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NOVEMBER 12, 2008

Thank you Bruce Campbell

Most of the time, I think my weekends are pretty dull. However, this past weekend I was delighted to have the unique experience of seeing one of my favorite actors in person: Bruce Campbell.

His work is characterized by anachronism, horror spoofs and self depreciating humor. Therefore, he is known mostly for bit parts and quirky, B sci fi/horror films. In writing this, I tried to think what one might recognize him from if they were not fans of the obscure.... Maybe as Autolycus in Xena Warrior Princess or as Brisco County Jr (both television shows). Mr. Campbell can also be seen playing secondary characters in a number of “feature films” – Sky High, Spider Man 1 & 3, Love Bug among others and he is currently in the cable series Burn Notice. However, he is perhaps most well known for his portrayal of the character of Ash in Evil Dead I, II and Army of Darkness.

It is also probably not surprising that Mr. Campbell has a following of die hard fans – many of whom stereotypically work in the areas of technology, and know the schedule of dragon con, comic con, etc. One such fan, my sister-in-law, e-mailed that Mr. Campbell would be attending the tour of his current film in Hartford. We had to go.

So this weekend at Bow Tie Cinema’s in Hartford (formerly known as Cinema City) in a standing room only theater, I watched the horror/comedy My Name is Bruce. In this film, Mr. Campbell, playing himself, is kidnapped by a die hard fan who unintentionally unleashed an ancient Chinese war god, who is now killing off his small town. It is hoped that Bruce, with his vast experience at such things will save the town and… Well, you’ll have to see the movie your self. Still, following this horror/comedy spoof of Mr. Campbell’s career, Mr. Campbell himself appeared for a Q&A.

Unfortunately, no great insight came from this process, though I did find Mr. Campbell is a very gracious individual. I wish him the fame and fortune he deserves. Many of his fans however… in the genre’s immortal words of William Shatner, need to “Get a life!”

If you’re not familiar with Bruce Campbell or are also a die hard fan, check out:

Bubba Ho Tep

Bruce plays an elderly Elvis, who must save the world from his nursing home.

Army of Darkness

Contemporary S-mart employee gets stuck in 1300 AD where he must save the girl, the world and himself to get home, even though his chainsaw is running out of gas.

Man with the Screaming Brain

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Comments

Mercedes said, on Nov. 13 at 11:58AM
I'll have to let my husband know about Campbell's new movie and that you saw him. He really likes him, especially Army of Darkness, but doesn't see his movies often. I know he thinks he's a good actor but never gets much exposure with the strange movies he plays in. I have never watched one of his "starring roles". Perhaps I'll have to check one out!