Colin Firth - Part 15

I get to start another topic? Yeah!! ;-) Still no news whether he'll be at Bradford? :-(

Drat! You beat me, Dorine!! But I have news...maybe. http://www.interbridge.com/lineups.html Colin is listed for March 25 on the Daily Show! It isn't marked as a repeat.

Whoopee!!Crank up the VCRs....Looks like he'll be doing WAGW publicity after all.Is this from LA? If it's from NY, bet he'll do Today Show. Thanks Brenda....you're a doll.

(Tress) religious holiday due to ODB being a demigod) ROTFL!!! Thank you, Brenda, for the Daily Show scoop!!!! This is great news. He was an excellent guest on The Daily Show during the TIOBE publicity - the English schoolboy schtick was a riot, and he and Jon Stewart had a nice rhythm going between them (once they got past the U.S.-centric Ernest reference that went right over poor Colin's head). Thanks also, Mari, for the possible hint on seeing the Hunk Daddy-focused trailer. I have to go out tonight but I'll set my VCR.

Thanks, Brenda...this is great news. Thanks Mari and everyone for the trailer sightings...not that I haven't seen it one hundred times, but it's great to know the publicity is beginning to heat up.

Just wanted to mention something that Annette mentioned on Firthology, but it is current. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and hop over the The Bucket. Karen just started a gallery for GWAPE, and there's an amazing photo of Vermeer and Griet there. Wow. And thanks, Karen!

Jon Stewart is out of NY, but I have this feeling that it might be taped in advance, as the dates make no sense. 'nuff said. Thanks Brenda for the report.

(Rika) If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and hop over the The Bucket. Karen just started a gallery for GWAPE, and there's an amazing photo of Vermeer and Griet there. Wow. I saw Annette's post and 'ran' over there...OMG! I have it up on my computer at work and I haven't fully recovered yet. We were talking about 'looks' on Firthology...well, there's a look! Beautiful.

OMG that GWAPE picture! If he has that sexy stubble (like InStyle mag) througout this film I will absolutely faint.

(Brenda)Colin is listed for March 25 on the Daily Show! WOO-WOOOO! Autoeroticism! Doughy Stilton cheese! Pervy boys schools! Bring it on, baby, this was my fave interview from his last junket. Thanks much, Brenda. (Tress) religious holiday due to ODB being a demigod) LOL! Love the GWAPE pic, Karen. Am a big fan of the stubble look. Am wondering what thr rest of the hair will look like. I'm thinking of his Shakespeare look in Black Adder as a possibility.

(Tress) religious holiday due to ODB being a demigod) That made my day. LOL Thanks Karen, for the Vermeer. With eyes and a gaze like that...such intensity. Can't wait to see how they do this...

(Jodi) OMG that GWAPE picture! If he has that sexy stubble (like InStyle mag) througout this film I will absolutely faint. My thoughts exactly...must remember to bring smelling salts when viewing this one! ;-) And paper bag in case of hyperventilation! And thank you Brenda for the Daily Show info. Have marked my calendar!

(Mari) Am wondering what thr rest of the hair will look like. I'm thinking of his Shakespeare look in Black Adder as a possibility. In the GWAPE photo, if you look to the lower right, I'm pretty sure I see long, dark brown, straight hair hanging down.

WAGW, soundtrack informations and more pictures here: http://www.atlantic-records.com/whatagirlwants/artistPhotoBio_frameset.html (beware of bare feet;-))

Love the GWAPE picture Karen. Thanks! Really whets the appetite... Thanks Annette for the link and the warning... Very expressive toes!!

Great news about the Daily Show. My favourite along with VH1. Thanks, Brenda! Karen, the GWAPE page looks great. Love the lighting and his look. I hope the film is good. ;-)

I opened the site and couldn't find any toes, but then took a closer look. But oh to be that tennis ball!!

(Mari) WOO-WOOOO! Autoeroticism! Doughy Stilton cheese! Pervy boys schools! Bring it on, baby, this was my fave interview from his last junket. And don't forget the HP reacharounds. This too was my favorite interview. Thanks so much for the info Brenda. Can't wait to see it. Thanks for the pic on GWAPE, Karen. Could this be "The Look 2"? Thanks for link Annette, the pics are great.

Thanks Annette for the morning treat! You are a great morning "jump starter"! Leah, You can have the tennis ball, I want the scarf and in the hippie pic ( Photo 7), Lovely!

(Annette)(beware of bare feet;-)) WooHoo! Annette, you *are* the woman! Thanks! Love it. (Pam)And don't forget the HP reacharounds. LOL! "Harry, is that your wand?" ;-)

Thank you Annette (for the pictures and the *warning*)! Made my day....you can really see the henna tattoo in the air guitar picture. And I'm with Leah! Oh, to be a tennis ball (ODB call roll me in the sand with his toes any day!!)! ;-D (FanPam) Could this be "The Look 2"? And 3 and 4! This film has potential of being filled with 'looks' if it follows the book! I'm quite pleased with the one picture. I can't imagine what I'll be like when the whole movie is made available (I may have to take a whole week off of work for this one)!! ;-)

Woo woo!! Thank you, Annette. Finally, someone has put up pix that appeal to us!

The Daily Show around here - NYC Metropolitan area - is on at 5:30 PM, 3/25, Comedy Central. Such a lot of good news and perving pics. Thanks all

WAGW: You can listen to one of the soundtrack songs here: http://www.atlantic-records.com/whatagirlwants/artistDiscography_main.jhtml Thanks Annette - great find!

(Murph) The Daily Show around here - NYC Metropolitan area - is on at 5:30 PM, 3/25, Comedy Central. The show broadcast at that is a replay of the previous night's. The 3/25 show that would have Colin is broadcast at 11 pm Eastern and then replayed a number of times after that...until the next new show at 11.

You can order the soundtrack at Amazon via this link (also on The Boutique) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008OM18/spring-20

(BeeDee)..a great morning "jump starter"! Thank you, but it is rather easy on this board, i.e. (?) that I'm 7 hours ahead (timewise, that is ;-)) I also tend to use my morning break at work, typing various key-words into Google. It's amazing what pops up sometimes. Well, among the privacy of this group I can confess, that 2 words seem to stick to every search. It's not as when I'm asked by co-workers, what I search for. Then I have to vary the answers, you know ;-)

Sorry, I couldn't help myself... ;-0

Annette, what a find! Thanks! And Karen, the GWAPE photo! I also love the the layout of the page, with the paint brush, etc. Still haven't seen the WAGW trailer on TV. Suffered through ET last night, and didn't see a thing. ;-( And a Hunk Daddy interview junket right around the corner! Yesssssss!

LOL, Karen! Annette, I don't know how I skipped that page this morning, thanks! I still like this one, my favorite blue shirt:

Some tantalizing tidbits: In a moment of spontaneity and instinctual rebellion, Henry commandeers Ian's motorcycle, Daphne jumps on back and they make a roaring escape from the rabid paparazzi. Firth's experience handling the motorcycle for the sequence wasn't quite as heroic, however. "I found that if you have one motorbike lesson, then don't practice for a couple of weeks, you have about 10 minutes of thinking you're rather brilliant before you fall off," he divulges. "I went up a hill at high speed and then fell over at two miles an hour. I came back with bits falling off the bike." * * * * * * * * This modern day fairy tale touches on some vital lessons in every child's coming-of-age. "There are some very deep themes running through the romance, the comedy, the heartbreak and the happiness," Di Novi believes. "The importance of a loving relationship between a father and daughter; the importance of a parent in a child's life; and the importance of a parent's willingness to make sacrifices in order to be a good parent." "Maybe it's because I'm a father," Bill Gerber muses, "but I've read the script and seen the film 100 times and I still get choked up at the end." (better bring kleenex!) ;-) * * * * * * * * [For MarkG's London Tours...] In the East End of London, the What A Girl Wants production team gave a makeover to Borough Market, a bustling thoroughfare, which was transformed into a New York Chinatown street, complete with wrought iron fire escapes. A coffee shop became a Chinese restaurant � confusing a local resident on that particular Sunday morning when he arrived for his caffeine fix! * * * * * * * * "Henry is a good boy," Colin Firth says of his aristocratic character. "The most scandalous thing he�s ever done is fall in love with Libby. Now, nearly 20 years later, he's living out his father's political dreams and he�s engaged to a woman he's been advised to marry." Firth is best known to American audiences as stuffy solicitor Mark Darcy in the hit romantic comedy Bridget Jones's Diary. As Di Novi observes, "Colin plays this reserved aristocrat so convincingly, but there's great heart beating beneath the surface. He portrays so much through his eyes, through the slightest expression or gesture." "Colin is the master of restraint," Gordon concurs. "His integrity and sex appeal bring added depth and texture to his character. He was my first and only choice to play Henry Dashwood." * * * * * * * * Sorry, still can't find the party line as to why he did this role. ;-)

Or white shirt. He looks vvg. Must dash, the limo is waiting. ;-)

"Colin is the master of restraint," Gordon concurs. "His integrity and sex appeal bring added depth and texture to his character. He was my first and only choice to play Henry Dashwood." Oh, how sweet... must bring kleenex. ;-) Sorry, still can't find the party line as to why he did this role. ;-) Keep searching. ;-)

(Karen) Sorry, still can't find the party line as to why he did this role. ;-) (Moon) Keep searching. ;-) Maybe it was the bit about the motorcycle that got him! He saw himself as Tom Cruise in MI2 but his hopes were dashed when he fell over going 2 mph! I'm so shallow that I don't much care why he took the role...just glad to see him looking so good! ;-)

I should have asked this before: as all the Bradford publicity still seems to indicate that Mark Herman will at least be there, and will be taking questions at our screening, anyone want to email/post any pressing queries that Janet or myself can throw out-- other than why the hell we haven't all seen this movie by now?? Camera? Check. Notebook? Check. New Cardiff to read on the train? Check. Not sure if I will get online tomorrow at all as I am taking a half day after a morning meeting, but I will try to. And if the news is v. v. good tomorrow night (doubtful), perhaps I'll hunt down an internet cafe somewhere. Otherwise, I'll report back Saturday night.

Emma, you are "our top girl in Bradford" - our only person, really, since I think Janet posted that she'll be in Paris with her mother (that was Janet wasn't it?). So have a great time and go to it! You are really finding your way around England! You might want to ask when the film is definitely going to be released in the U.S. Also try to listen to what music has been used in the film. (I know it will be difficult though so don't worry if it's impossible because of the CF factor :-)).

(Lora)since I think Janet posted that she'll be in Paris with her mother I'm going to Bradford, but will be in Paris for ICI reading. I hope I can recall music, differences in storyline, etc, but as has been said, there is the CF factor to consider. I will do my best, and take my camera, just in case. Thanks to Annette and Karen for the new pics. - Wonderful! See you, Emma!

Thanks for the CD link, Annette! The songs are more varied than I had expected. And there's no Christina A., Clings, or "Get Up Offa...". Wonder if there'll be a video. Good luck, Emma!

Karen, thank you for the tidbits and the picture. I would have loved it a bit more, if his lines where something like: Come hither, girls. I'll practise with every one of you (I don't care, what he needs to practise. I'm all his). (Tress)I'm so shallow that I don't much care why he took the role...just glad to see him looking so good! ;-) Me too! Emma and Janet: Have a wonderful trip, enjoy it and report back asap, please ;-) One more thing: the galleri from the soundtrack has Colin on a picture, eating breakfast (and picking his teeth. You can't see him on the small ones (only AB), you have to enlarge them to see.

Well, after a major disappointment last night (suffered through HOURS of Fox, but no Hunk Daddy trailer), what a pleasure to see all the great stuff here today! Thanks, Annette, for that wonderful link, and Karen, for the press tidbits. And enjoy, Emma and Janet! Can't wait to hear about it

(Colin)"I went up a hill at high speed and then fell over at two miles an hour. I came back with bits falling off the bike." I wonder if this is the reason for the bandaged arm and scratches in the LA pictures from France? (Annette)eating breakfast (and picking his teeth. Actually, I think he's licking butter off his pinkie since he is buttering his toast. AB is doing the same thing in that picture as well...maybe to show that they have the same mannerisms because they are father and daughter even though they have been separated for many years. (Lora)You might want to ask when the film is definitely going to be released in the U.S. Excellent question. (Karen's tidbits)"His integrity and sex appeal bring added depth and texture to his character As usual...thank you Karen for these. Thank you Annette, Mari, Moon, and Karen for the yummy HD pictures.

Has this link been posted yet? http://romanticmovies.about.com/library/weekly/blwhatagirlwantspicsa.htm It's got some production stills. Most of them were familiar, but there were a few I hadn't seen before. If I missed it and am being redundant, sorry. Also, in the "hippy" photo on the Atlantic Records site, I noticed he's wearing an earring in his left ear. That old ear-piercing, paying off! (Linda) I wonder if this is the reason for the bandaged arm and scratches in the LA pictures from France? Could be!

Good Luck Emma & Janet! Have fun! I'm keeping fingers crossed (and candles lit) that CF will make an appearance. Karen, that GWAPE pic is gweat! Thanks Annette for the HD info...

Linda, I think you are right about the "licking of butter" (I have to be very careful, this could lead to drooling, and therefor wrong topic, so - I shall conquer this, I shall!) And the bandaged arm (copying Rika): Could be! Rika, thank you for the link. Some new, that I haven't seen before. About GWAPE, there has been these talks about his hair (to be wigged or not to be) judging from the Now-pictures, he had pretty long hair. I think we're allowed to hope, he was growing it for this one (I really hate wigs)

Hi everyone, Just a quick hello and to say that the 35 minute promo trailer of Love Actually we previewed at ShoWest recently was a big hit. I really think this film will do very well and it is extremely funny. We've started some pre publicity on it so be on the lookout for more Colin as time goes by. I think you'll be pleased. Take care everyone and I'll stop by after the 25th when I have a little more time. Hola

Thanks so much, Hola!! You're exciting my anticipation! ;-)

(Hola Lola) ...be on the lookout for more Colin as time goes by. I think you'll be pleased. Just 'hearing' you say that makes me pleased! November is going to be a fine, fine month! Thanks Lola!!!

(Hola) We've started some pre publicity on it so be on the lookout for more Colin as time goes by. Some bits on ET, Access Hollywood, and the others... maybe? Would be nice to know in advance, but we can wait until after the 25th. Thanks! P.S. The Colin WAGW commercial played during Friends tonight. WB is springing for the big bucks in promoting this film. This was prime time on a highly rated show. It cost major $$$$$ to run, not in the same league as commercials on E! or Fox or MTV or whatever.

Excellent news about the ad during Friends, Karen! I know some people aren't enamoured of this project, but I think it's great that he's getting some serious exposure. On the other hand, regarding the showing during Friends, I could just scream. I am NEVER going to see the HD version. Everywhere I watch, that's where it's not - until I stop watching there, of course, and then it shows up. (Annette) About GWAPE, there has been these talks about his hair (to be wigged or not to be) judging from the Now-pictures, he had pretty long hair. I think we're allowed to hope, he was growing it for this one (I really hate wigs) Sorry to rain on your parade, but the long hair I think I can see in the photo on The Bucket is way too straight to be his own. So I'm betting it's a wig. But, hey, that lovely stubbly beard is his own!

Has anyone in Australia seen promos for WAGW? It doesn't seem to be getting the same publicity as in the US. Or maybe three weeks is still too far away.

From Baz - Daily Mail 14 March Laura�s talent straddles the Pond ��..review on the The Life of David Gale��� Afterwards, Ms Linney moved right on to a comedy, Love Actually, for Richard Curtis. It�s an ensemble movie, and she did most of her scenes with Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman � and, she adds with an amazing guffaw, �a character who I have a crush on�. �He�s played by Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro and he�s from the Planet of Handsome. He�s a good looking man and my love interest is him�

That's interesting, Aishling, thanks. Here we thought it was Colin and Laura L? Lola, do tell us something about Colin's role in LA. Who is his love interest? The Brazilian actress was the only one not in the VF group picture. Best to Emma and Janet!

Best of luck, Emma and Janet. I'm so excited for you both. Thank you Lola for the LA news. (article)...Alan Rickman � and, she adds with an amazing guffaw, �a character who I have a crush on�. I took this to mean that the character that she has the crush on is in addition to, or other than her scenes with actor AR.;-) In any event lucky Laura. (Karen)WB is springing for the big bucks in promoting this film I'll say. The poster and commercials are everywhere. I caught the HD version of the trailer twice last night during The Simpsons...I've never watched this in my life...entire household thinks I'm crazy. Yesterday at the mall I rode the escalator up to the second level and this huge glass marquee loomed in front of me with the WAGW poster. I almost fell backwards. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing that Colin is not pictured. Could be very dangerous for me if his face was life size and coming at me from all directions. Leads me to wonder if WB will change the poster. The TIOBE poster changed several times as the focus of attention changed during the summer. Colin moved from the outside to front and center.

(LL) she did most of her scenes with Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman � and, she adds with an amazing guffaw, �a character who I have a crush on�. �He�s played by Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro and he�s from the Planet of Handsome. He�s a good looking man and my love interest is him� (Moon) Here we thought it was Colin and Laura L? Isn't it that Laura Linney's character is *cheating* on Colin's. He's your proverbial il cornuto again but at least does something about it: goes to France to get over it with the Portguese singer (Lucia Monez). LA has a huge cast; they only put the more significant castmembers in the pic.

I only wish he was getting the exposure in a better role. *evelyn who is holding out for GWAPE and Trauma which no one will see*!

The article below is from the nice folks at amandabynesnow.com, who are doing a super job of covering this film: Disney Adventures Movie Special: Spring 2003 WHAT AMANDA WANTS by Deborah Barnes In "What a Girl Wants", 17-year-old Amanda Bynes plays Daphne, a teenager who lives in New York City with her mom and works as a part-time waitress. She's pretty typical -- oh, except that her father, Henry, whom, she's never met, is an English Lord! (For all you commoners, that means he's rich, proper and lives in a fancy mansion.) Daphne wants to get to know her dad, so she travels to England -- but she soon realizes her free-spirited ways don't exactly mesh with his stuffy lifestyle. And that's when the trouble starts! Q: What was it like shooting "What a Girl Wants"? AMANDA: We shot all over England in various "manors" (mansions). Shooting on a British set was different than in America, because they gave us all an afternoon snack. Q: Did you start using British words like "loo" (for "bathroom") and "lift" (for "elevator")? AMANDA: No, but I am a mimic -- not on purpose, though, because I don't even realize I'm doing it -- but I took on the British accent. People who knew me from before would say, "Oh, so now you're British." Q: What did you miss most from home? AMANDA: My friends and American food, especially Mrs. Fields chocolate chip cookies. And pizza -- it's different in England. They do have great Chinese and Indian food, but sometimes you want something else! Q: You were on the back of the motorcycle driven by Colin Firth, who plays your dad. What was it like shooting that chase scene through London? AMANDA: Pretty scary. They used stunt doubles when it was more dangerous but Colin's very good so it was exciting and fun. Q: What is your favorite part of the movie? AMANDA: The relationship of Henry and Daphne is pretty cool. They go from not knowing each other at all to becoming friends. Q: Did you like Daphne's everyday clothes or the fancy "lord's daughter" clothes she has to wear to all the proper English events in the film? AMANDA: I liked the everyday clothes more than the fancy clothes -- they were itchy jackets and dresses or gowns, not really "me". But it was fun to play dressup. Q: Daphne works as a waitress -- how would you rate your waitressing skills? AMANDA: I'm getting better. I'm still not perfect, though. I could have my finger in someone's glass and not even know it!

Cute, Mari, thanks. (Karen), Isn't it that Laura Linney's character is *cheating* on Colin's. He's your proverbial il cornuto again but at least does something about it: goes to France to get over it with the Portguese singer (Lucia Monez). So Colin and the unknown singer are co-starring? Just how handsome is that Rodrigo for her to ignore Colin? Back to "il cornuto" my DH will have another laugh. :-(

(Evelyn) *evelyn who is holding out for GWAPE and Trauma which no one will see*! Oh...I'll be there! I'll be first in line for GWAPE (with emergeny crews standing by in case I pass out). And Trauma? I would be first in line for that one as well but have a feeling I may have to go to the UK to do it! Is this going to be a film that will be distributed to the US? I see myself a year after its release bidding heavily on ebay....;-)

I've put up an "exclusive" for colinfirth.com, an article/interview based on the Rome press conference. There is new information in it, plus a number of the same old questions everybody published. This has been difficult to put together but very interesting. I'm deeply indebted to Antonella for the translation and to the author for giving me the pictures. In addition, the artist and owner of the Essential Vermeer website contacted me and has provided some clarification of things Colin said about what he learned. (FYI, this man also painted the Hyacinth Blue painting that was used in the Hallmark movie.) He has an in-depth study of GWAPE on his site (sort of an "everything you wanted to know about..."), which I've added as a link as well. http://www.firth.com/articles/03romepc1.html

Wow. Thanks so much, Karen (and Antonella). That was an excellent interview. There were too many interesting aspects of it to even know where to begin, so I won't even try, except for two little things. First, I had to laugh at the TEOR/George Clooney exchange. I can just imagine the deadpan delivery when he suggested that Clooney would do very well as someone to play him. Also, there was this: Generally, American actresses complain a lot and behave unpleasantly. He said this in contrast to RZ, who was wonderful. I was trying to think which other American actresses he has worked with: Reese Witherspoon, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Mariel Hemingway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Lange, Michelle Pfeiffer.... and longer ago, Lisa Zane and Jennifer Rubin.

What a day of informations; thank you Hola, aishling, Mari, Karen and Antonella. I allways seem to end up copying, what Rika posts, so I'll just say: Ditto! About the Amandy Bynes; Glad she picked the relationship with Henry over the young co-star, when pointing out her favourite part. About TEOR; after having read the interview given by Andrew Davies, and someone (sorry, don't remember who) calling him dirty old guy, I can't help but think that rewriting his script might mean, that they are *not* making the kitchen scene, as we would like it to be ;( (most be the longest sentense ever postet, sorry).

(Annette)and someone (sorry, don't remember who) calling him dirty old guy, Me, LOL. (Not original...courtesy of the British press.) But I wouldn't call the towel scene in TEOR "dirty"...would you? Your page on the Rome press conference is outstanding Karen. I know you went to a lot of trouble to not only put this together , but to get it in the "first place" and then get a translation.Our thanks to Mr. Spagnoli for providing the pictures exclusively to firth.com. A real coup for you, boss. I sometimes think we take Karen for granted here....without her we would be deprived of three-quarters of the info we have now.

(Evelyn)But I wouldn't call the towel scene in TEOR "dirty"...would you? No, I like it, just as it is. What I meant was about the way the size of the towel, he could be wearing. During the resent conversation about the subject the towel seemed to get smaller and smaller and ..... ;-) Sorry to be a copycat again, but I would like to join the chorus:

Wow Karen! Great article and pictures! It would seem the interviewer was very taken with ODB by the tone of the first paragraph. And very interesting info regarding the paint. Thank you so much! Have to go back and read again now... Evelyn,love your little "I'm not worthy" smiley. LOL

Kudos to Karen, et. al.!!! Really interesting article, I like the bit on Vermeer.

Yes, the author said that he had met many actors and that Colin was the kindest and most interesting that he'd come across. But am very embarrassed! I just noticed that the last three questions didn't make it onto the page. How? Why? Wot happened? Must go fix....

You are on a roll, Karen! Colin should be very proud of his namesake website. Bravissima! And thank you also for your efforts to get the meaning of those Vermeer colors, malaga indeed. :-D Grazie Antonella, who did a vg job in translating from some very unclear statements.

ZOWIE, Karen!! Firth.com gets an exclusive! Good for you and many thanks. Mille grazie to Antonella. Lots of new information here. He really sounds like he got into the Vermeer character; I'm so glad for Colin that he's had a chance to do a part representing this sort of challenge and requiring the type of research that he did. High praise for Scarlett Johansson, which I was happy to read as I said from the start she was perfect for this. Bodes well for the project. Like the candid pics as well. Geez, what a coup! Again, great job, Karen; *nobody* goes the extra mile for Firth news like you do!:-) Rika, I didn't get the impression that he was necessarily referring to any of the actresses he's worked with; none of them have a rep for being difficult, and he's praised them in the past. (Annette)Glad she picked the relationship with Henry over the young co-star, when pointing out her favourite I liked that too, Annette. I am starting to look forward to this one. Agree with Karen that Warner's is spending big bucks to promote it. Nice to see CF out of the Miramax cheapskate ghetto.

Wow Karen! Thanks for the great article and pictures. I especially like the one where he seems to be surrounded by women. Thanks to Antonella too. My kids are counting down the days to see the "Amanda Bynes" movie. Mommy is of course very happy to oblige! Jodi

There's praise for Colin from Marine McCutcheon ("Love Actually"). She's quoted as saying that when she met Paul McCartney, she asked him how people like himself and Colin Firth "who is lovely" managed to stay so normal! Also the Times readers have just voted P&P as best book of all time, partly attributed to the impact of CF and wetshirt (after all these years!)

Thank you for a very good interview, Karen! All very interesting - good questions.

It has been a very strong inner experience, on a very dark and beautiful set. The experience of the light has been wonderful. I'm extremely intrigued by this statement. I'm really looking forward to this one. They are all American [sic] and all very clever. Poor FO'C. Overlooked by critics in Earnest for the most part, and co-stars. :( But if anyone were to play the role of Colin Firth who, according to Colin Firth, could play the role? George Clooney would do very nicely. I wouldn't argue with him here. ;-) Thanks very much Karen and Antonella! And to the author of the article and owner of the Essential Vermeer website, as well. :-) Hope all is going well with Emma and Janet. *fingers crossed*

Thanks for adding the last two questions, boss.Sheech!! I too look forward to his next literary project. Why don't we discuss "The Dept of Nothing" some time on #158. It doesn't have to be films....we did 3 DOR. I think he would be pleased. We could even send/give it to him;-) "All in all, that set was for me really magical. A very strong and unforgettable experience. I hope the film will be good." He doesn't know how magical it will be for me to see him in a "non-comedy".

(Moon) Colin should be very proud of his namesake website. *snort* Please, I'm laughing myself silly. ;-) Actually, it has made me think of about all those years when it was unimproved real estate. Pathetic. Antonella, who did a vg job in translating from some very unclear statements. Absolutely. At times, I thought why don't we just paraphrase he must have intended. Off to Malaga now... ;-) (Mari) I didn't get the impression that he was necessarily referring to any of the actresses he's worked with I agree, and we probably should work a little more on rewriting that one before Colin gets into trouble. ;-D He's always so tactful about his co-stars. My guess is that he meant American actresses have a reputation, not that it is true. (Jodi) I especially like the one where he seems to be surrounded by women. He's surrounded by women in #3,4 and 5 because they're lined up for autographs. But I really liked the one where Ivan Tobeitalian is gesticulating. ;-) (Dorine) I'm extremely intrigued by this statement. I expect it really had to do with the unusual play of light you find in Vermeer's work. If you go to the Essential Vermeer website, you'll see quite a bit written about it and the use of the camera obscura. Check out how he painted the Girl in Hyacinth Blue for the film company: http://essentialvermeer.20m.com/girl_in_hyacinth_blue.htm (Evelyn) He doesn't know how magical it will be for me to see him in a "non-comedy". Can we say, sistahs, Hallelujah?

(Karen) I agree, and we probably should work a little more on rewriting that one before Colin gets into trouble. ;-D He's always so tactful about his co-stars. My guess is that he meant American actresses have a reputation, not that it is true. When I read that, I thought, oh, boy, that could be trouble. But you may be right - he may be talking about the stereotype, not the reality.

(CF/article) I dream of the images he created. It has been a very strong inner experience, on a very dark and beautiful set. Sounds like GWAPE was a powerful role for ODB. I can't wait to see this. Thank you Karen, wonderful article and pictures. You're the best. Thank you, Antonella and Mari. I wonder how the ladies of the film festival are doing?. I can't wait to hear.

First report from the FF, from our intrepid Antonella, who saw HS twice (she attended a press screening in the a.m. and she and another guy were the only ones there). Anyway, Colin wasn't there, only Mark Herman (director) and Barnaby Thompson (producer from Fragile Films). Herman introduced the film by saying: "The female viewers will be disappointed to see me here instead of Colin Firth, but unfortunately both Colin and Heather are working at the moment". [Ed note: liar liar, pants on fire!] She said the film is good. "Lots of great shots of Colin and a lot of Colin's flesh! even though not his best." I have no idea what she means by this but will definitely hear more tomorrow from her. She also had a nice chat with Mark Herman, a sort of mini-interview. Said he was nice and lived in York as well. All for now.

"Lots of great shots of Colin and a lot of Colin's flesh!" All I can say is...OMG! I'm sorry to here ODB is 'working' and couldn't be there for Emma and Janet! :-( (will have to make mental note to purchase fire retardant pants for Mr. Herman). But am happy to hear that although Mr. Firth was a 'no show' that there was some skin to be seen! Thank you Antonella and Karen! Can't wait for further reports!!

Someone asked who the love interest in LA is for Colin. It's not Laura, it's Lucia. Lots of great kissing scenes. There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) Have a great weekend everyone!!

(Lola) There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) I have to say it again...OMG! Lola, you are such a tease, but we love you! Thanks! Can't wait to see this!!!

(Karen) . If you go to the Essential Vermeer website, you'll see quite a bit written about it and the use of the camera obscura. More about a camera obscura still working in my hometown S.F. here.. http://brightbytes.com/cosite/sanfran.html

Hey m'lovies! Don't know if you've mentioned this yet, and if you have, then please forgive me for being redundant, but there's an pretty cast picture and a small article on "LA" in Vanity Fair, page 208. Our Precious is the prettiest person on the page and that's including the women! =)

Lots of great kissing scenes Does this mean Moon's kissing lessons have *finally* paid off? ;-) Kissing and flesh *and* drama! Oh my!! Oh what a wonderful year it's shaping up to be. ;-) Though chances are becoming slim of seeing HS anytime soon here.:-( Thanks Hola, Karen, and Antonella! (Evelyn) Why don't we discuss "The Dept of Nothing" some time on #158 Great! I just borrowed it a few weeks ago from a friend. (Dorine) I'm extremely intrigued by this statement. (Karen) I expect it really had to do with the unusual play of light you find in Vermeer's work. If you go to the Essential Vermeer website, you'll see quite a bit written about it and the use of the camera obscura. It all makes me very curious about the cinematography, though. (Karen) Antonella, who saw HS twice (she attended a press screening in the a.m. and she and another guy were the only ones there). You mean they were the only press? (Lola) There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) I have to say it again...OMG! I see your OMG and raise you a Holy Moly! ;-) And how did *this* get past the red fingernail test? ;-) Very much looking forward to hearing from Emma and Janet.

All I can say about the publicity for HS is that they must be spending every last DIME of it in the US, because I haven't seen a single movie poster, commercial or trailer here in Oz yet - they're really throwing this one to the wolves over here. I guess because the last AB film tanked in Oz... that's the only possible reason I can think of because TIOBE actually played here for months on end. But of course, we STILL can't buy a TIOBE DVD or video here. Hmmmph!

(Dorine)I see your OMG and raise you a Holy Moly! ;-) I see your Holy Moly and raise you a Oh holy J--us! (Lola)There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) Could this be the bit about the aging rock star and his manager??? Lola thank you for the LA report. Karen, thanks for brining us the film festival report, but has anyone asked when HS will open in the US? Thank you, Antonella. (Tress)will have to make mental note to purchase fire retardant pants for Mr. Herman). But am happy to hear that although Mr. Firth was a 'no show' that there was some skin to be seen! LOL, Now I really can't wait to see this, skin? Wow! But please relieve our suffering, how much skin, where?

"Irishman" was at Sho West and has this bit on a preview of LA: love, actually: A bizarre preview, with almost the entire first half in silence except a group of people chanting/singing the word "love" in the background. Weird and annoying. As soon as that stopped, however, it looked moderately interesting. A romantic comedy from the makers of "4 Weddings and a Funeral" is how they were selling it, and the cast includes Hugh Grant (of course) Alan Rickman, in what looks like a very outlandish role. There was absolutely zero plot discussion, just scattered scenes and character shots. Very little dialogue even, mostly background music. An odd choice for a movie preview, and I'm left undecided by it. I'll need to find out more before I know if I'm interested or not. http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=14699

According to Coming Soon, WAGW has been moved up a week, to March 28. Warner's site still says April 4, but they are slow to update. Stay tuned. Very much looking forward to hearing more from Antonella re: HS! Re: LA kissy face--mystery solved, from empireonline. ;-) ;-) Billy Bob�s Cameo Well he may be afraid of antique furniture and old things in general but, by God, Billy Bob Thornton isn�t afraid of coming over to lil �ole England to film a cameo when asked. Turns out that Angelina�s ex will be popping up in Richard Curtis�s new movie Love, Actually. There�s no word yet on the role he�ll be playing.

(Linda) But please relieve our suffering, how much skin, where? Yes, yes! How much!?? Where?!! But, where-oh-where are Janet and Emma?! Hello!?? We must have our share!! Oh, and was the movie any good? ;-D (Mari/empireonline article) Well he may be afraid of antique furniture and old things in general but, by God, Billy Bob Thornton isn�t afraid of coming over to lil �ole England to film a cameo when asked. Gah! You don't think??? Not ODB and Mr. Thorton?? Oh...we don't know where BBT's mouth has been (okay, we kinda do, but we REALLY don't want to think about it)! ;-)

A report from Pam. This has some minor spoilers if you're not familiar with the book. She also took a pic of the poster, which I'll put up soon. Colin looks absolutely miserable at the start of the film, he is travelling, upset, tired, uncomfortable, Can't sleep, stubbly and you just feel you want to give him a hug !! He is so jet lagged that when he arrives he is unable to function or think, and has to be helped by Mary Steenbergen. His impression of jet lag is just how I felt last year. Perfect !! He can't even go through a door, just keeps banging his head on it to try and get thro. This scene is so funny. At the art store, he is still not with it, and it keeps very closely to the book. The couple who run the art shop take evything from him as if he is about to steal it, this too is hilarious !! I never thought I would laugh so much, and so did hubby !!! His facial acting is absolutely great in all the scenes, you know how much he can convey this way from all the films he does. Minnie plays the part of Vera very well, totally unlikeable and you can't wait for her to leave Colin alone. Heather surprised me. I am not a fan of hers, but she is very endearing in this part, and plays off Colin very well. The bit where she drinks the alcohol in the car is done very well. It is so funny, and Colin's face is a picture. She then says he will have to drive, which he does, all over the road and slowly, so Mandy puts her foot on his and a very fast car drive ensues, nearly causing many a crash !!! The bit on the monument is on a boat, as in the pic we have, like the Titanic scene. The ending does not go as far as the book. I asked Mark Herman after, and he said there had been 4 endings to the book initially. They do not go back to England at all, which cuts out the strange ending in the book. It ends with everyone in the US. The part about Vera being Queen and ending up with Doug is made more plausible, Colin tries to tell her she is wrong re being related to Hope, but she will not listen. In this way he really gets his own back on her for what she has done, with Doug's help. I liked the soundtack, and hope they decide to do one. The last song is a Ronan Keating song. Another song isa cover of a 10CC song, very nice. RE the Q and A, I asked re the release dates: UK 9 May, Us not yet fixed. Sorry, girls. I also said to him that the changes he had made re leaving out some bits in the book, and changing the end had made it much better, which I am sure you will agree with as soon as you see it.

Pl. ask Pam if the tie scene is still in. Her review sounds good to me...but hey, we liked SLOW at Mr. Young's too;-) Being with your groupie makes a big diff.....

(Pam), I also said to him that the changes he had made re leaving out some bits in the book, and changing the end had made it much better, which I am sure you will agree with as soon as you see it. Good, I never did like the ending. Thanks, Karen and Pam! Do we get to see the towel scene? Weird reference to the Titanic instead of the tower?! (Lola) Lots of great kissing scenes There is even a kissing scene with Colin and another man. :) (Dorine),Does this mean Moon's kissing lessons have *finally* paid off?;-) ROTF! I guess they helped too much. Here is another free-for-all for my DH. Can't wait to hear more about HS. Karen, the Antonella mini-interview is another cf.com coup, worth adding to the HS page. Brava Antonella!

(Pam) I never thought I would laugh so much, and so did hubby !!! Yeah! Good news! If it passes the hubby test (always a good thing to have one coherent person when doing a CF review) then there is hope! It does sound v. v. promising! (Pam) RE the Q and A, I asked re the release dates: UK 9 May, Us not yet fixed. Sorry, girls. Drat! Double Drat! But thank you Pam (v. much) for asking! Thank you so much Pam and Karen!

Came out better than I expected...Courtesy of Pam, here's the poster:

Oh yes, the tagline below the title read: "Love is simple. This is complicated."

(Mari) According to Coming Soon, WAGW has been moved up a week, to March 28. Makes sense given the date of the premiere. Anyway, since I'm the only one posting today, here's an article (scanned by Antonella) from The Yorkshire Press about Mark Herman, where he mentions that there will be a London premiere and how there's a different UK poster with The Graduate overtones (famous shot of Benjamin Braddock through the legs of Mrs Robinson; I can just visualize the same of Colin....yum yum) and other TG refs: Hope Springs Eternal for Mark The Yorkshire Press, 14 March 2003 York writer-director Mark Herman introduces his new film, Hope Springs, at the opening gala of the Bradford Film Festival 2003 this evening. Hope Springs (12A) is a romantic comedy adapted by Mark from the novel New Cardiff by The Graduate author Charles Webb. It is his first Anglo-American project since Blame It On the Bellboy in 1992 and his first Disney-backed project since he was unceremoniously dropped from a three-film contract after Bellboy was panned, even though its box-office target. Mark did not re-surface until Brassed Off in 1996, by which time he had left London for York, to stem the rising tide of mortgage payments. "It's a whole different Disney regime and there's nothing wrong with the way Disney is set up," says Mark, over lunch at City Screen, York, as he takes a brief break from hitting the deadline-less than a fortnight away-for his latest screenplay, Friends And Family. After Brassed Off, 1998's Little Voice and 2000's deliberately low-budget, no A-list celebrity Purely Belter, Mark was looking to break the mould of social realist comedy dramas about realising dreams in the face of adversity. Step forward Hope Springs. "I was sent Charles Webb's book in a proof copy three Christmases ago by Fragile Films, who have a deal with Disney. They were seeing quite a few people about it but they liked the idea of a writer-driector so I got the job," recalls the 48-year-old Yorkshireman. "It was put back on the Disney slate but then Colin Firth read the book and started enquiring about the rights, and that's how he came on board and as soon as he was involved it had momentum because he'd just done Bridget Jones's Diary." Firth plays British artist Colin Ware, leading a cast that includes Minnie Driver, Heather Graham, Oliver Platt and Mary Steenbergen. When Colin discovers that his fianc�e, Vera (Driver), is to marry another man, he takes a flight to America, ending up in a tiny Vermont village called Hope. Distraught, he finds more than a shoulder to cry on after his innkeeper (Steenbergen) introduces him to beautiful nurse Mandy (Graham), who extols the innocent charms of nakedness. No sooner has Colin all but forgotten his old flame than Vera shows up. In the end only one woman can win his heart. "Charles Webb has written hardly anything since The Graduate but suddenly he came up with this book and I love it because it's so quirky," says Mark, who will meet the Brighton-based American for the first time at Hope Springs' London premiere. They have, however, communicated by e-mail; Webb has indicated his enthusiasm for the film and Herman has paid him the compliment of putting a few nods to The Graduate in his movie. "In terms of cinema audiences, we're almost a generation on from The Graduate, so I realised no one would spot the references when I dropped them in," says Mark, with typical dry humour. "Anyway, the opening scene is an echo of Dustin Hoffman arriving at the airport, and there's a definite reference to The Graduate poster with Heather Graham's legs featured in our poster."

(Mari) According to Coming Soon, WAGW has been moved up a week, to March 28. Noooooooooooo!!! That couldn't be a worse day for me. :-( :-( :-( Gah! Bugger, bugger! Thanks Pam, Karen, and Antonella for the HS reports. I'm looking more forward to this now.......whenever it finally arrives. Makes sense given the date of the premiere In LA or......? Is he just making a short PR stop here on his way to the left coast?

WAGW has been moved up a week, to March 28. That's Luca's birthday.

Hi! Just got back from Bradford. Couple of other minordetails. There's a towel scene and he looks AFG, (obviously he's been looking after himself). Although Minnie Driver has been overdoing the workouts - scary! And the tie scene is in, too. He looks wonderful throughout the film, even at the beginning, when he's very dishevelled. I was pleasantly surprised by the film: I liked the humour, and Mark Herman's script had some funny one-liners which didn't appear in the book. Don't think I should mention them here, though. - Kinda like seeing a trailer over and over, and it ruining the film for you, whem you finally see it. Soundtrack: Songs by Ash, The Mavericks, Ronan Keating (Do What You Do?), Fun Loving Criminals and a song written by Willie Nelson, although I don't know who sings it. Also a cover version of the old 10cc song, I'm not in Love. - Will ask my DH if he can remember others. Barnaby Thompson said at the Q&A that they will be releasing the soundtrack, although he didn't mention a date. BTW, the paperback of New Cardiff is being released first week in April featuring stills from the film. I have to go out now. Off to an engagement party!

There's a towel scene and he looks AFG, (obviously he's been looking after himself). Hoorah!! Did you have plenty of napkins hand for drooling? ;-) Look forward to the music if nothing else (which seems likely in the near future). Love The Mavericks. Don't know the others except Willie Nelson and 10cc. Do you know if the music is mostly previously released stuff or new for the movie? Thanks, Janet! How'd your DH like it?

Janet ! Thank you so much for the news! I'm relieved that everyone is finding it a funny film! (Janet) Couple of other minor details. LOL...you call what follows minor? (Janet) There's a towel scene and he looks AFG, (obviously he's been looking after himself). *sigh* Lucky, lucky girls who got to see this! *big sigh* I almost wish it would just go straight to video for the US. The slo-mo and pause potential sounds very high! ;-)

I thought I'd type this up befroe I went out. Telegraph and Argus by David Behrens: Colin Firth's underpants were revealed to an appreciative festival audience last night, a month ahead of their national release. They had been shed during the sort of romantic entanglement Mr Firth has made his own just lately. In this case, it's Heather Graham, above with Colin('Titanic' photo) and Minnie Driver fighting over them, in New England. Most men would be glad of such attention, but unbridled ecstasy isn't Colin's thing; he's more the emotionally battered and devastated type. Hope Springs which opened Bradford's 2003 Film Festival, is a gentle romantic romp written and directed by Mark Herman, creator of the award-winning Yorkshire comedy, Brassed Off. Firth's character is Colin Ware, a British artist who has fled to Hope, Vermont, on the rebound from his two-timing fiancee Vera (Driver). There he falls into the arms of the loving but worryingly intemperate Mandy (Graham). All goes well until Colin opens the door of his motel room without underpants to find Vera on the doorstep*. Hope Springs is no romantic firecracker, but it's a warm and likeable piece that augurs well for two fun weeks of film going. *cue towel scene!

The is absolutely my last post for now, 'cos I must get ready to go out! (Dorine)Look forward to the music if nothing else (which seems likely in the near future). Love The Mavericks. Don't know the others except Willie Nelson and 10cc. Do you know if the music is mostly previously released stuff or new for the movie? Thanks, Janet! How'd your DH like it? Mixture of old and new tracks, I think.( Ronan Keating's was in the UK charts some months ago). And my DH really enjoyed it. He thought ODB was particularly good! So I'll have no problem persuading him to go again (and again, and again, I hope!)LOL

Wow, hope springs for sure (along with LA, WAGW, GWAPE)! What a wealth of information thanks to Karen's beautifully presented article from Rome PC, Antonella's translation, the author of the article, the Essential Vermeer expert, Lola, and Pam and Janet's first-hand reports of HS! (Tress)I'm relieved that everyone is finding it a funny film! So glad to hear it too! Would definitely make a nice follow up to dramatic role of Vermeer, which sounds like a great film too! Would really show how versatile an actor he is.

(Jaet)And my DH really enjoyed it. He thought ODB was particularly good! So I'll have no problem persuading him to go again (and again, and again, I hope!)LOL This is a very good sign indeed. Thanks so much for all your posts! You have been a very busy lady this weekend!

Colin Firth's underpants were revealed to an appreciative festival audience last night I bet that's an understatement, LOL. *How* did they show their appreciation? ;-) And the all important question.......boxers or briefs? ;-) *cue towel scene! Bath, hand, washcloth, or fingertip size? ;-) Thanks, Janet! Have fun at the party, but rush home to continue with any tidbits you can remember. People get engaged all the time. A new CF movie is an event. ;-) Where's Emma?

How lovely that everyone is really enjoying the film and it would be nice if the London broadsheet reviewers take a few chill-out pills before writing up their pieces. One can only, what is it they, hope springs eternal?? ;-) Thanks so much Janet for the report. But am getting a little confused about the underpants, nekkidness, towels, etc. From the article you typed up: (1) we have visible underpants (an an unknown variety) in the romance scene with Mandy. Yes/no???? (2) we have Colin in a towel going to the door to find Vera. Yes/no?? Does the towel drop? If not, how can the guy write he doesn't have underpants during that scene? Stunt butt here? (Janet) There's a towel scene and he looks AFG, (obviously he's been looking after himself). Please elaborate on parenthetical comment. ;-) How fit is he? Be specific.

(Janet) *cue towel scene! (Dorine) Bath, hand, washcloth, or fingertip size? ;-) ROTFL....Probably the most profound and deep question I could think to ask! Please! Do tell! (Telegraph article) Hope Springs is no romantic firecracker, but it's a warm and likeable piece that augurs well for two fun weeks of film going. I never expected a firecracker, I'll take warm and likable (better than most reviews for a rom-com I have seen lately)! I liked the book, love ODB, so expect I will enjoy this, if I ever get to see it! Thanks for all your hard work Janet! NOW! Go have fun at your party!!! ;-) (Karen) Please elaborate on parenthetical comment. ;-) How fit is he? Be specific. LOL....yes! Please, be very , very specific!

(Telegraph article) Hope Springs is no romantic firecracker, but it's a warm and likeable piece (Tress) better than most reviews for a rom-com I have seen lately Exactly! So what's the hold up with the US release? (Karen) How fit is he? Be specific. (Tress) LOL....yes! Please, be very , very specific! Ok, I'm jumpin' on this bandwagon, too......Well, Janet? Or anyone else who's seen it? ;-)

(Mark Herman)"It was put back on the Disney slate but then Colin Firth read the book and started enquiring about the rights, and that's how he came on board and as soon as he was involved it had momentum because he'd just done Bridget Jones's Diary." V. crucial. Disney took notice. Hoorah! He's "inching" along on his own. Not carrying the water for anybody else in this one. I never did think the release delay is because of any film flaws. (Janet)..and a song written by Willie Nelson, Always a winner.Too bad he doesn't sing it.

The PEN/ICI event on "The Leopard" has been rescheduled. It is now on 24 April at 7pm. This is shown on the PEN webpage. (was originally on the 28th)

This place has been hot, hot, hot! Too many to thank for all of the great news. My cup runneth over. I know this probably sounds naive but might distributors be waiting for some post WAGW tail wind? Hope does Spring eternal!

I've *finally* schlepped in from the scary city of Bradford... knew everyone was going to beat me to the punch in reporting since I took such a late train back today, but I did get to spend the afternoon watching Tumbledown for the first time ever at the Museum...anyway... Janet figured we'd need to open the Spoilers topic but I guess not! (btw, it was fabulous to meet you and your DH). I can't wait till you all see this movie. He's at his silliest ever, it's all about him, and he's great. There are some other things I can do without (well mostly Heather!) but I was grinning through most of it.

So Colin Ware in the movie is much less deadpan than in the book - we still have a lot of Webb's dialogue verbatim, but MS added all kinds of silliness (Mandy and him doing yoga together with him turning it into karate/falling over, for example). Just wait till you see what he does with Mandy's scarf! Lots of bare chest - LOTS. And everyone has the towel they've been looking for! My favourite scene involves Mandy meeting him at a church to ensure that they talk and don't just have sex. The look on his face and his smile as he responds to that is the best!

Trying to collect all my thoughts... Changes - Mandy doesn't find him subjects to sketch, he just will randomly sketch anyone anywhere, it seems. The reason why Mandy drinks all the peach brandy is lost - if you didn't read the book, I'm not sure you would get it. I mean, it's a bit weak in the book IMHO, but losing the history/monument thing made it less understandable. Although changing the monument to a garden meant that Colin suggested Mandy was doing "non-botanical things" in high school, a good line! Vera now accepts that Colin made up the family tree. Why change it I don't know. But she still ends up Queen of Hope. Just read my last post - sorry that's MH Mark Herman not MS. Long 2 days! At first, I thought Heather was okay as Mandy. Then I just wanted to throttle her! I drifted off for a second at the end during the questions, but he did say that it would take her 4 or 5 takes and then finally it was "magic". I didn't see a lot of magic from her! She does cry quite good though. IMO she made it seem as if Colin was holding together some really weak acting. Maybe I'm being too harsh =). Colin cries! About Vera. It was very sad. Tears up a bit with Mandy.

Thanks, Janet and Emma. Ladies you know us by now to know we need more details. Tell us about the scarf. Is the library scene still on. Does he carry he off? What does he ear for the joga class? Details, please! :-D Am very surprised at the added comedy on HS. Was it necessary? Is it in character? Karen, you should write a script for Colin because you are just too funny!

I gotta go out in a few minutes, but if you really want me to spoil it all, keep asking questions (or should I open Spoilers after all?!). Yoga he's wearing tight pants/leggings and a t-shirt I believe, was too caught up in him falling over/being silly to take a good look (that's one for May). Frank Collison really steals the show, he is great. We also end on him - which many people commented on as brave in a rom-com. I'm trying to think what the library scene is, Moon - remind me? Ooh - Colin carrying Mandy after they get engaged. MH said that upon Colin seeing the finished movie, he was quite miffed that there wasn't even more footage of him carrying her as they took about 6 days to film it all and there was even a truss made (Barnaby added this). He really does carry her far! The scene at the beginning already mentioned, him jetlagged and hitting his head against the door in the motel, is too funny. Of course he's meant to look rough and he just looks fantastic =).

(Emma)was too caught up in him falling over/being silly to take a good look Huh? But , but in the book Colin Ware wasn't silly. "Silly" wouldn't fit the book dialogue. Did MH feel he could improve on the book? (Emma).. carrying her as they took about 6 days to film it all and there was even a truss made Uh,oh...I can see someone claiming that truss on #113;-) Thanks Emma.

With the level of detail we're getting into, yes, let's go over to Spoilers on 126... We want to hear more, more, more...

From the message board at Yahoo Movies........ "I was lucky enough to see the premiere of Hope Springs last night in Bradford and it was HILARIOUSLY FUNNY! Colin Firth, Heather Graham, Minnie Driver and the rest of the cast were all superbly played. Mark Herman gave a Q&A about the film after the premiere showing and said the UK release date would be May 9th. No release date yet for the US, but this film is worth waiting for. Excellent soundtrack, A1 feel-good factor and the audience response was massive - a mixture of men and women in the audience all laughing at this very funny, well directed film. I can't wait to see it again and hope it will be out on general release everywhere before too long. Well done Mark Hermann and Barnaby Thompson"

Thank you Emma and Janet. OHHHHH this sounds just too lovely. We must have it here in the US we must. (Emma)Just wait till you see what he does with Mandy's scarf! We may not be able to see what he does with Mandy's scarf. Tell us, please. I can't wait. (Emma)Colin cries! About Vera. It was very sad. Tears up a bit with Mandy.. (Evelyn)Uh,oh...I can see someone claiming that truss on #113;-) Can we have a group claim for this? I'm dying here. Help.

Wow! So much news and all preliminarily so good!!! Thanks for all the news Emma and Janet and everyone else giving early reports...wish we could've been there! I'm going to go light a few candles and hope a date is released here soon!

Incredible!!! So much news, I've been feasting as though at a royal banquet. Thank you everyone, Janet, Emma, HolaLola, Pam, and again Karen and Antonella. I did'nt think it possible that I could be more enamored with ODB, but the article seems to have made it so. So much to look forward to,I've got plenty of candles and matches, I better get busy........

(dancing with excitement) This is almost too much for me, it really is! (laughing) Think I'll go back and look at that picture from Vanity Fair again.. gawd, I do so love it when "the powers that be" dress him head to toe in black. Thanks everyone for the numerous reports and insights. (looking at HS poster).. ok, ok.. I'm really glad the dh isn't at home right now. Oh, what is the Willie Nelson song, by the way? It isn't "Crazy" is it?

Thanks to everyone for all their great reporting!! And a picture of the poster! Well done, you lucky ladies!

Such great posts to read! Thanks to all. This sounds like a lot of fun. Hope it gets a release in the US of A. The underpants/no underpants made me think of Tumbledown. Anyone else remember that scene?

(Emma) Lots of bare chest - LOTS. Gaaaah! *thud*. Sorry, just falling off my chair.... (Emma) My favourite scene involves Mandy meeting him at a church to ensure that they talk and don't just have sex. The look on his face and his smile as he responds to that is the best! I cannot wait to see this film! I'm about to bust.....Beedee, I'm with you....I hope they are waiting for WAGW to pass so that they can then announce a date for HS in the US! Like the poster. It's simple, understated, with just the right hint of....;-) Thank you to Emma and Janet and Antonella and Karen and Pam and Lola and all others for keeping us informed! It's been a great couple of days here!!! And thanks Bethan for posting the Yahoo message! Another good review!

First of all my undying thanks to Karen for providing the best site there is. Only a person as dedicated, hardworking and caring could produce such wonders as she always does. It takes a very very special person to be able to do this, and Karen is that person. There aren't enough thank yous.... And to all of you wonderful ladies, so many who provide links, articles, pics, witty commentary, provoking thoughts my eternal gratitude. You all bring a smile and a warmth to me every single day. And of course a big thank you to the man who gives me not only a smile and warmth everyday but a warm fuzzy good all over feeling. You are all remarkable. And I am so thankful to be a recipient of all your talents. Thank you Emma and Janet and Pam for your Bradford reports. It must be so exciting attending a film festival. Sorry he wasn't there but seems like he was in spirit and underwear. Cannot wait to see this and am ecstatic that it is being met with such great response. Come on USA it's time to climb on board. However, do agree that hold up might be because of WAGW and not wanting to interfere with the box office for that. Hopefully the wait won't be too long. With such positive response to HS it just has to make it here. Might make a great summer movie. If its as good as it seems, could be good promotion for LA in the long run. Raves for Colin could only ad to publicity for LA IMO. LA news looks good too and looks like we'll get alot of publicity. Good news. Did see HD WAGW trailer on Friends the other night. Stupidly smiling face wasn't due to Friends. They really are going for it with WAGW. Very exciting.

Wow. I haven't had a chance to read Drool since about dinnertime last night, and got here to find about 50 new posts on this topic alone! I can't remember the last time we had so many projects to talk about at once! Thanks, Karen, Antonella, Emma, Janet, Bethan, and anybody else I've forgotten for all the HS news. Hmmm - DH and I are still talking about going to England this summer, and I was sort of hoping to coordinate it with the TEOR filming schedule, just in case any street scenes would be filmed. But maybe I need to coordinate it with a HS viewint opportunity instead..... Oh, and we're still waiting for answers to that list of questions Karen posted, regarding underpants and specific nature of his fitness, and so on. These are things that enquiring minds definitely want to know. ;-)

This is wonderful news about HS. Lots of skin?? Hilariously funny? I can't wait to see this. Thanks, Karen, Emma, Janet, Antonella, Pam and Bethan for all the great news and pics. Love the understated HS poster. I knew things were going to heat up around here this weekend. Can anyone confirm the new release date for WAGW?

Don't want to burst the bubble here, the film is good, but could have been better, IMHO. Heather Graham gives her usual performance, which she can get away with here, since her character is meant to be a bit ditzy ie (the total opposite of Vera), but I think they should have gone for a 15 rating (UK) and elaborated on the scenes between ODB and HG, if you know what I mean. Very little details, dammit! I don't think this would have adversely affected the viewing figures, since I think very few teenagers would want to see this film. Definitely for a slightly more mature audience. The towel is bath size(white), BTW, and ODB looks slightly more 'filled out' than in BJD(thank God)and strangely, his chest looked a little more hairy, although I don't think mascara was involved! - It looks totally natural. Frank Collison was brilliant: his facial expressions have to be seen to be believed! Lovely to meet Emma, BTW. Will post again when I remember more, (and when I am sober)!

Re underpants: In the scene where Mandy gets naked, ODB drops his trousers, but keeps on his shirt (which I think had tails front and back) and Mandy remarks that he's not wearing underwear. In scene with Vera, he's wearing only a towel, but (off camera) dons his trousers, causing her to remark that he's not wearing any underwear. There's also a rather interesting view of his 'cellphone' when he visits Mandy at her flat! (Fully clothed, I should say). Karen - should all this be posted under 'spoilers', if so, could you please delete and move? Thanks. Off to Bedfordshire!

(Janet)ODB drops his trousers, but keeps on his shirt (which I think had tails front and back) and Mandy remarks that he's not wearing underwear. If there's anything to be found (around those tails) I've come to be confident that Rika will *scope* it out eventually!

I'm not generally the one with the eagle eyes. But I must say, I've been thinking all evening about the pleasures in store for us when this comes out on DVD.

I'm away for the weekend, thank goodness DH needed to have the lap top. LOL...It would have taken me hours to catch up. I know I said it yesterday, but thank you to all of the ladies who have reported to us. Karen thanks to you for this wonderful place.

Thanks for all these wonderfull news. From what iI read there is no chance of successfull Nessie hunting ;-) :-(

UK release date would be May 9th. Thanks Karen for the poster...it's OK.Pic of him good. This film needs promotion though in UK. Not just a poster in the tube stations and an interview in The Guardian.UK is a tough market to crack. Hope he comes through and does some TV interviews ,and doesn't just let it hang out there.

Bethan....how did you like HS ?

I can see, that I picked the wrong 24 hours to be away from drool. Thank you Janet, Emma and Pam (and everyone, that I have forgotten). HS sounds really promising. I think I'm gonna like the bare chest-part. About the soundtrack, Dorine. Ronan Keating was on Notting Hill as well; "When you say nothing at all". I would call him a modern ballad-singer. (Under pressure I might have to admit, that I know more than one of his songs by heart;-) 10cc, I'm not in love. Yeaahh, one of my all time favourite songs in the whole wide world.

Well, never mind Spoilers, it's pretty much spoiled anyway =). Had more random thoughts today that I wanted to put down. The soundtrack I was not entirely keen on, and I am a fan of Ash and Garbage. It's the fact that it seems unnatural and wrong even for ODB to be in a scene with All the Small Things by Blink 182 playing (this was the Mandy with her foot on the pedal as they almost killed other people in the car). A lurker has sent me an email saying that she asked Mark Herman and Colin is in Vancouver visiting his son- also I met up with a woman in Bradford from the Earnest premiere who said she heard he had just come back from Canada. Is it a little ironic that he's in Canada and the Canadian is here looking for him?! The underwear that Janet explained, it's turned into a running gag in the movie that he doesn't wear underwear, based on the purchase of boxers by Vera. The Petersons from the art store know all about him and the fact that he's bare under there... The scarf, I guess I had better divulge. When Vera knocks on the motel door for the first time, he thinks it's Mandy. This is the towel scene, just coming out of the shower. On his way to the door he picks up Mandy's scarf (see Titanic photo, this scarf appears a lot in the film), winds it around his chest and uses the ends as tassels... twirling them as he goes... =) I was ever so slightly embarrassed at this! There's no mention of Colin and Vera's meeting as fetuses, or the story of the first time they had sex. In fact, you might wonder why he's so heartbroken about this British stick insect (Janet mentioned already how terrible she looks in the lingerie! ugh!) who smokes too much and works for a magazine. Colin says they are 'inextricably linked' like Marks and Spencers or Foot and bloody Mouth (another addition to the dialogue that got lots of laughs). I'm not sure about the silliness factor. When I read New Cardiff, it's very flat to me - still funny, but sort of one dimensional. I guess when Herman adapted it, he probably thought he was going to have to put some more life into it.

Once again, Pam, Janet, Emma, and lurker who emailed Emma (!please join us here!), thanks for answering all of our inquiring minds that want to know all these wonderful HS details! Karen and Pam, thanks for the HS poster. I like Colin in the middle and look forward to the poster that makes homage to The Graduate. Can't wait to look for 'Graduate' references in HS too! Nice idea on the part of MH. (Janet)and strangely, his chest looked a little more hairy, although I don't think mascara was involved! - It looks totally natural. V. v. nice observation. Is there any more hair on arms as well?;-) (Janet)and Mandy remarks that he's not wearing underwear. So Mandy has the only revealing point-of-view? And tails are in the way of movie viewers? So where is Mandy? On floor? (Janet)There's also a rather interesting view of his 'cellphone' when he visits Mandy at her flat! (Fully clothed, I should say). So do you mean that the cellphone is in his pocket like in that picture with Sam W. (or was that his keys)? ;-) (Emma)winds it around his chest and uses the ends as tassels... twirling them as he goes... =) I was ever so slightly embarrassed at this! Was it embarrassment like at the end of TIOBE when he goes a little lulu over Algie being his brother and he "puts up his dukes" or was it because he acts like he's a stripper? Wait, if he plays like hes a stripper that could be another reference to TG! ;-) Can't wait for HS to come to US. Sounds v. funny with different than usual aspects of CF!

Oh WOW! I cannot believe they didn't include their "first time" together as teenagers. That was one of the cutest parts of the book! (scratching head and trying to figure out the mindset of editors and producers)

(Lora)So do you mean that the cellphone is in his pocket like in that picture with Sam W. (or was that his keys)? ;-) When he sits down, camera is trained on his lower body, and what you see is all him! Didn't notice the hair on his arms, BTW. Soundtrack: Willie Nelson song is maybe called I Hope So, (not sure, though). Also a track by a band called Wartahs(or something similar).

(Emma) When I read New Cardiff, it's very flat to me - still funny, but sort of one dimensional. I guess when Herman adapted it, he probably thought he was going to have to put some more life into it. I'm glad as the book was a bit flat to me, too, though cute at times. Glad the end was changed. Garbage in the soundtrack, too? Great! I was ever so slightly embarrassed at this! I was a bit embarrassed just reading about it. And excellent point Lora re: end of TIOBE. I kinda cringed at that, too. ;-) Thanks so much, Emma! Did the crowd sound audibly disappointed when it was announced that Colin wouldn't be there? Was the sound from all women? ;-) the purchase of boxers by Vera Got my answer, though guess he doesn't wear them. ;-) I need to reread the book when it is ready to be released here.

Can't believe I forgot to mention this! The kissing scene at the Monument is obviously not there, since there's no monument in the film, but later, they are at a dance(I think for the residents of the Retirement Home where Mandy works), and dancing together. Suddenly they become very amorous and they kiss with a bit more passion than we're used to seeing from him. - No tongues, though, that I could see!

Thought this was *very, very* exciting to see Lions Gate appears to have a *lot* of confidence in GWAPE, which I imagine will mean *major* PR with Colin. What Happy Holidays we may be in store for! :-D Posted: Sun., Mar. 16, 2003, 6:00am PT The Oscar shift hits the fan Early deadline already disrupting start dates, strategies By TIMOTHY M. GRAY, DAVID BLOOM Forget about next week's Oscar ceremony -- let's talk about next year. The 2004 Oscar rites may portend the least-noticed production deadlines in Hollywood history. The Academy decided to move up the 2004 Oscar ceremony almost a month to Feb. 29, creating a set of headaches in production, distribution and marketing as companies prepare awards-worthy pics for year-end consideration. Almost every studio has a big-budget Oscar hopeful to launch by early December; this means (in theory) that there will be no year-end cavalry charge like 2002, when December's release calendar bulged with 40 openings and all five best-pic contenders bowed in the final two weeks of the year. But this December doesn't seem to be logjammed, meaning the Academy's accelerated schedule should be easy, if everything goes as planned. The problem is, almost nothing in Hollywood goes as planned....... "It's going to hurt the little guys the most," says one awards strategist. He points out that independent films get the biggest box office boost from awards recognition, but little films need more time to build word of mouth among awards voters............. Oscar campaigns are all about timing and momentum. The recent practice of expanding distribution of small films as they pick up awards on "the beats" of nom announcements and award wins will be much more complicated. "It's a film like 'The Pianist' that's going to suffer," Curtin says. "All that word of mouth was enough to get (Academy voters) to put the DVD screener in the machine." Lions Gate's "Monster's Ball" opened at Christmas 2001 with little fanfare and slowly built word of mouth. With ballots likely due in early January of 2004, few execs are expecting to emulate that timing. This year, Lions Gate has moved up the release of its big Oscar hopeful, "Girl with a Pearl Earring," to Nov. 14 because of the new Oscar schedule. By Christmas, the film will be in 20 cities nationwide. "The challenge for us is we have to get it into a slightly broader distribution earlier than we did with 'Monster's Ball,' 'Affliction' or "Shadow of the Vampire,' " says Tom Ortenberg, Lions Gate prexy of releasing. "But then, we won't have to keep it alive forever, spending, spending, spending, on an exclusive basis. We're hopeful we can use that to our advantage to get our costs down a little. But the challenge is getting them noticed in L.A. and New York." This is a *very* long article so I just hit some major points. Here's the link to the rest. Variety.com

(Janet)they kiss with a bit more passion than we're used to seeing from him. It's becoming more and more obvious that What a *Gal* Wants is Hope Springs! And of course....... (Dorine)!This year, Lions Gate has moved up the release of its big Oscar hopeful, "Girl with a Pearl Earring," to Nov. 14 because of the new Oscar schedule. By Christmas, the film will be in 20 cities nationwide It just keeps getting better. Thanks Dorine and all to all those women who trecked to the BFF and have been keeping us in a lather ever since.

There will be a sneak preview of WAGW throughout NA on Saturday, March 29. Looks like the rumors of the date being accelerated a week were unfounded. Thanks to "Robair" from amandybynesnow.com! Am lovimg reading the HS reports--thanks to all! Very much looking forward to it. (Janet)The kissing scene at the Monument is obviously not there, since there's no monument in the film, How did they work in the tie scene--wasn't the tie supposed to a depiction of the monument (which turned ouy looking like a penis)? Suddenly they become very amorous and they kiss with a bit more passion than we're used to seeing from him. Yea!:-) No tongues, though, that I could see! Boooooo!:-( Thanks for the GWAPE/Oscar bits, Dorine--I *knew* this was the right film for Colin.;-)

(Dorine) And excellent point Lora re: end of TIOBE. I kinda cringed at that, too. ;-) I was surprised they kept that bit in actually! It was the one moment in TIOBE were I felt uncomfortable! Glad to know I wasn't alone! (Emma)...winds it around his chest and uses the ends as tassels... twirling them as he goes... =) I was ever so slightly embarrassed at this! I dislike those 'cringeworthy' moments in films (most actors have them, but it is worse when you 'fancy' them!). Still, I have to admire the fact that there is so little self-consciousness on the part of ODB that he can do things like that! And thank you Dorine for the article....glad to see that GWAPE may be a contender (it will probably be competing with Ted and Sylvia)! ;-)

(Mari)How did they work in the tie scene--wasn't the tie supposed to a depiction of the monument (which turned ouy looking like a penis)? The cannon was depicted on the tie, and it looked a great deal like a penis!

