I’ve been attending ShoWest for ten years now, and I’ve always considered it to be one of the industry’s best kept secrets.  It isn’t as jam-packed as Sundance and Comic-Con, but it tends to be every bit as exciting.

ShoWest is an annual convention thrown by NATO (National Association of Theater Owners). Each March, Hollywood heavyweights descend upon Bally’s and The Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to unveil the latest and greatest in movie theater technology. But it’s the presence of the major film studios that’s really worth noting.  As any film fanatic will tell you, nothing beats an early look at a highly anticipated film, and ShoWest is usually where it all starts.

Before getting to the heart of this report, special thanks are in order.  Firstly, big-time props to Heather Lewandoski and her staff at the press department.  They’re simply a joy to work with. Also, a special thanks to Sheldon Demke and John Pugh for serving as the perfect crew. They were on-hand to grab video footage (which you’ll be able to see at our website), and photos. Finally, a big shout-out to my loving family (Tonja, McKenzie, Matthew, and McKian). It is because of their unlimited support that I’m able to cover these events.

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough space here to give you insight into everything we saw, but if you’re interested in reading more, log on to Zboneman.com for our extensive coverage. In the meantime, here are a few highlights from ShoWest 2009:

THE HURT LOCKER
This cinematic gem from director Kathryn Bigelow was screened as part of ShoWest’s “A Night of Independent Film” series. Bigelow has made a wide range of entertaining movies, including Near Dark, Point Break, and Strange Days. With The Hurt Locker, she’s fashioned her very best work. This nail-biting pressure cooker follows a squad of bomb disarmers in the Middle East. While The Hurt Locker works brilliantly as a taut actioneer, it also succeeds as a complex character study. Furthermore, it will prove to be a launching pad for lead Jeremy Renner who hits all the right notes as a fearless, danger-craving soldier who will nosedive into any hostile situation no matter what the cost. Look for my Hurt Locker review in the next issue of The Independent.

WALT DISNEY 3-D PRESENTATION
The two biggest topics at ShoWest 2009 were the state of independent film and the growing popularity of 3-D. While independent film wasn’t at the top of Disney’s list, 3-D certainly was. In fact, their entire presentation was showcased in glorious 3-D. This format certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Roger Ebert has been harping on it for years. During ShoWest, I even had a lengthy conversation about the process with Aint-it-Cool-News.com resident Eric Vespe. While the film guru was quick to point out that he does like some 3-D films, he maintains it will always be a gimmick until they find a way to do it without the glasses. So much for producer Jeffrey Katzenberg’s assumption that 3-D will be the next evolutionary step in cinema. For the record, I see both sides of the argument. I enjoy 3-D. The U2 concert film and Coarline are perfect examples of the process used properly. In both cases, it isn’t about objects being hurled at the audience. It’s more about the process allowing the filmmakers to envelop you, the viewer, into their universe. Still, not every film lends itself to the process. For example, I have no interest in seeing Rachel Getting Married in 3-D.

As John, Sheldon, and I sat down in the screening room, we were joined by The Spectrum’s very own film connoisseur, the fabulous Bruce Bennett.  This was his first year attending, and given his affection for Disney, it would be a great way to kick off the proceedings.

In short, the Disney presentation was the highlight of the convention. It started off with a brief overview of Disney’s upcoming 3-D film slate. Titles include: Toy Story 3 (Summer 2010), Cars 2 (Summer 2011), A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey (November 2009), Alice in Wonderland directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter (Summer 2010), and G-Force (Summer 2009). Disney also revealed that  Toy Story and Toy Story 2 will be theatrically re-released this October in 3-D in an effort to give audiences an entirely new look at these wonderful films. I’m sure they’re using the re-release as a means to get fans excited about Toy Story 3, as well. Unfortunately, we weren’t privy to any footage of the previously mentioned titles, but Disney did have a few other surprises up their sleeves.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
In February 2011, Disney will theatrically re-release its classic Beauty and the Beast in 3-D. ShoWest attendees were treated to Belle’s opening number from the film, and it was truly amazing. The 3-D facelift really made it look like a brand new movie. I can’t wait to see the rest of it next February.

TRON
When you think of films that beg for a sequel, Tron isn’t at the top of the list. That all changed last July when Disney dropped a special surprise for eager Comic-Con attendees.  That surprise came in the form of a Tron 2 test reel designed to determine whether or not Disney would green-light the project. Well, the Comic-Con crowd was beyond enthusiastic. In fact, that Tron reel was the single greatest moment of the 2008 convention for me. Not surprisingly, the Tron follow-up was green-lit shortly thereafter.  Cut to April 2009. Tron 2 (not the official title) just began shooting. Disney had no new footage to unveil, but they did give us that very same test reel, only this version was in 3-D. If ever there was a project designed for the third dimension, this one is it.  The reel consists of a speeder bike chase. Visually, the effects work has been upgraded, but, thanks mostly to familiar sound design, it still feels like Tron. The sequel will have Jeff Bridges reprising his role from the 1982 original, and it’s rumored that Bruce Boxleitner will also be back. Tron 2 is slated for release sometime in 2011.

