from his small beginnings to the geek-icon he is today. It should be an interesting watch if it can capture even a bit of Lee’s energy and enthusiasm.
Kevin Smith presents Cop Out in “Maximum Comedy Mode” – Saturday 10-12 – Indigo Ballroom – Even though the movie was almost universally disliked when it came out in theaters, this is an opportunity for fans of Smith to hear him talk.

You can also look through the schedule for even more panel screenings.

3. Offsite Fan Events

Though there are only two this year, both should be awesome for there respective fans. Here are descriptions (pulled from the offsite events list):

‘Serenity’ Screening– July 22nd – The California Browncoats are hosting a screening of this modern scifi classic. All the proceeds go to charity and the event will be held at the San Diego Gaslamp. More details can be found here and tickets are available here.
Repo! The Genetic Opera Screening – July 24th – This con staple returns for another year with a screening at the Gaslamp Theater near the con. Some of the cast and crew will be in attendance and Repo fans should have a great time once again. See the flyer here and buy tickets here.

These movies might not have much of an audience outside of their core fanbases, but both have had great success at SDCC in the past and should attract a fair number of attendees.

And that’s it! There are the movie screenings of SDCC 2010.