Zoom zoom zoom for Speed Racer

Okay, I'm hooked on the Speed Racer theme song. But I think I may be hooked on the movie itself. Can't wait to see it in IMAX. Enough about that. Let's move on to the premiere.


Emile Hirsch stars as Speed Racer.

As the warm sun beat down on the media, across the street from the Nokia Theater complex were fans and protesters. Protesters you say? Yes. It looks as if there are a few people who are irritated by the remake of this movie for which I do not know why. Seeing signs being waved stating, "No more monkey business.


Matthew Fox plays Racer X.

Oh well. As for the rest of the crowd, it was made mostly of fans of Korean heart throb Rain. These die-hard fans stuck out the heat for more than three hours just to get a glimpse of their beloved Rain. He acknowledged them a few times with a wave but unfortunately, no crossing streets to greet the fans.


Rain waves at his fans.


Was there drama on the carpet? Perhaps. It seemed like John Goodman and Susan Sarandon kept their distance from each other. I can't say for sure as I didn't get a glance at either when they first arrived on the carpet. Even when event photogs yelled for them to take a two shot. They did not acknowledge each other on the carpet.



Susan Sarandon behind sunglasses.


John Goodman poses solo.


Christina Ricci looking fabo...She plays Trixie in the movie.

Emile Hirsch seemed like he had a surreal look on his face. As he finished the photo section of the carpet, he started on the video section. Half way through, we were trying to get him to pose with the race car. At first, his publicist or could be his manager was waving no. But alas, with the help of our trusty photo rep at Warner Bros and finally the publicist gave us a quick opportunity to shoot Mr. Hirsch with the Mach 5 car.


Emile Hirsch in front of the MACH 5.

Overall, the premiere was a nice overload. Being the first major movie premiere to be held at the new Nokia Theater complex in Downtown Los Angeles, you got the feel of the movie with the theme song music video playing on video screens and music piped throughout the complex. Go Speed Racer!

Speed Racer cpming down the tracks

We were baking in the warm California this past Saturday as us photogs were waiting for the World Premiere of "Speed Racer" to commence. The excitement of the cult cartoon classic heading to the big screen was intensified with new "Speed Racer" theme and music video playing throughout the new Nokia Theater complex in downtown Los Angeles. So while I gather the words and visuals to help enhance your premiere experience, come check out the music video from the movie:

Go Speed Racer Go Music Video

Jon Peter Lewis' life after American Idol

It definitely has been a slow week for me with red carpet events. I did the Asian Excellence Awards last Wednesday so I'm sorting through those pics to see what I can post for you to view.

As part of Nielsen Entertainment News Wire, I work in the same office as my sister publication Billboard Magazine and Radio & Record. Every so often we have special musical guests perform for us. Yesterday was a real treat as Jon Peter Lewis from "American Idol's" Season Three came by to perform his new single and a few songs from his new album. Along with Jon was his bassist Austin Nicholsen to give us a sampling of what's to come from Mr. Lewis. Lewis was part of the season which produced Jennifer Hudson and also the season which Fantasia won. One audience member quipped about him possibly being an actor. He said that maybe he will be but music is priority so no Oscar for him for the time being.


Jon Peter Lewis strumming his guitar.


I'm happy to say that the performance was memorable with his lead single "Break The Silence." As Jon sang, you could see the genuine appreciation of everyone who came to check him out. I think if he was on the show now, he'd definitely be Top 5.


Check out Austin's big instrument!

Bantering with the girls in the attendance, he even dedicated a song to the ladies.

After two more songs, Jon took some time to answer questions. If I remember correctly, he thinks that the ending will be with the two David's or it could've been Billboard Columnist Fred Bronson who mentioned that while Jon was answering questions.


Austin Nicholsen, Jon Peter Lewis and Billboard Columnist Fred Bronson.

After his strong performance, Mr. Lewis took some time to sign some cd singles for everyone and also posed for photos for me. That boy sure can be crazy with a "Yo! What's up" pose.



Check out his site at www.jonpeterlewis.com. The single is now available for purchase on ITUNES.


Jon Peter Lewis takes a breather and catches up on music news with Billboard.

Until Next, time...."Over The Shoulder!"

