Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Denise Truscello/WireImage/DeniseTruscello.net
Casper Smart and Jennifer Lopez arrive at the premiere of her film “Parker” at Planet Hollywood on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013.
Friday, Jan. 25, 2013 | 12:36 p.m.
Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart arrive at the premiere of her film "Parker" at Planet Hollywood on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013.
Parker red carpet at Planet Hollywood/Richard Corey
Jason Statham at the premiere of his film "Parker" at Planet Hollywood on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013.
Fans packed both sides of a roped-off corridor to cheer and applaud Jennifer Lopez and Jason Statham as they walked a long, snaking route through Planet Hollywood on Thursday night. That was just to reach the 100-strong media mob waiting for them on the red carpet at the Peepshow Theater turned into a Hollywood premiere for their new action thriller “Parker” opening today.
J.Lo, escorted by boyfriend Casper Smart and inside a phalanx of security guards, was a vision in a dramatic, white floor-length gown with peek-a-boo sections showing her bodily charms. She moved speedily along the red carpet posing quickly and smiling for photographers.
Earlier, she went one-on-one with “Extra” host Mario Lopez for an interview at a blackjack table inside a cordoned-off temporary studio. British action actor and heartthrob Jason high-fived fans along the walk of fame after posing for photos with dozens of Planet Hollywood 5-Diamond and high-roller guests.
Also on the red carpet: “Peepshow” stars Coco Austin, Cheaza, Josh Strickland and former headliner Holly Madison glowing and proudly showing off her big baby bump. She’s due the first week of March. Boyfriend Pasquale Rotella told me exclusively that he’d just signed a deal for another Electric Daisy Carnival over Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago ahead of his EDC weekend here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“But as big as they are, I’m far more excited about the arrival of our baby daughter now any moment,” he said proudly.
Claire Sinclair, about to star in the new show “Pin Up” at The Stratosphere, was among the celebrity red-carpet lineup, along with “Top Chef Seattle” cheftestant Carla Pellegrino, “American Idol” Season 5 winner and Paris headliner Taylor Hicks, Luxor headline comedian Carrot Top and music master L.A. Reid.
Planet Hollywood International chief Robert Earl hosted “Parker” director Taylor Hackford, who introduced J.Lo and Jason to the audience. Jennifer explained that she accepted the role of a desperate, financially struggling real estate saleswoman because it was such a dramatic change from the romantic-comedy films she’s done.
Jason said he loved the film because of its plot and that he was able to get bloodied, bruised and beaten up in the high-action scenes and fights.
“I didn’t want to cheat the audience. It would have been fake if I hadn’t done them,” he told me in a candid and private interview before the walk to the red carpet. We’ll have that full story of him doing his own stunts on Monday.
“We hope that audiences this weekend love it as much as they did tonight,” Jason continued. “If so, that means we get to make more ‘Parker’ films. It could become a series just like my own hero, James Bond. These days, it’s up to audiences to determine if we actors make more for the producers.
“It’s great action. It’s a great story. It was great filming. Working alongside J.Lo under the direction of Taylor Hackford was fantastic. We all hope we get to do it again.”
Jason told me he was thrilled to be alongside J.Lo when they presented a Golden Globe to fellow British star Adele for her title theme song to “Skyfall,” the latest 007 actioner, a few weeks ago. “I hope she wins the Oscar, too,” Jason said. “We are all trying to do Britain proud.”
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.
Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.
Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.
Catering to the young and modern crowd, Planet Hollywood is a one-stop shop for entertainment with its massive shopping mall, slew of restaurants, spacious casino and clubs.
The ambiance of the casino is retro-chic meets high-tech with black granite floors throughout and colorful LED lights throughout the space. The theme carries into the 100,000 square-foot casino with 250 flat screens topping off slot machines. The casino is also home to 87 tables, a sports book and a poker room.
There's also the Miracle Mile Shops, one Vegas' largest malls, with 140 stores including BCBG Max Azaria, bebe, Urban Outfitters and The Discovery Channel Store.
Following an afternoon of shopping, guests can satisfy their appetites at one of the gourmet restaurants in Planet Hollywood, like the non-traditional approach to steakhouses at Strip House or check out the exotic Far East motif at KOI restaurant and lounge. And if guests are still looking for more, they can spend the after hours at Privé, Triq or Krave nightclubs.
Perhaps one of the resorts biggest attractions came in March with the addition of "Peepshow." The naughty twist on the story of Little Bo Peep is modern-day spin on the run-of-the-mill Vegas topless review. The "Peepshow" stage has seen visiting celebs like Scary Spice Mel B, "Dancing with the Stars" Kelly Monaco and Playboy's Holly Madison.
Post a comment
Commenting requires registration.
Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy.
If you would like to submit your comment as a letter to the editor, you may submit it here.