I have a list of favorite movies that I regularly watch a couple of times a year. One of those movies is The Boondock Saints, starring Willem Dafoe, Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery, David Della Rocco and Billy Connolly.
Three of the stars of the movie, Reedus, Flanery and Della Rocco, came to Sacramento as part of the popular Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con held at the Convention Center in June.
I was thrilled to see Flanery at a red carpet event held at the IMAX Theater on Thursday before Wizard World began. I was able to ask Flanery a few questions about the projects he’s currently working on, martial arts, and what he thinks about Sacramento.
Q: We’re big fans of Boondock Saints. Loved the first one and the second one a little less [Flanery laughs]. I hear there’s a third coming up? What can you tell us about it?
A: I appreciate it man. I can’t tell you any script secrets or divulge any plot scandals but it definitely is going to happen and it’s much more reminiscent to the first. It comes back to the source that started the Saints.
Q: I hear you’re involved in martial arts quite a bit. Is that what you’re doing primarily now?
A: I’ve done it my whole life since I was nine years old. I think that it’s been recently that people found out about it but it’s been part of my life since I was a kid.
Q: How did you like Sacramento the last time around? Was there anything in particular that stood out last time?
A: I like the whole city, you know. It’s clean, the people are friendly, it’s a little too hot but I like it. The fans are terrific.
Q: What else do you have coming up?
A: I have a new movie coming out called Kepler’s Dream based on the best selling novel by the same name. I have a book coming out, hopefully by Christmas, called “Jane Two” but we’re working out on finalizing the details, artwork and stuff like that. If anybody wants further information they can subscribe to my blog at shineuntiltomorrow.com. Subscribers of the blog will have first access to the book.
Other celebrities attending Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con included Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Billie Piper (Doctor Who), Danny Trejo (Machete), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), Alfonso Ribeiro (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). David Yost and Jason David Frank (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Total Divas Eva Marie, Brie Bella and Nikki Bella. Some held Q&A sessions at the Convention Center and others used the Community Center Theater.
Celebrities were not the only thing that brought fans to the convention as there was a large selection of comic book and cosplay collectibles. Creative artists on hand created commissioned work at the hall. Comic book and other artists were able to meet and share their insight with interested fans. Several tattoo artists were also on hand laying down some impressive ink. International pop-culture merchandise was all around and fans filled the vendor hall to purchase these goods.
This year several local musicians performed at the Comic Con Cafe, held at the third floor terrace of the Convention Center. This was a welcome addition.
A major draw to these events are the cosplayers who attend dressed in their favorite TV, movie, comic and anime outfits. Many spend up to several months planning their outfits and also get to compete in the Wizard World Costume Contest. Kids also had their own contest.
Approximately 35,000 attended the three-day event and it was expected to generate close to $3.5 million for the region’s economy.
Wizard World Comic Con continues its countrywide tour and they’ve announced that they will return to Sacramento in 2016.
