CineVegas Film Festival....Dwayne Johnson fans scream out for the "Rock" at premiere of Get Smart!

As they spied him approach the escalator at "The Planet Hollywood" fans suddenly lost their cool in a long line that snaked around the foyer and excitedly jumped up and down shouting - "Rock" "Rock" "Rock".

Then - amid a swirl of publicists and bodyguards - Dwayne Johnson (one of the stars of "Get Smart") strutted onto the red carpet to meet the swarming press who descended on him like flies to sh**.

The Theatre had scheduled a special screening of the Steve Carell feature (lifted from the old TV show) as a charity fundraiser for - "Knapsack" - the project that Mr. Johnson supports.

Mr. Johnson plays a bumbling agent in the comedy spy thriller (?).

Later in the day he received a star on Johnny Brenden's local Las Vegas "Walk of Fame". In the true spirit of the occasion, Mr. Brenden handed the "Rock" an oversize check in the sum of $2,500.00 for his cause.

Frankly, I've never seen the press gush so over a Hollywood celebrity.

But - before he had ventured halfway down the carpet to shake hands and answer questions put to him by the swirling paparazzi - he graciously slipped over to the screaming hordes and signed autographs.

A couple of media types followed the bankable movie actor to capture the adoration on celluloid - at which point - a rude female publicist in Johnson's entourage barked that they return to the red carpet.

Rock, the woman is bad for your image. Dump her!

Meanwhile, I stood on the sidelines surreptitiously listening in on the interviews.

A couple of cynical reporters warned me in advance that Mr. Johnson tended to be a bit full of himself; so with an open mind, I listened intently to determine if that was the case.

Well, he was gracious. And, articulate about the function of his charity. No, the ego wasn't too glaring, in spite of the fact he was all puffed up and his body language appeared to be transmitting the message:

"Yes, I'm Mr. Macho, aren't I?"

The press corps ate it all up.

After one female reporter finished up her segment and she turned in my direction, I noticed right away that her face was beet red!

"You sure are flushed," I laughed.

"Oh, it's so hot in here," she responded somewhat nonchalantly.

Or, was it your subject that got you all flustered, I teased.

"Caught me," she giggled as she started to wrap up her equipment.

An aggressive on-camera journalist in a sexy little number with a tiger print, dragged out a photograph of the "Rock" - naked from the torso up - and used her feminine wiles to wangle an autograph.

In spite of the fact it's rumored the "Get Smart" actor is trying to leave the "Rock" faze of his career behind, he scribbled his John Henry on the publicity still. And, she was thrilled.

Personally, I found the bodyguards a little unsettling.

One, had a quirky psycho look about him.

The other had a demeanor that was a cross between a Mormon and some character out of the horror flick "Night of the Living Dead".

Get rid of the goons, Rock. It's bullsh**.

Although he appeared cool on the surface, I couldn't help but notice that his hands were clenched and ill at ease.

But, his entrance was the greatest reveal of all.

When the Festival Director called out his name, he tripped over the curtain when he made his entrance, and stumbled into the room a bit clumsily.

In view of the confident image he threw off on the red carpet, I surmised at this juncture, that he must be a better actor than I thought.

In fact, I have to hand it to him.

In view of the way he was treated by the fans and the press alike, I think that it is quite evident that in the Hollywood midheavens, Mr.Johnson is a mega star on the rise that may burn brightly for quite a while if he plays his bungling - um - punches right.

CineVegas Film Festival...Rainn Wilson & Dennis Hopper wow filmgoers at Fox's premiere for "The Rocker". A Hit!

Hollywood should sit up and take a cue from CineVegas - when it comes to premieres - at least!

Last night's red carpet event for Fox's - "The Rocker" - was a splashy high-energy bash - the likes of which - I have not seen in recent days in Tinsel town.

Without doubt, there were two stand-outs on the catwalk.

Top Dog honor goes to Rainn Wilson (The Office) who alighted amid a lot of frenzied fanfare from what was being billed as the most ubiquitous limo on the planet with motley crew in tow.

Runner up for the grand entrance hands-down went to local Vegas celebrity - Johnny Brenden - with clear title to the Brenden Theatre at the Palms Casino Resort where the hilarious new Fox comedy was being unveiled.

"Mr. Muscles," one of the paparazzi quipped.

Rainn strutted down the red carpet in character attired head-to-toe in rock-inspired garb.

Was I having a sixties-style LSD flashback?

"Axel Rose inspired the bandanna," he noted dead-pan.