Thanks, Janet and Emma. I would like to know about the dance, how does he dance? Does it look like he knows what he's doing? Those script changes are strange. Did anyone ask MH why he made them?

I liked the book...but a film has to stand on its own...sooo I won't piss and moan about it.But Colin Ware was not silly in the book...wonder why the new interpretation. I hate when he acts like that. He doesn't do "silly" well. Deadpan, yes. Grrrrreat news about GWAPE. Thanks Dorine,but your link doesn't work , you have to be a subscriber. Boss was right about the intention for the new shift in dates. Big coup for Colin.Hope Rafe throws more films our way;-)

And here I was feeling guilty for cringing at that point in TIOBE. Guess it's not just me. As Evelyn says, he doesn't do "silly" well. So glad he does most everything else SO much better... Well, there IS the kissing, but maybe those lessons are beginning to pay off if early reports about HS are to be believed.

(Dorine/Emma)I'm glad as the book was a bit flat to me, too, though cute at times. Glad the end was changed. My thoughts exactly. (BeeDee)It's becoming more and more obvious that What a *Gal* Wants is Hope Springs! LOL It was the one moment in TIOBE were I felt uncomfortable! Glad to know I wasn't alone! Me too! Dorine, thank you for the Oscar article. Dare we hope? When the Oscars is mentioned alongside ODB, I allways think about the kitchenscene in FP (18 years, 18 f***ing years). Wonder if he didn't addlip the Oscar-part? Oh, and the kissing. Lots in LA and also some in HS. Sounds v.g.

Yeah I did a bit more than cringe. I audibly said 'oh god' with the stripper act. Embarassed at the silliness, but it at least does show his range (I consoled myself with this), and the fact that he really doesn't take himself very seriously. I wish that the question period with Mark Herman could have been, oh, today or something! It wasn't until Saturday and Sunday when I could actually process all that I've seen that I started to think of all the things I would have liked to have asked him. Like about all the changes. I do remember him saying that he thought with the format of New Cardiff that it would have been an easy adaptation, and it turned out to be really hard. I guess Disney saw the third draft and went for it, but either Barnaby or Mark said that he was rewriting some of it as they were shooting it. I forgot about the dance, thanks Janet! I was critically looking for some improved kissing, but as she said, it wasn't spectacular. Good though. I don't really remember how he danced (I'll check in May!).

(EmmaB)Embarassed at the silliness, but it at least does show his range (I consoled myself with this), and the fact that he really doesn't take himself very seriously. Perhaps I should duck my head really fast saying this, but - I guess this is how I felt the first time I saw the BLP-scenes. He looks gorgeous, I know, but playing air-guitar and in that outfit at his age?

(shining self diligently and grinning like the Cheshire cat)

(Emma), I audibly said 'oh god' with the stripper act. Wot? He does the stripper act? Is that what he does with the scarf? I can't or don't want to imagine. Too many changes from the book. I was critically looking for some improved kissing, but as she said, it wasn't spectacular. Colin Ware is totally taken with her sexually, you'd think he'd show a bit of tongue. :-( Back to the kissing lessons you go, Mr. Firth.

(EmmaB) Embarassed at the silliness, but it at least does show his range (I consoled myself with this), and the fact that he really doesn't take himself very seriously. Makes you think that you could get him liquored up at a party and he would surprise you with how he truly is!! BTW, I think I have only one more cringeworthy moment from ODB (besides the ending of TIOBE)...the song from TEP. Though he makes up for it later with the taxi scene, which was spectacular. (Annette) He looks gorgeous, I know, but playing air-guitar and in that outfit at his age? LOL....Mick Jagger and Steve Tyler do it for a living! But I know what you mean Annette, it has the potential to be either v. v. funny or downright silly (and cringeworthy). I'm hoping for the former, as he looks really good in those leather pants (and I'm not a leather pants type of girl!)....and he will be making up for the LP dancing (I think) with GWAPE! As long as it isn't a 'string' of silliness (I don't want ODB to turn into Jerry Lewis or Jim Carrey....or join the Ministry of Silly Walks), I can take it! ;-)

Re Hope Springs I'm trying to visualise the dance scene. I think this may have been when the Willie Nelson song was played. It was a slow dance and they were standing very close and he was looking down at her with that intense look of his. - Very, very nice. Then they suddenly began kissing enthusiastically, which seemed to please the elderly couples dancing beside them.

Well, never mind Spoilers, it's pretty much spoiled anyway =). :(

(Emma)I remember him saying that he thought with the format of New Cardiff that it would have been an easy adaptation, and it turned out to be really hard. A more experienced director could have pulled it off, Mark. (Emma)I guess Disney saw the third draft and went for it,.. Me thinks this was the current "silly scenario" (Emma)..but either Barnaby or Mark said that he was rewriting some of it as they were shooting it. Not a good sign. Big Thanks to Emma and Janet for their comments.*clap,clap* I guess this is how I felt the first time I saw the BLP-scenes. He looks gorgeous, I know, but playing air-guitar and in that outfit at his age? Listen gang...this is all part of being a fan of his.We'll live through these moments ....somehow. Think GWAPE!

(Evelyn) Listen gang...this is all part of being a fan of his. We'll live through these moments ....somehow. I'll live...despite the two (and considering his CV, I have only seen two...and now heard of another) silly moments, ODB manages to give us moments of pure brilliance! I'll hang tough! (Evelyn) Think GWAPE! Everyday!!

I must be a moron because I think that twirly bird scarf/tassle scene in HS sounds funny, and I like the looks of the WAGW mirror dance because the boy has the moves. My feeling is, if he insists on doing comedies, he may as well be the funny one, and not the (thankless) straight man. Then again, this is coming from someone who doesn't recall a day in her adult life that she didn't mirror-morph into Aretha//Chaka/Janis/Gladys/etc.;-) BTW, in the Hunk Daady WAGW commercial, what is Amanda doing when she's grabbing his head? Kelly Preston is scheduled for Letterman on March 26.

Is this new? Is it real? Title: FIVE FEET OF HEAVEN Genre: Mystery Release Date: Undecided Director: Roman Polanski Players: Courtney B. Vance, Rachel Ticotin, Colin Firth, Venus Terzo, Dominic Keating, Tia Carrere, Casey Biggs, Zuleikha Robinson PITCH: Cameron Vincent (Vance) blames himself for the accidental dead of his wife and child. The memory haunts him constantly. Then Cameron met Dr. McHenry (Firth), a man who promised to erase those bad memories and replace them with happy ones. Now, Cameron remembers new things, including a new woman (Ticotin) whom he loved, and who returned that love. But something's wrong. This woman was real, and she was murdered. Cameron begins to remember disturbing things that may conect with the death of his wife and daughter. Are these memories real? Could Cameron have killed someone he never knew? He must find out. http://redwood.topcities.com/soon.htm

No, looks like someone's fantasy site, Maria. None of the "past films" have ever come out, plus they've taken poster art I recognize from other films (e.g., Murder by Numbers) and slapped their made up titles on them.

Just had a truly wonderful hour reading all the great posts. Big thank you to Emma and Janet and Pam for their FF reports . How wonderful to have seen HS and give us all the details as tho' we were there. Karen, magnificent stuff...... you should have the oscar, move over Nicole ;-)) ( I know Harve has such a soft spot for you too, saw it with my own eyes!)

(Mari) I must be a moron...I think that twirly bird scarf/tassle scene in HS sounds funny,..I like the looks of the WAGW mirror dance because the boy has the moves...if he insists on doing comedies, he may as well be the funny one, and not the (thankless) straight man. I'm with you. I for one will be glad to one day see his name in print when it is not preceded by smoldering and repressed. Versatile and multi-faceted sound good..too much thankless straight man! (Mari too)...this is coming from someone who doesn't recall a day in her adult life that she didn't mirror-morph into Aretha//Chaka/Janis/Gladys/etc.;-) ROFLMAO You go girl! (I only do that in my car...)

(Emma)I remember him saying that he thought with the format of New Cardiff that it would have been an easy adaptation, and it turned out to be really hard. ...but either Barnaby or Mark said that he was rewriting some of it as they were shooting it. (Evelyn) A more experienced director could have pulled it off, Mark Ouch! (That's not to say I disagree) (Mari) BTW, in the Hunk Daady WAGW commercial, what is Amanda doing when she's grabbing his head? Thank you! I asked someone else that and still no idea. Kelly Preston is scheduled for Letterman on March 26. She is and he's not? He's got a bigger part! Not really surprising as Letterman seems to have a thing for cute blondes. ;-) (MariaT) Is this new? Is it real? Title: FIVE FEET OF HEAVEN One should hope not with Tia Carrere. ;-)

(Barb S)I for one will be glad to one day see his name in print when it is not preceded by smoldering and repressed. Versatile and multi-faceted sound good..too much thankless straight man! I'm all with you on this. Regarding the BLP-scene. Perhaps it doesn't help, that I still haven't seen the trailer "in full motion". My only experience so far is sort of snippets moving very slowly (thanks to very old computer ;() And the dancing in front of the mirror, girls - we could form a club. Just an example of my silliness in that direction; VH1 had soundtrack-weekend, and they showed "When the going gets tough" with Michael Douglas, Danny DeVito and whatshername (War of the roses blabla). They sang along in white suits and all I could think of was ODB doing something like this. (Shallow and pathetic, I know. I'll fall back leave room for better material;-))

Kelly Preston is scheduled for Letterman on March 26. This appearance is probably to promote A View From the Top, another Gwinnie film coming out this Friday. Ashamed to say that I know this because it is the film I will see with my girlfriend so that she will go see WAGW with me. The lengths we go to!

Just got my Premiere magazine (don't laugh) and there is a small picture of ODB (mouth closed but with visible dimples) and the following blurb (and Karen, if this is not the correct place, please delete and I apologize): The Slate Who's doing What - And With Whom Colin Firth In April, he'll play a buttoned-up Brit who finds out What a Girl Wants when his long-lost American daughter (Amanda Bynes) tracks him down. Then he'll dive into Hope Springs with Heather Graham, discover that all you need is Love Actually with Liam Neeson, and portray the painter Vermeer in Girl With a Pearl Earring. Sounds promising that they are mentioning HS!

Saw HD version again on NBC last night with American Dreams. As Karen said big money being spent on this. Thanks for article Dorine. One can only hope and pray. Emma, Janet, Pam thank you so much for your great great reports. Made me feel like I was there. Thank you for such good work.

(Mari)I must be a moron because I think that twirly bird scarf/tassle scene in HS sounds funny, and I like the looks of the WAGW mirror dance because the boy has the moves. My feeling is, if he insists on doing comedies, he may as well be the funny one, If you're a moron, then so am I. When I go to see a comedy, I want to laugh. I laughed several times at the dialogue in the book. I don't really like it when they totally change things, but from what I hear so far...I can't wait to see HS. (Mari)...this is coming from someone who doesn't recall a day in her adult life that she didn't mirror-morph into Aretha//Chaka/Janis/Gladys/etc.;-) Thank Gawd, I thought I was the only one:-)

(Mari)I must be a moron because I think that twirly bird scarf/tassle scene in HS sounds funny, and I like the looks of the WAGW mirror dance because the boy has the moves. Joining the moron club. And the dance-in-front-of-mirror club. My feeling is, if he insists on doing comedies, he may as well be the funny one, I agree. The straight man always seems to get overshadowed.

(Mari)I must be a moron because I think that twirly bird scarf/tassle scene in HS sounds funny, and I like the looks of the WAGW mirror dance because the boy has the moves. (Rika)Joining the moron club. And the dance-in-front-of-mirror club. I have to join as well...It does'nt seem as though this character will be chronically goofy, but maybe just letting a little goof out, a one off so to speak after being depressed. I think of my dh, who is generally pretty serious, (he could make Camus seem like a clown), and even he has silly spells. So maybe, what I am trying to say is, Colin joked around yesterday, or was it the day before.....;-) ;-)

(MariaT) I think of my dh, who is generally pretty serious, (he could make Camus seem like a clown), and even he has silly spells LOL! He (and we) talked about his getting "buttock clenching" rolls in pin striped suits. I'm ready to watch him let-er-rip.

The WAGW premiere will be on Thursday, March 27, in Hollywood, at the Cinerama Dome on Sunset Blvd.

Great news, Karen! I am doing a Bollywood dance, I arrive in LA on March 27th! Could this actually be my turn to meet ODB? Maybe Colin will attend the post Oscars Vanity Fair party! He does Comedy Central and then off to LA for the VF party. He's in the current issue so he should have no trouble getting in. ;-)

Your chance to give ODB a tutoring session in kissing lessons personally! ;-) Maybe he'll go to Harvey's Oscar Eve bash, too.

I was hoping for NY, but I'll have my fingers crossed for you, Moon. Maybe GWAPE will have a NY premiere.

I'll have to settle for a long distance relationship and enjoy all of your firsthand experiences. Moon Dreams; if Rika crosses fingers, then I'll light candles for you.

WOO-HOO! Thanks for digging out the premiere info, Karen. I hope some of our left-coasters can go and report back!! Rika, we'll have our chance. (Dorine)Your chance to give ODB a tutoring session in kissing lessons personally! ;-) I predict she will not only tutor him, but also . . . Moon him! ;-) What great timing, Moon. Godspeed to you, dear! bitch;-) (Annette)they showed "When the going gets tough" with Michael Douglas, Danny DeVito and whatshername (War of the roses blabla). Kathleen Turner! I know exactly the video you mean, Annette. From one of my faves of the '80s, Romancing The Stone. Ok, attention all morons and mirror singers/dancers: American Idol (tonight at 8:00) has proven a reliable sighting source for Hunk Daddy commercials over the past 2 weeks, so be sure to tune in. And put Dorine and me out of our misery by figuring out exactly wot AB is doing with his head! :-)

I've been reading the posts backwards from the past several weeks, (before the new topic!) and I have to say it's kinda like reading the ending to a book first!!! Since it would be impossible, boring and repetitious to comment on about 300 posts, I would like to give a blanket "well done, thanks for the info, I can't believe that, AFG, and cringe." That should cover the range of emotions. ;) Last night I happened to walk in front of the TV when, yes, a AWAG commercial was playing. It was about 7:30, a major channel. I'm not a big TV watcher, so I don't know how long they have been running them. From the posts, it was the one with more of AB, about a 2/1 ratio. The release date here is April 3.

AWAG???????? Maybe it would make more sense as WAGW.......

Great timing, Moon! We will be over the 'moon' for you while you are in LA giving kissing lessons and asking YKW to 'walk' for you! ;-). Maybe you can get to an Oscar party too! Wishing you lots of up close and personal ops! Bring your camera! (Mari)And put Dorine and me out of our misery by figuring out exactly wot AB is doing with his head! :-) Somehow I managed to tape just the tail end of the HD commercial (I had left a tape in the VCR just in case I would catch it during prime time and there it was on Friends!) so I slo-moed it and it looks like AB moves her head first in a certain way as if to show HD how to do the right move with one's head - perhaps while dancing?? Then maybe she is showing HD how he should do it by placing her hands on his head, but she shows him in a very exaggerated manner. But there's really not a lot of footage to work with here.

(Dorine)Your chance to give ODB a tutoring session in kissing lessons personally! ;-) (Mari), I predict she will not only tutor him, but also . . . Moon him! ;-) What great timing, Moon. Godspeed to you, dear! bitch;-) LOL! I wish! I think the funniest part will be breaking the news to my DH. We're off to celebrate our wedding anniversary and he must take a CF detour. ;-) Keeping fingers crossed. I will try my best to be there. :-D

ROTF, Moon! Good luck! ;-)

Bethan....how did you like HS ? (Evelyn) I'm afraid I couldn't make it - as I think I've mentioned, I'm having to spend a lot of time with my mother who is ill - rather restricts my activities. But HS certainly sounds as though it could be a Box Office winner! Here's another report - from a lad (ie less likely to be ardent CF fan). Spelling is not his strong suit! by - lad_2010 2 days ago (Sun Mar 16 11:43:04) I was lucky enough to attend the Uk and world premiere which was held last Friday (14th March) in Sunny Bradford, England. Opening the Bradford film festival the premier was excelent, even got a change to mingle with the likes of Richard Whitely!!! what a privalidge. The film was excellent i thought. The director Mark Herman along with the producer introduced the film and did a Q+A sesion afterward which quality. They manged to get the balance between comed and romance which it often far off in todays romcom's There were many many funny moments i havent heard a cinema laugh so much in a long while and the romance matched this blow for blow. Excelent performances from all the cast members in particular Colin Firth was ecelent very funny but with such feeling too. Heather greaham was looking fantasitc all the way through and gave a very strong performance. The storyline was a little clieched but a very enjoyable film and it comes hightly recomended. Worth a visit when its relesed.

(Mari) Ok, attention all morons and mirror singers/dancers: American Idol (tonight at 8:00) has proven a reliable sighting source for Hunk Daddy commercials over the past 2 weeks, so be sure to tune in. Oh, suuuuuuure, Mari. You sucked me in with that line last week and I watched the Wednesday 'results' show and saw - nothin'. ;-P So I'm undecided. Should I watch, in case the commercial definitely won't run, and I'll deprive other Firthettes of seeing it? Or should I not watch, in which case the commercial definitely will run, and tomorrow I'll have to read all these posts saying, "Saw the HD commercial on American Idol last night?" It's a hard one to call!

(Rika) So I'm undecided. Should I watch....Or should I not watch... To watch or not to watch, that is the question. Rika, I would watch...it is countdown time for WAGW and they will probably play it five times! I have not seen the HD version either! And I will be out for part of American Idol, so am hoping to see Hunk Daddy in the second half!

Sorry Tress, don't mean to fret, but my chances of seing ODB tonight, is taping Huge Gnat Revealed on E. It has about 2 nanoseconds of ODB commenting on the sissyfight. So - set your vcr's, ladies, and fastforward all the unwantet parts. (I have worn out several tapes this way during the TIOBE periode and all it got me was mostly Rupert Everett and Reese Witherspoon ;( Please remember, I'm laughing while I write this, no pun intended in any way ;-)

(Rika)You sucked me in with that line last week LOL, sorry 'bout that, was poxy Wednesday results show.;-) The action is on the Tuesday night competition shows!:-) Actually, I'm addicted to it and would watch anyway--some great contestants; keep an ear out for Joshua, Ruben, Kimberly, Carmen, and my favorite, Clay, who looks like Alfred E. Newman but boy can he sing! Even Simon Cowell has a hard time finding fault with him. Moon, I want to be a fly on the wall when your DH figures out where he's been led.;-)

Just read that Elisha Cuthbert ("Kim," Kiefer's daughter on 24) has a role in Love Actually. Kelly Preston will be on Regis & Kelly on April 1.

I saw a new ad for WAGW during ET tonight. Amanda is sort of outlined in neon during parts and then she stands out by herself. It shows the ending with the picnic on the lawn (at a table)(from a distance). It's a short ad. (Lora)...it looks like AB moves her head first in a certain way as if to show HD how to do the right move with one's head - perhaps while dancing?? I agree with you, Lora. It's like a head-banging dance move. I thought it was more of a heavy metal thing. Good luck with the premiere, Moon! Mari, Clay rules!

Um..... Mari?????? Okay, first, I want to apologize to everybody else who watched "American Idol" hoping to see the HD commercial. As you have probably guessed by its absence, I did decide to watch. Okay, so what shows on OPPOSITE "American Idol" had the commercial tonight? Go ahead, break my heart. (BrendaL)Mari, Clay rules! Yeah, he does, I must say. Ruben isn't chopped liver either.

Wow! I was away for a few days and there are almost 150 new posts! Thanks for all the great news and info. My head is literally swimming now, must proccess all this. Gaaaah.

Rika, Rika . . . even before checking this board, I could tell that you had watched tonight.;-) what shows on OPPOSITE "American Idol" had the commercial tonight? LOL, you know me too well, I was going to make something up. ROTF! Well, there's always the results show tomorrow.;-) Tell the truth, show is worth watching anyway. (I wouldn't mind discussing Clay, Ruben and any other AI faves on the Odds & Ends board, if anyone is interested!)

(Mari) Rika, Rika . . . even before checking this board, I could tell that you had watched tonight.;-) I saw the same movie commercials that were on Wednesday's results show (yawn) - View from the Top and Boat Trip. They're both opening Friday. I have seen quite a few WAGW banner ads on the Internet tonight, though. On Moviefone, the People site, I think someplace else too. (I wouldn't mind discussing Clay, Ruben and any other AI faves on the Odds & Ends board, if anyone is interested!) I'll see you over there. I think you may have hooked me on this show, which I had never watched before. Thanks a bunch. ;-)

Rika, it wasn't just you. I'm the one who gets in line (any line) just as it comes to a screeching halt while every other one starts moving. With BOTH of us watching I guess it was a foregone conclusion that there would be no HD sightings. Of course every OTHER movie in the known universe was plugged on the show.

(Mari)And put Dorine and me out of our misery by figuring out exactly wot AB is I finally saw the full HD version of WAGW commercial. It aired during the Simpsons. I have to agree...AB is definitely showing Hunk Daddy some sort of dance move. Moon...best of luck. We'll be here with our fingers crossed. You will have to check out all the parties. Lucky girl!! Thanks Karen, for the premiere news.

(Linda) I finally saw the full HD version of WAGW commercial. It aired during the Simpsons. Sure, rub it on. I just wanted to let anybody know who wants to see the HD version that tonight would be a good night to watch for it. My guess is that it will be on every show, all evening, since I have to work and so won't have the TV on. ;-)

(Rika)Sure, rub it on. Hey, welcome to the club of HD-deprived ;-)

Please check the heading above for the topic. This is Colin Firth News.

Some BJD2 news. It looks like Miramax will again handle the domestic (U.S and Canada) distribution and marketing for the sequel and Universal again will handle the international distribution. :) The studio is still planning for a March 26, 2004 release. We'll see Press junkets for Love Actually in Europe will tentatively begin mid November around the 21st. The junket for the U.S. is being scheduled now to coincide withe theatrical release in early Nov. Will let you know closer to the dates when you can expect to see interviews and press for the movie and cast. Trying to coordinate it with everyone's schedule is a bit tricky. Stay safe everyone!

(Hola) Some BJD2 news. It looks like Miramax will again handle the domestic (U.S and Canada) distribution Hurrah!! A NY premiere........ right?! The studio is still planning for a March 26, 2004 release. We'll see I thought it was scheduled for May 2004 the last we heard. That's a *really* fast turaround, isn't it? After ending shooting in Oct, according to the last we heard? Thanks, Hola for the BJD and LA update! :-D

Oh! Oh! Oh! Hunk Daddy-centric ad during Letterman! At 12:45am. Wouldn't think teens targeted this late and on this show. ;-) HD locks lips with Daphne's mom! Doesn't look too shabby either. :-D Anyone else seen this one? At the end, he tentatively asks Daphne if she likes Cocoa Puffs. Think they were in the kitchen....maybe with him in the robe? Was so flustered by the kiss, my attention was scattered after. ;-)

I see that Colin's name is no longer listed for Jon Stewart's show on the 25th. Could be just the usual schedule shuffling, or maybe he's not too crazy about hopping a transatlantic commercial flight at this time. couldn't Warner's send a company jet?;-) (Dorine)Hunk Daddy-centric ad during Letterman! . . . HD locks lips with Daphne's mom! That must be the scene from the "book" where D mentions her parents making out. Am glad that made the cut.:-) (Lola)It looks like Miramax will again handle the domestic (U.S and Canada) distribution I knew it. Boo hiss . . .

Thanks, Hola, for the news. (Hola) The studio is still planning for a March 26, 2004 release. (Dorine) I thought it was scheduled for May 2004 the last we heard. Maybe I missed an update, but I have April 9th on TEOR page. But it is a quick turnaround.

I see that Kelly Preston is now scheduled for Last Call with Carson Daly on 4/3. So, she's doing the heavy lifting for the adult audience. (Hubby is also on the circuit, promoting his film, and they seem to have it all coordinated.)

(Hola) The studio is still planning for a March 26, 2004 release. (Dorine) I thought it was scheduled for May 2004 the last we heard. (Karen) Maybe I missed an update, but I have April 9th on TEOR page. But it is a quick turnaround I think I thought it was May 9, so that's my confusion. Oddly, it didn't occur to me to check the TEOR page first.

(Lola)It looks like Miramax will again handle the domestic (U.S and Canada) distribution (Mari)I knew it. Boo hiss . . . Thanks, Lola, for keeping us up to date...I'm just glad someone is handling it. Thanks for the LA news as well. (Dorine)Anyone else seen this one? Oh no, don't tell me I have to hunt for another new version.

Someone from another list just e-mailed me this about a NY premiere for WAGW. I'm late for a meeting, but can someone else call and find out if he's coming? Could they have bagged the LA premiere in favor of one that's to benefit a worthy cause? http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/news/movie-premiere/index.html

Well this is a mystery! Dorine and Rika, there is your chance. It would be most upsetting if they cancelled the LA premiere. They don't usually have bi-coastal premieres, right? :-(

Thanks, Mari and whoever, for the news item. Date sure works with all of Kelly Preston's NY-based TV appearances. Is this one of her charities? (Moon) They don't usually have bi-coastal premieres, right? :-( There are quite a few.

(Moon) They don't usually have bi-coastal premieres, right? :-( ( Karen)There are quite a few. Must be, here is another in San Diego... http://kswbtv.trb.com/community/contests/kswb-contests-whatagirl-main,0,2049374.customform?coll=kswb-home-utility

Are there any confirmed sneak-preview sites for WAGW on the 29th? I'm trying to figure out how to find that out in my area. (Moon) Dorine and Rika, there is your chance. For Dorine and some others, maybe. Unfortunately I teach Wednesday nights. Suppose I could get away with cancelling class using that "religious holiday" line of Tress's? (Dorine) Oh! Oh! Oh! Hunk Daddy-centric ad during Letterman! At 12:45am. Naturally, I turned Letterman off at 12:30 am. Sigh. It was also on Good Morning America on Wednesday, according to a colleague.

MariaT, that's an exculsive screening. They have plenty of those, not like a premiere, where the stars are expected.

I called and got an answering machine that takes your info for RSVPs. Will hold tix at Will Call window. I also asked in my message who may be attending and how to donate to the Rainforest Alliance (how PC of me). Actually it's a cause I believe in. I suppose it's a tie-in to Sting and his wife, Trudy Styler's annual benefit concert. It's usually at the beginning of April. Whether he's there or not, if I can get tix, I'm going. Ziegfeld has a huge screen. Great old theater. Thanks so much for the heads-up, Mari.

Hi y'all Just want to tell you that I contacted Katie MacAllister, author of 'Improper English'. I could have sworn that book was written by one of our more talented members. I had to ask: Q) Is it my imagination or did you write Improper English as a screen vehicle for Britain's dishiest actor? A) you know there are several actors I wiould personally like to see in the role of Alex. Of course I would have to audition them all privately just to make sure they were right for the role --- come to think of it many many auditions --- very, very privately---- would probably be in order . It would be a sacrifice on my part, but nothing is to good for my readers. Mmmm, yes! You're not buying that, are you? I'm glad you enjoyed the book, and Yes! Colin Firth is just about right for any role. Awed by Katie's marvelous sense of self-sacrifice your humble servant has decided to spare her the trouble of one particular audition at least, by offering my poor self in her place. If you haven't read it yet please do, you will love it. you can get it through dorchesterpub.com

(Dorine)Ziegfeld has a huge screen. Great old theater. Way t,go, Dorine!!You're our rep! That's where we attended the BJD premiere exactly two years ago. On 54th St. across from the Hilton off 6th. Lots of premieres are shown here...SIL when Colin and Livia attended. They had one in LA too.(Also with C& L)

I just caught a glimpse of Colin on Extra. It was between 5 and 10 minutes into the show and was an old clip (probably) of him walking down the carpet at some premiere. Maybe BJD? He didn't speak and I missed what the announcer was saying. Something about Colin coming over to the US to do publicity. Very short clip but it made my heart pound anyhow. After I saw that I went back to watching the Letterman show I'd taped last night and got to see HD's kiss in the new ad. I see lips parting! Kelly very cleverly goes for the upper lip. He gets better looking in each new ad. Dorine, Sting and Colin in one night?! They'd have to carry me out. Be sure to take extra oxygen :-) Marilyn, thanks for mentioning the "Improper English" book. Colin is quite the muse. I had written to Suzanne Brockmann about how she referred to Colin in her Into The Night book. She said she's a big fan and thought it was funny how I read the book because she wrote his name a few times. He should get royalties!

(Brenda) I just caught a glimpse of Colin on Extra. Grrrr! Nothing we can do here. All those shows have been preempted. Wonder if there's a late night replay... Yeeees! At 1:35 in the morning. Surely, that won't be preempted. Time to start that tape... ;-)

Just caught the trailer with the kiss on E! during E!News Live. That kiss didn't look half bad. I wonder if it will be repeated on tomorrow's repeat? Does that make sense? Now, I have to check if there is a late night repeat of Extra here. Just got my copy of Improper English, can't wait to read it.

I just saw the rerun of Extra and what they said was that Colin won't be flying over to the US for publicity for WAGW.

I just saw Colin on Extra -- not good news I'm afraid. The announcement was that he won't be leaving England to promote WAGW!!! (Wonder if I should cancel my trip to London????) I just ordered Improper English--curiousity got the best of me!

(Linda) That kiss didn't look half bad. I wonder if it will be repeated on tomorrow's repeat? Does that make sense? I just caught 'the kiss' on The Simpsons. Yeah! Finally! I hadn't seen this trailer and was about to just give up! And I agree....the kiss doesn't look half bad! Had the worst day at work....not feeling well...come home to CNN blasting....the DH walks out of the room for 2 seconds. Had my window and BAM! There is ODB making-out (and appearing to do it quite well)! I feel so much better now! ;-) BTW, love the 'eye thing' he does toward the end.

The announcement was that he won't be leaving England to promote WAGW Thanks all you Canadians for the reports from Extra. My question would be why did Extra announce this? It's not like anyone knows Colin or like it was the Huge Gnat. Seems strange to me. But I'll try to catch the replay later.

(Leona) The announcement was that he won't be leaving England to promote WAGW (Karen) My question would be why did Extra announce this? It's not like anyone knows Colin or like it was the Huge Gnat I thought it was rather bizarre as well. Especially if they didn't mention anyone else. Maybe when he got that new agent, he actually did pick up a PR rep and they're just getting his name out there for any reason. Can't believe how they're promoting the heck out of this movie. The WAGW posters are in all the subway stations on the express line in Queens. I noticed them as we blew through each station. Multiple posters in each station, not just one. And as I said, if I can get tix, I'm going anyway. :-)

(Brenda) Sting and Colin in one night?! They'd have to carry me out. Be sure to take extra oxygen :-) Well, will bet it's neither. Be surprised to see Sting at this, but as it is one of his wife's (and maybe his) pet projects, maybe they will be. Oddly enough though, haven't heard a peep about the concert. Maybe not having it this year? Usually all over the rock stations. (Moon) They don't usually have bi-coastal premieres, right? :-( I don't know about other times of year, but during awards season, almost all, if not all contenders seem to have bicoastal premieres.

I was looking for sneak preview information, and while I didn't find any that was relevant to me, I did find these. They're all at universities, and I don't know if passes are restricted to students or not. At any rate, it's interesting that they've lined up a lot of these, and I wouldn't think college students would be at all the target market for this film: MIT, April 1, 8 pm - http://lsc.mit.edu/current_term/desc.html University of Georgia, March 31, 9 pm - https://db.uga.edu/stuact/cal.html RPI (Troy, NY), March 31 - http://cinema.union.rpi.edu/s03b.html University of Rochester, March 31, 9 pm - http://sa.rochester.edu/urcg/ U Cal. San Diego, April 2 - http://eventplanner.ucsd.edu/stafffeaturess1.lasso U Cal. Davis, April 1, 8 pm - http://campuscinema.ucdavis.edu/films.html U Cal. Santa Barbara, April 1, 8 pm - http://www.as.ucsb.edu/aspb/calendar.html

Just wantet to say thank you for all the news, ladies - though sorry to hear that he will not appear on the Daily Show:( Good luck to those of you, who are going to the previews.

Looks like another opportunity for Matthew Modine is looming in the horizon;-)

(Rika)Are there any confirmed sneak-preview sites for WAGW on the 29th? I'm trying to figure out how to find that out in my area. I called our local multiplexes where I've seen the poster. One confirmed a sneak preview, or sort of...the guy was nice, and tried not to give out info that he wasn't supposed to, but he did tell me that I could buy tickets on Tuesday;-)

Thanks Winnie and Brenda for the CF news from Extra. What context was it in? War affecting Hollywood plans? Did they say why he wasn't coming? Didn't want to fly over? Didn't want to appear trivial? Didn't want to appear? ;-) (Evelyn)Looks like another opportunity for Matthew Modine is looming in the horizon;-) LOL!

(Mari) Didn't want to appear? ;-) How convenient everything started now. ;-) April 2 is still almost 2 weeks away. Maybe there's a *slim* chance that he'll pop over then. Maybe things will be "calmed down" some by then. (One can hope) (Linda) I called our local multiplexes where I've seen the poster. One confirmed a sneak preview, or sort of...the guy was nice, and tried not to give out info that he wasn't supposed to, but he did tell me that I could buy tickets on Tuesday ;-) Nice work Linda! Guess I'll start an investigation, too, and check out Sunday's paper. Nothing in this week's Time Out. :-(

Mystery's threads beginning to unravel. Turns out Extra is produced by Warner Bros. At its website, here's the blurb for yesterday's lead story: On the next "Extra," will the Oscars go on? The war has begun and Hollywood's setting up for the Academy Awards, but will the stars show? Plus, growing fears may bring air travel to a grounding halt. Find out how the war could devastate the travel industry. And the stars speak out about the war. There's a video preview. Doesn't look like there's even a Colin snippet, but that could just be for my slow connection. http://extratv.warnerbros.com/ Probably should check later when they switchover to today's lead story; maybe this one will rate an article and we'll get the context.

"...but will the stars show? Plus, growing fears may bring air travel to a grounding halt. Find out how the war could devastate the travel industry. And the stars speak out about the war. " Oscar folks say all the [Ed. note "brave"]nominees are coming "from around the globe". I posted snippets and the URL from the NY Times article on O&E.

(Mari) What context was it in? Mari, the part about Colin came up right after they mentioned that Will Smith would not be attending the Oscars. No specific reason was given just that a lot of stars were being extra cautious because of the war. There was mention of some other people too who had cancelled various things because of what's happening... (But it was a nice shot of Colin...)

Extra cautious? The stated reason for Will Smith's cancellation was that he didn't feel comfortable attending, given the situation. There's a big difference between "being cautious" and "making a statement." Was Colin's name in the latter group? I would expect that to be the case more so than the first. Besides, he probably has an appointment at the perfume counter at Harrods. ;-)

(Leona)(But it was a nice shot of Colin...) Thanks Leona. For whatever reason...at least it gives him exposure;-)

Plus, growing fears may bring air travel to a grounding halt So will I be the only one on the plane to Atlanta tomorrow? ;-) Was looking forward to seeing some of these shows live with CF for a change but 'tis not to be.

'Tis not to be for me either. I was so close. I will not be attending the premiere if ODB's not there.

I don't know what Colin's reasons are for not traveling, but I don't blame anyone for not traveling within the next week or two. (Moon)I was so close. I was too, I was definitely going to NY if he was attending the premiere there;-(

(Linda)but I don't blame anyone for not traveling within the next week or two. I am....so is a buddie from UK....:-D Have a good time in Atlanta, Allison. Wish it was Chicago;-)

Wish it was Chicago;-) That's next month :-)

Allison, there's a preview showing of WAGW on Saturday, March 28 throughout the US and Canada, so if you're staying on, you can see the film and your trip won't be a total loss. ;-) ;-) ;-) (Evelyn)For whatever reason...at least it gives him exposure;-) No such thing as bad publcity, eh?;-) Thanks for the Extra description, Leona.

Oops, make that Saturday, March 29.

I found this tidbit in a Canadian mag called Inside Entertainment: What a Girl Wants....a girl gets! Particularly if she's a 19-year-old loud American (Amanda Bynes) who bursts her way into upper-crust British society like a bull in a china shop, forcing a reunion with her absentee father. Kelly Preston stars as the bohemian mother who, together with Colin Firth, begat the ingratiating--and thoroughly grating--Daphne. I like the word 'begat'. I don't expect any great reviews for WAGW, but the writers should remember it's for kids. And me!

Ten Reasons Why Colin Will Not Be Coming to the Premiere* *Note : This is a traditional response on Drool whenever he is a no-show. No offense is mean't. All in fun. 1.(Karen: message 242)... he probably has an appointment at the perfume counter at Harrods. ;-) 2.(E) The anti-war marches are more fun in London than in LA;-)

(Evelyn)Ten Reasons Why Colin Will Not Be Coming to the Premiere* 1.(Karen: message 242)... he probably has an appointment at the perfume counter at Harrods. ;-) 2.(E) The anti-war marches are more fun in London than in LA;-) 3.He will be too busy monitoring(a la Ross Talbert)Rika, and manipulating the networks, to ensure she never sees the HD trailer prior to the movies release...

Too funny Evelyn! You'e right, we must carry on with Drool no-show tradition: 4. Big party at Will Smith's house. 5. Quantas Captain John Travolta refused to give him a lift over here. 6. He suffers from SPS--Shy Piggie Syndrome--a rare but debilitating disorder that prevents sufferers from removing their shoes in front of airport personnel. 7. Susan Sarandon already stole all his topical one-liners for the talk show circuit.

(Dorine)Anyone else seen this one? Yes, I've seen it a couple of times this week. Only saw this version this week though. Was flustered by kiss too. Looking vg. Above average kiss. (Dorine) Maybe when he got that new agent, he actually did pick up a PR rep and they're just getting his name out there for any reason. One can only hope. LOL ladies. Great list. 8.Who needs press junket, when black leather pants speak volumes.

FYI, the April Empire prominently features the Love Actually pic of Laura Linney and that guy she never mentions. The write-up gives the story (yada yada), whose in it (yada yada) and naturally some soundbytes from the Gnat about his lover Richard Curtis. How Richard wanted to direct him, instead of fawning and being a syncophant, and he kept asking Huge to do it this way or that way. ;-) 8. Volunteered to sort the Spring collection into appropriate bins at Oxfam. 9. Everything he owned clashed with the red carpet.

Thanks for all the info everyone. Do go to Ziegfeld, it was great for the BJD premiere. I see that today's Guardian has taken a leaf out of Laura Linney's book and mentioned all 4 of ODB's co-stars in its TIOBE review plus Oliver Parker...... So 10. Too busy writing to the Guardian letters page about their lack of fully informed Arts coverage in times of strife.

9. Everything he owned clashed with the red carpet. And its corollary: 11. Rufuses to walk a red carpet that's not covered in white mystery foam. *Waving to you Lizza, our Ziegfeld Girl!* I just got a callback from a very nice lady at the Rainforest Alliance. April 2 is indeed a real premiere, with stars, press, etc. She said she was told that all the main stars were coming, including Colin. But . . . she may not have been watching Extra last night.;-) I doubt he'll have a change of heart in the next week and a half (which is the problem with avoiding things out of fear--when does it become "safe"?), but if anyone is planning to go, I say do it anyway--and pump Kelly P. about the snogging skills.;-)

12. Mario (is he still there?) at ICI called a rehearsal for the reading in April. 13. "You want me to go back? I was just in Canada last month." and the corollary: 14. Going to Bradford ....hey, better late than never.

I just got a callback from a very nice lady at the Rainforest Alliance Bugger, I don't know if I have tix or not. No calls to confirm. :( Must be patient. Must be patient. LOL re the list everyone!

15. Can't possibly travel, not feeling well after overindulging on Luca's birthday cake. 16. Avoiding Mr. Travolta as he may be angry that I slipped Ms. Preston the tongue. Okay, I'm not 100% sure on that last one, but a girl can dream. Good luck Dorine! Hope you hear that you have your tickets soon...

17. Angry about small size picture in Premiere Mag. 18. Not invited to Vanity Fair party. 19. Can't face Moon and her kissing lessons question.

Once again, words fail me. I'll try; thank you for the informations (what good will it do me ;-)), and marvellous list, ladies (clapping my hands;-)) About the red carpet thing, didn't he mention once in that interview from Italy with MEM that he would never "wear" read again? :D (I'm trying to vary my winkies)

Hi, Just wanted to drop in and say that I am with Karen on the belief that Colin's decision not to come to the US is probably more motivated by a political stance/statement than by fear. There are many people in other countries talking about boycotting US industries and products, including the US movie industry. Australians are talking about 'boycotting' the Oscars, though I really think it's a bit pointless, since most of the actors in Hollywood are just as opposed to war as most Australians... Anyway, I just wanted to say that I think it's more probable that Colin is 'boycotting' America, not that he's afraid to come.

Um, if that were the case, Jane, he'd have to boycott Great Britain too, right? By that measure, he'd have to leave home and hang out in Italy until he's no longer mad at either one of us.;-) His reasons are his reasons. I wouldn't be surprised if he felt it was a bit trivial to go hawking a movie (especially one as trivial as this) at the present time. Whatever. The Top Ten List (which has gloriously grown into a Top 19 and couting) is Drool's way (and a very healthy way, IMO) of dealing with disappointment/sadness/nerves with a touch of humor and irony. Not meant to be taken literally.

Dorine, just leave your order on the answering machine. That's what she told me to do if I decided I wanted tickets. They'll hold them for you at "will call" on the day of the premiere. BTW, it didn't sound like they'd run out of them any time soon.:-) Flipping through the new Entertainment Weakly, I see Colin was to have been a guest on Regis & Kelly next Tuesday. But here's the best part: Regis's guest co-host that day is to be: Sean Combs! Yes, we could have had Hunk Daddy and Puff Daddy on the same screen! Are you not diverted?;-)

(Jane) I am with Karen on the belief that Colin's decision not to come to the US is probably more motivated by a political stance/statement than by fear. I didn't think I'd voiced an opinion. Nor very importantly have I said anything one way or the other in judgment of his decision. Just wanted to make that clear, folks. (Mari) Yes, we could have had Hunk Daddy and Puff Daddy on the same screen! Are you not diverted?;-) Oh man, total bummer!! But at least we wouldn't have Kelly going into the post-partum stuff again and again and again.

Just saw on Access Hollywood that while several premieres in the next week are cancelled, WAGW's press/publicity junket and premiere next week are still a go. No mention of stars to attend. Thanks, Mari re: WAGW premiere. Would be nice to have confirmation beforehand, so I don't have to worry that they've gotten something wrong and just find out when I get there. (Mari) Yes, we could have had Hunk Daddy and Puff Daddy on the same screen! Are you not diverted?;-) ROTFL!! I'd pay lots of money to see that. Oh wait, I'm giving the cable company my first born. ;-) I wouldn't be surprised if he felt it was a bit trivial to go hawking a movie (especially one as trivial as this) at the present time. But....but....it's for the Rainforest! That's a worthy cause. The Top Ten List (which has gloriously grown into a Top 19 and couting) is Drool's way (and a very healthy way, IMO) of dealing with disappointment/sadness/nerves with a touch of humor and irony. Not meant to be taken literally. Thank goodness I have you guys to amuse me. I try my best to reciprocate. ;-)

(Dorine)But....but....it's for the Rainforest! That's a worthy cause. You're right, it is. I hope they get lots of donations. I like when the premieres benefit a good cause. And I shouldn't have called the film trivial. If it was trivial, he wouldn't have done it, right?;-) Here's our first WAGW review from a major critic--and it's a decent one. I'm sure they'll post the full review soon. From Rolling Stone: A New York teen (Amanda Bynes) leaves the mom who raised her (Kelly Preston) to find the Brit lord of a dad (a charming Colin Firth) who deserted her. It's slick girlie stuff, but the cast makes it go down easy. --PETER TRAVERS (March 21, 2003)

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I think it's more probable that Colin is 'boycotting' America, not that he's afraid to come. I doubt that v. much. The Oscars have nothing to do with foreign policy , fergodsake. There are many people in other countries talking about boycotting US industries and products, including the US movie industry. Gasp! That's terrifying.

And I shouldn't have called the film trivial. If it was trivial, he wouldn't have done it, right?;-) Nor if it teemed with frivolity, right? ;-) Thanks for the mini RS review, Mari. Just figured it wouldn't seem so trivial to hawk this film in NY, at least, as it's tied to a good cause. Though if he's concerned about the safety of himself and family, can't blame him. Geez, how selfish of me to think only of this premiere than sitting at home staring at the TV and not living life. Staying home won't help those soldiers or show whether I'm supportive or not.

Love the top 10+, and very honored to have been a part of it! Saw another AB-centric trailer (heavy sigh) tonight on Gilmore Girls, which I taped on Tuesday but hadn't watched yet. This one had Daphne (I assume) tossing him something as he sat among other people, and he was startled as it landed in his lap. The WB was also doing tie-ins to the movie with promos for her TV show. And I've seen tons of banner ads for it. (Peter Travers) to find the Brit lord of a dad (a charming Colin Firth) Woo hoo! Off to a good start, anyway. Thanks, Mari!

You're not selfish, Dorine. Life goes on, as it has to. Ok, Rika, now you have no excuse. Thanks to Robair at amandabynesnow.com, we have the commercials! #3 (which I'll call headbangers ball, due to the final frames;) is my personal fave.:-) Enjoy, ladies! http://www.amandabynesnow.com/channel/channel.htm

(Me)Geez, how selfish of me to think only of this premiere than sitting at home staring at the TV and not living life. Staying home won't help those soldiers or show whether I'm supportive or not. (Mari) You're not selfish, Dorine. Life goes on, as it has to. Thank you Mari. I forgot my excessively sarcastic winkie after my statement. ;-) Thanks for the link and ad info Mari.

Sorry Karen - certainly didn't mean to "put words in your mouth". I thought that when you posted (post #242)... There's a big difference between "being cautious" and "making a statement." Was Colin's name in the latter group? I would expect that to be the case more so than the first. ...that you meant that you thought Colin was more likely to be "making a statement" than "being cautious"... please pardon my confusion. As for my remarks about boycotts, I was simply trying to let you know what is going on in places other than the US. I didn't expect anyone to be "terrified". ;-)

Mari, thank you for the link. Now I know where to go and get my fix of HD whenever I need it. (Also thank you Rika, for fretting, if that has anything to do with the link being postet here ;-)) About the videosnippets, once again being silly, but I couldn't help but notice at least to small Mr. Preston imitations; blp/sleeveless top and the "two finger attitude" from PULP fiction. Not intentional, I'm sure ;-)

Mari thanks for the link * waving back *

(Mari) You're not selfish, Dorine. Life goes on, as it has to. *in manner of British Parliament*...Here! Here! And those guys on TV wouldn't want it any other way. Thanks for the link, Mari. Should we celebrate Amanda's 17th b'day next week?;-) As for my remarks about boycotts, I was simply trying to let you know what is going on in places other than the US. I didn't expect anyone to be "terrified". ;-) *Whew! Whiping brow* I wouldn't want to boycott those divine Australian wines;-).

Ev: Now just a darn minute! I must have my say about Australian wines: http://www.australianwines.com/contents.html http://www.mcguiganwines.com.au/awards.php3

(Mari)Ok, Rika, now you have no excuse. Thanks to Robair at amandabynesnow.com, we have the commercials! #3 (which I'll call headbangers ball, due to the final frames;) is my personal fave.:-) Mari, you're my HERO!!! I've been to that site a few times this week to see if they had the spots, but always on the WAGW page - I didn't know about the "AB Channel" page! Finally got to see the head-banger dance! Am doing a happy dance myself.

OT (Murph)Now just a darn minute! I must have my say about Australian wines: LOL.You won't get an argument outta me...I said: "divine Australian wines...." I'm a Lindemann Chardonnay girl myself ( what we drank at "192", Mari.) But hey...those reds from Adelaide are a close second;-) sorry boss

The list continues as to why YKW isn�t attending the US premiere of WAGW: 20. Has taken up new hobby of memorybooks (scrapbooks), and is too busy sorting and pasting (with acid-free glue stick) pics of Will and Luca. 21. Has decided to �do� Hamlet after all...next week. 22. Is coping with own version of �Shock and Awe:� he found Spring and is busy reading all the postings from the beginning to the present! Gaaaaaaah! Thanks to all who have posted so much CF news of late. Mari, I was v. grateful for the ads, as I have only seen the hunk daddy version once. Isn�t that guitar riff from the ubiquitous La�s �There She Goes?�

Article about Vermeer at The Telegraph today because of an upcoming BBC2 documentary on 29 March. Since the site requires registration, here it is: Violent truths behind the Vermeer of tranquillity (Filed: 22/03/2003) In a new BBC2 documentary, Andrew Graham Dixon reveals details of the life of the great Dutch painter that have never before been made public - details that, he argues, show his art in an entirely new light. He talks to Jasper Rees For 300 years after his death, almost nothing was known of the life of Jan Vermeer. In the past 20 years, researchers and scholars have retrieved scraps of information from archives in Holland. We now know that his grandfather was a coin-forging huckster, and possibly a spy, while his grandmother ran illegal lotteries. His father was a humble innkeeper who mortgaged his property to pay for his son's apprenticeship. We also know that Vermeer married into a Catholic family, had 13 children, of whom two died young, and lived with his mother-in-law, whose own experience of marriage consisted largely of beatings handed out by her violent husband. Vermeer died in penury aged 43. Pieced together, such details tell us something about the turbulence of 17th-century Holland that the paintings withhold. Or do they? In his film on Vermeer for BBC2's The Secret Lives of the Artists, Andrew Graham Dixon argues that the artist imagined on canvas a vision of tranquillity which eluded him in life. Q: Yours is the first film which brings these findings to a wider public. Why have they not emerged before? A: Vermeer and his Milieu by John Michael Montias was published in 1989. I can't think of another book that has more changed the landscape of what we know about an artist, and yet for some mysterious reason this information hasn't got across to the general public. Montias set out to write a book about the economic conditions of the art market in Delft and in the course of his researches he found that he had discovered Vermeer's family quite by chance. He managed to recreate this web of history. Q: He is the person who found all this information? A: He didn't find all of it. The most amazing document of all is the eyewitness account given by Vermeer's widow of his death. Vermeer dies a pauper, broke because of the French invasion of Holland in 1672 and the Dutch decision to break the dykes to expel the French; this ruins the economy, the art market crashes, Vermeer can't sell his pictures or pictures by other painters which he has as part of his stock. He goes mad, he dies. We wouldn't know any of that if it hadn't been for the fact that his widow was from a very rich family in Gouda. Her great-great-grandfather left a charitable bequest to the Charity Chamber in Gouda, and any member of his family who fell on hard times was entitled to claim that money. After Vermeer died, she went to Gouda. In her claim there is this account by his wife of how he died, which is totally extraordinary. She is possibly laying it on a bit thick because she needs money for her and her 11 children. But she says, "Please help me. Tormented by anxiety my husband fell into `decadence and decay' and went into a frenzy," so that in a day and a half he went from being healthy to being dead. This document was turned up by a schoolteacher. He even published it, but in the form of a private pamphlet, so nobody saw it. Q: You take these scraps of fact to make a case for a sort of unified vision in Vermeer's work. Can these biographical details - in particular, the discovery by scholars of a violent father-in-law and an equally violent brother-in-law - be read into the paintings? A: The aim of this series is to take artists who are very well loved and to reveal facts that 99 per cent of people don't know about them, which are capable, I think, of making you see the art in a completely different light. A lot of art history is highly suspicious of attempts to interpret artists' works in the light of artists' lives. The notion that art is an autobiographical activity comes after Vermeer. But the fact is that Vermeer's paintings are decidedly strange compared to all other Dutch 17th-century painters. There is something about the nature of their calm and their overall consistency that is fascinating. You do feel you are dealing with a vision rather than a series of paintings. There is an interesting archival basis for this because it turns out that nearly all his pictures were painted for one man, Jacob Van Ruijven. It makes you think that Vermeer could, more than nearly any other painter of his time, paint the pictures that he wanted to paint. You have an artist who is painting, in a sense, his own pictures. So it's not completely mad to see those pictures as the expression of some kind of personal fantasy or compulsion. Q: An art historian in the film accuses you of being "very 19th-century". A: I suppose I am being quite 19th-century. There is a degree of advocacy. Do I really believe that The Milkmaid is Tanneke Everpoel? There is a fight with Willem Bolnes, Vermeer's mad brother-in-law, who comes into the house just when Vermeer's wife is at her most pregnant and attacks her with a long pole to which there is an iron pin attached. You just think, there is something extraordinary about the extent to which the paintings fail to reflect any of this, and in such a pointed way. He even has paintings of the most unattacked pregnant women you could imagine, in their peaceful interiors. We know about Bolnes because the Vermeer family tried to have him put away. Various witness statements were taken to have him sectioned and these give the details of these attacks. At one point Vermeer's maid, who is called Tanneke Everpoel, and who must have been fairly strong, actually disarms and restrains this psychotic brother-in-law. The Milkmaid is the only painting of a female servant in all of Dutch art where you don't have that nudge-nudge, wink-wink, she's got a big pair of tits atmosphere. Tanneke probably isn't the milkmaid, but she could be. He had to model her on somebody. And she does have very strong arms. Once you start running the facts of his life against the chronology of his paintings, I do find it very striking that his two pictures of pregnant women had been dated to around 1663-64 long before any of this information came out. And when did that attack happen on Vermeer's pregnant wife? 1663. Q: Are you the first to have spotted that it's raining in The View of Delft? A: No, I don't think I am. The danger of this is that, like a detective looking for evidence, you will find what you want to see. But once I started thinking about Vermeer as an artist who is determined to make in paint a kind of paradise of peace and tranquillity that his world will not furnish him with, I began to see things that I hadn't previously seen. I was looking at The View of Delft, which is one of my favourite pictures in the world, very close up. When you're filming, you get to see it under slightly different lighting conditions and I was looking at the incredibly delicate way in which he has painted the roofscape. I think he has used a version of the old medieval technique where you grind your pigment to different grades according to how sparkly you want it to be. He has ground it so the pigment is thick and granular like sandpaper and has created this incredible effect of shine on it. I was talking to the conservator and he thinks that was Vermeer's way of painting roofs that looked as if they were wet. It was one of those moments. I felt stupid that I hadn't realised it before. You've got this story of the clouds. You can see what's happening in the sky. There has been a storm that has passed over the town. The rain has wetted the roofs and the sun is shining and the city is literally gleaming. The storm has passed. And that is the Vermeer moment. His life and the life of almost everybody he knew was always lived under threatening thunderclouds, whether of war or domestic abuse or threat of financial ruin, and yet what he paints is the moment when the storm has passed. Q: To what extent will there be a scholarly rubbishing of your theory? A: I don't really mind. I'm not claiming to be able to prove that I'm not talking rubbish, and it could be totally inappropriate to read the facts of Vermeer's life into his pictures. But there are reasons for doing that in the case of Vermeer. Even the most cautious academic or art historian would have to agree that there is something very, very unusual about Vermeer's pictures. There is a deep underlying consistency to them which is almost like the kind of modern consistency you get in post-Romantic artists. He does invite this kind of interpretation. He very knowingly makes these paintings enigmatic. 'Secret Lives of the Artists: The Madness Of Vermeer' is on BBC2, Saturday March 29 at 7pm. A companion programme, 'Constable in Love', is on BBC2 this evening.

(article)"Please help me. Tormented by anxiety my husband fell into `decadence and decay' and went into a frenzy," V. interesting, thanks Karen. I wish we could see The Madness of Vermeer here in the states. Thanks, Mari for the link to WAGW snippets. LOL.You won't get an argument outta me...I said: "divine Australian wines...." Yes, they are divine...our local liquor store invited the owners of an Australian winery to promote their wines, excellent;-) Enjoy!

Thanks Karen. That's v. v. interesting. Got a book on Vermeer on the Frick a couple of months ago I haven't read yet. I'll have to keep this in mind when I read it.

Rather that should say....at the Frick. :-)

" Vermeer and his Milieu" by John Michael Montias *in supercilious manner"... Ahem....some of us used this book as reference in the GWAPE book discussion. "thinking about Vermeer as an artist who is determined to make in paint a kind of paradise of peace and tranquillity that his world will not furnish him with, I began to see things that I hadn't previously seen." Great insight. Can see ODB playing Vermeer like this. Thanks Karen for posting this. Those slugs at the Telegraph make you pay now. Boo Hiss. Lots in that article that I hadn't heard of before...mad brother-in-law etc. Reason #23: Wants to see "Madness of Vermeer" on BBC2 on Saturday, March 29th...for possible re-takes;-)

(LisaJH) 22. Is coping with own version of �Shock and Awe:� he found Spring and is busy reading all the postings from the beginning to the present! Gaaaaaaah! ROTFL! Shock, for sure - I don't know about the "Awe" part, though! More like "Shock and Horror," probably! Thanks, Karen, for typing up that article for us. I had the good fortune to see the Vermeers in the Frick Collection back in January (thanks to Mari posting that she'd done so when she was in New York - great idea!). This article puts a whole new spin on the remarkable tranquility and delicacy of the paintings.

One more... 23. He had second thoughts about Livia wearing Angelina Jolie's missing dress to the WAGW premiere.

(Linda)23. He had second thoughts about Livia wearing Angelina Jolie's missing dress to the WAGW premiere. Especially after having read Rikas comment on O&E during his read-through of spring LOL, Linda. Great list. Thank you for the article, Karen. Very interesting and in harmony with the other stuff I've been reading about Vermeer.

Hi, just to let all of you Aussies fans know - I saw an ad tonight for WAGW. It was on Ch 10 during Everybody Loves Raymond. Said starting April 3rd (as we knew). Was greeted with much joy and jumping up and down. Family thought that I'd gone mad (as usual) !!!

I have seen the WAGW ads too - finally! They are playing on most of the 'teen-targeted' evening shows (Home & Away, Neighbours, Simpsons, etc.) Since I can't stand many of these shows, I just turn to that station and go do other things until I hear the music from the ad... then run into the room to watch. *LOL* I also snuck into the previews before Maid In Manhatten on Saturday when I went to see The Emporer's Club and saw it twice - first in MiM previews, then in the previews before TEC. Sydney-area CF fans who would like to get together on the weekend of Apr 5-6 for a WAGW viewing in Sydney, please email me. It looks more like Sunday than Saturday at this point, but if enough ppl want to go on Saturday, I could be persuaded to go both days... ;-)

Re Vermeer on UK TV. I'd be happy to tape it (remember it will be PAL format), and send it to anyone interested, in return for a copy of one of his more hard-to-obtain movies. Email me if you're interested.

From the better late than never bureau 24. He's still chafing from those leather pants. 25. His hippy wig is at the cleaners. 26. He already used his best autoeroticism jokes. 27. He threw his back out doing air guitar. 28. He's practicing picking things up with his toes. 29. He's been told to limit his carbohydrate intake and this movie is just too damn sweet. 30. He ran out of political causes to discuss at those pesky movie press junkets. 31. He has a fear of potted palms. 32. LD told him that What a Girl Wants is for his ass to stay home. 33. That little Amanda Bynes is a B----! ;-))))) (apologies to Amanda fans, I'm sure she's a very sweet girl. No letters please.

(Joyce) From the better late than never bureau ROTFL....late? They were worth waiting for! 24. He's still chafing from those leather pants. Where was that assistant with the baby powder?? ;-)

34. As a socialist, he hadn't yet met his quota of things to boycott. (Not sure if that's really what socialists do, but that was a line in a play I saw last night. I have nothing against socialists) 35. Found out the crazy chick on the potted plant actually has a ticket to get *into* the theater this time. ROTFL, Joyce! My favorites of those....26, 29, 31, 32.

(Tress) Where was that assistant with the baby powder?? ;-) I was there but he didn't want powder. Likes to suffer says it helps his performances. But I did get to give massage.

The ad schedule for WAGW is rather odd. Just saw a shortened version of the HD-centric one with the kiss at 2am on TNT.

Not sure if it's a definitive source but www.odeon.co.uk has a release date listed for WAGW - August 8 2003.

Hope Springs has been deleted from the danish releaseplan. Has been listet for late June until now. WAGW is not listet at all. But - TIOBE is released on dvd April 29 (R2) in Denmark, which is almost 5 months earlier than the UK-release date. (Well, since the movie hasn't had any theatrical release here, it's only fair, that we get the dvd first ;-))

(LindaK) 23. He had second thoughts about Livia wearing Angelina Jolie's missing dress to the WAGW premiere. *reaching for my Windex* ;-) Great ones Joyce, especially: 29. He's been told to limit his carbohydrate intake and this movie is just too damn sweet. 32. LD told him that What a Girl Wants is for his ass to stay home. They were worth the wait! P.S. Evelyn, who can't remember her password, is getting a real chuckle out of #29! Thanks EmmaB for the news about WAGW's release in the UK; it's very likely to be correct. And, you'll finally get to see TIOBE, Annette. That's great!

DH pointed out that there may be a sneak preview of WAGW this Sat. Too bad, he is going out of town, so I'll have to go without him ;-)

Just a little tidbit from the Bradford Film Festival newsletter in case any of our UK friends are interested. The screenings are for this week, no specific dates given. We are using all of the Museum's facilities at this year's Festival, the TV Heaven Viewing Room will host a selection of titles from the TV Heaven archive including Scum, Tumbledown, Monitor: Elgar, First Tuesday: the Falklands War, Hillsborough and The South Bank Show.

(Evelyn)I'm a Lindemann Chardonnay girl myself ( what we drank at "192", Mari.) Wonderful stuff! Instead of three days of bottled water . . . I keep that around.;-) (Joyce)29. He's been told to limit his carbohydrate intake and this movie is just too damn sweet. 32. LD told him that What a Girl Wants is for his ass to stay home. ROTFLMAO! Great ones, Joyce! The Hot Button's Dave Poland wrote this in his column, based on Universal's 2003 preview at ShowWest. He's predicting $130 in box office for LA--that's blockbuster territory, folks: "Love Actually was presented as a kind of music video to the song, �Love Is All You Need�. The most overwhelming thing is that the movie seems to have more stars in it than an Irwin Allen movie. But even in this odd format, you can feel the overpowering warmth of this movie. It has the scent of Four Weddings & A Funeral, which might seem to be an obvious comment, since the movie is being made by Richard Curtis, who is the writer of most of �those� films and who is taking the director�s chair for the first time. But how can anyone resist all these people in all these loving situations? The film opens against The Matrix Reloaded, but looks like it will be a Thanksgiving favorite, perhaps for a second visit from many, with only Mona Lisa Smile as real competition for the holiday heartstrings."

Er, that's $130 million, of course.:-)

(Joyce) 29. He's been told to limit his carbohydrate intake and this movie is just too damn sweet. 32. LD told him that What a Girl Wants is for his ass to stay home. ROTFL Great, so funny and clever Joyce. Thanks for LA article Mari. Looks promising.

If anyone is still planning on going to the LA premiere, WHO: From the film: AMANDA BYNES, OLIVER JAMES, KELLY PRESTON and Director DENNIE GORDON will be joined by celebrity guests. *sniff sniff* Sorry Moon Dreams... http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/cb_headline.cgi?&story_file=bw.032403/230835594&directory=/google&header_file=header.htm&footer_file=

The Touchstone site now lists HS as coming soon which is cheering...It had been removed entirely there for awhile...Hope they are'nt just toying with us....

The film opens against The Matrix Reloaded, but looks like it will be a Thanksgiving favorite, perhaps for a second visit from many No, really? Thanks Mari, Thanks, Maria for the HS news. Toying with us...nah.

Old Pals - Zeta Jones and Colin -- Out Of the Blue: Did either of them think in 1991 when they were Chirsty and Alan making love in the moonlight that one day one of them would win an Oscar? Let's hope Colin's time in that sun comes one day.

(Murph)Chirsty and Alan making love in the moonlight The song Blue Moon has a very special place in my heart, because of this. I've forgotten to comment on your entrys, Joyce. V.g. indeed. On my daily surf I came across this site with productionnotes. Nothing new, but quite interesting. If they have allready been postet, I apologize. http://movies.warnerbros.com/pub/movie/whatgirl/notes.htm

His other film credits include Relative Values, My Life So Far, The Secret Laughter of Women, Fever Pitch, Circle of Friends, Playmaker, and the title role in Valmont. Won't he be pleased to see PM on the list? Oh, well, at least L. isn't. Thanks, Annette! I recognized a few of the quotes, but that included lots of new information (new to me, anyway). Some interesting locations.

Director Dennie Gordon was so passionate and determined to make What A Girl Wants in England that before the film was even greenlit, she traveled to England on her own coin to woo Colin Firth and to snap hundreds of potential location photos. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. ;-) Thanks for the link, Annette. Most of this was new to me. I believe the story synopsis was longer than the National Scholastic book.

Thanks, Annette, I hadn't seen most of this. she traveled to England on her own coin to woo Colin Firth Can only wonder how she feels about him not doing promotion for this.

Thanks, Annette. I recognized some things in there, but a lot was new to me as well.

she traveled to England on her own coin to woo Colin Firth (Mari) Can only wonder how she feels about him not doing promotion for this That's a v v good point. At least as bad as we do? :( It seems I have the opportunity to see it 3 days in a row next week, before it even opens. I may not want to see on opening day at this rate. ;-) Thanks, Annette.

Just got my tickets for the Saturday sneak preview. Can't wait. It will feel good to be doing theater reports, again. It boosts ticket sales, too;-)

Having read the productionnotes from WAGW more closely, I have to admit they held new informations to me too. Todays hunt gave this (at least one picture, I haven't seen before, no 15) go to the photogallery from this site: http://www.zap2it.com/movies/details/1,1295,34641,00.html

(Annette)(at least one picture, I haven't seen before, no 15) Thanks, Annette. I haven't seen that one either, reminds me of his look at the Polo event this past summer. Very British...Secret Service type of look.*sigh*

Thanks Annette, Great hunting! #4 also has him in tiny version..

From Robair (of the AmandaBynesNow website), Empire's comments of the trailer of WAGW. BTW, Lizza says that last line (re: David Brent) is extremely cruel (a major slur) but I think it does take aim at what I've questioned since day one... :-( Is there anything more frightening than seeing a grown man trying to express himself through the medium of dance? That's the question we're asking ourselves here in the Empire Online office after sitting through the trailer for the new teen film What A Girl Wants. Leaving no cliche unturned, the film follows an American bratty teenager's trip to England to find her long-lost father, played by Darcy himself � Colin Firth. That's the cue for obligatory shots of Big Ben, red double decker buses and mansion in the country...because you know, we British don't live in anything less than stately piles. Click here for the trailer, which features the most frightening dance sequence since David Brent took inspiration from Flashdance and MC Hammer.