The Papaya Dance on the Red Carpet?

Okay. So as I mentioned earlier, the red carpet film premieres have been slow this week that I've been hooked on this new dance called the Papaya Dance from the Philippines. It's easier than the Macarena so I wanna see you get up and dance.

The song was originally a 1974 disco song from Polish singer Urszula Dudziak. All of sudden a Philippine Game Show host incorporated the song into his show and added simple dance moves.

Maybe it will hit the red carpet.

Here's how to do it from the people at "Good Morning America"



Even the U.S. Ambassador for the Philippines gets into the act:

John Cho & Kal Penn Escape from Guantanamo Bay to the red carpet

So what kind of sandwich do they serve at Guantanamo Bay? Well, you're going to have to find out by watching the 2nd installment of the "Harold and Kumar" franchise. Starring John Cho as Harold and Kal Penn as Kumar in "Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay," the twosome are supposedly headed on a trip to Amsterdam for some relaxing fun in a pot cafe and following Harold's love crush, Maria. But their trip is sidetracked when the two are accused of being terrorists and sent to Guantanamo Bay.


Danneel Harris watching out for Kumar. She plays Kumar's ex-girlfriend in the film.

It looks like, Harold and Kumar escaped Guantanamo Bay to make their appearance on the red carpet for the premiere of their film.


John Cho is able to crack a smile after Guantanamo Bay.

Along with the escapees, other celebrities joined the two to celebrate their escape. Included on the no terrorist list were Danneel Harris, Neil Patrick Harris, Corbin Bernsen, Chris Mintz-Plasse, Lisa Lapira, Cheryl Hines, Ed Helms, Tatiana Ali, Roselyn Sanchez, Eric Winter, David Krumholtz and Rob Corddry.


Corbin Bernsen left his suite at "L.A. Law."


Brandon Routh without his cape. But wait what's up with this other blue cape of shirt "Caucasia" hmmm..

For Mr. Krumholtz, the flashes from the camera were too much for him that his eyes began to water. Being the good event photographers we are, we let his eyes rush before the flashes started up again. Neil Patrick Harris showed up with his partner David. Unfortunately, after the first spot, David rushed off the carpet into the theater.


David Krumholtz is not really crying.

My favorite "Fresh Prince" star Tatiana Ali graced us with her cute smile. Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter seems so un-separable. One photog asked Rob Corddry to step closer to her camera. He got so close that another photog chimed in, "Watch Out! You're too close she might kiss you!" Thank God that didn't happen.


Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter all lovey-dovey.

As Mr. Neil Patrick Harris approached or as I called out NPH, he gave me a manly, "Waddup!" and I said, "Nothing much but look here to your right!" Ah ha. I got the shot!


"Waddup! Mr. NPH."

The same photog asking Rob to step closer asked John Cho to kiss his likeness on his poster. Well that didn't happen to no avail. The only kisses John Cho will be doing is in his movie with Maria.


Kal Penn says "Thank You! Come again!"

The film opens up April 25.

Forget Sarah Marshall and take a trip to the Forbidden Kingdom

I decided to skip the "Zombie Stripper" movie premiere starring Jenna Jameson and check out the media screening of "Forbidden Kingdom." I"m not too into Kung Fu movies but who could pass up a film pairing up Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

From the beginning of the opening credits, my 4 year old nephew, sister and I were in awe with all those martial arts movie posters splashing across the movie screen with a few given some comedic relief. I knew we were up to an exciting night at the movies.


Jet Li (as Silent Monk, left), Michael A. Angarano (as Jason Tripititkas) and Jackie Chan (as Lu Yan) in THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM. ©Lionsgate. CR: Chan Kam Chuen.

The film is about a young American teen Jason (Michael Angarro), who loves martial arts films. On one of his usual trips to his favorite Chinese antique arts store, he finds more martial arts dvds to purchase. On his way back home, he's confronted by the neighborhood bully who forces Jason to assist him in robbing the Chinese antique store. After a terrible accident during the robbery, Jason must escape the gun of the bully. All of sudden, trapped on top a rough top and hold an ancient Chinese staff, the powers of the staff pulls him off the roof and smack dab on the ground where he lays unconscious. When Jason finally wakes up from his ordeal, he realizes he has been transported to a rural chinese village along with the staff and begins his trip to the "Forbidden Kingdom."


