Leave your favorite cheer in a comment below from your registered account and the best 10 cheers will receive free “Fight To The Finish” DVDs. So get out your pom-poms and spirit fingers, because you’re going to have to bring it to win it.

This contest ends August 28, so make sure you leave your cheer before then for a chance to win!

There are only two things that can truly be said about Neill Blomkamp’s theatrical debut, “District 9.” First, that it is without a doubt one of the best films to come out of 2009, if not the best. Second, that you should be sitting in a theater right now watching it instead of reading this review.

Ignore the “Peter Jackson presents” from the film’s commercial’s, “District 9″ is Blomkamp through and through. In vision and scope, “District 9″ has done more with its $30 million budget than most films can do with $200 million. It is topical (though a little late to pack a serious punch), it is unique and it is surprising; three topics which aren’t often found in an alien action movie.

Without giving too much away, “District 9″ is about an alien race accidentally stranded on Earth that is sequestered off into a government compound-turned-slum called District 9. Twenty years later, a Multinational United (MNU) employee, Wikus Van De Merwe, is given the job of relocating the aliens from where they landed in Johannesburg, South Africa to a new government compound called District 10, but during this mission things go awry, triggering the events which drive the rest of the film.

What makes “District 9″ so wonderful is that there reaches a point about half way through the film where you realize you have no idea what is going to happen next. There is never a moment where you can anticipate what will come next (which is part of what caused the audience in our theater to cough out shocked laughs and applaud some of the finer moments in the film), but still the ending, when it comes, is perfectly fitting. Shartlo Copley, a special effects artist turned actor for this film, makes an impressive big screen debut — especially with lines he mostly ad-libbed.

But what “District 9″ really has is a story. In fact, “District 9″ is more about the idea of segregation — especially in South Africa where the film is set and Blomkamp is from — than it is about aliens. What is brings into question is the idea of what makes a human human, and when do other creatures become more human than we are; an idea echoed in the sci-fi greats like “Blade Runner.” For the first time in a long time, I feel it is safe to say there better be a “District 10,” because the story Blomkamp created reaches far enough to have much more to tell. Like Arnold in “Terminator,” we anxiously await for “District 9″ to come back.

There’s a simple joy in going to see a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It is that propensity for its creators to think a film is better than it is that made so many of this summer’s anticipated hits such terrible disappointments. Even from the TV ads, claiming this film is starring Jeremy Piven, Ed Helms and all those other people from your favorite funny movies whose names you can’t remember (aka Ving Rhames, Kathryn Hahn, Tony Hale, Ken Jeong, Craig Robinson and David Koechner, among many others) it is clear “The Goods” knows exactly what will make it a success: One liners from all the people whose one liners in other films stole the show.

“The Goods” isn’t good per se, but it is funny as hell. The plot is ludicrous: four mercenary car salesmen are called in to save a dying car lot from a land-hungry boy band lead singer, but it is the range of secondary actors stuffed into the film that makes it so great. For people who have made their career off one or two funny lines and scenes (like Hahn in “Step Brothers” and Jeong in “The Hangover”), putting them into the foreground only emphasizes their humor. None of the characters make sense, but “The Goods” isn’t about making sense. It’s about making you laugh, which it succeeds in with flying colors.

Unfortunately, and probably due to the fact “The Goods” doesn’t have much star power to speak of, Will Ferrel’s cameo was already revealed in TV ads to try to get people more interested in seeing the film. But, while Will Ferrel in cameo roles always is a show-stealer, some of the best parts of the film came from its defying stereotypes. It is the rogue alpha male of the story who gets turned into a one night stand, the father-son subplot never turns out the way you expect, and ‘Querque is nothing like what you expect it to be. Somehow, in a genre where everything has been done and overdone, “The Goods” still manages to be surprising and unique.

Without a doubt, “The Hangover” is still the best comedy of the summer, but “The Goods” shouldn’t be written off as fast as its A-lister stars can be named. If you leave your brain at home, “The Goods” will make you laugh, and laugh hard. You’ll just have no idea what is going on.

We have 10 copies of “Last House on the Left” to give away to some lucky winners. Just share with us in the comment section from your registered account the most terrifying moment that you have ever experienced, and the 10 scariest stories will win a free DVD.

This contest ends August 14, so make sure to leave your comment before then for a chance to win!

It’s weird with Judd Apatow having his name on so many films to think he only has directed a grand total of three. His touch has been on everything from “You Don’t Mess With The Zohan” to “Superbad,” and seeing actors like Seth Rogen, Michael Cera and Jason Segel immediately brings his name to mind. But like trailers for “Funny People” have suggested, Apatow’s latest film is a combination of toned-down comedy with a heavy dash of drama and complexity. Being a self-professed anti-Adam Sandler fan, I’ve got to admit, I liked the combination.

Opening with actual home video of a young Sandler making prank calls to local businesses, the tone was set for the film: this is a Judd Apatow’s film for Adam Sandler, about Adam Sandler. Granted it’s no biography, but telling the story of a stand-up comedian stuck doing crappy comedies about a mer-man and a man trapped in a baby’s body who needs to find the meaning of his life seems to strike a bit true to Sandler’s life.

Except in this case, instead of returning to stand-up like his character George Simmons, Sandler has showed he is more than just a one-note, baby-voiced comedy machine: with “Funny People,” he reinforced the fact that he could act. But maybe that ties into the fact that, like Eminem’s amazing performance in “8 Mile,” the only reason he did so well was because it was his life and unhappiness he was portraying.

Apatow pushed the bounds of his actors just enough to get them out of their one-note rut. Like Sandler taking on the role of a jaded, unhappy comedian struggling to resolve his life once he found out he didn’t have much time left (and then to find its meaning once he found out he did), Seth Rogen takes many steps away from the characters we have come to know and love of his. Granted, his comedy has taken many shades, all the way from “Knocked Up” to “Observe and Report” to “Fanboys,” but the Rogen seen in “Funny People” is a sincere, innocent variation that has not yet been seen. Rogen, like Sandler, did some incredibly acting that was worthy of mention.

Unlike many comedies out this summer, including “The Hangover” which was arguably the funniest film of the year, there was never one moment during “Funny People” where something absurd happened to make it not seem like a real story. These are real people with real lives and real emotions, which means the not as happy ending might be the right one. Without straying into genre stereotypes and stupid comedy, Apatow proved he is not only a great comedian but a great filmmaker. And what “Funny People” may lack in being a great comedy, it makes up for with being a great film.

Over 20 years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa’s District 9 as the world’s nations argued over what to do with them.

Now, patience over the alien situation has run out. Control over the aliens has been contracted out to Multi-National United (MNU), a private company uninterested in the aliens’ welfare – they will receive tremendous profits if they can make the aliens’ awesome weaponry work. So far, they have failed; activation of the weaponry requires alien DNA.

The tension between the aliens and the humans comes to a head when an MNU field operative, Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), contracts a mysterious virus that begins changing his DNA. Wikus quickly becomes the most hunted man in the world, as well as the most valuable – he is the key to unlocking the secrets of alien technology. Ostracized and friendless, there is only one place left for him to hide: District 9.

The screening for the film is Thursday, August 13. This film is rated R, so no one under the age of 17 will be admitted to the screening. Each pass is good for two people, but seating isn’t guaranteed, so make sure you arrive early to get a seat. The first 10 people to leave a comment below in their registered account will receive a pre-screening pass.

“District 9″ hits theaters August 14.

Note: This trailer very much deserves its red band rating, so don’t watch it if you will be offended by swears and inappropriate content.
[center]

John Cusak ruled the eighties, so what better concept for a film than to bring him back to the era he reigned in? “Hot Tub Time Machine” is the story of a group of friends who travel back to 1986 after spending a night drinking Red Bulls and vodka in a hot tub where they partied in their youth. It is slated to hit theaters February 10, 2010.

Not since HBO’s first “True Blood” campaign has a poster not only made you laugh but made you want to know just what the hell the campaign is representing. Whedon is master of cult hits, and “The Cabin in the Woods” looks to be the next one in a very long list. If anything, those posters will make you laugh.

“Astro Boy” hits theaters October 23, 2009.

Cliff and Cydney (Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich) are an adventurous young couple celebrating their honeymoon by backpacking to one of the most beautiful, and remote, beaches in Hawaii. Hiking the wild, secluded trails, they believe they’ve found paradise. But when the pair comes across a group of frightened hikers discussing the horrifying murder of another newlywed couple on the islands, they begin to question whether they should turn back.

