She Likes to Watch

There’s something about San Diego that makes it a pop-culture mecca.
I spent this past weekend at Comic-Con International, the annual celebration of comic books, movies, television shows, video games and animation.
As usual, Hollywood put on a show of force – trotting out stars, screening trailers and “leaking” tons of teasers.
Steven Spielberg greeted Comic-Con fans in a live video feed from the set of the fourth “Indiana Jones” movie, flanked by stars Harrison Ford (looking dustier than the last time he donned the fedora and whip) and Shia LeBeouf.
“300” director Zack Snyder announced casting for the highly anticipated film adaptation of Alan Moore’s “Watchmen.”
And Zachary Quinto, best known as serial killer Sylar on NBC’s “Heroes,” made his first appearance as Spock in the upcoming “Star Trek” film. Leonard Nimoy praised the choice as “logical.”
Here’s a handful of upcoming films that caught my eye in San Diego.

“Hot Rod”

Andy Samberg of “Saturday Night Live” tucks his curly mop under a motorcycle helmet to play the title Hot Rod, a Evel Knievel wannabe preparing for the ultimate jump.
Rod plans to jump 15 buses to raise money for a heart operation for his abusive dad (Ian McShane, “Deadwood”). Problem is, he’s just not very good.
Samberg promoted the comedy at Comic-Con with his pals from the Lonely Island comedy troupe, director Akiva Schaffer and co-star Jorma Taccone.
They even showed a clip: A frustrated Samberg goes to his “quiet place” – a woodland clearing – and launches into acrobatic rock n’ roll free-styling reminiscent of “Footloose.” Then, of course, he spends about five minutes tumbling painfully down a hill.
I pity the poor stuntman.
From the looks of it, “Hot Rod” isn’t as funny as it could be, and talents like McShane seem a little wasted. I’d rather watch a two-hour video by The Lonely Island.
For a better sense at what Samberg and Co. can do, check out www.thelonelyisland.com.

Release date: Friday

“Shoot ‘Em Up”

“Shoot ‘Em Up” screens like a furiously funny love letter to John Woo, bristling with slick action sequences, smart one-liners and a gritty palette fit for the darkest of crime dramas.
The movie opens on Clive Owen, brooding as usual, as he helps a pregnant woman deliver in the midst of a firefight. He spends the rest of the film with an infant under his arm, defending the kid against scenery-gobbling gangster Paul Giamatti and an army of thugs.
Either he’s the toughest nanny this side of “Kindergarten Cop,” or this mysterious stranger has an agenda.
Add the meltingly hot Monica Belluci to the mix, and you have yourself one hell of a movie.
Director/writer Michael Davis was kind enough to screen three long clips at Comic-Con, showing Owen mowing down bad guys while sliding on his back on an oil slick, vaulting off a table and shimmying down a factory conveyor belt. That, and a memorable use of a whole carrot.
All in all, this movie’s got dynamite up its sleeve.

Release date: Sept. 7

“The King of Kong”
In a year of high-flying fantasy and big-budget action, one of the movies’ most fascinating stories might be one that takes place at an arcade.
The documentary “The King of Kong” plunges viewers into the weird world of competitive video games, where players compete for top scores in Space Invaders and TRON.
Back in 1982, Billy Mitchell made history by scoring 874,300 on Nintendo’s Donkey Kong.
Fast-forward to 2003, when a challenger appears on the scene – Steve Wiebe, a middle-school science teacher from Redmond, Wash.
When Wiebe logs a record-breaking million-point game, Mitchell and electronic goalkeeper Twin Galaxies challenge the score – and a battle of wills begins.
In the end, “The King of Kong” is a study in contrasts between Mitchell, a charismatic hot sauce mogul who’s used to getting what he wants, and Wiebe, a kind-hearted family guy whose life has been a string of near-successes.
As the filmmakers explained, the documentary is headed for a fictional adaptation. Learn more at the “King of Kong” Web site and www.twingalaxies.com.

Release date: Aug. 17

“Balls of Fury”

I see “Balls of Fury” as this year’s “Dodgeball,” another goofy, likeable movie about an obscure sport that’s taken way, way too seriously.
The comedy may lack a certain amount of smarts and heart, but it’s crammed with gross-out gags, comedic cameos and jokes about – you guessed it – balls.
Newcomer Dan Fogler plays Randy Daytona, a once-promising ping pong prodigy who now makes a meager living performing for senior citizens at a Peppertree resort.
Daytona’s luck turns when he’s approached by the FBI. They need the paddler to help them take down Feng, a warlord who holds “Street Fighter”-style ping pong tournaments at his jungle compound.
Christopher Walken is suitably weird as the flamboyant warlord, deadpanning lines and sporting a wardrobe made for Liberace.
Co-writer Thomas Lennon (“Reno 911”) is the requisite East German pro. (What is it about this guy and tiny, skintight shorts?) Maggie Q, however, fails to wow as Daytona’s ass-kicking love interest.
Most of the movie’s laughs go to the shameless, hilarious James Hong, who plays Daytona’s blind ping pong teacher. (You’ll recognize him from “Blade Runner” and “Big Trouble in Little China.”)
He gives this sometimes spotty comedy some balls.

Release date: Aug. 31

– Sarah L.