When I spied a promo for the rock music band - "Steel Panther" - in the morning Review-Journal (Page 26 of Neon) it all amounted to synchronicity for me.

From the publicity still in the daily, it was quite evident that Rainn got it right.

When I asked Rainn where he wanted to be in two years, he was quick on the uptake.

Bigger than Bono!

The talented actor was in top form, capable of spitting out rapid-fire repartee at whim, much to the delight of the fans outside the theatre in Sin City.

The shutterbugs were in a feeding frenzy - truly in their element - as they snapped away non-stop without skipping a beat.

Wilson was flanked by a skanky bunch of hangers-on which included scintillating showgirls, a card-playing magician, tuxedoed midget, and a Centurion (Hail Caesar!).

"I picked 'em up at a local bar," Rainn joked amid hoots from the press who ate it all up!

For the press it was finally show time.

For about two hours they chomped at the bit.

In spite of the fact they were wilting somewhat under the intense mid-day sun, they were inclined to camp out patiently on the edges of the roped-off runway where the celebrities were destined to touch down.

I spied a handful of 'em surreptitiously checking out the rank and status of their rivals in the line-up, taking note of the pecking order, that sort of thing.

On occasion, a photog would kindly oblige the competition by standing in on the carpet for a test shot to establish framing, intensity of light, and potential glitches.

At times, they shared the fruits of their labor.

"Not a bad shot, eh?" one asked a fellow photog as he displayed the screen for all to take a gander at.

"I cut him off at the knees though. I guess I should have included the feet."

A Celebrity Vibe rep was pretty low-key and stayed out of the fray for the most part.

For him, the industry was mostly a positive experience.

Who was a toughie to deal with?

"Jennifer Anniston. She gets naked and stands out in front of her house. Then, she has someone tip off a photographer . When he shows up and takes pictures, she sues them."

Why, I asked incredulously.

"'Cause she's crazy," he stated matter-of-fact.

You heard it here first, folks.

How did Brad make do for all those years? Must have the patience of Job, I expect.

Johnny Brenden was quite the poser himself. In fact, his appearance was literally dazzling.

A stud in his ear sparkled when it caught the sunlight and showered little rainbows all about.

And then, there was that ten-thousand-watt smile.

"The teeth were always his," one woman assured me.


Another speculated about where his money came from.

"He's related to the owners of the Mann's Chinese," another chimed in.

Mr. Brenden was the film buff nostalgic who pushed for a Hollywood-style walk of fame with stars imbedded underfoot in Las Vegas terra firma.

When I asked if he had help with his fashion choices for the evening, he was quite emphatic, "No".

"Versace", he announced, as he did a little bow in his black designer suit that fit just so.

How can you go wrong when you start with the perfect male silhouette?

At one point, when the flash bulbs popped and the golden sunlight streamed across his distinctive features, the effect was awesome, surreal, and downright freakish in nature.

It was sort-of a Marilyn Monroe moment with a male twist.

The phrase - "famous for being famous" - popped into my mind.

One of the lead actresses -  Jane Lynch -  was cool as a cucumber, though.

She handled herself with ease despite the frenzied pace of the event.

When I asked if tall thin actress could offer up any advice for actors struggling and pining to succeed in the business, she was quick to offer up suggestions.

"Do Do Do. Get into a play or a showcase. Get out there and make it happen."

Dennis Hopper was the epitome of style and class, too.

He sauntered down the carpet in an understated tasteful suit, with a starched pristine-white dress shirt, open at the collar.

In spite of the carnival-like-aura of the event, the legendary actor managed to remain centered, measured in his responses, and definitely in control.

The sign of a true pro.

What was the man - who has been crowned the Ambassador of good will for CineVegas - thinking behind those ultra-cool designer shades?



When I asked the celebrated Hopper if he had any reflections about his remarkable fortune to work with legendary actors - Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson (Giant) - he was inclined to note that he just came off a project with a fine actor, Ben Kingsley.


It was evident to me at that juncture that Mr. Hopper is not caught up in the trappings of Hollywood, influenced by fluctuating personas, or the superficiality of the industry. Indeed, his response indicated - quite frankly - that it was all about the quality of the work and the players.

When the producer - Tom McNulty - stopped by for a chat impeccably dressed in a handsome suit - my initial reaction was to joke,

"Oh, you're one of the suits we hear so much about in the industry."

He was taken aback a little.

Yeah, my humor can be a little offbeat on occasion, if not downright cynical at times.