Unsure whether to stay or flee, Cliff and Cydney join up with two other couples, and things begin to go terrifyingly wrong. Far from civilization or rescue, everyone begins to look like a threat and nobody knows whom to trust. Paradise becomes hell on earth as a brutal battle for survival begins.

The screening for the film is Tuesday, August 4. This film is rated R, so no one under the age of 17 will be admitted to the screening. Each pass is good for two people, but seating isn’t guaranteed, so make sure you arrive early to get a seat. The first 10 people to leave a comment below in their registered account will receive a pre-screening pass.

“A Perfect Getaway” hits theaters August 7.

Those of you who have been following the Scientist’s journal on www.facebook.com/9scientist know a few weeks back, the Scientist was forcibly removed from his laboratory and interrogated. Upon returning to his lab, the Scientist realized that the Chancellor’s men had seized a collection of designs vital to his research. One of these designs holds the key to his next phase of development.

The designs have been shredded and torn into nine pieces, scattered in nine secret locations. When all nine pieces are put together, they reveal a secret alchemical code. Only the typewriter on www.9experiment.com can help decode the hidden message from the designs.

Typewriter clue

This link from the “9″ Scientist Facebook page also provides more detail about where the nine clues are hidden around the web.

Stick with Blast over the next few days for interviews with Tim Burton, Shane Acker and Elijah Wood about “9,” plus other Comic-Con interviews.

“I actually just recently watched (“Red Dawn”) for the first time,” said Palicki. “(Our version is) so different. Same characters, but very different. It’s more character-driven, different bad guys.”

Filming for “Red Dawn” begins in September according to Palicki, and the cast will be in Detroit for a three and a half month shoot.

Chris Hemsworth and Joshua Peck have already signed on to the film, but Palicki said the role of Robert was offered to “Slumdog Millionaire” star Dev Patel and the filmmakers were in talks with Kurt Russell about bringing him to the film.

“(The ‘Red Dawn’ remake is) huge. And it’s going to be more character driven, which is fun. You care about them a bit more,” she said.

“We just showed the trailer out there – or the teaser – and they went nuts,” he said. “I didn’t think we was gonna go wrong with having a director like Scott Stewart make his debut, who happens to own a special effects company.”

With Paul Bettany’s shirtless body plastered all around the convention center to promote the film, Gibson had plenty to say directed towards the actor – who happened to be sitting right behind him.

“Paul Bettany, just tell them how sexy you are, Jesus,” Gibson joked. “Tell them about that shirt that came with muscles.”

Later, he joked again about Bettany in regards to Scott Stewart’s visual effects capabilities.

“I told him listen, whatever you do, I know you’ve got to focus on a lot of effects, just make sure I have more muscles in this movie. Draw me a few more lines and ripples, and I think he delivered, and I’m excited about that,” Gibson said with a laugh. “I mean, he gave Paul Bettany a stomach for the cover, you know what I mean? Great CG work. Great CG work. [Bettany] worked out a little bit, but the CG work really took those abs to another level. And the whole film was sponsored by baby oil, so it was just crazy. It was a baby oil drought in the whole city of Albuquerque.”

On a more serious note, Gibson talked about the similarities between his character, Kyle Williams, and his own life. He said Williams is on his way to court to try to gain custody of his child – something Gibson is going through right now – when he stops at a diner and “all hell breaks through – literally.” But even with such serious topics, Gibson showed he was always in for a joke.

“So they’re trying to stop these spirits and these forces are trying to stop the birth of Jesus that’s in this woman’s stomach and then it gets revealed that it’s actually my baby,” said Gibson, pausing, and then bursting out laughing. “Oh no, I’m just playing. (laughs) Yeah! Everybody got quiet like, okay. I’m quick on the draw. (Adrianne Palicki’s Charlie) was only a couple months pregnant; we were stuck there for a minute, but we’re having a light-skinned Jesus. It’s going to come out half mixed; he’s going to be a half breed. It’s a beautiful collaboration.”
Scott Stewart said later Gibson always acted as hit cheerleader, flaunting Stewart’s visual effects abilities, and it was proven as Gibson kept coming back to the effects in conversation.

“(‘Legion’s) got some great effects in it. It’s not over the top,” said Gibson. “Unfortunately, we don’t get no Optimus Prime in this one, but you know, Bumblebee makes an appearance in the film – no, I’m just playing. Bumblebee with vampire fangs shows up. But yeah, it’s definitely got some great effects in it. You can’t go wrong.”

He added, “Crazy thing is, y’all didn’t hear this from me, a lot of directors and producers hire this guy and pay him big bucks to do effects on their films, but he hasn’t gave up all of the goodies; he saved them for his own damn movie. He’s got us doing some things in this film with some effects in this film, I’ve never seen before. He pulled out the bag of goodies for ‘Legion.’ I mean, the way this movie looks, you’d this movie cost $75 to $100 million, easy.”

When Blast tried to find out how big the budget for the film was, Gibson responded immediately, “I don’t know,” but then added with a laugh, “You said that so calm, you almost sucked me right into that.”

Gibson said it was great to work with Dennis Quaid again (who he worked with in “Flight of the Phoenix”) and talked about how his reputation is making sure everyone is having fun on the set of whatever film he is on.

“But that’s what I do: make sure the cast is having fun, then we all become good friends and we get each other pregnant,” he laughed. “I’m a human party on feet, man. Come on, baby, I can turn this into a party. I’ll pull out a speaker box in a minute. Come on, man, I will have someone in the corner beat boxing, and we will have this piece dancing, please believe that. Come on man, people take life way to serious. I like having fun.”

After the blockbuster success of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” the upcoming release of “Mayhem” and the success of his music career, Gibson has much to be happy about.

“That’s right,” he said, “life is beautiful. Life is beautiful.”

Blast wasn’t lucky enough to get a look at the trailer, but coming from first-time director Scott Stewart who has a background in visual effects, it is sure to look amazing.

“Well he didn’t speak throughout filming the movie,” Palicki joked about Stewart’s background in visual effects, “he just kind of drew out what he wanted, and just pointed to it. No, he was really amazing as a director because he was very collaborative. It’s hard to find actor directors; people who are really good at communicating, and also, if we had issues, he was really great at discussing and finding happy mediums. It was really fun. You have to trust, especially in a movie like this, where you have to give birth and, you know, angels are coming after you, it’s nice to have somebody to trust in the high chair.”

Palicki described “Legion” as “Terminator” meets “Constantine;” a coming together of action and horror with a hint of religion and a dash of comic book flare.

“It’s a bit of a genre film, but it’s not a slasher movie,” she said of “Legion.” “There are some very shocking gory moments but it’s not, you know, gratuitous. It’s hard, like there’s such a fine line between a thriller and a horror. I lean more towards the thriller element of it.”

Palicki plays a not-so-virginal woman who is eight months pregnant with a Jesus-like messiah child. When asked who the father of the child was, she paused for a moment and hesitantly answered, “God?” before adding, “Who didn’t I have sex with in the movie?”

“The character, she is kind of loose, so you don’t really know who the father is, and she’s very shocked that she happens to be pregnant with this baby because, why her?” Palicki said. “She doesn’t even own a car.”

Palicki’s Charlie brings the forces of good and evil against each other as the archangel Michael (Paul Bettany) comes to Earth to protect her, and evil forces are coming to stop the birth of her child. Most of the film occurs in a diner where the other characters (played by Dennis Quaid, Tyrese Gibson and Kate Walsh, among others) must work together to stop the biblical apocalypse from occurring. The ensemble cast plays characters that don’t know each other who Palicki described as a bunch of “misfits.”

As far as the supernatural forces in the film, Palicki said they are pretty standard fare.

“The angels that you see appear as angels look like (Paul Bettany’s Michael),” she said. “But there are the others that kind of come through humans, and that’s different. I just, I can’t say too much about it.”
For a film that deals so heavily with religious elements, Palicki said the religion was more of a backdrop to the film.

“It has religious undertones, but it’s not about religion. That’s kind of just a fun back drop for the movie,” she said. “And so, I mean, of course, it’s a little nerve-racking. I’m ultimately playing the Virgin Mary, who is not at all a virgin. But ultimately, it’s fun, and it’s Old Testament-ish. It doesn’t portray God in a really bad light, it almost portrays us in a really bad light. I’m interested to see what people have to say about it, but I’m not overly concerned, because I think they’ll enjoy the movie. If they really watch it, they’ll enjoy the movie.”

