Comic Book: The Movie

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Comic Book: The Movie ★★★ 2004 (PG-13)

Donald Swan (director Hamill) is a teacher and comic book fan who has been hired as a technical consultant by a Hollywood studio that's adapting his favorite character into a big-budget movie. He soon learns that the studio plans on transforming the character from a wholesome WWII-era Nazi-fighter into a vengeful anti-terrorist vigilante, and begins a crusade to prevent the change. Hamill has a deep well of knowledge and affection for the comics industry and its fans, not to mention the rhythms of the fan convention. He uses it all to good effect here, capturing, but not making fun of the attitudes of everyone involved. Much of the dialogue seems ad-libbed, and that also works to the movie's advantage. 106m/C DVD . Mark Hamill, Scott LaRose, Roger Rose, Arleen (Arlene) Sorkin, Tom Kenny, Billy West, Debi Derryberry, Donna D'Errico, Jonathan Winters, Sid Caesar, Lori Alan; Cameos: Jim (Jonah) Cummings, Stan Lee, Peter David, Kevin Smith, Ray Harryhausen, Bruce Campbell, Phil Morris, Chase Masterson, J.J. (Jeffrey) Abrams, Paul Dini, Billy Mumy, Ron Perlman, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Hugh Hefner; D: Mark Hamill; C: Jason Cooley; M: Billy West. VIDEO