Mr. McNultry is a sort-of boy wonder, with pretty luminous eyes, who came up through the ranks.

True to form, the affable exec started at the bottom, then navigated his way to the top, "by being focused, clean, willing to pitch in, and doing the grunt work".

He noted that the "Rocker" property had been stewing for a couple of years before it got the green light. At one point he and Rainn became fast friends, so it was logical that he would be offered the role.

After director Peter Cattaneo (Full Monty) agreed to come on board, within six weeks, the award-winning auteur was jetting off to Toronto (my home town) to start shooting with little more fuss or ado.

In view of the mood of the business in recent days, the comedy appeared to be a good bet for the marketplace, noted McNultry.

In respect to upcoming projects, he noted that he worried a little about a potential strike, but expressed a sincere hope that the actors get their due and proper pay.

Gosh, twist the arms of those other suits, please!

When I corralled Trevor Groth - Artistic Director for CineVegas - it was evident he was on a bit of a high.

The Festival was kicking off to a great start, after all.

What is the highlight of the Festival, I asked.

"Tonight."

Ah, quite the diplomat, what with the "Rocker" people gazing on from the sidelines.

But, he urged filmgoers and festival enthusiasts to get out for the big Charity Event coinciding with "Get Smart" on Sunday June 15th at the Planet Hollywood Casino Resort.

Proceeds will go to help Project Knapsack which was founded by GET SMART star, Dwayne Johnson.

Also, the Murakami Red Carpet event (Monday June 16th) may prove to be a historic artistic happening in Las Vegas.

Congratulations Rocker!

Looks like 'ya got a hit on your hands.

http://www.thetattler.biz

CineVegas Film Festival...George Michael in Concert! Busted in Vegas, not!

As you head in from the desert, the picturesque rugged mountains that rim the valley fall out of view, and ahead the city of Las Vegas sits like a sparkling gem in the dazzling mid-day sun.



On the strip there is a buzz in the air.



Tourists gobble up the eye-candy as they snap photos furiously - all-the-while - caught up in a sort-of feeding frenzy.



Quaint gondolas glide by in front of the Venetian and a stunning water display delights in front of the Bellagio.

As snatches of French, German & Chinese fall on the ears, it's evident glitzy "Sin City" is a captivating concept to cultures around the globe.



Although I am in town to catch the CineVegas Film Festival - which has a satellite base at the Palms Casino - I'm inclined to go with the flo and explore the Boulevard and mix in with the crowd.



At MGM, I catch the tail end of the Lion Show.



In their confined habitat on the main floor of the Casino, the cubs act like playful puppies with their trainer. But when the mic picks up their mighty roar from within the walled enclosure, it is obvious why they are the King of the Jungle.



At MGM, gyrating images of George Michael flash on wide screens throughout the establishment exalting his concert slated for June 21st.



Expect a sell-out, thanks to old wham, fans



At Caesars Palace, the Big 3 - Sir Elton (John), Cher (Legendary), and Bette (Bugle girl) - were being promoted in anticipation of their grand entrances into the spotlight in coming weeks.



After the curtains fall on each - I wonder, will the pop icons sneak into one another's suites in their nighties and snack on delectable goodies - as they reminisce about the old days 'til the crack of dawn?



For this time of year, the sun was intense, and sent the mercury soaring to 107 most days.

Adidas and a handful of other smart shopkeepers installed "misters" outside on the street - so their customers could slip out of the intense rays of the big burn and breath a sight of relief - if only for a second or two.

Surprisingly, I chose to window-shop a bit among the throngs that were gathering by the minute in the exotic desert oasis.

I passed on a T-shirt that said:

"Property of Las Vegas County Jail".

After all, who wants to tempt fate?

Instead, I purchased one that showed off my torso, which brazenly shouted out on its face:

"Busted in Vegas".

A dollar sign etched on the front with a red circle and a slash running through it said it all.

Not!

I'm too practical when with money these days.

What little of it, I have, of course.

The humorous tank top elicited a number of smiles and chuckles throughout the day as I sauntered this way 'n that in the electric tourist mecca.

When I chatted up a handful of hotel employees, they were surprised to hear that the annual CineVegas Vegas Film Festival was opening later that day.

There's wasn't much in the way of local publicity advertising the event, I guess.

Many were clueless about the fact dozens of dazzling celebrities would be jetting in for the event.

Well - Anjelica Huston, James Caan, and Sam Rockwell - for starters; after all, they were attending a red-carpet premiere in honor of their acting chops.