The film all takes place during the night of Christmas Eve (“So, huh, weird.”) which sets up the possibility for the sequels Palicki signed on for.

“I signed on for three (films). Obviously it will depend on how well this does, and we’ll take it from there. I have no say. I’m legally bound to it anyways,” she said. As for the ending, Palicki said it leaves you asking for more.

“It ends with you going, “Where’s Legion 2?” but in a satisfying way, not like a “Lord of the Rings” kind of way, where it’s like I have to wait five years for the next one,” she said.

But don’t expect Charlie to be a helpless damsel in distress. Palicki said she will be getting in on the ass-kicking.

“I got a baby to protect, okay?” she joked.

Palicki, who was a regular on the TV show “Friday Night Lights,” said the shift from television to film wasn’t so bad.

“It was different, but the way we shoot on “Friday Night Lights” is very film-like. We don’t have the eight day episodes; we have six day episodes. We shoot very quickly,” she said. “We have an open dialogue. It’s actually not even like a TV show. But having worked with Scott [Stewart] was really exciting afterwards because he was really able to give and take and make us feel comfortable in that environment; make me feel comfortable in that environment.”

In jumping to film Palicki got to work with a wide range of actors as well.

“[Charles Dutton,] oh my god, he was just so awesome,” she gushed about her costar. “Every day I would sit there and I would talk to him and he had a different story. You know, he was in prison – that’s where he became an actor, and he formed this whole drama group in prison – I mean, he’s just like the most docile, sweet human being, you know? He was a blast. He’s such a great actor.”

“But you know, Paul Bettany’s a complete asshole and Tyrese (laughs) he’s so bad to look at, so no, everybody was so fun to work with. Mainly my stuff was with Lucas Black and Paul Bettany,” she added.

Though this was her first time in a panel for a film at Comic-Con, Palicki is no comics virgin.

“I love [Comic-Con]. I actually came last year just for fun,” she said. “My brother writes comics so I got into it at a young age. I think it’s hysterical; it’s so fun. Not hysterical like ‘Ha ha, look at you, weirdo,’ but like, it’s exciting to be in the element and walk around and just see everybody.”

Though she says “Legion” is more thriller than horror film, Palicki said she is a huge fan of the horror movie genre. As for her favorite scary movie, she said it was the original “Halloween,” hands down.

“I think Michael Meyers is the scariest mother fucker,” she said with a laugh. “It’s like, the tortoise and the hare; he just walks. He just knows he’s gonna get you. You can run, it’s fine: you can’t hide.”

“Legion” hits theaters January 22, 2010.

“Everybody else is showing up, talking on panels about their movies, and they’re leaving,” said Gibson. “I was out there seven hours, selling comic books yesterday on the floor.”

This year, Gibson was not only at Comic-Con to promote “Legion,” his new film with Dennis Quaid and Paul Bettany, but also to promote his debut comic book, “Mayhem.”

Gibson said it wasn’t until he came to San Diego Comic-Con last year to promote “Death Race” that he truly became interested in the world of comics.

“I’ve never been exposed to so much selfless, selfless passion for anything that someone believed in, ever,” he said of the experience. “I mean, I come from the world of music, done my share of films, but people don’t show up looking like Tyrese at a Tyrese concert. And so for people to be here, showing up looking like their favorite comic book character, says a lot about the level of passion that’s here for Comic-Con. (I’ve) never been exposed to it before.”

Saying he represents “the new generation of comic book fans,” Gibson admitted he wasn’t a fan of comic books growing up, but after his Comic-Con experience in 2008, he felt the need to become involved in the world.

He said Todd McFarlane and Robert Kirkman of Image Comics gave him “the opportunity of a lifetime” to create his own debut comic book, “Mayhem.” Citing 20,000 copies sold on presales alone, Gibson was enthused enough about his new comic book that he passed out free autographed copies to everyone in the press room.

Comic-Con exclusive Mayhem tribute to Jack Kirby

Showing he has done his research about comic book culture in the past year, Gibson said the Comic-Con exclusive cover of “Mayhem” volume one is a tribute to Jack Kirby, with the page rip added into the art in the corner. The cover art for volume one was done by Ton Rodriguez, but Gibson had some exciting news to share about volume two.

“Jim Lee was just in my booth today. We got him to do the cover of issue number two,” Gibson shared with an excited grin on his face. “Jim Lee is the founding partner of Image Comics. He parted ways and went over and did Wild Storm at DC. And for him to be doing anything at Image is a very big deal, and not only is he doing issue number two, we just revealed today on the Image panel, he’s doing the full wrap around graphic novel for Mayhem, too, which is a very, very big deal. So I’m excited.”

Gibson shared that the writing for volume four was already written, the artwork is completed up to issue three.

“It’s just kind of a process,” he said. “We’ve got to stay ahead of the curb. And so we’re rolling.”

“Mayhem” hits comic book retailers August 5.

Blast was lucky enough to get a chance to sit down with the Southern devil himself and talk about Sawyer’s turn as being a hero, what mystery Holloway wanted solved most and life as a new father.

On how it felt for Sawyer to be a hero:

Odd and a bit uncomfortable, but funny enough, it kind of just happened that season because I had a newborn on the way, my focus was split, so I didn’t really even realize it was happening because I was working so much and I was just thinking, “Man, Sawyer talks a lot in the 70s. What’s wrong with this guy? He’s lippy!” (laughs) But as the season developed, I was like, oh, okay, I see kind of where this is going, because they never let us know where it is going, it just kind of happens. But it’s been a great exploration. It’s been a lot of fun, and they’ve really allowed me such opportunities to explore different avenues and different perspectives from which he comes, so this is a different perspective, and more of a humane side of him. So that was an interesting exploration, but I’m ready to get back to salty dog, so it’s good. Now that he’s lost Juliet, I think the leader/hero thing is gone. I think he doesn’t give a shit to be anyone’s leader at this point. He’s heartbroken, he’s back to “the world sucks,” and maybe throughout the season, someone can redeem him again and bring him back from hell. Because right now, he’s in hell.

On Juliet coming back or not coming back in the sixth season:

Note: It was revealed in the “Lost” panel Juliet (Elizabeth Mitchell) would be returning in the sixth season for a few episodes, but above Holloway referred to Sawyer as having lost Juliet.

Yeah, I don’t know, ask those crazy people (creators Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof), what are they talking about now? No idea. Maybe she’ll be this beautiful angel that appears and they can have this erotic—maybe (laughs). I don’t know how they’re going to do that, but it will be brilliant. They’re smart, those guys, so they’ll figure it out.

On who Sawyer should be with: Kate or Juliet:

Well I married someone more like Kate, so I guess they’d more volatile than everything being rosy and good like it was with Juliet and I. Both are valid and actually, in my life, I like both, but yeah, maybe as I get older I’ll chill out like he was with Juliet (laughs).

On what mystery Josh Holloway wants answered most:

Wow. Where the hell are we? You know? Are we in Purgatory, are we in a time warp, are we… where are we? What is this? Is it the Bermuda Triangle? Who knows. It’s funny enough, I always feel kind of stupid when you ask me these questions because I quit asking questions years ago. I’m like, okay, whatever. I don’t have a theory. I totally follow the storyline and I’m always like, oh, that was great, but now… The only thing I ever got right was that the Island moved. And I remember saying that to Damon and he got weird with me. I said, it’s like the Death Star, isn’t it? It moves. And he got all sweaty and weird. This was years ago.

On Sawyer possibly dying:

Knowing Damon, Sawyer must die. Maybe Carlton with soften him. (I) absolutely (am okay with it). I always thought he should die, like I said before, saving a frog or a rat or something like that. But I don’t know how they’ll do it. I think he should die because really, him in society is never going to work, so why go back. If it did (redeem himself) and he became a priest, then yes (he should live).

On “Lost” ending and leaving Hawaii:

I’m working on my bikini tan and my surfboard business, but it’s not coming along too good. I’m not sure. We’re going to keep our place there; we have a home there, so we’re going to go in and out. We’re in love with Hawaii and we have very close friends there. I fish like mad. So we’re going to keep the place and go in and out, unless acting goes the way normally acting goes and I’m broke and I have to rent it. We’ll see about that.

