Jason Statham sees action at gift shop

British tough-guy Jason Statham is in town filming “Heat,” which co-stars Colombian hottie Sofia Vergara.

Statham was spotted Wednesday shooting driving scenes in the parking lot at Bonanza Gift Shop. After each take, he would head for a tent to review the footage. He’s one of the producers.

There will be no shortage of action in the film, which is based on a recovering gambling addict who provides muscle for his friends. The film’s credits list about 30 stuntmen.

The cast includes Anne Heche, Milo Ventimiglia, Stanley Tucci, Jason Alexander and Cedric the Entertainer.

‘SAD TO WATCH’

Former ’N Sync member Lance Bass, during an on-air interview Wednesday with Mark and Mercedes, KMXB-radio, 94.1 FM, said the unraveling of troubled actress Amanda Bynes “is sad to watch.”

“Amanda was a great friend of mine,” Bass said. “In fact, I produced one of her last films, ‘Love Wrecked,’ down in the Dominican Republic, so I got to spend some great time with her.”

Bass called it “one of those situations where obviously there are some mental problems there and she’s not able to see that. We all are ... and no one’s able to get to her, so I’m actually really scared for her, and I hope someone is able to get to her to be able to get her the help she needs.”

THE SCENE AND HEARD

“America’s Got Talent” returns to Las Vegas next week to shoot for Season 8. ...

Pianist Philip Fortenberry, whose hands were used for many of Michael Douglas’ piano scenes in “Behind the Candelabra,” will hold his first local solo concert in two years June 23 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Show time for “The Man at the Piano” is 2:30 p.m.

SIGHTINGS

U.S. Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, shopping with her daughter Wednesday at Kids Kastle (Forum Shops at Caesars). She purchased some Hannah Banana outfits and lipstick for her daughter. ... Irish actor Colin Farrell, taking in “Le Rêve” (Wynn) on Tuesday. He’s the voice of Ronin in the just-out animated fantasy “Epic.” ... Disco legend Monti Rock III, celebrating his 75th birthday with a “funeral” at Casa di Amore on Wednesday. He recalled highlights (his DJ role in “Saturday Night Fever” and 80-some appearances with Johnny Carson) and lowlights, showed a seven-minute film of his life and grew emotional when he sang “My Way” and “Come Rain or Come Shine.” The man of many comeback attempts concluded, “You have witnessed the rise of the Phoenix.” ... The Rat Pack of DJs? Mixmasters Afrojack, Fedde le Grand, Benny Benassi and DJ Pauly D partied together Tuesday at Hyde Bellagio. ... That gathering Wednesday outside the mirrored Liberace structure crowned with the piano keyboard was in town for the Costume Society of America’s national symposium. “And we don’t mean Halloween costumes,” fussed one of the ladies. The symposium’s keynote address: costumes of Cirque du Soleil.

THE PUNCH LINE

“Jason Statham just looks at you, and you’re toast. In fact, that’s how Jason Statham makes toast.” — Craig Ferguson, suggesting Statham should play a bad guy in the next “Fast & Furious.”

Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke. “Norm Clarke’s Vegas,” airs Thursdays on the “Morning Blend” on KTNV-TV, Channel 13.