Title of the item is: Colin's Groove Thang (Mr Firth gets down with his bad self) http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?4631

Yeah, but love the title of that little piece....Colin's Groove Thang. LOL! Between this and the silliness with the scarf in HS we've heard about (but may never see, Grrrr! ;-)), it appears he may be going through a kind of midlife crisis that's he has been exploring in his films lately. Getting in touch with his inner silliness......for all to see. ;-) How's *that* for armchair psychology? ;-) Just in case the winkie was overlooked, of course you know I'm kidding

On the positive side, another mention of Lions Gate's planned release of GWAPE for awards consideration: It is the smaller, independent companies that will have to make the most adjustments to the new Oscar date. Without unlimited marketing budgets, these outfits will now have to unveil their movies early and quickly. If they follow past habits and patiently wait for word-of-mouth to build, it could be too late for awards attention when a film's momentum finally reaches its apex. "We definitely are going to have to release our films faster," says Tom Ortenberg, president of Lions Gate Releasing, whose fall art house titles include William H. Macy's "The Cooler," Hayden Christensen's "Shattered Glass" and Colin Firth's "The Girl With a Pearl Earring." Says Goldwyn, whose company released the Oscar-nominated "The Crimes of Padre Amaro" on Nov. 15: "You just have to move everything up. You'll have to get your movies opened in September and October." http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/oscars/cl-et-horn25mar25,0,7200865.story?coll=cl-home-more-channels

Colin's Groove Thang (Mr Firth gets down with his bad self) I'd expect nothing less from someone dubbed "Hunk Daddy." ;-) Methinks HD will promote WAGW in Britain just as aggressively as he has in the States.;-) Speaking of which, a reminder that Kelly Preston will be on Letterman tonight; Luke Wilson is guest host. Also, saw brief KP interview bits from the press junket on ET and AH last night. She apparently lived in Iraq for a year as a child; dad was some sort of agricultural consultant, trying to help farmers become self-sufficient.

(Mari), Methinks HD will promote WAGW in Britain just as aggressively as he has in the States.;-) Can we blame him? What could he possibly answer that would really be of interest from WAGW? Thanks for all the links, ladies. I'm off to Los Angeles tomorrow, see you sometime in April.

(Moon)What could he possibly answer that would really be of interest from WAGW? Oh, I'm not the one to ask. *I* didn't take the role (and the money).;-) Enjoy your vacay, Moon.

Moon, enjoy your time in LA. (Mari)I'd expect nothing less from someone dubbed "Hunk Daddy." ;-) LOL, weren't you the one who did the dubbing?;-)

Have a good vacation Moon. Thanks for all the links ladies. There was alot of new stuff on WAGW for me Annette, thanks. Sounds promising for HS. Fingers crossed.

Don't think I've seen this yet... COLUMNS THE WICKED STAGE/GAG REEL March 27, 2003 By Rob Kendt My sainted boss has stepped out of the office for a week, daring to turn this column over to one of the inmates. "Rant," he said, "but nothing out of bounds." ... (snip) � Colin Firth stayed home rather than fly to Los Angeles for his press junket to promote What a Girl Wants. While this meant I didn't get the interview for the second year in a row�c'mon, Mr. Darcy, make another film next year and talk to me about the craft of creating an infinite variety of Englishmen�I couldn't exactly fault him for staying in England with his family during the first days of war. But in checking around L.A. theatres to see if performances were cancelled last week and weekend, I found theatre makers are a dauntless bunch�even if the audiences aren't. Publicist Philip Sokoloff reported box offices down about 25 percent for the shows he reps. But actor/director/teacher Laurie Woolery last week encouraged her cast and crew at Citrus College to continue prepping The Skin of Our Teeth. "We personally can't stop the war," she said she told her class, "but this can be our voice." http://www.backstage.com/backstage/columns/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1849008

Oh my....seems Colin gets teary in WAGW. Awwwwwww! ;-) KP and Luke Wilson cute on Letterman. She brought an excellent clip, lots of CF closeups. She and HD talking on the phone about Libby. He has to pause for a moment to wipe his eyes. Least that's what it looked like. Just realized she didn't mention Amanda once. If she did, I missed it. Kelly made comment everyone always says "Colin Firth, he's so great" and she readily agreed. Guess Mr. Preston wasn't around. ;-) Wasn't too keen on the new dark color of her hair with multiple shades of highlights. But she is gorgeous. Can't remember how old she is, but she looks so young.

Greg's Upcoming Movies at Yahoo: My Top 10 Best Picture Contenders: The Alamo (Touchstone, 12/25); Big Fish (Sony, December); Cold Mountain (Miramax, 12/25); House of Sand and Fog (Dreamworks, Fall TBA); Kill Bill (Miramax, 10/10); The Last Samurai (Warner Bros, 12/5); The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (New Line Cinema, 12/17); Love Actually (Universal, 11/7); The Matrix: Revolutions (Warner Bros, 11/7); Peter Pan (Universal, 12/25) My 11th Pick: Seabiscuit (Universal, 7/25) (note: as I made up my list this morning, I completely forgot about Seabiscuit; it definitely deserves to be in the top list, even if that leaves me with the uneven number of 11) http://movies.yahoo.com/upcoming/

There's a long article in the Australian Women's Weekly about Colin that was done from the GWAPE set. The magazine had contacted me a couple of months ago about pics, but they weren't able to secure one of Colin as Vermeer in time for publication. I'm awaiting the full text from Mimi, but Jane C has typed up some interesting tidbits from the article. I'll get the full thing up later... CF on Vermeer: "Very little is known about him, he is an enigma. he could well have been boisterous fun loving, completely bald, we just don't know. I already have a love of Vermeer but there is this particular quality about his paintings that I can't describe. I think they are serene. Then I look at them again and think they are rather troubled. I find I'm emotionally involved with the job. I love going to the gallery and pretending to be this bloke." CF on Lost Empires and acting: "I learned early on that having a sense of one's own ridiculousness can keep you sane. I was quite young and I had put a lot into a series Lost Empires (1986). It was one of my first disappointments. There was no ay that I could spin it to make it okay and I was feeling really bad about the whole thing. There was a moment where the misery of being an actor in something that nobody liked had just reached a peak, you know, and I suddenly found that it was hilarious, a fantastic feeling. [Ed note: Hmmm, L'dum and SLOW??] Now if something horrible has been written about me, I hone a friend and read it out. I learned that from another friend who once rang me and read out all his bad reviews. It is howlingly funny. The more precious you are the more it hurts, I think. And if it is hurting, it's a sign that you are being precious." That is not to say that he doesn't take his work seriously. He spent hours grinding minerals such as black onyx into powder to make Vermeer's paints. "I loved the smell of it. The actor's job begins where the words finish: you do the gesture, the walk, what lies in between. I try to work out what the person would have had to experience to have resulted in saying a line. I love solving how to say the line, and if I can't I will try and change it." On stardom: Yet Colin Firth is a reluctant star, uncomfortable in the media gaze and retreats from his fame with some alarm, wrestling with the dilemma of being a private person in a public occupation. "The normal things in my life are very important to me; friends, family, having a life.' You get the impression that he is far too intelligent to buy into the shallower, more hysterically egomanical aspects of celebrity. 'I don't occupy that zone, I don't have a star persona. That is a completely separate world and not where life's blessings are as far as I'm concerned. It is such an unnatural thing to watch yourself on the screen, it really throws you, and I have a tendency to withdraw. Sometimes, when you read your name, it is like reading about someone else. The name Colin Firth on a screen is very different from the name I used to see on my exercise books." A female journalist, going to interview Colin, was cautioned by a male friend who had worked with him not to be taken in by his "totally transparent mock modesty". there may be something in that. In the same way that there is always something going on underneath the repressed exterior of the characters he plays, there is something in the way Colin talks about himself that makes you suspect that there would have to be a healthy degree of ego and narcissism underneath the self-deprecating persona he presents. Given the amount of praise he receives from women, it would be hard to avoid at least absorbing some of it. This is a confirmed in a jokey but telling aside by his co-star Scarlett Johansson, who plays the servant girl, Griet, in Girl With a Pearl Earring. " Colin has such a huge ego he probably thinks he painted the paintings himself.' And so we leave him in his surreal pretend world of men in Flemish hats and women in tightly corseted brocade dresses, an exquisite work of art, smouldering among the sausages.

(CF in article) I love going to the gallery and pretending to be this bloke. I just love that he used the word bloke! ;-) (CF on Lost Empires) There was a moment where the misery of being an actor in something that nobody liked had just reached a peak, you know, and I suddenly found that it was hilarious, a fantastic feeling. Oh, now....I'm thankful everyday (okay, at least once a week) that he did LE! I love that movie!! (CF) I love solving how to say the line, and if I can't I will try and change it. Not if you are in a Milos Forman film you won't! A female journalist, going to interview Colin, was cautioned by a male friend who had worked with him not to be taken in by his "totally transparent mock modesty". LOL....hey, it is a girl's prerogative to be taken in by ODB's TTMM!! Thank you Karen and Mimi and Jane C....this was a very entertaining read!!

Thanks so much Jane C and Karen. Can't wait for the whole article from Mimi. Nicely done I thought. In the same way that there is always something going on underneath the repressed exterior of the characters he plays, there is something in the way Colin talks about himself that makes you suspect that there would have to be a healthy degree of ego and narcissism underneath the self-deprecating persona he presents. Given the amount of praise he receives from women, it would be hard to avoid at least absorbing some of it That's interesting that she's kind of "calling him on it", albeit not to his face it seems. I don't recall someone saying this quite so directly before, or it never struck me as such before. This is a confirmed in a jokey but telling aside by his co-star Scarlett Johansson, who plays the servant girl, Griet, in Girl With a Pearl Earring. " Colin has such a huge ego he probably thinks he painted the paintings himself." LOL! Wonder if he'll do demos of paint grinding and painting techniques instead of cooking demos on the talk show circuit during GWAPE PR. ;-)

In the same way that there is always something going on underneath the repressed exterior of the characters he plays, there is something in the way Colin talks about himself that makes you suspect that there would have to be a healthy degree of ego and narcissism underneath the self-deprecating persona he presents. Given the amount of praise he receives from women, it would be hard to avoid at least absorbing some of it I know I am biased, but if this were the case, what would be the point of all his false modesty? A man who is both a narcissist and egoist simply could'nt be bothered, unless he had a grand plan to manipulate the masses and the press so that they would think otherwise??? And he certainly does not seem to seek out the attention as this type of individual would be likely to do. The logic seems convoluted, but then again, I'm late for class again at USC (University of St. Colin) ;-))

Sorry, but I can easily believe that statement and have heard many intimations of such. His friends outside the Donmar were laughing at what was going on... Anyway, I have the scanned article and have started to type it up, but don't have time to deal with it now.

the way Colin talks about himself that makes you suspect that there would have to be a healthy degree of ego and narcissism underneath the self-deprecating persona he presents. I could imagine it. Much nicer and socially acceptable to quietly glory in unsought for attention rather than appearing to be needy or requiring it. Now, lest I find myself expelled from USC, the writer said "healthy degree of ego and narcissism." I can forgive him that, I believe it's generally agreed some measure of ego and narcissism is natural and probably necessary for actors. Besides, I'm sure he strives to keep it under good regulation. ;-) ``Nothing is more deceitful,'' said Darcy, ``than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.''

(Dorine)KP and Luke Wilson cute on Letterman. She brought an excellent clip, lots of CF closeups. She was darling. She mentioned co-starring with Colin and added that "women are always saying--ooooooohhh!, Colin Firth, he's so great!--and he is great!" Good clip, but an odd choice for promoting a comedy; but clearly this is the adult audience they're trying to bring in, so I suppose it's fine. Thanks for the new article tidbits, Karen, Mimi, and Jane. Of course he has an ago--it's inherent in an actor's being. Some are obnoxious about it and some aren't. I don't think this reporter has said anything that we all haven't already thought, i.e., how the hell could he not know he's hot?;-) He tries to be gracious about it, but maybe it comes across as disingenuous to some. Like protesting too much. Also, keep in mind, as we have been told, that he is very careful not to say things in interviews that would upset people close to him.

Amanda Bynes will be on Caroline Rhea's show Tuesday, April 1.

Thanks Karen, Mimi & Jane C!!!! Mari, do you think Caroline Rhea will tell AB that she is a Colin stalker?

(Barb)...I believe it's generally agreed some measure of ego and narcissism is natural and probably necessary for actors. Besides, I'm sure he strives to keep it under good regulation. ;-) I agree with you Barb. I think most actors have to have some degree of ego/narcissim in order to do what they do. I can overlook this in ODB...besides, I don't know which is more disturbing, that fact that he may be like that or that I don't mind in the least bit! ;-) I honestly don't think the 'face' he shows to the public is what he is truly like anyway. (Mari)...how the hell could he not know he's hot?;-) ROTF! Indeed!

(Mari)Amanda Bynes will be on Caroline Rhea's show Tuesday, April 1. Thank you, Mari. I was wondering when AB was going to do some publicity. I was pleasantly surprised that AB wasn't in the clip on Letterman last night. Thanks Karen, Mimi and Jane... (Mari)Some are obnoxious about it and some aren't As for the article...I tend to think he is aware that he is, "What you Americans call a hottie"...as I remember him saying,(how in Gawd's name can he not know) but I don't think I've ever read anything or heard any co-star ever say that he has a huge ego or was difficult to work with.

(Mari)...how the hell could he not know he's hot?;-) Oh, he's just putting a *neutral(looking)* face on it;-)

(Barb) I believe it's generally agreed some measure of ego and narcissism is natural and probably necessary for actors. Besides, I'm sure he strives to keep it under good regulation. ;-) I agree Barb, IMO its part of the makeup of the actor or anyone in the public eye for that matter. May be what makes them chose their professions to begin with. The need to have the ego sated moreso than the average indivdual. IMO a certain amount of ego is necessary to want to achieve notice from the public. (Tress) I honestly don't think the 'face' he shows to the public is what he is truly like anyway. Oh, I agree. And that is what makes it so much "fun" for him IMO and others. I doubt very much that anyone but the nearest and dearest really know what any luminaries are really like and IMO that's just how they want it. Thanks girls for all the news.

(BarbS) Much nicer and socially acceptable to quietly glory in unsought for attention rather than appearing to be needy or requiring it. There are 2 extremes in this situation. One extreme is to consciously seek it out, possibly being cocky about it, and the other is to attempt to ignore it as much as possible and not acknowledge it or disown it as much as possible if attention is brought to it. Before I read Mari's post, I was thinking as a compromise, I don't think it's inappropriate for someone in his situation to acknowledge it very discreetly simply by saying "thank you or it's nice of people to say", or whatever. I thought if I was in a position similar to some people, I don't know that I'd have too much of a problem with it and might even take a peverse pleasure in knowing I have something others want and can't have. But a person has to be fairly secure in many areas to have that attitude and I realized some people may not. Therefore someone in his position might need to display a certain attitude that may or may not be genuine. Then I read Mari's comment......He tries to be gracious about it, but maybe it comes across as disingenuous to some. Like protesting too much. Also, keep in mind, as we have been told, that he is very careful not to say things in interviews that would upset people close to him

There's a nice long clip on AOL Movies:First Look - What a Girl Wants. It's their motorcycle ride to get away from photographers. They go to an outdoor market to look at clothes and albums (like in trailor) that are being sold. CF says (while looking at albums for sale), "I've been looking for Coo Coo Al." It's cute. And, yes, Daphne is trying to teach him how to head bang. Anyway, I'm usually not so good at providing links, but if you have AOL, it's right on the initial 'you've got mail' page on the lower right hand side. Just click on it. What's nice about it is that it's a long continuous clip instead of a trailor montage. There's also a funny scene with Duckface during the air guitar scene that I hadn't seen yet! Maybe I can send it to someone and they can link it here. Would that work?

Thanks so much, Lora! It wasn't on my Welcome page for some reason, but got it through Keyword: First Look. Alternated between ROTFL! and.....cringing is too strong a word. ;-)

Just saw the First Look, if you're not on AOL this probably won't work, but you might give it a try. For those who've seen it, did you see the place to rate it and its score so far? 41% loved it, 35% liked it and 25% hated it -- did you guys vote more than once? ;-) aol://4344:1566.FirstGrl.25309796.732394605

(Lora)There's a nice long clip on AOL Movies:First Look - What a Girl Wants OMG, thank you Lora. The black leather pants scene...Can he move or what? I have seen the trailer before, but Yikes! He really can shake his thang. Noticed the earring too, I don't remember being able to see that from the trailer, at least I couldn't. Loved CF's smile as they finished the head banging and began to walk away. Great facial expressions as AB was trying on different outfits. Also, I found it amazing that the entire clip was all about CF and AB, except for the small clip of Duckface. No boyfriend, and the KP clip from Letterman focused on Mom and Hunk Daddy. Great! Thanks again, Lora.

(Linda)The black leather pants scene...Can he move or what? You definitely get a nice long sequence of the air guitar moves! I noticed the earring for the fist time here also. Love how he goes right back to dancing after Duckface leaves crying and "wanting her Henry back" ;-). He also air guitar/dances with his pinky sticking out - how very English ;-)! The outdoor market is where Hunk Daddy gets his henna tattoo. Plus we get lots of cute fatherly looks from HD/HD towards Daphne! I'm so thrilled to have provided some new info for fellow firthettes. I've never done that before, but there's always a firth time! Sorry I wasn't able to show a direct link for it. Thanks Barb and Dorine for mentioning other ways of trying it. Thanks Karen, Mimi and Jane for the comments above about GWAPE and 'ego'...very interesting comment from SJ. Thanks Annette for the very informative article about WAGW. There was some good behind the scenes stuff there.

Oh pooh, for the first time ever, I regret not having AOL. Saturday night's sneak preview of WAGW will be at 1,000 theaters. Film is expected to open on 2,600 screens on April 4. That's wiiiiide! Just saw the HD snogging commercial--not bad . . . not bad at all!:-) (Jodi)do you think Caroline Rhea will tell AB that she is a Colin stalker? Hee hee. I wouldn't put it past Caroline to ask Amanda how she was able to limit her onscreen emotion to innocent daughterly affection.;-)

Hollywood Reporter review What a Girl Wants Mar. 28, 2003 By Michael Rechtshaffen Opens Friday, April 4 While it shares its title with a Christina Aguilera tune, what "What a Girl Wants" really, really wants is to be "The Princess Diaries'" sassy sibling. The only problem is, compared with that surprisingly successful fish-out-of-water fairy tale, the 2003 version looks more like the impoverished stepsister. Its makers have been so busy running around trying to push all the preprogrammed buttons that the tender father-daughter theme at the picture's core seldom feels like anything more than another opportunity to alter the frantically changing pace. Given the ardent following of the "Girl" in question -- namely former Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes -- the Warner Bros. Pictures release stands to do at least moderate tween business, but it's destined to fall short of joining the ranks of boxoffice royalty. Very loosely based on the William Douglas Home play "The Reluctant Debutante," which was turned into the 1958 Vincente Minnelli-directed comedy of the same name starring Rex Harrison and Sandra Dee, the new edition has been considerably reworked. Bynes is Daphne Reynolds, a seemingly all-American girl who has been brought up by her bohemian wedding-singer mother, Libby (a tune-carrying Kelly Preston), while the father she's never known happens to be a British lord (Colin Firth), whom her pregnant mom left back in London 17 years earlier because she was deemed inappropriate wife material by his aristocratic family. Beguiled by Libby's bedtime stories surrounding that fabled past, Daphne one day impulsively hops a flight to London with plans to finally introduce herself to daddy. Naturally, there are complications. Firth's Lord Henry Dashwood is not only in the midst of a high-stakes political campaign, but there's also the matter of his social-climbing fiancee (Anna Chancellor) and her snooty daughter (Christina Cole). After a rough start, she and Daddy bond, and, while being groomed for her own coming-out party, she meets a sweet, young British musician with an angelic singing voice (newcomer Oliver James), who loves her for who she is, rather than the person she's trying so hard to become. As he puts it, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" Alas, that's a question the filmmakers themselves never really figure out. Director Dennie Gordon ("Joe Dirt") and screenwriters Jenny Bicks ("Sex and the City") and Elizabeth Chandler ("A Little Princess") are so concerned with second-guessing what their targeted young female audience wants that the tone keeps hopscotching between goofy slapstick and forced poignancy. And when neither mode seems to fit, the prevailing wisdom appears to be, "When in doubt, throw in another trying-on-clothing montage." That scattershot approach extends to the acting styles, which are also all over the place. Providing something of an anchor is a convincing turn by the always reliable Firth ("Bridget Jones's Diary"), while Eileen Atkins ("Gosford Park," "The Hours"),strikes the right chord as Daphne's ally, the sympathetic Lady Jocelyn.

Moviehole review, 3 out of 5 stars: What a girl wants - Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston, Eileen Atkins, Anna Chancellor, Jonathan Pryce Ah, the return of the classic cinematic makeover. You know the one, a lass of incongruity or superficial ugliness, is suddenly altered into something of magnetic beauty and promise. Julia Roberts went from high-class hooker to elegant gown adorner, Anne Hathaway had her hair straighten and found herself crowned Queen of Genova and Freddie Prinze Jr removed the specs and undid the pony tail of Rachel Leigh Cook to mould that year�s prom queen. In �What a Girl Wants�, it�s not a conversion from ugly duckling to glistening swan that�s so much the case, but more a change of protocol and behavioural blueprint that the lead youngster has to endure. Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) has always wanted to meet her estranged father, whom her mother Libby (Kelly Preston) shared a whirlwind romance with 17 years prior. The romance ended when his aristocratic family had the unsuitable Libby exercised from the high-class circle. Determined to live our her fantasy of forging a fairytale relationship with her long-absent Dad, Daphne hops a plane to London where she quickly discovers her father is high profile politician Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth). Henry ultimately opens his front door to the daughter he never knew existed, which ends up having repercussions on his high-standing political position. Seems Daphne is just too skittish and typically teenage for the elite crowd. But with a splash of shampoo and a change of clothes, Lord Henry soon finds himself with a changed daughter, one he can truly show off to the royal crowds he floats in. But inevitably Daphne realizes that the change hasn�t been for the good, and although she wants to be her father�s daughter, decides it�s not worth it if she can�t be herself. Will Daddy come around? Of Course he will, and you know that within the film�s first meeting between Daddy and daughter. In fact, most of the film is as predictable as cats near a river. But as much of a rip-off as the film is � dating way back to the similar �The Reluctant Debutante�, released in 1959 starring Sandra Dee and Rex Harrison and to much more contemporary classics � it�s still an enjoyable outing. Having already established herself on Television and also recently on film with a role in the comedy �Big Fat Liar�, Amanda Bynes proves herself to be quite the comedienne, intertwining a performance of physical shtick and cutesy gesticulation. She�s definitely one to watch. In addition, British actor Colin Firth proves the perfect choice for the role of the high-class Politician, suddenly softened when he discovers he has a teenage daughter. It�s the charming performances of Bynes and Firth who�ll keep older viewers interested. I�m sure they won�t be half as interested in the cute boys, pop music and pretty dresses that the film is also littered with, but young teenage girls will, and that�s plainly who this film is aimed at. So while this is far from an avant-garde, ingenious flick, it uses a dependable formula that�ll definitely deliver �What a Girl Wants�

Variety review: By TODD MCCARTHY "What a Girl Wants" may be a modern-dress version of the frothy 1958 romantic comedy "The Reluctant Debutante," but it feels much more like a shameless reshuffle of "The Princess Diaries." This squirm-inducing catalog of Yank/Brit differences, which spins on the way a vivacious 17-year-old New York City girl loosens up her newly met, broom-up-his-bum upper-class British dad, no doubt will score with the sizable target aud of female teens, drawn by Amanda Bynes, star of Nickelodeon's "All That" and "The Amanda Show," as well as "Big Fat Liar." All others will have their teeth set on edge. Pic's title serves as fair warning that every element of the script by Jenny Bicks (a "Sex in the City" regular) and Elizabeth Chandler ("Someone Like You") is set up to inspire and quickly satisfy the desires of adolescent girls. It's a fairy tale, to be sure, but one in which everything comes so easily -- and all plot strand resolutions are so thoroughly visible from the beginning -- that there's no chance to build up any genuine longing for dreams to come true. It's fantasy time for the instant-gratification generation. The brunette, somewhat puffy-faced Bynes plays Daphne Reynolds, who's grown up in Gotham's Chinatown with still-bohemian mom Libby (Kelly Preston). Latter has long regaled Daphne with tales of her dashingly romantic dad, Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), whom Libby met while traipsing around Morocco but with whom things just couldn't work out long-term. Without telling her mother where she's going, Daphne impulsively sets off for London, which gets the travelogue treatment to the accompaniment of the Clash's "London Calling" and where Daphne immediately meets cute young musician Ian (Oliver James). Meanwhile, Dashwood has removed all the dash from his personality to become Lord Henry, perpetuator of his ancient family's name, a current candidate for Parliament and, in the view of his longtime adviser (Jonathan Pryce), a sure-thing prime minister. When Daphne climbs the wall of the Dashwood estate and presents herself to Henry as the daughter he never knew he had, he can barely speak. Things don't get much better for Firth as the picture progresses, which means his character here is even more clenched and constipated than the solicitor he played in "Bridget Jones's Diary." Expressing their discombobulation at the news of Henry's fatherhood in more demonstrative ways are his conniving fiancee Glynnis (Amanda Chancellor), for whom every move is a political decision, and her snobbish daughter Clarissa (Christina Cole), who comes off like the sourest possible version of Reese Witherspoon's character in "Election." As if born to be evil stepmother and stepsister, the women do all they can to rid themselves of this potential scandal producer and rival for Henry's affections, but Daphne's winning New World ways keep jolting to life a society otherwise shown as teetering on the white cliffs of calcification. Pic's midsection is taken up with a succession of high-society events at which Daphne makes a spectacle of herself by puncturing all vestiges of propriety. She doesn't really mean to, but she just can't help herself when she dresses way down at the Royal Dress Show (with Prince Charles in attendance), sets off a musical outburst that makes a priceless chandelier crash at a formal ball, pushes Clarissa's would-be b.f. into the water at a regatta, endangers Henry's political prospects by inducing him to expose his old motorcycle-riding, leather-pants-wearing rock 'n' roll self and walks out of her own "coming-out" party just as the Queen herself is arriving. From anything but a teen wish-fulfillment p.o.v., story doesn't convince for a moment because the differences between Daphne and the society she's visiting are so artificial. Despite the wayward hijinx the scripters desperately concoct for her, Daphne is an unusually composed and presentable 17-year-old, hardly the stuff of anyone's worst nightmares. At the same time, the English upper crust here behaves as if the last 50 years hadn't happened, so flustered is everyone by even the slightest breach of decorum. Given the programmatic writing and cut-and-paste direction of Dennie Gordon, over whose debut film, the unforgettable "Joe Dirt," this must in all candor be judged a slight improvement, one can only be grateful for the small favor of Bynes. Not exactly a beauty nor a conveyor of character depth, she nonetheless displays an ease before the camera that is disarming and suggests a maturity beyond her years. She alone makes pic watchable to the extent that it is. Chancellor ("Duckface" in "Four Weddings and a Funeral") makes an easily hissable villainess, while Eileen Atkins sallies forth bravely as Henry's mother and Daphne's secret ally in the household. Sylvia Syms turns up briefly as a grande dame with an eccentric little dog. Extensive use is made of London and surrounding locations, while soundtrack collection of more than two dozen pop tunes is as predictable as the story.

'Girl' filming causes a royal fuss By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY Who stirred up more attention during the London filming of What a Girl Wants: Queen Elizabeth or British actor Colin Firth? Tough call. Firth may have emerged the winner, but only because Her Majesty was a pretender, played by an impersonator known as Elizabeth R. "She's the greatest Queen Elizabeth look-alike on the planet," director Dennie Gordon says. "She even goes to the queen's optometrist to get the identical glasses. We had 300 extras in St. James's Palace, and she was just walking across the room and all the extras started applauding. She was so great, she just stood there with her little wave." Off-screen, though, she indulged in some unregal behavior. "She lit up a cigarette and created a riot," Gordon says. "Oh, my God, the queen is smoking with the grips!" In the film, which opens April 4, the dashing Firth, 42, plays an aristocratic politician who realizes he has a 17-year-old American daughter (played by Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes). Gordon says the married Firth works in the role, in part, because he has "that thing that adult women love. After Bridget Jones, Colin Firth makes us all weak in the knees." Some of Firth's fervid fans showed up unannounced during filming. "We had stalkers on the set," Gordon says. "One woman shows up everywhere he goes. She's very proper in her little red suit. He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' "

He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you? This, somehow, is very reassuring to me! Like if he starting noticing that some girl was at all the premieres and book readings etc, he wouldn't be too freaked out. Oh wait, sorry, he would need to attend any of them to notice that =)

"One woman shows up everywhere he goes. She's very proper in her little red suit. He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' " Should that be the Firthette uniform? :) Thanks Mari for all the reviews!

The pictures are up at wireimage for last night's premiere of WAGW in LA. No ODB of course, but looked liked a good time anyway. Thanks Mari for the reviews. http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls===25016

Thanks, Linda. When I checked late last night, there were only 3 of Kelly with the guards up at that time. Thanks for the reviews Mari, and Maria for that cute little article. "We had stalkers on the set," Gordon says. "One woman shows up everywhere he goes. She's very proper in her little red suit. He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' " Damn, I knew black would have been less noticeable to everyone else. ;-) That's pretty funny if that's true, but stil freaky as well. Hate that term.

I'm picturing a bunch of us showing up at one of his premiers next fall, all wearing red suits... Think he'd notice? Or do you think that the red would clash too badly with the potted palms? Seriously though, it's kind of creepy that he's being stalked. And yet, with the free time and wherewithal... No, no, not that bad off yet.

I've put the entire article up here: http://www.firth.com/articles/03auswomwk_april.html As I've typed this out, it looks to me like she supplemented her interview by the extensive use of "Internet" resources, but should've had a fact-checker at a minimum, as a latter-day CF fan, she hasn't a clue about his early films/career. Many of the observations and quotes come from other sources, including transcripts of his TV appearances. *chuckling* More to come...as I catch up

Courtesy of Silvie, from the Montreal Gazette: Amanda Bynes will surely bring a teen audience to WAGW, a coming of age story set in England. But director Dennie Gordon is counting on "hunka chunka" Colin Firth to draw grownups into the theater too. What a director wants: kids and adults Jamie Portman Canwest News Service Beverly Hills, Calif. � There she was � her majesty QEII � in all her regal finery, puffing away on a cigarette on the grounds of London's venerable St. James Palace and chatting with member of the film crew. Or so it looked to the scandalized security personnel. "Oh my God!" one of them exclaimed. "The queen's hanging out with those ruffians." Actually, what they were seeing was a British actress who's a dead ringer for her majesty. She was taking a break from a shooting - a scene from the new Warner Bros. comedy in which Amanda Bynes � in the role of an uninhibited U.S. teenager on the loose in London high society � makes a splash at a royal ball. "We had the greatest queen look-alike on the Earth in that movie," director Dennie Gordon said. But the trouble was that it was happening in a venue where the presence if British royalty is an everyday occurrence and security is high. "You cannot get in and out of that building without showing your passport and massive ID," Gordon noted. She said that's understandable given the frequent appearances on the premises of people like Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles. But no one had alerted security about the queen's look-alike. Gordon won't even give the real name of the actress concerned. "It's Elizabeth R," she said coyly. She loves telling the story as an illustration of how much fun everyone had making the film. She also wants audiences to have fun watching it. The one thing she doesn't want is for WAGW to be perceived as just another teenage flick when it rolls into theatres next Friday. This, she declares, is a teenage movie that adults will want to see too. The key component in her strategy is the presence of Colin Firth in the cast. Gordon knew the film risked being pigeonholed when she first took on the project. After all, the central character is a teenager, and 16-year-old Bynes would portray her. Bynes is something of a teenage superstar thanks to her various Nickelodeon TV programs and last year's feature comedy Big Far Liar, in which she co-starred with Frankie Muniz. "My 14 year-old thinks she's hot," Gordon said. Which is why Bynes was at the top of everybody's list for the role of Daphne Reynolds, a high-spirited U.S. teenager who lives with her bohemian mother (Kelly Preston) but yearns to be united with the British dad she has never met. After Big Fat Liar was released, Bynes said she was still "a Nickelodeon goofy Lucille Ball girl." But in WAGW, she must make an emotional transition as the story infolds. In an effort to fulfil her dream of a storybook relationship with her absent father, she takes off to London, where she discovers he's very much of the upper class � a high profile politician named Lord Henry Dashwood. Her arrival on the Dashwood doorstep causes chaos; her astonished father takes her in and tries to introduce her to high society, where her uninhibited behaviour creates an uproar. "When I met Amanda, she was so clearly this girl," Gordon recalled. "She's worldly, yet still in awe of the world. We captured her just at the moment she's becoming a woman, and of course she has this amazingly huge following, so once we knew she as interested, it was a slam-dunk. This is the movie where she gets to show that she's a big, grown-up young lady who can both wear ball gowns (yet) look fabulous in T-shirt and jeans." It's a given that Bynes will bring the kids into the theatres. But Gordon wants the adults as well, and that's why she cast Britain's Colin Firth in the role of Dashwood. Firth's performances in the TV version of Pride and Prejudice and the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary have spawned a huge international fan following. Ever since she saw Firth in Pride and Prejudice, Gordon knew he was "hunka chunka" and that he "smoulders like nobody else. I had to have him." She flew over to England and met Firth at a posh hotel in central London, where he started a mini riot as he entered the hotel, she recalled. During the meeting, Gordon chickened out when telling Firth what he would have to do: squeeze into a pair of leather pants from his youth and start swivelling about to a throbbing rock beat. But, screenwriter Elizabeth Chandler said: "He really got into it." What a Girl Wants is loosely based on two plays by British dramatist William Douglas Home, The Relucant Debutante and The Reluctant Peer, neither of which screenwriter Chandler read before she took on the final script duties. Much of the humour stems from Daphne's floundering attempts to adapt to the English way of doing things and the horrified response of the English upper crust. Chandler makes no apology for hauling out the timeworn clich�s and stereotypes about culture clash and the stuffiness of English society, but she insists the important thing is to have a sense of humour about it. "They do have these assumptions about us and we have assumptions about them, and what's really fun is poking holes in that and letting the air out."

"Oh, my God, the queen is smoking with the grips!" LOL, hands down, my favorite line from the article :-)

Entertainment Tonight will have WAGW premiere coverage on tonight's show. Also, go to the ET sight to see a clip of Kelly talking about the film. http://www.etonline.com/movie/a15141.htm

(article)Ever since she saw Firth in Pride and Prejudice, Gordon knew he was "hunka chunka" and that he "smoulders like nobody else. I had to have him." She took the words right out of my mouth. Hunka chunka...Hunk Daddy... During the meeting, Gordon chickened out when telling Firth what he would have to do: squeeze into a pair of leather pants from his youth and start swivelling about to a throbbing rock beat. But, screenwriter Elizabeth Chandler said: "He really got into it." From the looks of the AOL clip...he sure did. Thanks, Mari for the ET news

all that hunk stff has me nuts...sorry closing tags

Speaking of Mrs T... (Mari) She was darling. She mentioned co-starring with Colin and added that "women are always saying--ooooooohhh!, Colin Firth, he's so great!--and he is great!" Gaah! I thought that comment fell totally flat. There was not an ounce of reaction from either the audience or the lump sitting in Dave's chair to her comments. Both KP and LW were actually an embarrassment to watch (and I didn't like KP's hair color either.) Any reason you didn't bold Variety's comments about being clenched and constipated? ;-) (LindaK) but I don't think I've ever read anything or heard any co-star ever say that he has a huge ego or was difficult to work with. And no one was implying it. The Scarlett Johannson comment was clearly referred to as "jokey." C'mon people, let's not get too bent out of shape at everything. (Odile) Should that be the Firthette uniform? :) Absolutely not. Stalking is one thing this site doesn't condone or think funny in the least. Thanks Lora for the link on AOL and Linda for the premiere pics.

Really closing the tag...

(USA Today)He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' " Too funny! Thanks for this, Maria. I have the print version and it's on the front page of the Weekend section, with the playground pic of HD and daughter. But Gordon wants the adults as well, and that's why she cast Britain's Colin Firth in the role of Dashwood. Firth's performances in the TV version of Pride and Prejudice and the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary have spawned a huge international fan following. Oh man, it sounds like they were really counting on him to do promo for this. Thanks, Karen and Silvie.

(Karen) Gaah! I thought that comment fell totally flat. There was not an ounce of reaction from either the audience or the lump sitting in Dave's chair to her comments. I noticed the lack of audience response, too. Made my heart sink, but not surprised either. Didn't expect one or much of one from him. Thanks for the ET info Mari. Doubt it will be on here. 7pm showing has been blocked out all week for expanded news coverage. There's always the 3am showing I suppose. Wonder if E! News and and Access Hollywood will have it.

(USA Today)He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here, and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' " Actually that is encouraging to *real* stalkers. :-(

(article)I had to have him Well, who don't (at least in this crowd), but to actually stalk, no way! Thank you ladies (noone mentioned, noone forgotten ;-)) for the articles and links. (Dorine)Wonder if E! News has it I was kind of counting on this (perhaps Coming Attractions) but it seems, that both news and CA is no longer broadcastet here. All we get are old "revealed" and "Wild on shows" -(

(Karen)There was not an ounce of reaction from either the audience or the lump sitting in Dave's chair to her comments. LOL, did you expect them to jump up and start doing the wave?;-) Hey, like Karen says, c'mon peole let's not get bent out of shape at everything. Oh wait, you are Karen. LOL! Dorine, in my area, ET has been coming on a half hour later.

Just a little comment on the Australian article. I think you're right, Karen, about the use of sources, but I must say, that the way she describes him (long legs, hand around head.....) produces vibrations. I think, she's got the "bug" as well ;-) And it seems he will be wearing a wig -(. I comfort myself, that he can't look any worse, than he did in CoF, so if that is what it takes to do Vermeer justice, then bring it on. We'll cope!

"Extra" had coverage of the premiere by Charlie (ahhhhhhhh!). The clip didn't show YKW or even mention him as starring in it, only AB and KP. Several of the celeb guests (Jenny Garth and someone else) were pretty excited about his being there, asking how he was, etc. ;-)

(Dorine)Wonder if E! News has it Sorry to repeat, but according to this, they do: http://www.eonline.com/On/Enews/schedule.html please report back to those of us, who can't see this.

I grow weary... Commentary: Joe Bob's Week in Review By Joe Bob Briggs From the Life & Mind Desk Published 3/28/2003 5:46 PM Posters for "What a Girl Wants," starring Amanda Bynes, were airbrushed by Warner Brothers to eliminate the peace sign she was flashing. Studio officials said they didn't want any "political overtones" to be associated with the movie's April 4 release. The movie tells the story of a 19-year-old girl (Bynes is actually 16) traveling from New York to London for a reunion with her upper-class father, played by Colin Firth, and her efforts to fit into British society. One way she could probably fit into British society would be to tell them she thinks people who flash peace signs should be suppressed like the Zulus. http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20030328-025602-8101r

Studio officials said they didn't want any "political overtones" to be associated with the movie's April 4 release. LOL! Bet no one was allowed to say why Colin wasn't there. Or could be why no one is mentioning his being in the film. ;-) (Mari) Oh wait, you are Karen. LOL! Yeah, and I wasn't "bent out of shape" or "excited." Just making the observation because it it had been someone *else*, say the other CF, there would've been some audience reaction. Or these could've been Caroline Rhea's old audience members, woken from the dead. ;-)

(Annette) but I must say, that the way she describes him (long legs, hand around head.....) produces vibrations. At least! I must say that it was worth reading the whole "cut and Paste" article to get that description. Was hard getting my mind back to work after that. Had lovely visions for some time. Enjoyed the little bit of the Vermeer stuff, especially the fresh quip from Scarlett. Bet they had some fun together.

E! News Daily just showed the premiere, a bit of a clip (with Colin) and then that bleached blonde Guiliana (?) said that WAGW star Colin Firth opted not to attend the premiere. His rep said that it was due to "concerns about the war." BTW, you could see the movie poster in the background and the peace sign hasn't been airbrushed out.

From the WB network's website: The WB: What made you want to do this movie? Amanda Bynes: "The script seemed really cute, but I didn't know if it was right for me. Then I heard that Colin [Firth] was interested in doing it and I started to change my mind. I wanted to work with him so badly and I was shocked that he would even be near me, let alone do a movie with me." What a sweet kid. On the film's website, there's an Ask Amanda section: Q: What's it like to work with Colin Firth, is he as lovely in real life as he is in all his movies? --Obsessed Firth fanatuic in Bristol Amanda: He is amazing! I adore him, and feel lucky to know him! (Karen)Just making the observation because it it had been someone *else*, say the other CF, there would've been some audience reaction Well, that's because the other CF (Colin Farrell) actively courts the publicity and has a massive PR machine behind him. His film Phone Booth opens the same day as WAGW and he is scheduled for every--and I do mean every--talk show there over the next 2 weeks. Whereas, our Colin has . . ."concerns.";-) Not a criticism of either one, just pointing out that one can hardly blame the audience for not reacting to someone who goes out of his way to remain low key.

Thank you for all the news, articles and links ladies. Can't wait, a week to go.

I have a question. I unfortunately can't attend a sneak preview Saturday night (then again, it's because I have tickets for the ladies' free skate at the World Figure Skating Championships, and as I'm a skating fan that's a fairly cool thing to be doing too). So since as of Sunday morning a lot of you are going to have seen the movie, is it safe to assume that discussion of it will go on the film spoilers topic (is that 126?) and not here?

For: TodaySun Mar 30Mon Mar 31Tue Apr 1Wed Apr 2Thu Apr 3Fri Apr 4Sat Apr 5Sun Apr 6Mon Apr 7Tue Apr 8Wed Apr 9Thu Apr 10Fri Apr 11Sat Apr 12Sun Apr 13Mon Apr 14Tue Apr 15Wed Apr 16Thu Apr 17 in Enter ZIP code or Town, State Powered by Zap2it Celebrity News: 28th March 2003 Blake Pleads Innocent Troubled actor Robert Blake pleaded innocent to murdering his wife yesterday - in his first appearance since being released on bail. During an arraignment, Blake and his co-defendant Earle Caldwell waived their rights to a speedy trial until October, when proceedings are likely to begin. Deputy District Attorney Pat Dixon read off the charges against Blake - murder, solicitation to murder, conspiracy and the special circumstance of lying in wait. Dixon asked him, "Mr. Blake, to those charges how do you plead?" Blake replied, "Not guilty, sir." Caldwell, Blake's former bodyguard, pleaded innocent to a murder conspiracy charge. The 69-year-old actor is accused of killing 44-year-old Bonny Lee Bakley on May 4, 2001, after they dined at Vitello's restaurant - Blake's longtime hangout in his Studio City, California neighborhood. Blake claims he found his wife shot in the head and upper body in their car, after he went back to the restaurant to retrieve a handgun he carried for protection. But Prosecutors argue t at Blake despised Bakley - a con artist with a criminal record - and wanted to find a way to get rid of her but keep their baby. The actor, on the other hand, has suggested she was killed by a victim of one of her con schemes. At the end of the arraignment Blake praised the Judge who granted him release on $1.5 million bail, saying, "I want to thank Judge (Lloyd) Nash for saving my life." In a message to his supporters, he added, "I believe in America, I'm happy to be an American. I'm standing here in front of you and that's proof that this is still America and it still works." Sarandon Charity Event Canceled Susan Sarandon's upcoming spot at a charity event in Tampa, Florida has been axed - because of an overwhelming number of complaints about her opposition to the war in Iraq. The United Way Of Tampa Bay - which raises funds for a series of good causes in the region - had lined up the Thelma And Louise star to give a talk at their April 11 event, but were concerned it would provide a means for the actress to voice her views. When invitations went out about two weeks ago, the United Way received over 30 phone calls, e-mails and letters from donors and others criticizing Sarandon's selection as a speaker - because of her anti-war stance. Robin Carson, chairwoman of the United Way, says, "The focus of our whole meeting had shifted to whether or not we were creating a political platform for Susan Sarandon. That is not our purpose. That's not what we're about." Sarandon was to be the featured speaker at the event's $75-a-plate luncheon in Tampa to talk about the role of women as leaders and contributors. Sheen Tapes Up Mouth for Anti-War Vigil Hollywood anti-war protestor Martin Sheen covered his mouth with duct tape which had the word "peace" scrawled across it - before leading 60 demonstrators in a prayer vigil. The star of hit political TV show The West Wing carried a huge painted cross during Wednesday's protest in Los Angeles. A statement written by the outspoken actor was read out by the Reverend Michael Kennedy of Delores Mission Catholic Church in East Los Angeles. It read, "Nationalism and militarism have become the gods of our idolatry at the expense of our humanity. By some demented form of logic the men, women and children of Iraq are relegated to 'collateral damage' as the dogs of war slouch toward Baghdad." The vigil was held to pray for the safe return of American soldiers, and to express solidarity with two Catholic priests and one peace activist who have been fasting on a liquid diet since March 5. Halle Berry In Fur Furor Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry has sparked outrage among animal rights activists after she was photographed wearing a fur coat. The People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) blasted the big-screen beauty for her furry sense of fashion - and insist they've long had an eye on what she chooses to wear. PETA spokesperson Michael McGraw says, "We have written to Halle Berry numerous times over her wearing fur and have received absolutely no response. With so many fashionable alternatives, there's no excise for wearing fur." But it seems the uproar has been over nothing - the Die Another Day star's spokesperson in Los Angeles says the silvery creation is actually fake fur - although he refuses to deny or confirm whether or not his client likes to indulge in the real thing. Farrah & Ryan's Oscar Show Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal are fueling reports they're giving their romance another chance - after being spotted kissing and cuddling at a post-Oscars Vanity Fair party on Sunday night. The couple split in 1997 after a stormy 18-year romance, but arrived at the party hand in hand - and now pals insist they're even planning to wed. The pair's agent pal Jay Bernstein claims Farrah's devotion to her ex during his battle with leukemia touched actor O'Neal, and prompted him to start thinking romantically about the actress. Bernstein says, "Farrah's changed a lot in the past few years. Her acting career has become less important to her than her family. She's been right there for Ryan." And O'Neal's second wife Leigh Taylor-Young admits Farrah is just what Ryan needs in his life right now. She says, "He's like a wild stallion and he needs someone larger than life - someone like Farrah - to reel him in." Bo Derek and John Corbett's Trial Marriage 10 beauty Bo Derek and her Sex And The City hunk beau John Corbett have decided to take their romance up a notch higher - by embarking on a trial marriage. The lovebirds have set up house together in Corbett's West Hollywood, California, condominium and are now checking out life as a married couple, say friends. A neighbor says, "They certainly are not hiding their romance. You can often see them laughing and kissing as they walk hand in hand through the lobby of the building. They're friendly and smile at everyone." According to American tabloid the Star, the move comes after Derek spotted Corbett's co-star in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos, licking his face backstage at an awards show. Derek reportedly gave her lover an ultimatum to choose her or Nia. Now pals say Derek, 46, and her 41-year-old beau are planning to make it official. A source says, "John and Bo are really into each other. She moved in with him about a month ago and they're always kissing and cuddling. They've been dating for about year and they are moving things forward by living together in a trial marriage. The next step is to actually tie the knot." Paltrow Hates Her New Film Gwyneth Paltrow is so embarrassed about her new movie View From The Top - she's dubbed the film "A view from my a**". Paltrow stars alongside Christina Applegate, Mike Myers and Rob Lowe in the much-delayed romantic comedy about a woman's dream to become a flight attendant. Critics have not been kind to the film - which was released in America last week. A New York Post review called it "a dire stewardess comedy that's the movie equivalent of airline food." And it seems the movie's lead has similar opinions about her latest work. A source tells gossip site The Scoop, "Paltrow thought it was sort of awful even while she was shooting it. She was calling it that until she was asked to stop. The people making the movie thought it wasn't a very supportive thing to be doing." Anger Over Dillon Film Hollywood hunk Matt Dillon's directorial debut City Of Ghosts has caused anger amongst Asians - because of its portrayal of Cambodian women. Arizona State University Professor Melinda De Jes�s says, "We thought it was very racist and problematic. Cambodia is a backdrop here for a story of white masculinity. There are almost no other representations of Cambodian women except as prostitutes in this film." Drugstore Cowboy star Dillon wrote and directed the movie, and also plays a con-man who travels to Cambodia to collect a share of an insurance scam. The professor confronted Dillon at a question-and-answer session following the film, and says, "He completely freaked out. He called me a 'paratrooper of political correctness.' He kept yelling, 'This is the truth about Cambodians!'" Dillon counters, "They saw the film and said they didn't like the way the women were portrayed - the characters who were prostitutes. They offered me some books to read. Women's studies or something. I think they were being a little too politically correct." Hayek and Norton Already Husband and Wife? Hollywood circles are buzzing with the news that Salma Hayek and her beau Edward Norton have secretly wed. Frida beauty Hayek, 36, and Red Dragon star Norton, 33, have been dating for almost four years and a source close to the talented twosome says they have now tied the knot. American magazine Us Weekly quotes one of Norton's handlers as saying, "They got married in New York two months ago. They've kept it secret, and they don't wear rings." But a representative for Hayek retorts, "No, they're definitely not married." Firth & Preston Pull Out of Junkets IMDB - Movie stars Colin Firth and Kelly Preston are rebelling against plans to stage the premiere of their new movie What A Girl Wants during wartime by pulling out of press junkets for the film. The movie is one of only a few that is going ahead with a glitzy premiere this week. Parties for Basic and Boat Trip have been scrapped out of respect for troops in Iraq. But Brit Firth, who plays a stuck-up aristocrat who discovers he has an American love child in the film, is refusing to fly to America for promotional duties and Preston, his former flame in the movie, has also pulled out of junkets. Mr. Preston is not hawking Basic. I choose to believe (student at UoSC) that OBD is also wanting to stay close to his little family at this tough time in London. We may be sorry to miss seeing him push this little gem of a film but only think, we might be spared having to read a "Hunk Daddy Dearest" expose' 10 or 15 years from now! Imagine the headlines.......Daddy Darcy left me and Mum in time of War! Imagine the page (literary) that poor Karen would have to put up then?;-)

Oops, sorry! Only meant to post the last paragraph of IMDB news. Back to my hole.;-(

Spoiler discussion of WAGW goes on 126 (IMDB) But Brit Firth...is refusing to fly to America for promotional duties and Preston, his former flame in the movie, has also pulled out of junkets. But that isn't true. KP is doing all the shows and was at the premiere. She's also filmed little messages to the troops for all the entertainment news shows that aired after the premiere coverage.

(Karen)And no one was implying it. The Scarlett Johannson comment was clearly referred to as "jokey." C'mon people, let's not get too bent out of shape at everything.. Actually, I wasn't referring to SJ's comment. I know that it was referred to as a jokey. I was reacting in general to our discussion of celebs who are clearly bit by the ego bug and those who are not. Thanks Beedee for the article, and to Karen in advance to my question about discussions of WAGW from those of us going to the sneak preview this evening. (Amanda Bynes): "The script seemed really cute, but I didn't know if it was right for me. Then I heard that Colin [Firth] was interested in doing it and I started to change my mind. I wanted to work with him so badly and I was shocked that he would even be near me, let alone do a movie with me." I would have changed my mind too, Duh! Smart kid. Sounds like AB had a bit of a crush on CF long before the script:-) Thanks Mari.

Don't know if this was mentioned before, but I was watching a couple of the programs I had to tape this week and I saw the CF kissing commercial for WAGW. When AB happens on Daddy doing his thing in front of the mirror and then gasps (all editing BTW), Daddy bends over to zip up his pants. Did anybody notice that? If so, never mind. I had to zip over things rather quickly.

(Karen) When AB happens on Daddy doing his thing in front of the mirror and then gasps (all editing BTW), Daddy bends over to zip up his pants. Did anybody notice that? If so, never mind. I had to zip over things rather quickly. I noticed this....initially I wasn't sure if it was a fly check or an adjustment...then thought about it and realized they wouldn't allow for adjustments on a PG film! It's very funny and I hope it is in the film (and not just a trailer thing). And was he bending over? I thought he was looking over his shoulder (to see if he was being observed)....

(Tress)I noticed this....initially I wasn't sure if it was a fly check or an adjustment I noticed it too, and I also noticed that the sound effect for this is that of a zipper as well. I will definietly keep an eye and ear out for uh, fly checks and zip ups;-)

(Linda) I noticed it too, and I also noticed that the sound effect for this is that of a zipper as well. LOL....wait! There is sound with this movie?? Gah! Hadn't noticed....I feel like I'm in a tunnel whenever I see the trailer! ;-)

More on GWAPE release: Release Date: November 14th, 2003 (LA/NY); December 25th, 2003 (top 20 cities); expands to other cities at later dates

Thanks Mari for the update! December 25th, 2003 (top 20 cities); expands to other cities at later dates I somehow doubt I'm in a top 20 city..... :-(

Regarding possible airbrushing of the peace sign in the poster, the ad ran in my newspaper this morning with the poster picture but no peace sign. Not proof positive (how many shots for ads were there?) but I don't think I've seen this picture before.

from Karen's post 334 : "Very little is known about him, he is an enigma. he could well have been boisterous fun loving, completely bald, we just don't know. I already have a love of Vermeer but there is this particular quality about his paintings that I can't describe. I think they are serene. Then I look at them again and think they are rather troubled. I find I'm emotionally involved with the job. I love going to the gallery and pretending to be this bloke." A quick hello to all dearly beloveds of Spring! Just thought I'd drop in to say I just spent a week at The Hague for work and arrived in London today. Work did not allow any private time but thought last Friday that if it was the only private thing I can do in The Hague - it was to go to Mauritshaus and stare at the GWAPE postrait. I took a short lunch, got on tram to museum, paid my 7 Euros and just sat in front of the portrait and stared for about 20 mins. Then calmly walked out and back to work again. Wouldn't have been so calm if I had seen a man lurking next to me "pretending to be this bloke". (Sigh!) Is there any ODB events/films that I should watch out for whilst I'm here in London?

Thanks Mari for the GWAPE update. I wonder if any NJ cities are in the top 20? We were for TIOBE. I'll be optomistic.

I found this Amanda Bynes interview at tribute.ca: B.L. You must get a lot of scripts coming your way. What was it about What a Girl Wants that intrigued you? A.B. There was just something about going to London and it was over the summer, so that was perfect for me. I just sort of liked the idea of the coming-of-age story and growing up, and it seemed a little older than what I had done usually. I definitely wanted to make that transition. B.L. How exciting is it that this is all your movie, you really had a lot of responsibility on your shoulders! A.B. It didn�t really hit me until I got to London and realized that the story mostly focused on me. Here is this girl who goes to London to find her father and everything that revolves around her. It was very cool and I have to say that I am really proud of the way it came out. B.L. What did you like most about your character Daphne? A.B. I liked that she was free-spirited and a go-getter. I liked that she wasn�t afraid to seek out what she wanted, and I really liked the fact that she was a good person. B.L. So you got to work in London, was it at all overwhelming for you? A.B. It wasn�t really overwhelming. I got to go there for three months and for the first month we just sort of got used to it and rehearsed. I think it was great for me because it gave me time to get used to the time zone and stuff. B.L. I know you got a little homesick. A.B. I got America sick. I think I missed the food and the weather and everything. It was my first time being away for that long a time. B.L. Did any one from your family come with you? A.B. Yes, I had my grandma there, so that made things a little easier. B.L. You got to co-star with British heartthrob Colin Firth who plays your dad. Did anything surprise you about him? A.B. I have yet to meet a woman who doesn�t love Colin. I just think he is one of the cooler guys you�ll meet. He is just so down to earth and so funny and so smart. It�s almost like he is too perfect, but he was a great father. The thing that sort of surprised me, I guess, was he was so funny. He had a really great sense of humor. B.L. He was absolutely perfect in the role. A.B. As far as I�m concerned there was no one better to play my dad in this movie. There was nothing intimidating about Colin Firth, he made me feel at ease right from when I met him. He is so talented and a real professional. He never made me feel awkward at all. B.L. You are now starring in the TV series, What I Like About You, with Jennie Garth, and you were a big hit in your own sketch comedy show, The Amanda Show. What is it you would like to see yourself doing in the next few years? Would you like to do more movies or more TV? A.B. I don�t really see myself doing sketch comedy just because I did it for so long. I did it from when I was 10 to 14 so I feel sort of burned out. I would like to continue doing movies and I would like to do my TV series What I Like About You for a few years because it�s a really great learning experience and I really like the people I work with. I would really like to do more movies, not as much quantity as quality. Even if it�s just one, and something that I am really proud of and that I think is a good story. B.L. In What A Girl Wants your co-star is a hot new up and coming young actor from London named Oliver James. How did you enjoy working with him, because you did have a big kissing scene with him! A.B. He was great, it was his first movie and he was really professional and always worried about how he could make it better. He was very sweet and all round a great experience. I was very glad that he got to be in it. B.L. What was the most exciting or most fun thing about making this movie for you? A.B. I think just going to England and getting to make a movie there. It was so cool and I just feel so lucky that I got to do that. B.L. Your birthday is coming up real soon, so, what does Amanda want? A.B. I don�t know! I wouldn�t mind a BMW but who wouldn�t really? Diamonds are also good if you�re buying! Who knows!

Thanks, Brenda Does anyone remember when AB is on Caroline Rhea this week? I can't seem to find the post with the date.

AB is on Carolyn Rhea Tues. Apr. 1. Times are local, I presume (ABC, TV, I think).

Thanks for article Brenda and thanks KJ for interview time. I believe it is ABC late night in NYC.

Can anyone give me a release date for WAGW in South Africa?

Caroline Rhea's show is syndicated, which means it can be on any channel at any time.

The BBC2 programme on Vermeer included a clip from GWAPE, but it was one with Tom Wilkinson and Scarlett J. Looks as though it will be a serious, classy movie.

Hallelujah! The candles worked. ;-)

(Bethan)Looks as though it will be a serious, classy movie. (Karen) Hallelujah! The candles worked. ;-) 'bout time. Followed by "Trauma":-))) Thanks Bethan. Really want to see that Vermeer program. Serious stuff. They would not have included the clip from the film if it was not representational.

FYI, I've revamped the WAGW galleries, which now include a number of high res captures.

Interview with AB on comingsoon.net, which expands on what was in the tribute.ca one that Brenda posted. My guess is that it was a group session at the junket. Amanda Bynes was unsure about starring in What a Girl Wants when she first got the script. It was only when she found out Colin Firth would be playing her father that she was sure of the project. Bynes plays a girl traveling to England to find her long lost dad. "I got a script and it's really interesting with scripts because you never really know," Bynes said. "It's paper and it could be great or awful. Even scripts that are good could end up not working. Once I read it, it seemed really cute but I didn't finish it. I don't like reading scripts because I'm everywhere and I have such a short attention span for that. I thought it was cute but I didn't know if I wanted to do a movie. Then I heard Colin Firth was interested and I was like 'What? He's interested? Let me look at that again.' I just thought this is a good thing and would be a good message to give to girls which is important I think because I've grown up with kids watching me. As they're growing up, I'm growing up and hopefully they can get a good message from it. When I found out Colin was doing it I was shocked that he would be near me, let alone do a movie with me. He was amazing. Even better than I thought he would be. He's down to earth and has such a good sense of humor and is so charming and such a lovely guy." Sharing the screen with Firth taught Bynes about the craft of acting. "There's no exact 'how to' but he's so natural that when he does it, I don't ever see him studying lines but he always brings something to it. He's hard on himself and will do the take 50 times and make sure it's right. Having that type of commitment and stamina is really impressive and is really a good role model and something good to see." More here: http://comingsoon.net/cgi-bin/archive/fullnews.cgi?newsid1049125242,53855,

I think I posted the Variety review earlier. Anyway, don't expect the critics to be kind to this one. They eat movies like this for lunch.;-) (Amanda)"There's no exact 'how to' but he's so natural that when he does it, I don't ever see him studying lines but he always brings something to it. He's hard on himself and will do the take 50 times and make sure it's right. Thanks for this, Karen, and also Brenda for the quotes you posted. Obviously the girl is wise beyond her years.;-) I thought she was very good in the film, a very warm and appealing presence, and her chemistry with Colin is great. That's what makes the movie, the daughter-father bond. I'll keep spoilers on 126.:-)

Closing tags

Thank your for review Ada and for article Karen and for quotes Brenda. I agree Amanda seems very mature and quite professional. I'm sure she has a bright future. IMO the critics won't be too kind as it is a movie for pure entertainment mushy and humorous which they don't usually find very appealing, but I sure do. Looking forward to seeing it. Thanks again everyone.

E!New Live just mentioned that Warner Bros. is revising the poster for WAGW because they don't want it associated with the war. I got the impression that it might involve more than just airbrushing out the peace sign. Guliana said they asked WB for a copy of the new poster but WB declined. I wonder if this is their chance to get CF into it? I'm also wondering how WB felt about CF's pulling out of the press junket??

(Linda)I'm also wondering how WB felt about CF's pulling out of the press junket?? Do you reallly want me to answer that?;-) Here's the screen counts for the coming weekend, with WAGW leading the bunch for new openers. Will have leftover competition from films that opened this week and last, though. Maybe it can crack the top 5. Look at the disparity in the numbers once you get past the first few. A pity. What a Girl Wants Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth 2,700+ Warner Bros. Phone Booth Colin Farrell, Dir. Joel Schumacher 2,500+ Fox A Man Apart Vin Diesel 2,400+ New Line DysFunKtional Family Eddie Griffin comedy concert 600+ Miramax Bend It Like Beckham Hit British soccer movie 100+ Fox Searchlight Assassination Tango Dir. Robert Duvall 25 United Artists The Good Thief (4/2) Nick Nolte, Ralph Fiennes 6 (LA, NYC) Fox Searchlight Cet Amour-La (4/2) French romantic biopic NYC New Yorker Fellini: I'm a Born Liar (4/2) Documentary 1 (NYC) First Look The Guys Sigourney Weaver 15 Focus Hypnotic Goran Visnjic, Miranda Otto Lansing, MI (test market) First Look Levity Billy Bob Thornton, Morgan Freeman 9 (LA, NYC) SPC The Man Without a Past Finnish drama 2 (NYC) SPC Waiting for Happiness (4/5) Cannes '02 Best Film winner NYC New Yorker Under the Skin of the City Drama in Farsi LA First Look

I don't know what you guys are seeing, but the tags were never left open. But I'll go delete whatever...off to find it.

Sorry, boss, but I'm only seeing italics. Just this board, not the others. Anyway . . . Amanda B.'s WAGW appearances for Tuesday: --Caroline Rhea's show --MTV's TRL (Total Request Live) (4:00 PM) --MSN chat (7:00 PM) --And some morning radio show from NYC.

Still? Bizarre. Where do they start? Use the redisplay box below and let me know the comment number where they start.

Okay, Karen, are you trying to give us heart attacks with the "new Mark Darcy" photo? ACK!

Still? Bizarre. Where do they start? Use the redisplay box below and let me know the comment number where they start. There seems to be one problem around 410/411, and another somewhere around 415.

It starts at #415 but I closed them with my post on 417. If you start from posts before 417, the italics appear again. If you start viewing from 417 on, it's back to normal. Anyway . . . Amanda B.'s WAGW appearances for Tuesday: --MSN chat (7:00 PM) Was kinda hoping to have her as a guest for my movie class viewing of WAGW, but this would more than likely be the time, unless it was after the movie. It's possible it may not be our movie anymore, too. The schedule changes sometimes.

(Rika)Okay, Karen, are you trying to give us heart attacks with the "new Mark Darcy" photo? ACK! My feelings exactly! Could you please, please, please, please just make this "look-a-like" disappear, and put our guy back?

Hey, for all the Colin deprived gals in Oz - "Master of the Moor" is showing on Ovation over the next three Tuesdays. Tell me, this "new Mark Darcy" is just a joke - right? (giggles nervously)

D'oh! I just realised the date!

I noticed the date right away, but there are some things, that are *not* to be joked about. One of them is ODB ;-) How would you feel, if I postet, that he had agreed to "stand by" Amanda Bynes on her promotion tour round the states? (winkie, winkie, and whathaveyou;-))

From the Dallas Morning News today: excerpt from the Nancy Churnin column about Oliver James He was even more startled to discover that he was to perform not only with Amanda Bynes (the teen star of Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show and All That), but with British stage legends Colin Firth (as Daphne's father), Eileen Atkins (as Daphne's grandmother) and Jonathan Pryce (as Daphne's father's adviser). His very first scene was with Mr. Firth (best known here for the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and for Bridget Jones's Diary with Ren�e Zellweger). But Mr. Firth put him at ease right away. "The World Cup was going on when we were filming and I didn't have a TV in my trailer, so Colin called me in to watch soccer with him. He is very approachable and keen to help � even more charming off screen than on."

There is a new clip on the WAGW website for those of you that have to wait a few more months for release. At this rate you will see most of the movie in trailers and clips! ;-)

Reposting from above: Response 415 of 431: Mari (mari) * Mon, Mar 31, 2003 (22:05) * 8 lines The NY Times ran an article today about all the movie premieres, red carpets, and TV promotional appearances that have been cancelled. then it mentions the WAGW flag peace with this at the end: "Another change to the ad is coming Friday, she said: the British guards will be gone � not to soften any political impact, but to make room for quotes from critics." They must think they'll have some decent reviews to pull quotes from. Response 416 of 431: Dorine (gomezdo) * Mon, Mar 31, 2003 (23:04) * 1 lines The ad in Sunday's paper was already the altered one with her hand in her pocket, no guards, and 3 or 4 quotes on the left side from such quality institutions as zap2it.com. ;-)

Warner Bros. eliminates peace image from 'What a Girl Wants' ads The Associated Press Last Updated 7:25 p.m. PST Monday, March 31, 2003 LOS ANGELES (AP) - "What a Girl Wants" is to avoid making a political statement. Print advertisements for the teen comedy originally featured a photograph of star Amanda Bynes wearing an American flag T-shirt and flashing the peace sign with her fingers as she stands between two British royal guards. With the war in Iraq sparking anti-war protests in the United States and abroad, however, Warner Bros. quickly changed the ad. The studio said Monday it feared the peace sign would be viewed as a political message. New versions of the image feature Bynes with her right hand at her side, although many of the original posters had already been placed on billboards and buses before the change was made. In the film, Bynes plays an American girl who discovers her estranged father is a British politician. "What a Girl Wants" is set for release on Friday.