On being a father:

Oh my god, its… I just can’t even answer it. So many things, it’s so rich and so difficult and wonderful. Now it’s just those smiles, every morning, when I first get to see the little bean smile, I’m like , Oh my god, it just makes my heart explode. It’s really just added richness to my life. I don’t care how everything else goes now as long as I’m a good father.

“Well Big Mike has to get his job back first, because right now he’s got a green shirt,” said Lawrence of the Buy More storyline. “I mean clearly he’s got to take Emmett down, so we’ve got to set that up, so I’m looking forward to the first few episodes to see how that works out.”

“I’m just hoping that there’s a slow, painful death for Emmett,” he added with a laugh.

When asked who would win in a fight, him or Tony Hale, Lawrence replied immediately, “Tony Hale wouldn’t have a chance. I’m thinking he’s screaming, crying. He wouldn’t want a (wrestling match). I was second in California – twice.”

As for what else he would like to see in season three, Lawrence said he’d like to see what’s new in Big Mike’s love life.

“Morgan is uncomfortable,” said Lawrence of the relationship Big Mike had been having with Morgan’s mom, played by Patricia Rae. “Of course, if my mom was in the next room with one guy who’s her boyfriend, I’d sleep in the car before I listened to that (laughs). Yeah so I don’t know, she did catch the bouquet at the wedding, so there’s the possibility that she’ll be around for a while, and she’s really funny. They really haven’t given her enough to do so you can really see how funny she is. It could be pretty cool.”

Lawrence was still giddy from the Jeffster performance he had just seen on stage. In “Chuck,” Lawrence plays the manager of Vik Sahay and Scott Krinsky’s characters, Lester and Jeff.

“(The performance) did make me want to get up and dance,” said Lawrence. “It’s so funny because Vik is so different outside of that character. It is amazing to see his transformation. (…) I’m going to try to talk them into opening for me on tour.”

In “Chuck,” Big Mike has a giant swordfish figurine which he loves that has played a significant role in several episodes. Lawrence said he does have a giant swordfish figurine himself, but it doesn’t have a place in his home.

“Here’s the funny thing though,” he said. “I was in Tommy Bahama’s and one of the guys that works there, he’s a fan of the show, and he goes, ‘Hey, in our other store we’ve got a bunch of stuff that we’re throwing away and one of them is a copper silhouette of a swordfish. I’ll get it for you!’ I was like, ‘Well how big is it?’ He’s like, ‘I don’t know, about seven feet?’ I was like, ‘No, that’s alright. My wife is not going to go for a big copper swordfish in the house.’ Baby, I think we’ll put it right over the bed, it’ll be alright (laughs).”

Now going into its third season, the fan following for “Chuck” has taken on a life of its own.

“After I saw the pilot, I thought, wow, this show could be huge. It’s the first time I’ve been on a show where I thought, this show has legs,” said Lawrence of the popularity of “Chuck. “I didn’t know what to expect (after the pilot). It’s like you look at this type of material and it’s the opportunities are limitless because what’s going on in the world you can tie right into stuff that is happening now, or you can make stuff up. And I think they do a good job of doing a little bit of both.”

With Krinsky and Sahay giving interviews together after the Jeffster performance, and Zachary Levi having confessed the Joshua Gomez, who plays his onscreen best friend Morgan, is his best friend in real life, it was clear that there was a lot of love going around between the “Chuck” cast.

“It’s the only time I’ve worked on a show with a cast this large, and one of the few times that I’ve worked with a cast that everybody gets along,” said Lawrence. “Because, you know, there’s a lot of ego in Hollywood, and everybody’s ego is bigger than the next, so it’s great to be able to go to work and do what you do with people that you love to work with, and with people that you love outside of work, so it’s pretty cool.”

Lawrence said he is finally beginning to get recognition for his role as Big Mike.

“In LA people see stars all the time so it’s no big deal, but being down here, I get stopped a little more often because of ‘Chuck.’ (…) But now (people say), ‘Hey, it’s Big Mike!’ or people go, ‘That’s the dude!’ So that’s kind of odd. But life goes on,” he said.

As for whether he fits in to the nerd-friendly tone of the show, Lawrence said the answer was a definitive yes.

“I went to USC on a debate scholarship, so (laughs) so I think I qualify as a nerd,” he said.

On taking Jeffster to the next level

SCOTT KRINSKY: Of course, with like a world tour, you know?

On Jeffster music videos

SK: I haven’t heard about doing some videos yet, but it sounds like a very good idea.

On covers they would like to perform

SK: I’d love to do some Journey.

VIK SAHAY: Yeah, “Don’t Stop.” I would say “Don’t Stop Believing.” Although, you know, all of this, I would have to sing this stuff, and that is a nightmare for myself and for everybody listening. It’s impossible for me to pick songs, although I did pick [“Fat Bottomed Girls”].

On the origin of Jeffster

VS: I think it’s my rock star vibe that gave that idea to the writers. We were approached, we jumped, we bit. I was afraid. (My first response was) terror. Utter, utter terror. The singing (was the scariest), because I was like yeah, great idea, more for us to do… wait a minute, I have to sing these songs.

SK: And I have to fake playing them. I am not a musician so, I hope I pulled it off.

(from left) Scott Krinsky and Vik Sahay

On Scott Krinsky’s similarity to Jeff

SK: I’m not a big gamer. I love the old school games, so the Missile Command, Galaga, Ms. Pac-man, Donkey Kong. Very old school.

On the future of the Buy More:

VS: You tell us.

SK: We know nothing.

VS: What did (Chris Fedak and Josh Schwartz) tell you when they came by?

SK: Do you think they tell us these things?

VS: Zero. You tell me what they said when they came by.

SK: I, like you, was hoping to learn something up there (at the panel) about what I am going to do.

VS: We were all listening.

On the “Indian lesbian” line used to describe Lester in an episode

VS: I died a little inside when I read that. You know but what I do realize is that when you’re a masculine, Harrison Ford type like I am, what they’re playing with is the comedy of opposites, clearly. Ah, yes. Is (an Indian lesbian) what I look like?

BLAST: How are you doing?

RYAN MCPARTLIN: Awesome. Awesome. I am doing great.

BLAST: I think it’s about time Awesome needs to get his own superhero symbol.

RM: You know what’s funny, is there were t-shirts made on, I think it was CaféPress.com or something, they started a year ago, it’s a lightning bolt. A yellow lightning bolt with a baby blue t-shirt and “Captain Awesome” across it. Of course, I had to buy a few for my friends. I can’t personally wear them; I should, but I can’t personally wear them because just in fear of being too tacky and not being awesome, because I don’t think you wear that you’re awesome if you are awesome. But I don’t know who’s getting money off that because we’re not.

BLAST: Do you ever get that where people see you and then just go, “Awesome!”

RM: Actually, I was auditioning for something else, the first season, I remember being on the street thinking I don’t know what’s going to happen with this “Chuck” show and there was some movie I was going in for and I just hear, “Awesome, we effin’ love you!” and I look around and go, “Oh my god,” and that was kind of the first moment for me to go, this might be catching on here. The fans are coming out, they’re just screaming “Awesome!” And now it’s become, I’d say a few times a day I just get stopped, like, “You know, I don’t want to say,” or “I didn’t want to bother you” or something, but I always love being bothered, I don’t care, at dinner, if they watch the show I’m a fan of theirs if they’re a fan of ours, you know, whenever somebody comes up and they go, “We love the show, it’s awesome,” and then they catch themselves saying awesome, and they go, “Oh, well it’s not… well yeah, it’s awes… but” and I’m like, “It’s okay, I know, I use it all the time, don’t worry about it.” But yeah, there’s people coming out of the woodwork now. It’s fun.

BLAST: It’s kind of funny how it developed from being an inside joke on the show to that basically being your name now.

RM: What’s funny is they never establish it. The writers will sometimes write themselves into a corner or not really realize the rules they’ve created for the world. And I remember like the second episode or the third episode I said, “Hey guys, I’m being called Captain Awesome, and I’m in the room and I can hear them calling me Captain Awesome. Is this intentional? Like, do I know I’m being called Captain Awesome or is this like a dig on me?” And then I remember Schwartz and Fedak look at each other and go, “Good question.” I don’t know. Here’s the deal: I think I know, and maybe they think it’s a little big of a dig. I think it’s flattering. I think it’s something like a great nickname, and that’s how I’m going to play it. And that’s always how I’ve played it and it just went from this small little two-dimensional character to now being a really significant part of the show. That’s so exciting for me. Like I said, I didn’t know what was going to happen with this. First episode I was like, I don’t know, this little part, I say awesome a couple of times, I take my shirt off, and I leave. And now it’s become this essential character that’s so fun for me and the cast.

