Roads around The Boulevard in Downtown Dubai were closed off yesterday morning while the crew of new Jackie Chan movie Kung Fu Yoga filmed car-chase scenes. Audiences can look forward to an expensive-looking chase involving a Lambourghini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Onlookers reported a car with what looked like Dubai Police markings during the filming. A bus labelled “Stunt” was also parked among the cars and trucks carrying crew and equipment. – The National staff
Star Trek shuts down Sheikh Zayed Road
Part of Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai was closed for eight hours on Friday, from 6am until 2pm, while filming took place for Star Trek Beyond. Hotels issued leaflets warnings their guests about the disruption and gave them alternate ways to get in and out. Fans who hoped to get a glimpse of Captain Kirk, Mr Spock and friends were out of luck, however. All we saw was a suspiciously quiet Sheikh Zayed Road and a helicopter flying up and down. No stars or crew members were visible, leading us to suspect that the filming might have been purely aerial, to get some background, scene-setting shots. – The National staff
Explore science at Dubai festival
Children’s City in Dubai is screening a range of international films from today, as part of a move to ignite a passion for science in children. The Science Film Festival, by the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region, has been added to the programme of the second SciFest Dubai to promote Steam (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education. This year’s exhibition also includes a free science-themed arts exhibition and storytelling sessions. Organisers of the festival, an official Unesco programme, have chosen films related to this year’s theme of “Light”. The Science Film Festival and SciFest Dubai run from today until Friday, with workshops and activities for school groups on weekdays and for families on Friday. For more information, visit www.childrencity.dm.gov.ae - The National Staff
auction record FOR STAR WARS SPACESHIP
A model of a Star Wars spaceship has sold for a record US$450,000 (Dh1.65 billion) – almost double its estimate – at a Hollywood memorabilia auction. Profiles in History said that the 16-inch model of the blockade runner from 1977’s Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, was the most expensive Star Wars item ever sold at auction. In the opening scenes, the ship, carrying Princess Leia, C-3PO and R2-D2, is captured by Empire forces. It came from the collection of the late visual-effects Oscar-winner Grant McCune. Another top Star Wars item was Leia’s famous slave costume worn by actress Carrie Fisher in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, which sold for $96,000. Actor George Reeves’ 1953-54 Superman costume sold for $216,000 during the three-day auction in California. – Reuters
Bon Jovi tribute to tragic young sportsman
Jon Bon Jovi made a touching onstage gesture during his show in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night, as a tribute to the high-school American football player who died last week in the band’s native New Jersey after taking a hit on the playing field. The singer placed a sticker with 17-year-old Evan Murray’s number 18 on his guitar during the gig, at du Arena on Yas Island, and posted a tribute online. “I heard word about Evan and as a father and as a father of football players, my heart, my prayers and my thoughts go out to the Murray family,” he said in a video posted on YouTube. “To all the team, I wish you the best this season and keep it up guys, all right? Win one for Evan.” Murray, who played for Warren Hills Regional High School in Washington Township, died from massive internal bleeding caused by a lacerated spleen. – AP
Vin Diesel’s mother wants him to direct Furious 8
As the search for a new director for the eighth instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise continues, Vin Diesel took to Facebook to weigh in on the options, suggesting he is the right choice for the high-profile gig. The often-outspoken actor and producer told fans that his mother had told him: "Either you direct 8 yourself... or don't do it." But he dismissed the suggestion as just a mother's "love and belief". An insider told Hollywood Reporter that it is unlikely the star will be given the job and the studio was not happy with Diesel's post about it. Sources added that Diesel proved difficult during the shoot of Furious 7, questioning even small details on elaborate action sequences, often holding up the complex production. James Wan, who directed Furious 7, has opted out of the next film. – The National Staff
Robin Williams’ estate fight settled
Robin Williams’ widow and his three children from previous marriages have reached a settlement in their legal fight over the actor’s estate, ending a dispute that followed his suicide last year. The terms of the out-of-court settlement were not disclosed, but James Wagstaffe, who represents Susan Williams, said his client will remain in the San Francisco home she shared with Williams and receive living expenses to maintain it for the rest of her life. She also will receive a watch her husband often wore, a bike bought during their honeymoon, and their wedding gifts. The settlement is subject to court approval, but Wagstaffe and lawyers representing the three adult children – Zachary, Zelda and Cody – said they expect it to be granted. – AP
Titanic lunch menu sells for US$88,000
A menu for the last luncheon served to first-class passengers on the Titanic has sold for US$88,000 (Dh323,237) at auction. The menu, saved by a first-class passenger, was sold online to a private collector, Auctioneers Lion Heart Autographs said. Stamped with a date of April 14, 1912, and the White Star Line logo, the menu lists grilled mutton chops and custard pudding; corned beef; mashed, fried and baked jacket potatoes; a buffet of fish, ham and beef; an apple meringue pastry; and a selection of eight cheeses. Lion Heart Autographs said the menu was saved by Abraham Lincoln Salomon, one of the passengers who escaped on the so-called “money boat” lifeboat filled with wealthy people. – Reuters
Will Smith is getting jiggy with it again
Grammy-winning rapper and Oscar-nominated actor Will Smith appears on a remix of Colombian band Bomba Estereo's song, Fiesta, which was released on Friday. It is his first return to music since his 2005 album, Lost and Found. Smith discovered Bomba Estereo, known for its blend of Latin, tropical and electro sounds, during a recent trip to Colombia and asked to collaborate. Smith raps in English and Spanish on the song and recently shot a music video for it. Fiesta is nominated for record of the year at next month's Latin Grammy Awards. Bomba Estereo's album Amanecer is up for best alternative music album. – AP
Hugh Jackman tells of painful childhood
Hugh Jackman stars as Blackbeard in his new movie Pan, but it turns out the actor might have more in common with the Lost Boys than the villainous pirate. Opening up about his childhood in a candid interview with Parade, Jackman said that just like Peter Pan, his mother left him as a kid. According to People magazine, Jackman, the youngest of four siblings, said his mother left when he was 8, and he felt a surge of anger against his parents as a teenager for it. In those troubled years, he turned to rugby to vent his frustration and rage. – The National Staff
Arbaaz Khan to join wife on to host new reality show ‘Power Couple’
Married couple Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan are set to host a reality-TV show about 10 celebrity couples living under one roof and facing daily challenges. Power Couple, from Sony Entertainment Television, will feature the actor-producer and his wife teaming up as hosts for the first time. The Bollywood duo will talk to the participating couples and give them advice. – IANS