Review from The Trades with no mention of Colin. All AB. �What A Girl Wants� is to dance with her father, as we find out in this mostly delightful and amusing new comedy and coming-of-age tale from Warner Brothers and director Dennie Gordon. Inspired by both the play and 1958 film �The Reluctant Debutante,� Amanda Bynes shines as Daphne Reynolds, the love child of an American free spirit (Kelly Preston as Libby Reynolds) and English aristocrat (Colin Firth as Lord Henry Dashwood). The film opens with Libby telling (again) her young daughter the romantic story of how she met Henry in Morocco, fell deeply in love, and how she then lost him to his duty when the couple returned to the Dashwood estate in England. This loss was precipitated by the machinations of Alistair Payne (Jonathan Pryce), the social climbing aide who conspired to keep the two apart in order to further his own selfish interests. Neither Libby nor Henry realized that the other had no desire to end the relationship, but end it did, although not without a daughter being conceived and subsequently born by Libby after her return to America. She has kept the existence of the daughter secret from Henry, but now 17, that daughter longs to see her father. So, Daphne runs away from her Mom and New York City (Chinatown) apartment and makes her way to London, England where she meets Ian Wallace (Oliver James), a young musician struggling to make it. There is a chemistry between the two and a relationship develops that parallels the romance between Daphne�s father and mother, since Libby is also a struggling musician who earns a living playing weddings and parties with her band. Daphne also helps her mother pay the rent by working as a waitress at the affairs where her mother performs. Pluckiness doesn�t begin to describe Daphne, as she finds the home of her father and steals her way in past the guard and high fences. She is thought to be a paparazzi, and is brought before Lord Dashwood and staff, as well as Henry�s fianc�, the scheming Glynnis Payne (Anna Chancellor) and her daughter, played by Christina Cole. Her �crass� American ways disturb the household, but Daphne manages to charm her way into an invitation to spend the �season� (summer) with her father at his English estate. What follows is hilarity as Daphne is invited to event after event within English aristocratic circles (for example, the Henley Regatta) and causes a stir with the British press who are following Lord Dashwood in his attempt to be elected to the House of Commons, after eschewing his hereditary place in the House of Lords. The director uses Amanda Bynes� gift for physical comedy (something she has honed on the Nickelodeon TV show �All That�) to good effect in some of the sequences set at the high society functions, and director Gordon has a field day showcasing the infectious smile of Amanda Bynes in many scenes. The screenplay by Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler is witty and turns scenes that could have been clich�s into charmers. They�ve also helped to create a presentation that has a certain richness and solidity lacking in a lot of films dealing with a young girl�s coming of age. This movie might be considered in the same light as the original �Gidget,� with Sandra Dee. Bynes� Daphne possesses the same kind of innate chutzpah and strength of character as did Dee�s Gidget. While there is a good dose of improbability present in �What A Girl Wants,� the director has made a modern fairy tale, so, as with any good fairy story, our disbelief is suspended for the most part. I would also like to applaud the producer�s choice of music for the film, as I knew there was more to what I was about to witness when The Clash�s �London Calling� was used to introduce Daphne�s arrival in the British City. There were also other musical moments featuring American pop and soul music that were well placed. The movie may be mostly fluff, but it does have a heart and a bit o�soul that are lacking in many of today�s studio releases. It is strictly a fairy tale designed to inspire young girls, but I found it amusing and heartwarming enough that I can recommend it to anyone looking for something that doesn�t challenge, but does move one to smile. Overall Rating: B

Dallas Morning News "British stage legends Colin Firth" *snort* Another one who didn't have tickets for Hamlet. Even though the Trades didn't mention YKW, it's still a v. encouraging review of the movie as a whole. "B rating" ain't bad from this crowd.

Thanks for items and review ladies. Not a bad review at all. And so many theaters. Looks like this one will produce the money.

Hope Springs review from empireonline. 2 out of 5 stars British artist Colin arrives in America heartbroken after receiving an invitation to Vera�s wedding - the woman he thought was his fianc�e. Local nurse Mandy tries to dry his tears, and soon they fall for each other. But Vera�s sudden arrival puts a spanner in the works. This is one of those films where you�re mentally recasting throughout - Hugh Grant, obviously, then perhaps Cameron Diaz, and Catherine Zeta-Jones... but the actors shouldn�t shoulder the whole blame for this rather mediocre effort. Early scenes with Firth as a deadpan depressive arriving in a small town, Hope Springs, are full of comic promise. It�s with the appearance of Graham that things start to get shakier. Despite the potential humour in certain scenarios - like her naturist turn in the repressed Englishman�s hotel - both her character and the love match fail to ring true. Bring in Minnie Driver as a manipulative, chain-smoking embodiment of materialism, and the supposed plot tension crumbles. It�s perfectly clear that Colin shouldn�t be with Vera, but this point seems to have eluded the writers as they struggle to convince us that there�s a crucial competition for his affections at play. Early laughs give way to bland romance and an uninvolving love triangle plot device. As Mandy says to Colin at one point, �It was funny at first, now it�s just irritating.� ANNA SMITH Issue 162 May 2003

Oh Evil Woman and Blasphemer! I have one word for the new Mark (choke!) Darcy. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! That little pisher could not begin to fill his reindeer sweater.

(IdiotfromEmpire) This is one of those films where you�re mentally recasting throughout - Hugh Grant, obviously Obviously??!! Well, you might as well dismiss the entire thing. She a "Huge" fan, as are most of the dimwits from Empire (having just doublechecked its BJD review, which was all *Hugh Hugh Hugh*) As Mandy says to Colin at one point, �It was funny at first, now it�s just irritating.� Major ouch! Thanks, Mari, for the bad news. :)

(IdiotfromEmpire) This ........ Very well said, Karen. Thank you for the articles and reviews (even the bad ones;-)) Just got word from the Danish distributor of TIOBE (sorry, but current to me). They were not offered the commentary track. So I'll have to do without OP. There is no way I'll wait another 5 months to see Jack/Earnest!

Don't know if anyone else is able to try this, I can't download this at work but it may be worth it for "thousands of images" from the movie... Click here to download the "What A Girl Wants" Eyetide screensaver. More than a screensaver, it's an interactive media application that connects you with thousands of images from the movie and enables you to customize your computer desktop by selecting the images and content you want. The Eyetide screensaver is currently only available for PC. http://www.zap2it.com/movies/details/1,1295,34641,00.html

(Maria) Click here to download the "What A Girl Wants" Eyetide screensaver. I did this a while ago and there were about 15 images from the movie, all of which at this point we've seen. They were supposedly going to add more, though - maybe somebody can tell us if they did. I uninstalled it a couple of days later because it does insist on acting as your screensaver and I didn't want it to take over my system that way. "The World Cup was going on when we were filming and I didn't have a TV in my trailer, so Colin called me in to watch soccer with him. He is very approachable and keen to help � even more charming off screen than on." Awwwwww.....

(Rika)maybe somebody can tell us if they did I installed it on my sons computer (one of those: don't ask, just leave it there until I say so!!) and I still only have the same pictures, that Rika mentiones. I then send an email to the company, and they said to be patient. There definitely would be more to come. I'll keep it on, though, and let you know, if they start flowing in.

(Annette) they said to be patient. There definitely would be more to come. That means there haven't been any new ones in at least six weeks and maybe more, so....

I just watched my tape of Amanda Bynes on Caroline Rhea (how did that woman ever get a talk show??? Oh, well, at least she's a Firthette.) The first 2-3 minutes was general stuff - her birthday is Thursday (she'll be 17), etc., etc., and then CR asked how her career had developed: AB: ".... and then I just did 'What I Like About You', and then I did 'What a Girl Wants' - in England.' " CR: "How good is your career?" AB: "I think it's good - thank you!" CR: "How much do you love Colin Firth?" AB: "He is incredible." (strong audience reaction - clapping, some cheering) CR (talking at the same time as AB): "He is the dreamiest, dreamiest, most gorgeous, wonderful(?) man." (couldn't hear her too well over the audience reaction) AB (pointing to the people in the crowd clapping): "I know. Everyone is nodding, even men are like, 'Mmm hmm.'" CR: "Even men. We love Colin Firth." AB: "Yeah. He is dreamy." Then they talked about 'What I Like About You' for a while, AB's boyfriend (older man - today was his 21st birthday). After the commercial break, they got back to the movie. The film clip was the scene where she told Henry she was his daughter. After the clip: CR: "We were talking about Colin... We were just dishing about Colin. I know he didn't come over from London, because he was going to come on the show." AB: "Yeah, because of all the, you know, scary war stuff, you know, but I just wish he were here, but he's here in spirit." (ed. note - Very gracefully handled on her part.) CR: "Did you tell him you love him? And did you love Kelly Preston?" AB: "Yes. She was such a doll. I love them all. I'm so lucky. They were such good parents to have." And then they wrapped up.

Cute - From Guy Flately's Movie Crazed Site: WHAT A GIRL WANTS: Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston, Anna Chancellor, Tom Harper, Jonathan Pryce, Eileen Atkins, Oliver James, Chris Mulkey (Directed by Dennie Gordon; Warner Bros.) In 1958, spunky Sandra Dee made a modest splash as an American teenager who is reunited with her snobbish British father--played by the suavely bored Rex Harrison--in Vincente Minnelli�s "The Reluctant Debutante." Even though the director worked a few miracles in jazzing up William Douglas Home�s insipid play for the screen, the film was minor Minnelli at best. Who knows what Dennie Gordon�the director who shattered David Spade�s dreams of movie glory with "Joe Dirt" � will do with the remake? Two more questions: will Colin Firth make us forget Rex Harrison, and will Warner Bros. lure the reclusive Ms. Dee to the premiere of "What a Girl Wants"? Opens 4/4 http://www.moviecrazed.com/ultimate/april_2003.htm

I'm old enough to remember this. Re the WAGW "controversy"... I am sure Amanda is not making a peace sign at all, but a very British V for Victory made famous by Winston Churchill:

You're very right, Murph, about the 'V' but most people wouldn't even know who Churchill was. :-( Thanks, Rika, for the transcript. CR: I know he didn't come over from London, because he was going to come on the show. Oh lordy, and to think we might have gotten a piggie update (or Caroline might have divulged what she really liked about the movie) ;-) Someone really should send her the unedited version.

but I just wish he were here, but he's here in spirit." (ed. note - Very gracefully handled on her part.) I'll say. Thanks, Rika. As Peach and Pear (the Orwood twins in the movie) would say: "She's sooo nice!" Poor kid. I hope he's not still scared when GWAPE opens.;-) he was going to come on the show. Damn. Caroline was ready to drool over him big time. We were talking about Colin... We were just dishing about Colin Oh to have been a fly on the wall . . . Re: Warner's yanking the peace sign from the ads--I smell a clever PR gimmick. Look at all the press coverage the film is getting over this. I've worked in PR and I know exactly how they operate.

Another version of the altered artwork: No Peace for Amanda Bynes By Lia Haberman (E! Online) Soon to be causing an international uproar at your local multiplex: Warner Bros.' teen comedy What a Girl Wants. Tee-hee. The studio has, like, jumped on the PC bandwagon, doctoring a so-called controversial poster of star Amanda Bynes. Promos for the movie originally had the teen standing dressed in a stars-and-stripes tank top between two British royal guards and flashing the peace sign. No way! Fearful that the peace symbol could be misconstrued while war rages in the Middle East and opinions clash at home, the studio airbrushed the offensive digits. Now, print ads running in the Los Angeles Times and other newspapers feature Bynes with her arm at her side. Changes were not made to billboards and bus banners already in place, because there was not enough time. The movie opens this weekend. "We did not want to add any political overtones to a completely nonpolitical movie," a Warners rep told the Washington Post. Gotcha. Warners also says that after the film opens, the beefeaters flanking Bynes will be replaced by review blurbs. In the movie, Bynes plays Daphne Reynolds, a stylish teen who's got everything a girl could want--except a dad. Daphne impulsively jets off to London to find the sperm donor who ditched her mother 17 years ago. Turns out, Daddy Dearest is a titled politician (phew, thank god he's rich and not some lying lowlife). Now Daphne must decide if she should change her very special self to fit in with father's snooty crowd or maybe (hope, hope) he'll accept her for who she is. That clears up how audiences might have confused this G-rated fluff feature with a political indictment of the administration's policies. [Ed note: LOL!] Given the backlash against activist-minded celebrities there is a shred of validity to Warners' concerns--though the marketing decision could also be considered a well-timed promotional tactic to draw attention to an otherwise unremarkable movie. Studios, networks and record labels are all being ultracautious to appear to the right of impartial for fear of alienating audiences and, more importantly, losing money--despite pleas from the Screen Actors Guild to avoid a return to McCarthy-era retaliations. Martin Sheen may have been the first to suffer financially for his antiwar stance. Visa allegedly pulled a promo starring the TV prez and his son after viewers complained (the credit card company denied the cancellation had any political overtones). Next, Sean Penn claimed he was unfairly dropped from a movie called Why Men Shouldn't Marry after he traveled to Baghdad on a fact-finding mission. Then, Natalie Maines' Bush bashing speech in London affected Dixie Chick record sales and radio play after American listeners objected. And finally, Susan Sarandon's keynote speech at the United Way of Tampa was nixed after the not-for-profit organization received complaints about her political views. (Lord knows what's going to happen to Michael Moore after his Oscar tirade.) According to the studio, Bynes, 16, was tipped off to the tweaked posters before they were released and had no objections. She currently stars opposite Jennie Garth in the WB's What I Like About You and was last seen on the big screen opposite Frankie Muniz in 2002's Big Fat Liar.

Man, what a b****! (Feeling very defensive of WAGW at this point)She must be taking lessons from the mother /daughter team at E! ;-) Thank for the transcript Rika! Hope to catch this and hear CR gush...

(E! online) though the marketing decision could also be considered a well-timed promotional tactic to draw attention to an otherwise unremarkable movie. HAHA! What did I just get done saying . . . it's the money, honey. phew, thank god he's rich and not some lying lowlife). LOL! Hey, if he were a lying lowlife, on the dole, in a bug-infested slum on the east side . . .it would be a Mike Leigh movie.;-)

(Mari) Hey, if he were a lying lowlife, on the dole, in a bug-infested slum on the east side . . .it would be a Mike Leigh movie.;-) And a Bafta nominee. ;-)

CR"he was going to come on the show. Now we know the real reason he was MIA. I hate that show. Mari) Hey, if he were a lying lowlife, on the dole, in a bug-infested slum on the east side . . .it would be a Mike Leigh movie.;-) (Karen)And a Bafta nominee. ;-) Uh oh...I sense vomiting in the toilet...I wouldn't go see it;-) "more importantly, losing money--despite pleas from the Screen Actors Guild to avoid a return to McCarthy-era retaliations." Big difference. Bottom line... called $$$$$$.

(Evelyn) Dallas Morning News "British stage legends Colin Firth" *snort* Another one who didn't have tickets for Hamlet I'll see your snort and raise you a guffaw. He's been called a "respected stage star" and "stage legend" before. Probably one reporter got it wrong and everyone else is just recycling. Need to fact-check, guys. (Joyce, about the "new" Mark Darcy) That little pisher could not begin to fill his reindeer sweater. Not to mention his biker leathers! ;-)) (Evelyn) CR"he was going to come on the show." Now we know the real reason he was MIA. Yes, in an interview where ODB was asked about the Fielding-as-Bridget interviewe, he was also asked if he'd had real interviews as bad as that, and I think he said, yes, even worse ones. Could he have meant Caroline? (My bet for #1 worst interview is still Chevy)

WAGW screened in class tonight with Dennie Gordon the guest. She did a rather long interview with the teacher. I also got to speak to her one on one a tad bit as she and her family walked up the two escalators out of the theater toward the exit. Do I put the info here or at the Spoilers topic? Also, found a CF interview in Gotham magazine. Seems to have some different questions. It's too long to type now. I've been having computer problems during typing that I don't understand since my computer last crashed and I don't have the patience to type any of this now. If you knew how long it took to type this and how badly I want to throw this thing out the window, you'd sooooo understand.

(Dorine)If you knew how long it took to type this and how badly I want to throw this thing out the window, you'd sooooo understand. Been there - almost done that, so I totally understand. And the story of my life seems to be waiting, so I'll wait patiently ;-)

Has anyone read The Leopard? Trying to read it now, to and from work on the tube in preparation for the PEN thing. I'm not really that thrilled by it though - yet?! Would love to hear via email what other people think of it, if you have picked it up or are reading it right now.

From the Sydney Morning Herald - What A Girl Wants By Alexa Moses April 3 2003 Cute as a bunny ... Amanda Bynes. Directed by Dennie Gordon Screenplay by Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler Rated G Cinemas everywhere When the butterfly fluttered across the screen during the credits, the teenager in the back row started to make retching noises. "Oh God, it's a chick flick," he groaned. Well, yes. From its first upbeat strains, What a Girl Wants announces itself as an aspirational flick aimed squarely at pre-pubescent girls. So unless you're able to shoo your inner critic off to the coffee shop for a couple of hours, don't bother entering the cinema. Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) is an effervescent, clutzy teenager who lives in "a fifth-floor walk-up in Chinatown", New York, with her mother (Kelly Preston), a wedding singer. But Daphne feels like "half of me is missing". She dreams of meeting the father she's never known. Desperate to meet him, she hops a plane to England to discover her father is the strait-laced Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), favoured political candidate in the upcoming elections. She barges over his fence and in her sweet, goofy way hijacks his life. Dashwood has a Sloaney, controlling fiance (Anna Chancellor) with a priggish daughter (Christina Cole) and some weasly advisers, all of whom Daphne confronts as she unleashes herself upon British society. Like The Princess Diaries, this film's plot is merely a vessel for an orgy of satin dresses, stuffy parties to liven up, grand corridors in which to dance down wearing socks, and endless opportunities for Daphne to model funky clothes to music. Your inner critic is bound to cringe at the way director Dennie Gordon has wrung every sentimental drop from father-daughter moments. That crusty critic will also gag with the teenager up the back when Daphne gets those uptight Brits dancing. Yet your inner 10-year-old girl has to love Amanda Bynes. The gangly, round-eyed Bynes, host of an American children's television show, has a knack for physical comedy. She's so cute you can imagine her screwing up her nose like a quizzical bunny. Oliver James is pukka as Ian, her almost bad-boy love interest (how can a bad boy be called Ian?), and the understated Firth holds the film together as the nervous but droll Henry. Eileen Atkins also adds a pleasing tartness as the shrewd Lady Jocelyn. It's a predictable fairytale with a sappy ending, and the message - be yourself - won't start any neurons firing. But your 10-year-old daughter's going to love it.

Does anyone know what happened to KP's interview on Regis, yesterday. I just heard the commercial for today's guests and she wasn't mentioned.

I don't know if this has been posted already (apologize if it has), but there are film clips up on the official WAGW site. The first one has ODB, the second one is with Daphne and Ian on the boat. http://www2.warnerbros.com/whatagirlwants/

(Dorine) Amanda B.'s WAGW appearances for Tuesday: --MSN chat (7:00 PM) I actually got a question in...Said I liked the film and had read she decided to do film after finding out CF was in it. Asked her how she had become aware of him. She answered she had seen P&P and BJD...I'm thinking her grandma (who is probably only in her 50's?? and accompanied her to England for the filming might have had something to do with influencing her in this regard ;-)

(Dorine) Do I put the info here or at the Spoilers topic? If it is spoiler-ish, then there. If it is the stuff contained in printed interviews, then here. (SMH) the understated Firth holds the film together as the nervous but droll Henry. That's nice to read, though not being a 10-year-old girl anymore concerns me. will also gag with the teenager up the back Need Aussie translation for "up the back" ;-)

Dismissive review here: http://www.killermoviereviews.com/main.php?nextlink=display&dId=233&subLinks=

From the Montreal Film Journal by Kevin Laforest (2-1/2 stars) though no mention of Colin, except for the "unprotected sex" line. *snicker* Once in a while a film critic finds himself attracted to the unlikeliest movies. Tonight, I could have been watching some well-regarded foreign language release or maybe an innovative independent film or even something lowbrow like the latest John McTiernan or Chris Rock�s directorial debut. Anything but this sugary comedy targeted squarely at teenage girls, right? Don�t I actively dislike annoyingly superficial girlie-girls flicks and haven�t I vowed never to waste my time with them anymore? Then again, it�s raining, I�m tired... and I have a little crush on Amanda Bynes, who�s cuter than both Olsen twins rolled into one! Bynes stars as Daphne Reynolds, a fun-loving teenage girl from New York who goes to England to establish a relationship with her long-absent father (Colin Firth), a prominent political figure unaware that after his brief idyll with a free-spirited American woman (Kelly Preston) years ago, �fate gave her the most beautiful gift of all: a beautiful daughter� (fate? how about unprotected sex?). Are we in for a touching, multi-layered story about father-daughter relationships? Or is this is a Cinderella-out-of-water-story, wild-gal-loosening-up-the-aristocrats, �trying-to-fit-in, born-to-stand-out� WACKY! romp? If I tell you that this is the second feature of Dennie Gordon, who last directed Joe Dirt (a movie I was embarrassingly fond of, actually), and that it�s named after a Christina Aguilera song, does that give you an idea? There are a lot of eye-rollingly trite scenes full of contrived sentimentality and the rest of the film is padded with way too many let�s-try-on-outfits scenes and musical montages (including one set to The Clash�s London Calling- punk is dead indeed), but the cast is likable enough to somewhat elevate the by-the-numbers screenplay (an updated version of the 1958 Minelli film �The Reluctant Debutante). I liked how the movie dares to embrace its own corniness, with lines like �I love you like a million red M&Ms� or �Oh! My evil stepsister!�, and while Daphne�s constant pratfalls and social faux pas are not all that funny, Amanda Bynes is at her most adorable when she�s being goofy. I also found her romance with a not-too-threatening bad boy (Oliver James) surprisingly endearing. She�s got much chemistry with James, who�s pretty damn cool as a motorbike-riding Brit musician who can really funk up a stuffy debutante soir�e! �What a Girl Wants� has got the production values of a TV movie, it�s derivative, inconsequential and desperately predictable, but if you�re in the mood for a harmless MTVed fairy tale you�ll have a good time.

1-1/2 stars from the Kalamazoo Gazette: http://www.interbridge.com/jamessanford/2003/whatagirl.html "She has my eyes," Henry notes, an oddball observation, since Daphne's eyes are pale green and round while Henry's are decidedly brown and slightly squinty. Six months from now, it's possible this may be a hot video rental for the slumber party crowd. But if you no longer need your parents to escort you to the movies, you're probably too old to care much about "What a Girl Wants." LOL! From Reel Talk, an overall positive review: http://www.reeltalkreviews.com/browse/viewitem.asp?type=review&id=427 This time around, Bynes plays the daughter with more physical humor and Firth projects more unconscious sex appeal as the father, but both versions are definitely worth seeing. This fine actor speaks volumes merely by the look in his eyes, the slightest change of expression or a simple gesture. Trying to relate to a daughter he never knew he had, especially during the midst of an important election, poses quite a challenge for Lord Dashwood; and Firth makes the man�s frustration and compassion seem very real. From that Frank Swietek guy (One Guy's Opinion), a C- rating: http://www.oneguysopinion.com/review.asp?ID=923 Firth has to act so flustered and uncool that he looks as though he were suffering from a perpetual case of colitis If you should find yourself trapped in a theatre with it, just take to heart a line that the scowling Pryce addresses to Chancellor at one point. "Relax," he says. "She'll be gone before long."

As expected, more negative reviews from online critics (sic) for whom this movie is not aimed, more like their baby sisters: http://home.earthlink.net/~qwipster/whatagirlwants.htm Whenever I see a film that is wholly intended for an audience of which I am not a part of, I feel the need to put in a disclaimer to let you know, so that you can take this into account as to why I am giving it a negative review. Such is the case for WHAT A GIRL WANTS, which has a definite audience for young girls of about 8 to 14, and probably little outside of this. A more accurate description would be an even more watered-down version of PRETTY WOMAN, with Colin Firth playing the Richard Gere role of the rich man having to confront his feelings while introducing a spirited fish-out-of-water, who makes him happy despite the displeasure of the crusty socialites around him. If you're still at an age (or mentality) where MTV is on your television watching agenda for most of the day, you're probably the type who might be entertained by this music video era comedy of manners. Everyone else will probably experience a gag reflex when such an overload of cotton candy sweetness would be your only source for sustenance for the almost two hour duration.

What a Girl Wants� has got the production values of a TV movie, it�s derivative, inconsequential and desperately predictable, but if you�re in the mood for a harmless MTVed fairy tale you�ll have a good time. Perhaps movies should always be reviewed by the audience for whom they're intended. The reviews over at IMDB are all very positive! "I think this movie shows teenagers, guys or girls to not be afraid to be themselves no matter what others say about them. Other people around the world don't understand our way of life, so they laugh because we are different. In the Movie Amanda does a great job portraying Daphne as a cool American teen who wants to learn more about herself. What teenager doesn't want that?! Its not insulting its trying to show people what America is about, being an individual. It was a great movie that I enjoyed. I'm 17, my brother's girlfriend saw it, she's 16 and my sister saw it and she's 13, we all liked it. My two guys cousin's saw it too, they are 14 and 13 and they laughed so hard they cried. Therefore I think this movie is one anybody at any age can see and enjoy. Unless you're super sensitive and believe everyone is out to make Americans look bad. I give this movie a 10 out of 10! "

(Maria)Perhaps movies should always be reviewed by the audience for whom they're intended. The reviews over at IMDB are all very positive! Oh so well said, Maria...and don't forget all the positive reviews over on the spoiler topic by that "other" audience;-)

I pay little attention to online "critics." Any pimply-faced 17-year-old with enough bandwidth can have his own site and proclaim himself a critic. Now, here's the definitive review. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/click/movie-10001840/reviews.php?critic=columns&sortby=default&page=1&rid=1123690 Dorine, I want to hear what Dennie G. had to say!! Linka, I don't recall Kelly P being set for R&K, but she is slated for Jon Stewart's show tonight. She's a trouper, as her role in this is relatively small.

(Bethan) (Maria)Perhaps movies should always be reviewed by the audience for whom they're intended. The reviews over at IMDB are all very positive! (LindaK)h so well said, Maria...and don't forget all the positive reviews over on the spoiler topic by that "other" audience;-) I did'nt say it, but I believe it! Or at least be reviewed by someone other than jaded grinch hearts whose only objective is to show off how clever they can be in trashing a movie. It gets tiresome to read these reviews which all seem like a regurgitation of one another and it seems uncertain if they have actually even watched the film. Look, I know I am not objective in regard to this film, but I know the difference between Lilo and Stitch and Citizen Kane. I think these are the same people that hate kittens and puppies, don't write their grandma's and as I read once, if you kicked em in their heart, you'd break your toe...

closing

(Bethan) Perhaps movies should always be reviewed by the audience for whom they're intended. You can't be serious. :-( For the most part, I don't bother with the online critics, except for a couple (Harvey and James) but we needed some entertainment in the face of a certain somebody's (won't name names) absence. (Mari) Now, here's the definitive review. Saw that and closed browser. ;-)

not closed but now is. Let's be careful, folks. My eyes are burning already and squinting makes it even worse. ;-)

Oh Mari...the Rotten Tomatoes one is one hoot.Are you making a scrapbook of reviews to give him;-)))) "Of course, we can all identify with Daphne because we all have experienced the emptiness caused by the seperation of a father." I've thought of this...given that 50% or that age bracket come from one-parent homes.Lots of identification here given their fantasy that the parents will someday get together. I don't want to read reviews written by ten year olds, thank you. Films like actors have certain standards. Having said that, "Joe Dirt" had a v. similar story line as WAGW. Boy (JD)gets dumped by parents at the garbage can [get the name??]in Grand Canyon and he spends the rest of the movie trying to find them. It really wasn't half bad. Depends if you're a fan of Saturday Night Live;-)

It happens to be elevated by the fresh-faced appeal of Amanda Bynes (who should draw the target audience of young girls) and the solid presence of Colin Firth (who should draw their mothers). At least somebody FINALLY figured that out!

What a Girl Wants" Cast Interviews Yeah, we wish..AB and KP only..KP's most relevant q & a.. What was it like to work with Colin Firth? Wonderful. He's very English, somewhat formal, but really kind and really warm at the same time. And he's really funny. http://romanticmovies.about.com/cs/whatagirlwants/

This is from the Gotham magazine with Rachel Weisz on the cover. Firth and Foremost Dashing British leading man Colin Firth opens up about Bridget Jones, Tony Blair, Mick Jagger, and much more. Considering his nearly 20 years in the business, two Oscar-winning movies (Shakespeare In Love and The English Patient), and big-time blockbuster success with Bridget Jones�s Diary, you would think Colin Firth would be a household name in the US. Rather, he�s still best remembered as the man who hit Hugh Grant in the kisser over the winsome Ms. Jones. This month, his latest movie, What a Girl Wants, starring Amanda Bynes, hits theaters nationwide. �He�s one of the nicest people I�ve ever worked with,� says Bynes. �He brings so much to his character and the film.� When we sat down with the first gentleman of the screen, he shared his thoughts on playing British stereotype, concealing rage, and speaking one�s peace. � CLAY WEINER Gotham: What does it feel like to be constantly pegged as the successful yet repressed and uptight British man? Colin Firth: It�s a paradox really. I realize that it looks that way from the outside, though I�m not seeing it so much myself. It�s been lingering since Darcy [his acclaimed, career-making performance in the BBC�s production of Jane Austen�s Pride and Prejudice]. I don�t mind it really, being typecast as British. When you are British, it doesn�t feel like being typecast at all. G: If you were to play off type, what kind of roles would you most desire? CF: I�m about to do a film about a man suffering a nervous breakdown, which will be welcome new terrain. This recent picture, What A Girl Wants, is a return, I guess, to previous material, but it�s a fairy tale. I like to think that the cinema holds a place for dreaming, for escapism...I wouldn�t want to be always in that area, and at times there was a sentimentality that I resisted, but for that moment it was satisfying. The desire to be truthful and the desire to be too austere compete with one another. This was, after all, a movie for teenagers. G: What happens when you sign on for a film, get halfway through it, and realize it�s a dog? (Ed. note � This is now my all time favorite interview question for him. This writer is my hero. ;-)) CF: I�m very used to making the wrong call on things. I guess my instincts aren�t that good on that. (Ed. note�Is this including advisers as well?) Nobody�s are, or else we would all be making masterpieces. You can cut eight different movies from what you shoot, and often your vision of a project is not in line with the director�s. I think the reverse is also true; I have seen beauty come from what I thought was rubbish. (Such as?...) G: It�s been rumored that you had a hand in convincing Renee Zellweger to reprise her role in Bridget Jones�s Diary. CF: No, I don�t know where that got out. It�s entirely not the case, and I suspect she is capable of making her own decisions. G: When the movie industry thinks sequels, we often get paltry versions of a quality original. What was your reaction when Bridget Jones 2 was brought to the table? CF: In the abstract, my thoughts were quite negative. The word sequel conjures up dreaded thoughts. You ask yourself do you want to do a sequel about something you�ve already done? But then you read the story, and if the script transcends your skepticisms, you find a new affinity for it. In some respects, revisiting a familiar character is quite attractive to me. I�m not drawn to characters by how much they require a transformation. That might sound like an unusual thing for an actor to say, but what concerns me most is telling a story truthfully, not using a funny accent or changing my walk (Whew! Thank goodness). Getting deep into characters can be relentlessly interesting. G: One quality your movies have shared is managing to reach the heartstrings of women. What do you think women find so attractive about you? CF: I have no idea. I�d fall into all kinds of traps if I was to speculate on that matter. I suppose it�s inherent in the qualities my character possess. There is something charming when you see one thing but suspect something is bubbling underneath; the substance below becomes more alluring, more erotic for that reason. (Couldn�t have said it better myself) Many of my characters have personified that duality. In the same respect, such qualities endure simply as an English archetype. I had some Italian friends over here on a visit, and they couldn�t understand it. They thought if I was perceived as sexy, then who else? Does that make John Major sexy? G: There is something subtle to your portrayals of men that goes beyond mere repression. CF: I look for twists. It isn�t just repression. They have to have a simmering below, a discomfort. You have to find it in the character. I find that what blocks people, their own limitations, most intriguing. G: Is there a future for the English gentleman, or is that character a dying sentimentalism? CF: The English are an extremely polite people, but their reserve � this notion of the English gentleman � is a fairly recent ideal, only a few hundred years old. We have an enormous history of warfare, a high record of violence at home, we�re oversexed (please expand on this! ;-)), like to drink a lot -- all of which stems from the fact that there is a great deal of passion underneath. The archetype is now breaking down quite significantly with the past generations. Especially Mick Jagger and John Lennon. Those are the guys I want to emulate. The rock-and-roll culture still looms large. G: How does English manhood compare to American manhood? (Is that in inches or cm? ;-)) CF: I think they are probably identical. Whenever I try to differentiate them, I can always think of an exception. There are macho jocks, sensitive poets, neo-fascists, and men�s-movement guys in both countries. Cliches tend to rule in movies. The one prevailing one is that every boy who ever went through English public school is gay. G: Actors in the US have largely been quiet about their dissent regarding the potential war against Iraq, in part because many fear that being too political will kill their careers. For an actor with notoriety, is the climate in Britain any easier? Do you hesitate to speak your mind on matters of politics? CF: Yes. It is, period, easier to speak out in England. Although I have noticed it is easier now than 18 months ago in the US. I think the debate is far broader over here; the issues get explored further. The acting community is fairly quiet, it does seem, but not silent. It�s quite challenging to speak you mind on causes as a celebrity. You�re met with hostilities, as in �What gives your opinion any more weight than mine?� Or �What makes your opinion any more qualified?� But ultimately I decided I have opinions about it just as any citizen, and I need to share them. Having some celebrity, in the end it is pretty damn useless in the scope of changing world affairs. Being a businessman would probably be far more influential. G: On that note, since when did England become the butler to whomever sits in our oval office? (My second favorite question) CF: It is the rather prevailing view, especially articulated by our political cartoonists here, but even Nelson Mandela has said likewise. It was very worrying, yes, that [Tony Blair] has tailored his policies so absolutely to the US, but then it is also quite uncomfortable, as you can see with Chirac, to take a position against the US. G: Do you have a temper? CF: Yes. Acting is frightening; it is a very scary thing to do. It requires a bit of aggression, actually. For a child it is a perfectly natural thing to do, but not for an adult. There are all kinds of motives you can use to get to the point where you have the ability to pretend in front of others. Acting is something in which vanity will help you a lot. I�ve heard it said that to combat his stage fears, Lawrence Olivier used to insult the audiences in the wings before he would go on. I can understand that sort of impulse, above it being purely mechanical, as a technique. G: Can you imagine your life today if you hadn�t found acting? CF: I could be living in a cardboard box, flipping burgers. I could have been locked up by now...I don�t know if I could see myself being successful at anything conventional. I didn�t shine at school. I certainly feel fortunate for it. There are 2 pictures with the article. One from BJD the other from WAGW as Henry is getting ready to get in the Rolls. ****Also as a note to all lurkers out there who like to take information, etc from here to other sites......and I know who some of you are and where it�s posted......please provide links to this and give credit to this site for posting it, Gotham magazine, and the author as I have done. Just out of common courtesy please. It took a heckuva long time to type this up, it deserves be mentioned. Thank you. ;-)

Thanks for typing up that interview, Dorine; it was a good one! I liked the "dog" question too :) (CF) They thought if I was perceived as sexy, then who else? Does that make John Major sexy? LOL!

Dorine, thank you so much for the article (and your ed.notes). I seem to recall, that the headline has been used before, but who cares with these "fresh" questions. (interview)I like to think that the cinema holds a place for dreaming, for escapism... So true! No man provides sweeter dreams than ODB!

*Clap, clap* Dorine. You are #1 for taking the time to type this up. Good luck on getting any cred. I will say I enjoyed your side remarks as much as the interview!! G.": How does English manhood compare to American manhood? (Is that in inches or cm? ;-)) " A classic CF: I?m very used to making the wrong call on things. I guess my instincts aren?t that good on that." Even after 45 films??Hopeless.Maybe time to change agent. CF"Especially Mick Jagger and John Lennon. Those are the guys I want to emulate. " Lord save us. ~~~~~~~~~~~ I can't say I'm surprised at any of the answers.You?

Dorine...thanks so much for doing this! Love this interview. Good questions, but I must say it was your running commentary that increased the fun factor for me! (CF) That might sound like an unusual thing for an actor to say, but what concerns me most is telling a story truthfully, not using a funny accent or changing my walk (Whew! Thank goodness). My sentiments exactly! Don't be changing that walk! (CF) We have an enormous history of warfare, a high record of violence at home, we�re oversexed (please expand on this! ;-)), like to drink a lot -- Please do! Inquiring minds want to know! Thanks again Dorine!!

Dorine, thanks for typing up the Gotham Mag. article. You are firth and foremost in the editor's notes area! Your comments are right on! (Gotham article-CF)The one prevailing one is that every boy who ever went through English public school is gay. Wasn't this the same conversation he was having with Jon Stewart and Harry's wand? ;-) (Gotham article-CF)Those are the guys I want to emulate. The rock-and-roll culture still looms large. And he did a great job emulating one in WAGW, for sure. (Gotham article-CF)It�s entirely not the case, and I suspect she is capable of making her own decisions. V. v. good answer on his part. He always knows how to answer these things that go back and forth with the truth so very politely.

(Evelyn)Even after 45 films??Hopeless.Maybe time to change agent. Or the advisor;-) Thank you, Dorine for typing that. I enjoyed it. Really good questions, for a change. Great comments...As for the answers...that's ODB. (CF)but suspect something is bubbling underneath; the substance below becomes more alluring, more erotic for that reason. Oh, I could say something, but I won't! I'll be good for a change:-)*sigh* (Mari)I don't recall Kelly P being set for R&K, but she is slated for Jon Stewart's show tonight. She's a trouper, as her role in this is relatively small TV Guide had her listed for Tuesday. I thought Karen had it posted on the WAGW TV appearances, too. I even taped today thinking it was a mistake in the Guide but all I got was that %$#@$ "other" CF.

Thanks for the typing AND the commentary. Next time we let Dorine do the interview. (CF) "Especially Mick Jagger and John Lennon. Those are the guys I want to emulate. " Let's hope in fashion sense as well as attitude? I'd love to learn more about the difference between English and American, ahem, manhood...and I think that ODB in Mick Jagger's pants could DEFINITELY help with that one.

CF)but suspect something is bubbling underneath; the substance below becomes more alluring, more erotic for that reason. Like magma?? Thanks, Dorine, for taking the time to type this article for us. It was refreshing to see some new questions and the way he varied the answers. I loved your editorial comments, especially the one about English vs. American manhood!

Just a quick note for people in later time zones. Be sure to catch Kelly P. on Jon Stewart's show; the clip she shows is the one where she and Henry are seeing each other for the first time in 17 years. The looks he gives her . . . I thought my TV would melt!:-)

Dorine! Thanks for the great interview. Do you know if Gotham Mag is available outside NYC? I've seen it in hotels up there, and on newsstands. Anyway, thanks so much for typing it out. Good interview, and some new questions, blessedly! Loved your running commmentary. I�m very used to making the wrong call on things. I guess my instincts aren�t that good on that This is new, never heard him be so open before. Wish I knew which ones he considers to be the dogs. I can tell you the ones that would get my vote.;-) I�m about to do a film about a man suffering a nervous breakdown Now we're talkin'. I guess this is Tramua; wish we had more info on it. I know--let's call his agent.;-) I had some Italian friends over here on a visit, and they couldn�t understand it. They thought if I was perceived as sexy, then who else? Does that make John Major sexy? Now we know why Rome no longer rules the world.;-) I like to think that the cinema holds a place for dreaming, for escapism...I wouldn�t want to be always in that area, and at times there was a sentimentality that I resisted, but for that moment it was satisfying. I can smell treacle a mile away, and this movie does not come off like that. The sentiment feels real and honest; is a tribute to Hunk Daddy and Baby Hunkette.:-) You�re met with hostilities, as in �What gives your opinion any more weight than mine?� Or �What makes your opinion any more qualified?� Damn, he's been reading the Odds & Ends board again.;-) Having some celebrity, in the end it is pretty damn useless in the scope of changing world affairs. Being a businessman would probably be far more influential. Finally, an actor who admits that what I do is more relevant than what he or she does.;-)

(Mari) Do you know if Gotham Mag is available outside NYC? It might be possible down there if you have a B&N or Borders, etc with a very comprehensive magazine selection. Outside of tri-state area, I would doubt it, but ya never know. Wonder if the interview was by a freelancer with an exclusive to Gotham.

Entertainment Weakly actually gave it a decent review B-. But Owen G. is clearly jealous of HD.;-) What a Girl Wants Reviewed by Owen Gleiberman Today's tween girls want to be princesses without being snobs about it. That makes Amanda Bynes the perfect star for a princess fantasy about a bubble-icious American girl who gets to wear her tiara and cast it off, too. In What a Girl Wants, Bynes hops over to England to reunite with her long-lost dashing aristocrat father (Colin Firth), who let go of her mother (Kelly Preston) shortly after marrying her in Morocco. Bynes, who worked her way up the Nickelodeon kiddie ladder before costarring with Frankie Muniz in ''Big Fat Liar,'' has chipmunk cheeks, eyes as clear as a Kansas sky, and the ability to rock out in the punkette-gymnast manner of Avril Lavigne without in any way suggesting that her knowing hip swivels are driven by salacious thoughts. Ensconced in Daddy's mansion, Bynes shocks the stuffing out of all those fuddy-duddy English people, even as she gets the privilege of absorbing their classy airs. In her sassy but scrubbed way, Bynes is a real charmer, and ''What a Girl Wants'' is a likable throwaway. You do wish, however, that it didn't leave you with the unfortunate sight of Colin Firth, who comes off like Hugh Grant with mild indigestion, attempting to put aside his crusty ways by donning leather pants to play air guitar to ''Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.'' Grade: B-

Thanks for typing up the article, Dorine. Is it the April or May issue? for correct citation purposes ;-) Will read later, but title is getting v. old. May have to number all the Firth and Foremosts in the archives. (Mari) the clip she shows is the one where she and Henry are seeing each other for the first time in 17 years. The looks he gives her . . . I thought my TV would melt!:-) Really? I thought it was one of his weaker "Looks." Not up to par with the great ones. I'm guessing Mr Preston was on set that day and Colin wouldn't dare. ;-) Print reviews are coming in... From the Toronto Eye (might be alt paper), one star: If a kid's film features some secret surrounding a character's parents, you can bet on the parents turning out to be wildly famous, funny and, of course, rich. (Movies in which adopted children find out their parents are totally ordinary and poor are mostly only-for-grownups Mike Leigh movies.) In What a Girl Wants, New York teen Daphne (Amanda Bynes) finds out her biological dad is British aristocrat Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), and, like an irrepressible Annie in the mansion of Daddy Warbucks, she disrupts his well-ordered life with rambunctious displays of Yankee love. Dennie Gordon directs this ho-hum story of father-daughter bonding with all the finesse you'd expect from someone who built his [sic] career directing TV shows like Dawson's Creek and Party of Five -- in other words, Daphne humourously falls over a lot in between blasts from the upbeat soundtrack. Gordon and Co. slobber all over themselves at how quaint and wonderful the British are, producing an effect that is strongly, cheesily American. Colin Firth and his co-star, Eileen Atkins (who plays his mother) seem to be under the misapprehension that they're in a serious movie about estrangement and reconciliation, which makes for some decent acting that's out of synch with the rest of the package. Bynes is a young actor with some serious limitations, and her awkward presence is at odds with the Daphne's supposedly magnetic personality. What a Girl Wants is a knock-off of The Princess Diaries -- Daphne even gets her own tiara -- with a pro-family message that grows increasingly nauseating. Why is it that little boys in movies get chosen as Jedi knights, wizards and secret agents, while the only job descriptions offered to little girls are princesses and socialites? Skip this pile of Eurotrash and take your female youngster to Bend it Like Beckham. CATHARINE TUNNACLIFFE ~~~~~~~ Another bad one from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20030402&Category=APE&ArtNo=304020851&Ref=AR Besides wasting Bynes' talents, "What a Girl Wants" also squanders several veteran actors, including Eileen Atkins as Henry's mother, Jonathan Pryce as this top adviser, and Firth himself, though they manage to allow some deadpan humor to come through.

(Karen) Is it the April or May issue? for correct citation purposes ;-) Ironically I was concerned about that, but I didn't put it because I didn't know, hence, indicated who was on the cover instead (had to leave for the premiere right after I typed it so no time to call stores to ask). I ripped the article out of the magazine at my salon.....with full permission of my stylist I might add. ;-) She told me I could take the whole mag as they had several copies, but I had a heavy-ish bag with me already...didn't want to add to it as I had to drag it uptown. There are no dates on the pages and the website had a Marisa Tomei article as the main feature, so I was pretty sure that wasn't current and didn't see a date anyway.

CF: I�m very used to making the wrong call on things. I guess my instincts aren�t that good on that Maybe he should follow George Costanza's (Seinfeld) lead and do the exact *opposite* of his instincts. It worked for George. ;-)

Dorine, did you get to the premiere? Also, still want to hear about Dennie Gordon. What was your class's reaction to the film? What was yours? Am so proud; the Catholics "get" it;-) What a Girl Wants By David DiCerto Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) --"What A Girl Wants" (Warner Bros.) is a contemporary fairy tale about a precocious American teen-ager (Amanda Bynes) who travels to London in search of the father she has never known. Inspired by the 1958 film "The Reluctant Debutante" and directed by Dennie Gordon, this delightful modern Cinderella story celebrates the bonds between parents and children and the possibility of second chances which love affords. Daphne Reynolds (Bynes) feels incomplete. She has style, charm and a bright future. She lives in New York's Chinatown with her doting, bohemian mom, Libby (Kelly Preston), a wedding singer who has raised her daughter in an atmosphere of spirited independence. Daphne, however, longs to meet the father she has only heard about in her mother's bedtime stories -- a dashing Englishman Libby had shared a whirlwind romance with 17 years ago while traveling through the Moroccan desert. Working weddings with her mom has afforded Daphne a front-row view of countless brides dressed in storybook gowns dancing "that special dance" with their dads -- an all-too-painful reminder of the lost relationship which will deny her from ever sharing in that joyous ritual. Armed only with her unabashed joie de vivre and a photo of the debonair Brit, Daphne impetuously hops across the pond to seek the one missing piece of the puzzle that will make her life and her family complete. Once in London, Daphne befriends a young punk musician, Oliver (Ian Wallace), who, as Cupid would have it, immediately falls for her charm. Together they track down her father, who just happens to be a high-profile Tory politician, Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), who is currently embroiled in a hotly contested campaign for election in Parliament. Needless to say, her arrival triggers a series of events, which put Dashwood's political plans as well as his personal life in a tailspin. At times both comic and touching, Daphne slowly has a liberating effect on Dashwood's self-imposed highbrow stodginess. The aristocrat, however, must ultimately choose between acknowledging the brash Yank as his daughter, thereby jeopardizing his political ambitions, or walking away from his one chance at true happiness. As Lady Jocelyn (Eileen Atkins), the Dashwood matriarch and resident fairy godmother, ruefully observes, "For 600 years this family has been sacrificing parts of its body for England. You are going to have sacrifice your heart." Further complicating the situation are the machinations of Dashwood's conniving fiancee, Glynnis (Anna Chancellor), and Glynnis' Machiavellian father, Alastair Payne (Jonathan Pryce), both of whom contemptuously view Daphne as gauche. Years earlier, the elitist Payne had likewise deemed Libby unsuitable and plotted the lovers' eventual break-up. No fairy tale would be complete without a jealous stepsister (Christina Cole) and a broom closet in which Daphne is locked on the night of the royal ball. Bynes, the popular star of Nickelodeon's "The Amanda Show," brings comedic timing and a youthful grace to the role of Daphne, with saucer-like eyes which reflect the vulnerability of a girl on the cusp of becoming a woman. Firth's Dashwood conveys with restraint and subtlety the stiff-upper-lip pathos of a man torn between happiness and duty. His measured Prince Charming balances Bynes' zestful Cinderella. While the film has instances of mildly offensive language and scattered sexual innuendoes, its strong moral message reinforces the important role a parent plays in a child's life and the sometimes-courageous sacrifices demanded of a parent's love. As such, some parents may feel the film is fine for their pre-teens as well. True to its storybook inspiration, the movie reaffirms the timeless message that if you remain true to yourself and embrace the uniqueness of every person, dreams can come true. To our cynical society, such optimism may seem dubious. Perhaps we need more fairytales, especially in light of current events which seem to preclude hopes of "happily ever afters." The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. - - - DiCerto is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Mr. Beaks" has an interesting interview with Dennie Gordon at AICN, which talks about, among other things, "the Alpha-Anglo Firth." . . .But mention Colin Firth, and Dennie, like most women nowadays, *really* gets excited. �I always wanted Colin. I wanted to get Colin before the movie was even greenlit. I came over to woo him because I felt he could bring something for the adults. Since BRIDGET JONES, he makes all girls kinda weak in the knees.� As for why it is that this proper, straight-laced Brit melts hearts the world over, Dennie enthuses, �I gotta tell you, when I first went to England to beg him to be in the movie, we didn�t even have a script. I just pitched him the story. And there was something about the pitch, I think, that spoke to him. And with Colin� you get this unbridled principle integrity from Colin; it�s just there in the man.� . . . For full story go to http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com

Dorine thanks for the Gotham interview and your great comments, loved it and appreciate you taking the time with your bratty computer. Karen and Mari, thanks for all the reviews. Especially fond of the Catholic news service review...maybe it is time to go back to church ;-)

(DennieG) Dennie enthuses, ?I gotta tell you, when I first went to England to beg him to be in the movie, we didn?t even have a script." He signed on *before* reading the script??? Oh, for sure, he must have seen "Joe Dirt" "Have to work with that director". These kids don't read reviews.I looked up Maid in Manhattan which had 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has made $93. M domestic alone.

(Dennie Gordon interview) �I always wanted Colin. LOL.....Me too! Imagine! (Dennie continues...) I wanted to get Colin before the movie was even greenlit. I came over to woo him.... This is amazing! This works??! I don't have a movie! Does anyone have his number? I wanna call him! A girl can try! And even if he says no to my non-existent movie without a script at least I can woo him! ;-D Thanks for the reviews Mari!

Sorry to post twice in a row. More WAGW clips on Yahoo! http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808415451&cf=trailer&intl=us

(DennieG) Dennie enthuses, "I gotta tell you, when I first went to England to beg him to be in the movie, we didn't even have a script." (Evelyn) He signed on *before* reading the script??? Oh, for sure, he must have seen "Joe Dirt" "Have to work with that director". ROTFLOL!! Hadn't even seen the script? I'd bet the begging included a "big paycheck." He's so transparent.

LOL Karen! She probably *paid extra!*

Only Amanda, Oliver James, another kiddie kast member, and Dennie Gordon were at the NY Premiere; I've been supplying pics to Robair. ;-)

another kiddie kast member The guy who played Armistead.

Essentially, a so-so review, but one with the best writeup on Colin. From the Fort Worth Weekly: Bynes of the Times What a Girl Wants is a nice coming-out party, but its star deserves better. By Kristian Lin Amanda Bynes has big, saucer-shaped eyes, a naturally vivacious personality, and considerable gifts for physical comedy and vocal impersonations. For the past several years, she has shone on cable tv shows and in a supporting role in last year's Big Fat Liar. It doesn't seem premature at all that she has now earned her first lead role in What a Girl Wants, a movie that allows her quite a few opportunities to flash the qualities that have made her a star. Bynes plays Daphne Reynolds, a salt-of-the-earth New Yorker who grows up listening to her mom (Kelly Preston) tell the story of falling in love with the handsome English Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth) while backpacking through the North African desert. When his uptight family rejected her, she returned to America and had Daphne without telling him about his child. Wanting to know her father after all this time, Daphne packs up after she turns 17 and heads to London on her own. Her father takes her in after getting over his initial surprise. However, Daphne's tendency to get into bad public situations endangers his burgeoning political career. The credits claim that this movie is based on The Reluctant Debutante (a pleasant 1958 comedy starring Rex Harrison and the incredibly cool, tragically short-lived Kay Kendall), but the resemblances are hard to come by. The film would have been better off concentrating on the father and daughter getting to know each other. Instead it tries to do too much. There are subplots about Lord Henry's political career (na�ve), his relationship with his snobbish fianc�e and her spoiled daughter (overdrawn), and Daphne's romance with a sensitive musician (limp). Though director Dennie Gordon fights to maintain the energy level, the movie loses too much steam as it winds to its conclusion. *****Still, that can't kill off the good will generated by Bynes and Colin Firth. The essentially glum English actor continually finds his way into comedies that mine his glumness for humor. Previous films have made him a straitlaced foil for looser actors such as Hugh Grant (Bridget Jones's Diary) and Rupert Everett (The Importance of Being Earnest), which he does pretty well. He's given more to do here, and he responds, flashing anger and betrayal at the people who kept his daughter's existence from him, and suggesting a hip guy underneath the lordly exterior. Many actors faced with the challenge of playing second fiddle to a 17-year-old would have phoned it in; Firth gives a performance that's as real as the script allows him to be. Bynes gets plenty to do as well, including a funny dance number at the beginning and several pratfalls, which she takes skillfully. Sadly, she's not as good with the big heartfelt speeches that the movie gives her. The speeches themselves aren't so much of a problem, but they indicate that the film isn't satisfied with the genuine cuteness of its star and wants to make her into the kind of actress that she isn't at this point in her career. What a Girl Wants is supposedly about being true to yourself. It should have taken its own advice when it came to its leading lady. http://www.fwweekly.com/issues/2003-04-03/film2.html

Dorine, thanks so much for the Gotham article! I agree with others - I enjoyed your comments as much as the article. It was an unusually good set of questions. And he had me giggling over this comment - I can just imagine the deadpan delivery: I don�t mind it really, being typecast as British. When you are British, it doesn�t feel like being typecast at all.

I was just googling for news and found an odd reference to a movie *our* CF was supposedly in. Clearly they meant the "anti-CF" (Photo caption) Crisis situation. Forest Whitaker and Colin Firth (inside the phone booth) star in �Phone Booth,� about a man who is held on the phone by a sniper. http://www.dailytrojan.com/article.do?issue=/V148/N47&id=03-dorect.47d.html

Many actors faced with the challenge of playing second fiddle to a 17-year-old would have phoned it in; Firth gives a performance that's as real as the script allows him to be. I'll take this! Again, never the weak link (you would hope not in a cast with so many teenagers) and always spot on! Won't lead to that amazing dramatic role in the future, but I don't think it will hurt his career either (hey, at least it's not Boat Trip, right?). I enjoyed it and I guess that is what matters....enjoyed it so much that tomorrow is a day off in honor of my second viewing...going to the early show! And thanks Karen...you've been a mad 'review poster'....I know we all appreciate all the hard work!

v.bad review by a not a pimply-faced online review, though he did get Dennie Gordon's gender wrong as I've been noticing others have as well. By James Berardinelli: Forget Halloween. Forget The Shining. Forget The Exorcist and The Ring. The movie to truly horrify a grown man is What a Girl Wants, a motion picture that only a female (preferably between the ages of 8 and 16) could love. This goes beyond the term "chick flick" to something more estrogen-driven than a romantic comedy. It's a variation of the Cinderella fairy tale that knows its target audience. Pre-teen and teenage girls (and maybe a few older women) will adore this motion picture. They will identify with the main character as a fantasy object, sigh over older hunk Colin Firth and younger hunk Oliver James, and hiss and spit at wicked, nasty Anna Chancellor. In fact, the only thing surprising about What a Girl Wants is that it's not from Disney, the company that foisted the oh-too-similar Princess Diaries upon us. Predictable, giddy movies with contrived plot devices and relentlessly upbeat endings are not my kind of thing. I don't like films where I'm always at least two steps ahead of the screenwriter and three ahead of the characters. It is possible to construct a modern-day fairy tale with a smart script (try Drew Barrymore's Ever After, if you don't believe me), but that would take more effort than what has occurred here � slapping together a bunch of tried-and-true elements and throwing them up on the screen. I didn't hate What a Girl Wants, but there were plenty of times when I found myself wishing it would have the gumption to be more than it is. The 100 minutes go by effortlessly, although they aren't spent profitably. Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) is a typical 16-year old teenage girl being raised by a single parent, Libby (Kelly Preston). She has never met her father because he doesn't know about her. 17 years ago, Libby met Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), in Morocco, where they were married in a desert ceremony. But the marriage fell apart when Henry returned to England and his stuck-up friends and advisors urged Libby to go home. Now, nearly two decades later, Daphne tracks down her father and shows up unannounced in his back garden, upsetting his life, his bid for a seat in Parliament, and his prospective marriage to the haughty Glynnis (Anna Chancellor). Aside from Henry, the only one delighted to meet Daphne is her grandmother (Eileen Atkins). Thus begins a tug-of-war, as Daphne and Henry work to change one another. She tries to loosen him up; he tries to teach her decorum. Along the way, she also finds time to fall in love with Ian (Oliver James), a local musician. Lead actress Amanda Bynes is perky and energetic, and does a good job when the screenplay doesn't require much in the way of emotional range or depth. After a while, however, the non-stop cheerfulness and high-wattage smile begin to wear on one's nerves. Colin Firth does his best not to appear constantly embarrassed, which is something of a challenge, especially when he's put in the position of having to try on tight leather pants. Kelly Preston is relaxed and in her element. This is the kind of role she can play without trying. Both Anna Chancellor, as the wicked stepmother type, and Jonathan Pryce, as her father, look constantly constipated. What a Girl Wants is not only the victim of mediocre writing, it is hamstrung by amateurish camerawork. Director Dennie Gordon only has one feature on his resume (Joe Dirt), and his lack of skill is apparent. He is overly fond of close-ups (probably as a result of his numerous television credits) and many of his shots are static and composed with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio in mind (despite the fact that the movie is projected at 2:35:1). The result is a movie whose flat look seems strangely appropriate for its lightweight story. This is a throwaway TV movie packaged for a theatrical release. Anyone not in the target demographic is advised to give it a wide berth. http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/movies/w/what_girl.html

Here is a gallery of the images from the NYC premiere from Wire Image http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls===25201

This group from Wire Image shows Amanda and Oliver James presenting memorabilia to Planet Hollywood. Interesting that the peace/victory sign poster is the one shown. http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls===25232

Thanks, Dorine, for the great interview. And to everyone for reviews, photos, etc. Here's a small find from The Edmonton Sun. There's no real Colin info, but I'd love to see the home videos she made. http://www.canoe.ca/EdmontonExpress/es.es-04-03-0080.html Modern Cinderella tale for teens What a Girl Wants star grows up By LOUIS B. HOBSON, CALGARY SUN Girls just wanna have fun and that goes for celebrities like Amanda Bynes. Bynes, 16, has been a TV star since she was 10 - yet she insists her life has been fairly normal. She first began appearing on the Nickelodeon kids' show All That in 1996. Three years later she had her own Nickelodeon series, The Amanda Show. Last year she began filming her first TV sitcom, What I Like About You, for the WB network. Between these series, Bynes managed to star opposite Frankie Muniz in the 2002 comedy Big Fat Liar, and on Friday she opens as the star of the comedy What a Girl Wants. "I don't think I've missed out on my youth. Even when I was doing my TV shows I managed to attend classes at a regular school for at least half of each year. "I have a lot of friends but I also have my career so I really do have the best of both worlds," says Bynes. Her world expanded significantly when she agreed to star in What a Girl Wants, where she plays an American girl who goes to England in search of her birth father, played by Colin Firth. The film was shot in and around London. It was Bynes's first trip abroad but, even more importantly, it was her first time on her own. Her parents stayed in California. "As soon as I got off the plane and into the car and realized they drive on the opposite side of the road I felt so weird. I got a headache just trying to take it all in. "It was so incredible to be walking around Picadilly by myself and meeting all the cool people on our British crew. "I've been so protected in my little Nickelodeon bubble and on my American TV shows and on Big Fat Liar." Bynes had brought her video camera so she could share moments with friends and family once the shoot was over. "I was videotaping all the time. England is so beautiful and it's so rich in history. It was so much fun being there." In the film, Bynes's character Daphne Reynolds causes quite a stir with her father's upper-class friends and associates because she is so different. "England and America are not nearly as different as we portray it in the film. We just magnify some of the obvious differences to get laughs. "In real life, kids my age like pretty much the same music and they dress the same. I didn't really stand out like Daphne does when she goes places in the movie." Daphne's big transformation occurs when she attends garden parties, formal affairs and parties. True to the Cinderella tale this is, the girl who exclusively wears jeans, T-shirts, clogs and sweats suddenly appears in magnificent designer gowns. "At first I really wanted to keep the white gown I wear at Daphne's coming-out ball. I thought if I got married one day it would be a big help." By the time she had finished shooting that extended sequence, Byne had changed her mind. "I had to wear that dress for so long and it was so tight it gave me bruises, so I didn't even want to look at it anymore let alone keep it." Bynes says she hopes her romantic comedy will have the same appeal for young girls as Clueless and Legally Blonde had for her when she saw them. "Clueless is still my favourite movie of all time and I also like Legally Blonde and The Princess Diaries because movies like these provide a fun way to feel good about being a girl." What a Girl Wants and her new TV show What I Like About You excite Bynes because she gets "to play my own age. I'm not being passed off as a little kid anymore. "These projects deal with issues that people my age go through. I know it's difficult for some of my fans from my Nickelodeon shows to accept that I'm not a little kid anymore because there are so many reruns of those series. "I'm not that little girl anymore so I hope they don't expect me to stay young forever." Bynes says she has been offered several film projects to fill her hiatus from What I Like About You this summer but she hasn't accepted anything yet. "I'd actually just like to take the summer off. I'd rather not work. I'm pretty tired from everything I've had to do these past 12 months. "I just want to be me for a while."

Thanks Karen, Mari, and all for the typing and scanning so that we can enjoy the reviews...good and not so good. (article)Still, that can't kill off the good will generated by Bynes and Colin Firth IMHO, the film's strongest asset. (CF)I don�t mind it really, being typecast as British. When you are British, it doesn�t feel like being typecast at all. LOL, I love that line. (Tress)This is amazing! This works??! I don't have a movie! Does anyone have his number? I wanna call him! A girl can try! And even if he says no to my non-existent movie without a script at least I can woo him! ;-D I think you need an assistant for this, Tress.

By CHRISTY LEMIRE, AP Entertainment Writer What Amanda Bynes (news) should have wanted from "What a Girl Wants" is a better script � and she deserves it. A rising star who had her own variety show on Nickelodeon at 12, and who was easily the best thing in the otherwise unwatchable "Big Fat Liar" with Frankie Muniz (news), Bynes is cute, funny and infinitely likable. She has the looks and comic timing of a young Jennifer Aniston (news) � another actress for whom it took too long to leap successfully from television to film. What the 17-year-old Bynes got was a sticky-sweet fairy tale strictly for tweens and teens who couldn't get enough of this movie when it came out in 2001 and was called "The Princess Diaries." "What a Girl Wants" smacks of the sitcommy humor Bynes hopefully will be so done with soon, full of pratfalls and repeated sight gags. This should come as no surprise, though; the director, Dennie Gordon, previously directed episodes of "Ally McBeal (news - Y! TV)" and other TV shows before making her feature debut with 2001's disastrous "Joe Dirt." And Jenny Bicks, one of the screenwriters, has written episodes of "Sex and the City (news - Y! TV)." Thirty minutes or so of this kind of comedy may work, but in feature film form, it feels forced � and Gordon made the movie even longer than it had to be with several montages of Bynes' character trying on clothes, with insipid girl-power pop playing in the background. The most interesting thing about the movie took place behind the scenes: Warner Bros. changed the ads, which featured Bynes flashing a peace sign and wearing a tank top adorned with an American flag, to ones in which her hand is resting at her side. Because of the war in Iraq (news - web sites), the studio feared the peace sign would be misinterpreted as a political statement. But there's no way anyone could confuse this movie with one that has something serious to say. Bynes plays the perky Daphne Reynolds, who grew up in New York City's Chinatown section with her bohemian mother, Libby (Kelly Preston (news)). At one of the many weddings where Daphne works as a waitress while Libby sings with her rock band (and Preston really does belt out bad covers of Celine Dion (news) songs), Daphne laments that she'll never have the father-daughter dance the bride enjoys because she doesn't know her father. Dad is Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth (news)), a British politician from an aristocratic family with whom Libby fell in love and informally married in Morocco 17 years ago. But Henry's family gave her the boot because she was an unsuitable Yank, and he never learned he had a daughter. (You see where this is leading, right?) Daphne impetuously jets off to England, where The Clash's "London Calling" plays as she sees the sights from the top of a double-decker bus, naturally. (The filmmakers couldn't resist using that great but obvious song, but notably left out Christina Aguilera (news)'s "What a Girl Wants" � though its inclusion certainly couldn't have hurt.) All the requisite cultural clashes ensue. Daphne's cute new boyfriend, a local musician named Ian (Oliver James), has to explain that the "loo" is a thing, not a person. And when she finally meets her father � along with his controlling fiancee, Glynnis (Anna Chancellor), and her snooty daughter, Clarissa (Reese Witherspoon (news) look-alike Christina Cole) � Daphne is forced to conform to their conservative, traditional ways, which includes changing her wardrobe and stifling her personality. While the movie's you-go-girl, be-yourself message is exactly what its target audience needs to hear, the problem is, Daphne was by no means socially unacceptable in the first place. She's extremely normal � a vivacious, stylish, inquisitive girl. So breaking her down just to rebuild her in their image, and having her assert herself, is a pretty unfounded premise. Besides wasting Bynes' talents, "What a Girl Wants" also squanders several veteran actors, including Eileen Atkins as Henry's mother, Jonathan Pryce (news) as his top adviser, and Firth himself, though they manage to allow some deadpan humor to come through. But lines such as "This Cinderella's got a dad � she not going anywhere," are likely to be the groaners you remember long after this movie has turned into a pumpkin. "What a Girl Wants," a Warner Bros. Pictures release, is rated PG for mild language. Running time: 103 minutes. One and a half stars out of four. ___ Motion Picture Association of America rating definitions: G � General audiences. All ages admitted. PG � Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. PG-13 � Special parental guidance strongly suggested for children under 13. Some material may be inappropriate for young children. R � Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. NC-17 � No one under 17 admitted.

Maria has found an older interview, done for BJD, which has quite a lot of new information and a morbidly funny quip by Colin. I've given it the 'special interview' treatment: http://www.firth.com/articles/01unreel_bjd_p1.html BTW, it is one two pages, in case no one notices the link. ;-) More to come...

Thanks Dorine for the great article. And thank you everyone for all the items, links and reviews. So much to take in. Thanks again.

(Maria) Especially fond of the Catholic news service review me too! (an am not even Catholic) :-)

How do they regard your profession? They're dead. So they're perfectly at peace with it now ROTFL! This has been posted or printed somewhere before? Some of it seems quite familiar. Thanks Karen for this and all the reviews. And to Mari, Murph, Brenda, et al for the recent articles and reviews.

(Linda) I think you need an assistant for this, Tress. Oh definitely! You can help me do the pitch...can you improvise? ;-) (CF interview) But I've been sent shoes. I think that is even stranger than underwear. That's were that other shoe went! ;-) (CF interview) I can say to this day, that I've actually never had a sexual proposition. LOL...this is hard to believe! But I guess that's his story and he's sticking to it...imagine LD wouldn't want to hear otherwise. Thank you Maria and Karen for that interview! Wow..two good ones in two days! Thanks ladies!

Dorine's article is here with *my* interpretation. ;-) http://www.firth.com/articles/03gotham_apr.html

Oooooh Mari! I just read Mr Beaks' interview with Dennie and you didn't highlight this part: Our conversation is wide ranging, from her graduate work at Yale to her possible future collaborations with Alpha-Anglo Firth, (note to Dennie: pursue fervently)... *banging head against wall*

(Maria) Especially fond of the Catholic news service review Perhaps all that candle-lighting has finally paid off????? thanks everyone for posting reviews, good and not so good. Can't believe tomorrow is Friday already!!! Time to go to the movies!

(article)I've just tended to find that I'll operate on a case-by-case basis He could operate my case any day ;-) Thank you all, for the articles and reviews.

(Karen)which has quite a lot of new information and a morbidly funny quip by Colin. Thanks for the interview.(All two pages;-). Hysterically funny....we got the bird again in Nigeria. But he hasn't recalled the St. Louis playground gang in a few years now...I miss 'em;-)))

Thank you, Karen and Maria! What female stars would you like to work or think you'd have great chemistry with? I'm not getting caught out on that one. That's private. Smart boy (though I loved his reference back to it in the following question)

How do they regard your profession? They're dead. So they're perfectly at peace with it now Dorine, this was my favorit line, too. LOL The new man doesn't work so now I've got to try to discover my inner wild man. Come to think of it, I like this one, too. Oh just the thought of it. Thank you, Karen.