BLAST: You’re actually the only person in Chuck’s personal life who knows about the spy world.

RM: I’m like Chuck in the first season now. I have to carry that weight of knowing his secret and keeping the home life intact. So it’s kind of a great part for them, because there’s only so much they can do with that before the fans become exhausted with Chuck carrying that weight and doing it. Now to see Awesome and how he’ll react and how all the people around him will react to that, it’s a whole new life for the show and that storyline itself because it’s such a fun thing. My favorite part of any superhero movie is the first act when they find out what their power is but can’t let anybody know. The third act is always disappointing in every superhero movie compared to the first act. And I feel like I get to carry that first act again that Chuck got in the first season.

BLAST: Do you think he can handle that weight?

RM: Oh, I don’t think so (laughs). I used to get to phone it in; come in, say “awesome” a few times, take my shirt off, do a few crunches-

JOSH GOMEZ: Do you ever stop? My god!

RM: [laughs] And then he takes his shirt off and I stand next to him and it’s fine. And then it got to the second season and I looked at the script and thought, oh my god, I have to act now. What is happening? I have to know Chuck’s secret? I was like, what is going on here? It’s a great thing. It’s a great thing. And I was very excited that I was trusted as an actor with carrying this weight on my shoulders.

BLAST: We heard earlier a Casey/Ellie romance might be brewing?

RM: Yeah, I don’t approve of that at all.

BLAST: What do you think would happen from Awesome? Do you think he’d let that happen?

RM: I think there would be a lot more fist fights between Awesome and Casey. It would be tough, because I know how strong he is now.

On giving the fans what they want:

Everything people asked for (at the panel) we now will deliver. Jeffster on the web; musical episodes; clearly Casey and Ellie can never even look at each other; Sarah and Chuck can never have any emotional issues, it can only be flowers and daisies and rainbows. Coming here this early in the season for us, we were sort of joking about taking ideas from people, but it was great to see what everybody sort of responds to and what the no-nos are. Things that people don’t want you to do are sometimes the most fun things to do, because it makes people really go crazy. I’m not committing one way to anything today, I’m just saying, expect the unexpected. I don’t know. I got nothing. [..] This show has benefited greatly from fan reaction and being in sync with the fans and we wouldn’t be back if it wasn’t for fans of the show, so we definitely do feel a real responsibility to deliver the show that everybody wants.

On bringing new fans to the show:

We went into this last year, you know, we had the writer’s strike and we only got to do 13 episodes and were really building our momentum, and then we had to go off the air for an incredibly long period of time, and we sort of reset the show in a way that hopefully didn’t feel redundant for viewers of season one but at the same time allowed you to join the show if you hadn’t, and we will do the same here, but obviously we just pushed the show forward in a big way at the end of the season, and next season will start as a direct pickup from “I know kung fu.” So we will pick up from there in a way that hopefully isn’t confusing to new viewers, and look, for something like this, we’re just hoping for word of mouth.

On the Jeffster panel performance:

They’ve taken on a life of their own. I think spin-offs is what Vik [Sahay] is going to be demanding.

On using Chuck’s new skills:

The biggest thing the new powers does for us is to be able to take advantage of Zach Levi’s gifts as, you know, you obviously saw him do the kung fu, so he clearly can move, he’s a very physical actor, but he’s also great into physical comedy. So there’s opportunities for these things to go awry and push him into like a Steve Martin place, where suddenly he doesn’t have control over his body in the same way, and that’s something we’re really excited for as well.

On the return of Bryce Larkin:

Well, he was pretty dead, at the end. You really do get to see him expire this time, but I guess you do never know. It’s all going to depend on how his show does on DNA. His twin brother, Lyce Brarkin. It doesn’t work as well.

On bridging the show’s break:

That’s one of the things we’ve talked about is, how can we create little episodes or vignettes or seeing somebody privately that at least will allow you to keep these characters alive. And then if we want to seed some storylines too, it’s like all of the sudden we’ve been given this great toy to play with, and I think we’re always looking for ways to kind of build out on the show and keep people, especially if we’re not going to be on, because who knows: we could be on in November, we could be on in January. So we want to be able to keep people interested; keep people invested in the show.

On keeping Zach and Josh’s beards:

We’re going to try to take advantage of his beard for at least three minutes of the first episode, and then we’ll do the classic “lose the beard” moment. We’ll see if he has a face left under there because that is a bushy, bushy beard.

On Chuck and Sarah being together:

I talked about a volatile Chuck/Sarah situation coming into this year and something is going to have happened that between where we pick up in real time and when we jump forward, there’s an expectation between them that is not fulfilled and that is going create a major issue. And that will keep you watching!

On couple’s spying:

It’s going to be a Mr. and Mrs. Smith situation, I think.

On when she found out about Chuck learning kung-fu:

About three days before we actually shot the episode. Yeah, they love to do that. We’re very informed on what’s going on. Actually, I know nothing at all about what’s happening in season three.

On doing stunts:

I would love to jump from a helicopter, that would be fun. I love doing all that stuff. I get really excited when I have to do a fight scene.

On getting in shape for the show:

I don’t think (Zachary Levi) has been preparing. Mind you, I haven’t either. I’ve got from between now and till the sixth of August to start lifting some weights or something, running around the block.

On Chuck and Sarah’s long-awaited love scene:

It’s so great watching it afterwards, seeing it all piece together because you kind of go along for the journey like everyone else is watching it. It’s hard for us because we shoot out of sequence, so everything is kind of in shambles until we see it. I think it was a great moment. There probably will be more of them I think in the third season. I mean, I hope. It’s good to kind of go up and down with the love scene.

On the cast:

I’m so separate from that world so much of the time because I’m in the spy world, you know, it would be nice to interact a bit more with the group as a whole.

On what could split Chuck and Sarah apart in season three:

I don’t know, maybe Sarah is pregnant.

Zachary Levi speaks at TV Guide Magazine Comic-con panel (Media credit/WireImage)

On who inspired the beard, Josh Gomez or Zach:

I think that I’ve actually inspired his [beard]. We’re both lazy. That’s really what it comes down to. I have to shave every day for work, so when I’m not having to work, I’m not shaving. I boycott shaving. I’ll trim it. I keep it clean. You’ve got to respect it. My girlfriend’s fine with it, so it’s like rock and roll. Do it.

On getting to join in the action:

It was really awesome. I’ve been sitting on the sidelines for the past two years watching Yvonne (Strahovski) and Adam (Baldwin) kick ass and I’m like, honestly, I’d really like to be a part of it at some point. I was kind of frustrated. We got to that scene and we didn’t have very much time to shoot it. I wanted it to be even more kick ass. I felt like it was good, it was cool and it was kind of half way between the comedy and the action, but I kind of wanted it to be straight action. I wanted to be awesome-born, and I was a little noodle-y. I was a little noodle-y and I wasn’t happy about that. But other than that, it was fun.

On the “Chuck” phenomenon:

I read the pilot back when I was unemployed and I was like, this is an awesome show. This is a show that I’d watch, this is a show that I’d love to be a part of, certainly not getting my hopes up too much at that point, and then I got the job and I was like, wow, hopefully the pilot will be good and we’ll get picked up and we did and then, coming down to Comic-Con the first year when we premiered the pilot, we were in one of the smaller halls, there were still a lot of people there but not anything like this. I think that it is such a blessing to be able to do what I do, but more than that, to be able to be a part of a show that people love like this. That they will come out in mass and fill an entire hall, wear Nerd Herd shirts and Jeffster shirts and all this. Some of them just make it at home, like [gestures like drawing on chest] Sharpie, you know? It’s amazing. And I just hope that we continue to do the show justice and the fans justice because we’re not a huge ratings juggernaut, but what we lack in numbers we make up for in just sheer fan passion and fervor and that’s the kind of thing I want to be a part of.

