Geek Heaven: The Sights and Star Power at Comic-Con 2005

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'Aeon Flux'

What We Saw: A good look at the MTV Liquid Television cult hit's long-awaited film adaptation. Charlize Theron described her physical regimen with a Cirque du Soleil trainer as "the most intense thing I've ever done," although she didn't discuss her on-set accident. In the footage we saw, Theron tumbles through the air, blasts her way out of a prison cell with the aid of rolling robots, wields two guns at once, and kung fu's her way past faceless guards. The best sequence involved Theron and co-star Sophie Okonedo escaping the city through a garden filled with hostile spiky plants. The decision to go live-action was never really brought up, but the footage begged the question: the animated Aeon Flux was way more scantily clad than any A-list actress would ever agree to be. Said Theron, "Some parts just need to be covered up."

Fan Reaction: Much time was spent staring at or attempting to photograph the lovely Charlize.

Star Wattage: Theron was joined by 'Aeon Flux' creator Peter Chung, as well as her soft-spoken co-star Marton Csokas, director Karyn Kusama, and producers Gale Anne Hurd and David Gale.

'Doom'

What We Saw: The world premiere of the teaser trailer that's reminiscent of 'Alien' and in a film first, an unfinished first-person shooter sequence mimicking the video game environment. Doom game fans will be relieved to hear that the film looks extremely gory and violent, no watered-down Hollywood version here! Producer Lorenzo Dibonaventura also revealed that the film will allow usage of the torch and weapon at the same time -- apparently that actually makes sense to some people judging by the applause the comment inspired.

Fan Reaction: The only thing that excited the crowd more than the trailer was the appearance of affable star The Rock.

Star Wattage: Panel highlight was when a shy young boy coaxed The Rock into doing his signature eyebrow lift. The face that launched a thousand Comic-Con fans.

'The Fountain'

What We Saw: Well, we're still trying to figure that out. Director Darren Aronofksy showed the trailer and the first 10 minutes of the film. The clip, set mostly in the 16th century, depicts Hugh Jackman searching for what we assume is the Fountain of Youth, but did little to explain the premise of the movie. Aronofksy, understanding audience confusion, joked that that's why there's 90 more minutes to the movie. Here's what we do know: it's a sci-fi love story set in 1500, 2000 and 2500 A.D. and Hugh Jackman still looks pretty damned good bald.

Fan Reaction: Did we mention the first 10 minutes of the movie were really confusing?

Star Wattage: The star who garnered the most attention wasn't even present. Aronofsky revealed that much of the reason the film was so delayed was it fell apart with the exit of a certain unnamed actor. Gee, could he be talking about Brad Pitt?

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