UP
Disney saved their biggest treat for the end of the presentation. Director Pete Docter hit the stage to talk a bit about his latest Pixar venture, Up. Up is certainly amongst the top three films I’m most excited about this summer, and quite frankly, I’m starting to wonder if Pixar is capable of making a mediocre movie. I don’t think they are.  Docter went on to tell us he had a little surprise for us. The best-case scenario would be getting to see the entire film two months early. Alas, we got half of the best-case scenario. I’m first to admit though, seeing half of Up was better than seeing none of it. First impression? Pixar does it again. I’m not going to go into heavy detail in regard to the plot because we only saw the first half of the movie, but I will say that the first half was brimming with humor, heart, charm, and visual splendor. Everything you could possibly want from a Pixar movie. My only gripe with the footage was the cut-off point. Talk about a cliffhanger.  In the end, May 30th can’t come soon enough. I’m positively giddy with excitement when it comes to this movie.

THE PROPOSAL
This Disney comedy features Sandra Bullock as a beast of a book editor who forces her younger assistant (played by Ryan Reynolds) to marry her so she won’t be deported back to Canada. The Proposal doesn’t open until June; therefore, studio embargo prevents me from actually writing a review (I will offer up this little taste: “The Proposal doesn’t suck!”).  The real reason I’m bringing this advance screening up is because it happened to take place on a very special day. My wife and I celebrated our fifteenth anniversary on April 1st, so how fitting is it that Disney screened this romantic comedy on our big day. Given that my lovely wife, Tonja, was good enough to let me attend ShoWest during our milestone, I figured the very least I could do is take her to this screening.  After all, she is a big rom-com fan. How was the movie? Again, I’m not at liberty to say, but I will say that the company was amazing. So was the elaborate buffet dinner Disney threw immediately following the film.  Watch for my Proposal review next month.

THE COVE
I actually had the opportunity to see this stunning documentary  back in January at The Sundance Film Festival, and seeing it a second time proved to be every bit as powerful.  The Cove traces Flipper dolphin trainer Richard O’Barry and his crusade to prevent the exploitation of dolphins. Most of the film takes place in a little Japanese beach town called Taiji. It is here where dolphins are captured and sold off to sea-life amusement parks across the world. What happens to the dolphins that are left behind? The answer to this question lies at the heart of this beautifully shot and all-too-tragic documentary. The Cove is a stunning achievement. A real eye-opener. And while there are certainly moments in the picture that are tough to stomach, this film also manages to be immensely entertaining (watch for a wonderfully clever ode to Oceans 11).  The Cove opens in July. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

A TRIBUTE TO ROGER EBERT
Those of us who write about film owe a great debt to the incomparable Roger Ebert. The guy is almost as legendary as some of the classics he’s reviewed through the years. It was a thrill to see Ebert in person. He was on-hand to receive an award for his contributions to the film industry. Still unable to speak following jaw surgery (due to cancer) nearly seven years ago, Ebert was still in great spirits. He even flashed two thumbs up as he made his way to the stage with his loving wife Chaz Hammelsmith. Chaz read a stirring speech prepared by Ebert. The lengthy but inspirational speech further demonstrated Ebert’s undeniable love for movies. Following the speech, Ebert was given a rousing standing ovation. What can I say? It was well deserved.

AWARDS BANQUET
ShoWest is big on star power, and even though attendance was a little down this year – and despite less participation by the major studios – there were still plenty of celebs on display. And there’s no better place for star gazing at ShoWest than at the final night Awards Banquet. On hand to receive awards this year: Breakthrough Performer of the Year, Zac Efron (17 Again); Supporting Actress of the Year, Sienna Miller (G.I. Joe); Comedy Star of the Year, Bradley Cooper (The Hangover); Female Star of the Year, Rachel McAdams (State of Play, Sherlock Holmes); Female Star(s) of the Year, the cast of Sorority Row; Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Michael Caine (Is Anybody There?); Male Star of the Year, Dennis Quaid (Battle For Terra); Male Star of Tomorrow, Chris Pine (Star Trek); and The Vanguard Award winner for Outstanding Achievement in Directing, Michael Bay (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen). Self congratulatory, yes, but it was fun hanging and talking with writers from Aint-it-cool.com, collider.com, IGN.com, joblo.com, firstshowing.net, and comingsoon.org, all while dining on filet mignon. Plus, I bumped into uber-producer Joel Silver (Lethal Weapon, Die Hard) right outside the urinal. What a great night!

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT(S)
It’s a tie. First up, it was heavily speculated in the past couple of months that Paramount would use ShoWest as a springboard for its big Star Trek push. That’s right. Initially, we were to be the first audience to see the finished film in its entirety. Unfortunately for us, Paramount opted to first show the film at The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas. And only two short days later, no less. What a bummer. Also a bummer? James Cameron deciding to hold back on Avatar footage. In 2005, Cameron suggested that ShoWest would most likely be the place audiences would get their first look at this highly anticipated 3-D Christmas release. Looks like we’ll have to wait for Comic-Con instead.