On whether a “Tron Legacy” poster will replace the “Tron” poster:

I don’t know about that. It’s kind of classic “Tron.” And Bruce was on the show, although he is going to be in the new (”Tron”).

On how much of season three is planned:

We know how, like last year, when we sat down to talk about [the season two finale], we knew our ending. I know my ending for the third season as well. So in some ways we go back and we build to that point of where we want to be. And it’s going to be super big and it’s going to be super exciting. We use super. I like super stuff. So we kind of know where we’re going. So right now the writers are half way through the season from a script-writing perspective, and then production will start; we’ll slow down.

On what season three will be about:

Chuck now has these abilities. How does he master them? Because it didn’t come with a manual – or maybe it did and we haven’t seen it yet. And he has Sarah and Casey, not only there to protect him, but also to be the sensai, to help him master these skills. This is like the super hero story told in a little bit of slow motion. […] [Season three]’s not going to so much veer away [from previous seasons], it’s going to evolve. For a story about a guy like Chuck, essentially you want to watch him get better at being a spy. You want to watch him master some skills, to be the guy who’s not just waiting in the car. And I think that that’s very much where the show is going. So it’s not much veering, but like an evolution. It should feel like this is where we want to go.

On whether the Buy More will be in season three:

The Buy More will still be an integral part of the “Chuck” story. We’re not losing the Buy More: it’s our most expensive set. We’ll definitely be going back there. We’ve always found that our cast is wonderful, and we want to see Chuck in that world almost as much as we want to see Chuck in the spy world.

On whether Tony Hale will return:

Tony Hale is going to be a part of season three. And he’s, umm… umm… That’s all I’ll say.

On the length of season three:

Right now we have an order for 13 episodes. NBC can extend that order like they did last season. If they decide to put us on after the Winter Olympics we could go longer. And there’s always a chance, because schedules aren’t written in stone, that they could move us up and have us come on earlier. … We do have a hurry-up office, yes. We start production in a week and a half, so we’re getting close.

On guest stars:

Last year when we started thinking about guest stars, thinking about the Michael Clarke Duncan’s and, you know, there was a lot of like crazy names out there. So this year, we’ve got this enormous list of just like all the people we love; you know, all our favorite actors, so we’ll go through it and figure it out. But we haven’t cast anyone yet but we’re circling the block. It’s not “Love Boat” but still. I love ideas. If there’s somebody you think should be on the show, you know … I think President Obama would be fantastic. However, someone who is an actor and somewhat available to the show, I don’t know. My “Star Trek” nerdiness means I would love Shatner. That would be fantastic. I don’t know. There’s so many people I think would be great for our show.

On Chuck kicking ass:

Zach (Levi) has been looking forward to kicking some ass for quite some time. I remember on the pilot explaining to him, “You know you don’t get to carry the gun, right?” and he was quite upset. We had many conversations. So he was super excited to have those abilities.

Adam Baldwin (left) and Zachary Levi at the Entertainment Weekly and Syfy invade Comic-Con party at Hotel Solamar on July 25

One of the big questions was whether there would be a romance brewing between NSA Colonel Casey and Chuck’s newly wed sister, Ellie.

“The way that sounded in the panel was just sort of a furtive glance. Like I said, I just do what they tell me to do,” Baldwin said. “I’ll do what they tell me. If it includes furtive glances, okay.”

In the second season finale, Chuck uploaded a new Intersect which gave him special kung fu powers — and many more that are sure to show themselves in the third season.

“It’s gonna kind of throw a wrench in the works of Beckman’s plans,” Baldwin said on the U.S. government’s response to Chuck’s new skills. “I don’t know. Like I said, he’s an asset even more so now, so we can utilize that. But it will be fun to watch him be sore. Aww, poor Chuck.”

The season finale was also the first time Casey had been seen with a military team that wasn’t Chuck and Yvonne Strahovski’s Sarah.

“I would love to have the team back, the SWAT team — new ones, yeah,” Baldwin said. “Casey’s looking for a way out, I think, but now that Chuck has extra skills, he might be even more of an asset, so he can use that, although there will be a rebooting period of lactic acid build up and sloughing.”

When asked if Casey will have a code word to shut off Chuck’s skills, Baldwin perked up and replied, “That’s a great idea,” and then yelling across the press room, “Fedak, write that down!”

“Will you submit that in an e-mail?” he asked.

The one thing he would like to see as far as Casey goes is to meet Casey’s mom, Baldwin said.

“I want to know who she is. Now, it’s either a Mindy Sterling type, and I keep pushing that name because I love Mindy Sterling — love her — either that or the woman who played the Trunchbull in “Matilda” would be a great Casey mom,” he said.

On who Richard is:

I was doing a scene last year before the series finale when Locke comes to the beach; I approach him and I’m happy to see him and the director says, “Ok that’s good, can you be a bit more suspicious of him?” I’m not even told on the day, in advance, why I’m told to play him in a certain way. I make it up every week; I make up a back story for my character; I play my role and what’s written. I’m completely in the dark and it’s a great exercise because I can’t plan anything at all … For so long I thought I was so authoritative, my character knew what was going on. One of the characters says, “I thought you knew everything,” and I say, “No, I don’t; I don’t know anything about time travel.”

On whether Richard is a hero or villain:

I think there is and I’ve always felt that even when I started killing Juliette’s husband, when they were recruiting her for the island, but even then I was justifying the means. There’s a higher purpose and I’ve sort of operated off of that monster from the beginning. If I am the villain it’s always more interesting to play him; someone who really thinks he’s doing it for the best reasons. I don’t know if they’ve changed the character because of the way I played him or if they’ve always known all along or if the character has ever gone beyond what he’s going to be. I’ve been happy to be along for the ride.

On the end of “Lost”:

I think they would be dissipating this mystery if they didn’t have an end date and I think it was smart of them to approach the network three years ago and give them the timeline.

On what question he is asked the most:

That certainly comes up; how old are you? Do you wear eyeliner? I get how old are you, who are you?

On where the eyeliner infatuation started:

Online. The eyeliner thing started online, someone said I was wearing it, and then it spread. They had been badgered so many times with questions about the eyeliner. I’ve been getting stuff about it since I was a kid, and they eventually just said, we have to put this in the script at some point.

On his “Lost” theory:

Do I have a theory? Someone mentioned it to me that I’m a descendant of the Black Rock. That’s not my theory, that’s someone else’s theory. I always thought I was an extension — an arm — of Jacob’s … Every time I think I have a theory, I’m completely wrong.

On joining the cast:

I remember when we were shooting scenes for when I was recruiting Juliette; I wasn’t a huge devotee, and I might have missed a couple shows and I knew there was this huge cult following. My wife was a huge fan at the time, and I was nervous. I walk onto the set, we’re in Hawaii with the most incredible and laidback crew, and it was the most relaxed vibe for any show. You would never feel like you’re on the “Lost” set.

On his favorite episode:

The episode that gripped me the most was “The Constant;” time travel, Faraday, Penny. (The episodes are) all compelling; every character is messed up, they’re all extremely dark, they all have a past. To me the one who provides the conflict is Michael Emerson. There’s so many complex parts to him; he’s the key to the show, but you can’t have the story without Jack. I think at the heart of it is that love triangle.

On “The Dark Knight”:

“The Dark Knight” was an amazing experience as well. But the fans of “Lost” are so devoted, extremely smart, unbelievably loyal; but if I’m recognized for most things, it’s for “Lost.” … I actually got the call for (“The Dark Knight”) when I was in the jungle for “Lost.” There’s a very similar audience for (“The Dark Knight”).

On future projects:

Nothing at the moment. I’m writing right now. I’d like to contribute in my own way. I’m writing a comedy. I’ll be going out with it in January.

“Absolutely,” said Gibson when asked what was happening with a “Transformers 3.” “It’s in motion.”

In interviews following “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” director Michael Bay made remarks saying he wanted a break from big blockbusters, saying that he was in the process of working on a dark comedy. Gibson reassured fans that Bay would indeed be getting behind another “Transformers” film.

“Michael Bay, he definitely needs to take a break from (“Transformers”), understandably so, but this is the movie — the biggest movie he’s ever directed in his life,” said Gibson. “And so, he can keep producing all of these other projects, but he is officially the king of geeks.”

Gibson’s role in “Revenge of the Fallen” was markedly smaller than his role in the first “Transformers” film, a fact he claimed he was sure was going to be remedied for a third installment.

