Most of the people walking up to the red-carpeted entryway aren't famous,
but they act like they are. They wear various combinations of leather, silk,
and Spandex, which seems like a bit much to sit on gum-encrusted seats and walk
on popcorn-covered floors. Talking on cell phones and wearing trendy dress shoes,
it's funny when young studio guys bring a dolled-up wannabe actress dates to the
premiere only to be dished off to one of the auxiliary screenings at the multiplex
down the street because the main theater is already full.
When Chris Tucker arrives, he runs down the block and gives high fives to the
people in front. Then he runs the other way to catch some of the fans he missed.
Jackie Chan does the same thing later on. I can't tell who gets the bigger reception
because the screams for both are deafening. Who goes to these things anyway? It seems
like most are tourists from Europe or the Midwest who visit Hollywood and just happen
to have come across a big opening, but there are quite a few star-sucking photographers
with big lenses lurking in front as well.
Around 7:15, Daniel rolls up in his rental Honda S2000, a two-seat hotrod that
looks like it should go underwater. He goes to will-call to pick up our tickets and
then apologizes because the big theater is too packed for non-movie stars to get in.
There's only one reserved seat and it's for him. That's fine, because I wouldn't be
able to see anything if I were stuck sitting behind Kobe Bryant or Will Smith anyway.
(Both of them are there.) Before moving on to the leftovers screen down the street,
I say hello to Daniel's ex-girlfriend and Hong Kong celebrity Maggie Q. Then I
recognize the head of the lion dancers as a hardcore Giant Robot reader. Cool,
but he doesn't get to see the movie, which stinks. Walking down the street, I
am greeted by Bob Burden, the creator of Flaming Carrot comics
and the Mystery Men movie. He's a cool guy who happens to be
spending time in Los Angeles after the big San Diego Comic-Con. People like these
aren't celebrities to most people, but it's a big deal for me when they say hi.
Rush Hour 2 comes and goes, and it's funny and full of energy.
You should see it. But who needs a description of the movie's plot when you can hear
about the swank after-party?
