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

Go Speed Racer Go!!!!

In the meantime while I recover from this flu, Check out the hot new Speed Racer movie trailer from Warner Bros. I'm taking Matthew Fox's word for it that the Wachowski Bros has something going good for us this coming May...




I've also included the retro old school theme and closing from the original Speed Racer cartoon. Enjoy!!!!

Upcoming Movie Premieres - Semi Pro, Vantage Point, Penelope

It has been a few days since I've done any premieres. I will be doing one for Los Angeles Premiere of Semi-Pro tonight starring Will Ferrell. This one should be interesting premiere as Will usually dresses in character. Just hope he doesn't comb his armpit hairs on the red carpet then smear it with Old Spice deodorant.


Will Farrell in an Old Spice Commercial



Tomorrow evening will be the Vantage Point Premiere in New York. I'll be having a good friend of mine, Adam Aguirre, cover the event for me as I am based in L.A. Let's see how his photographic sharp shooting techniques work out.

Then on Wednesday, I'll be heading over to the Penelope Premiere with Christina Ricci and Reese Witherspoon on board.

Check out the TV Guide interview with Reese regarding "Penelope."



The rest of the week will be spent ramping up for the Independent Spirit Awards and the Oscars. Unfortunately, I was denied red carpet access to the Oscars but will have exterior access, whatever that means. My colleague will be posting her stories from the press room at the Oscars while I sit in the office sorting through pictures to match the winners.




Even though I will not be at the Oscars, The Independent Spirit Awards will make up for it. As many actors who go to the Oscars, attends the Spirit Awards also. My eyes will be on the carpet just for you. One shocking news item is that Vanity Fair has cancelled their annual Oscar awards party. According to a post on their website, "After much consideration, and in support of the writers and everyone else affected by this strike, we have decided that this is not the appropriate year to hold our annual Oscar party." It looks like the most Oscar attendees will end up the Governor's Ball anyways. Most years, the Governor's Ball was the first event for people to go to before they jetted off to other Oscar parties such as the Vanity Fair event.

Until next time, "Over The Shoulder!"