Her parents are from...one is from Siena and one is from Florence. Moon's going to like this one. Parents from two warring cities. They generally hate each other. ;-) Is there anything that you want him to see? No. There's nothing I'm burning him to see, at all. Sad, v. sad. :-(

WOooooh Mari! I just read Mr Beaks' interview with Dennie and you didn't highlight this part Hey, I lead the horses to the water . . .;-) Thanks for the interview, Karen and Maria! Ok, the real reviews, from real newspapers, are starting to come in. Appropriate that this woman's name is actually ogle, given her comments;-) What a girl wants: mom and dad -- and a lot of wholesome fantasy Connie Ogle Miami Herald What a Girl Wants is exactly what a girl -- specifically a dreamy middle-school girl -- wants. It's a cheery, impossible fantasy in which the bright, resourceful but completely nonthreatening heroine has a cool, gorgeous, ex-hippie singer mom who doesn't seem to object to tattoos; a rich, gorgeous, ex-hippie politician father; access to his extensive family estate and connections, and an adorable British singer boyfriend who looks like a baby Keanu Reeves and rides a motorcycle. In a wholesome, nonthreatening way, of course. It also has a reasonably likable star in Nickelodeon's Amanda Bynes, a teen-friendly message that won't appall parents -- be true to yourself -- and, for mothers weary of the boring grown-ups in Crossroads and A Walk to Remember, Colin Firth, who may look like a dad to the kids but will always be Pride and Prejudice's Mr. Darcy to the rest of us. Firth is only one member of the high-pedigree cast; others, such as Eileen Atkins and Jonathan Pryce, also lend the film a touch of respectability. Inspired by 1958's The Reluctant Debutante and bearing a whopping debt to Cinderella and The Princess Diaries, What a Girl Wants tells the story of 17-year-old Daphne (Bynes), who wants to meet her high-profile father in England. Her mom (Kelly Preston) has tried to protect Daphne from his severe and snooty family, but Daphne takes off across the sea anyway. Don't ask where the waitress daughter of a wedding singer got the money for the Virgin Atlantic ticket. It would be unseemly. Daphne discovers Lord Henry Dashwood (Firth) is busy running for Parliament, and, worse, he comes complete with a wicked stepmother-to-be (Anna Chancellor, doomed to lose Firth's affection yet again the way she did in Pride and Prejudice) as well as an even more wicked stepsister (Christina Cole). Henry does, however, accept Daphne into his home, where she proceeds to disrupt stuffy British events because she is, after all, an American. That means she is madcap and irrepressible while all around her turn up their noses, at least until they're bewitched by her charm and dance moves. (It should be noted that I will scream aloud at the next movie in which uptight people dancing is the stuff of high comedy.) Daphne does try to change into the perfect daughter, much to the dismay of her singer suitor Ian (pin up-to-be Oliver James), but eventually realizes she must be herself. This, like everything else in the movie, is not unexpected. But What a Girl Wants is a fairy tale, after all, and by now we know what that means. The bad are punished, good triumphs and The Clash's London Calling blares on the soundtrack. Daphne makes a designer original out of a truly hideous dress armed only with a pair of scissors, and Dad loosens up enough to try on a pair of his old leather pants. That's Colin Firth in leather pants. Now talk about a fantasy.

Karen Heller Philadelphia Inquirer Designed as the ideal confection to attract a young girl or teen, What a Girl Wants will more likely hook their mothers. Ostensibly, the movie stars Nickelodeon luminary Amanda Bynes, but it truly belongs to Colin Firth, the thinking woman's Hugh Grant. Bynes, late of The Amanda Show, plays Daphne Reynolds, love child of a footloose American flower child (Kelly Preston) and English aristocrat Firth, who split before her birth despite true love because, well, that's the way these movies work. After high school graduation, Bynes flies to London, picks up a cute singing beau in no time at all (newcomer Oliver James), but all she really wants is Daddy, whose inner rebel is muffled in pinstripes. Firth is also saddled with a stuck-up fiancee and her daughter, plus a run for Parliament orchestrated by her nasty father. Nobody can do hound-dog eyes coupled with upper-class repression better than Firth, and here he gets his chance. Not to belabor the point, although Girl is nothing if not belabored, Firth plays Lord Dashwood, the surname of Jane Austen's sisters in Sense and Sensibility, after having played Mr. Darcy twice, in A&E's entrancing Pride and Prejudice and in Bridget Jones's Diary. But this, alas, is Clueless without a clue. Bynes has a pixie face and a Brazilian-model body of death, the juxtaposition supplying the movie's greatest tension. She's likable enough, though her acting range is ideally suited for children's cable and this role calls on her to be nonstop adorable. Girl, you'll be happy to know, contains the entire catalog of chick-flick cliches: shopping (twice), debutante ball, evil rivals (mother and daughter), good and bad suitor (for Dad and daughter), makeover (ditto), plus acquisition of major jewelry. Sterling stage actors Jonathan Pryce and Eileen Atkins are prominently featured, but only Atkins is put to good use, uttering such maxims as "No hugs, dear, I'm British. We only show affection to dogs and horses."

(Mari) Appropriate that this woman's name is actually ogle, given her comments;-) *hee hee hee* Apparently, the P&P graduating class have all become movie critics. That's one way to take over. ;-) That's Colin Firth in leather pants. Now talk about a fantasy. it truly belongs to Colin Firth, the thinking woman's Hugh Grant. Am putting my boots on.

What a Girl Wants will more likely hook their mothers. Ostensibly, the movie stars Nickelodeon luminary Amanda Bynes, but it truly belongs to Colin Firth, the thinking woman's Hugh Grant. Finally, we're recognized;-) Loved that!!! Loved that "it truly belongs to Colin Firth, bit as well. Thanks, Mari...and from the Inquirer, too! thank you Maria, too.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0404/p16s01-almo.html Christian Science Monitor reviews Highlights...mainly lowlights SWINGING INTO COMEDY: Colin Firth, who has made something of a specialty of romantic leads, takes on the role of Dad in 'What a Girl Wants' with Amanda Bynes. WARNER BROS. Mr. Darcy trades in horse for a motorcycle ..."I enjoyed it because I play a father ... and also, I didn't have to leave England," says Mr. Firth, who plays Lord Henry Dashwood. "I was home each night with my wife and young son." ...When Firth isn't working, one can find him reading. That is, unless he is with his Italian-born wife, vacationing in Italy. "I love to travel to Rome. I really enjoy visiting the little villages near there," Firth says. "One of the things important to me is to try my hand at cooking their specialties. "Don't ask my wife about my cooking. She'll agree the food is quite wonderful, but after I'm finished, the kitchen is far from tidy." ****** And, if you follow the link to the movie review... The junior nobility diaries By David Sterritt If the Warner Bros. wizards have it right, what a girl wants is to see as much of Amanda Bynes as she possibly can. Eager to please, said wizards have shoved Ms. Bynes into almost every frame of their new romantic comedy. This is excellent news for Bynes's youthful fans...It's not so great for the rest of us, since the film has nothing else to offer. The junior nobility diaries By David Sterritt If the Warner Bros. wizards have it right, what a girl wants is to see as much of Amanda Bynes as she possibly can. This is excellent news for Bynes's youthful fans...It's not so great for the rest of us, since the film has nothing else to offer. ...For my money, "What a Girl Wants" is weaker in every department, but I don't expect that to weaken its box-office prospects. These are assured by Bynes's popularity and - in case anyone over 21 shows up - supporting performances by Kelly Preston, the gifted Eileen Atkins, and Colin Firth, whose Hugh Grant impersonation has reached its pinnacle. Ladies? Time for the evil eye.

(Barb S)Ladies? Time for the evil eye. No worries, I was born in Salem, Mass... (no, really...)

NY Times [Not so hot] MOVIE REVIEW | 'WHAT A GIRL WANTS' Teaching the Old World Relatives Her New World Ways By DAVE KEHR Credit for fast thinking has to go to the Time-Warner executive who realized that Vincente Minnelli's 1958 comedy "The Reluctant Debutante" was ripe for a remake after the success of the 2001 Cinderella fantasy "The Princess Diaries." A result, thoroughly retooled for the audience now known as tweeners ? girls too old for Nickelodeon but not quite ready for "The Hours" ? is "What a Girl Wants." It was directed by Dennie Gordon ("Joe Dirt") from a script by Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler ("A Little Princess"), loosely derived from the play by William Douglas Home that inspired the Minnelli film. What was a supporting role in the original movie ? an American teenager (Sandra Dee) who spends a season in the social whirl of aristocratic London ? is now, in the child-centric universe of contemporary Hollywood, the leading part. As portrayed by the Nickelodeon alumna Amanda Bynes, Daphne Reynolds is a frisky young woman who lives in Manhattan's Chinatown with her single mom (Kelly Preston), an aging rock musician who now plays Long Island weddings. Daphne has never met her father, an English lord, Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth, stammering like a second-string Hugh Grant), who was tricked into breaking up with her mother before Daphne was born. Impulsively, she hops a jet to London to look him up and finds him in the midst of a campaign for the House of Commons after giving up his hereditary seat in the House of Lords. Though he's running as a populist, he's turned stuffy in the intervening years and has acquired a very proper fianc�e (the wonderfully dry Anna Chancellor, who deserves a film of her own some day) and a snooty future stepdaughter (Christina Cole). Amanda's assignment is clear: teach these doddering Old Europeans some New World funk (yes, there is a scene in which a James Brown song is performed at a coming-out ball), banish the fianc�e, humiliate the pretentious daughter and reunite her biological parents. All that, and try on an awful lot of clothes. Minnelli's comedy had its serious underpinnings: by the end of the film, a girl had become a woman. By the end of Ms. Gordon's film, which opens today nationwide, the girl is still a girl, but a girl with much cooler stuff, including a stately home, a butler and a cute British boyfriend (Oliver James). It's no longer the children who must learn to grow up, but the adults ? exemplified by Mr. Firth's character as he slips into a pair of leather pants and practices his air-guitar moves ? who are required to grow down. "What a Girl Wants" is rated PG (Parental guidance suggested); it includes a few glimpses of adolescent nuzzling. Directed by Dennie Gordon

London Times ,April 4th [They're a little slow] "Peace offering? Warner Brothers is the latest entertainment giant to react to the sensitivities of the Iraq War. Warner has altered the billboard for What a Girl Wants, its film about a New York teenager, portrayed by Amanda Bynes, who tries to track down her long-lost English Dad, played by Colin Firth. In the original publicity poster, Bynes flashes a peace sign, but in the latest publicity shots she places her hand uncontroversially on her right hip."

Here's one for HOPE SPRINGS from Reuters , London Film Review: Hope Springs Thu April 3, 2003 09:11 PM ET Hope Springs By Mark Adams LONDON (Variety) - All of the elements are in place for the romantic comedy "Hope Springs": an attractive and talented cast, witty script, nice direction and glorious locations. But somehow it can't make the leap from an enjoyable light film to a movie to remember. Boxoffice looks to be moderate, but expect a longer life in the DVD/video marketplace. The film premiered at England's Bradford Film Festival and gets a U.K. release in early May. Writer-director Mark Herman has adapted the 2001 book "New Cardiff" by Charles Webb, best remembered from his 1962 debut novel, "The Graduate." The script pretty closely follows the story of a disillusioned Englishman who heads to the picturesque New England town of Hope to start life over. Colin Ware (played with real charm by Colin Firth) is an illustrator, recently dumped by his fiancee, Vera (Minnie Driver), who sends him an invitation to her wedding to another man. He thus arrives heartbroken and jet-lagged in this charming small American town. As a sign reads, "18,459 people live in Hope." Joanie (Mary Steenburgen), the matchmaking landlady of the local motel, promptly introduces him to Mandy (Heather Graham), a trained "caregiver" who works at the local old folks home. Before long, she has broken through his grief and introduced a little sex into his life. Soon he is planning a series of pencil portraits of locals. The fly in this romantic ointment comes in the form of Vera, who arrives in Hope to announce the wedding invitation was just a joke to try to get Colin to commit. She wants him to return to England with her. This all, of course, leads to a heady triangle of love, jealousy and confusion with Colin forced to make a few difficult life decisions. The early scenes of Colin arriving in Hope feel heavy-handed -- uncomfortable Greyhound bus, stumbling jet lag, etc. -- and Firth seems ill at ease playing more physical comedy. Later in the story, the script's wit and his impressive line delivery carries the film. Firth certainly has the charm and style to be a romantic lead, but too often here he has to be dry and sour. It is a leap of faith to ask an audience to believe he can change so dramatically. Graham's role as Mandy allows her to be little more than a warmhearted local girl with only hints of problems from her past slipped into the script. As with many of her films, she is down to her underwear within a half-hour. While this is a very attractive proposition, her seduction of Colin feels telegraphed and clumsy. As a contrast, Driver as vampish Vera gets to wear the designer gear and come out with an array of barbed line deliveries. Whether railing about her inability to smoke anywhere in town or verbally abusing aging golfers, Driver does a great job in showing Vera as a smart, contriving woman. She also manages to get down to her underwear as she tries to seduce Colin, proving it is not just Heather Graham territory. Herman does a fine job but can't make the story leap from a lightweight, endearing film to a really fine romantic comedy. His direction is efficient, and he makes good use of the locations in British Columbia (nicely doubling for New England). The casting of Oliver Platt, as the town's mayor, and Steenburgen is inspired, with both bringing class and laughs to the proceedings. Buena Vista Pictures, Fragile Films

From Zap2it.co[They do boxoffice predictions] PREDICTION: That Girl Wants to Take Down Two Guys By Mike Szymanski Thu, Apr 03, 2003, 05:04 PM PT The two newcomers ready to duke it out for the box office this weekend are Vin Diesel in "A Man Apart" and Colin Farrell in "Phone Booth." Both are action thrillers, but while Vin's has great fight scenes and wild special effects (a bit smaller than "XXX"), Colin's is in real-time and the whole story takes place in a tight 90 minutes directed by Joel Schumacher. Both are getting pretty poor reviews, however. Of course, that doesn't stop the box office (note: last week's win for Chris Rock's much-maligned presidential run in "Head of State" which won the box office at $13.5 million). Getting even worse reviews, however, is the film that probably will take hold of the top spot in the box office, and that's "What A Girl Wants." Don't underestimate the power of that Nickelodeon TV darling Amanda Bynes. It's the widest opening of any movie this weekend, at 2,964 theaters, while the disappointing sci-fi film "The Core" is chugging away at 3,019 burrows. Also starring Kelly Preston and Colin Firth, it's a perfect family film about a girl who wants to meet her father in England for the first time, and it's geared for the young girl audience, so it should do well. "The Princess Diaries" tapped into that often ignored audience, and won the box office at $23 million opening weekend!

(HS Review) Later in the story, the script's wit and his impressive line delivery carries the film. Ohhhh...I long to see this film. Thanks Evelyn for posting all those reviews!

LA Times, April 4th, [Benign review. Focuses on AB] A girl just might want this fantasy Amanda Bynes charms in "What a Girl Wants." By Kevin Thomas, Times Staff Writer "What a Girl Wants" is a modern-day fairy tale for preteens with an exceptionally strong passion for romantic fantasy. Compared with this, the similar "Princess Diaries" is a tough-minded work of realism, yet on its own narrow terms "What a Girl Wants" works well enough. It has a decided plus in its appealing young star, Amanda Bynes, last seen opposite Frankie Muniz in "Big Fat Liar." What Bynes' 16-year-old Daphne wants is a father. Her band-singer mother, Libby (Kelly Preston), and her British father, Henry (Colin Firth), crossed paths in a Moroccan desert, fell in love and had a Bedouin wedding ceremony. But back in London, free-spirited Libby was overwhelmed by Henry's aristocratic family, which was in turn aghast at her hippie-like unsuitability. The sudden death of Henry's politically powerful father turned Henry into Lord Dashwood, and his late father's wily advisor, Alistair Payne (Jonathan Pryce), maneuvered a pregnant Libby into decamping to the U.S. Seventeen years pass, with mother and daughter living picturesquely in an apartment in New York's Chinatown. Libby and her band play at weddings, where Daphne works as a waitress. Libby encourages her daughter to plan for college, but first Daphne takes off to London to seek out the father who does not know she exists. In the meantime, Henry is running for office and could in time become prime minister. Alistair is not only managing the campaign, but also maneuvering his aggressive daughter (Anna Chancellor), who has an equally obnoxious daughter (Christina Cole) Daphne's age, into becoming Lady Dashwood. Daphne scales the walls of the vast ancestral Dashwood estate and easily charms Henry and his mother (Eileen Atkins). Daphne's all-American spontaneity wins over the aristos but also causes a sufficient number of inadvertent calamities to require Henry to remind her of the duties that go along with being a Dashwood. Naturally, Daphne wants her father to win the election, but along the way she discovers the importance of being herself. As a reworking of 1958's "The Reluctant Debutante," starring Sandra Dee and Rex Harrison, "What a Girl Wants," which was directed by Dennie Gordon and written by Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler, is likely to seem short on subtlety and credibility to anyone over 13. One can accept that Henry's sense of duty and feelings of rejection prevented him from running after Libby, and Libby's pride in raising Daphne on her own is believable. But how for a second could the intelligent and charming Henry let himself become engaged to such an obvious social-climbing barracuda as Chancellor's Glynnis, with her shallow snob of a daughter? And there's no explanation as to why Henry's sensible mother so quickly opens her heart to Daphne when she apparently did not do the same with Daphne's likable mother. Gordon manages some heart-tugging and some humor, and works in a down-to-earth boyfriend for Daphne (Oliver James), but the make-believe becomes increasingly just that. However, "What a Girl Wants" could just be the kind of fantasy more than one will want to see. ~~~~~~~~~~~` [This guy never liked fairy tales.]

Chicago Tribune,1 1/2 stars (out of 4) [Disgusting don't read it] by Robert K. Elder If "What a Girl Wants" wasn't already from the minds that brought us "Joe Dirt" and "Message in a Bottle," it might have been necessary to describe the movie's tone as "Joe Dirt" meets "Message in a Bottle." Were it not for young star Amanda Bynes' energetic good nature in the face of drab dialogue and wooden stereotypes, "What a Girl Wants" might have been a career-ending movie violation rather than just an embarrassing fender-bender. Essentially a misguided retread of the 1958 Rex Harrison/Sandra Dee vehicle "The Reluctant Debutante," "What a Girl Wants" follows teenager Daphne Reynolds (Bynes) to England in search of her father, Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth). In the 1980s, after a whirlwind romance with Daphne's bohemian mother Libby (Kelly Preston), Henry suddenly inherited the family fortune, along with obligations to uphold its reputation and traditions. Under pressure from Henry's advisor (Jonathan Pryce), a pregnant Libby ran back to America, never telling Henry of their daughter. Seventeen years later, Daphne changes all that, swooping in on Henry unannounced, right before his election to Parliament and his marriage to snooty social climber Glynnis Payne (Anna Chancellor). What a girl wants, according to screenwriters Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler, is a father. What a girl needs, however, are better filmmakers. Director Dennie Gordon ("Joe Dirt") has mistaken England for the moon, and the English for robotic, idiot aliens. "The Reluctant Debutante" was an example of Hollywood's "polite" comedies of manners. "What a Girl Wants," however, can best be described as impolite attempt at comedy that should be filed next to Cuba Gooding Jr.'s gay-themed "Boat Trip" in a video-store section called "Dusty Cultural Stereotypes." When Daphne hugs her grandmother (Eileen Atkins), she bristles: "I am British. We only show affection to dogs and horses." Firth, fresh off "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "The Importance of Being Earnest," joins Pryce as top English talent wasted for no good reason. That's not to say he isn't willing to throw himself into a role. It might take him years, however, to live down a scene in which he pours himself into leather pants, plays air guitar and yowls Rick Derringer's "Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo" in front of a mirror. Tom Cruise in "Risky Business" he is not. Yet, newcomer Bynes makes Daphne her own, bringing charm and a kinetic crackle to a movie that needs it badly. Former Tim Burton producer Denise Di Novi ("Message in a Bottle," "Ed Wood") continues a run of launching promising actresses in vapid movies (such as Mandy Moore in "A Walk to Remember"). A peasant amid "good breeding," Bynes is the wild-card American forced into stupid set pieces (example: a goofy, ice-down-the-back wedding dance set to "Shout!"), or situations geared to make her look like a forward-thinking Pollyanna sent to liven up the corpse-like British. It's all transparent, absurd posturing that makes everyone look culturally ignorant, if not a bit daft. In the end, it's difficult to gauge who looks more ridiculous - the wild, howling Americans or the humorless, pitiable British. If "What a Girl Wants" were read as pure history, one might surmise that Americans were simply rude houseguests the British kicked out 200-plus years ago." ~~~~~~~~ [For all that is worth, I liked "Message in a Bottle"]

Dallas Morning News [Don't read this one either] Movie Review (Grade C-) Published in The Dallas Morning News: 04.04.03 By NANCY CHURNIN / The Dallas Morning News What a Girl Wants is not just a rip-off of 2001's The Princess Diaries, it's also a rip-off of the 1958 film The Reluctant Debutante. In the first, a free-spirited American teenager, brought up by her American mother, suddenly finds out her late father was an aristocrat. In the earlier Rex Harrison/Sandra Dee film, a free-spirited American teenager, brought up by her American mother, suddenly decides to meet her living, aristocratic father and turns society on its ear. But, more than anything, the story is one of those laboratory concoctions in which you can tell the conclusion from the opening scene. Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) longs to meet the father she has never known. The father turns out to be Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), who fell in love with her rock 'n' roll-singing mother, Libby (Kelly Preston) 17 years ago. That was before he gave up his motorcycle to become a stuffy British politician. But his family, finding Libby less than acceptable, told each of them lies in order to end the relationship. So guess who is going to clear up those misunderstandings and bring them back together? The talented cast ? an impressive mix of new faces and old pros ? valiantly swims in a sea of clich�s about evil stepmothers, rich and royally-connected daddies, and true love that waits, untouched, for the right spark to send it into flame after decades of neglect. Newcomer Oliver James brings charm and an affecting singing voice to Ian, Daphne's British boyfriend and aspiring musician. Mr. Firth, who played heartthrob Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones's Diary, plays yet another volcanic heart poised to erupt under a crusty exterior. And it's certainly possible that Ms. Bynes' fans, who adore her from Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show, won't mind the silliness of her character here. Ms. Bynes does offer some touching moments as she gazes at other girls doing what she can't ? being escorted by their fathers in a father-daughter dance. But Daphne's character is so lacking in substance that it's unintentionally comical when she comes to the big conclusion that she must be herself ? especially when all that seems to mean is wearing jeans and purple nail polish instead of a ball gown at a dressy event. What a Girl Wants is also one of those movies in which no one bothers with real-life minutiae, such as where does a presumably penniless teenager get the money to fly to London and stay in hotels? And how do all those unwrinkled outfits fit into that smart little handbag, which is all we ever see her carrying? Did she get the bag in the same shop that Mary Poppins got hers? Of course, Mary Poppins seemed a lot more believable than this."

Hey, since he doesn't take his career seriously, neither will I. So am enjoying the barbs, at least the clever ones. ;-) (CS Monitor) Colin Firth, whose Hugh Grant impersonation has reached its pinnacle. And that other one about stammering???? Say, it ain't so. :-( (Trib) "What a Girl Wants," however, can best be described as impolite attempt at comedy that should be filed next to Cuba Gooding Jr.'s gay-themed "Boat Trip" in a video-store section called "Dusty Cultural Stereotypes." LOL! (Trib) It might take him years, however, to live down a scene in which he pours himself into leather pants, plays air guitar and yowls Rick Derringer's "Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo" in front of a mirror. Tom Cruise in "Risky Business" he is not. I agree, even without seeing the movie. He should've done it without pants. ;-) In re: Hope Springs (Variety) Firth certainly has the charm and style to be a romantic lead, but too often here he has to be dry and sour. It is a leap of faith to ask an audience to believe he can change so dramatically. Hmmmmm Thanks, Ev, for all the reviews

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/movies/115714_whatgirl04q.shtml 'What a Girl' is not the royal hit that Bynes would want Friday, April 4, 2003 By WILLIAM ARNOLD GRADE: C+ The so-so teen comedy "What a Girl Wants" is out to duplicate the box-office success of "The Princess Diaries" and turn Nickelodeon TV personality Amanda Bynes ("All That") into a movie star. Unfortunately, it's likely to fail in both ambitions. Bynes has a definite appeal, her supporting cast (Kelly Preston, Jonathan Pryce and especially Colin Firth, who gives a genuine performance as her long-absent father) is strong and the movie musters a moment or two of fairy-tale charm. But it's mostly forced and predictable, too much of the physical comedy falls very flat and director Dennie Gordon ("The Adventures of Joe Dirt") doesn't have the kind of masterful touch that might whip the sit-com proceedings into something special. It's the story of a 17-year-old girl (Bynes) raised in New York's Chinatown by her hippie musician mother (Preston) without ever having met her father (Firth), an English lord who is now on the cusp of being elected prime minister and doesn't even know she exists. When, one day, she goes to London and declares herself to him, he takes her in, but it's all culture-clash goofiness from there on as she butts heads with British society and the snobbish baddie (Pryce) who ruined her parents' marriage in the first place. As she foils the villain, falls in love with a nice English boy (Oliver James) and straightens out all of Dad's problems, Bynes' expressive eyes and sharp comic timing are sporadically winning, but she always seems somewhat dwarfed by the dimensions of the big screen.

USA TODAY By Claudia Puig, Girls undoubtedly will want to see it, but What a Girl Wants feels a bit like a reheated version of The Princess Diaries. It lacks Diaries' exuberance, but Girl does boast the likable presence of Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes, the suave charm of Colin Firth and a cute, chaste romance with youthful hunk Oliver James. The story line and gags are predictable: Daphne Reynolds (Bynes), a 17-year-old free spirit raised by her bohemian mother (Kelly Preston), goes to London to meet her father, Lord Henry Dashwood (Firth), a prominent aristocrat running for public office. He had no idea that his short-lived marriage produced a child and has since gotten engaged to the ambitious daughter (Anna Chancellor) of his conniving political adviser (Jonathan Pryce). Daphne gets to know her father while coping with a snobby stepsister-to-be (Christina Cole) and with the myriad social obligations expected of her. The contrast between her rollicking American self and the tamped-down version she must become while in British society is so oversimplified that it likely will reinforce stereotypes for a youthful audience. The Brits are all stuffy, unfashionable twits, except for the adorable, dark-eyed musician (James) whom Bynes falls for. His is the only character with some measure of depth. He tells Daphne: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" Regarding English stereotypes, there is a funny line from Daphne's grandmother (Eileen Atkins), who fends off Daphne's embrace with: "No hugs, dear. We're British. We only show affection to horses and dogs." Firth's own inner rebel gets dusted off � though it might be going a tad too far to show the dignified Firth rocking out and playing air guitar in skintight leather pants. Both Firth and Pryce deserve better material than their one-dimensional roles call for. Bynes' efforts to be cute and endearing sometimes veer into mugging. In the movie's finale, there are echoes of yet another movie, The Parent Trap, in which two long-estranged parents reunite. This fits into the fantasies of many kids raised by single parents and contributes to Girl's fairy-tale quality. There's nothing wrong with fairy tales, but they don't have to be formulaic. A movie like this would have benefited from a blending of the fanciful and the inventive

'What a Girl Wants' has the sweet sass teen girls crave By BRUCE WESTBROOK Houston Chronicle The first thing we love about What a Girl Wants is the literalism of its title. Like The Simpsons' Lisa reading Non-Threatening Boys magazine, the movie brandishes its agenda in a moniker that would fit almost any teen chick flick. A cross between The Parent Trap and The Princess Diaries by way of Cinderella, What a Girl Wants concerns Daphne, 17, played by Amanda Bynes, who turned 17 April 3. Daphne doesn't find a long-lost twin, � la Parent Trap, but she does finally meet her long-lost dad, Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth). As seen in flashbacks, this reluctant aristocrat and Daphne's Bohemian mom (Kelly Preston) are soulmates. But Henry's handlers drove them apart before Daphne was born (without his knowledge), and she grew up in New York thinking Dad didn't want her. As a teen she seeks him out, flying to London to turn his life upside-down just as he wages a political campaign. In fact, she turns all of London topsy-turvy, the premise being that a free-spirited girl is as rare as a moon rock among the city's stuffy elitists. Daphne also instantly meets a handsome boy (Oliver James) who's perfect for her, and she ably defies the mean gold digger (Anna Chancellor) engaged to her dad. Heck, she might even be able to reunite her parents. Such things, after all, are what a girl wants. Though predictable and often preposterous, this warm and funny wish-fulfilling fantasy is a richly rewarding ride. From its seductive wealth trappings to a sweet romance, director Dennie Gordon pushes the right buttons. Of course, any cast with Firth has built-in charm. Flustered but entranced by his daughter's appearance, his Henry is thrown lovably off-balance. Though devoted to aristocratic duty, at heart he's a guy who loves rock 'n' roll, Cocoa Puffs and motorcycles. Just like Queen Latifah enlivening Steve Martin in Bringing Down the House, Bynes unleashes Firth's inner party animal. That's epitomized by a hilarious scene in which he dons leather pants to play air guitar before a mirror. More importantly, he must learn that being a public servant shouldn't preclude being a devoted dad. No problem. Throwing political caution to the winds, he immediately adores his daughter. But apart from Daphne's Cinderella-style stepmom-to-be and her "cranky pants" offspring, who doesn't? For all this to work, Bynes, of Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show, had to fit the film's glass slipper. Happily, it glides on like a Steve Madden sneaker. More feisty than most young heroines, she boisterously sticks up for herself while loosening up the Brits with her radiant smiles, cute clothes and brash, girl-power zest. Daphne not only gets what she wants -- she also prevails with ease. For her, inspiring party poopers to let down their hair is a snap, and she even wins over a dignified crowd when crashing a fashion runway. Loosely based on 1958's The Reluctant Debutante, the film's only awkwardness comes from trying to have it both ways. Londoners are quickly smitten by this lively girl, who is thrust into view through her father's campaign. But they also seem content when Daphne, after his poll numbers drop, adopts a conservative veneer. As if. Anyone who knows teen flicks knows you must be true to your heart. For Daphne, "tacky-American" fun is always around the corner, whether from Lizzy McGuire-style pratfalls or comments such as, "Don't let him in -- I'm not cute yet!" London is ever-sunny and picturesque, and the buoyant song score is superbly chosen, from the Isley Brothers' Shout to the Clash's London Calling, which vibrantly introduces the city just as it did in Die Another Day. Brits may agonize over the stereotypes* ("No hugs, dear -- I'm British") and the notion they need Yanks to break an icy veneer, but this wasn't made for them. It was made for American teen girls who know exactly what they want from a romantic comedy. And, as the title promises, they get it. Grade: A- ***** * Ed. note: It's interesting that the "no hugs" line was improvised by Eileen Atkins, per the AICN story.

NY Daily News: To the manor Bynes in a silly teen frolic Thursday, April 3rd, 2003 What a girl wants, according to the new movie with that very title, is her daddy. "I feel like half of me is missing!" wails annoying teenager Daphne (Amanda Bynes), who jets across the Atlantic to meet the father she never knew. She proceeds to charm him to pieces with the same behavior that makes this cloying fantasy such a chore to sit through. This irritating wish-fulfillment movie, obviously tailored to cash in on the crowd that ate up "The Princess Diaries," is the second one in as many weeks to show uptight people getting in touch with their better, looser selves by doing a line dance. In "State of the Union," there was a racial divide; here the divide is between starched-shirt Brits and fun-loving America, as personified by Daphne Reynolds, irrepressible all-American teen. Daphne, 17, is supposed to be such a lovable kook that all of England breathlessly awaits her next escapade. But the reality is that Daphne, like everything else in this cookie-cutter movie, is preprogrammed and packaged to avoid anything approaching spontaneity. One would be hard-pressed to find a story more safely predictable. Its approach to girlish longing can be summed up by the screenwriting team of Jenny Bicks ("Sex and the City") and Elizabeth Chandler ("A Little Princess"). Not only does a girl want her daddy, it seems, but a daddy who is rich and handsome and secretly very cool. Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth) also, fortuitously enough, shares Daphne's predilection for a certain product-placement breakfast cereal. Daphne was raised on the picture-book story of how her wedding-singer mom (Kelly Preston) met Henry in the Moroccan desert, where love and camelback swept them up in passion. Back home in stuffy England, Henry's handlers broke up the unsuitable romance, so Mom went back to New York. Henry doesn't even know about Daphne's existence until she tumbles wide-eyed over the garden wall of his manor. Can Daphne also tear down the wall that guards Henry's heart? Need you wonder? Minor complications include a dastardly political adviser (Jonathan Pryce) and another mother-daughter pair who are trying to hook Henry for their own nefarious purposes. The movie strains for sentiment, but if the fluttering of moist handkerchiefs was what the producers wanted, they should not have hired the flatfooted Dennie Gordon, director of "Joe Dirt." For the first time, Firth disappoints. Only Eileen Atkins manages some dignity as Daphne's wise, wry grandmother. 1 star by Jami Bernard (the one who wrote Chick Flicks) http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/moviereviews/story/72532p-67172c.html

Notes from the Dennie Gordon interview in my film class I�m just going to put down things haphazardly as I remember them. (My teacher will be henceforth referred to as �he�, and �they� when speaking about them both). Also, some of this info might be in production notes that are floating around. I didn�t read them all, so it may be a repeat for some. Some things may be obvious to some as well. Funny thing about his introduction of her. I guess he used some notes given by WB, as the same one was used to introduce her at the premier last night. The thing I thought was funny was, in talking about her previous directing jobs, they mention all the David E. Kelley shows, the Tracy Takes On, and Sports Night jobs, then says Adam Sandler produced comedies. Didn�t occur to me that this meant �Joe Dirt�. Either I didn�t realize or didn�t remember that AS produced �Joe Dirt� until I read that AICN story. I thought it interesting, but certainly not surprising that it wasn�t mentioned both times. He mentioned Colin right off the bat. (Possibly for me initially as I got quite excitable in his office about Colin one day when I found out this would be screened). But then there was a chorus of Ooooohs from many of the women in the audience when he mentioned Colin. So they talked about CF for the first 10 mins or so. Very similar things to what was said in the AICN interview (Thanks, Mari...saved me some typing :-)). She even said the comment about Colin being so principled which I thought was interesting in light of his not doing press for this and said so to her later. She told us the script was being written and when she looked at it, she said, �You�re writing this for Colin Firth aren�t you?� But WB wanted Pierce Brosnan (a resounding Oooh No! from the audience). He couldn�t do it since Bond was overschedule, so they wanted Hugh Grant next. She knew he wouldn�t want to portray someone with a teenage daughter. I�ve forgotten who the next studio choice was at the moment. But she said it really was a short list of acceptable choices......Jude Law too young, for example. She mentioned Jeremy Northam and didn�t really seem to discount him, but obviously not who she wanted. So as we know, she jetted off to England to beg CF so it could be greenlit. She mentioned his reluctance again as in the AICN article. She said they interviewed 300 hundred kids looking for an Ian. But couldn�t find anyone who was a good enough singer and actor and the right age. Somehow she found out about Oliver James, who was on the verge of becoming a member of a boy band put together by the guy who put together the Spice Girls. She auditioned him and the clincher was when he sang a Red Hot Chili Peppers song (don�t remember the name and didn�t recognize it when she said it). The boat scene with Ian and Daphne was supposed to be done in that lake with the boat on a submerged platform, but it didn�t show up. Instead they had two people (she said like Navy Seals) stand on either end of the boat with ropes to keep it in place. Then during the part where they kiss...... (?? � I�ve seen it twice and never saw them kiss. This was my bathroom break as I knew it was the only time ODB wasn�t onscreen for a length of time. And I never get up in the movies).....the boat is on land for stabilization. The chandelier crash scene.......there were 2 instances of CGI used here. One is that the people were filmed dancing as a group in a �doughnut� as she called it since they were in a circle. Choreographing that was rather harder than she expected. Then the chandelier was filmed falling separately (with 5 cameras) and merged later with the people. Also, when it fell, apparently the gold band around kept the crash rather compact and it just landed with a boring thud. So they added CGI pieces to make it look like more of a spectacle. Regarding the book Daphne gives Henry of her life...the crew contacted Amanda�s family, unbeknownst to anyone, and had them send real pictures of Amanda to put in the prop. So when Colin was looking at it, he was really very much affected by it and wasn�t acting so much in that scene. There was some consternation over how much Amanda should vamp it up during the Royal Dress Show. Since child labor laws there are similar to here, Amanda could only work 6 hrs a day. A double was used in most shots from the side and behind. Colin wasn�t too into or too sure about the leather pants scene at first, but he got into the fun of it eventually. (Think it was the extra $20 they slipped him?) ;-) I believe a bit of ad-libbing by Eileen Atkins was in the AICN article about the � We�re British....� line. She also ad-libbed the line �Is that how the West was won?� They talked quite a bit about how great Eileen Atkins is and what a good writer she is. Co-writer of Upstairs/Downstairs, her stage performance of Virginia Woolf inspired Michael Cunningham to write The Hours. As I�m sure most people have noticed, or will, the shots of the house grounds is actually two different places. Looking toward the house, West Wycombe Park, which we all know is in the country. Looking toward the street is......I actually can�t remember it fully and she said it fast, too. I met someone last night who knew. Please chime in if you know. They talked a bit about a few more technical things. He said when the interview was over, she�d be outside in the lobby area to answer questions. One other older man was out there talking to her by the time I got out there with her family crowded around. When he was done, she turned to me and I shook her hand. Said I was a big CF fan and said I thought her comment interesting on him being very principled in light of his decision not to do press. I let my sentence kind of trail off when I saw her expression seemed a mix of pain and disappointment (not quite as dramatic as it sounds really). She just said �yes� as my sentence trailed off. Told her I had a few questions. As I started to ask, she asked if we could talk as she walked out. My questions were more or less innocuous, inane really. Asked if, in light of the ad-libbing she mentioned, was the Oxfam reference already in the script or he put it in there as it�s one of his big causes. She said yes it is important to him, but it was a good cause and already in there. Asked what the noise was when Glynnis comes upon Henry in the leather pants, suspecting it was the sound of a needle being ripped from a record vs a zipper sound. It was a record rip. The last question was whether anyone commented on the irony that Miss Bingley lost Mr. Darcy yet again. She laughed and said AC commented on it. Then as we were going up the escalator I wished her luck at the premiere, that I was going, and had made my Rainforest Donation earlier that day. She got quite excited about that and shouted back to someone further down on the escalator about it. Didn�t know who he was at the time (found out from the Wireimage pics he was David somebody, Board Member of the Rainforest Alliance, who introduced her at the premiere). Then we parted ways as she got her family together to go out to dinner.

Thanks, Dorine, for typing up your notes. V. interesting, especially as it confirmed this for me: so they wanted Hugh Grant next. She knew he wouldn�t want to portray someone with a teenage daughter. Yeah, it also works to slip him an extra $20. ;-)

London is ever-sunny and picturesque More notes.... DG said it was the rainiest summer in London in years and the sun only came out when they filmed inside. Had CGI to make the sky blue with clouds on some shots. Also, Henry's library is the same one used in Gosford Park. There are a couple more locations that were used in other movies that I missed. I admit I spaced out on a couple of occasions trying to come up with or keep questions in mind.

'Girl' Gone Bad By Desson Howe Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, April 4, 2003; Page WE47 This movie's aimed exclusively for girls and women who make quiet moaning sounds at the thought of being born into an aristocratic and rich family -- preferably an English one. Young Daphne (Amanda Bynes) has always known that her father is Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), an English Lord who, in his salad (and motorbike riding) days, fell in love with and married Daphne's American mom, Libby (Kelly Preston). But on the British side of things, the scheming Alastair Payne (Jonathan Pryce) fixed things so Henry and Libby (pregnant with Daphne, unbeknownst to Henry) split up. When Daphne becomes a teenager, she decides to look up her father. She finds Lord Dashwood, who isn't even aware he has a daughter, engaged to Alastair's haughty, snobbish (and divorced) daughter, who has her own snobbish daughter in tow. The movie's a tiresome one-gag movie: Daphne moves in with her father, who's now an aspiring candidate for prime minister, and stands out like a Yank as Henry and family attend royal fashion and boat shows. It's uninspired and insipid all the way. And to add sacrilege to mediocrity, the Clash's "London Calling" plays on the soundtrack when Daphne arrives in town. WHAT A GIRL WANTS (PG, 104 minutes) -- Contains princess fantasy propaganda.

Thanks for all the reviews Evelyn, Karen, and Mari. Interesting the Philadelphia Inquirer was kind. If it was Carrie Rickey, she would have torn it to shreds ("She'll hate it. She hates everything"). She's still there right? (Karen) Hey, since he doesn't take his career seriously, neither will I. Now wait a minute....he took that extra $20 so he could afford to do GWAPE and Trauma, which are steps in the right direction. ;-) it's also a rip-off of the 1958 film The Reluctant Debutante. Why is this a criticism? She said WB bought this with the MGM(?) catalog they purchased and their intention was a remake for several years. the story is one of those laboratory concoctions in which you can tell the conclusion from the opening scene I knew the conclusion of Apollo 13, but that didn't make the story less interesting to me. It's not always the destination that's important, it's the journey. :-)

Dorine! Thanks so much for typing out your notes! Lots of goodies.... Regarding the book Daphne gives Henry of her life...the crew contacted Amanda�s family, unbeknownst to anyone, and had them send real pictures of Amanda to put in the prop. So when Colin was looking at it, he was really very much affected by it and wasn�t acting so much in that scene. Thought this was interesting! Sweet (okay, I shouldn't say that in reference to this movie, but I had to!). Like that AC made the remark that she lost Mr. Darcy again!

I hope no one watched Kelly Preston on Carson Daly. *cringe* After they showed the clip (Libby meeting with Henry at ball, AC horning in, a few "looks"), Carson Daly said something along the lines of: "the older guy, that's Colin Firth." Since the only other man they showed was Jonathan Pryce... Eowww!

ROTF, Karen. I can't stomach that cardboard cutout Daly. Forgot she was on though. Thanks for the "highlights." ;-)

I thought this was nice: From The NY Times....Though he's running as a populist, he's turned stuffy in the intervening years and has acquired a very proper fianc�e (the wonderfully dry Anna Chancellor, who deserves a film of her own some day) and a snooty future stepdaughter (Christina Cole). Despite the critics, want to bet that it will be the top money-maker this weekend?

yeah, it probably will, murph... I'm taking "my minion" who happens to be a huge AB fan to see the flick this afternoon. Of course, we're just going for Sam's benefit..Oh my, the things we go through for our kids. ;)

Thanks Dorine for typing -up your comments your comments, and questions to Dennie. DM"so they wanted Hugh Grant next. She knew he wouldn?t want to portray someone with a teenage daughter." Neither would Jeremy Northam or Jude Law(gaaah, he's only 30!)I suggested Alan Rickman, but my Drool commrades said he was too old. Agree with Murph that the box office will prove the critics wrong. But I'll post a goodie from my paper since I posted all the "dogs" last night. But brace yourselves for the UK reviews. They will be brutal. But he must have known this when he took the project without reading the script. *shaking head*

Friday, April 4, 2003 It's same-old for the same young 'What a Girl Wants,' a 'Princess Diaries' retread, doesn't appeal far beyond its star's ' 'tweener' constituency. By ROGER EBERT Chicago Sun-Times �WHAT A GIRL WANTS�: Daphne (Amanda Bynes) finally meets her father, a filthy-%rich Brit nobleman(Colin Firth). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amanda Bynes, the star of "The Amanda Show," is well- known to fans of the Nickelodeon channel, who are so numerous that she is to 'tweeners as Jack Nicholson is to the academy. She was sort of wonderful in "Big Fat Liar," a comedy about kids whose screenplay is stolen by a Hollywood professional, and now here she is in "What a Girl Wants," a comedy whose screenplay was stolen from "The Princess Diaries." But I am unfair. What goes around comes around, and to assume this is a retread of "The Princess Diaries" is to overlook its own pedigree. It's based on the 1956 play and 1958 screenplay, "The Reluctant Debutante" by William Douglas Home - who, by the way, was the brother of Sir Alec Douglas Home, briefly the British prime minister in the 1960s. 'What a Girl Wants' QUICK HIT: Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes stars as an American teenager who discovers from her mother (Kelly Preston) that her real father is the wealthy Sir Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth). Flying to London to meet him for the first time, she is involved in the intrigues of family and royalty, in a plot that seems to be a retread of "The Princess Diaries" but in fact is a remake of the 1958 movie "The Reluctant Debutante." Aimed at 'tweener girls and the more civilized of their brothers; not much use to anyone else. GRADE: B STARS: Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston, Eileen Atkins, Anna Chancellor, Jonathan Pryce, Oliver James, Christina Cole BEHIND THE SCENES: Directed by Dennie Gordon; written by Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler, based on the screenplay by William Douglas Home RATING: PG, for mildly crude language RUNNING TIME: 1 hour, 44 minutes PLAYING: Opens today throughout Orange County Do you need to know this? Perhaps not, but then do you need to know the plot of "What a Girl Wants"? The movie is clearly intended for girls 9-15, and for the more civilized of their brothers, and isn't of much use to anyone else. Bynes stars as Daphne Reynolds, who has been raised by her mother, Libby (Kelly Preston), in an apartment above a restaurant in Chinatown, for the excellent reason that we can therefore see shots of Daphne in Chinatown. As nearly as I can recall, no Chinese characters have speaking lines, although one helps to blow out the candles on her birthday cake. Daphne is the love child of Sir Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), a handsome British politician. Sir Henry had a Meet Cute with Libby in Morocco 15 years ago, and they were married by a Bedouin prince but never had a "real marriage" (a Bedouin prince not ranking as high in this system as a justice of the peace). Then Sir Henry's evil adviser (Jonathan Pryce) plotted to drive them apart, and she fled to Chinatown, believing Sir Henry did not love her and nobly saving him the embarrassment of a pregnant American commoner. So great is the wealth of the Dashwoods that their country estate, surrounded by a vast expanse of green lawns and many a tree, is smack dab in the middle of London. The Dashwoods, in short, live on real estate worth more than Rhode Island. Daphne jumps the wall at Dashwood House to meet her father, her lovable but eccentric grandmother (Eileen Atkins), her father's competitive fiancee (Anna Chancellor), her father's future stepdaughter (Christina Cole), and her father's adviser (Pryce), who frowns on the notion of introducing a love child on the eve of the election. Now that you know all that, you can easily jot down the rest of the plot for yourself. There are moments of wit, as when the eccentric grandmother recoils from the American teenager ("No hugs, dear. I'm British. We only show affection to dogs and horses."). So is this movie worth seeing? Well, everybody in it is either sweet or cute, or eccentric and hateful, and the movie asks the timeless question: Can a little girl from America find love and happiness as the daughter of a wealthy and titled English lord? If you are a fan of Amanda Bynes, you will probably enjoy finding out the answer for yourself. If not, not.

From Daily Oklahoman (3 stars out of 4) Gene Triplett, Charming film fulfills what a moviegoer wants 2003-04-04 "What a Girl Wants" falls somewhere between "Cinderella" and "The Parent Trap," with a healthy dash of "The Princess Diaries" to bait the snare. The intended quarry are girls between ages 6-16 with a taste for sassy, modern fairy tales loaded with cool fashions, "cute" boys on motorbikes and high-society settings. A lot of romance-loving moms will fall for this lighthearted comedy, too, since it stars handsome British heartthrob Colin Firth ("Bridget Jones's Diary") and lovely Kelly Preston ("Jerry Maguire") as a pair who missed the love boat after a whirlwind affair that happened long ago. But the teenybopper draw is bright- eyed Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes as Daphne Reynolds, the 17-year-old product of that brief-but-beautiful romance, who just might put her parents in their proper place -- back together again. Based loosely on the William Douglas Home play "The Reluctant Debutante," which became a 1958 Vincente Minnelli- directed film with Rex Harrison and Sandra Dee, this updated yarn from director Dennie Gordon ("Joe Dirt") and screenwriters Jenny Bicks ("Sex and the City") and Elizabeth Chandler ("A Little Princess") definitely plays to the younger female crowd, and quite effectively, judging from the laugh-filled reaction of a pre-release screening audience made up largely of that constituency. Bynes brings the perfect measure of pep, wit and charm to the role of Daphne, a spirited, all-American girl raised by her bohemian, wedding-singer mother Libby (Preston) to think and do for herself. Daphne has long been enchanted by her mother's bedtime stories of the father she's never known -- a British lord (Firth) whom a pregnant Libby left after his aristocratic family voted her unfit for marrying. The flighty Daphne one day decides to hop a plane for London, determined to meet dear old Dad, only to discover he's in the midst of an important political race and about to marry a social- climbing fiancee (Anna Chancellor) who has a snotty, conniving daughter (Christina Cole) just Daphne's age. Firth is fine as poor, befuddled Lord Henry Dashwood, who never knew he had a daughter until now. Henry takes her in willingly, despite the protests of his wife-to-be and his closest political adviser (an oily Jonathan Pryce). Knowing the uproar she's causing in high society could hurt her dad's campaign, Daphne tones down her free- spirited act, starts dressing the part of a debutante and prepares for her coming- out party. But a handsome young British musician she's met (scene-stealing newcomer Oliver James) sets her straight when he asks: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" The plot (and the plotting against Daphne) thickens when Mom arrives from America to retrieve her daughter, old flames are re-ignited, and Daphne's would-be step-mother and step-sister get their backs up. Slapstick and sweetness combine for a bright, sometimes poignant 104 minutes of fun -- if you're female, and young in years or at heart. The title says it all. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ [At least this reviewer doesn't take this fairy tale seriously]

Well I'm glad the Daily Oklahoman gave WAGW 3 out of 4 stars. Unfortunately NY Newsday did not agree and only gave it 1/2 star. However, a review like that would never keep me away from the pleasure of seeing ODB on the big screen. I am going tomorrow with my 2 Amanda Bynes fan daughters and a girlfriend of mine who is equally CF obsessed.

Te May issue of the UK edition of In Style has a shortened version of the interview with CF that appeared in the US a couple of months ago. It has the picture of him sitting on a bed, but not the one of him leaning on his elbow. All in all, the magazine has 3 plugs for HS - Heather G is on the cover and the feature on her mentions the film, as does a short item on Minnie D's different hairstyles. Incidentally, the snippet Evelyn quoted from the Times about the peace sign being removed from the WAGW poster is very prominent as it is accompanied by colour photos of the 2 different posters.

Naturally, it is going to do big guns at the box office, just like the Princess Diaries did. Did anyone doubt it? You make pablum, and they eat it up. (But Phone Booth will top the weekend.) For the most part, WAGW is being reviewed by most newspapers' second/third string. Here's an irrelevant one from the WSJ, unless the tween has a large stock portfolio: ;-) Wall Street Journal 4/04/03 Joe Morgenstern "What a Girl Wants" Another botched update, "What a Girl Wants" is a contemporary riff on "The Reluctant Debutante," Vincente Minnelli's 1958 comedy with Sandra Dee and Rex Harrison. Amanda Bynes plays an American teenager, Daphne Reynolds, and Colin Firth is Lord Henry Dashwood, the English father Daphne has never known but yearns to meet. Ms. Bynes is at her best when she's asked to do the least - left alone, she's a likable young actress. But the director, Dennie Gordon, working from a frenetic screenplay by Jenny Bicks, isn't there to celebrate simplicity. "What a Girl Wants" plays like a TV cartoon, not even a sitcom, and makes little sense on its own terms. Lord Henry, who is running for a seat in Parliament as a commoner, should welcome his long-lost daughter with open arms when she arrives in England unannounced. Instead, he and his handlers see her presence as a dire threat to his campaign. Young audiences may welcome this movie, but girls, and boys, should want more.

The Ebert review that Maria posted is missing a number of paragraphs (still doesn't say anythign about Colin), but I'll repost it from the Sun-Times: Amanda Bynes, the star of "The Amanda Show," is well known to fans of the Nickelodeon channel, who are so numerous that she is to 'tweeners as Jack Nicholson is to the Academy. She was sort of wonderful in "Big Fat Liar," a comedy about kids whose screenplay is stolen by a Hollywood professional, and now here she is in "What a Girl Wants," a comedy whose screenplay was stolen from "The Princess Diaries." But I am unfair. What goes around comes around, and to assume this is a retread of "The Princess Diaries" is to overlook its own pedigree. It's based on the 1956 play and 1958 screenplay "The Reluctant Debutante" by William Douglas Home--who, by the way, was the brother of Sir Alec Douglas-Home, briefly the British prime minister in the 1960s. The point, I suppose, is that few movies are truly original, and certainly not "What a Girl Wants" or "The Princess Diaries." Both are recycled from ancient fairy tales in which a humble child discovers a royal parent and is elevated from pauperdom to princehood, to coin a phrase. I would not be surprised to learn that Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler, who adapted Home's screenplay, did homework of their own--because a key plot point in the movie mirrors Sir Alec's own decision, in 1963, to renounce his seat in the House of Lords in order to run for a seat in the Commons. He won, became prime minister after Harold Macmillan, and quickly lost the next election to Harold Wilson. Do you need to know this? Perhaps not, but then do you need to know the plot of "What a Girl Wants"? The movie is clearly intended for girls between the ages of 9 and 15, and for the more civilized of their brothers, and isn't of much use to anyone else. Bynes stars as Daphne Reynolds, who has been raised by her mother, Libby (Kelly Preston), in an apartment above a restaurant in Chinatown, for the excellent reason that we can therefore see shots of Daphne in Chinatown. As nearly as I can recall, no Chinese characters have speaking lines, although one helps to blow out the candles on her birthday cake. Daphne is the love child of Sir Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), a handsome British politician who has decided to renounce his seat in the House of Lords in order to run for the Commons (the movie dismisses such minutiae as that Tony Blair has already booted most of the Lords out onto the street). Sir Henry had a Meet Cute with Libby in Morocco 15 years ago and they were married by a Bedouin prince but never had a "real marriage" (a Bedouin prince not ranking as high in this system as a justice of the peace). Then Sir Henry's evil adviser (Jonathan Pryce) plotted to drive them apart, and she fled to Chinatown, believing Sir Henry did not love her and nobly saving him the embarrassment of a pregnant American commoner. So great is the wealth of the Dashwoods that their country estate, surrounded by a vast expanse of green lawns and many a tree, is smack dab in the middle of London, so central that Daphne can hop off a bus bound for Trafalgar Square and press her pert little nose against its cold iron gates. The Dashwoods, in short, live on real estate worth more than Rhode Island. Daphne jumps the wall at Dashwood House in order to meet her father, her lovable but eccentric grandmother (Eileen Atkins), her father's competitive fiancee (Anna Chancellor), her father's future stepdaughter (Christina Cole) and her father's adviser (Pryce), who frowns on the notion of introducing a love child on the eve of the election. Now that you know all that, you can easily jot down the rest of the plot for yourself. There are moments of wit, as when the eccentric grandmother recoils from the American teenager ("No hugs, dear. I'm British. We only show affection to dogs and horses"). And an odd scene where Daphne is locked in a bedroom, released just as Queen Elizabeth II is arriving at a party, and flees in tears--causing her father to choose between chasing her and greeting the queen. My analysis of this scene: (1) He should choose to greet the queen, or 19 generations of breeding have been for nothing, and (2) Daphne won't get far before being returned, dead or alive, by the Scotland Yard security detail that accompanies the queen when she visits private homes. I found it a little unlikely, by the way, that the guests at the party were all looking at Daphne and not the queen. Paul Theroux wrote of being at a dinner party for the queen and agonizing over what he should say when she entered the room. Suddenly seeing her famous profile, all he could think of was: "That reminds me! I need to buy postage stamps." So is this movie worth seeing? Well, everybody in it is either sweet and cute, or eccentric and hateful, and the movie asks the timeless question: Can a little girl from America find love and happiness as the daughter of a wealthy and titled English lord? If you are a fan of Bynes, you will probably enjoy finding out the answer for yourself. If not, not.

WSJ :"Young audiences may welcome this movie, but girls, and boys, should want more." Oh dear, an idealist. It is true that this genre is enabling the "dumbing-down" of the young generation. But parents of pre-teeners have such little choices after the excellent Disney (and recently Japanese) animated films. There is a void til they get to the PG-13. And "How to Lose a Guy" isn't much better.So we get this and "Kangaroo Jack". Pitiful.

From MSNBC and San Diego Tribune; Colin even gets his own section: Fluffy, amusing �What a Girl Wants� Amanda Bynes is pert teen star, but Colin Firth keeps film fun By David Elliott April 4 � In a world of war and economic disarray, let us turn to the great issue of the day: Will Amanda Bynes become a movie star? Already a TV star at 12 with Nickelodeon�s �The Amanda Show� (she�s now 17), Bynes hugs and smooches the camera as Daphne Reynolds in �What a Girl Wants.� Daughter of New York soft-rock singer Libby (Kelly Preston), she is also the daughter of the very rich and now political Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), a British cutie and �future prime minister!� HENRY IS A BIT GUILTY about splitting with Libby long before, which ended his wild years by folding him into the pastry crust of the highest Establishment. Man, is he baked. His Moroccan Bedouin wedding with Libby evidently doesn�t impede his coming marriage to the militantly upscaling Glynnis (Anna Chancellor). Her snob daughter (Christina Cole) is eager to hate Daphne with blistering superiority. Never intimidated, Daphne dashes to the Dashwood estate in London (yes, in the city � it�s that grand), where her spunky American adorableness can wreck wedding plans and a lofty chandelier, yet also make a party �rock.� Some are enraged, more are smitten, especially new boyfriend Ian (Oliver James), whose working-class band is ready to rock at just about every posh function short of state funerals in Westminster Abbey. Amanda Bynes is a pert package. From her round face comes a smile so eager and frequent that her pout is only a smile in reserve. Her go-girl Americanism might not be in sync with current global trends. But if Cairo, Berlin and Paris returns are spotty, in the United States she may become, at least, the new Alicia Silverstone. PRAISE FOR FIRTH The distant source of this taffy is a play by William Douglas Home, whose high Scottish family includes a past prime minister. It was previously fluffed as �The Reluctant Debutante,� a 1958 Vincente Minnelli comedy with Sandra Dee, Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall, and to his small credit director Dennie Gordon doesn�t try to mimic Minnelli. If there is an adult excuse to chew the taffy, beyond the need to escape news from Iraq, it is not for the plug-in charms of old pros like Eileen Atkins and Jonathan Pryce. It is Colin Firth. Watching Firth mumble and flubber and fidget with adorable sincerity, you wonder if he took some priestly vow of serious acting. He works through his jokey squiggles of emotion, even his �air guitar� dance in leather from Dashwood�s youth, as if he were being loyal to Chekhov or the Oscar Wilde of �De Profundis.� It is Firth, and the spread of British sites, sights, speech and clipped wit (plus some dorky stuff) that keep �What a Girl Wants� bearably amusing. There are even good facsimiles of Prince Charles and his royal mother. It is all a lot closer to Cyndi �Girls Just Want to Have Fun� Lauper than to Sigmund �What do women want?� Freud. Poor old Freud, stuck in a pre-Firth era, never did answer his question. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Elliott is the movie critic of The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Lovely! I'd bet Karla Peterson (who did two Firthcentric articles for the U-T) has tutored this reviewer in the finer aspects of Firth films.

HENRY IS A BIT GUILTY about splitting with Libby long before, which ended his wild years by folding him into the pastry crust of the highest Establishment. Man, is he baked. LOL....I think this is my favorite line so far in any of the reviews I've read! Watching Firth mumble and flubber and fidget with adorable sincerity, you wonder if he took some priestly vow of serious acting. He works through his jokey squiggles of emotion, even his �air guitar� dance in leather from Dashwood�s youth, as if he were being loyal to Chekhov or the Oscar Wilde of �De Profundis.� Like this bit too! Thank you to all the ladies who have been putting up reviews and interviews! I've enjoyed them all!

Been looking hard for another decent one... Bill Muller The Arizona Republic Apr. 4, 2003 12:00 AM Hollywood's latest version of Cinderella is What a Girl Wants, in more ways than one. For one thing, the film stars Amanda Bynes, the apple-cheeked, belly shirt-clad ambassador for a generation of teenage girls who are switching from Nickelodeon to MTV. With its fairy-tale plot, peppy soundtrack - ranging from Michelle Branch to the Clash - and emphasis on fashion, the movie should delight its target audience and keep parents interested as well. Although What a Girl Wants could be easily dismissed as a Princess Diaries knockoff, the film is a few degrees more earnest. It doesn't quite discard the emotional baggage of its subject matter, although it hardly qualifies as a primer on family relations. The movie is predominantly fluffy and loveably goofy, mostly due to the presence of Bynes, who's definitely a star in the making. Her dramatic acting can be hit and miss, but her physical comedy skills are well developed from her years on the Nickelodeon skit show All That. More significantly, Bynes embodies the modern-day ingenue, possessing a combination of natural guile and plucky insouciance that adds up to charm. She also affects an endearing klutziness, a physical manifestation of those "awkward" teenage years. Unlike Brooke Shields and other female pop icons from the past, Bynes is better than beautiful. She's cute, making her accessible to legions of young fans and a perfect pitch-girl for all those wonderful products coming to a retail center near you. Bynes plays Daphne, 17, who lives in New York with Libby, her flower-child, wedding-singer mom (Kelly Preston). Daphne's never known her aristocratic British father, Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), who romanced her mother in his youth but never learned of Daphne's existence. Longing to meet her dad, Daphne travels to England just as Lord Dashwood is starting a run for Parliament. With the British tabloids hot on the trail of a scandal, Daphne does all the things you might expect from a youngish Yankee in King Arthur's Court. She stumbles into highbrow fashion show and wows the blue bloods, turns a stuffy party into a bash (literally) and dumps a boorish suitor into the drink. Firth (Bridget Jones' Diary) lends credibility simply by playing things straight. His character is allowed to express anguish over being cut out of his daughter's life. In most of these movies, it takes little more than buying the kid an ice cream cone to make everybody feel better. Inspired by The Reluctant Debutante, a 1958 Sandra Dee-Rex Harrison romantic comedy, What a Girl Wants has no shortage of stock characters, including Daphne's sympathetic grandmother (Eileen Atkins), her British dream date/musician (Oliver James) and Lord Dashwood's scheming assistant (Jonathan Pryce). Let's not forget the ultimate Cinderella touch: Daphne's' evil future stepmom (Anna Chancellor) and stepsister (Christina Cole), who are determined to keep little Janey-come-lately from spoiling their chance at status and wealth. Naturally, Daphne is given plenty of chances to outwit her stuck-up adversaries, from dazzling the royals to adding zip to a dowdy party dress to drawing the attention of prospective suitors. I'm surprised she doesn't fix Big Ben with her handy ratchet. It's hardly a memorable film, but it's bound to be a hit with the Britney and braces set. In this case, What a Girl Wants is what a girl gets. http://www.azcentral.com/ent/movies/articles/0404whatagirl04.html

Thank you Dorine, for typing and posting your notes from your screening and interview with Dennie Gordon. Also - thank you Karen, Evelyn, Mari, Maria and all of you I forgot to mention for posting the reviews. Enjoy your drooling, no sorry - viewing all of you who get to go this weekend. (Karen)He should've done it without pants. ;-) So that's why you wantet the leather pants as a keepsake; to see him without any ;-)

Los Angeles Daily News: 'Girl' needs an original idea By Glenn Whipp The watery Cinderella tale "What a Girl Wants" never fails to live down to your expectations. When someone stands up in a rowboat, you know they're going to fall in the drink. When it is mentioned that a pretentious snob loves his chandelier more than life itself, you know it's going to come crashing down. When someone needs a new dress, you know there's going to be one of those let's-go-shopping montages, a scene that has become such a cinematic cliche that it ought to be outlawed. What you don't expect to see is Colin Firth wearing leather pants and a muscle shirt. Then again, you don't expect to see the reliably charming Firth slumming in a "Princess Diaries" knockoff like this. Firth is essentially doing what Julie Andrews did in Disney's "Diaries,' lending the enterprise a whiff of class and providing the film's younger castmates with an acting lesson or two. "Diaries" was agreeable entertainment, reaping the benefits of having pro's pro Garry Marshall behind the camera. Say what you will about Marshall's slick entertainments ("Pretty Woman," "Beaches," "Runaway Bride," etc.), the man can at least wring laughs from a broad comedy scene with a sitcom director's precision. The same cannot be said here for Dennie Gordon, who fails again and again to transcend his own television background, settling for the painfully obvious at every turn. Nickelodeon poster girl Amanda Bynes is Daphne, the girl in the title, a sassy 16-year-old who misses the father (Firth) she has never known. The fact that he's an English lord isn't the attraction. Daphne has simply always wanted to participate in the father-daughter dance at weddings. And she goes to a lot of weddings since her hippie chick mom (Kelly Preston, who croons a mean "Heaven Is a Place on Earth") is a singer. So, without mom's blessing, Daphne lights out for England to bond with her father. Dad has trouble keeping a stiff upper lip as his wacky American daughter pratfalls her way around London (see the aforementioned crashing chandelier) and mucks up his political ambitions. Not that dad really minds. See, he's a nice guy. Who Daphne has to watch is the good lord's evil fiancee (Anna Chancellor, Duckface from "Four Weddings and a Funeral") and her prissy daughter (Christina Cole). Add a cute British musician suitor for Daphne (Oliver James) and an overwrought "ya gotta be yourself" message, and you've got a button-pushing, empty-headed fairy tale that will have even its preadolescent target audience squirming. Bynes is the least of the movie's problems. But sweet as she is, she's not nearly as irresistible as the movie thinks, which makes you wonder why everyone in London falls in love with her. Americans have enough image problems around the world without foisting this mugging cutie pie on the unsuspecting.

(Karen)He should've done it without pants. ;-) (Annette)So that's why you wanted the leather pants as a keepsake; to see him without any ;-) Small correction here: I claimed the leather pants first, but gave them to Karen as a gift back in December;-)))

Sorry about the misunderstanding;-) Come to think of it, I do remember. Just wantet to make at least *one* remark, that hadn't been made before. I just can't keep up with you clever girls;-)

Thanks all for all the reviews. Special thanks to Mari for the San Diego David Elliot review. Looks like it is all settled, I'm moving to San Diego and becoming a Catholic! ;-)))

(Maria) Looks like it is all settled, I'm moving to San Diego and becoming a Catholic! ;-))) ROTF. Hey Mari...you better dial: 011-44-1-800-catholic news service

Found this googling: http://www.fametracker.com/fame_audit/firth_colin.shtml I think, they need to do a little more homework, but also think they have some good observations ( as: sexiest voice ever)

Many thanks for all the reports and reviews! By way of contrast with WAGW... "MY LITTLE EYE director to give you TRAUMA While the U.S. release of his brain-frying MY LITTLE EYE remains in limbo, Irish director Marc Evans begins shooting his new psychological horror movie TRAUMA next week in London. According to our British scribe Alan Jones, TRAUMA stars Colin (BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY) Firth and sounds a bit like a nastier SPIDER (Ralph Fiennes). TRAUMA is the first of five movies from Little Bird, a new British production company; its second film, a vampire tale called INNOCENCE, will be directed by Carine (UNDER THE SKIN) Adler and star Samantha (MINORITY REPORT) Morton"

Fametracker is done by one of the gals at Televison Without Pity. I love the way they write. And Karen, I forget about Phone Booth. You are right. That will top the list. From the NY Times review of PB: "Mr. Farrell, who resembles a younger, bushier-eyebrowed Brad Pitt, acquits himself decently enough as the scuffling Bronx-born hustler who favors Italian suits. But this likable Irish actor, touted as Hollywood's studly flavor of the last several months, ultimately lacks the soulful magnetism that signifies a major screen presence." http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/04/movies/04PHON.html

Annette! OMG...I'm cracking up at the link you sent! Some favorite lines: ...he was upstaged by Gwyneth Paltrow's hair extensions and Joseph Fiennes's bizarre resemblance to Prince. I actually commented on that to my DH...LOL! And then this: And, let's face it -- Hugh Grant was so much fun to watch in that movie that it was hard to keep your eyes off him. During the fight scene in the film, we kept hoping he and Firth would start making out. Okay, I'll stop, but thank you for this! Very, very funny!! Love the assets (sexy voice and the ability to wear jodhpurs with dignity) and liabilities (At this point, he's in danger of becoming the love object of post-menopausal NPR listeners).....

closing, I hope...sorry.

