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Related Sites: · Video Report from the Premiere · Seven Pounds: Official Site

Having a major motion picture star walk the red carpet to promote a movie is nothing new. It’s a remarkably refreshing change of pace when such an A-list actor appears on the red carpet with a different motive. Sure, mega-star Will Smith was clearly promoting his new film, “Seven Pounds,” when he appeared at Cinemark Valley View in Cleveland, Ohio. After all, he arrived in a bus that had his face and the film’s name prominently displayed on the side. Yet, upon his arrival, Smith participated in a special presentation in which he made a donation of 200 turkeys to the Cleveland Food Bank. Earlier in the day, Smith met with local school children, as well as with children in a nearby hospital.

“As you all know, it’s a tough time for a lot of people in our country right now,” Smith told the crowd gathered for the “Seven Pounds” premiere. “I just thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to go out, see a movie, have a good time, but also help people.”

Accomplished Cleveland television anchor Romona Robinson served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. “He is so genuine,” Robinson said of Smith when I spoke to her after the event. “What you see is what you get. I’m so thrilled to say that he didn’t disappoint. I’ve had the opportunity to interview several Hollywood types, and behind the scenes [some of them are] not so nice at times. I must say, Will is genuine and the kindest man. It was a pleasure for me to meet him.”

Robinson was one of many who were happy to see Smith in Cleveland. NBA star LeBron James chatted with Smith on the red carpet before ducking inside the theatre. The fans gathered were equally as receptive to Smith. Some waited upwards of four hours to get a glimpse of the Hollywood icon. As he worked the crowd, Smith made a genuine attempt to connect with as many fans as possible as he shook hands, posed for pictures and signed autographs.

When Smith stopped to talk with me and a few other reporters, he addressed comparisons between “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Seven Pounds,” both of which were directed by Gabriele Muccino. “This film has a lot of the same emotional depth,” Smith explained. “This film is a touch more complex than ‘The Pursuit of Happyness.’ I think Gabriele has expanded as an artist. I’m really interested to see how people take this film. The last fifteen minutes of this movie are really aggressive, so I’m interested to see how people react.”

Judging by the reception the movie received from the fans in Cleveland, Smith has another massive hit on his hands.

For my video report from the Cleveland premiere, check out my blog: Scott’s Spotlight.