Past and Present Meet at “CHIPS” Premiere in Hollywood

Joseph Martinez

Dax Shepard, Erik Estrada, Michael Pena at the Premiere of Warner Bros’ “CHIPS” held at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA, March 20, 2017. Photos © 2017 Joseph Martinez/ Picturelux – All Rights Reserved.

Dax Shepard, Michael Peña, Jessica McNamee and the rest of the cast of “CHIPS” were present at the Hollywood premiere of the film, held Monday (March 21, 2017) at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California.

This comedy rounds-up the “usual suspects” needed: chases, fights and acid humor. Peña portrays Frank ‘Ponch’ Poncherello, a role made famous by Erik Estrada, while Dax Shepard plays Jon Baker.

Shepard, for his part,  is quite a multi-tasker in this project as he produced, directed, wrote and stars in the film based on the TV series that starred Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox.

According to The Hollywood Reporter Erik Estrada, who has a guest cameo in the film, went from playing a highway patrol officer on “CHiPs” television series to becoming a real-life cop…not once but twice. Estrada was sworn-in as a reserve police officer in St. Anthony, Idaho, on Saturday, according to numerous social media posts. A noble endeavor to be sure as he works in the Internet Crimes Against Children department. Previously, the former “Ponch,” donned a badge and gun in real life as he became a full-time deputy sheriff in Bedford County, Va., in 2009.

Aside from the cast of the film, which includes Shepard’s wife Kristen Bell, other guests spotted were Melissa McCarthy, Elisabeth Röhm, Ted Danson, Alex Menses, Kaitlin Olsen, Oscar De La Hoya, Seth Green among others.

About the film:

Jon Baker (Shepard) and Frank “Ponch” Poncherello (Peña) have just joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Los Angeles, but for very different reasons.  Baker is a beaten-up former pro motorbiker trying to put his life and marriage back together.  Poncherello is a cocky undercover Federal agent investigating a multi-million dollar heist that may be an inside job—inside the CHP.

The inexperienced rookie and the hardened pro are teamed together, but clash more than click, so kick-starting a real partnership is easier said than done.  But with Baker’s unique bike skills and Ponch’s street savvy it might just work…if they don’t drive each other crazy first.

“CHIPS” in theaters on March 24, 2017.

Photos © 2017 Joseph Martinez/ Picturelux – All Rights Reserved.