In addition to its anime, costuming, and comics programming, Phoenix Comicon's offering three days of films at the Phoenix Convention Center, May 27 through 30.
There's a ton to choose from -- more than 42 local and international animated shorts to sci-fi and comedy features -- so we've assembled a list of the "Top Five Films at Phoenix Comicon" to help you along (the complete list is after the jump).
The Graves: Local comic book writer and horror auteur Brian Pulido's creepy feature film about two sisters who find themselves fighting for their lives against crazy people and supernatural forces at an old Arizona mine delivers plenty of thrills and chills.
The film, which stars Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Tony Todd (Candyman), Amanda Wyss (A Nightmare on Elm Street), and Lamb of God singer D. Randall Blythe.
It's been cheered by Lion's Gate (which distributes the DVD and made the film its featured flick at this year's After Dark Horrorfest), Fangoria magazine, and Phoenix New Times (click here to read our 2009 feature on Pulido and The Graves). The Graves will show at 8pm, Friday, May 28, at the Hyatt Regency.
Dracula's Daughters Vs. The Space Brains: This flick
is just six minutes long, but crams enough black humor and sci-fi camp
between to satisfy any horror junkie.
The story line revolves around two vampire sisters who are battling an alien life form that's infecting and tainting human blood.
It's meant to be fun and cheesy, which is what we expect from movie co-writer Teller (of comedy duo Penn & Teller).
The short also stars Neil Patrick Harris, who continues to transcend his Doogie Houser, M.D. days with roles in cult geek classics
like this and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Showing Saturday, May 29,
at 8:30 p.m. 17+ only.
Street Angel: This Australian film adaptation of Jim Rugg and Brian
Maruca's hit underground comic brings a new kind of heroine to the
screen: a homeless, 14-year-old girl who likes skateboarding and kicks
major ass with Kung-Fu.
Her mission: save Earth from the evil Dr.
Pangea, "the world's deadliest geologist." Writer and director Lucas
Testro (Jigsaw Girl, Theories of Flight) continues his upward trend
with this 16-minute action spree. Showing Saturday, May 29, at
11:40 a.m.
Run, Granny, Run!: Old people can be fiercely competitive, and the two geriatric spitfires in this German comedy are prime examples. When Sweet Granny is overtaken on her daily walk by Mrs. Messala, the race of the zimmer frames (walkers) is on. Director and writer Nikolaus von Uthmann proves the so-called "golden years" need not be mellow in this hilarious romp. Showing Friday, May 28, at 12:02 p.m.
The Growth: Another wacky, short flick from Teller, The Growth features the voice of Penn Jillette and some stunning special effects. This ten-minute movie is about a man named Bill who finds a mysterious growth on his shoulder after being bitten by his date, and confines himself to his room. Of course, it's all downhill from there, and viewers should be warned there are some pretty gross visuals. Showing Saturday, May 28, at 10:36 a.m. 17+ only.
For complete film festival listings and schedules, visit www.phoenixcomicon.com