“I will absolutely be back,” he said, “and my part is going to be bumped up.”

When small-town high school hottie Jennifer (Megan Fox) is possessed by a hungry demon, guys who never stood a chance with her, take on new luster in the light of Jennifer’s insatiable appetite. From the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “Juno,” Diablo Cody.

James Cameron, the director of Avatar, on the set

Avatar is the story of an ex-Marine who finds himself thrust into hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms. As an Avatar, a human mind in an alien body, he finds himself torn between two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people. More than ten years in the making, Avatar marks Cameron’s return to feature directing since helming 1997’s Titanic, the highest grossing film of all time and winner of 11 Oscars including Best Picture. WETA Digital, renowned for its work in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and King Kong, will incorporate new intuitive CGI technologies to transform the environments and characters into photorealistic 3D imagery that will transport the audience into the alien world rich with imaginative vistas, creatures and characters.

SAN DIEGO — Being preemptive always bites the journalist in the butt, and of course immediately after our New Moon post went live, Chris Weitz showed the (almost) reunion scene between Bella and Edward and Italy.

And it was beautiful.

Proving that Taylor Lautner being shirtless is old news, the fan screams at Robert Pattinson’s Edward Cullen removing his shirt to incite a response from the Volturi nearly drowned out the sound of scene being shown. And it looks like Taylor wasn’t the only “New Moon” cast member hitting the gym: as the fan behind me repeatedly stated, “You can’t fake that definition.” RPattz has finally got his set of abs.

The scene showed Bella and Alice driving up in Alice’s famous yellow Porsche to stop Edward from revealing himself in the sunlight and causing the Volturi to kill him. Bella runs through a festival going on in Italy to try to stop Edward. Of course the scene ended before Edward saw Bella and they have their long awaited reunion, but the camera work and cinematography was breathtaking, showing a big step up from “Twilight.” Of course, being on location in Italy might have helped.

Chris Weitz needs to create more films not based on religion and relying on CGI. “New Moon” looks like it could actually be really, really good. Guess we’ll just have to wait until November 20 to know for sure.

SAN DIEGO — Chris Weitz, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner and Ashley Greene debuted an exclusive clip of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” and what an exclusive clip it was. Showcasing the integration of Edward Cullen into the mostly Edward Cullen-less “New Moon,” the Bella/Jacob chemistry and Taylor Lautner’s smokin’ hot bod, let’s just say the Twilight fans got what they came for.

“I hope you guys are pleased when you see the results,” Taylor humbly told the audience before the clip was revealed. From the screams at the chest reveal (a shot with clearly only one purpose when filmed), they seemed to be.

Kristen Stewart admitted she unfortunately did not do her own stunts in the motorcycle scene that was shown. “Yeah, no,” Kristen replied when asked if she ever thought she would ride a motorcycle for the film.

Taylor, however, did every stunt we could get his hands on (that the insurance company said was okay) Chris Weitz said. “If Jacob is doing something impressive or dangerous in the film, it’s pretty much Taylor doing it,” said Chris. “And Rob just stood there looking good.”

It has been previously announced that Robert Pattinson’s Edward would be involved in the film version of “New Moon” more than he was in the book. He continually referred to himself as a supporting role in the morning press conference and again in the Hall H panel. From the clip shown, instead of just being a voice like in the novel, here Edward is a visual hallucination, telling Bella to “Stop” when she starts to ride the motorcycle and appearing in the road behind her when she is driving away — ultimately distracting her and causing her to crash (and Taylor to take off his shirt, etc. etc.).

“I’ve noticed you are very cold to the touch, with skin like marble and you glow like a diamond when the sun hits you,” Chris Weitz replied when asked if Robert Pattinson resembled Edward Cullen.

The visual and emotional look of Chris Weitz’s take on the saga looks a lot more interesting and less edgy than Catherine Hardwicke’s take to the first film. Ashley Greene even said Portland was a bit edgier than filming in Vancouver.

“I have been stalking Rob for the past 10 years,” Chris Weitz admitted when asked about coming to the film, saying he was excited to actually get to direct the film (though he had not read a “Twilight” novel before he was signed on).

“In spite of how glib I may seem, I really do appreciate the love the Twilight fans bring to this book,” he said.

The final shot of the film was taken in Italy, Stewart said, which was her favorite part of the Italy shooting. Robert seconded her saying the location they filmed at was exactly how he pictured it in the book.

Ashley Greene said she is most excited for the final showdown at the end of “Eclipse,” while Taylor said his is the sleeping bag/tent scene (DUH!).

“I can’t wait to actually get pregnant,” Kristen Stewart said.

“Actually, being involved in the cesarean,” Rob said after with a laugh. “I just can’t wait.”

“New Moon” hits theaters in November.

Kristen Bell and Freddie Highmore presented the worldwide premiere of the “Astro Boy” trailer, which exhibited animation that stayed very true to the animated cartoon.

“Astro Boy” is Summit’s first animated film and shows Summit’s vast film range, complimenting “Twilight” and “The Hurt Locker”. It hits theaters October 23, 2009.

Over the past few years, writer/director Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up) has shown that nothing — not even losing your virginity or the miracle of childbirth — is sacred. About his third film behind the camera, he says, “I’m trying to make a very serious movie that is twice as funny as my other movies. Wish me luck!” “Funny People” tells the story of a famous comedian (Sandler) who has a near-death experience.

With only 15 passes to giveaway to this screening, a little competition for the passes is in order. Submit a picture of your face photo edited onto your favorite funny person, and the best 15 submissions win a pass for two to the July 28 screening.

This contest will end July 26, so make sure to get your submissions in on time! E-mail the pictures to schwartz.t@blastmagazine.com along with your name and the name of your guest for a chance to win. The best pictures will be posted on the site Monday July 27.

“Funny People” opens nationwide July 31!

First and foremost, check out the “9″ panel in Hall H Friday at 2:30 p.m. (though you’ll have to be in line far before then). Shane Acker, Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov and stars Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly will take the stage to talk about their upcoming film and most likely show some fun, exclusive Comic-Con video.

But the celebrity fun won’t stop there. Special edition collectible “9″ cards will be distributed throughout San Diego’s Gaslamp District daily. Nine different cards will be distributed (eight character cards and one machine card) and the first 100 people to bring their complete set to the NECA booth (#4345) will win a guaranteed place in line to receive an autograph by Timur Bekmambetov, Shane Acker and Elijah Wood.

Those too lazy to walk around the beautiful Gaslamp District are in for a treat if they catch a ride in one of the “9″ themed pedicabs. Text READER to 4FOCUS for instructions on downloading Focus’s preferred reader so your phone is QR-ready for when you catch a ride in one of these special vehicles. Once you unlock the QR code (a different one for each pedicab) you can be the first to see exclusive videos and content for “9.”

For all the latest news on “9,” head to the NECA booth, and check out 9Experiment.com to see its new Radio feature.

As always, stick with Blast for your latest Comic-Con 2009 coverage!

From left: Ming-Na, Alaina Huffman, Elyse Levesque (Photo credit: Art Streiber)

Blast will be sitting down with Ming-Na, Alaina, and Elyse in San Diego for a deeper look at their characters, updates from the set, and the newest “Stargate” installment. Stay tuned with us for the next few weeks as we keep you posted on all your breaking Comic-Con news!

Dark brown clouds. In the background, the echoes fade of Bellatrix LeStrange yelling “I killed Sirius Black!” The flashes of cameras, the dulled sound of press questions, and Dumbledore puts his arm around the shoulders of a Harry Potter still bloodied and bruised from his battle with Voldemort in the Ministry of Magic. In just the first few seconds of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” David Yates has redeemed himself for everything he screwed up in “Order of the Phoenix.” And that’s just what “Half-Blood Prince” is: Yates’s redemption.

Though films are supposed to be reviewed singularly, it is hard to talk about the sixth film in the “Harry Potter” franchise without discussing its association with the previous films and novels in the series. After what I consider to be a brutal and unnecessary butchering of the “Order of the Phoenix” adaptation, “Half-Blood Prince” has moments of brilliance that touch on an understanding of the characters not even the novels fully master. It also misses out on one of the biggest chances at an epic action scene J.K. Rowling could possibly have written out for filmmakers.

