Skyfall premiere rises to the occasion
EVERYONE knows super-sleuth James Bond has never been the committed type… not even with his drink.
So, Tuesday’s premiere of Skyfall at the Carib 5 cinema in Cross Roads, St Andrew, was a celebration of 007’s latest romance — with Dutch beer, Heineken.
Heineken and Swiss Stores, in partnership with Heart Foundation of Jamaica, hosted the occasion which had all the glitz and glamour of 007 movie openings — celebrities; nattilyattired men in black suits; British-made luxury vehicles (Land Rover Discovery 4, the Range Rover Sport and a Jaguar XJ); and of course, beautiful women.
However, like every Bond movie, the event also had a mission: raise funds for the foundation’s effort to screen, treat and assist in the recuperation of persons affected with heart disease.
Nasha Douglas, Heineken brand manager, said she was pleased with the turnout.
“The event is definitely a success. It surpassed all expectations. I’m actually very pleased with the turnout and vibe,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
Douglas said her company also used the event to celebrate with their customers.
“Ever so often, you have to find a way to give back, so this is one way to do so. We are hosting the guys who drink our beer and the guys that sell our beer. There’s also a lot of Facebook winners,” she said.
Douglas disclosed that a similar event was scheduled for Palace Multiplex in Montego Bay yesterday.
Ueli Bangerter, Swiss Stores’ managing director, explained his company’s involvement in the premiere.
“We are associated with Omega and James Bond wears Omega watches,” Bangerter told the Observer. “The association started about seven years ago, three of which were with Heineken.”
The managing director said his organisation was a strong Heart Foundation of Jamaica supporter as well.
“It’s a fantastic event because with James Bond, young, old, not so old, everyone likes his movies, as you can see from this crowd,” he said.
Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond movie and the first since 2008’s Quantum of Solace, sees the superspy’s (Daniel Craig) loyalty to M (Judi Dench) being tested as her past comes back to haunt her.
The two-and-a-half hour movie begins with an action-packed chase then goes into Grammy winner Adele’s Skyfall and ends with a changing of the guards.
The film features Academy Award winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) as Raoul Silva, Naomie Harris as Eve, and Ben Whishaw as Q. It was directed by Sam Mendes and produced by Eon Productions and distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Cheers.