I went to the the Karate kid Premiere at the Leicester Square Odeon yesterday with Linda, Ryan and his wife Dena and all I can say is wow! It seems that the Smiths really know how to put on a show for their guests and fans! I had been to Will Smith's Seven Pounds Premiere the previous year and It was quite the spectacle, but no where near this! Now, I don't consider myself as famous because... I'm not! However walking down the Red Carpet this time I had something that I never had before...fans! Yes I had fans! These people had absolutely no clue who I was or what I did. A group of girls shouted to me asking if I was with anyone. Linda prompty presented herself resulting in them giving off a huge sigh. I was actually filming with my phone at time.


Jayden has too much style for his own good, which was evident during his interviews (something he no doubt gets from dad). Jackie Chan was incredibly funny and humble as always. After all the guests had arrived and were inside the cinema, the real entertainment began.

First off they had a karate kata demonstration after which they had a Karate v Breakdance battle! It was incredible!


After that there was a traditional chinese procession in the cinema:


and them we heard from the producers, director and actors:


The film was suprisingly good. I grew up with The Karate Kid and was afraid they might murder a classic. Although not as powerful as the original, director Harald Zwart managed to get some strong and at times touching performances from his actors. The film won' t win any oscars for the screenplay, but there is a healthy balance between the action and the and character development, which helps the film arrive at it's 2 hours and 15 minutes without making you want to pass out or run for the exit. The cinematography is beautiful as is the photography, especially when they visit the provincial regions of China. Jayden Smith exhibits a cockiness and vunerability that at times is reminicent of Ralph Macchio, and is able to drop the funnies when needed just like his dad. Jackie Chan plays Mr Han who is Noriyuki "Pat" Morita's replacement. I'm glad that they decided to change the name, even if it was only because they filmed in China. There's only one Mr Miyagi! Something that got me a little was the fact that technically the filmed should of been called the Kung Fu Kid seeing as that is the art practiced in the film and it is based in China, but somehow I got over it.

On the whole a well executed remake that stays true to most of what really mattered in it's predecessor. Watch it!

-N-

Alex Boye', a friend of mine was down from the States over the weekend with his wife and baby girl (Still don't know how he produced such a good looking kid, definitely his wife's doing). A bunch of us ended up going to Zizi's restaurant on the Strand for dinner and a catchup. Alex is a singer so I kinda had the feeling that at some point the night was gonna turn into a episode of GLEE. It did. My friend Va was on hand with her WinkBall flip camera's to capture the wrongness! I'm suprised the manager didn't throw us out! In fact, all the staff really liked it! Maybe they should think about in house entertainment to accompany the fine food... that ones for free Zizi ;). What can I say, you can't take us anywhere!

Here's a clip of Alex and Richard singing "This is how we do it":


And here's embarrasing clip of me singing "If I ever fall in love":


-N-

I stumbled upon an amazing animated short film called 'Meet Meline'. What's even more amazing is that the piece was created by 2 artists (Sebastien Laban & Virginie Goyons) with no budget. No doubt years in the making.

The composition as a whole works superbly with great visuals, an engaging score and excellent animation. They really capture the spirit and curious nature that is ever present in young children and some of the facial animation is magical.

Looking at this reminds me of my nephews. It also reminds me that I've been rubbish at putting my own work on the blog, so expect to see my stuff from now on okay!

Some friends were working on a blues riff and asked my to help with the lyrics. In the process I kinda got roped into singing the song at a music appreciation night. Na, that's a lie, I secretly wanted to do it! I must warn you that I was struggling with a bad throat that week! Ha ha ha! But seriously I was... ;). Good thing all I had to do was shout. We decided to call the group HUSLA but I guess it's subject to change. Here's a vid that a friend posted on a video networking site called WinkBall.


And here's a little nonsense we spoke afterward...

I was asked to cover a small portion of a youth activity at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Walthamstow Central. I taught a small group about character creation. The kids really enjoyed it and so did I. Here are a few examples of their work:

Me and my friend Elizabeth went to 'The Production Show' Expo 2010 at Earls Court in London. It is an event aimed at those working within film, TV, commercials, music videos, drama & shorts. It was host to over fifty seminars and master classes and was supported by all the big names in production with their new, groundbreaking technology! They even had break-dancers! Here's a a quick vid that doesn't really show much but you do get to hear me chat a load of nonsense so what more could you want!

Me and some friends decided to go to watch the 2010 Winter Olympics ceremony in Trafalgar Square. The Event is taking place in Vancouver this year. Here's a quick vid done on my new Satio (a lovely piece of equipment if I do say so ;). The Blogger compression doesn't do it justice! Look out for Lindsay Singing 'Oh Canada' the national anthem and the randoms asking me to take a picture of them when I'm clearly shooting a vid! Love it!