Review: 'Girl' Gives Bynes Fans What They Want Teen TV Sensation Has Magnetic Presence Tim Lammers, Staff Writer POSTED: 9:12 a.m. EST April 4, 2003 'What A Girl Wants' (PG) (two 1/2 out of four) Sure, its clash of cultures storyline doesn't make "What a Girl Wants" the most original film to come down to pike, but that's hardly reason to write off an otherwise charming movie that's sure to satisfy fans of Nickelodeon television star Amanda Bynes. Bynes stars as Daphne Reynolds, a free-spirited American teen who has celebrated each of 17 birthdays in heartbreak. She has her loving, yet unconventional mother, Libby (Kelly Preston), always by her side, but Daphne's father is never there to accompany her -- so she feels incomplete. At least Daphne knows who he is -- Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), a wealthy British aristocrat who lives in London. He and Libby are an ocean apart thanks to the deception of Henry's snobbish family, who didn't feel she was suitable for their high class society. So when Daphne impulsively hops a flight to London in order to find her father, there are several surprises in store. First of all, Henry, now a politician facing a crucial election, didn't know he had a daughter, and second, that daughter -- who's just like her mother -- causes an uproar with the British aristocracy. But unlike mom, will Libby change to please her pompous patriarchy? "What a Girl Wants" has a "Princess Diaries" fish-out-water sort of feel to it, where a reluctant heir is suddenly thrust into a world opposite of hers. It's a tried and true comedy formula, and the success of that formula usually relies on whether its actors can deliver the goods or not. With "What a Girl Wants," the responsibility rests almost squarely on the shoulders of Bynes, who succeeds with a magnetic screen personality. It's easy to see why she has been a mainstay the past 10 years on cable's Nickelodeon network -- she has a wonderful sense of timing, and a great handle on physical comedy, to boot. Plus, she gets to show a tender side with the movie, which is sure give her fans a welcome surprise. But what really makes "What a Girl Wants" work is Bynes' chemistry with co-stars Oliver James and Firth. James, who plays Daphne's boyfriend and aspiring musician, impresses in his debut with a likeable demeanor and a great singing voice. The ever-dependable Firth is just plain charismatic, and his regret he expresses for not knowing he had a daughter provides the movie with its most poignant moments. There are no doubt shots on the way from film snobs out there who'll be quick to complain that "What a Girl Wants" has an all-too-familiar narrative and stereotypical characters. And, apart from any snide descriptions they'll use to criticize the movie, they're probably right. But that's not going to matter to the film's intended audience. What they'll get is a sweet and funny coming-of-age tale that teaches some important lessons about being yourself -- and kids, especially teens, can never get enough of that. "What a Girl Wants" is not an earth-shattering movie, by any means, but it's not completely frivolous either. For the lack of better words, it'll give fans of Bynes what they want. Copyright 2003 by TheKSBWChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Per Annette's link: At this point, he's in danger of becoming the love object of post-menopausal NPR listeners. OMG - I've been so busted! This *is* me..... Thanks Annette for the *heads up*;-)

Another very favorable review (unfortunately, a secondary paper I think..) Highlight - "And there's no way that we couldn't like Firth (Shakespeare in Love, Bridget Jones's Diary), who brings charisma, dignity and talent to every part he plays. Dashwood's interplay with Daphne evolves slowly and with subtlety and it's not a stretch to assume that has a lot to do with Firth's understated, compassionate turn." Yeah!! (Ok, I'll split my time between San Diego and Ohio...) http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/living/5556044.htm

(Evelyn)Hey Mari...you better dial: 011-44-1-800-catholic news service Karen is setting up a separate board for me, where I'll do baptisms. And distribute contribution envelopes.;-) Maria, how do you feel about becoming a Mormon: All You Could Want From a Teen Movie By Sean P. Means The Salt Lake Tribune A girl's search for her father becomes a charming, witty fairy tale. Rated PG for mild language; 104 minutes. "What a Girl Wants" is about as perfect a pop confection as you could want: sweet, funny, sly, hip, surprisingly touching -- and a showcase for the dynamic Amanda Bynes. Bynes, who turned 17 on Thursday, plays Daphne Reynolds, a New York City teen with only one sore spot in her happy life: She has never known her father. Daphne's rock 'n' roll mom, Libby (Kelly Preston), met Daphne's English father, Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), in Morocco, but their romance was thwarted by his upper-class family with Henry never knowing Libby was pregnant. Daphne jets to London to find Henry. She finds him just as he is embarking on a run for Parliament, and his social-climbing fiancee, Glynnis (Anna Chancellor) and her Machiavellian father (Jonathan Pryce) fear Daphne's sudden presence will stir up scandal. Henry, though, is less worried about the paparazzi than he is eager to learn about the daughter he never knew he had. Daphne is plunged into high society, though she is too fun-loving and dynamic -- in short, too American -- for the high-tea set. Screenwriters Jenny Bicks (a "Sex and the City" writer) and Elizabeth Chandler ("A Little Princess") take their source material, the 1958 Sandra Dee movie "The Reluctant Debutante," and update it with spunk and wit. The movie pokes fun at British stuffiness and class-consciousness. Director Dennie Gordon ("Joe Dirt") balances Bynes' physical comedy with a fairy-tale lightness. The British cast is well-chosen, from veteran performers like Pryce and Eileen Atkins (as Henry's eccentric mum) to newcomer Oliver James as Daphne's boyfriend. Firth, who exudes the same repressed hunkiness he did in "Bridget Jones' Diary," is a sympathetic father figure and sparks nicely with Preston, who could make a niche for herself with the sort of sensuous earth-mama roles Susan Sarandon used to get a decade ago. But "What a Girl Wants" ultimately is all about the girl, and Bynes is the right girl for it. Bynes -- who starred on her own sketch-comedy series on Nickelodeon and co-starred in "Big Fat Liar" -- possesses a rare combination of goofy charm, great comedic timing and a lithe beauty that somehow never detracts from her girl-next-door appeal. Watching Bynes in "What a Girl Wants" is to see a star blossom beautifully.

Or maybe Cajun is more your style, Maria?;-) From the New Orleans Times-Picayune Bynes' heart belongs to daddy in 'Debutante' remake By Michael H. Kleinschrodt Movie critic Although "What a Girl Wants" scores no points for originality, it is a charming and wholesome film that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The movie, directed by Dennie Gordon ("The Adventures of Joe Dirt"), is a loose remake of 1958's "The Reluctant Debutante" as filtered through 2001's "The Princess Diaries." Taking the Sandra Dee/Anne Hathaway role is television star Amanda Bynes, who last appeared on the big screen in "Big Fat Liar." Bynes plays 17-year-old Daphne Reynolds, who has everything a New York girl could want -- except a father. Mom Libby (Kelly Preston) has never made a secret of Daphne's father's identity: Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), a British lord she impulsively married in a Bedouin ceremony. They were separated before Daphne even was born. One day, Daphne jets off to London to attempt to forge a relationship with her father. Her arrival comes as more of a surprise than she expects. Henry, in the midst of an important election, is thrown into shock by the revelation that he has a daughter, as are Henry's social-climbing fiancee, Glynnis Payne (Anna Chancellor), and her spoiled daughter, Clarissa (Christina Cole). The only understanding Daphne finds in London comes from her kindly grandmother, Jocelyn Dashwood (Eileen Atkins), and hunky musician Ian Wallace (Oliver James). As Daphne struggles to fit into her father's world, Glynnis and Clarissa do everything they can to sabotage her. The only people who possibly could doubt Daphne's eventual triumph are people who have never seen a movie before in their lives. Bynes is a fresh-faced presence in the lead, but she doesn't always possess the emotional heft some of her scenes require. The screenplay also makes her character a pratfall-prone klutz, which just isn't funny. Preston, currently appearing in "View From the Top," is stuck with the least developed role and seems stranded by the screenplay. Chancellor is fine as the wicked future stepmother, but it's a role the star of "Crush" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral" could play in her sleep. The extent to which this movie works is a credit primarily to Firth and Atkins. Firth ("The Importance of Being Earnest") is a delight as the aristocrat struggling to rein in his wild side and as the bumbling father trying to figure out the meaning of his new role. Atkins ("Gosford Park") also shines as the plainspoken grande dame who no longer cares to censor her thoughts. Jocelyn's love of the freespirited Daphne is clear even as Atkins delivers lines such as "No hugging, dear. We're British. British people show affection only to dogs and to horses." It's an old joke, but Atkins pulls it off. Less charming is Daphne's and Libby's habit of expressing their love for each other in terms of various candies. The most groan-inducing line is when Daphne tells Libby, "I love you a million red M&Ms." The line isn't as sweet as it might first appear considering that Libby would have grown up during the time that production of red M&Ms was suspended because an unrelated red dye was found to cause cancer. Like countless movies before it, "What a Girl Wants" features the obligatory scene of the stuffy party just waiting to be enlivened by the heroine's superior taste in music. Still, it's a flaw audiences probably will overlook as they fall hook, line and sinker for the movie's heartfelt charms. _________________________ WHAT A GIRL WANTS (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) Plot: An American teen jets off to London to meet her father, a British noble who doesn't know she exists. What works: Colin Firth brings much charm to a heartfelt tale safe for the whole family. What doesn't: There's nothing here audiences haven't seen before.

(Mari) Maria, how do you feel about becoming a Mormon?: Or maybe Cajun is more your style, Maria?;-) Wow! I like em both! But I guess I won't be the first gumbo loving, Pacific surfing, Salt Lake floating, bi-faith, commuting between four cities and goes to confession all for love of ODB fan...;-))

From TV Guide (just posting the salient parts);-) The happy ending is a foregone conclusion, but what could have easily have been a carbon copy of THE PRINCESS DIARIES (2001) benefits from the efforts of its strong cast. Bynes is a charmer who adeptly straddles the line between romantic heroine and physical comedienne, while Firth is extremely enjoyable as a befuddled father trying to balance his prim and proper life with his spirited teenager's influence. Not everyone could have pulled off the scene in which, clad in leather pants and a muscle tee, he cuts loose in front of a mirror to the strains of "Rock 'n' Roll Hoochie Coo."

Thanks for all the reviews ladies. Enjoy the movie.

A second baby Firth is on the way. From Movie City News, some very interesting stuff on the marketing, including why CF isn't on the posters: The brief biography included on the What a Girl Wants website credits Dennie Gordon with being one of the most versatile directors working in Hollywood. The anonymous author of the bio goes on to say the Minnesota native is "known for her craftsmanship, as well as her cajones." Unusual, but it beats having a reputation for bringing in your pictures late and over-budget. What a Girl Wants is that rare bird in Hollywood, a romantic fairy tale that should play every bit as well with mothers, as it does with their teenage daughters. Although posters for the Warner Bros. release feature only 17-year-old Amanda Bynes, What a Girl Wants also stars a lovelorn Kelly Preston and British hunk Colin Firth. (Earlier this week, reporters noticed that one-sheets no longer showed Bynes flashing the peace sign, while posing in front of a pair of beefeasters. The gesture was removed so no one would think the movie was trying to make a political statement.) Bynes plays the energetic and free-spirited Daphne, an 18-year-old New Yorker who travels to England in search of her father (Firth). Until Daphne arrives on the scene, the wealthy aristocrat is unaware he fathered a child with the hippie-dippie American musician (Preston) he traveled with in Morocco 17 years before. Nor is Lord Henry aware of the subterfuge that caused their relationship to evaporate before the girl was born. Although Bynes' name won't be familiar to most adults, the newly 17-year-old actress is hugely popular among teenagers who have watched her grow up on Nickelodeon's All That and The Amanda Show, as well as the WB's What I Like About You. The Thousand Oaks native can also be seen alongside Frankie Muniz in Big Fat Liar. Dawn Taubin, Warner Bros. president of domestic marketing, was also interviewed for this article. MOVIE CITY NEWS: Is it true that you're known around Hollywood for your "cojones"? DENNIE GORDON: Some of the actors I've worked with say I direct more like a man than a woman. I take it as a compliment. MCN: It seems as if you're walking a tightrope in the marketing campaign for What a Girl Wants. Amanda's a big star among teenagers, but you want adults to know the fairy tale aspect of the film will appeal to them, too. DG: When I took this on, the story was very much directed at a teen audience. As a movie-going mother, though, I just couldn't bear the thought of waking up every morning to go the set, and pour my heart and soul into it, unless we could make it a fairy tale for all ages. I wanted to make something smart, witty and fun, so parents could enjoy the movie, too. I liked the idea of the love triangle. MCN: Based on the posters and billboards, I didn't really expect to see a movie people my age could sit through. DG: Everyone who went to see it in the test screenings was so surprised, because it's Amanda on the poster, and they thought they were going to see a teen comedy. It became this conundrum for marketing. Early on, they realized they had this "four-quadrant" movie. That's a big deal for them, and it happens once in a blue moon. MCN: OK, I give up. Is a four-quadrant movie like a four-bagger in baseball? DG: We have the Amanda audience - the teen and pre-teen girls -- already. The tracking is off-the-charts in terms of their awareness of the movie, and desire to see it on the first weekend. The second key quadrant is made up of the same adult women who are attracted to movies like "Bridget Jones," and we hope they'll drag their husbands or boyfriends to see it. Or, fathers might agree to see it with their teenage daughters. Teen girls might have to drag their boyfriends along, but we're hoping the boys will come on their own to see Amanda. My 14-year-old son thinks she is really hot. MCN: She has a terrific comic sensibility. DG: Amanda's huge with girls because they think she could be their best friend or the girl next door. She isn't so beautiful she intimidates them, like other young actresses. She's so real and charming on screen, they really connect with her. They think they actually could be her. DAWN TAUBIN: One of the segments we're targeting in our television campaign is pre-teen girls. They're attracted to the physical comedy, and are very aware of Amanda. The older girls, and tweens, enjoy watching Daphne go out on her own for the first time � experiencing romance for the first time � the sense of empowerment. The ads with Colin Firth and Kelly Preston are designed to attract moms. We'll use testimonials and reviews to the get the word out. It's easier to make our point in television commercials than in print ads, and that's why Amanda is prominent in the print ads. MCN: Is Amanda known across the pond? DG: Not yet. We were shooting in London, and the crew kept asking me who Amanda was. I said, "She's huge in America, trust me." One day, we were shooting on the Millennium Bridge, which leads to the new Tate Gallery, when two busloads of students from the United States recognized her. They started going nuts, and we had to delay the scene to clear the entrances to the bridge. MCN: You gave Daphne a cute British boyfriend ... a musician, like her mom. Somehow, though, I get the impression teenage girls might be every bit as taken by Colin Firth as their mothers or older sisters. DG: That's probably why you don't see Colin on the posters, with Amanda. They couldn't find a way to put him on the posters and not have it look like a movie about a May-December romance. It's very difficult to communicate the father-daughter thing when you have a teenager in a sexy T-shirt and a guy who looks like Colin, who's only 42, standing in the background. It's a difficult message to convey ... although I desperately wanted to put him and Kelly on the posters, too. MCN: It didn't help matters any when Colin decided not to come here to join in the publicity campaign. DG: He's doing some satellite interviews, but thought it better to stay at home with his wife, who is six months pregnant. The war affected everyone's travel plans, as well. The awareness on the part of moms and other adult women will grow the closer we get to the opening day. After that, the ads will feature testimonials from audience members, and, we hope, the word-of-mouth will increase as moms talk to other moms. That's why I wanted to get Colin Firth on board for this picture, even before the project was green-lit. I just knew he'd bring this integrity and principle to the part, as well as a smoldering sexuality. MCN: Is it more expensive to market to several audiences at once? DT: Not really. We're using targeted advertising. You'll find different creative spots running in different timeslots. The messages don't compete with each other. They're just slightly altered for the different audiences. MCN: Did extensive coverage of the war in Iraq negatively impact your television campaign? DT: The situation was very fluid, and we kept a close eye on the coverage. But, the cable channels that girls watch haven't really been hit with pre-emptions. The WB delivers young women in strong number, and it didn't have a lot of pre-emptions. We had always planned on having sneaks this past weekend, so we could build word-of-mouth among the mom's. MCN: Forgive me, again, but which character did Colin play in "Bridget Jones"? DG: Mark Darcy. Colin has this wonderfully wry sense of humor, and I find him to be more delicious than Hugh Grant. Women in my age group get weak in the knees when his name comes up. He's so sexy and interesting to us ... in 'Bridget Jones,' all the way back to Pride and Prejudice. I just figured we had to have Colin, and he'd be able to draw women to the movie. MCN: They like that sort of thing, do they? DG: Yes, very much so. Colin added to the sophistication of the humor. During the sneaks in the malls, a lot of the droll British humor went right over the heads of the younger audiences. Last night, at the premiere, it was a whole different experience. They really got it, and it made my heart just leap. I'm hoping they see it as a Notting Hill or Four Weddings and a Funeral. A movie parents could go to with their kids. MCN: I'm trying to picture in my head hundreds of mothers and daughters, sitting together in the same darkened theater, lusting after a pair of Brits ... or, worse, the same one. Most of the time girls of that age aren't even speaking to their moms. DG: When I was that age, my mother and I communicated by writing notes. I only have boys, so there's a lot of noise in our house, and no one picks up a sock. Girls are very difficult. I only know this because I am one. MCN: The parallel storylines play like twin fairy tales. DG: Oddly enough, for too many kids, it's very much a fantasy to embark on a journey to find their father ... and to rekindle a fantastic lover affair between their parents, which we also do. More than 25 percent of all kids today come from split parents. I wanted to have that kind of plausibility. It was really important for me to create something parents would enjoy as much as their kids. MCN: Sounds like you're trying to capture some of the same lightning as My Big Fat Greek Wedding. DG: I love it when that sort of groundswell of public opinion causes things to get shaken up in Hollywood. And, I think studio heads are the last people to recognize why these things happen. They're still scratching their heads about "Greek Wedding." They think there's this great, untapped niche market of Greeks. I kid you not. They're trying to come up with all these Greek projects. MCN: Among the many places you've promoted the film, the craziest - to me, anyway - was Ain't It Cool News. How do you sell a date movie to guys whose concept of the perfect woman is Queen Padm� Amidala, in Star Wars. DG: Actually, I think they're big fans of the movie, and they did a director's profile of me. They're opinion makers and I wanted to make friends with them. They snuck into a preview and trashed my first movie, an Adam Sandler-produced comedy, Joe Dirt.They hurt us badly on the Internet long before the movie was even released. So, maybe I wanted to neutralize them.

Looks like Connie Ogle (from Miami Herald) did some 'ogeling' at Colin when she did a story about the making of TIOBE in England last year. She sounds like a definite fan ;-). (Thanks also for all the reviews all, for your great DG notes Dorine, and those pics Karen.) What a girl wants: mom and dad -- and a lot of wholesome fantasy Connie Ogle Miami Herald Published: Friday, April 4, 2003 What a Girl Wants is exactly what a girl -- specifically a dreamy middle-school girl -- wants. It's a cheery, impossible fantasy in which the bright, resourceful but completely nonthreatening heroine has a cool, gorgeous, ex-hippie singer mom who doesn't seem to object to tattoos; a rich, gorgeous, ex-hippie politician father; access to his extensive family estate and connections, and an adorable British singer boyfriend who looks like a baby Keanu Reeves and rides a motorcycle. In a wholesome, nonthreatening way, of course. It also has a reasonably likable star in Nickelodeon's Amanda Bynes, a teen-friendly message that won't appall parents -- be true to yourself -- and, for mothers weary of the boring grown-ups in Crossroads and A Walk to Remember, Colin Firth, who may look like a dad to the kids but will always be Pride and Prejudice's Mr. Darcy to the rest of us. Firth is only one member of the high-pedigree cast; others, such as Eileen Atkins and Jonathan Pryce, also lend the film a touch of respectability. Inspired by 1958's The Reluctant Debutante and bearing a whopping debt to Cinderella and The Princess Diaries, What a Girl Wants tells the story of 17-year-old Daphne (Bynes), who wants to meet her high-profile father in England. Her mom (Kelly Preston) has tried to protect Daphne from his severe and snooty family, but Daphne takes off across the sea anyway. Don't ask where the waitress daughter of a wedding singer got the money for the Virgin Atlantic ticket. It would be unseemly. Daphne discovers Lord Henry Dashwood (Firth) is busy running for Parliament, and, worse, he comes complete with a wicked stepmother-to-be (Anna Chancellor, doomed to lose Firth's affection yet again the way she did in Pride and Prejudice) as well as an even more wicked stepsister (Christina Cole). Henry does, however, accept Daphne into his home, where she proceeds to disrupt stuffy British events because she is, after all, an American. That means she is madcap and irrepressible while all around her turn up their noses, at least until they're bewitched by her charm and dance moves. (It should be noted that I will scream aloud at the next movie in which uptight people dancing is the stuff of high comedy.) Daphne does try to change into the perfect daughter, much to the dismay of her singer suitor Ian (pin up-to-be Oliver James), but eventually realizes she must be herself. This, like everything else in the movie, is not unexpected. But What a Girl Wants is a fairy tale, after all, and by now we know what that means. The bad are punished, good triumphs and The Clash's London Calling blares on the soundtrack. Daphne makes a designer original out of a truly hideous dress armed only with a pair of scissors, and Dad loosens up enough to try on a pair of his old leather pants. That's Colin Firth in leather pants. Now talk about a fantasy.

(Mari)A second baby Firth is on the way. This makes me irrationally happy:-))... Do you think this was a "blurt" on Dennie's part?...oops...

He's doing some satellite interviews, but thought it better to stay at home with his wife, who is six months pregnant. The war affected everyone's travel plans, as well. How great is this??? And now we have the real reason he isn't doing the junket! Congratulations to ODB and LD! A girl, this time (maybe?)!! (Maria) This makes me irrationally happy:-))... Do you think this was a "blurt" on Dennie's part?...oops... I'm irrationally happy too Maria! I do wonder about Dennie mentioning this....it appears that ODB is very private about such matters and as far as I know, this is the first time it has been mentioned....hope this is okay and the press leaves him and his family alone. A June or July baby if Dennie is speaking the truth! Yeah!!!

(Maria) This makes me irrationally happy:-))... (Tress)I'm irrationally happy too *It shows an affection for ODB which is very appealing.* I'm with you girls!

Sorry about the misunderstanding;-) ...Just wantet to make at least *one* remark, that hadn't been made before. I just can't keep up with you clever girls;-) Nono Annette, you are so clever at getting me in a Firth frame of mind on those dismal workday mornings when you ask for favorite..whatevers and when you have already done some fun *googling* to share with us!

Mari, wonderful find! A good explanation of the poster, although I still don't like the photo used. And a new baby! I'm already thinking of names. Thanks for all the reviews. I'll try to type out the 2 reviews from my local papers, but I'm honestly embarrassed that one review became an anti-American monologue. That's what happens when a pompous theatre critic is sent to review a teen movie. Why can't these people relax?! Girls are very difficult. I only know this because I am one. LOL! Would make a great bumpersticker :-)

Thanks for all the reviews ladies. I was hoping they'd have another child. What good news this is.

Quickie- Colin attended the opening night of Kirstin Scott Thomas' new play. I've put the info up at: http://www.firth.com/p_eye6.html

Thanks Karen. That's definitely one of the best pics of the bunch. Love the untucked look. LD must be away. ;-)

LOL, Dorine. Agree it's one of the best pics. Thank you for the picture, Karen. Information about TIOBE dvd-release: According to Blackstar the R2 is released on July 21. (amazon still has it for September) Not current movie, but there is also a SIL superdvd (also R2) on the way (released sometime April)

A few more DG film class notes ... Can't believe I forgot to put this one as it's the most interesting to me.... They were talking about how some directors get attached to the songs on the temp soundtracks during editing/test screenings. She really had her heart set on using Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" during the BLP scene. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page and their kids saw it and liked it and gave her permission to use the song. But as it doesn't matter, of course, what singers/writers think unless they have the rights, it didn't matter if they gave permission. After the managers and publishers got done wrangling over it, it was going to cost $1 million, so WB passed. She said her husband thought it worked better with the current song. The falling chandelier scene cost $150,000.

(Me) Love the untucked look That's why I love the playground scene so much...the untucked shirt, rolled up sleeves, and barefeet. And great hair and looks, too. :-P Same with that last Moroccan scene with him on that camel in that awesome (untucked ;-)) shirt.

Thank you again Dorine. It is sometimes unbelievable the amounts of money, that flows through this business. btw - don't you ever sleep?

(Tress) And now we have the real reason he isn't doing the junket! (LOL) Let's see TIOBE, Love Actually and WAGW. Seems like all the London work gives CF and LD plenty of time to moonlight at their own production company. ;) Clever couple.

Thanks for sharing with us all of your very interesting information Dorine. And how great it must be to be learning so much first hand. Thanks again. Thank you for great pic Karen. He looks nice and relaxed.

Thanks Karen, Mari, Dorine, and Maria, for all the reviews, articles, and interviews. (DG)I wanted to make something smart, witty and fun, so parents could enjoy the movie, too. I liked the idea of the love triangle. As a parent who has sat through the likes of Dudley Duright and several other Gawd-awful films with my daughter, this is certainly a treat...with or without the CF obsession;-) (DG): He's doing some satellite interviews, but thought it better to stay at home with his wife, who is six months pregnant. Congratulations to the Firth's. I'd sure love to see some of those satellite interviews.

Oh sorry to double post, but thanks Karen for the picture of Colin at the London play, he looks great. The sideburns look very Mark Darcy...yeah I know, Trauma first.

On the producers for WAGW - older work and grosses - From Show Biz Daily: Producer Denise Di Novi WHAT A GIRL WANTS WARNER BROS. Year Title Gross 2002 WALK TO REMEMBER, A 41.23 2001 ORIGINAL SIN 16.25 2000 NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THE 50.38 1999 MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE 52.80 1998 PRACTICAL MAGIC 46.61 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Producer E.K. Gaylord II WHAT A GIRL WANTS WARNER BROS. Year Title Gross 2002 WHITE OLEANDER 16.35 2002 DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA YA SISTERHOOD 69.59 2002 WALK TO REMEMBER, A 41.23 1991 MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS 3.60 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Producer Bill Gerber WHAT A GIRL WANTS WARNER BROS. Year Title Gross 2002 QUEEN OF THE DAMNED 30.31 2001 AMERICAN OUTLAWS 13.26 2000 GET CARTER 14.97 --------------------------------------------------------------------

'What a Girl Wants' is fairy-tale froth 04/03/2003 By Ann Brown ARIZONA DAILY STAR Apparently, what teen-age girls want is a loving and attentive father, a boyfriend from the pages of Cosmo Girl, and an undaunted, true sense of self. "What a Girl Wants" is a cotton-candy Cinderella fairy tale that stars Amanda Bynes (Nickelodeon's "All That") as spunky but feeling incomplete Daphne Reynolds. Seventeen-year-old Daphne and her mom, Libby (Kelly Preston), live in a fifth-floor walkup in New York City's Chinatown. Libby sings in a rock band at weddings, at which Daphne is a waitress. Daphne dreams of dancing with her never-met dad. The guy who didn't know he had a daughter is Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), who met and married Libby in an impromptu ceremony in Morocco. When Libby and Henry returned to England, the extra-crispy uppercrust Brits and Henry's manipulative handlers sent heartbroken Libby packing, telling Henry she'd found another. Daphne, feeling she's missing a part of herself, bursts off to London in hopes of finding Papa. She immediately meets dreamy, heartthrob musician Ian (Oliver James), the "half-breed" offspring of a commoner and a debutante. Free-spirited Daphne sneaks onto the huge, fancy-dancy Dashwood estate and finds that her father, a prestigious politician amid a campaign, now has a prissy fianc�e (Anna Chancellor) with an uptight daughter (Christina Cole). Daphne is a bull in an aristocratic English china shop. Her go-for-it personality puts Henry's election in jeopardy. To make her new father-daughter relationship work and save his career, Daphne trades her boots and bluejeans for pumps and pearls, and gracefully glides into English society. (Remember Greek mythology? Daphne was a nymph who was changed into a tree to escape attention.) At no point is the airy plot ever plausible - this is a fairy tale, after all. "What a Girl Wants" gets off to a cheesy start, reminiscent of 2001's "The Princess Diaries," but whips to a fuller froth when Daphne arrives across the pond. Bynes, pretty and cute, but not drop-dead gorgeous, adequately skips through the role, which is not a test of acting ability. Chancellor and Cole play the wicked, almost stepfamily with icy, gonna-get-what-I-want perfection. Their last name is Payne - get the not-so-subtle symbolism? Sure you do. Eileen Atkins brings a gracious balance and a contrast to the other women's characters. The absolutely adorable James plays a smart, kind, sweet-voiced, hard-working guy who loves Daphne for who she is. Ian is the breathtaking boyfriend every girl wants. But Dashing Dad is the real Prince Charming. Firth melts hearts with his usual charm as an honorable man struggling to balance his responsibilities and expectations with his newly found daughter and his heart. This make-believe story has a moral that Cinderella never discovered: finding Prince Charming isn't the key to happiness. To live happily ever after, you need to follow your heart and be true to yourself.

Thanks, Mari, for posting the interview with Dennie Gordon. Stuff like this reinforces my feeling that sometimes Colin's fans are his worst enemy. I mean, how could anyone who adores him so much want him to be in such a triviality like this film? I would think she'd want him to be in good/great films. Seems incongruous to me. Liked all the inside info about the marketing and the poster. May-December? *snort* Nicer way to put it than another Lolita or worse. ;-) Thanks, Bethan, for the update on Trauma.

Wow! so much gong on! A new baby on the way--congrats, Colin. That must be why he was on his own at the play. I don't like the untucked look with the jacket, looks too messy for me. Notice the bag in his hand? A souvenir for his wife, perhaps?

(Karen)I mean, how could anyone who adores him so much want him to be in such a triviality like this film? I know, I know, but sometimes we're just grateful to see him in SOMETHING, even "for dough" movies while we're waiting for the "for show" movies.

The bag is in the hand of the lady to the left. If I answer the other part, this will turn into a career debate. :-(

(Kate)That must be why he was on his own at the play. Not sure why being 6 months pregnant would preclude attendance at a play--or, more to the point, prevent hubby from going on a short business trip to promote his work, for that matter. I worked until the day before I delivered. I have colleagues who have gone straight from the office to the hospital. That's what women do today. It's not like you're ill. Oh, whatever. (Karen)I mean, how could anyone who adores him so much want him to be in such a triviality like this film? I would think she'd want him to be in good/great films. LOL, but she doesn't make good/great films; she makes very commercial ones. And you know what? He's coming out smelling like a rose in most of these reviews. Even the ones that don't like the film, like him. Cinderella tale is what this girl wants By Leslie Gray Streeter, Palm Beach Post Staff Columnist Saturday, April 5, 2003 Every once in a while, as I prowl The Palm Beach Post offices to look for creative inspiration or free snacks, I drop in on Scott Eyman, the Post's very own books editor/maharaja of movie history. Recently we pondered what differentiates a genuinely good actor from an adequate actor who seems great only because he lucked out in a once-in-a-lifetime role that not even a comatose ferret could screw up. I was reminded of that little chat this week while watching the truly talented and dashing Colin Firth stammer and beam his way through a stock part in the cheesy/sweet What a Girl Wants. This father/daughter fish-out-of-water fairy tale, based on Vincente Minnelli's The Reluctant Debutante, has a plot so simple that kindergartners with a working knowledge of Cinderella could predict it. Luckily, the movie also has Firth, as an upper-crusty candidate for the British Parliament who meets the free-spirited, 17-year-old American daughter (Amanda Bynes) he never knew he had. As Henry Dashwood, Firth wears his decency in his stammer, in his shy grasp for words, in his low, educated diction and in the way he desperately flounders to maintain his expected propriety, all while his heart is urging him to rebel. He's a non-cutesy Hugh Grant. I admit, I dig it. I don't know whether much of what Firth does is actually in the script. But he and the equally cute and talented Bynes can turn a goofy line or dumb musical montage into escapist joy without saying a thing. Bynes is Daphne Reynolds, raised in a tiny apartment in New York's Chinatown by her quirky wedding singer mother Libby (Kelly Preston). Daphne has never met her dad, Henry, but she knows all about how he and Libby met in Morocco, were married by Bedouins, much to the disapproval of Henry's snooty family of noblemen and their adviser, the crafty, evil Alistair Payne (Jonathan Pryce). Libby high-tailed it back to New York, never telling Henry that she was pregnant, because she thought Henry had chosen his position over her. Meanwhile, Henry never looks for Libby, because he believes she has ditched him for someone else. Sadly, both have been hoodwinked by the dastardly Alistair, because that's what crafty, evil advisers do. Unaware of all this nefariousness, Daphne aches for her father at each birthday and during every father/daughter dance she sees at the weddings where Libby and her band play. One day, Daphne hops a plane to London and looks up Henry, who is planning a wedding of his own -- to Alistair's dippy daughter Glynnis (Anna Chancellor) -- and a run for Parliament. Henry is understandably shocked to meet Daphne, but, being a decent chap, he eventually invites Daphne to stay the summer and take part in the social season, which appears to be like the Palm Beach season, except during the summer and with even more hats. Quirky, self-assured Daphne must fit in or be ostracized, understanding that if she's rejected, she's also likely messing up her newfound father's election. But as Ian (Oliver James), Daphne's eventual boyfriend, tells her, she was born to stand out, not fit in. High jinks, heartbreak and much musical goofiness ensue. Being a Cinderella story, What a Girl Wants gives us a wicked stepmother in Glynnis, who catches on that Henry might still carry a torch for the lovely Libby. Chancellor seems to be making a career of portraying uptight Brits whose fianc�es are really in love with quirky Americans (Grant ditches her at the altar for Andie McDowell in Four Weddings and a Funeral). Sure, she's not right for him, but if Henry doesn't love Glynnis, why is he engaged to her? I know Henry's the good guy, but doesn't this make him a little bit of a dog? Just wondering. As goofy and predictable as What a Girl Wants Is, I love that Daphne is a sweet, strong girl who stands up for herself without being disrespectful. I loved the movie's emphasis on family, its lack of sex, violence or bodily fluids, and especially the sweet, unspoken chemistry between Firth and Bynes. No, it's not Shakespeare. But with performances this good, it doesn't have to be. Besides, the Bard's family dramas never worked out this well. The Flick Chick's Bottom Line: What a Girl Wants is a big, sticky bucket of sweetness that your dentist would probably warn you against. But it's a lot less fattening than cheesecake.

(Kate)sometimes we're just grateful to see him in SOMETHING, even "for dough" movies while we're waiting for the "for show" movies If this was so horrible it was painful (as it seems it was for Karen), then I'd beg to differ, but I do think it's cute and like the two of them together. And that Oliver James kid is good, too. It has redeemable qualities. Even Anthony Hopkins and Michael Caine do "dough" movies in order to do "show" movies. Michael Caine readily admits it. Granted they are better known, but that's the breaks! (Karen) If I answer the other part, this will turn into a career debate. I bet that could be dangerous. ;-) Thanks, Bethan for the Trauma info. Has anyone seen that other movie of his?

Dorine, thanks so much for the notes from your class and the Dennie G behind the scenes stuff. I love reading the inside poop. Great info! I can't blame them for not wanting to shell out a million bucks for Whole Lotta Love. Awesome song, but RNR Hoochie Koo works well. And WB wanted Brosnan, eh? Not surprising. And no way would Huge take second billing to anyone unless they're of equal career stature to him (e.g., Sandra Bullock). I went again last night and the theater was packed. This was cute: 2 little girls were sitting directly behind me. Right after Daphne and Libby leave England, the younger girl starts to cry, big heaving sobs. "This is soooo sad, she's gonna lose her daddy again, waaaaahhhhhhh!" The older girl tries calming her with, "don't cry, he'll come and get her, it's going to get happy again real soon, that's how movies like this are." She'd seen this plot before. Hee hee.

Thanks, Mari for the PB Post Review. Gotta love those (W.) Gotta love those (W.) Palm Beachers. ;-D I like her writing style...and taste, of course. (Mari) Not sure why being 6 months pregnant would preclude attendance at a play--or, more to the point, prevent hubby from going on a short business trip to promote his work, for that matter Remember, he had to get in his quota of boycotts. ;-) But, I totally agree with you.

The older girl tries calming her with, "don't cry, he'll come and get her, it's going to get happy again real soon, that's how movies like this are." She'd seen this plot before. Hee hee. LOL! And they'll go to see 45 times more.

(Dorine) Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" during the BLP scene. I love this song! Oh...it would have been good (it's still good....but to see ODB rocking out to LZ?? OMG!). I'm a sad human being....I bought the soundtrack. And I like it. Oh well... (Dorine) Love the untucked look Me too! Those jeans! And I like the shoes....they look comfy (my first priority in shoes). And the sideburns.....mmmmm.....Thank you Karen for the pic and article about the play. (Joyce) (LOL) Let's see TIOBE, Love Actually and WAGW. Seems like all the London work gives CF and LD plenty of time to moonlight at their own production company. ;) Clever couple. And I was thinking it was GWAPE time.....LD liked that scruff on his face the way we all did!! (Karen) If I answer the other part, this will turn into a career debate. :-( I liked WAGW, so am not too distraught over this career move....I don't think it will hurt his career (won't push him toward anything great either, but won't hurt. Even many of the negative reviews say that ODB did well in his dad role). But, as I was telling someone yesterday, at least he isn't in any of these current pictures: The Life of David Gale (with Oscar winner Kevin Spacey) or The Hunted (with Oscar winners Benicio Del Toro and Tommy Lee Jones)...or Boat Trip (with Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr.)....View From the Top (Oscar winner Gwenyth Paltrow)...then there is Anger Management to look forward to....(Oscar winners Jack Nicholson and Marisa Tormei). Even 'certified' good actors make poor choices. ODB could have done much much worse (anything is better when compared to L'dum). (Mari) Not sure why being 6 months pregnant would preclude attendance at a play--or, more to the point, prevent hubby from going on a short business trip to promote his work, for that matter. I think it may have more to do with their privacy than with her feeling 'ill'. I mean, before Dennie Gordon mentioned it, we hadn't heard anything about it. Seems they want to do this 'alone' and not under the glare of reporters. Don't blame them really. And remember it was Luca's birthday as well....

(Karen)LOL! And they'll go to see 45 times more. Just like me, and besides, it helps the box office!!!;-) (Tress) But, as I was telling someone yesterday, at least he isn't in any of these current pictures,... I'll take WAGW anyday over the ones you mentioned. I agree, Dorine, Oliver James was excellent. Thanks, Bethan

(Tress) But, as I was telling someone yesterday, at least he isn't in any of these current pictures: The Life of David Gale (with Oscar winner Kevin Spacey) or The Hunted (with Oscar winners Benicio Del Toro and Tommy Lee Jones)...or Boat Trip (with Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr.)....View From the Top (Oscar winner Gwenyth Paltrow)...then there is Anger Management to look forward to....(Oscar winners Jack Nicholson and Marisa Tormei). Even 'certified' good actors make poor choices There was an article in the NYTimes or WSJ in the last week about that very thing. Toast of the town right after Oscars, ignored in the next few months or years.

Top 5 box office estimates for Friday from boxofficemojo.com. No real surprises. May change over the weekend? Title/screens/gross PHONE BOOTH 2,481 $5,060,000 A MAN APART 2,459 $3,980,000 WHAT A GIRL WANTS 2,964 $3,480,000 HEAD OF STATE 2,155 $2,770,000 BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE 2,910 $2,370,000

(Tress) But, as I was telling someone yesterday, at least he isn't in any of these current pictures...Even 'certified' good actors make poor choices. ODB could have done much much worse (anything is better when compared to L'dum). He isn't in that league yet, with the award winners, and won't. He'll be getting lots more of these scripts. Reread Dennie Gordon's comment about Greek Wedding and how they think out there. No one is going to consider him for a substantial role based on this and then Love Actually and maybe Hope Springs, if we live long enough. He'll be the Daddy version of Hugh Grant. What a waste. :-( Thank goodness for GWAPE and maybe Trauma. Maybe the next will be as a disfigured homeless person or killer. A girl can only hope... *sigh*

Remember, ticket prices are less for WAGW's audience. ;-)

LOL, it was cheaper for me yesterday, too. A bargain matinee *and* it's cheaper in another state. ;-) (Karen) Maybe the next will be as a disfigured homeless person or killer. A girl can only hope... *sigh* LOL! A serial killer! More than just the one in MOTM. More candles ordered. ;-)

Thanks for all your hard work ladies in posting the info on WAGW. I know it doesn't sound like the greatest movie ever, but I think it'll be great eye candy, if nothing else! I'm sad that the news of the new baby has leaked out (I'm sure he wanted this kept quiet), and I think it also explains Livia's non-appearance at the play in London the other night. - I bet he's gutted!

(Karen) He isn't in that league yet, with the award winners, and won't. He'll be getting lots more of these scripts. I know ODB isn't in that league yet (and may never be....because he doesn't appear to really want it) but I was trying to say that just winning an Oscar doesn't make you 'golden'...sometimes it is fine acting that goes unnoticed by the masses! ;-) And that even with an Oscar under your belt, you can still just not know what you are doing when it comes to picking worthy projects. I am sure all the actors listed saw tons of scripts after their wins, what made them choose their current films? I am anxiously awaiting GWAPE....(but even it if does well, and ODB gets recognition...I still expect to see some more WAGWs in his future).

(Tress) I was trying to say that just winning an Oscar doesn't make you 'golden'. Actually, it does - or 50 years of making movies (with nominations) and getting a Lifetime Achievement Award. And that even with an Oscar under your belt, you can still just not know what you are doing when it comes to picking worthy projects. I never said that this isn't frequently the case. My *only* point is that he hasn't made it yet as a serious actor for serious directors for serious films and films like WAGW, HS, LA, TIOBE, and BJD aren't going to attract that element. I don't know what Colin wants, nor do I presume to know. I only know what I would like to do with his talents, which is not squander them. He acted up a storm in WAGW and was wonderful, but who in power positions is going to think of him for an important movie? H'wood thinks in sequels and ripoffs. Too bad he wasn't available for "Daddy Daycare." because he doesn't appear to really want it Let's not start this.

(Janet) I'm sad that the news of the new baby has leaked out (I'm sure he wanted this kept quiet)...I bet he's gutted! I agree. She had no business telling anyone. It wasn't her place.

Thanks again for all the updates on WAGW. I liked this comment about stars in the eyes! - another one from IMDB. "I have read several reviews of this film, and I have to say that men just aren't going to "get" this one. Our local paper's reviewer said he just didn't get the "stars in the eyes" of the women leaving the theater. His review didn't even MENTION Colin Firth. Well, I will! Colin is what is going to attract women to this film, and he does not disappoint. He is the best thing about the movie. Amanda Bynes is cute, and I enjoyed her too. The rest of the cast is quite good too...Anna Chancellor (Caroline Bingley, for those Pride and Prejudice fans...), and Eileen Atkins, particularly. I found the storyline about the daughter longing for her father and the father who just discovered her quite sweet and moving. Yes, the script was a bit sloppy and the humor often falls flat, but overall, Colin Firth's performance made it worth seeing for me. This is definitely a chick flick, though :) "

Thanks,Bethan. I overheard a handful of *men* over several showings, grown men, say they really liked it and it was a nice "feel-good" movie that's perfect for this point in time. (Karen) Too bad he wasn't available for "Daddy Daycare." Perhaps you forgot your winkie? ;-)

(Karen) Too bad he wasn't available for "Daddy Daycare." (Dorine)Perhaps you forgot your winkie? ;-) winkie? barf bag, more like. I saw the trailer for Daddy Daycare. ugh. In fact, most of the trailers I saw with WAGW were for movies that looked pretty dumb. Colin could have done a lot worse. I bet keping the pregnancy quiet was why Livia didn't go to the play. I wonder if a reluctance to travel will cause her to have to "suffer in English" this time? Interesting that EOR is supposed to begin filming in August (isn't that the latest info?), jut after his "baby leave" from work. (Karen) Remember, ticket prices are less for WAGW's audience. ;-) Yeah, AND they go to matinees (are kid's tix cheaper at matinees?). Still, with schools having Easter/spring vacations around now, I expect this movie to do a lot of matinee business.

Let's not get too hung up over whether the pregnancy was a secret. I distinctly remember Colin saying when she was pregnant with Luca that she was always out and about, but no one in the press reported it. There'd be no reason to keep such things secret, or act as if you're hiding something. Which is probably why DG didn't give a second thought to mentioning it. Celebs' wives get pregnant and have babies every day, and nobody in the press makes much note of it that I can recall. I thought this was funny, from "Teen Hollywood": Amanda is fun and her scenes with Colin as dad are cute, well-acted and touching, although he looks young enough to be her boyfriend.

he looks young enough to be her boyfriend. I was thinking that about the picture on the left from the play. He doesn't look a day over 30 to me in that one, and that's without makeup help (one hopes :) )

(Kate)I wonder if a reluctance to travel will cause her to have to "suffer in English" this time? LOL, I was wondering that myself. But then, again, suffering in Italian has such nice ring to it;-) (Odile)He doesn't look a day over 30 to me in that one, and that's without makeup help (one hopes :) ) Amazing how they succeeded in making him look beyond his years in the Morocco scenes...with make-up.

As for this slightly older girl, I got something I wanted, too: British hottie Colin Firth -- Mr. Darcy, now and forever -- goofily rocking out in skin-tight leather pants. Please and thank you. Kimberley Jones [2003-04-04] http://www.auschron.com/gbase/Guides/Film?Film=oid%3A152858

(Karen)No one is going to consider him for a substantial role based on this and then Love Actually and maybe Hope Springs, if we live long enough. We just may! Just got back from the theatre and the good news is they had a Hope Springs coming soon poster up!!! I almost had a heart attack when I saw it and then made a complete fool of myself begging the 19 year old manager with the ill fitting suit coat for it (unsuccessfully):-(

Thanks for all the great reviews of WAGW. It is so interesting to read so many different views of the same movie. I just came back from the movie. I did enjoy it, it was very cute. Certainly not a stretch for ODB, probably one for the dough. My daughters and the hundred other girls in the theater LOVED it. I thought he looked unbelievably handsome! I didn't think he and Kelly Preston pulled off looking like 20 something year olds at the begining of the picture though. Every time Anna Chancellor (Glynnis) touched him and called him darling I cringed...eeewww Miss Bingley. I also thought there were quite a few P & P references, his mother was the something of Wickham & he pointed to a portrait of an ancestor named Bingley Dashwood. I hated the American and British stereotyping in this movie, though that is were all the laughs come from. All in all it was quite lovely drooling through all his screen time.

Oh P.S. Karen, thank you for that luvvlleee new picture!

(Maria) they had a Hope Springs coming soon poster up! No!!! We have to talk. There's a weird coincidence about this and where you live. v. Twilight Zone. Another "interview" with Colin here: http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0404/p16s01-almo.html I have a feeling these are all the result of the "satellite." They probably held a press conference for him via satellite to whoever wanted to plug in. Damn! Why didn't they let me know. ;-)

From The Sun-Herald's Rob Lowing, as part of a 'What to see in the school holidays' page. What a Girl Wants Story: American 17-year-old Daphne (Big Fat Liar's Amanda Bynes) searches London for her aristocratic father (Colin Firth). Her free-spirited ways shock the Brits but dazzle a nice local lad (Oliver James). Language: One swear word ( What? I missed it! ) Sex: Teenage smooching. Violence: A punch. Ages: 3-6: Gosh, no. 7-12: Too romantic for younger kids. 13-plus: Catnip for devotees of Cinderella clones, like The Princess Diaries. Adult compatibility: Better than expected, thanks to Bridget Jones's Diary charmer Firth. Rating: 7/10

Something to make Karen happy....from today's "Sunday Telegraph"... :-) ...Colin Firth tells me that he has tired of costume drama, light romantic comedy and aristocratic parts in general. Firth scarcely has the menace of Vincent Price, but he is having a stab at horror. "I am about to start doing a film called Trauma which is a dark and surrreal psychological thriller." he told me last week "I play a man who wakes up from a coma to find his wife has died. It's wonderful, just what I wanted. "

(Karen) No!!! We have to talk. There's a weird coincidence about this and where you live. v. Twilight Zone. LOL! You mean there is a difference?!

costume drama, light romantic comedy and aristocratic parts in general My voodoo sacrifices have finally worked against the Terrible Threesome. ;-) *shaking chicken bone one more time* Thanks, Bethan, for the good news.

"Don't ask my wife about my cooking. She'll agree the food is quite wonderful, but after I'm finished, the kitchen is far from tidy." Can a cooking show be far behind? Thanks, Maria for the HS update. Looks like I'll have to search the multiplex for posters this afternoon. Yes, I'm going again.

(Linda) Looks like I'll have to search the multiplex for posters this afternoon. Ask the manager if they're showing the LA teaser trailer before anything. I did and they called up to the projection rooms and it wasn't.

Box Office: Pretty darn good... 1 (*) Phone Booth ............... $15.0 million 2 (*) What A Girl Wants ......... $12.1 million 3 (*) A Man Apart ............... $11.2 million 4 (1) Head of State ............. $ 8.8 million

(Bethan/IMDB) Our local paper's reviewer said he just didn't get the "stars in the eyes" of the women leaving the theater. Oh I think he got it. Acknowledging and accepting it is a difficult task for the mere mortal man.

Hi Everyone Wanted to stop by and tell you that I went to a screening of WAGW last week and I thought CF looks so good in this. While the film may not be everyone's cup of tea, it wasn't meant to be. It is what it is and no one should expect it to be anything different. If you go in knowing that then you can just relax and enjoy the movie and his performance in it. As always he did a great job and had the best lines throughout. I have to tell you that he got so many laughs from the audience and I loved it when he says "Back when I was groovy". :) Just go and enjoy his performance and don't get too hung up on the premise of the film or whether it is critically aclaimed or not. Actors can't and don't always get to do Oscar material work and they should not be expected to. Colin is well known and respected in the industry of his peers and I think that by doing a wide variety of films and roles only helps not hinders. Professionally speaking I would rather he do s bit of fluff every now and then that gets him a wider audience and more opportunities than just do obscure arthouse films that no one sees. He does and can do both and still have a terrific career. On a personal level I love the fact that Colin measures success on "his" terms and while it may not be everyone else's measurement stick, he is a working actor who is one of the best we have today and that is success. I sometimes find a certain bit of hostility towards Hugh Grant on the part of CF fans and that is something that truly puzzles me. There is room for both in this world. Both men are terrific actors but are as different as night and day. I've worked with both and have enjoyed each time immensely. I am looking forward to working with them again and give them each their proper credit and respect. Take care everyone. I'll be back when I can with some LA news as time draws nearer for the publicity campaign to roll out.

Hello Lola! It is always good to 'see' you! Hope married life is treating you well.... (Lola) On a personal level I love the fact that Colin measures success on "his" terms and while it may not be everyone else's measurement stick, he is a working actor who is one of the best we have today and that is success. I completely agree with you here. I am just happy that ODB is a working actor. And he is a success! He has dozens of films, has lasted in an industry were most do not....and has the talent to continue working. I look forward to all his projects (blindly, of course...I'm an optimist when it comes to his films, it cannot be helped). I also can't help ribbing him along the way (that cannot be helped either)... (Lola) Both men are terrific actors but are as different as night and day. I've worked with both and have enjoyed each time immensely. I am looking forward to working with them again and give them each their proper credit and respect. I'm going to read into this that we can still expect more (good) news about TEOR?! Yippee!!

(HolaLola)Wanted to stop by and tell you that I went to a screening of WAGW last week and I thought CF looks so good in this. Ohhh Yeahhhhh!! (HolaLola) As always he did a great job and had the best lines throughout. I have to tell you that he got so many laughs from the audience and I loved it when he says "Back when I was groovy". :) I loved this too! (Must confess that the word "groovy" is part of my everyday language...;-) Thanks for stopping in Hola, and giving us the insiders perspective!! :-)

Bethan)TRAUMA stars Colin (BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY) Firth and sounds a bit like a nastier SPIDER (Ralph Fiennes). (Telegraph)"I am about to start doing a film called Trauma ".. he told me last week "I play a man who wakes up from a coma to find his wife has died. It's wonderful, just what I wanted. " There is a God!!! Thanks Bethan, keep the Trauma news coming. Anybody besides the boss and me see Spider with Rafe.? The pinnacle of acting.No HD stuff. Just hard work. He won't be able to phone in this performance. (Tress)I know ODB isn't in that league yet (and may never be....because he doesn't appear to really want it) I don't want to go there either, Tress, but read his interviews a few years ago. You'll get a different insight.

First of all, thank you for all the reviews and articles, and thank you Lola for your "input". I can only agree with you when it comes to the working actor Colin Firth. Speaking for myself, I'm happy he has been in so many different movies. It makes it possible to find one that fits almost any mood you're in. And imho it does only proof him to be a versatile actor. So - I'm looking forward to both WAGW and Trauma and what ever the future has in store for us - just like Tress: I look forward to all his projects (blindly, of course...I'm an optimist when it comes to his films, it cannot be helped).

(Evelyn) No HD stuff. Just hard work. He won't be able to phone in this performance. Agreed; however, I wouldn't say that he phoned in HD. Not saying it was a huge challenge, but some of the reviewers have even commented that he could have phoned it in but didn't. (Lola) Just go and enjoy his performance and don't get too hung up on the premise of the film or whether it is critically aclaimed or not. Thanks, Lola. I couldn't agree more, and I think that's precisely what many of us are doing.

Hey Lola! Nice to hear from ya. Can't say I expected much, even less as I thought AB was going to annoy the bejeezus out of me, but she didn't and I thought it was really cute. Been seeing quite a few heavy, downer movies lately and I enjoyed lightening up. I resisted seeing The Princess Diaries for a long time until so many adults without kids kept telling me how much they liked it. Glad I did. And, of course, it goes without saying the eye candy was delish. ;-)

(Dorine)the eye candy was delish. ;-) Speaking of eye-candy; what a girl wants is a new poster for Hope Springs: http://www.art.com/asp/sp-asp/_/ui--89F2D80B1D724DACA44F99FF6AAEF95E/PD--10095848/sOrig--CAT/sOrigID--11509/Hope_Springs_(double-sided).htm

And while I'm looking forward to LA (and maybe HS in my lifetime), the one I just can't wait for is GWAPE. Much the way I anticipated Chicago and GONY last year. Though I guess I'll have to be patient. Not my virtue. ;-)

Thanks, Annette! What a smile! Mmmm Mmmmm! :-D

(Dorine)the one I just can't wait for is GWAPE. Me too. I think it has a lot to do with our book-discussion. So many subjects were debatted, and it will be very interesting to see how the director/screenwriter or whateveryoucallthem will interpretate the book. the first picture from the movie (with Scarlett Johanson) also gives great promises for more eye candy

From Yahoo News Entertainment - E! Online "Phone Booth" Rings in First By Bridget Byrne Phone Booth rang up an estimated $15 million as the new No. 1 movie. After several weeks dominated by comedies, audiences apparently were ready for a good fright, or maybe just a glimpse of hot wild Irish boyo Colin Farrell. Debuting in the second slot was What a Girl Wants, in which Amanda Bynes plays an all-American girl who crash lands in the British social season in order to connect with her upper crust dad, played by Colin Firth. The PG Warners romantic comedy fable about this reluctant debutante earned an estimated $12 million by appealing to its target audience of young women and girls. appealing to its target audience of young women and girls. And young-at-heart women ;-) (Annette re GWAPE) ...it will be very interesting to see how the director/screenwriter or whateveryoucallthem will interpretate the book. It could be both who put their own spin on it. And, yes, that picture was quite a tease. Hope they put out more soon. I'm a glutton for punishment. ;-)

Found this review from a college newspaper. Not that college film critics are particularly influential in the entertainment world, but I thought it was interesting to see what someone that age would say about the movie: http://www.vanderbilthustler.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/04/04/3e8d0da78a1a0 from the Vanderbilt Hustler (yes, that's right) at Vanderbilt University: by Shelley Thomas The movie "What A Girl Wants" asks the age old question that still mystifies guys to this day: What does a girl want? Well, boys, in this movie you are still not going to find the answer to this question, because what this girl, Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Byrnes) wants is to become close to her estranged father (Colin Firth) in this definitely predictable, but fairytale-fun flick. Daphne is the all-American, fun-loving teenage girl who lives in New York with her bohemian, wedding-singer mother, Libby (Kelly Preston). Daphne, dejected by the failed whirlwind romance between her father and mother, watches the father-daughter dances at weddings with dismay wistfully hoping that someday that girl will be her. And, thus, the movie begins, with Daphne hopping a plane to London and clumsily finding her way into her father's life. Her father, Lord Henry Dashwood, just happens to be a member of the British nobility in the middle of a campaign for election to Parliament and is engaged to a stuffy British socialite (Anna Chancellor) with an equally stuffy daughter (Christina Cole). Along the way, Daphne finds a new friend/love interest Ian, (played by newcomer Oliver James), an aspiring rocker who is her champion throughout the movie and helps her to find her real place in British royal society. Needless to say, Daphne's arrival throws everything into an uproar. In an effort to present herself as the respectable daughter of a prominent political figure, wacky antics ensue and, of course, we find ourselves at the climax of the movie wondering if Daphne and her father will ever be together in the father-daughter relationship she's always dreamed of - will there be a happily ever after? Of course, if you know anything about movies clich�d and formulated for teenage girls everywhere, you know the answer to that one. Although there are one too many "Let's go try on fun clothes and dance while we're trying them on" montages and the ever-so-popular choreographed danced sequence, the movie goes past cheesiness and becomes surprisingly endearing with the perfect balance of wackiness and sentiment. Byrnes, with Nickelodeon shows like "All That" and "The Amanda Show" on her resume, seems to find a niche on the movie screen, with an ability to play physical shtick and say lines like "I love you one million red M&Ms" without causing the audience to cringe too much. Byrnes is a fresh face who is at her best in the movie when her character has her goofy moments, and her moments between her love interest James are genuine and heartfelt. The reason to go see this film is Colin Firth. He is the anchor of the movie and gives a reliable portrayal of a man torn between the love of a daughter and his ambition for a high-ranking political career. Firth shows a mildly wild side, driving off on a motorbike in the middle of a Royal Regatta Party, and his best moments are when he becomes the anxious father awaiting his daughter's return from a date. Firth is supported by a delightfully snobbish British cast, exactly what one would expect, with one-liners that make the movie a comedy. Is this the ultimate fairy tale for the 21st century as the tag line suggests? Probably not, but if you like watching Firth dance around in tight black leather pants and can handle a tolerable amount of the teenage movie clich� and predictability then this movie is for you. It is a fun MTVed fairytale that will be perfect for a harmless night of girls' night, out at the movies fun.

(Evelyn) No HD stuff. Just hard work. He won't be able to phone in this performance. (Rika)Agreed; however, I wouldn't say that he phoned in HD. Not saying it was a huge challenge, but some of the reviewers have even commented that he could have phoned it in but didn't. But, but I don't always agree with some of the reviewers. I like Camille, remember?;-)

say lines like "I love you one million red M&Ms" without causing the audience to cringe too much. Um, well.....the only serious cringeworthy moment in the whole movie for me. It gets worse the more I see it. Thanks, Rika.

oh s*** closed

(I posted this a few minutes ago and it got stuck inside of the italics that were open at that time. I deleted a reposted because it was pretty hard to read that way). If this one has been posted, I apologize for duplicating. I searched the topic for the author and some phrases from the review and didn't find it, but parts of it seem familiar. It's a good example of a reviewer who didn't like the movie but praises ODB all the same: http://www.boxoff.com/scripts/fiw.dll?GetReview?&where=Name&terms=What+a+Girl+Wants from Boxoffice Magazine, by Bridget Byrne (2 stars) Starring Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston, Eileen Atkins, Anna Chancellor and Jonathan Price. Directed by Dennie Gordon. Written by Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler. Produced by Denise Di Novi, Bill Gerber and Hunt Lowry. A Warner Bros. release. Romantic comedy. Rated PG for mild language. Running time: 104 min. What a girl wants is a much better script, especially if she�s a girl with Amanda Bynes� talent. This popular TV teen star is woefully served by Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler�s clunky, ill-informed �What a Girl Wants.� This is a paint-by-numbers update of a romantic comedy titled �The Reluctant Debutante,� originally penned by William Douglas Home for the much more structured uptight 1950s, when American and British youth knew less about each other�s manners and mores than they do today. Bynes has charm, dignity, wit and sensitivity, which she holds on to as best she can even when asked to take completely unnecessary pratfalls or act out some incredible false moment. Her portrait of a cute, clever and essentially well-meaning all-American girl is believable, even when the scenes she�s plonked into are utter silly nonsense. The efforts here to satirize the upper-crust English society, which Bynes as Daphne penetrates in the hope of establishing a relationship with a father who didn�t know of her existence, are crass, ill-executed renditions based on superficial concepts. Peopling this high life with such cheap gimmicks as crude look-alikes of the British Royal Family and crashing chandeliers, set among cobbled together images of stately mansions and famous sporting venues, further destroys any sense of reality that might have made for a genuine, sweet, witty film fable about the power of a loving family circle. As it is, the moments of the film that do work are the tender, thoughtful, confrontational encounters between Daphne and her dad, Henry. He�s played, also with charm, dignity, wit and sensitivity (excluding a silly scene in which he gyrates in tight leather pants) by Colin Firth, able, remarkably, to put across another interesting take on the constipated romantic Brit, who�s actually much more complex and intriguing han the posh twit he initially appears. It�s the sort of role that Firth has mastered many times before, notably as Mr. Darcy in a television production of �Pride and Prejudice,� ad as the ultimate right guy, also a Mr. Darcy, in �Bridget Jones� Diary.� It�s interesting to see him work the same skills in a paternal role and he finds an excellent match in Bynes, who, despite her youth, has honed her talents for years in her own television variety show and the WB sitcom �What I Like About You.� Also to be liked are Kelly Preston, who seems utterly at ease in the role of Daphne�s glamorous singer mom, and Eileen Atkins, who draws all the pith possible from the clich� lines of Henry�s tartly sensible old mum. Oliver James, as the outside-the-fold British lad who catches Daphne�s fancy and conveniently turns up at the social occasions as band singer or valet parker, has suitable confidence to match up to Bynes. But clich� lines and scenes abound, and some of the roles are so heavy-handedly written there�s no way of overcoming the built-in problems. Chief victim of this is Jonathan Pryce, who simply smirks and smarms his way though the role of Henry�s scheming political advisor with aspirations to become his father-in-law. Also stuck with very unimaginative versions of the wicked stepmother and daughter roles are Anna Chancellor as Henry�s social climber fianc�e and Christina Cole as her bitchy offspring. The film is crammed with songs, some performed adequately enough by the �singers� of the script, Preston and James, but the opportunity to showcase them effectively as emotional pointers in the storyline is unfilled, so they come across mainly as just filler for a soundtrack album.-Bridget Byrne

Another one.... by Forrest Hartman, Gannett News Service. I've seen it on several newspaper web sites; here's one link: http://cityguide.news-press.com/fe/Movies/Reviews/030405_whatagirlwants.asp I can think of several better titles for "What a Girl Wants," but my favorite is "Firth Things First." Colin Firth's name belongs in the title because this isn't a movie so much as a star vehicle. Of course, my title has problems of its own. Namely, it fails to recognize Amanda Bynes, who makes up the other 50 percent of the film. When "What a Girl Wants" is working, it's because Bynes and Firth are charming us. When it's not, it's because the script got the better of them. Based on the William Douglas Home play "The Reluctant Debutante," which first was made into a movie of the same name in 1958, this is one of those exercises that does exactly what you expect at the precise times you expect it. It exists for no other reason than to sell its stars and as a result should succeed as a harmless distraction for 10-year-old girls. For adults, it's still harmless but considerably less distracting. The plot revolves around Daphne Reynolds (Bynes), a young woman who has spent her life longing to meet the father she's never known. After years of being shined on by her mother, Libby (Kelly Preston), Daphne takes matters into her own hands, flying to England where she meets her father, Lord Henry Dashwood (Firth). One look in Daphne's eyes and Dashwood is convinced of her paternity, accepting her into his home. Only problem? She's an unmannered American and he's a respectable British politician. We spend the rest of the movie watching Bynes do the fish-out-of-water shtick and Firth remembering what it was like to be young. It is "The Princess Diaries" meets "The Banger Sisters," and it's so mind-numbingly predictable that only a winning cast could save it. The remarkable news is they do, sort of. There is no getting around the film's manipulative nature and bland storytelling, but Bynes and Firth do the best with what's set before them. It would be easy not to care whether Daphne develops a relationship with her newfound dad, but Bynes ensures that we do. She is a charming actor, and the charm-o-meter is going full tilt here. Likewise, Firth plays Dashwood as the type of aristocrat we want to believe in. His character is dutiful and ambitious, yet governed by traits like honesty and morality. As if. The roles are cliche, yes, but Bynes and Firth put enough heart in their performances to sell them. And because we like them, we sometimes like the film. The key word being sometimes.

And a Firthette reviewer weighs in: By BETH JONES THE ROANOKE TIMES Although you've seen this movie before (it was called "The Princess Diaries") it does have a certain sprightly charm - and Colin Firth. The filmmakers behind "What a Girl Wants" want to make sure the audience figures out their movie is a retelling of the "Cinderella" story. They hit us over the head with not-especially-subtle clues like dialogue about glass slippers and wicked step-sisters. I kept expecting singing mice to come out of the closet to help our heroine get ready for the ball. Maybe they thought that by keeping us focused on the fairytale connection, we wouldn't notice that "What a Girl Wants" is a rip-off of another formulaic, escapist film geared toward middle-school girls: the commercially successful "The Princess Diaries." That said, "What a Girl Wants" is at least a likable formulaic film. Amanda Bynes, its Cinderella, is a little rough around the edges but she's much more fun than stale Anne Hathaway of "The Princess Diaries." "What a Girl Wants" also has the one thing "The Princess Diaries" desperately needed: hubba, hubba Colin Firth ("Bridget Jones's Diary"). On her 17th birthday, Daphne Reynolds (Bynes) makes the same wish she makes every year: She wants to meet her long-lost, aristocrat Dad. Daphne's hippie mom (Kelly Preston) doesn't think it's a good idea. "Getting to know someone because they share the same DNA as you is not the answer," she says. "It's getting to know yourself." (Did Warner Bros. hire someone from Hallmark to write this stuff?) Daphne ignores her mother, of course, and somehow manages to buy a plane ticket to England without her mother's knowledge (this seems unlikely, as the pair obviously is short on cash, but hey, it's a fairytale) and shows up at the mansion of her kind, albeit uptight, father (Firth). Daphne has to battle her dad's social-climbing fiancee (Anna Chancellor) and her nasty daughter (Christina Cole, an unpleasant Reese Witherspoon clone). Of course, Daphne disrupts the household with her crazy teenage antics. Of course, she reminds her dad of the wild days of his youth (he digs out an ancient pair of leather pants and dances in front of a mirror). Of course, she wins his heart. Middle-school girls who spent their childhoods pretending to be princesses will likely enjoy this fairytale. Daphne's adventures fulfill most of their fantasies. She does, after all, get to live in a mansion, go on a big shopping spree, attend a ball held in her honor and meet a guitar-playing boy with a British accent and good hair. Although they know better, older chaperones may find themselves entertained as well. For one thing, there are British people saying funny things like "holy poo on toast." And then, of course, there's gorgeous Firth. It'll be worth the price of the DVD just to watch him shimmy in those leather pants.

but if you like watching Firth dance around in tight black leather pants and can handle a tolerable amount of the teenage movie clich� and predictability then this movie is for you. Oh I think I can handle it. Just came from the 3:00. V.V. large crowd. All ages, all enjoying. (Hola Lola)Colin is well known and respected in the industry of his peers and I think that by doing a wide variety of films and roles only helps not hinders. Professionally speaking I would rather he do s bit of fluff every now and then that gets him a wider audience and more opportunities than just do obscure arthouse films that no one sees. He does and can do both and still have a terrific career. Thanks, Hola for stopping by. I very much agree with your sentiments on the film and Colin's career in general. All I know is my daughter keeps bugging me to take her back. I will comply each and every time;-) I haven't been able to take her to see a truly enjoyable film in a long time, and be able to enjoy it with her. Thanks for more reviews, ladies, and thanks, Annette for the HS poster news.