Jason and his warrior friends. ©Lionsgate.

Jason's trip includes freeing the fabled warrior the Monkey King, who has been imprisoned by the powerful Jade Warlord (Collin Chiou). Along the way, he is befriended by Lu Pin (Jackie Chan), Silent Monkey (Jet Li), and Golden Sparrow (Crystal Liu). The foursome travel throughout the countryside to get to the Forbidden Kingdom to help Jason take the staff to its rightful owner and defeat the Jade Warlord.


The Jade Warlord. ©Lionsgate. CR: Chan Kam Chuen.

Imagine watching those old martial arts movies but with the Hollywood machine bringing it's own twist to the film. With "Forbidden Kingdom" you get all the excitement of the Chinese martial arts films that Jackie Chan and Jet Li are famous for mixed in with the typical Hollywood story of a kid who has to face his nemesis.


Ni Chang (Li Bing Bing) and Jason Tripitikas (Michael A. Angarano) in THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM. ©Lionsgate. CR: Chan Kam Chuen.

So forget about hating Sarah Marshall and check out "Forbidden Kingdom" this coming Friday, April 18, 2008.

Neil Patrick Harris and a unicorn in "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay."

A funny thing happened on way to the press junket of the new "Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay." I stumbled upon a t-shirt with a picture of a unicorn stating "What Would NPH Do?




Peter G: What do you think of this t-shirt that says "What Would NPH Do?" (a picture of a unicorn accompanies the saying.)

NPH: Where did you get that t-shirt?

Peter G: They gave it to us in the hospitality suite. Would you wear that t-shirt?

NPH: Absolutely cool. Yeah I'd wear it.

ENW: You never called yourself NPH?
NPH: I try not to. I can walk around with the brand NPH. I have the branding rod NPH (from the movie) and you flip a switch and lights up and glows. It's really cool.

Peter G: Did you ever get any jibbing of NPH from your friends and all?
NPH: Because I have three names, a lot of people weren't sure if name was Neil, Patrick or.... not my friends like regular people. The NPH thing works out pretty well. Some people see me now and say, "NPH!" I'm an acronym.

I'll be covering the premiere this coming April 17 wearing my NPH shirt.

Patrick Dempsey on the Paparazzi and Red Carpet Photogs

Today I had the pleasure of speaking to Patrick Dempsey regarding his new movie "Made of Honor." While we chatted about his role, being a race car driver and Grey's Anatomy. We also delved into the subject of red carpet photography and the difference between the paparazzi.





Here's a quick transcript of what he said:

Peter G: After twenty-four years in the business, have you gotten used to doing the red carpet? I'm one those photographers that yell and scream to turn left or right.

Patrick Dempsey: Yeah. I have no problem with that. I necessarily don't enjoy the paparazzi. I think there's something that's got to be done about that.

Peter G: Definitely.

Patrick Dempsey: Yeah, where there's a legislation where they stay away from you and they stay away from your children. Um. I think that's definitely...I mean just the children. I put myself in that position and they did not. They should be hands off on the children. They should not allow any pictures of children.

Peter G: That's understandable. The red carpet photographers try to set ourselves away from the paparazzi. People don't understand that. They still call us paparazzi even if we don't go chasing celebrities.

Patrick Dempsey: Right. There are a lot of people I've seen on the red carpet that I've seen for twenty years and they are good guys and good women and they let you know who they work for and what they represent and they are ethical. They should not be bunched in with the other people. Anyone with a camera can take a picture and go out and sell them. There's no license. There's no way of controlling that and it's...Hopefully they keep themselves in check. It's almost like being hunted. I didn't really experience it before. It's just that it's gotten worse.

Peter G: Is there steps that you have to do now that you've become more popular?

Patrick Dempsey: It makes it difficult for me to go out with my kids.

Peter G: So you can't just go to the mall or beach?

Patrick Demsey: I just can't go the beach whenever I can.

Peter: I don't see any paparazzi in Long Beach or Huntington Beach.