Dennis Hopper - who became a sort-of goodwill Ambassador for the Festival - hosted a party at TAO on his birthday.

The trendy night spot was being promoted as a religious nightclub experience!

Actually, many of the Casinos were going for a younger market over the summer months.

MGM brazenly touts its club "Tabu" on the outside of the entertainment complex with sexually-implicit ads of a young stud offering up a cherry to a sexy lady-of-the-night in a reclining position.





A visually-appealing advert for the spa and pool played up the erotic image, too, with a sizzling publicity still of a lifeguard with perfect pecs and chiseled abs beckoning guests in.

Save my life any day, Bud!

On the evening I galloped into town, I got all gussied up and took in a red-carpet event for the premiere of - "The Rocker" - which kicked off the high-profile CineVegas Film Festival.

Last word from the organizers before I left Los Angeles was that "Get Smart" would be a sell out.

Wonder why?

But, the festival staff managed to squeeze me in, to my delight!

An eclectic mix of shorts films, documentaries, and locally produced features were being screened at the annual festival - in addition to - a handful of special celluloid boutique masterpieces.

I'll trot around the Vegas landscape until I'm ready to wilt away.

But, I'll be sure to sip a cocktail, play the slots, and loll by the pool at the Sahara for a few hours, if only to pep me up a bit before the round of party-hopping starts later this evening.

At a minimum, I should be able to not only rustle up a dollop of gossip, but kick up my heels a little, too.



Skoal!

CineVegas Film Festival...red carpet events, premiere screenings, celebrity sightings. Film buffs and jet-set head for Sin City event!

This week, I am zipping off to the land of the midnight sun, for the unveiling of the feature - "THE ROCKER" - at a dazzling red carpet event which kicks off the CineVegas Film Festival in the desert oasis.
Probably, the hottest ticket of late on the festival circuit, this year promises to be a high-energy sparkling affair that will undoubtedly wow the most jaded of film buffs and glittering jet-set elite.

There will be a smattering of boffo soirees set in the exotic heart of the dynamic Las Vegas strip for starters.

An opening night extravaganza will be hosted by Rain (Palms) and followed-up with a festive 10th Anniversay celebration the next night at the picturesque Palms Place Pool.


Not be be outdone - the Venetian, Wyn Hotel & Casino, the Palazzo, and Planet Hollywood - will crack open the bubbly for a scintillating round of dazzling party-chasers, as well.
The "In Film We Trust" bash will be a crowd- pleaser at Tao Beach on the 17th - while the Cinevegas Pool Party on the 14th and the soiree at Blush on the 16th - are sure to be a blast, too.

Vegas hasn't seen such sizzling action since Bugsy Seigel tore up the town in fancy three-piece suits!

There are a number of media events slated for the morning - gosh - after those late-night parties rubbing elbows with the tony elite.

Will I manage to drag myself out of a comfy bed bright eyed and bushy-tailed to attend?

Hope so, the series looks intriguing.


I am looking forward to attending the "Get Smart" screening.

After all, the telephone booth promo already sold me on project that was lifted from the sixties TV comedy series and upgraded to the wide screen, starring funnyman Steve Carell.



I'll have to do a little research on the new feature film - "Great Buck Howard" - since I am in the dark to date about that projects.

But, bear with me.

There's only so much a party-hearty toy-boy can keep up with!

I did take a peak at one flyer, though, for your sake.

The "Great Buck Howard" was directed by Sean McGinly (USA) and is about a law-school dropout Troy Gable (Colin Hanks) who answers an ad for a "personal assistant to a celebrity performer" not knowing that the performer is Buck Howard (John Malkovich).

Buck is apparently a formerly well-known "mentalist" (infamous for sixty-one appearances on NBC's Tonight Show) who has been reduced to a has-been magician in need of a pretty big trick to get him out of a slump.


But, I'm really looking forward to tripping-the-light-fantastic on the red carpet premiere of the soon-to-be released feature, "The Rocker".

The Rocker was directed by Peter Cattaneo (USA) and tells the tale of a failed drummer who is given a second chance at fame.

Other projects strewn out over the film festival landscape add a lot of pizazz to the eclectic mix.

There will be a set of celluloid pieces that organizers are touting as the - "Pioneer Documentaries" - for example.

The series is a competitive entry for documentaries that explore new territory and world perceptions.

"BEAUTIFUL LOSERS" - Aaron Rose’s feature documentary celebrating the independent spirit that unified a loose-knit group of underground American artists is one such entry slated to screen.