See the section I've bolded at the bottom - might be of interest: http://www.sacbee.com/content/lifestyle/columns/baltake/story/6394975p-7347474c.html 'What a Girl Wants' is familiar tale By Joe Baltake -- Sacramento Bee movie critic (3 stars) By all accounts, the new Amanda Bynes lark, "What a Girl Wants," was inspired by Garry Marshall's Disney hit of 2001, "The Princess Diaries," which in turn was inspired by every other teen flick. These movies have a way of feeding off each other. "What a Girl Wants" and "The Princess Diaries" are virtually the same movie -- dealing with a young teenage girl, a commoner, who learns that she's actually from royalty. In "The Princess Diaries," San Francisco teen Anna Hathaway learned that she was the rightful heir to the throne of Genovia. She had no idea her mom had married a prince -- that the father she never knew was full-fledged royalty. In "What a Girl Wants," Bynes is Daphne Reynolds, another commoner -- the daughter of a single-mom singer (Kelly Preston) who performs at weddings. Daphne, who usually works as a waitress at her mother's gigs, has seen one too many father-daughter wedding dances. They depress her now. So she decides it's high time to jet to London to finally meet the father of whom she's been deprived all her life, Lord Henry Dashwood (played by Colin Firth), who is vedy British and quite high-toned. It seems that Daphne's mom fell in love and married Henry and then was iced out by his clan of political sychophants. If you've seen "The Princess Diaries," you know the rest. There are cute boys, mean-spirited rivals and, of course, kindly grandmothers who lend an old-fashioned "Cinderella" touch to what is otherwise your standard, all-American, coming-of-age story, girl-power variety. And the heroines are American charmers who simply won't be kept down. "What a Girl Wants" may have been sold to studio executives on the basis of the success of "The Princess Diaries," but its history dates back even further. It turns out that producer Denise Di Novi ("Heathers," "Little Women" and several Tim Burton titles) developed her film from the 1958 Sandra Dee comedy, "The Reluctant Debutante," which was directed by Vincente Minnelli and co-starred Rex Harrison as Dee's father. Playwright William Douglas Home adapted his stage show for the Minnelli film. I have no idea how old Di Novi is, but my hunch is that she's a baby boomer who fell in love with "The Reluctant Debutante" as a young girl and, later, dreamed of doing her own version one day -- just as some other young girl may fall in love watching "What a Girl Wants" and perhaps will harbor the same vague fantasies, projecting herself into them. Bynes, of Nickelodeon's "The Amanda Show" and last year's Frankie Muniz movie, "Big Fat Liar," is apparently a performer who also invites her audience of young girls to project. Incredibly poised and with charm to spare, Bynes makes a nice companion and guide through her film's various plot points and tested clich�s -- and she brings to mind another pert teenage heroine from another, more innocent era. Neophyte filmmaker Dennie Gordon has assembled a tony supporting cast for her film, surrounding Bynes with some of the finest British actors. Firth puts the "dash" in Lord Dashwood in the Rex Harrison role as Daphne's stunned but accepting father. Anna Chancellor, who was so good in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and last year's Andie MacDowell film, "Crush," inherits the role originally played by the irrepressible Kay Kendall as Lord Dashwood's prospective new wife, Glynnis Payne, a perfectly opportunistic snob inconvenienced by the sudden appearance of a potential teenage stepdaughter. However, while Kendall's character in the Minnelli version was a snob, she was a lovable snob. Not so here. Chancellor plays her as a flighty, hissable harpy. Rounding out the awfulness into which Lord Dashwood is marrying are Jonathan Pryce and Christina Cole as Alistair and Clarissa Payne, Glynnis' plotting father and shallow daughter. Eileen Atkins, meanwhile, provides the same warmth and support that Julie Andrews brought to "The Princess Diaries" as Daphne's newfound grandmother, and Oliver James is Ian, the young British musician (a musician just like Daphne's mom) who develops a crush on Daphne and proves to be a nice bridge between the clashing American and British cultures. Preston is, as always, a sunny presence as Daphne's mother and exhibits a pleasing singing voice on such numbers as "Shout" and "Because You Loved Me." The screenplay by Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler, of course, updates and tweaks the original story by Home. Angela Lansbury, for example, appeared in the 1958 film as Kendall's vicious cousin, a part that seems to have morphed into the Clarissa role here. And in the original, the love interest was not British, but a young American drummer, played by John Saxon. Incidentally, while "The Reluctant Debutante" is available on home video from MGM, for some reason it is rarely televised these days. The Turner Classic Movies cable channel, however, has scheduled it at 3 p.m. on May 21. This is your chance to compare and contrast, if you're interested.

Thanks for all the reviews, Rika. Apparently reviewers (at least these) appreciate ODB, if they don't quite appreciate the movie. Thank you, Annette for the poster link (yum!)

One more. http://www.post-gazette.com/movies/20030404girl7.asp From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by Barbara Vancheri 3 stars 'What a Girl' is a cute Cinderella story At a time when movie audiences crave comedies and family reunions have again become the stuff of wartime dreams, along comes "What a Girl Wants." It's cute, lightweight, predictable fun for tweens and teens and their carpooling parents looking for a little comic escape from the real world. As a bonus, you get a lesson about how important it is to know and be yourself. And if you're out getting a Diet Coke refill the first time it's delivered, not to worry. The message will be repeated a couple of times before the corny but sweet fairytale ending. The girl of the title is 17-year-old Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes), being raised by her singer-mother, Libby (Kelly Preston), in New York's Chinatown. While traveling in Morocco years ago, the bohemian Libby met and married an Englishman named Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), but they split before the uppercrust Brit realized he was going to be a father. Every time Libby entertains and Daphne waitresses at a wedding, the teen watches the father-daughter dance with longing. Fresh out of high school, Daphne takes off (alone) for England and the estate of Lord Dashwood. He's now a politician with a very promising future; he's also engaged to a social climber with a teenager of her own. Libby's arrival throws the sedate estate into turmoil. As she figures out a way to fit into Henry's life, she must contend with her father's conniving political adviser, his fiancee and her jealous daughter and, of course, the media. This Cinderella, however, is not without her allies in her paternal grandmother and a cute British boy (Oliver James). And it's a Cinderella story, to be sure, complete with ball gowns, diamond tiaras and references to glass slippers. It's just that the prince doubles as dad, but not in a creepy way. Loosely inspired by the 1958 romantic comedy "The Reluctant Debutante" with Sandra Dee, "What a Girl Wants" doesn't exactly reinvent any movie genre. It has one too many moments of Daphne dancing with abandon plus a shopping montage, de rigueur since "Pretty Woman." But it scores points for using The Clash song "London Calling" and capitalizing on the fresh-scrubbed charm of Nickelodeon's Bynes. She has an all-American girl quality with big, expressive eyes and she's lucky to be working with an actor of Firth's caliber. He does the tongue-tied, befuddled aristocrat with the soul of a hippie quite well. For girls whose dads are absent and not just living across the pond, they may watch this with the same pang experienced by Daphne. For the rest of us, it's a dandy diversion in a disconcerting time. Comic comfort food.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/WhataGirlWants-1121619/reviews.php Rotten Tomatoes has all the reviews and others that have not been posted. They keep updating.Bookmark it.

Again, many thanks for all the WAGW news! I meant to post a few snippets arising from the BBC programme on Vermeer...some you may already know. No-one knows how Vermeer and Catherina met, bur it was a love match. He was a poor Protestant, she was a rich Catholic. He converted to Catholicism. He seems to have been a devoted family man, liked and trusted by his mother-in-law (who held the purse strings.) The GWAPE painting was described as "the look of love" which is still entrancing people after nearly 400 years. Generally regarded as the most popular of Vermeer's paintings.

Here's a good review - from Australia, eonline critic, 4 stars. Very perceptive about CF! Extracts All movies are not masterpieces, nor were they meant to be. Light, escapist entertainment has its place, and it can be just what is needed. Yes it's predictable and corny, yes it's derivative and heavily influenced by The Princess Diaries, yes it strains credibility, yes its production values are suspect, and yes it seems to have run out of money when it came to making its opening titles, BUT sometimes charm is enough to carry the day, and charm it has coming out of its American and English ears. ............... Her father Colin Firth makes you believe he could actually be a man who finds the love child - of his one true love - he never knew he had, and that he could change his life for them. In the hands of a lesser and less charming and attractive actor, the man would have been little more than a plot device, but Firth provides the heart of the movie and makes his character someone you grow to like and really care about - and maybe fantasize about, too - as a father or a husband, depending on your demographic................. It's a lightweight fairy tale that often misses its mark, but it lets you forget your troubles for ninety minutes and generates megawatt charm and more than a smile or two to your face.,

(Evelyn) Rotten Tomatoes has all the reviews and others that have not been posted. Not all. Some of those I posted (along with others that have been posted here) are there; however, I found a couple it didn't have.

Has this already been posted? Seems familiar somehow. If so, sorry!

(Rika)The reason to go see this film is Colin Firth. He is the anchor of the movie and gives a reliable portrayal of a man torn between the love of a daughter and his ambition for a high-ranking political career. Firth shows a mildly wild side, driving off on a motorbike in the middle of a Royal Regatta Party, and his best moments are when he becomes the anxious father awaiting his daughter's return from a date. As it is, the moments of the film that do work are the tender, thoughtful, confrontational encounters between Daphne and her dad, Henry. He�s played, also with charm, dignity, wit and sensitivity (excluding a silly scene in which he gyrates in tight leather pants) by Colin Firth, able, remarkably, to put across another interesting take on the constipated romantic Brit, who�s actually much more complex and intriguing than the posh twit he initially appears. It�s the sort of role that Firth has mastered many times before, notably as Mr. Darcy in a television production of �Pride and Prejudice,� ad as the ultimate right guy, also a Mr. Darcy, in �Bridget Jones� Diary.� It�s interesting to see him work the same skills in a paternal role and he finds an excellent match in Bynes. "What a Girl Wants" also has the one thing "The Princess Diaries" desperately needed: hubba, hubba Colin Firth ("Bridget Jones's Diary"). And then, of course, there's gorgeous Firth. It'll be worth the price of the DVD just to watch him shimmy in those leather pants. And she's lucky to be working with an actor of Firth's caliber. He does the tongue-tied, befuddled aristocrat with the soul of a hippie quite well. Rika, thanks for mining out all of these excellent compliments. (I pulled out the best parts so I can read them again. Bad girl.) :)Really like the Boxoffice magazine one. Annette, Love this poster. Full on dimples! I feel like a deer in headlights. Help. Stun gun could not have much more an effect. ;)Good find. What would my DH say? Where would I put it?

Sorry for double post. Annette, I've copied the HS poster photo, enlarged it 300% and cropped out Heather and Minnie (sorry girls). Highly recommended. Just his big face. : )Was having such a hard time choosing wallpaper between the white shirt Instyle and Vermeer photos from day to day. Fear for my health if this pic comes up in the morning.;)

And then, of course, there's gorgeous Firth. It'll be worth the price of the DVD just to watch him shimmy in those leather pants. ....but if you like watching Firth dance around in tight black leather pants Think this may overshadow that wet shirt? Nahhhh...but still, it's too fun! Cannot wait for the DVD. My player will blow a fuse....have to make sure the remote is in good working order! In the hands of a lesser and less charming and attractive actor, the man would have been little more than a plot device, but Firth provides the heart of the movie and makes his character someone you grow to like and really care about - and maybe fantasize about, too - as a father or a husband, depending on your demographic................. Well said! Thank you Bethan and Rika for the reviews! Lovely! And thank you Annette for that amazing piece of eye candy!!! I have a slight weakness for those particular dimples!!

Mmmmm Annette, thank you for that link!

from www.westminster.gov.uk (my employer!) 28 Apr - Premiere of 'Hope Springs' - Odeon West End, Leicester Square

I just realised that is probably good news for appearances as the 28th is when the English PEN thing was first advertised, but was changed to the 24th. I might be spoiled this time. But will not get my hopes up =).

(Emma)But will not get my hopes up =) But you must get your hopes up, this sounds v. good. Good luck, Emma.

From the gossip column in today's Daily Express: He dons a paint-spattered smock to play the 17th-century Dutch painter Vermeer but Colin Firth is no artist. "I used to paint a bit when I was younger but you could give me a lifetime of lessons and I'd still never be able to produce a Vermeer," he admitted at the opening night of The Three Sisters - starring his English Patient co-star Kristin Scott Thomas - the other night. "Luckily, I just have to look like I can hold a brush and that's about it." However, in preparation, Colin, 42, fondly remembered as wet-shirted Mr Darcy in P & P, has been travelling the globe to familiarise himself with Vermeer's work. "His paintings are all over the world. Hitler even had one. It's in Vienna and it's still got the Nazi swastika stamped on the back. Chilling." ... The above text is accompanied by a smallish picture of Colin and KST together at the opening night. (Sorry, Karen, I haven't got access to a scanner, but if you'd like the pic, please e-mail me with your address and I'll post it to you.) Secondly, The Times includes a pretty disparaging mention of WAGW in its weekly round up of the new films at the US box office (the writer calls it a feeble cash-in on The Princess Diaries.) The item doesn't mention Amanda B at all, which probably reflects how well-known she is here in the the UK (amongst adults anyway.) I did quite like this bit, though: "As with every cross-Atlantic comedy under the sun, the British male is a stiff and the American female is a force of liberation, and emotional growth means learning to express your feelings. Oh for the reverse invasion where Hugh G goes to New York and spreads the joys of repression and denial." (The writer is a British male living in the US.)

I think the #2 opening for WAGW is great, especially when you consider that kids 12 and under pay half price. If they counted number of admissions, WAGW would probably be on top. Anyway, here's how audiences rated the top 2, from CinemaScore, which conducts theater exit polling: Phone Booth (R) Male Female Under 21 B+ B 21 To 34 C+ C 35 and Up C+ C- What A Girl Wants (PG) Male Female Under 21 A- A+ 21 To 34 A- A 35 and Up A- A

From empireonline: Hugh Grant Cheers Up Is there anything worse than a multi-millionaire actor whinging on about how he's tired of being cast in roles for which, in return for a few week's work, he gets paid more than the whole Empire Online team makes in a decade? (Bitter � us? Not a bit of it!) Well Hugh Grant is at it again in the latest issue of Vanity Fair, where he moans on about acting, not having a woman and being too successful in his career at the expense of his home life. Thankfully, when Grant wasn't sniffing on about the tough life of a rich actor, he gave the reporter some news nuggets about his role in Richard Curtis's directorial debut, Love, Actually. Grant, who plays the newly-elected British Prime Minister , 'not based on anyone, I hasten to add,' in one of a series of overlapping stories will deliver the film's keynote voice-over as he explains. 'The camera is on the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport, and people are coming through and greeting friends, relations, mothers � kissing, hugging, all the stuff you actually see in airports. 'And the voice-over is saying, "Everyone says the world is going down the tubes, and full of hatred and misery. But that's not the way I see it. You know, when the planes hit the Twin Towers, the last messages from those planes and buildings weren't ones of hatred and revenge; they were ones of love. So I think that blah, blah, blah, blah....Love, actually, is all around as they say in the song."' It sounds very happy-clappy, but Grant is keen to explain that he won't be his usual fluffy self in the role, 'I said to Richard [Curtis], "I don't know that I really can go back to being that nice person"...But he kind of adjusted things and we put a little more steel in the character.'

(KateF) I bet keping the pregnancy quiet was why Livia didn't go to the play. I wonder if a reluctance to travel will cause her to have to "suffer in English" this time? First off, I think it's a shame CF & LD have been outed on the pregnancy. He hadn't said anything about it, so I assume they wanted to keep it to themselves. As for why LD wasn't at the premiere, I just assumed she's already in Italy for her 3rd trimester & the delivery. You're not supposed to fly during the last trimester, right? With the war it would make sense to get her settled a bit early. With all that said, (CF) "I play a man who wakes up from a coma to find his wife has died. It's wonderful, just what I wanted. " You might want to re-word that, luv :)

Thanks Annette for the HS poster link, Emma for the premiere news and Barbara for Express article. What fun! Lots to read...and here's another. From a Hong Kong lurker (who I'll get active soon), she's typed out an item from Premiere about GWAPE. There's a smallish pic of the director talking with the actors around a dining table, where Colin is not clearly visible, but he's there. Will try to get. GIRL WITH A PERAL EARRING Starring Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Essie Davis, and Tom Wilkinson; Directed by Peter Webber (Lions Gate) Dressed in a turquoise corduroy suit and sporting a shoulder-length mop of hair, the great Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer (Firth) is in the midst of a turbulent domestic scene with his wife (Davis), who has discovered that the servant girl, Griet (Johansson), has modeled for him - wearing her earrings. Quite a scandal, if you live in 17th-century Delft. "It's a film about painting," first-time director Webber says on the Luxemborg set of Girl With a Pearl Earring, an adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's 1999 best-selling historical novel that imagines a liaison between the artist and the subject of the eponymous painting. (Kate Hudson and Ralph Fiennes were originally set ot star until early financing fell through.) "But it's also about money and sex and obession and power and repression - watching people who want to shag each other's brains out and not being able to. That's much more interesting than seeing people do it." Little is known about the Dutch master, who when he died at 43 left behind a wife, 11 children, and 35 paintings, but virtually no record of himself. Firth's suit and coiffure are the filmmaker's improvisations. Is the hair real? "No," says the self-deprecating Firth (Bridget Jones's Diary), fondly twisting a strand. "I think this is probably no longer possible." The actor, who says he fell in love with the painter's work when he saw Young Woman With a Water Jug at the Met several years ago, admits that he has become a bit of Vermeer nerd. But gathering trivia hasn't helped him to demystify the artist. "I would love to know what Vermeer looked like, and what he had for breakfast, and what he sounded like when he spoke," says Firth. "I'm dying of curiosity. But it wouldn't help me get any closer to his pictures." Johansson (Ghost World), on the other hand, in dyed-blond eyebrows and period clothes looks uncannily like the subject of the famous painting. She also adopted a British accent. "I'm just trying to avoid sounding like a complete asshole," she says. The young actress is relieved to be shooting this understated love story in Europe, and that it's not a typical American production. "It would be completely hellish to have the pressure of putting on a Hollywood ending, or putting in a scene where Vermeer sees Griet washing her breasts." - Kirsten Hohenadel [Set Fact: "I have a mullet," Scarlett Johansson says of her new hairstyle, which works well under the headscarf that her character Griet wears throughout the film. "So it's not exactly a period cut."]

(CF) "But it's also about money and sex and obession and power and repression - watching people who want to shag each other's brains out and not being able to. I think that tells us how they've interpreted it. ...That's much more interesting than seeing people do it." For some people, perhaps. ;-)

Annette, thanks for the link. I like his smile very much. Thanks everybody for infos and reviews, so I can at least read about WAGW if I can't go and see it.

'And the voice-over is saying....... You know, when the planes hit the Twin Towers, the last messages from those planes and buildings weren't ones of hatred and revenge; they were ones of love Are you kidding me?!! (note there is no freakin winkie) Dressed in a turquoise corduroy suit Ewwww! "But it's also about money and sex and obession and power and repression - watching people who want to shag each other's brains out and not being able to. That's much more interesting than seeing people do it." Like I said, I can NOT wait to see this. ;-) Is the hair real? "No," says the self-deprecating Firth (Bridget Jones's Diary), fondly twisting a strand. "I think this is probably no longer possible." LOL! "I'm just trying to avoid sounding like a complete asshole," she says. The young actress is relieved to be shooting this understated love story in Europe, and that it's not a typical American production. "It would be completely hellish to have the pressure of putting on a Hollywood ending, or putting in a scene where Vermeer sees Griet washing her breasts." LOL, I've been such a fan of hers for a while now.

(CF) "I play a man who wakes up from a coma to find his wife has died. It's wonderful, just what I wanted. " (Emma) You might want to re-word that, luv :) LOL! Good catch. Got to be careful with those indefinite antecedents. ;-)

I'm just trying to avoid sounding like a complete asshole,"........ not a typical American production. "It would be completely hellish to have the pressure of putting on a Hollywood ending, or putting in a scene where Vermeer sees Griet washing her breasts." LOL, I've been such a fan of hers for a while now. Same here! Can see how she won his admiration.

(Karen) LOL! Good catch. Got to be careful with those indefinite antecedents. ;- Er, that was me, not Emma! Too many WAGW screenings? :) (SJ) I'm just trying to avoid sounding like a complete asshole,"........ not a typical American production. "It would be completely hellish to have the pressure of putting on a Hollywood ending, or putting in a scene where Vermeer sees Griet washing her breasts." LOL! I like her v. much already!

Dressed in a turquoise corduroy suit (Dorine) Ewwww! LOL....my thoughts exactly! Where are all those lovely earthtones and muted jewel tones? Hope Griet isn't wearing fuchsia....;-) But, like you, Dorine...I await this one quite anxiously! Can't wait to see all that repressed shagging (or...is that not see it?)! Either way! To quote Linda from Spoilers...bring it on! ;-)

About Scarlet Johansson: I'm ready to join the chorus; I like her very much, just as she is! Okay, another of my "silly minor finds". Someone mentioned something about giving the hairdresser from WAGW a price. Well, the makeupartist for GWAPE also did makeup on AMITC (am I the only one, who really didn't like his hair in that movie?) I much prefer the one picture released from GWAPE. One more, who gets better with age (the makeup artist, that is);-) http://www.mckinneymacartney.com/jenny_shircore.html

Had to post this bit from the NJ Star-Ledger's review (Linda, you may want to write this guy who has no clue): Still, this mild time-waster is worth one asterisk in the history books: It's the first movie I've seen that begins with a studio warning to audiences not to record it off the screen. There's also a plea to informers to call ushers if they see other people taping. Warners -- which has reportedly sent employees with night-vision goggles to screenings of other films, to search for bootleggers -- needn't be so concerned. I can't imagine anyone taping "What A Girl Wants" off the screen. Unless it's to prove to the stay-at-home parent that yes, they really did accompany their dear little daughter to see it. Rating note: The film contains one silly rake, and two very mild oaths. http://www.nj.com/entertainment/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1049443999198290.xml

GWAPE Director:" "But it's also about money and sex and obession and power and repression - watching people who want to shag each other's brains out and not being able to. That's much more interesting than seeing people do it." "Oh yeah..speak for yourself, Peter.A little rumpy-pumpy on screen ain't so bad." Does sound like an R rated/adult movie though. Or maybe it's my wishful-thinking.

(Karen)Had to post this bit from the NJ Star-Ledger's review (Linda, you may want to write this guy who has no clue): Boss, I'm going to get on this right away. When I've finished with him, he'll definitely have a clue. I'll clue you in on the results.

From Moviecom.com (always thought she had pretty good taste ;-) http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&cf=parentsguide&id=1808415451 ..."adorable" AB and "adorable" CF...

(Moviecom.com review) The love interest, played by Ian Williams, should be high on the Teen Beat hearthrob list. Oops.

Let's try that again without hitting the submit button too early.... (Moviecom.com review) The love interest, played by Ian Williams, should be high on the Teen Beat hearthrob list. Oops. A little difficulty differentiating fantasy and reality it seems. ;-)

Thanks for all the interesting reading today, Ladies. Dressed in a turquoise corduroy suit Maybe it's a tasteful teal? :-) fondly twisting a strand. "I think this is probably no longer possible." Hee hee. Since we're talking heair, I am a BIG fan of his side-parted look in certain WAGW scenes. The fashion show is one of them. Anybody else? "I'm just trying to avoid sounding like a complete asshole LOL! Good thing Milos Forman isn't directing.;-) (Evleyn)"Oh yeah..speak for yourself, Peter.A little rumpy-pumpy on screen ain't so bad." Sing it, sistah! Psst, Scarlett, there's a reason those Hollywood films make so much money.;-) *Give the people what they want.* Thanks, Annette, for the poster link. I think he looked better in the poster shown at Bradofrd, though. Maria, have you called the theater to find out when it opens? Thanks, Barbara, for the backstage quotes. (Dorine)Are you kidding me?!! (note there is no freakin winkie) I had the same reaction.

(Mari)I think he looked better in the poster shown at Bradford, though. But when it is right in front of you at eye level it is astonishing!!! My heart flew into my mouth and my pulse sped up and I completely flushed (scary if this is the reaction to a poster! If I were to ever meet the real McCoy...) (Mari)Maria, have you called the theater to find out when it opens? I would, but the phone number is so shrouded in secrecy I may have to wait until I go back on Saturday...:-( Wonder what happens if you forget something in the theatre? Grrrr..)

(Mari) I am a BIG fan of his side-parted look in certain WAGW scenes. The fashion show is one of them. Anybody else? *waving hand* Me! Me! Also at the playground, my absolute favorite. The breakfast table is a very close second, though I don't think the hair was quite the same. But love the whole look when he eats the Cocoa Pops out of the bowl with his fingers. Oh to be a Cocoa Pop at that moment. ;-) (Evleyn)"Oh yeah..speak for yourself, Peter.A little rumpy-pumpy on screen ain't so bad." (Mari) Sing it, sistah! Psst, Scarlett, there's a reason those Hollywood films make so much money.;-) *Give the people what they want.* While I do agree with you, for some reason I guess I'm feeling a bit masochistic here. I guess I find the thought of seeing the situation going right to the edge of something happening, then pulling back, *extremely* erotic. At least with him it should be....I hope. ;-) There's something to be said for being teased.

(Dorine)There's something to be said for being teased. I guess. But sometimes you want the full axminster, too:-) (Mari) I am a BIG fan of his side-parted look in certain WAGW scenes. The fashion show is one of them. Anybody else? Yes, Yes, Yes!

I know it's tough tearing your eyes away from the pic on the new HS poster, but this one also has a different tagline from the Bradford one: The problem every man dreams of...a choice (obviously aimed at the male audience) and then at the bottom: She loves me, she loves me not. (finally an explanation for that idiotic flower) But I still want to see/own The Graduate one. ;-)

(Dorine)There's something to be said for being teased. (Linda) I guess. But sometimes you want the full axminster, too:-) For me, GWAPE is all about the tease...I don't think I want to see Griet and Vermeer doing the wild thing. The book made it a bit ambiguous (for me)...I was never quite sure if it was all in the imagination of a fanciful girl, or Vermeer really did want to take her into the back room and show her how to grind. ;-) (Mari) I am a BIG fan of his side-parted look in certain WAGW scenes. The fashion show is one of them. Anybody else? I'm just a fan of his hair in this movie, period (his real hair, not the wig). He looked amazing!

(Tress)For me, GWAPE is all about the tease...I don't think I want to see Griet and Vermeer doing the wild thing I think this too, although I have always wondered about Tracy Chevalier's comment that she liked the changes to the storyline made in the script. - I have a feeling that Griet's child may have the same colour hair as Vermeer!

Something that struck me from Dorine's class notes:she said, �You�re writing this for Colin Firth aren�t you?� But WB wanted Pierce Brosnan...He couldn�t do it since Bond was overschedule, so they wanted Hugh Grant next....I�ve forgotten who the next studio choice was at the moment. But she said it really was a short list of acceptable choices......Jude Law too young, for example. She mentioned Jeremy Northam and didn�t really seem to discount him, but obviously not who she wanted. So as we know, she jetted off to England to beg CF so it could be greenlit.Given the names and sticker prices for such people as Huge (got $8 mil for BJD), Pierce Brosnan (big bucks), Jude Law (fairly big bucks), WB was willing to write a big check for this part. Colin had to have pulled down a fairly large amount to make this movie. He can afford to work for the "art" for awhile now. ;-)

(Karen)He can afford to work for the "art" for awhile now. ;-) We can only Hope! *Wife, baby, coma, breakdown - that'll do me......*

(Janet) - I have a feeling that Griet's child may have the same colour hair as Vermeer! LOL...so you think the little one may be in a little turquoise corduroy jumper with matching booties? ;-)

Some international box office data: Meanwhile another �chick flick�, What A Girl Wants, grossed a solid $598,700 on 170 screens in Australia, roughly 76% of the opening gross for 2001�s The Princess Diaries. The picture is expected to play well through the school holidays, which begin later this week in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. What A Girl Wants took $76,800 on 30 screens in New Zealand, which was 25% better than The Princess Diaries. It is due to open in the Philippines on Apr 19.

From megastar.co.uk I think they are a bit confused....or maybe it's us. ;-) Farrell's booth hit Jecinta Noble It's good to talk Father-to-be Colin Farrell dominated the US box office with his delayed film Phone Booth over the weekend..... Runner-up to Joel Schumacher's thriller was Colin Firth�s drama What A Girl Wants, which took $11.2m. The film sees Firth play a repressed Englishman who has to learn to cope when his American daughter comes to London to find him. Could Hugh Grant�s role as the bumbling British fool be in jeopardy?

And just realized CF and the "anti-CF" have something in common. Could it be a sign (cue Omen music). ;-) Father-to-be Colin Farrell dominated the US box office with his delayed film Phone Booth over the weekend.

Further to Mari's post of yesterday from Cinemascore - Warner Bros. Pictures' "What a Girl Wants" arrived in the second spot, taking in $11.4 million on its opening weekend. The PG-rated film, starring Amanda Bynes and Colin Firth, generated the highest satisfaction among moviegoers of the session's three new wide releases as a stellar 96% gave the film a favorable score, according to CinemaScore.com. It was an overwhelmingly female audience as a huge 82% comprised that group, and young as a solid 53% were under 18 years of age. Dennie Gordon directed the comedy, about a girl who is looking for her long lost British father in London. A relatively slim 29% were 35 and older. The film's subject matter was the biggest draw, as cited by 41% of those polled. http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=filmNews&storyID=2525786

I don;t remember seeing this one posted, pardon if it has been but it bears repeating...;-)) THE EFC REVIEW: In a lousy week filled with war and destruction, an annoying head cold, college rejections, car dent repair, hot, muggy weather, and an unexpected tax bill running to 5 digits (!), escapism was definitely something the doctor ordered. And that is just what What a Girl Wants provides, critics be damned. Yes it's predictable and corny, yes it's derivative and heavily influenced by The Princess Diaries, yes it strains credibility, yes its production values are suspect, and yes it must have have run out of money when it came to creating its opening titles, BUT sometimes charm is enough to carry the day, and charm it has up to its American and English ears. The lead actress Amanda Bynes plays cute and perky so effortlessly and naturally, you can't help but like and root for her, regardless of the lame things she might have to do and say. And there are not one but TWO Prince Charmings - newcomer heartthrob Oliver James as her boyfriend and the thinking woman's heartthrob Colin Firth as her long-lost dad. Oliver is just as appealing as Bynes and as nice and sensible as a cool guy can be, and he can actually sing, too. If this role is a good indication of his charm and appeal, he has a pretty bright future ahead of him. Colin Firth plays his role with the depth, sincerity and integrity you've come to expect from all his performances. He actually succeeds in making you believe he could be a man who finds the love child - of his one true love - that he never knew he had, and that he could change his life for them. In the hands of a lesser and less charming and attractive actor, the man would have been little more than a corny plot device. But Firth provides the heart and heft of the movie and makes his character someone you grow to like and really care about (and maybe fantasize about, too - as the fantasy father or husband, depending on your demographic). As the title makes clear, this is a film for girls, so chick-flick haters and cynics STAY AWAY (unless you have an Amanda fixation). But it's also for girls of riper vintage - note the TWO Prince Charmings - who should be more than willing to succumb to their princely charms. Don't go to this movie expecting the wit of Clueless or the intelligence of Ever After. It's a lightweight modern-day fairy tale which sometimes misses its mark. But it provides a diverting ninety minutes of escapism, megawatt charm from its stars, and smiles, laughs, and awws aplenty for its targeted audience.

This site has a picture from Hope Springs that I haven't seen before. Nice links too (worlds most sexiest men) http://www.femail.co.uk/pages/standard/article.html?in_article_id=175758&in_page_id=119

Sorry, forgot to post a warning: BARE FEET!!!!! And thank you for the articles and reviews, all. (MariaT)but it bears repeating...;-)) Brint it on ;-)

re: Annette's article link Yes, this is the silly Colin Ware that is doing yoga with Mandy, either before or after he falls over doing it in those leggings.

Question to Maria... What is : THE EFC REVIEW: Online somebody?

(Evelyn)Question to Maria... What is : THE EFC REVIEW: The E Film Critic?? http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=7393 Thanks for the new pic Annette!

Thank you, Maria and Annette for the links, and reviews. Loved those pictures, even though I've seen them before.

Thanks Maria for the articles. And thanks Annette for the link. Love the look on his face doing the yoga. And his picture in the sexiest men in the world gallery is one I hadn't seen. But good Lord is it a good one. Love the intent gaze and hint of a smile/smirk. Whew!

Thanks for the article and the new pic, Annette. I found this bit enormously funny and such creative spin: Hope Springs, a romantic comedy tipped to be one of the summer's big box-office hits. I've put up the Premiere pic and closeup of Colin as Vermeer at the dining table, which was scanned by Josie, in the gallery: http://www.firth.com/gwape_gal1.html Much better wig (from what I can see) than as young Henry. Looks pretty damned good.

(Dorine) And his picture in the sexiest men in the world gallery is one I hadn't seen. That was from the Berlinale press conference for Shakespeare in Love. He was the only one of the cast to attend, with John Madden (director) and all the producers. There was a video clip online for quite some time, but I doubt it is now. But, as I recall, the German voiceover pretty much drowned out the people answering questions.

Thanks, Karen! I could tell it was from a little while ago, but it's now of my favorites. Shame about the video. Just looking is ok, too. :-)

There was a videoclip working here not too long ago. I can't tell if it still works, as I have no player of any kind installed at the moment http://www.filmscouts.com/scripts/person.cfm?Person=1710

From Variety: These are the five most requested films from activity on Moviefone.com and the Moviefone phone service. 1. What A Girl Wants 4. Phone Booth 2. Head of State 3. Bringing Down the House 5. Basic

(Annette) Sorry, forgot to post a warning: BARE FEET!!!!! Jeez! 'Bout had a heart attack...I saw your warning after I clicked on the picture! Those are some mighty fine BARE FEET! Thank you Annette, Maria and Karen for all the goodies. Love the new GWAPE picture...it is going to be an agonizingly long summer and fall waiting to see this film...wig doesn't look half bad from a distance.

(Tress) wig doesn't look half bad from a distance. Sigh.... I suppose. Oh, well, a wig was inevitable and at least it's not red.

Thank you Annette for the link to the SIL clip. I enjoyed that. Is anyone else having trouble with the GWAPE gallery? I can't see the new picture. Thanks for that great picture from the SIL press conference, Karen. Great to see WAGW #1 on Moviefone, thanks Mary.

(Rika) Sigh.... I suppose. Oh, well, a wig was inevitable and at least it's not red. I would have loved to have seen ODB with real (his) long hair, but I don't think he had any time to grow it....and extensions are a dangerous proposition since they tend to tug on the existing hair (and for those of you who love the hair ODB still has...well...a wig is good! And like Rika said...at least it isn't red...I love red hair BTW, just cannot see ODB as a redhead!) ;-)

Try again now, Linda. I reuploaded it. ???? Trauma News They start filming on 28 April and the only other "confirmed" cast member is Mena Suvari (rose petal girl from American Beauty)

Thanks everyone for all the links, reviews and news re WAGW. Much appreciated on our side of the pond. However things may be hotting up here too, I got this from a very amusing source ( sadly not from ODB's local Islington branch tho';-) The sainsbury's magazine says "Watch out for.....Hope Springs 3/5* Hugh Grant has been busy starring in two films for release this year(Two weeks, Love Actually), so Colin Firth owner of another of Britain's best pairs of stiff upper lips, has had the chance to show he can be just as funny and romantic as Hugh. Firth makes the best of his role as Colin , blah blah plot synopsis.......This is warm and cute and pleasant enough thanks to three nice lead performances(Driver's bitchy turn is a treat) and a terrific supporting cast." Hey go back to selling Chardonnay and Jamie Oliver guys ;-)) Still it was nice uncovering a pic of him with the tins and bottles in the shopping trolley!

From Antonella, this theater is in York: City Screen are delighted to invite you to a special charity screening of Mark Herman's charming and hilarious new romantic comedy HOPE SPRINGS, starring Colin Firth, in aid of Marie Curie cancer care. Writer and director Mark Herman will be present at the screening. Be one of the first to see this wonderful new film before its release in May. Enjoy a wine and canap� reception in our riverside cafe-Bar before the screening. Tickets cost �15 each with all proceeds going to Marie Curie cancer care Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment Thursday 10th April 6.15pm - Wine and canap� reception in the riverside Cafe-Bar 7.00pm - Screening

Double drat! Still hopefully someone can get there. Thanks for posting Boss. We live in hope that ODB will repeat his Survival screening sometime soon.

Annette, thanks for the link. ODB looks very much like he's doing yoga for the first time in his life ;-). Karen, that sexiest men picture is simply gorgeous. Thank you so much.

Thanks Annette for the link. He looked like he was struggling to appear interested and that interviewer was quite dull. I know it gets old because they do that stuff all day long, but that interviewer couldn't have helped the situation at all. ;-) Thanks again Karen for putting that pic up here. I bookmarked and downloaded it too. I had trouble seeing the new pics at first Linda, but went in through IE rather than AOL and saw them. That style of wig isn't what I expected though am aware of hair styles of that time. He kinda looks like Rembrandt. Still, I agree, at least it isn't red. Not my cup of tea. Thanks Josie for the pics and article. Welcome!

BarbaraT: Pls let me know if you got my email (at your aol address)

What a bountiful day for photos ladies! Thank you. I'm going to have to give a thumbs up to the Vermeer look reminds me of Courtois. Quite yummy. I am all anticipation. Dark hair, clothing, sets, all that below the surface bubbling between Vermeer,Griet and his wife. Perfect for a November opening. Can't imagine any of the women having their eyes closed during that yoga session in HS. A few are peeking I noticed. :) Liked that interview pic too Karen. Will keep it in reserve for when I retire HS poster photo. No estimated time of departure yet. ;) Bummer. Can't make that HS New York showing. Wish I had known. :( Please take good notes, ask lots of questions ladies. So many interesting reports and tidbits. Thanks everyone.

Trauma News They start filming on 28 April and the only other "confirmed" cast member is Mena Suvari (rose petal girl from American Beauty) Thanks Karen! Sounds like very promising casting - definitely lifts "Trauma" out of little Brit flick category. Will she be playing the wife (in flashbacks)?

(Bethan) Will she be playing the wife (in flashbacks)? I was wondering if anybody was going to ask. I don't know, but I hope not. :-( It would be worse (cringeworthy) IMO than the Kevin Spacey relationship in AB, though IRL Mena Suvari is married to an older guy. She's mainly been doing indie films, with the exception of American Pie2.

Can't make that HS New York showing That's York, as in England, hon. ;-)

Some WAGW trivia regarding the dog, skeet shooting, the cat and the camel... I was kind of worried about that cat... http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=7501

(AHA site)A man sits in a wheelchair and ambitiously shoots at the discs that are released, but he seems to hit everything around him but his target! Well, that's close. Not. (Maria) I was kind of worried about that cat... I know! Though the second time I saw WAGW, it was clear the cat departed the branch well before it broke. (Joyce) Will keep it in reserve for when I retire HS poster photo. No estimated time of departure yet. ;) And if you're like me, it's likely to be staying around for quite a while. Mmmmm mmmmm.

(Bethan) Will she be playing the wife (in flashbacks)? (Karen) I was wondering if anybody was going to ask That was my first thought, too. The second one was "Ewwww!" But will reserve judgement as much as I can. ;-)

The trainer helped the couple to mount the camel and then took the rope and began to walk. The camel preferred to just stay where he was�and he did. LOL...smart camel! He knew that there were several ladies who needed him to stay put so they could study that kiss...and that outfit! (Annette...were you feeding him treats?). ;-) Thanks Maria!

With all the reviews/comments about WAGW, I can't believe I missed Hollywood flack hack's column in THR, which is an interview with Denise Di Novi about WAGW. A lot of regurgitated stuff, Hollywood insider production stuff, and long, so you can read it here: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/columnists/grove/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1858123 Though I did find this remark interesting: Di Novi's also very enthusiastic about working again with Warners and Gaylord. "We had a lot of success (last year) with 'A Walk to Remember,' my last movie," she said. "Dawn Taubin (domestic marketing president for Warner Bros. Pictures) has done a really good job in targeting the female audience, which is somewhat new for Warner Bros.

(THR) While Di Novi isn't saying precisely what those advantages and tax breaks added up to or what the picture wound up costing, she does note, "I would say it's a medium budget movie. It's not low budget. It's not big. It's in the mid-range." I read it was around $20 million. Thanks, Karen. V. interesting.

(Tress)were you feeding him treats?). ;-) LOL. Actually my mind was engaged at something else than "pulling the camel". I'm afraid he sensed, that he didn't have my full attention;-)

A few more pictures from the play with Kristin Scott Thomas here: http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=SRH&logsrch=1 (if the link doesn't work, just search from the main page)

(Karen) Can't make that HS New York showing That's York, as in England, hon. ;-) Snort! Can't make either one. Of course! The ticket price is in pounds! (Maria) Some WAGW trivia regarding the dog, skeet shooting, the cat and the camel... Wouldn't it be nice to get this much behind the scenes detail on all CF films?

(joyce)Wouldn't it be nice to get this much behind the scenes detail on all CF films? Speaking of behind the scenes, most of you probably have seen this before. But I think he looks so good, that it is okay to see it again (from TIOBE): http://www.celebrity-exchange.com/celebs/photos34/colin-firth.jpg

Thanks, Annette, for finding more of them. I've put up larger versions of the better shots here: www.firth.com/p_eye6.html

Thanks, ladies for all the great pictures, today. Talk about pleasing to the eye. Karen, I'm now able to see the GWAPE gallery, thank you. Interesting Hollywood Reporter article as well. Thanks. The trainer helped the couple to mount the camel and then took the rope and began to walk. The camel preferred to just stay where he was Oh so would I,;-)

Annette, thanks for today's windfall! Hey, don't you ever sleep?

Wow, another Firthful day here, with new pics, articles, reviews, news, etc. Thanks to everyone--Karen, Annette, Maria, Lizza--hope I haven't forgotten anyone! Great finds, Annette, especially the pic of Yoga Bear.;-) Not crazy about the GWAPE wig, but will reserve judgement. I think Scarlett got the better end of the deal, with her mullett and do-rag.;-) Couldn't they have let him wear that WAGW side part I like so much? Nobody knows what Vermeer looked like anyway.;-) Re: Mena Suvari in Trauma--that's so funny, I saw her on a talk show a few weeks back and she mentioned heading off to England to do a film. Little did I know . . . I hope she's not playing his daughter.;-)

Thanks for all the pictures and links everyone. Take a closer look at Karen's www.firth.com/p_eye6.html. You don't suppose that's his vehicle behind him with the license plate showing, do you? I kind of doubt it, but I'll jot it down just in case ;-)

UK tax fund First Choice backs 30% of Myriad duo, Purifiers Adam Minns in London 09 April 2003 04:00 First Choice, the innovative UK tax fund launched by financier Grosvenor Park, is pumping approximately 30% of the budgets into two high-profile titles on Myriad Pictures' international sales slate - Istvan Szabo's Being Julia and Trauma, director Marc Evan's follow-up to UK horror hit My Little Eye. Being Julia is being produced through Robert Lantos' Serendipity Point Films as a Canada-UK-Hungary co-production. Annette Bening and Jeremy Irons will star in the project, billed as a Dangerous Liaisons set in the glittering London theatre world. Written by Ronald Harwood, an Academy Award winner for The Pianist, the production starts principal photography in June, re-uniting Lantos and Szabo after 1999's Sunshine. Trauma marks the debut production from Ministry of Fear, the genre label formed by UK producer Little Bird. The psychological chiller will star Colin Firth and Mena Suvari and is produced by Nicky Kentish Barnes and Jonathan Cavendish. Written by Richard Smith, the keenly-anticipated project will start principal photography later this month on location in London and the Isle of Man. BBC Films, Warner Bros and the Isle of Man Film Commission are co-financing, with Myriad once again handling international sales. First Choice, a tax-based equity fund launched in January, is also backing The Purifiers, a gang movie set against a martial arts backdrop in a Britain of the near future. Written and directed by Richard Jobson, who recently made his feature debut with Sixteen Years of Alcohol, the film stars Kevin McKidd and is produced by Jobson and Chris Atkins of Vestry Films and Bill Kenwright. The film is co-financed by Bill Kenwright Films, Scottish Screen and Jim Howell's sales agent Park Entertainment. Principal photography is set for May. The projects mark the first titles backed through First Choice, a production partnership of investors for which Grosvenor Park is management adviser. Headed by chairman Donald Starr and managing director Daniel Taylor, Grosvenor Park has backed recent productions including Spider, Count Of Monte Cristo, The Importance Of Being Earnest, Reign Of Fire and Gosford Park through other tax mechanisms. "This is an exciting new project providing equity to assorted films and we are pleased to have attracted three diverse and highly attractive feature films to our First Choice Films production partnership," said Starr. "Each film has unique international selling points and in particular a quality and calibre of talent which we believe will be attractive to distributors and audiences around the world."

Thanks everyone for the photos and articles. After a long drought there is so much happening right now - Hurrah! Is it just me or does anyone else worry about ODB when his cheeks are so ruddy? I'd like to think it's a "grape" reaction but I keep thinking high blood pressure. (insert lewd comment re blood pressure)

Review from Premiere magazine: Relax, people. This film has nothing to do with that Christina Aguilera song. It does, however, have everything to do with a plucky American teenager named Daphne (Bynes, of the WB's What I Like About You). Raised by her free-spirited Manhattan mother (Preston) with lots of love, Daphne has never met her British father (Colin Firth), and he doesn't even know that she exists. Daphne decides it's time to hop across the pond to London to meet her dad, who turns out to be a rather formal nobleman (a far cry from the bohemian soul he was when he met Daphne's mom in the '70s). What ensues is of course a typical fish-out-of-water story as the vibrant, zany girl makes a splash in the stiff world her father shares with his bitchy socialite fianc�e (Chancellor) and her mean teenage daughter. Bynes achieves something quite rare for a squeaky-clean teenage actress: She isn't irritating. Not in the slightest. In fact, she's charming and quirky and a pleasure to watch. You can understand why she wins over her father, and how her joie de vivre changes his outlook on life. As for Firth, he picks up where his splendid portrayal in Bridget Jones's Diary left off. Once again, he expertly presents a dry exterior that hides a tender, searching heart. Watch for a great montage of the city set to the defiant strains of the Clash's "London Calling." Here, you'll view London as it's seen through the eyes of an inspired teenager: alive with the crisp red of double-decker buses and the electricity of those gray skies. Just don't listen too hard to the song lyrics, though. �Susannah Gora

Thanks Mari. Writer and director both come from TV...hmmmmm. Back to MLSF stamping ground in Isle of Man. (Sandy)After a long drought there is so much happening right now - Hurrah! Agree.Virtual bundle of riches. 3 maybe 4 films this year; I can remember when we went six months w/o a word. Got tired of re-hashing those old films.

(Mari) I hope she's not playing his daughter.;-) For you "believers," time to light the candles again. I'm going to dig the chicken bones out of the garbage. Going back to the Isle of Man again. I can just feel all those tax breaks... Let's see, didn't I have a contact there???? (Evelyn) Back to MLSF stamping ground in Isle of Man. How soon they forget where gay Peter lived. ;-) (Premiere) Just don't listen too hard to the song lyrics, though. No kidding. Great song, but the lyrics don't compliment the story.

(Mari) I think Scarlett got the better end of the deal, with her mullet She looked really cute and hip at the IFC Spirit Awards with her short cut. (Beedee) Annette, thanks for today's windfall! Hey, don't you ever sleep? ROTFL! Yes, thanks Annette......and? ;-)

(Karen)How soon they forget where gay Peter lived. ;-) Was Peter gay? ;-) For you "believers," time to light the candles again. I'm going to dig the chicken bones out of the garbage. Hey, I'm hanging onto the fact that Warner Brothers is putting up some of the money, and therefore might distribute it.

Review from Us Magazine: WHAT A GIRL WANTS All-American teen Amanda Bynes has everything she needs--except her long-lost London dad. The stars: Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston The story: On a quest for her biological father, 17-year-old Daphne (Bynes) ditches Manhattan for London, where she reaches out to Lord Dashwood (Firth), the aristocrat her hippie mother (Preston) loved and left before Daphne's birth. The teen imperils the buttoned-down political aspirant with her wild Yankee ways and--faster than he can don leather pants and play air guitar--transforms him from dullard to doll, while charming London society in the process. What's Good: Bynes (Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show) wears her role like skin-tight hip-huggers; Firth plays a sexy, stuffy Brit to rival lovable dunderhead Hugh Grant, in a sweet-natured comedy that recalls The Princess Diaries. What's Bad: 100% chick flick--and there's not a plot twist in this happy tale you don't see coming. Final Say: * * * A heart-warmimg and adorable daughter-knows-best comedy.

Firth plays a sexy, stuffy Brit to rival lovable dunderhead Hugh Grant Am I the only one who didn't think once of HG when watching Colin's performance? It seems all the critics were in-tune to that.

(Dorine)Am I the only one who didn't think once of HG when watching Colin's performance? No, you aren't. It never crossed my mind that HG might have played Henry. I think some of those critics saw the Daniel/Mark rivalry and decided it must carry over into real life. Maybe they believed the fight scene was real? ;-) I'm tired of these references to HG. Some of them make it sound as if Colin is picking up the crumbs that Hugh doesn't want to take. And while I'm complaining, if one more critic uses the word constipated in a review (mostly it's applied to Colin, but I've also seen it used in about Pryce and Atkins, too), I'm gonna buy a case of Ex-Lax and start mailing it to their newspapers/magazines! (Maria T)I was kind of worried about that cat... Thanks for posting the link. I was worried about the cat, too. After all, Jocelyn only showed affection for dogs and horses, not cats and pigeons.

I'm tired of comparisons. Hola said both were swell and I buy it! I didn't think of HG and I wish those numb n*2ts critics would stop it. I'm ready to enjoy both without dissing either ..........or either.

(Kate) if one more critic uses the word constipated in a review (mostly it's applied to Colin, but I've also seen it used in about Pryce and Atkins, too), I'm gonna buy a case of Ex-Lax and start mailing it to their newspapers/magazines! ROTFL! Oh do! Sign it from them. ;-) Some of them make it sound as if Colin is picking up the crumbs that Hugh doesn't want to take. Well, actually....according to DG, in a way he is....and not just HG's. :-( But that doesn't mean the others were good choices for this.

Fear grips Firth, Suvari for 'Trauma' Pic to begin shooting at the end of April By ADAM DAWTREY Variety LONDON -- Colin Firth and Mena Suvari have signed to star in "Trauma," a psychological chiller directed by Marc Evans, which will be the first pic made under the Ministry of Fear banner at Little Bird Films. The pic starts shooting at the end of April in London and the Isle of Man. Myriad Pictures is handling worldwide sales, with Warner Bros. taking U.K. theatrical and video rights. Pic is being co-financed by BBC Films, the Isle of Man Film Commission and First Choice, the new tax fund from Grosvenor Park. The original screenplay by first-time Scottish writer Richard Smith is about a man who wakes from a coma after a car crash to find that his wife apparently died in the same accident. As he tries to rebuild his life, he is haunted by images of his dead wife and his grip on reality starts to loosen. Firth plays the bereaved man, with Suvari as his new-age neighbor who encourages him to contact his wife through a medium, with shocking consequences. Director Evans previously had a modest hit with another horror movie, "My Little Eye." "Trauma" is being produced by Nicky Kentish-Barnes, whose credits include "About a Boy" and "An Ideal Husband," and Little Bird's Jonathan Cavendish. Anglo-Irish production outfit Little Bird set up its Ministry of Fear label 18 months ago, under former Edinburgh Film Festival director Lizzie Franke, to develop horror movies with a psychological twist. The label has development funding from the Film Council.

With shocking consequences??? oooooowwwww! Wife has morphed into HG. ;-) I had a feeling that Mena Suvari played someone who would be helping him. Thanks, Mari. ~~~~~~ This week's Hello (on newsstands in England yesterday) has an article about Kelly Preston and there's a pic of she and Colin dancing. If anyone wants to scan it, please send to my office.

A preliminary Trauma page can be found here: http://www.firth.com/trauma.html

(Karen)A preliminary Trauma page can be found here: And when do *you* sleep? Oooo, creepy page. Good job!

Oh, I love the page design!! Well done, Karen! (Karen)I had a feeling that Mena Suvari played someone who would be helping him. Maybe there is some hidden secret about car accident and Colin's wife's death, and even that may put Mena Suvari into some kind of danger? Hmm, that will be more intriguing.

(Mari) Hey, I'm hanging onto the fact that Warner Brothers is putting up some of the money, and therefore might distribute it. Yessssss!!! I'm excited by this one....but keep thinking it will be 5-6 years before I get to see it. If WB puts in some money...maybe it will only be 2-3 years!! ;-) (Dorine) Am I the only one who didn't think once of HG when watching Colin's performance? It seems all the critics were in-tune to that. I never thought about it....couldn't see it. I was concentrating so hard on ODB there wasn't any room for any other thoughts... ;-) It seems that every role ODB takes at least one critic (usually several) say that they could see HG in the part (though I don't recall hearing that about P&P, thank goodness)! Seems when you lack something clever to say, you can just put in the 'HG line'. (Mari) I hope she's not playing his daughter.;-) (Karen) For you "believers," time to light the candles again. I'm going to dig the chicken bones out of the garbage. Firth plays the bereaved man, with Suvari as his new-age neighbor who encourages him to contact his wife through a medium, with shocking consequences. Gah! You guys work fast!

(Tress)It seems that every role ODB takes at least one critic (usually several) say that they could see HG in the part (though I don't recall hearing that about P&P, thank goodness)! LOL, They don't dare! Recently saw S&S again and HG is so dorky in it. Oops, and I just promised not to diss. But given it's the same *gender*....

"Anglo-Irish production outfit Little Bird set up its Ministry of Fear label 18 months ago" Gaagh, couldn't they find a better name for that label? (Mari)Hey, I'm hanging onto the fact that Warner Brothers is putting up some of the money, and therefore might distribute it They should. After his efforts on WAGW which carried the movie through, he should be their poster boy. For the record I agree with Lola, there is a place for HG and CF in the industry. I like HG. He works hard and unfailingly supports the cast and crew of his films by doing the publicity. Actually, IMO that's the hard part.

(Evelyn) there is a place for HG and CF in the industry. I like HG. I completely agree and I do, too, esp his "new" persona. I just found odd the preponderance of HG references in the WAGW reviews. While HG is not the only (Brit) actor who stumbles and bumbles in movies, I guess he has just cornered the market in it. *ducking thrown tomatoes and assorted veggies* ;-)

(Dorine)I just found odd the preponderance of HG references in the WAGW reviews I agree. I don't have any problem with HG. I happen to love him in 4WaaF, and I did enjoy him in AAB (even though I could see Colin in that role as well). However, at no time did HG ever enter my mind as HD in WAGW. I also try to think of the chemistry that was pretty evident between CF and AB. I just can't picture it between HG and AB. IMHO, of course. Thanks Karen for the Trauma page, excellent!...sounds delicious and suspicious. Thanks Mari and all for the continued reviews, articles, and news.

No HS at Tribeca FF. :-( :-(

(Dorine) Am I the only one who didn't think once of HG when watching Colin's performance? (Kate F) No, you aren't. It never crossed my mind that HG might have played Henry. I'm tired of these references to HG. Some of them make it sound as if Colin is picking up the crumbs that Hugh doesn't want to take. (Tress) It seems that every role ODB takes at least one critic (usually several) say that they could see HG in the part HG is a good actor, and one I enjoy watching. Not 1/3 as much as I enjoy watching CF, but that's another story. ;-) Apparently many critics now consider HG to be the British actor of choice for certain types of roles, thus revealing their tunnel vision and/or total lack of understanding of the appeal and talent of ODB. As for WAGW, CF was letter perfect as Henry. IMO HG wouldn't have fit the part at all.

(KathyF) Apparently many critics now consider HG to be the British actor of choice for certain types of roles This isn't anything new. From an American standpoint, the first man of British comedy (esp romantic comedy) is Hugh, while the preeminent British dramatic actor is Ralph Fiennes. As far as I'm concerned Hugh and Colin are not interchangeable, or fungible for that matter.

Great work everyone on Trauma, Mari and karen you sleepless duo;-) thanks for the reviews on WAGW etc am off to check out Hello. Nearly did earlier today but there's a big "Julia marriage" cover so I couldn't face it, should've guessed there would be hidden treasure.

(Evelyn)Back to MLSF stamping ground in Isle of Man. Wasn't it RV that was filmed there? I'm sure MLSF was filmed in Scotland. - It certainly looked like the scenery around Strachur and Loch Fyne.

Wasn't it RV that was filmed there? Right again. Our dear Peter. I like that little film that went no where:-(

(Karen) As far as I'm concerned Hugh and Colin are not interchangeable, or fungible for that matter. Exactly. I can't recall seeing a single film done by ODB that I thought HG could have done better...they are very different to me. I like HG, thought he was v. v. good in AAB, but he's no Hunk Daddy! And I'll confess that initially I wanted to see CF in the AAB role, but HG did such a great job that there is no way I could find fault with him in that part (but secretly wish that we could 'stumble into a parellel universe' and see a CF version of that film)! If that makes any sense whatsoever...I have been known not to be very coherent when it comes to ODB...

closing

Thanks for all the pics and news ladies. Great Trauma page Karen and Mari.

(Evelyn)I like that little film Me too. (Tress-MariaT) Perfectly coherent! I'll meet you at the wormhole and we can er...hyperspace..or whatever to catch that other viewing... Please, can I come too? (you know, I'd beg, steal or borrow dadada) ooops, just gave away my age once more ;-) Karen, the new Trauma-site is really good. Thank you for the news and articles.

A few new pictures at out soon - only HG and MD ;( http://www.bvimovies.co.uk/

Karen - More for your Trauma page: UK tax fund First Choice backs 30% of Myriad duo, Purifiers Adam Minns in London 09 April 2003 04:00 First Choice, the innovative UK tax fund launched by financier Grosvenor Park, is pumping approximately 30% of the budgets into two high-profile titles on Myriad Pictures' international sales slate - Istvan Szabo's Being Julia and Trauma, director Marc Evan's next picture after UK horror hit My Little Eye. Being Julia is being produced through Robert Lantos' Serendipity Point Films as a Canada-UK-Hungary co-production. Annette Bening and Jeremy Irons will star in the project, billed as a Dangerous Liaisons set in the glittering London theatre world. Written by Ronald Harwood, an Academy Award winner for The Pianist, the production starts principal photography in June, re-uniting Lantos and Szabo after 1999's Sunshine. Trauma marks the debut production from Ministry of Fear, the genre label formed by UK producer Little Bird. The psychological chiller will star Colin Firth and Mena Suvari and is produced by Nicky Kentish Barnes and Jonathan Cavendish. Written by Richard Smith, the keenly-anticipated project will start principal photography later this month on location in London and the Isle of Man. BBC Films, Warner Bros and the Isle of Man Film Commission are co-financing, with Myriad once again handling international sales. First Choice, a tax-based equity fund launched in January, is also backing The Purifiers, a gang movie set against a martial arts backdrop in a Britain of the near future. Written and directed by Richard Jobson, who recently made his feature debut with Sixteen Years of Alcohol, the film stars Kevin McKidd and is produced by Jobson and Chris Atkins of Vestry Films and Bill Kenwright. The film is co-financed by Bill Kenwright Films, Scottish Screen and Jim Howell's Park Entertainment, which is handling international sales. Principal photography is set for May. The projects mark the first titles backed through First Choice, a production partnership of investors for which Grosvenor Park is management adviser. Headed by chairman Donald Starr and managing director Daniel Taylor, Grosvenor Park has backed recent productions including Spider, Count Of Monte Cristo, The Importance Of Being Earnest, Reign Of Fire and Gosford Park through other tax mechanisms. "This is an exciting new project providing equity to assorted films and we are pleased to have attracted three diverse and highly attractive feature films to our First Choice Films production partnership," said Starr. "Each film has unique international selling points and in particular a quality and calibre of talent which we believe will be attractive to distributors and audiences around the world." http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=11923&st=%22Ministry+of+Fear%22&s=1

Murph, thanks but that info was posted last night. Please, everyone, try to read what has already been posted. I've noticed some repitition. It isn't like this is an email list where you don't know if a question has already been answered. The proof is in black and white above. Now unto more interesting things: Thanks Annette, for the heads up on new pics, but the BVI website has an offer for special advance screenings, if you register at the site: To celebrate the forthcoming release of Hope Springs on May 9th we are offering you the chance to see an exclusive preview screening on April 23rd or 24th. [yadda yadda plot] How do I register? Simply select a venue from the list below. If you are successful your tickets will be posted to you in time for the screening. The Brighton screening will be 23rd April. All other screenings are on 24th April. All entries must be received by midnight on 16th April 2003. Then there's a place to pick out your cinema and submit: Whiteleys - UCI Manchester - Filmworks Clydebank - UCI [for you, Janet??] Solihull - UCI Gateshead - UCI Edinburgh - UCI Brighton - UGC Leeds - Warner Sheffield - Warner Shepherds Bush - Warner You will have to register first to get to this page: http://www.thefilmfactory.co.uk/members.html

And from a lurker, the trailer for Hope Springs is available for viewing online. The links, for the 4 connection types, are on the Hope Springs page. http://www.firth.com/hope.html Great line by Minnie, "I can feel your resolve stiffening." LOL! Naturally, it shows Heather's skin and a lot about Colin not wearing underwear. Everybody comments on it. Then you actually see him pantless.

Thanks sooooo much Karen and lurker!! ROTF at his expression when Mandy takes a swig. Gotta say it looks cute. And I see how the poster like The Graduate would be set up. I want one. :-D Thank goodness the tassle bit is there. Not sure how I'd react in the theater. And for the record, I like the way he looks in this even more so than WAGW. Maybe it's the longer hair, more relaxed look, occasional lack of pants... ;-)

From Anne, another one of my correspondents, the pic from Hello:

Why oh why can't I find the trailer. I went on to the link but no luck. Please, please, please help.

You couldn't find the trailer links on the Hope Springs page? They are to the right of the new poster, under Release Dates.

Found it now. Thanks Karen

Thanks Karen and lurker! All I can hear out there are a lot of Mmmms and Yumms going on. Okay, How many times have you watched the HS trailer already? I'm up to about 20 and I can't see it very well w/Realplayer. Heaven help me if I can clear it up. Back to work.

HOLLYWOOD (Zap2it.com) � British actor Colin Firth and Mena Suvari will be starring in "Trauma," a psychological thriller directed by Marc Evans ("My Little Eye"). Produced by Little Bird Films� Ministry of Fear unit, the film centers a man (Firth) who wakes from a coma after a car crash to find that his wife apparently died in the same accident. As he tries to rebuild his life, he is haunted by images of his dead wife and his grip on reality starts to loosen. The story is based on a screenplay by first-time Scottish writer Richard Smith, according to Variety. Suvari will play Firth�s new-age neighbor who encourages him to contact his wife through a medium, with shocking consequences. http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/story/0,1259,---16405,00.html

SCOT STRIKES GOLD WITH MOVIE DEAL Apr 10 2003 A SCOTS writer's first screenplay is to be made into a movie blockbuster starring Pride and Prejudice hunk Colin Firth. Richard Smith hit gold with Trauma, a psychological chiller about a man who awakes from a coma to find his wife dead and his life in ruins. The 25-year-old's writing career started at university when he co-wrote and starred in a comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1999. He has also written for TV and won a Scottish Bafta for his short film Leonard. Richard, of Dumbarton, said: "It's a bit like a dream." Filming starts at the end of this month. American Pie star Mena Suvari will star alongside Firth. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/page.cfm?objectid=12829139&method=full&siteid=89488

Thank you Karen and Lurker...I had a bit of a panic attack at work because I couldn't get the trailer to load. Am home now and have watched it six times already....love the 'stressed' look when he puts his hands to his head. I can't wait to see this! Minnie has a rock body! ODB looks positively yummy....and it looks like he is struggling a bit while carrying Mandy (or is that with an 'i' with a little circle above it??) ;-) Like the 'resolve stiffing' line and the line about the 'biggest bang of the year...well, not your year'

I think our lurker will make it here shortly; seems she's been very shy. *hee hee* So, you looking for news for us, Terry? Nice piece on the writer. You can see his connection to this film group without the need for glasses. But the Daily Record could use some help with its writing. Trauma, a movie blockbuster? ;-)

Tried to dig up some dirt but failed, so I made up for it with some regular news.

Oooh, I like the looks of the trailer! In case your image is a bit small, you can right click over it and choose "double" size or better yet, "full screen!" Many thanks to Karen and lurker--yoo hoo, come out, come out, wherever you are!:-) Can't believe they're not using "The Graduate" shot for the poster--is perfect. And thanks to Anne for the Hello pic. Hello there, Henry, you Hunk Daddy you!:-)

It's nice to come back and find the HS trailer, now if we only had a release date! Thanks, Karen and lurker! I can see Mena's people will do the proper job of spreading the Tauma news, she has ambition. ;-) Have yet to see WAGW, have the reviews been good? I can tell you that in LA and SF there are billboards and posters everywhere. Unfortunately, the publicity is all about AB.

(Karen)The links, for the 4 connection types, are on the Hope Springs page. I'm getting desperate. I can only use Windows Mediaplayer, and it won't work with the trailer. Any ideas?

I'm *so* sorry. In my eager to see the trailer (no luck yet!) I just complained and forgot to thank both Karen and lurker. Pray forgive me!!

Promising start with all the press this is getting... Suvari's screen Trauma Phil Kemp American Beauty and Pie cutie Mena Suvari is to star alongside housewives' dreamboat Colin Firth in a new psychological thriller. Trauma promises to be a gripping Anglo-Irish Ministry Of Fear production, which sees Firth seriously spooked when he gets in touch with his late wife through a medium. Suvari plays his weirdy hippy neighbour who encourages the grieving geezer to reach out for the dark side. Ministry Of Fear is a new production company whose remit is to produce quality horror movies. Trauma will start shooting in London and the Isle Of Man at the end of April. The screenplay has been written by 25-year-old Scot, Richard Smith - his first attempt at writing for the big screen.

closing Geezer?!?