Patrick Dempsey: Hahahaha..They'll follow you. That's the thing. They'll follow you anywhere.

Peter G: Have you been followed before to a point where you don't want to go out anymore?

Patrick Dempsey: I feel like I don't want to go out because of that. That's why we create an environment in our home to spend time together and the children need more than that. That's difficult. We try to go out and sometimes we'll go to the beach and you look up and someone has a videocamera and they are watching your every move. It's an invasion of privacy. You know, that' just a part of it.

Peter G: What about when you were filming "Made of Honor?" Did you have any paparazzi problems in Scotland.

Patrick Dempsey: Well, we were in a rural area. Most people were just happy for us to be there. Most people that were taking pictures were the local papers and the people who lived there so that was fine. It wasn't that bad.


Tom (Patrick Dempsey) and Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) stroll through NYC after enjoying wonderful lunch in "Made of Honor." ©Columbia Pictures.

Jackie Chan walks "The Forbidden Kingdom."

The kingdom of Hollywood was a bit warmer yesterday and so was the conference room at Four Season's Hotel. As the press waited patiently for Jackie Chan, Crytal Liu, Collin Chou, writer John Fusco, director Rob Minkoff and producer Casey Silver, we tried to keep our cool with ice tea, sodas and water.


Jackie Chan signs autographs.

As soon as the cast and crew strolled into the conference, there was a mad rush of journalists in putting their digital recorders onto the table where the talent sat at. First question to Jackie Chan was about this movie and what he thought of it. It was a bit funny because he said he hated doing these types of Hollywood movies because they are different than Chinese made movies. However, if his movies like the "Rush Hour" and "Shanghai" movies has an audience and that young kid emulates the martial arts in a positive way that he gets from the movie, then he'll do more even if he doesn't car for them.

We all laughed but saw the writer, director and producer cringe a bit.


Writer John Fusco of "The Forbidden Kingdom."

As for his take on the protests against the Beijing Olympics. His answer was plain and simple to the point that the Olympics shouldn't be about politics and should be more about sportsmanship and goodwill on the field.


Collin Chou and Crystal Liu


Crystal Liu and Jackie Chan.

I think Jackie Chan loves to organize things. While doing the press conference/junket for the movie, he was arranging the digital and cassette recorders in rows and when a tape would get to the end of its reel, he would turn it over and press record.

Another weird thing of Chan and I guess that's his hospitality kicking in, every time each talent member would finish their water, he would have his assistant give him a bottle of water and refill each person's glass.


Crystal Liu may or may not be back for a sequel if there is one.

I felt a bit bad for Crystal Liu when a journalsit asked if there may be a sequel. Jackie, producer and director said it depends on the audience. Then Jackie turns to Crystal and said, "We'll you're not going to back." Then he revised his thoughts and said, "She may be depending on the audience."

I was a bit freaked out though, when out of a dozen of journalists he looked straight at me and at least I thought he mouthed "I remember you." I kind of brushed it off. Maybe he did remember me. In one of my first junkets, I did "The Tuxedo" junket in which he starred opposite Jennifer Love Hewitt. He asked the question, "How many of you liked this movie." No body responded. However, I didn't realize I had my hand on the table and doing a "so-so" movement. All of sudden, he points at me and says, "You are my friend. You are honest and truthful about the movie." So who knows, maybe he did remember me.

Anyways, "Forbidden Kingdom" opens April 18, 2008 nationwide.

Chiwetel puts his "Redbelt" on for the red carpet

With MMA (mixed martial arts) gaining popularity in the U.S. to a point that it is surpassing boxing, the entertainment industry has jumped on the band wagon. The latest in films with MMA as part of the backdrop is "Redbelt." Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, "Redbelt" is about a Jiu-jitsu master, Mike Terry,who doesn't believe in fighting in competitions, but instead, using it a living a life of honor and education by operating a self-defense studio in Los Angeles. However, due to circumstances, Terry must take that road to competition to pay off some debts and keep his school open.


TRAILER OF "REDBELT."



Chiwetel Ejiofor.



Along with Chiwetel Ejiofer, the film stars Rodrigo Santoro, Alice Braga, Tim Allen, Emily Mortimer and Joe Mantegna.

