Last year, the owners of the Drexel theatres threw Keanu Reeves, Marvin the Martian and a giant, Japanese fire-breathing turtle together for a 24-hour cinematic event. Those same crazy organizers are returning this weekend with Christopher Reeve, a bunch of mutant superheroes and, once again, a giant, Japanese fire-breathing turtle.
Beginning at noon Saturday, the Arena Grand Theatre, 175 W. Nationwide Blvd., will be descended upon by the crowds for the 20th Annual 24-Hour Ohio Science Fiction Marathon.
Jeff Frank, president of the Drexel Theatre Group, which manages the Arena Grand Theatre, said the real highlight of this year’s festival will be the appearance of special guest Kevin McCarthy, star of the original “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and “Twilight Zone: The Movie,” both showing at the festival.
Frank said everyone would know McCarthy when they see him because he has been in over 90 films, ranging from “Invasion” to “The Misfits” to “UHF.”
“He’s a classic Hollywood leading man,” he said.
Frank said they had originally spoken to director Joe Dante to come to the marathon, but he pulled out to direct a feature film. Because they had just worked together Dante suggested McCarthy, who agreed to appear at the festival.
In addition to the pair of McCarthy films, the festival will also feature numerous classic and recent science fiction films, including “X-Men,” “Eight-Legged Freaks” and “Superman: The Director’s Cut.”
Bruce Bartoo, co-coordinator of the Marathon, said one reason the Marathon features many recent films is because high-quality prints of classic films are harder to find.
“The more we show, the fewer are available to choose from the following year,” he said. “Another factor is that after several years of less than optimal theaters, the Arena Grand’s 65-foot screen and THX-certified sound needs a chance to kick some Marathoid butt.”
The Marathon is also known for screening numerous premieres. Making its Ohio debut is “Cowboy Bebop: The Movie,” which follows the 26-episode TV series of the same name. The Anime picture follows Spike Spiegel and his Bebop crew as they hunt down the criminal who released a deadly virus in their city. Frank said they were excited to get this film because it is only being shown in a few other cities.
Another premiere is “Beyond Re-Animator,” which follows 1985’s “Re-Animator” and 1990’s “Bride of Re-Animator.” Jeffrey Combs returns as Dr. Herbert West, who is serving jail time for his experiments, until he discovers a new use for his re-agent – bringing the dead back to life.
Rounding out the premieres is “Gamera 2: Legion Attacks!” The title monster must help stop a legion of space insects from destroying Tokyo. “Gamera 3: The Revenge of Isis” was screened during last year’s Marathon.
Closing the Marathon are cult classics like “Robot Monster,” “Equilibrium” and “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” as well as “The Chubbchubbs!” the Academy Award-winning animated short from Ohio State alumnus Jeff Wolverton.
Bartoo said the Marathon is so popular because there are few other events like it in the country.
“For anyone interested in sci-fi or simply deliriously deranged film viewing, this is an opportunity not available elsewhere,” he said. “This is serious fun, and that’s why people who have moved away still travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to return for their yearly dose of sci-fi marathondom.”
He said people have come in from as far away as California just to go to the Marathon.
For those wishing to stay for the entire 24 hours, the Arena Grand will serve typical concession stand food, as well as gourmet sandwiches and pizzas in its second floor bistro. Bartoo said the theater serves coffee and doughnuts in the morning to those who stay for the Marathon. Patrons could leave if they choose, but some either sleep in their seats or bring sleeping bags to catch some sleep between features.
Frank said the appeal of spending a whole 24 hours watching movies should appeal to Ohio State students, especially watching the older films.
“A lot of college kids haven’t gotten the chance to see classic sci-fi movies on the big screen,” he said. “It’s a whole different way to see movies.”
Tickets for the Marathon are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets are available at the Arena Grand Theatre; Drexel East, 2254 E. Main St.; Drexel Grandview, 1247 Grandview Ave.; and Laughing Ogre, 4258 N. High St.