Abel Ferrara’s feature - "CHELSEA ON THE ROCKS" (U.S. premiere) - looks like a real hoot, too.

It's about the personalities and artistic voices that emerged from the legendary Chelsea Hotel.

"THE END" - in which Nicola Collins explores the lives of her father and his friends in the violent underworld of London - looks intriguing if you're into tales of the mob (like moi).

For a complete run-down on the pioneer docs check the listings at the web site.

"La Próxima Ola" - on the other hand - highlights the best films from first and second-time Mexican filmmakers.
The section includes: Jonás Cuarón’s Año uña (YEAR OF THE NAIL), a love story set in Mexico; "COCHOCHI", a humble story from directors Israel Cárdenas and Laura Amelia Guzmán about two Raramuri boys and their efforts to find a lost horse; and "DÉFICIT", actor Gael García Bernal’s directing debut in which he follows complex characters at a house party just outside of Mexico City.

In "Vegas Uncovered" - (Documentaries about Las Vegas) - CineVegas will screen a doc on celebrated local hero, Hank Greenspan. "WHERE I STAND" focuses the lens on one of the last great crusading newspaper publishers. Directed by Scott Goldstein.

"Diamond Discoveries" features the best new independent films available for U.S. distribution.

This year’s program includes: "EXPLICIT ILLS", Mark Webber’s tale of young love, drugs and poverty; "FINALLY, LILLIAN AND DAN", director Mike Gibisser’s meditation on young love; David Zellner’s "GOLIATH" follows a man as he searches for his missing cat; and Abel Ferrara’s strip club comedy "Go-GO TALES".

"Sure Bets" focuses on advance screenings of independent studio films. (see listings at web site)

"Nevada Filmmaking" puts the spotlight on features and shorts produced in Nevada by local filmmakers.

Slated for screening are: Francisco "Menéndez’s PRIMO" (world premiere) about cousins from El Salvador reunited in Las Vegas; "SONIC YOUTH: Sleeping Nights Awake", a vérité documentary by a group of Reno teenagers from director Michael Albright; and "WOMEN IN BOXES" (world premiere), the Phil Noyes and Harry Pallenberg’s behind-the-scenes look at magicians’ assistants.

The CineVegas 2008 lineup includes - "JACKPOT PREMIERES" - which are a collection of highly anticipated world premieres including:

"Big Heart City"
Director: Ben Rodkin (USA, 2007)
An indolent gambling addict attempts to pick up the pieces after the unexplained disappearance of his pregnant girlfriend.

"Dark Streets"
Director: Rachel Samuels (USA)
A stylish noir film featuring blues music, seduction, and murder that is set in a visually dazzling fantasy of the early 1930’s.

"Happy Birthday, Harris Malden"
Directors: Juan Cardarelli, Ben Davidow, Nick Gregorio, Matthew Sanchez
In this surprise feature, Harris Malden has an obvious secret. He fakes his facial hair.

"Memorial Day"
Director: Josh Fox (USA)
A wild Memorial Day weekend takes an unexpected turn in this brutally-thrilling roller coaster ride through over-exposed national obsessions.

"She Unfolds by Day"
Director: Rolf Belgum (USA)
What began as documentary becomes fiction. What began as fiction becomes a study of nature.

"South of Heaven"
Director: J.L. Vara (USA)
A man returns home from serving his country and must search for his missing brother who is caught up in a crime spree in the Wild West.


The Festival will also feature a selection of student films from the CSN and UNLV programs. These short films embody the creative nature of independent filmmaking.


The films will be mixed in with the festival events throughout the program. A handful will be shown before features, while a handful will be combined with others to make feature-length programs.

A PARTIAL LIST INCLUDES:
Alex and her Arse Truck (Director: Sean Conway, 2007)
Alternate Ending (Director: David Fenster, 2007)
A Catalog of Anticipations (Director: David Lowery, 2007)
Chonto (Director: Carson Mell, 2007)
The Clay Head (Director: Tom Barndt)
Clear Glasses (Director: Sam Green)
Cowboy (Director: Matthew Modine)
I’m Pretty, Too (Director: Matt Jespersen)
Mr. P (Director: Jacob Vaughan)
Plot Point (Director: Nicolas Provost, 2007)
Sick Sex (Director: Justin Nowell, 2007)
The Sleuth Incident (Director: Jason Kupfer)

Info: http://www.cinevegas.com