The premiere for the film was held at the Grauman's Egyptian Theater. Starting unusually later than event photographers are used to gave the majority of a sigh of relief once the red carpet opened. One major problem of the night was talent seemed pressed to walk the carpet as quick as possible. Even supporting actors were quicker than a 10 count to move on into the reception area of the premiere.


Jose Cantillo takes a quick step on the carpet.

One in particular was Jose Cantillo who plays Snowflake. I only got 2 shots of him on the carpet. He must thought he was going to melt in the cool LA. air. I still don't know what the rush was since we didn't have the usual lights set up by the lighting crew. Oh well, I guess that's the life on the carpet.

Oh wait, I just remembered, the talent must of been quite tired due to the fact that they came directly from the press junket. Imagine, talking to journalists all day then having to walk down the carpet for the premiere. What a life an actor has to live.

Oh nice surprise to see on the carpet was Jennifer Gray. I was still trying to figure out who she knew as to why she was on the carpet. I guess she's friends with the producers.


Jennifer Gray.




Ray Boom Boom Mancini made a round on the carpet with his family.



Rodrigo Santoro was looking GQ as he always does.


Rodrigo Santoro and Alice Braga.

The lovely Alice Braga was sexy in black. One of my photog colleague showed me a pic that he just took of her and for some odd reason it looked as if her dress was more revealing that we thought. It must of been the sheen of her dress.

Well I've got to run out to the screening of "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay." I'll let you know how it goes.

Until next time, "Over The Shoulder!"

A touchdown on the carpet with "Leatherheads"

It was a field day last March 31, 2008 at the Grauman's Chinese Theater as the stars of George Clooney's "Leatherheads" showed up for the Los Angeles Premiere of the film by the same name.

After a while, us event photogs thought we were at a premiere for "The Office" with various stars from the showing coming on down the red carpet to support cast member John Krasinski. Krasinski stars as a young college football star who is recruited by George Clooney's character Dodge Connolly to become the first major football star named Carter Rutherford, a war hero, in the budding beginning of professional football we know today.


John Krasinski makes it pass the guards onto the carpet.


But is finally stopped close to the ending carpet by video crews.

Along with Krasinski, Renee Zellweger stars as Lexie Littleton, a spitfire of a news reporter trying to crack the story of the new football playing star.

As in any threesome, a budding romance begins with Lexie Littleton, Carter Rutherford, and unassumingly Dodge Connolly. George and Renee definitely had great connection with their fast talking banter with each other like Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn back in the day.

Back to the present, Renee arrived to greet her fans taking the time to walk from one end of Hollywood Blvd to the other and back signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. Not to be outdone, Mr Cloone also took his cues and did the Hollywood autograph walk through the throngs of fans.

However, once on the carpet, it was another story. Mr. Clooney was hard to catch on the carpet with eye contact as he posed for the event photographers.

George Clooney lead his girlfriend to the finish line of the carpet.


George smugs up to the cameras.

Ms. Zellweger faired no better as she seemed a bit dazed by the craziness of it all. I think she turned away from the cameras for a quick minute to wipe her eyes. The flashes must of got to her.


Renee looking lovely in her blue dress. Thank Goodness she wore blue. We hate black dresses as it throws off the white balance and can overexpose a person. Hello celebrities!!! Please wear something other than black!!!


Renee huddles with George and girlfriend on the carpet.


Renee smirks for a video crew.



There was point when one e-photog was so frustrated that she didn't get her full length shots of Renee that she almost started crying. I guess being a event photographer is a bit harder because our photos aren't as unique as the paparazzi chasing down the stars. So we have to work a bit harder with taking our shots with the hopes of the various celeb rags picking up a photo or two.

For the freshman of the bunch, John Krasinski was the best red carpet poser of the day. He made eye contact with the majority of the photogs which included mine.



Christian Oliver, star of the upcoming "Speed Racer" film, points at me to make sure I got his shot and for to be ready for the "Speed Racer" premiere.


Kid Rock makes a last minute entrance on the carpet. No poses, just a quick walk through to get into the theater. Boohoo Kid!!!

Until next time, "Over The Shoulder!"