But before what did and didn’t work for the film’s plot has been thoroughly analyzed, a moment must be taken to appreciate what wonderful actors the young “Harry Potter” stars have developed into. Most notable is Tom Felton, whose Draco Malfoy is malicious and tortured with so many intricate levels of his character expressed in only a grimace or a blank stare it is a wonder his true talent of making Malfoy a three-dimensional person rather than a flat, spoiled villain hasn’t been tapped into previously. Though “Half-Blood Prince” contains Malfoy’s highest level of involvement in a “Harry Potter” installment (meaning we will probably see far less of him in “Deathly Hallows I and II”), here is an actor who is going places.

Beyond Felton, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint continue to shine as Harry, Hermione and Ron. While some of their line-delivery is sometimes still as forced and awkward as it was in the first installments, there are moments when the threesome share a laugh or a knowing look that it is clear: more than just friends off-screen, Radcliffe, Watson and Grint are Harry, Hermione and Ron, and that friendship onscreen is the same as the one in the book. In “Half-Blood Prince,” the threesome lives in their characters more than any other film in the series.

Newcomer to the series, Jim Broadbent, is wonderful as Professor Slughorn, the Hogwarts teacher whose propensity for favorites can be said to have caused Voldemort’s rise to power. Fortunately, Slughorn will return to the series in “Deathly Hallows Part II” when Harry and friends return to Hogwarts.

In early reviews of “HBP,” critics disapproved of the mass amounts of “filler” before the last 30 minutes of “plot,” claiming that the film at almost two and a half hours dragged for far too long. On the contrary, “HBP” is the first film since “Prisoner of Azkaban” to take the time to devote its time to the year at Hogwarts rather than just pick the action out of the novel and turn that into the film’s plot. There’s a reason “Harry Potter” isn’t called “Harry Potter vs. Voldemort: The Fight Rages On;” the series is about Harry’s life during his seven years at Hogwarts and, even in the wizarding world, life isn’t always action-packed. Spending as much time on the burgeoning relationships between the Hogwarts students as on the Draco Malfoy and Half-Blood Prince plotlines is one of the best choices Yates could have made for the film. While an “Order of the Phoenix” David Yates might have ditched the Lavender Brown (played by the wonderful Jessie Cave)-Ron Weasley-Hermione Granger “sub-plot” for a closer analysis of Tom Riddle, here Ron’s unfortunate love triangle becomes one of the main plots of the film.

Yates must also be congratulated for returning Quidditch to its proper place in “Harry Potter” filmography, albeit for only two scenes. Not only does he manage to flawlessly integrate Ron Weasley into the Gryffindor Quidditch team (yet another unfortunately axed “Order of the Phoenix” plotline) but he also manages, for the first time in any “Harry Potter” movie, to not make Quidditch seem like a joke.

Unfortunately, he could not resist the urge to unnecessarily cut important and epic scenes from his adaptation. Rowling wrote film adaptation brilliance in the terrifying showdown between Death Eaters and members of the Order of the Phoenix and the DA at the end of “HBP.” What would have taken five minutes of screen time to set up Yates chose to scrap for a fight-less ending. In choosing to have the Death Eaters enter and exit Hogwarts with no opposition, “HBP” raises too many questions that shouldn’t have gone unanswered and makes those opposing Voldemort’s army seem weak in comparison. Where were those protecting Hogwarts while the Death Eaters were exiting the castle? Why wouldn’t the Death Eaters try to attack students while they were in Hogwarts? Where were the students while all this is happening? And when Bellatrix torches Hagrid’s cabin before fleeing into the woods, where was Hagrid?

And after Snape’s grand admission that he himself is the Half-Blood Prince, where is the explanation as to why? For a plot point so important it is the title of the novel/film, it was unfortunately cast aside in the movie.

Also, nixing Dumbledore’s funeral for a nod to “The Empire Strikes Back” didn’t give the audience the time to mourn the great wizard’s passing like it did in the novel, nor to understand the unfortunate ripple effect of his death. With an ending that rushes headlong to its finish in a messy and needlessly disorganized fashion, “HBP” could have used a beautiful funeral to honor a character who becomes so important in “Deathly Hallows.”

What Yates did give back to “HBP” were moments that only were produced since, for the first time, the end of the “Harry Potter” story was known while the film was being made. SUPER DUPER DEATHLY HALLOWS SPOILER ALERT! Harry touches Voldemort’s ring that once was a Horcrux and Dumbledore realizes a piece of Voldemort’s soul might have been left behind in Harry – something portrayed only in a look from the wonderful Michael Gambon. END SPOILER

In a scene unique to the film, Snape (played by a stunning Alan Rickman) shushes Harry before joining the Death Eaters in Dumbledore’s office and ultimately killing Dumbledore, a moment which will haunt Harry until he discovers the truth behind Snape’s actions.

Even the Death Eaters attacking and destroying the Weasley’s house in a scene completely made up for the film stays true to the theme of not just the novel, but the series (and the unfortunate truth that Bill and Fleur’s wedding will never make its way to the big screen).

In the end, “Half-Blood Prince” is a solid film that has progressed leaps and bounds since Yates first took a stab at adapting the series in “Order of the Phoenix.” He has clearly learned the necessity of staying true to the novel’s plot in addition to making the film entertaining. The film itself is a work of art, and is already beginning to generate Oscar buzz. Hopefully with both parts of “Deathly Hallows,” Yates will master the formula so many directors have struggled with in the past and create the perfect “Harry Potter” movie.

We have 15 passes to give away for a late-night screening of the film next Tuesday, July 21 — but there’s a little catch. Record a video of your best horror movie scream, post it to YouTube and leave a link to it as a comment below, and we will give passes to the first 15 who post.

Plus, the best five screamers will win a prize pack full of summer goodies like shot glasses, frisbees, t-shirts, official movie poster and beach balls, to mix a little fear into your summer fun.

This giveaway ends Friday, July 17. “Orphan” hits theaters July 24.

It was nearly impossible to miss the promotion going on for Sacha Baron Cohen’s newest film, “Bruno.” If you weren’t bombarded with teaser trailers on TV, then you saw his best impersonation of “Blue Steel” plastered on billboards or tales of his antics at premieres scattered throughout the media. With so much bizarre publicity, “Bruno” was bound to be something: brilliant or horrifying was yet to be determined, but definitely something.

Similar to 2006’s “Borat,” Bruno is an outsider looking to understand America. Except here he is the most popular fashionista in any German-speaking country (except Germany) who has a major fashion faux pas and is “out” from the Austrian fashion ciruit… and then goes to the States (and from there to the Middle East) to become a big-time American celeb.

What goes on behind the scenes during Cohen’s films only the production crew (and Special Features once “Bruno” hits DVDs) will know, but parts of “Bruno” were clearly scripted. After the controversy of “Borat” from people who said they didn’t know what they were being filmed for, it seems a given that “Bruno” would have had to take a different approach.

But realizing some scenes were scripted didn’t detract from the humor of “Bruno;” in fact, it almost made the film funnier. It created a cohesive story that “Borat” lacked: instead of just being a road movie, it had a beginning, middle and end, and satisfactory ones at that. Undoubtedly this is the best film Cohen has created.

Don’t be misled by R-rated movies that border on PG-13 content: “Bruno” is not a movie to bring the kids to. Making “Borat” look tame in comparison, “Bruno” has more penis shots than a porno and “Watchmen” combined. But what is most bizarre about Cohen’s affinity for male genitalia in his films is that it’s funny. Unbearable at times, yes, but almost tasteful in its usage.

What’s most surprising about “Bruno” is that, despite its often offensive content, it is still incredibly funny. It continued the political commentary begun in Cohen’s “Da Ali G Show” which continued through “Borat” showing exactly how ignorant and appalling Americans can act. But the commentary was second to the story (although it can be argued the story is a commentary in itself) and that’s what makes it a strong film and undoubtedly one of the funniest films to come out of this year.

Seems like Funny or Die thought so too. Check out this shout-out to the sci-fi classic below, and happy Fourth of July from Blast!

Insiders told Entertainment Weekly they managed to cut the scene from the film just an hour before the premiere, which was Thursday night. The scene was previously seen by journalists during pre-screenings of “Bruno.”

The scene featured Bruno, a flamboyantly gay Austrian fashionista, snagging an interview with La Toya and asking her a series of questions about her brother, Michael. She did not appear to be in on the joke, EW reported.

Universal has not said whether the scene will be included in the film in either its theatrical or DVD releases.