Dan Gross: 'McCanick' starts filming in Philadelphia

"McCANICK," a cop/crime drama starring Cory Monteith of "Glee," Brandon Routh of "Superman Returns" and Chestnut Hill's David Morse, has begun shooting in town.

Irish actor Ciaran Hinds, who recently worked here on USA's "Political Animals," and Morse worked on scenes Wednesday and Thursday at City Hall.

Morse plays a detective named Eugene "Mack" McCanick who, along with his partner, played by Routh, hunt down a young criminal (Monteith) who was just released from prison, according to Variety.

Morse is also a producer on the film.

The film, written by Daniel Noah and directed by Josh C. Waller, takes place in one day with Mack hot on the young punk's trail as he knows a secret about Mack's past.

The city and SEPTA are going out of their way to make this movie, says Greater Philadelphia Film Office chief Sharon Pinkenson. Pinkenson says the "microbudget" film is a labor of love for all involved. The movie is expected to shoot in town for several more weeks.

* Rock legend Slash and a pal stopped for dinner at Alma de Cuba (1623 Walnut) Thursday night, a day before the Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver guitarist brought his solo band to Atlantic City's House of Blues. Slash, without his signature top hat, and party went for Alma's original lime caipirinhas and white sangria.

* Before the Phillies left for Houston, Cliff Lee brought fellow pitcher Jonathan Papelbon to Harrah's in Chester to play poker. Lee's a regular at Harrah's poker room, usually playing late at night.

* Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Michael Oher, subject of the film "The Blind Side," and about a dozen teammates went for drinks and a big meal at Chickie's & Pete's (15th & Packer) early Saturday evening, before returning to the Westin Hotel for a team meeting and curfew for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

* Boxing great Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins showed his softer side, swaying to the sounds of Rachelle Ferrell at the Keswick Theatre on Saturday night.

* NBC News foreign correspondent Michelle Kosinski, a Cinnaminson, N.J., native, caught up with Boston businessman Richard L. Friedman over dinner at Vetri (1312 Spruce) a couple of nights back. Kosinski was in the area visiting friends and family. Friedman serves on President Obama's Export Council and chaired the National Capital Planning Commission under President Bill Clinton.

On Friday, Olympic rowers Margot Shumway, Sara Hendershot, Megan Kalmoe and Adrienne Martelli will join Haverford-native filmmaker Sarah Megan Thomas on Friday night at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute (824 W. Lancaster) for a premiere screening of "Backwards."

The film, which shot last year primarily along Boathouse Row, stars James Van Der Beek, of "Dawson's Creek" and "Don't Trust the B---- in Apt. 23," playing the boss and love interest of Thomas' character. Thomas also wrote and produced the film, directed by Ben Hickernell.

Friday's premiere benefits Philadelphia City Rowing, a nonprofit that helps Philadelphia School District students experience the sport. A cocktail party at Verdad (818 W. Lancaster) follows the film.

Tickets are $50 for adults 30 and over, or $30 for those under 30. Visit regattacentral.com (select Clubs / Philadelphia City Rowing) or email info@ philadelphiacityrowing.com.

Jennifer Utley, wife of Phillies infielder Chase Utley, serves as a judge at Sunday's JA Style Wars event at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon (343 W. Baltimore) in Glen Mills.

Stephenie Kendrick, former "Survivor" contestant and wife of Phillies hurler Kyle Kendrick, is among the models in the fashion show.

The event, hosted by Fox 29's Jennaphr Frederick, is a fundraiser for the Adopt A Pig children's cancer charity. Fox 29's Karen Hepp recently hosted a preview party at Saks Fifth Avenue that featured Julie Dorenbos, wife of Eagles longsnapper Jon Dorenbos; Ryan Howard's fiancée, Krystle Campbell; and Susie Celek, the ex-wife of Eagles tight end Brent Celek, among clothing models.

For more info on Sunday's fundraiser, visit JAStyleWars.com.