Thanks for the trailer, Ms. Lurker and Karen! This looks like a sweetheart of a movie. Minnie is especially funny. HG is the weak link here, but I don't plan on looking at her much anyhow. Love the dropping of the pants. Geezer? Do we have to call him ODG now? ;-)

grieving geezer to reach out for the dark side Anyone else notice the difference in tone in many (not all) of male vs. female reviewers/writers? Cutie Mena vs. geezer.... Thanks for the trailer Karen and Ms Luker. Alas, must wait to see at home since we are currently banned from "streaming" here. It's driving me a little crazy so had to come to my peer support group!

The screenplay has been written by 25-year-old Scot, Richard Smith - his first attempt at writing for the big screen. Or second attempt. Some more about Richard Smith. "Trauma" could be more Donovan Quick than shock horror. NEW YORK, NY, October 31, 2002�Kinetic Arts, a New York-based film production company, is pleased to announce it has entered into a deal to produce the feature film remake of Leonard, an award-winning Scottish short about a lonely middle-aged man with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder who re-discovers his long-lost son. Leonard the short film has screened at some of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, including the pre-eminent festival for short films, Clermont-Ferrand, where it won the 2002 Special Audience Award for best film. Leonard is the story of a man with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder who meets the son he has never known�an encounter that changes his orderly life forever. The short film stars acclaimed Scottish actor Denis Lawson, who has appeared in such films as Star Wars and Local Hero. �After seeing the short earlier this year at Clermont, we came away feeling this film had strong potential as a feature,� said Alex Twersky, a managing member of Kinetic Arts. �Richard Smith�s script is gripping; it never lets go of you, and very naturally moves the audience to extremes of sadness and then ultimate joy. We�re working very closely with Richard to expand the story�s powerful themes and craft a feature in the tradition of Rain Man and As Good As It Gets� said Twersky. Twersky added that �Dennis Lawson�s performance as the title character is spot on and quite moving. It would be wonderful for him to reprise the role in the feature.�

housewives' dreamboat I didn't think this was terribly flattering either. Thanks, Bethan, for the info on Richard Smith. His work sounds very promising, especially for someone so young and to have impressed the lady from the Edinburgh Fringe Fest, who is now heading up this new venture.

That HS trailer doesn't seem to leave much of the movie out of it! *finally* got my actual tickets for the English PEN thing today. Was getting paranoid that I wasn't going to receive them. Would go to the film factory preview screening but they are the same night. And in person is somehow a priority =).

(Brenda) Geezer? Do we have to call him ODG now? ;-) LOL! I don't think he is nearly ready for geezer status...but: What�s in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet (Beedee) Anyone else notice the difference in tone in many (not all) of male vs. female reviewers/writers? Cutie Mena vs. geezer.... I have noticed that some male reviewers do not understand the attraction that many women have for ODG ;-)....but, it is the geezer that I'll go see, not cutie Mena.

But the horror film audience is primarily pimply faced boys and, to them, not only is Mena a cutie, but Colin is an old geezer that their mom's drool over. ;-D

But the horror film audience is primarily pimply faced boys OMG, you're right! And I was worried about sitting in a theater full of tittering tween girls.

(Emma) *finally* got my actual tickets for the English PEN thing today. Was getting paranoid that I wasn't going to receive them. Yeah!!! I'm so excited for you....cannot wait to hear all the details (and I'm keeping my fingers crossed, candles lit...) (Karen) But the horror film audience is primarily pimply faced boys and, to them, not only is Mena a cutie, but Colin is an old geezer that their mom's drool over. Now I'm confused...I was envisioning "The Others", "Sixth Sense" type of stuff...is this more in line with "Friday the 13th" and "Nightmare on Elm Street"?? Oh well...I pushed past pre-teen girls to get a good seat at WAGW...I can push pimply faced boys outta my way to see the geezer. ;-) Cutie Mena obviously doesn't need to be seen at the perfect angle...besides, my back is going and my eyesight is getting bad...need the good seats...it's hell getting old! ;-)

(Tress) Cutie Mena obviously doesn't need to be seen at the perfect angle...besides, my back is going and my eyesight is getting bad...need the good seats...it's hell getting old! ;-) Oh! That explains it! On next viewing, I'm sure young Henry won't look quite so worn around the edges if I take my glasses off and sit back further. They *do* know their demographic!

Sorry, How could I forget...Emma, you go girl. Best of luck.

closing tags

(Barb) On next viewing, I'm sure young Henry won't look quite so worn around the edges if I take my glasses off and sit back further. LOL...I have put serious thought into losing the glasses for the first few minutes of the film! But am so blind without them, that I would miss the lovely expressions....and that flowy Moroccan wedding outfit (that I'm somewhat attached to). 8-)

(Tress) Cutie Mena obviously doesn't need to be seen at the perfect angle...besides, my back is going and my eyesight is getting bad...need the good seats...it's hell getting old! ;-) (BarbS)Oh! That explains it! On next viewing, I'm sure young Henry won't look quite so worn around the edges if I take my glasses off and sit back further. They *do* know their demographic! Well, this "geezerette" will have her gurney wheeled in and will squint at the screen with lascivious thoughts reigning!Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Thanks Karen and lurker, who I hope we get to meet soon, for the HS trailer! Was that Colin making a really funny face on the bus? Will look again... Thanks for all the Trauma news, everyone. I'm a little confused, though. From one of the articles, are they saying that Trauma is a rewritted feature length film of the short called Leonard? I wasn't sure. Or is it a totally new film. They don't really sound like they are about the same subject.

Geezer? Hmph! 42 is NOT geezer territory! (Maria)Well, this "geezerette" will have her gurney wheeled in and will squint at the screen with lascivious thoughts reigning!Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!! you bet! Maybe the movies will start selling popcorn-flavored jello for those of us whose teeth no longer can deal with hard foods. Here's an idea for viewing the young-Henry scenes--I know that actresses are sometimes filmed through a "gauze filter" (e.g. Sybil in "Moonlighting). So, can you watch through thin gauzy fabric and get the same softening effect? Taking off glasses won't work for me, I'm farsighted. (presbyopia, now THAT's geezer territory)

are they saying that Trauma is a rewritted Nonsense again...should be rewritten I've just checked and that is CF with the funny face. I've never seen one like that before from him. I'd say this film "could go either way," thumbs up or thumbs down, that is. ;-) Cringed a little when he opened the door. Would have liked to see him in the towel only.

(Lora) Cringed a little when he opened the door. Would have liked to see him in the towel only. I didn't cringe at all...thought the face he was making was very funny. Did think the towel should be lower and it would be nicer without the scarf (for mo better viewing, of course). ;-)

Trauma is an original screenplay, not a rewritten version of anything else.

In the Piss and Moan Dept: HS trailer doesn't resemble the book. With all the skin, think it's gonna be PG-13???

So far, my absolute favorite line readings in HS are... When Vera says she wept solidly for 10 mins and he says "10, I'm touched." And when he asks the woman in the shop, "Tell me, you wouldn't happen to know what color underwear I have on today, would you?" Love his voice and inflections in those two lines. Seems very Mark Darcy-ish. And Oliver Platt looks to be a total riot. That line about the biggest bang gets me every time. Not sure about the criticism of MD needing to stay away from the gym. Hard to tell on here, she may be a tad thin, but is really in shape, solid. I need to get the name of her trainer, mine's not cuttin' it. ;-)

(Evelyn) HS trailer doesn't resemble the book. In what ways? Have to admit, I read through, but absorbed little of the book and will need to read again before it comes out.

(Dorine) So far, my absolute favorite line readings in HS are... I like the ones you listed and the bit with HG offering Colin the brandy "Would you like some?" (her face is priceless) and ODB responding "Not this morning, thanks." And I think Minnie looks good...I wish I could look like that (I've got a ways to go)...the clip is short though, so may have a different opinion when (if!) I see HS. (Evelyn) HS trailer doesn't resemble the book. I was so inspired by the trailer last night that I started re-reading the book...boy, it sure is slow going...a tough read! ;-D There are some funny bits that I hope made the movie...(Colin's explanation to Mandy about how he ended up in Cardiff/Hope).

(Lora) Cringed a little when he opened the door. Would have liked to see him in the towel only. He does lose the scarf, PDQ. And he looks AFG! Thanks to Karen and Ms Lurker for the trailer. It does give away some of the good lines, though. It's always the case with trailers, I suppose. BTW, 'Leonard' was shown on Scottish TV some months ago, and I really enjoyed it. Denis Lawson (Ewan's uncle) was terrific in the title role. - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Trauma is of the same standard.

Closing tags

I saw Colin interviewed on BBC America's Talking Movies show tonight. There's about a 5-minute segment on What A Girl Wants, mostly the trailer and some behind the scenes shots taken while they were filming, interspersed with AB and CF interview bits. Amanda's part of the interview was done during the junket; his part has a different background and I assume was done locally. He looked . . . amazing.:-) This is the show hosted by Tom Brook and I'm sure it's on the BBC as well, so you may want to tune in!

Thanks, Mari for the BBC America info. It looks like it will be rebroadcast on Saturday 6:30 am before the show changes. All the weekday morning shows have been pre-empted due to war coverage. Do they still have it online to watch? I checked the website, but it doesn't look like they have that feature anymore.

The NY Times recommendation on taking children to WAGW: "For Which Children? UNDER AGE 6 Nothing untoward, but there could be comprehension problems. AGES 6-10 A bubbleheaded fairy tale poses no real hazard, but children might be reminded that life doesn't work this way. AGES 11 AND UP Ms. Bynes is fun. The trick is to avoid sugar shock." ROTF ~~~~~~~ Dorine I felt that NC was more subtle/dry in the humor.HS trailer seems more explicit;-)

(Evelyn) I felt that NC was more subtle/dry in the humor.HS trailer seems more explicit;-) I'm going back into the book to search for the lines from the trailer. I don't seem to remember them. The whole time I read that very dry dialogue, I could just picture Colin delivering the lines, I hope they haven't done away with all of that. He could pull that off beautifully. I agree, lots of skin. More than I anticipated. I was glad to see the Queen Vera scenes made it in. I loved the part where Colin is trying to tell Vera that it was all a joke and she doesn't believe him. A trailer question, when CW is on the balcony and Mandy is in the car...what is the gesture...is he waving to her, or throwing something down...keys, maybe?

Thanks, Mari. Seems like we have one more chance to possibly view it. Too bad the website no longer has the video online. :-( Even though the program seems geared toward US releases, better keep on eye out for another segment on Hope Springs. BTW, does everyone know about the guy who is selling copies of Colin's satellite press conference? If not, I'll post it here.

Here's another: WAGW is featured in E! Behind The Scenes; is on again this afternoon. First half is WAGW, second half is Anger Management: Premieres: Thurs., Apr. 10, 6:30 p.m. Encores: Apr. 11, 2:30 p.m.; Apr. 12, 7 a.m.; Apr. 13, 3 a.m., 7:30 a.m.

If anyone is having trouble viewing the HS trailer in Real Player, it's also now available in Windows Media Player from the coming soon site: http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/h/hopesprings.php

Great, now if someone would only put it up in Quicktime, I could do caps...

Thanks for the E info Mari. Will tape today. Thanks for all the news ladies.

From Antonella: New film gets York premiere by Evening Press reporter YORK film director Mark Herman has premiered his new romantic comedy, Hope Springs, in a charity preview at City Screen, York, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. "How excited I am to be able to preview one of my films in my home town - and for the first time I have turned down travel expenses!" he said, introducing last night's �15-a-ticket gala and reception. "It's nice for York to be able to see this film before it opens... and before the poor people of London village. If you enjoy it, tell your friends; if you don't, you've only got a month to keep quiet!" For Hope Springs, the York writer-director of Brassed Off, Little Voice and Purely Belter has adapted the novel New Cardiff by Charles Webb, writer of The Graduate. In this American comedy about letting go of the past and embracing the future, British artist Colin Ware (played by Colin Firth) discovers that fianc�e Vera (Minnie Driver) is to marry another man. So he escapes to the tiny New England village of Hope where he tries to forget his troubles by drawing the faces of the town's many eccentrics. Still distraught, he finds more than a shoulder to cry on when his innkeepers introduce him to Mandy (Heather Graham), a beautiful nurse. However, no sooner has Colin all but consigned his old flame to history than Vera shows up. Hope Springs (certificate 12A) opens nationwide on May 9.

A while back, I had an email from a woman, asking if Colin had had a bit part in the film Turtle Diary, a 1985 film starring Ben Kingsley and Glenda Jackson. There is a scene in the last third of the movie, where the two are having lunch at the zoo before they pick up the turtles they are going to release into the ocean. She said that the waiter looked like Colin, moved like Colin and sounded like Colin (although he only spoke a word or two), but there isn't a close-up of him, nor is he credited at the end. I had put this away, but the film is being shown on the Love channel (which I don't get) this month. If anyone wants to do some investigative work, here are the times (Eastern) Thu 17 8:00 AM Turtle Diary LOVE Mon 21 3:00 PM Turtle Diary LOVE Mon 21 11:30 PM Turtle Diary LOVE I doubt it would be him in such a role by this time.

Thanks Mari, Karen and Antonella. I will tape E this afternoon, and I already have VCR set to tape BBC America in the morning. (Karen)I doubt it would be him in such a role by this time. Could it be Jonathan Firth?? I don't get Love channel, either...drat! Can anyone tell me if it is possible to wear out a trailer?? Between my anticipation of seeing WAGW this evening and watching the trailer of HS for Gawd knows how many times... I'm in a perpetual puddle of drool. Have been this whole week;-) Could you imagine if they had kept the release date of HS the same as WAGW??? I'd be doomed.

Thanks for the info re Talking Movies, Mari. According to the Radio Times website the edition featuring WAGW will be shown here in the UK on BBC2 tomorrow (12th April) at 2.05pm. The programme is also meant to be broadcast on BBC News 24 at 5.30am, 3.30pm and 10.30pm and again on Sunday at 3.30am, but I'm not sure it actually will be shown at all or any of those times as I think it's often dropped to make way for coverage of the war in Iraq. The BBC2 showing is the safest bet.

Oh my Mari, thanks for the E! Behind the Scenes heads up! Luckily I remembered 2:30 CDT is 1:30 WIT (Wierd Indiana Time.) I got there just in time. And didn't he look AFG?! Thank you!

Gaaaah! So much info has been posted of late, it would take an entire paragraph to thank everyone. Instead, let me just say that I'm thrilled there is so much news afoot, as I can remember the leaner days, when no news surfaced for months. Thank you, all. Still haven't been able to see WAGW, and home hoping to so v.soon. Until then, I will watch the E! BTS show...thanks, Mari. Karen, I remember that movie, Turtle Diary. V. sweet as I recall. How interesting that Colin may be in it. Hope someone will confirm this. If so, I bet Netflix will receive a surge in demand for it. ;-)

Thanks, Mari for the heads up on the shows. Just finished watching/taping E! Behind the Scenes. Did anyone notice ODB chewing gum at the top of the stairs before the scene started and didn't stop after DG called Action! until he started down the stairs, LOL. It was nice there was quite a bit with him in the first half. Funny when AB was saying why it was so great to work with ODB, she looked like she kept wanting to say "because he's a hot guy" or something, but kept coming up with other stuff, such as "good actor, really funny", blah, blah, blah. LOL. Guess that would be a little weird coming from her. Re:DG, funny she said the kissing scene in the boat was done on the grass, but obviously it wasn't. Maybe it was right next to the grass, close enough for her to consider it on the grass. She said on show 500 kids were seen....when I was typing notes, I couldn't remember if she said 300 or 500, so I put 300. What's a couple of hundred kids more at that point. They must all look the same after a while. She also told that story of calling Burbank at 3am. LOL and what was the deal with DG and that other crew person wearing tiaras?

(Dorine) Did anyone notice ODB chewing gum at the top of the stairs before the scene started and didn't stop after DG called Action! until he started down the stairs Yup, first thing I noticed. Most of things people said we've heard before. KP said the same thing as she did on Letterman's show, and AB's soundbytes are the same. Yeah, that tiara thing. Lordy! :-(

FYI, the scene they show being filmed in GWAPE in the Vermeer documentary doesn't exist in the book. A newborn scene, as BJ would say. ;-) I did keep pausing and scrutinizing the corners for our painter friend, but there's no reason for him to be there. Oh well.

Is Colin interviewed on the E! show? Am sitting here at work, hoping my son got it taped ok. Barbara, glad you'll be able to see the Talking Movies piece.

(Mari) Is Colin interviewed on the E! show? A couple of short bits.

Did anyone notice ODB chewing gum at the top of the stairs before the scene started and didn't stop after DG called Action! He also looked bored. (Mari) Is Colin interviewed on the E! show? Wearing what looked to be the suit and white shirt he wore at the last scene.

(Evelyn) He also looked bored. Yeah, I noticed that, too.

(Karen)Says there are pics of him in a cowboy hat. [Ed note: wonder if he's wearing chaps without pants] lovely thought indeed.... what i wouldnt give to see that! ;-)

Thanks for the preview Karen! I'm very excited...have a copy of this coming and cannot wait to see it! He talks about how he had to spend a long time in makeup trying to become 20 again, whereas Kelly Preston only had go in for a few minutes. LOL...and it still didn't make him look 20! Not that I mind...I like ODB, just as he is...but he did not look 20. He said he visited the western part of the state when he was 12, thought the scenery was beautiful, incredible [Ed note: huh?] and that it snowed. Would this be Colorado again? I moved there that year (1971) and remember snow in spring/summer that year...

(me) Would this be Colorado again? I moved there that year (1971) and remember snow in spring/summer that year... D'oh! I just realized ODB was talking about TX (was too distraught over the JLo Casablanca news to think straight)...I do wonder where in west Texas he went?

(CF).."what an asshole." LOL. He and I share my favorite word. "He said he visited the western part of the state when he was 12, thought the scenery was beautiful, incredible [Ed note: huh?] and that it snowed. " [Waddaya mean"huh"!! Put 'em up;-)] I've read that one before. Dad took the family on a car trip the summer they lived in St. Louis. He's talking about the scenery at the Grand Canyon. "Talked about why he took the role a lot, and explained how Dennie Gordon came over and made her case. "It's very nice to be wanted." God love 'im...such few directors do:-(( It must have been enormously flattering to have a director come all the way from Hollywood. "There was an awful lot of my own life to draw on there and that probably, those few seconds of the film, probably closer to the real me than anything you've ever seen," Mari , you were right on the money on this one. Probably a lot of the film was drawn from his own life. Thanks boss, A goodie...*kiss, kiss*.

(Ev) He's talking about the scenery at the Grand Canyon. He said west Texas, maybe even Lubbock. What kind of breathtaking scenery we talking about? Tops of oil wells? ;-) Probably a lot of the film was drawn from his own life. He admitted to this for being able to call upon his feelings as a parent and use them.

Thanks so much Karen for the transcription. This is great. He seems to be very relaxed. Thank you Mari for the E news. Saw it and thought it very good. He is amazing. Will check out Turtle Diary Thursday and see if its him. Thanks again everyone for such great news.

Thank you Karen for the satellite interview. It's great to know how he behaved in an interview not from the view of the reporters. Is there any possibility that we may see the transcript in more details some day? :)

New information about Colin's time in American, from a Dallas-based reporter. He said he visited the western part of the state when he was 12, thought the scenery was beautiful, incredible [Ed note: huh?] and that it snowed. The reporter seems to ask if he would ever consider doing a western, and Colin says he wouldn't hestitate to do one. [Ed note: must be the irresistable location] Says there are pics of him in a cowboy hat. [Ed note: wonder if he's wearing chaps without pants] (Ev) He's talking about the scenery at the Grand Canyon. (Karen) He said west Texas, maybe even Lubbock. What kind of breathtaking scenery we talking about? Tops of oil wells? ;-) The term "West Texas" encompasses a huge area, and could include Lubbock or Amarillo in the Panhandle, or it might mean El Paso, or Big Bend. Texas isn't all flat plains and oil wells, any more than it is huge cities, pine forests or sandy beaches. It is also rolling hills, mesas, deserts, and canyons. There is some astoundingly beautiful scenery in Texas, as there is all over the United States. Thanks for the vision of ODB in chaps without pants!

Sorry I bothered

(Josie) Is there any possibility that we may see the transcript in more details some day? :) I doubt it, the transcript of less details seem to be missing. (Karen) He said west Texas, maybe even Lubbock. What kind of breathtaking scenery we talking about? Tops of oil wells? ;-) (KathyF) The term "West Texas" encompasses a huge area.... Kathy, I think you missed Karen's winkie. ;-) He talks about how he had to spend a long time in makeup trying to become 20 again (Tress) LOL...and it still didn't make him look 20! Not that I mind...I like ODB, just as he is...but he did not look 20. Unfortunately, it didn't make him look 30 either. :-( (Evelyn) It must have been enormously flattering to have a director come all the way from Hollywood. Wonder if her head turned when he entered the room. ;-) Well was going to say thanks Karen for the transcript bits, but not really a need now. :-(

Thanks, Karen for the transcript. I'm hoping my copy will come soon. OH...now the chaps vision...It's too early in the day for this. I did catch the BBC America Talking Movies this morning. LOL, maybe AB lurks here. I loved her comment about the older male critics that have been a bit harsh...they're not the ones we want in there anyway. Colin looked wonderful, just a brief interview clip with him.

He said west Texas, maybe even Lubbock. What kind of breathtaking scenery we talking about? Tops of oil wells? ;-) [I shall ignore your snide remark...with or w/o the winikie;-)] OK, dad is driving from St. Louis to the Grand Canyon on Hwy #40. He has to go through Amarillo [nothing there...not even the maligned oil wells], but west of Amarillo there are some exquiste canyons, mesas and buttes. Foreign tourists are always amazed at the vastness and unique vistas of this part of the US where you can actually see a sunrise and sunset. Somehow they expect only crowded urban streets or at best suburbs with manicured lawns.

(Evelyn) He has to go through Amarillo [nothing there...not even the maligned oil wells], but west of Amarillo there are some exquiste canyons, mesas and buttes. But wait! Just east of Amarillo is the Largest Cross in the Western Hemisphere. A lot prettier than an oil well. Gotta say a lot stranger, too. I drove cross country several years ago from South Florida to (near) Seattle, WA (and back). Drove a great distance on I-40 on the way. While there is a stretch along there in TX that is quite, um...challenging, scenery wise, it is amazing how the terrain can change so suddenly. There maybe nothing, then go over a small hill, and as Evelyn says, a vista of canyons. Happened all the time other places in the west esp Idaho, Colorado into Utah, Oregon. It is truly wonderous. Never knew how beautiful this country could be. (Linda) BBC America Talking Movies this morning. LOL, maybe AB lurks here. I loved her comment about the older male critics that have been a bit harsh...they're not the ones we want in there anyway. Colin looked wonderful, just a brief interview clip with him. Oooh, hope my VCR worked. Thanks.

(Linda) LOL, maybe AB lurks here. I loved her comment about the older male critics that have been a bit harsh...they're not the ones we want in there anyway. LOL! Loved how she told them to "Back off!" She's a cute kid. Hate to admit I could listen to Oliver James talk all day. He's very articulate.

(Me) It is truly wonderous. Never knew how beautiful this country could be. Not only is this country wonderous, it's wondrous as well. ;-)

(CF).."what an asshole." Gasp! You mean . . he's not Fitz Darcy after all??!!;-) ;-) ;-) LOL, AB should have consulted him when searching for a word to desribe the older male critics on the E! show. Agree, Dorine, she's a nice kid. Can't wait to get my tape. Thanks for the preview goodies, Karen! probably, those few seconds of the film, probably closer to the real me than anything you've ever seen," He's talking HD in leather here, right? Just the segueway I needed--raise the roof, ya'll: http://demand1.stream.aol.com/ramgen/aol/us/moviefone/movies/2003/whatagirlwants_013736/whatagirlwants_fl_bb8.rm

Yummy! Just what I needed on a non-WAGW day. Thanks, Mari!

(Dorine) It is truly wonderous. Never knew how beautiful this country could be. Not only is this country wonderous, it's wondrous as well. ;-) I often wonder why I leave to visit another country; I've only seen half of my own:-(((

Total Film (UK Film mag) has a review of HS. It's a mag which probably has a dominant young male readership (ie not CF's likely fan base!) Male reviewer gives HS 3 stars and a good review. "warm..likeable rom com, good looking cast, diverting date movie which will fill the gap until Love Actually opens."

Here's one in the Style section of the NY Times....Accompanied by pic of Colin and Amanda B.Hitting the buzz about teenage relationship with parents. NY Times: Teenagers and Parents: a Love Story By GINIA BELLAFANTE In the new box office hit "What a Girl Wants," Amanda Bynes plays Daphne Reynolds, a 17-year-old who leaves the New York loft she shares with her wedding-singer mother to go to London and meet a guy. The guy is Henry, and not long afterward, they are buying records together, going on motorbike rides and removing their shoes in public places. With her, Henry, a man who surely went barefoot only in the company of his podiatrist, opens up and becomes his best self. With Henry, Daphne gets the brass ring: a man who completes her. But unlike most coming-of-age stories, where the male lead serves as a bridge between the confines of a girl's family and the free republic of grown-up love, Henry happens to be the long-lost father she has cIrossed the ocean to meet. "What a Girl Wants" typifies a new wave in popular entertainment aimed at young people ? one that elevates the bond between parents and their teenagers above all other attachments. According to its creators, the movie is intended not only for teenage and preteen girls, but also for adult women. Middle-aged mothers and their young daughters have been flocking to it, one age group drawn because the story follows the formula of romantic comedy (Henry is played by Mr. Bridget Jones, Colin Firth) and the other because it features the 17-year-old Ms. Bynes, a star of Nickelodeon television. As a father-daughter love story, though, one is left wondering: Whose fantasy is this? From the emergence of teenage movies in the 1950's ? followed by teen-centric television shows ? the genre has traditionally portrayed parents and children in separate, opposing orbits. Teenagers in movies like "Pretty in Pink" and "Say Anything," which were released in the 1980's, and even in the more recent "10 Things I Hate About You," would never be seen trading record albums, sandals or intimacies with their parents. Instead mothers and father were presented as cold, absent, constraining or incompetent ? forces to be overcome and left behind in the child's transition to romantic alignments. Such fare was not designed to please multigenerational audiences; it spoke instead to the universally recognized anxieties of its specific 12-to-18-year-old viewers. "In all those movies, traditionally, parents were idiots," said Dr. Michael Brody, a child psychiatrist and chairman of the television and media committee of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Meanwhile, in the real world of the past decade or so, young parents have been doing everything they can to avoid being diagnosed as the idiots their parents were. As baby boomers sanctified child-rearing, the idea that a parent would remain emotionally distant has come to seem not only anathema but dopily camp. The result, pop-culturally speaking, is now manifesting itself in movies and television in which parents not only understand their children, but serve as their co-conspirators and strongest allies against the perils of adolescence. In the WB series "The Gilmore Girls," Lorelai Gilmore [Blah, blah about Gilmore Girls] On the screen, meanwhile,"What a Girl Wants" takes the rather unseemly idea of father-as-ideal partner to greater extremes. At the film's end, Henry, a member of Parliament, has relinquished his political career to spend more time with his family. (Through Daphne, Henry is reunited with her mother.) Whole article goes on about what psychologists say about the new vision of parents and teenagers. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/13/fashion/13CULT.html?pagewanted=2&ei=5062&en=22d98f8642ddddce&ex=1050811200&partner=

Title/screens/Fri estimate/%change 1 ANGER MANAGEMENT/ 3,551/ $15,400,000 2 PHONE BOOTH/ 2,489/ $2,410,000/ 161.3% 3 WHAT A GIRL WANTS/ 2,964/ $1,900,000/ 243.3% Weekend projections Title/wknd gross/% change/screens/total gross/budget & mktg cost/wks out 1. Anger Management/ $43,500,000/- /3,551/ $43,500,000/ $56 - $35/ 1 2. Phone Booth/$7,700,000/ -48.7%/ 2,489 +8/ $26,800,000/ $13 - $25/ 2 3. What a Girl Wants/$7,000,000/ -38.8%/ 2,964/ $20,700,000/ $25 - $22/ 2

Thank you for all the news and articles. I don't like to single anyone out, but Mari, you made my day with the AOL-link. Even though I still can't see the pictures (mostly blur, like modern paintings) the voices are very clear. The reruns of Talking Movies have all been cancelled here due to the war. No HD in this part of the world. So for now it's switching between the aol-link and the Hope Springs trailer. You see, we rise above it ;-) btw, has the scene with the scarf-towel-opening-door been cut from the trailer since yester, or is it just my player playing tricks on me? Would love to have seen the transcripts from the promotionvideo, but alas and alack - it was not to be (or I just can't find them)

By GINIA BELLAFANTE She used to write for TIME and six years ago wrote the definitive review of P&P for Time.Now at the NY Times she is still a CF fan. In the new box office hit "What a Girl Wants, Take that, London Times, Telegraph, Guardian and anybody else who is sharpening their knives waiting to carve up this film.

Mari! Thank you for the 'snippet'! Now I can rock out in the privacy of my own home with ODB! People were beginning to complain when I did it in the theater! ;-) Annette...I'm still seeing the towel-scarf-twirl scene...(BTW, am very happy that you are able to see these....you must have something to hold you over until the release of WAGW!).

I did some blurry snaps of the HS trailer: Thanks, Mari, for the versions to choose from. http://www.murphsplace.com/firth/hope.html

Murph! Thank you! You got one of my favorites....Colin sketching! Oh...to be a brush in the mouth of ODB (it's the little fantasies that keep me happy.....a few weeks ago I wanted to be a tennis ball). ;-)

Checked with my theatre about the Coming Soon Hope Springs poster...Waited about 10 minutes for these "ladies" to check email...As far as they could tell (not very far) there was no scheduled showing through the end of June...No press kits available either. "Customer service lady" "These art house films just sometimes get plugged in at the last minute" Very helpful.. Did I mention I hate living here???

(CF).."what an asshole." (Mari)Gasp! You mean . . he's not Fitz Darcy after all??!!;-) ;-) ;-) *Snort* LOL, Mari, I was thinking it sounds like something one of us would say.;-) Can't wait to get my copy, either.

OMG, Tell me, what could be the only redeeming factor for sitting through AM tonight? Watching a 7-8 minute music video created for the new film, LA. I don't know if this will be the official trailer. It was part of the "20"...the twenty minutes of different things before the previews start. My usual multiplex doesn't have this feature. No I wasn't being a traitor, but I had to give in and vary the films. What a sick film AM is. DH even said, we should have gone to see WAGW....I did say, "I told you so" But the LA video was excellent and worth it. I did stop in the WAGW theater to see the numbers, it was full. Now for the details on LA... No talking, just All You Need is Love playing throughout. CF in tons of scenes. V. surprising given the large cast. HG and LN in a few quick scenes. But plenty of snogging on Colin's part. From what I could gather, the man that kisses him looks like the father or older relative of the non-english speaking lover (sorry, but I don't know her name)Colin seems stunned/surprised by the kiss, but I don't think it was sexual...at least it didn't seem that way. ODB looks AFG, oh so AFG. The "walk" is there also. Not the stiffened version from WAGW, but the regular BJD walk in the snow one. Looks like he's writing a manuscript of some sort, because in one of the scenes he and the lover are sitting outside and the wind just blows all of the sheets of paper into the air...they laugh and kiss about it:-) The only words spoken are by HG at the very end. He's caught kissing MMc in a crowded room and she says something like "what do we do now?" and HG answers, "just smile" Thanks for the box office numbers, glad to see WAGW remain in the top 5. The sad part is that AM is going to end up in first place. I never saw so many people leave a film before it was over. Nothing worth laughing over either. Just a sick, sick film. I'm a JN fan, but this was bad.

(Linda) Watching a 7-8 minute music video created for the new film, LA. OMG! I now have to see if it is playing here....DH wanted to see AM tonight and we decided to spend evening with urban family instead. Will now suggest this for tomorrows viewing since forecast calls for rain, rain, rain! Hope it's there! Thanks so much for the heads up Linda (BTW...is AM that bad? Will I suffer?)

(Linda) Watching a 7-8 minute music video created for the new film, LA. No talking, just All You Need is Love playing throughout. CF in tons of scenes. Sounds like it might have been the bit they showed at the SHOWEST convention. I never saw so many people leave a film before it was over. Guess you didn't see Solaris. ;-) I liked it though. Mari, will await your view of AM on O&E. (Maria) Did I mention I hate living here??? I know *exactly* how you feel. I hated it, too. ;-)

Just to clarify...The LA music video was not part of the trailer package for AM. Rather, it was part of a special feature called The 20 which I have only seen in this particular theater. It is a 20-minute commercial/featurette that has several parts, this one included a piece on Alfred Hitchcock and classic films.

Thank you Mari for the trailer, made my day and Murph for the great pics. And thanks Evelyn for the reviews and Linda for the LA clip. Starting all ready. This is good news. Thanks everyone.

At the risk of being known as "The Copycat", I'll just second what FanPam postet. Does anyone, who subscribes to Variety.com, know what this is: Entertainment takes "Potato Men" Adam Dawtrey: London Eye Posted 4/13/03 6:00am (appears when searching for CF)

I don't know this magazine, but the covers surely look very "horror-like". Can't determine if it's good or bad for Trauma to be mentioned here: http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=967

Forgot to write on the last entry (fangoria) that the article is the one from Variety (nothing new). I suppose this is just "qualified guessing" or what: the inspector a family gathering turns into a nightmare when a gruesome suicide is revealed. [colin firth, mena suvari, noah wyle, ryan phillippe] I don't know the site, looks like some sort of "group". http://springv0.tripod.com/insp.htm

Karen: I have the NY Times article Evelyn mentioned here with the picture: http://www.murphsplace.com/firth/NYTimes.html Feel free to download it if you want. I am not doing much with my site any more -- too many other great ones out there.

[colin firth, mena suvari, noah wyle, ryan phillippe] Colin is in with the young and happening kids. This is bizarre. Reese and Livia can keep each other company at the lamasse class. Or is that pre-natal yoga? ;-) Thanks for all the links, trailers, etc. I am looking for the satellite interview, where can I read it?

(Moon) I am looking for the satellite interview, where can I read it? Me too, me too!

Wow Karen, you did it again! Great trailer captures on your Hope Springs page! So much clearer than I get when I play the trailer here. Love when he says "I believe it can go either way", then the pants drop. Loved that exchange in the book.

Colin is in with the young and happening kids. This is bizarre. Reese and Livia can keep each other company at the lamasse class. Or is that pre-natal yoga? ;-) LOL - you've obviously also seen the latest HS-picture. But as I tried to say, very unarticularly (sp?), the source of this information I just can't figure out. The satellite interview dissapeared overnight, I guess. Didn't see it either -(

Sorry, forgot both the referencename (Moon) and the italics. I'll blame it on the boogie;-) Karen, thank you for the captures from the Hope Springs trailer. My first good viewing from this one. Also nice to read, that Conspiracy won!

Just saw the HS captures! Thank you Karen! These are GREAT!! Love the one of ODB where he has his hands to his face....and the one above it were he is sketching and looking up....oh....gawd....they're just all good! Thanks....(and thanks Sophie for helping). The kiss looks a bit chaste...;-(

(Moon) I am looking for the satellite interview, where can I read it? (BeeDee) Me too, me too! Maybe they will turn up in their entirety sometime. She did infer it would be quite an undertaking.

From CNN according to data collected Sunday by the AP: Top 10 North American box office this weekend. 1. 'Anger Management,' $44.5 million 2. 'Phone Booth,' $7.5 million 3. 'What a Girl Wants,' $6.7 million 4. 'Bringing Down the House,' $4.6 million 5. 'A Man Apart,' $4.5 million 6. 'Head of State,' $4 million 7. 'House of 1000 Corpses,' $3.4 million 8. 'Chicago,' $3.3 million 9. 'The Core,' $3.2 million 10. 'Basic,' $2.2 million http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/13/box.office.ap/

Reuters: Total to date: What A Girl Wants .............. $ 20.4 million I think they increased the theatres this week to : 2964

*Clap, clap* Boss. Terrific captures of HS. Esp. on IE. I love the one where he is carrying HG down the road. LOL. Wearing his custom-made truss no doubt.[*my* keepsake!). Glad it didn't end up on the cutting room floor as he feared. (Took six days to shoot that scene, didn't he say that?) Kudos to Sophie ...and Josie for the GWAPE shot. Mobetta than my hard copy from Premiere winging its way to you.

I saw one review of WAGW today that I thought was worth sharing (or, at least, part of it). One thing that makes it interesting is that it's from Florida State University's independent newspaper (i.e., not the target market for this film, but the reviewer has the good sense to recognize this). But the part that made me want to post it was what is said about ODB: That does not mean, however, that the film cannot be exposed. As a matter of fact, it does it to itself, in the casting of Colin Firth as the free spirit in a tightly wound body. Among his long list of accomplishments is the role of Darcy in the BBC's masterful epic miniseries "Pride and Prejudice," as well as playing a variation on Darcy in a role opposite Renee Zellweger in Oscar-nominated "Bridget Jones's Diary." What should come now in the review is the phrase "he is all wrong for this movie." So ... Firth is wrong for this movie, and by that, it is meant that he is too good, too sincere and completely runs away with the film for anyone old enough to realize it. Especially toward the beginning, in the scenes in which he gets to know his daughter for the first time, he is absolutely wonderful. Firth is an incredibly accomplished actor, and walking through a role is never an option. This is clearly not the case for Jonathan Pryce, whose villainous political adviser is as congested as Americans think Brits really are. There is no one else in the film who matches Firth. He makes his material work, and consequently almost dupes the material into a well-executed family drama. URL for complete review: http://www.fsunews.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/04/10/3e947b333848b

Karen, fab HS trailer shots! I love the dreamy kiss. Mmmmm. Annette, great find! Sydney Pollack is the director? This is a very good sign. I don't know who Mitch Ryan is but Christine Baranski is good. I'll have to learn to like Ryan P. but that's workable.

Karen, thanks for the yummy HS pictures and the new ones in the GWAPE gallery as well. Thanks, Rika for a great review. Firth is wrong for this movie, and by that, it is meant that he is too good, too sincere and completely runs away with the film for anyone old enough to realize it. He is simply "too" everything.

Karen, waddaya think about this "The Inpector" thing? Can is be real? Same lead actress as Trauma makes it suspect. Sounds interesting if it is real but haven't we seen this kind of teaser before? You are the Queen of the real poop! I'll wait for your ok before I start to salivate. Go to it Dr. Pavlov.

That's not to say that I don't appreciate Annette's "early warning" in the morning googling! Thanks again Annette. Can't wait to catch you in the morning!!

Murph, your site is just as great. Thanks Rika for the really good review. Annette thank you for the links. Never heard anything about the Inspector. Thanks for the good box office reports Evelyn. Thanks for all the news everyone. Karen, Tremendous HS Gallery. Thank you so much. Sorry for previous glitch.

Conspiracy won a BAFTA last night, best single drama (as in, not a serial).

Did he attend the BAFTAS? Karen, cf.com just gets better and better! Thank you!

(Moon Dreams)Did he attend the BAFTAS? Given this sites keen interest in Colin Firth, I don't think he attended. There is no mentioning of him at all (but - what do I know, just guessing). http://www.femail.co.uk/pages/standard/article.html?in_article_id=176635&in_page_id=119

Awfully quiet in here today. Is everyone watching her interview tape--the one that everyone seemed to know about, but only Karen mentioned its existence?;-) (NY Times)the genre has traditionally portrayed parents and children in separate, opposing orbits. . . .mothers and father were presented as cold, absent, constraining or incompetent . . . . "In all those movies, traditionally, parents were idiots," Bingo! She hit the nail on the head. I wrote something very similar on the Spoilers board. People are sick of seeing smart-mouthed brats and clueless parents. WAGW, in spite of its fantasy elements, offers a much more realistic view of parent-child relationships today.

British magazine "Company" gives HS a favourable review and 3 stars. Brief item on CF as romantic lead (P&P, BJD)....says that HS proves he he has still got it.

Thanks, Bethan for the little review blurbs of late. :-)

(bethan)says that HS proves he has still got it. Oh does he ever.

I know nothing about TV programming in the US, nor am I sure whether anyone of you has already known about this. Anyway, I just found this on the web, and here's for your reference: Camille 120 minutes- USA, 1984, Video Directed by Desmond Davis and starring Greta Scacchi, Colin Firth, John Gielgud Billie Whitelaw, Ben Kingsley, Denholm Elliott A prominent 19th-century Frenchman exacts a fateful promise from the courtesan with whom his son is in love. Tue Apr 29 04:00P RC- Women's Entertainment-WE

Thanks, Josie! I didn't know it was going to be on and have now marked it on my calendar. It's actually on a channel I have! :-)

It's great! So, can u tell me: what is these RC and WE stand for? (sorry, I'm off-topic. I'm just too curious.) ;-)

Hi Josie! "WE" means Womens Entertainment. It's a way it can be found in the printed tv directories. Different tv services have different numbers so you can find it in the various television guides by the letters. In my area I have a Directv dish and the number for the WE station is 260 but on my Mom's tv it's a different number so she can find it by the letters if she wants to. To tell you the truth, I don't know what the RC stands for. Perhaps someone else can help with this. What type of system do you have..........to find current CF stuff on TV (did this to keep on topic;-))

Thanks, Beedee. I can't see any programs shown in US TV channels. Maybe I ask my bro and see if he can record it for me.

I just got word from Disney, that Hope Springs won't be getting a theatrical release in Denmark -( He said however it would get here as video. The US is still TBD. No website (yet?).

Wow this board has been busy, and there has been so much to comment on. I have wondered, if (when) WAGW opens in South Africa, do I do a back to back screening on the first day, or would I need a day to absorb everything that has been noticed? (you may have to consider that the first viewing will be a blank wide eyed stare at the screen)

From Empire about Trauma, nothing really new but check out the directors picture! He really looks like a cross between David Crosby and Liam Neeson.....;-)) http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?4679

Welcome, Josie! Thanks again for the GWAPE pic from Premiere. RC = Romance Channel. Bummer about HS, Annette.:-( Maria, too funny, the Trauma director is a stoner.;-) Here's an article from today's Los Angeles Times, about how the portrayal of children born out of wedlock has changed over the years; numerous quotes about WAGW: http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/cl-et-king15apr15,0,1764589.story?coll=cl-home-more-channels

"In the recently released comedy "What a Girl Wants," geared toward preteen girls, the film's 17-year-old heroine is born out of wedlock." Wrong! It was never established that those Bedouin drums were just banging for a mating ritual!!;-))

(Maria), He really looks like a cross between David Crosby and Liam Neeson.....;-)) Plus, an ex-Hells Angels. LOL! Thanks, Maria! Sorry to hear about HS and Denmark, Annette. I love the Danish Film Manifesto directors, BTW. Thanks for the Camille info, Josie. BTW, I saw a brilliant pianist who is a CF look-a-like. He is David Rees-Williams, lives in Canterbury, does session work in London and unfortunately, I can't find one picture of him on the web. There is only one from the back, but if any of you in the UK see his name go see him play. He is truly brilliant. And, bring your camera.

Marc Evans looks like "Butcher Bill's "brother. Don't miss Camille...Armand is a cutie:-D (Mari) Here's an article from today's Los Angeles Times, about how the portrayal of children born out of wedlock has changed over the years; numerous quotes about WAGW: Thanks Mari. Just think if Christabel La Motte had been allowed to keep Maia, then AS Byatt wouldn't have had a novel:-(

(Leah) I have wondered, if (when) WAGW opens in South Africa, do I do a back to back screening on the first day, or would I need a day to absorb everything that has been noticed? (you may have to consider that the first viewing will be a blank wide eyed stare at the screen) Back to back, definitely!!! That would be delightful! (MariaT) He really looks like a cross between David Crosby and Liam Neeson.....;-)) ROTF! But you're absolutely right, he does! Thanks Mari. Just think if Christabel La Motte had been allowed to keep Maia, then AS Byatt wouldn't have had a novel:-( It seemed strange to me that they used 1963's Tom Jones as the beginning of the shift in portraying illegitimacy. If Tom hadn't been illegitimate, Henry Fielding could probably have skipped about 300 pages of his book. ;-)

I'm not 100% certain about this as I've no idea what Marc Evans looks like, but I don't think the man in the photo on the Empire site is him. I think it's actually Kim Newman, who writes for Empire and is mentioned further down in the piece. I've seen a small photo of him in the magazine in the past and seem to remember he had glasses and gothic-looking facial hair - I doubt there could be two separate people who look quite like that!

(Annette) He said however it would get here as video. The US is still TBD. Annette! Sorry to hear about HS in Denmark! And thank you for checking up for us in the US! Much appreciated.... (MariaT) Wrong! It was never established that those Bedouin drums were just banging for a mating ritual!!;-)) This is true! And I like to think HD and Libby were married the whole time! If he had married Glynnis, he would have been a bigamist (when thinking about it, he really was like a true politician)! ;-D (MariaT) He really looks like a cross between David Crosby and Liam Neeson.....;-)) (KathyF) ROTF! But you're absolutely right, he does! Uncle Steve! I was wondering where he was!! ;-)

(Maria)Wrong! It was never established that those Bedouin drums were just banging for a mating ritual!!;-)) Hee hee. I keep thinking about Daphne's voiceover to the desert scene at the end: "My mom and dad got married again! Legally, this time. (pause) I think.";-) (Barbara)I doubt there could be two separate people who look quite like that! Well, we've already identified David Crosby and Tress's Uncle Steve.;-)

Let me remind everyone that this topic is Colin Firth news and no topic on Drool is a chatroom. A while back I provided a link to a chatroom facility that Terry set up, but no one used it. Please do not use Drool for such things instead. Not only do you use up the finite messages within a topic, but they are stored on our server, which takes up space and causes Terry to buy more space.

Thanks for the reminder, boss. We all slip occasionally.

I'm not sure why this is such a difficult concept. The topic is Colin Firth news here. Please email your Off Topic info to whomever. Thank you.

(Mari) I keep thinking about Daphne's voiceover to the desert scene at the end: "My mom and dad got married again! Legally, this time. (pause) I think." You mean there was speaking during this part? I must have been a tad distracted. As I don't have a working email for you Amy, just a quick message...... Ouch!

This is from Screen Daily Intl. UK's prestigious film mag. If it has been posted before I apologize. But it has today's date in the by-line. What A Girl Wants Mike Goodridge in Los Angeles 16 April 2003 Although the trailers made it look like another trashy teen flick, What A Girl Wants surprisingly possesses a degree of class. The fairy-tale story of a Brooklyn teenager who runs away to England to discover her aristocratic dad recalls Disney smash The Princess Diaries with its genuinely disarming characters and the sweet message at its heart. A starring vehicle for talented teen Amanda Bynes, a US TV star from Nickelodeon shows All That and The Amanda Show, What A Girl Wants opened with an OK $11.4m at the domestic box office and, trusting that word-of-mouth is strong, could stay afloat in the marketplace for a few weeks yet. At least in the domestic market, movies aimed at young girls such as The Princess Diaries, A Walk To Remember and Legally Blonde have been proving enormously profitable for their respective distributors, and the relatively inexpensive What A Girl Wants should follow that trend. In the international markets, where there are likewise millions of under-served young girls who want their own movies, its Cinderella set-up and feelgood factor will also serve it well - especially in the current gloom of global affairs. Most welcome surprise of all is Bynes, whose perky cuteness beside two Horse Guards on the poster appears like a nauseating indication of further cloying fish-out-of-water horrors in the film. Fortunately she is more palatable than she appears on paper, giving a well-realised performance as a confident but slightly damaged teen. Nor is England portrayed in the ultra-cliched way one would expect from the poster. While the palatial mansion and estate in which she lands seem to be positioned rather incongruously in central London, the English characters are generally sharp-tongued and droll - more Four Weddings than Mary Poppins. Loosely based on the 1958 movie The Reluctant Debutante starring Sandra Dee and Rex Harrison, the film starts with a prologue in which the young Englishman Henry Dashwood (Firth) falls for bohemian American Libby (Kelly Preston) on a Moroccan holiday and the two marry. However, when he takes her home to his family seat in England, his father dies and he must immediately assume the mantle of Lord Dashwood. Libby is told by his ruthless advisor Alastair Payne (Pryce) to give him his freedom and she abandons the marriage and flees to New York. But unbeknownst to Henry, Libby was pregnant and 17 years later, her daughter Daphne (Bynes) has a yearning to meet her father not least because she never gets to have the father-daughter dance at weddings or parties. Impulsively, she gets on a plane to London where she seeks out Lord Dashwood and breaks the news to him. He meanwhile is standing for election to parliament and is on the brink of marrying the pushy Glynnis (nicely malevolent Chancellor) and assuming her daughter (Christina Cole) as his own. Stunned that he has a daughter and still smarting that Libby left him, Henry warms to Daphne but after she displays her unconventional style at a few stuffy social functions, he determines to ensure that she acquires a degree of good English breeding. She meanwhile has embarked on a romance with a young musician (James) and is faced with the quandary of changing who she is or losing her father. It?s a fun film principally for pre-teens and teens which has a few incidental pleasures for grown-ups including some nice one-liners from Brit stalwarts like Eileen Atkins ("No hugging, my dear. We British only show affection to dogs and horses.")." ~~~~~~~~~~` V. encouraging review. Perhaps the broadsheets won't pummel it after all.

Hi Everyone, Wanted to pop in for a second while I have one, to tell you some news about Love Actually and Edge of Reason. There will be a U.S. preview of LA on July 1. And as for the Edge of Reason, it is still on track, the only pending key issue is Renee's deal. :) We are expecting a revised draft of the script from Adam Brooks tomorrow. I promise to pop in when I can and have more I can release for either project. It's been rough lately with my schedule and my husband's as he's been pushing his new film. Take care everyone! PS, if Colin's wife has a baby girl then it's all over for sure. :)

Hola, Lola! Thanks for the info, but why a preview of LA that's 4 months in advance of the release? Are they moving up the release date? Or maybe I'm not sure what you mean by preview. (Evelyn)Perhaps the broadsheets won't pummel it after all. Am going to remind you that you wrote that.;-) Odd they barely mentioned Colin.

(Hola Lola)There will be a U.S. preview of LA on July 1. Thank you for the news. Perhaps this will be the one to "cross both ponds". (July 1. is a special day for me, must be a good sign). Nice to hear, that EOR is still on (Please sign the dotted line, Renee!!)

(Lola), And as for the Edge of Reason, it is still on track, the only pending key issue is Renee's deal. :) We are expecting a revised draft of the script from Adam Brooks tomorrow. So you are on record as saying that all the other players have signed on the dotted line? Please give us the full cast, who will play Natasha? And, do tell us if we will get the towel scene. Thanking you in advance, Lola. :-D

(Lola) And as for the Edge of Reason, it is still on track, the only pending key issue is Renee's deal. :) We are expecting a revised draft of the script from Adam Brooks tomorrow. Ohhh....goodie! Is Renee waiting on this revision? Do you need assistance with any 'proofing' or anything? I'm more than willing to help!! ;-) (Lola) PS, if Colin's wife has a baby girl then it's all over for sure. :) I hope they have a girl...but I'm sure they'll be happy as long as the little one is healthy. But imagine! Daddy's little girl! And if she's half as cute as Luca...you're right Lola....it's all over! Always glad when you 'drop by'...thanks for the news!

Thanks Lola for taking time to give us such good news. Hope they have a girl, too.

Hi Lola, thanks for the news on LA and TEoR. Bring it on, Renee. (Moon)So you are on record as saying that all the other players have signed on the dotted line? Please give us the full cast, who will play Natasha? And, do tell us if we will get the towel scene. Thanking you in advance, Lola. :-) And the kitchen scene, and the second towel scene. Sorry, Lola we're jus a bit anxious. Moon, did you mean Natasha or Rebecca? (Lola)PS, if Colin's wife has a baby girl then it's all over for sure. :) ...and he does father to a daughter so well. *sigh* Evelyn, thanks for that encouraging review from the UK. Now, a few good ones for HS and maybe we'll get a US release date that sticks.

Still haven't been able to see WAGW, but the interview tape arrived today. My favorite part is when he says: "Lisa, Lisa, can you here me? Lisa?" I can't remember how mant times he said it, but to hear him say my name was unbelievable. :-) When he says "What an ***hole," it sounded to me as if he was mimicking someone who had said it over the audio feed, as I swear CF said it with an American accent. Hola Lola, as always, thanks for the update on LA and TEOR. Because of your updates, I've stopped worrying about the latter film. It will happen...

(LisaJH) ...the interview tape arrived today Okay, I'm going to come out and say I'm lost. I've heard vague references of this tape before, and I've looked through the postings for the past week to no avail. Was this talked about on a now-deleted post?

(Lisa JH)Still haven't been able to see WAGW, but the interview tape arrived today. My favorite part is when he says: "Lisa, Lisa, can you here me? Lisa?" I can't remember how mant times he said it, but to hear him say my name was unbelievable. LOL I heard him say "Janice" first and thought that everyone out there with that name would faint and then when he started in on Lisa, over and over, I thought he might be hitting pretty close to home. ; ) There are so many good bits about this tape that I think it deserves an in-depth analysis. E-mail me if you care to participate. joyce3@att.net

My favorite part is when he says: "Lisa, Lisa, LOL. I thought of you too, Lisa. This tape is a riot. For what goes on off screen more than on. No transcript can do it justice. Those grimaces and noises. I have never seen anyone so bored ...but he can sure turn on the juice when he has to. LMAO.

(Lisa) "What an ***hole," it sounded to me as if he was mimicking someone who had said it over the audio feed, as I swear CF said it with an American accent. Yes, he sure is, doing it with an American accent. (Meredith) I've heard vague references of this tape before, and I've looked through the postings for the past week to no avail. Was this talked about on a now-deleted post? No, it is still up there at #847, posted on April 11, a mere six days ago. You probably didn't notice it because of all the off topic messages.

Tried to find this online yesterday and failed, but Jennie has kindly provided this article which appeared in the Isle of Man Examiner: Top Hollywood star comes to Island ONE of Hollywood's hottest young actresses is teaming up with one of Britain's favourite actors for a film to be shot in the Island at the end of the month. Mena Suvari, star of the Oscar-winning American Beauty, will be here filming the psychological drama, Trauma, alongside Colin Firth. The news comes three weeks after the Examiner revealed Scream star Neve Campbell will be starring in wartime spoof Churchill: The Hollywood Years, with Christian Slater in the title role. Churchill arrives on April 22, while Trauma reaches Manx shores six days later, joining the seventh series of ITV's Trial and Retribution which started filming on April 5 in making it an important month for the Isle of Man Film Commission. Suvari, 24, shot to fame in 1999 when she followed up hit comedy American Pie with her role as the teenage temptress opposite Kevin Spacey in American Beauty. Firth is hot off Bridget Jones' Diary and it will be his second visit to the Island after he appeared in Relative Values opposite Julie Andrews. He's also starred in hits like Shakespeare in Love, Fever Pitch and The English Patient. Trauma will be the 48th project shot in the Island since the Brylcreem Boys started the ball rolling in 1995. It's being made by Little Bird, one of the production companies behind both Bridget Jones and Churchill. Trauma, which will shoot at the new film studio in Lezayre, will be directed by Marc Evans (Resurrection Man) from a script by Richard Smith.

It's being made by Little Bird, one of the production companies behind both Bridget Jones and Churchill. ? I don't think so.

Yes, it is. Jonathan Cavendish, one of the producers, is a principal in Little Bird.

(Meredith) I've heard vague references of this tape before, and I've looked through the postings for the past week to no avail. Was this talked about on a now-deleted post? (Karen) No, it is still up there at #847, posted on April 11, a mere six days ago. But it was just a one-line reference in a post that also talked about other things, so I think Meredith's mention of a "vague reference" is pretty accurate. Someone videotaped part of the satellite feed when CF was made available to talk to the press via satellite about WAGW. The tape is like 90 minutes of "CF-Cam". The camera stays on him, and he's got an earpiece through which he hears the journalists' questions. So you don't hear the questions, only the answers, and you also see/hear him between interviews sometimes. The original tape was auctioned on eBay, but when the guy started getting other requests (he says he had no idea how popular CF was), he made additional copies available. I don't know if Karen would consider it appropriate to post his e-mail address or the pricing information here or not, so I'll leave that decision to her.

(Lisa)My favorite part is when he says: "Lisa, Lisa, (Evelyn)LOL. I thought of you too, Lisa. I did too, and kept hoping that one of the interviewers would be named Linda...so I could hear him say my name. ***SIGH*** As Karen said awhile back...it is worth its weight in gold:-) Thank you, Karen for the Trauma news.

(Karen)Yes, he sure is, doing it with an American accent. Also mimicked someone on the other end who said:"He's an idiot";-) Always strikes me funny when he does an American interview, he goes into American lingo; in British press he goes into Brit terms. He seems enormously pleased that the film is getting such a good reception. Wasn't so vague to me, I saw the announcement of the tape and inquired.

Did anybody else feel kind of voyeuristic watching it? Not that it stopped me, mind you. ;-) (Evelyn) Always strikes me funny when he does an American interview, he goes into American lingo; in British press he goes into Brit terms. I thought he sounded more American than usual, but I thought maybe it was just my fevered imagination! (Evelyn) Wasn't so vague to me, I saw the announcement of the tape and inquired. Which is the same thing Meredith was doing. The difference is, people apparently have been inquiring via e-mail, so ordering information never made it onto this board.

I hardly think this is vague: BTW, does everyone know about the guy who is selling copies of Colin's satellite press conference? If not, I'll post it here. No one responded on the board; therefore, I didn't post it since either people (a) had already ordered it but had not shared the information with this board or (b) were not interested. Perhaps now people will understand why this board is for News. If anyone is confused or vague about things, please contact me at my office email address.

(Karen) No one responded on the board; therefore, I didn't post it since either people (a) had already ordered it but had not shared the information with this board or (b) were not interested. I can only speak for my own reasons for not sharing the information publicly. I was informed of it via e-mail by a friend, with information she copied from another CF board. Since there has been rather strenuous objection posted here (with which I do not disagree) to the practice of people lifting information from Drool and posting it elsewhere without attribution, I didn't think it right to commit the same crime in reverse, and I didn't have the information I would have needed to attribute properly. Further, it wasn't clear to me that you would approve of the posting of what amounted to a commercial advertisement, particularly when it was difficult to verify whether or not the whole thing was legitimate until people started receiving tapes. I didn't receive my tape until a couple of days after you had gotten yours and posted your mini-transcript.

As I was one of the original bidders for the tape and didn't need anybody's permission to post the details, all it would've required was someone to say they were interested in the purchase info. (Rika) I can only speak for my own reasons Are you sure you aren't speaking for Meredith again? ;-)

If I may make a suggestion: When in doubt, always send Karen the information via e-mail. That's what I've always done. That way I leave it to her to post it here whichever way she finds it, relevant or not. I was away when the tape info was posted and was curious about it so I e-mailed Karen and as always, she was kind enough to give me the information I needed to order the tape which I plan to do today. :-D

Oh for cryin' out loud. The guy with the tape is at: kjunman1@hotmail.com Mine is fine. If anyone wants to get together and discuss it contact me at joyce3@att.net. No purchase necessary. I'm not sure what all the mystery is about either.

Um, I vote for discussing it right here, as we have been doing. (Evelyn) Also mimicked someone on the other end who said:"He's an idiot";-) I think it was "are you retarded?" (Rika, the fevered) I thought he sounded more American than usual, but I thought maybe it was just my fevered imagination! I don't think his accent is different, but Colin's voice changes when he's being Colin, as opposed to when he's acting. His real voice sounds less patrician, less formal, more like an everyday person. Also, you hear him using more colloquialisms than his characters generally call for.;-) I like his real life voice better, frankly. I started yelling at the sceen when he launched into the old "it's usually someone's aunt/granny/mother/neighbor" when someone apparently mentioned his hottie status. Somebody needs to tell him to cut that sh*t out.:-) Maybe I just did.;-) The reporters were apparently very complimentary to him, judging by the number of times he very sweetly offered his thanks in response to a comment.

(Mari) I like his real life voice better, frankly. And his real laugh too. He did one of those deep chuckles to himself, when he knows he's been funny, just like on the Jon Stewart show with the autoeroticism line. As I was rereading New Cardiff (you know, just in case, it should show up), I was reminded of an example Colin could've have given to the same word/different meaning situation that wasn't as, ahem, "filthy" as the one he ultimately used. He could have talked about rubbers. ;-))))))

(Karen) He could have talked about rubbers. ;-)))))) LOL, I'm in the middle of Katie McCallister's Improper Englih that someone on this topic recommended because of the Colin references.(Sorry, I can't remember who) In this book, the reference is to ahem, "raincoats" Everytime they call them raincoats, I get visions of yellow slickers with hoods...yikes. BTW, this reads like a cross between BJD/TEoR and New Cardiff. (which I just reread too, and find it funnier each time.)

That's Improper English.

Must be v. improper because rubbers (Br) are erasers (Am). Colin Ware asks for India rubbers at the art store. But I like the raincoat one as well. ;-)

The guy selling the tape on Ebay must think he's struck gold! I wonder how many copies he's made to date? - I've just ordered mine. (Lindak)BTW, this reads like a cross between BJD/TEoR and New Cardiff. (which I just reread too, and find it funnier each time.) I've just finished reading it, and I agree that ODB would be perfect as Alex Black.

(Karen), Must be v. improper because rubbers (Br) are erasers (Am). Colin Ware asks for India rubbers at the art store. But I like the raincoat one as well. ;-) ROTF! I have news! Just saw WAGW at another theatre and what stared right at me? The HS poster! It is up as in coming soon. I went right to the manager to ask how soon and was told that they don't have a date set. I told them it's supposed to be in the Fall and asked if it was normal to have a poster up now for it (it's not like it has famous actors), and the theatre does not have many glass enclosed poster spots. Was told it was a teaser - if only they knew how right they are. ;-) And, no they did not have an extra poster. He looks great in that poster.

(Karen)Must be v. improper because rubbers (Br) are erasers (Am). Colin Ware asks for India rubbers at the art store. But I like the raincoat one as well. ;-) Did you mean *Durex*Indian rubbers (BR)? Got a flyer at work the other day offering Durex in bulk to service agencies at deep discount! Guess who I thought of?

I guess Colin has finally fulfilled his teenager dreams of becoming a rock star since now we can find "bootlegs" of his. :) Re: rubbers/raincoats,... In France they're called preservatifs, which accounted for puzzled looks on my face when I first read some food ingredients list in the US: no preservatives (I sure hope not!).

I'm a happy bunny this morning (appropriate since it's Easter!) - I've just received my free tickets to the HS preview on Thursday! Thanks Karen, for posting the link to The Film Factory Website, and enabling me to get the tickets. I hope you ladies across the pond get a chance to see it very soon. - Keeping my fingers crossed that 'Coming Soon' really means that!

Ooooooo! Cute Bunny......watcher! Thanks Karen.

It appears that MD has been "stirred" as well. Lovely pic!

According to Antonella, Minnie Driver was on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on BBC1. "They showed a short clip of Hope Springs with her and Colin in the hotel room. Although she seemed to be more interested in promoting her future comedy with Matthew Perry at the London West End."

Although she seemed to be more interested in promoting her future comedy with Matthew Perry at the London West End." And who can blame her? HS has had too many delays and although the posters may be in theatres in Southern Florida, there is that question of the release date. ;-) Grazie Antonella and Karen!

Review of Hope Springs from Rich Cline (Shadows on the Wall & BBC Radio 5); gave it only 1-1/2 stars out of 5: The latest lively comedy from Herman (Brassed Off, Little Voice) is this American-style romantic comedy set in New England ... and it's a bit of a mess. Colin (Firth) is a British portrait artist who travels to Hope, Vermont, to get away from his miserable life in England, where his fiancee Vera (Driver) has just told him she's marrying another man. As he settles in Hope, he finds support from the local innkeepers (Steenburgen and Collison), the egotistical mayor (Platt) and, most importantly, a spicy occupational therapist named Mandy (Graham). But just when he starts falling for Mandy, Vera shows up in town. Everything about this film is too much. The story is fractionally too silly, crossing the line and leaving believability in the dust. The set design and decoration is too picture perfect. The jokes take things one step too far. And the characters are too broad to be very believable. It starts off well, with a lively sense of energy and charm, but as Mandy starts behaving like a misfit from a Farrelly Brothers film, we stop believing that Colin could ever fall for this alcoholic stripper with a butterfly fetish. Every event in the film only happens because rom-com conventions say it has to. There's no character logic at all. Falling in love is handled in a trite musical montage that tries desperately to paper over the gaps, and by the time the far worse Vera shows up, we have really lost all interest. This isn't to say the actors are bad; they aren't (in fact, they're the only thing that's remotely watchable about the film!). It's the script, direction and editing that are to blame for this badly derailed fi m. There's enough talent in this film to make a very good romantic comedy. This is not it.

we stop believing that Colin could ever fall for this alcoholic stripper with a butterfly fetish. LOL! I had this problem when I read the book. And I have always questioned CF's love of this book This review stings. Will any one that has seen it come to its rescue?

I for one loved the book. And am reading it again.I found it endearingly charming.Difficult to externalize, yes. But as I said before, a more experienced director could have pulled it off. "It's the script, direction and editing that are to blame for this badly derailed film." This says it all. Still, I'm looking forward to it. Hey, it's the first film in a long time that he's not carryng the water for someone else.

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/daily/ WAGW as of 4/17 #3 at $22,717,000 Phone Booth #4 at $29,406,000 Not bad considering WAGW not selling as many adult fare evening tickets.

Those look like cumulative two week grosses. Actually, I think the box office results have been pretty disappointing for a film like this. If it doesn't haul it in now, the kids will be at that Lizzie Maguire movie soon.

(Karen)Those look like cumulative two week grosses I should have noted that they are the cumulative (4/18) grosses. I was just glad to see Phone Booth slipping behind;-)

If it doesn't haul it in now, the kids will be at that Lizzie Maguire movie soon. I agree! I've seen the LM trailer and it will drag them in. I find Colin utterly adorable in WAGW, I've seen it 4 times now, that is quite a novelty for me. I have also come to like that very perky AB.

(Moon Dreams)And who can blame her? HS has had too many delays and although the posters may be in theatres in Southern Florida, there is that question of the release date. ;-) But this was an appearance on a fairly major UK chat show, just a few weeks before the movie's release in the UK. I felt she seemed a bit negative about it, I have to say.

I felt she seemed a bit negative about it, I have to say. So Janet, would you say that hse has seen HS and is not happy with it? That she might fear the critics reaction? That she would want to bury it as quickly as possible? MD is usually very good with doing the neccessary promotions, her reaction surprises me. :-(

Moon Dreams)MD is usually very good with doing the neccessary promotions, her reaction surprises me. :-( She certainly concentrated on the upcoming play in the West End with Matthew Perry. It wasn't so much what she said, she just didn't seem overly enthusiastic. (Didn't her last couple of movies bomb though, so maybe she's just being cautious.)

(Karen)Those look like cumulative two week grosses. Actually, I think the box office results have been pretty disappointing for a film like this. You said what I've been thinking:-(( TIOBE which wasn't released in as many theatres & received v. little publicity cashed in at $16.M. WB really went to the mat for this film. Can't understand it. Princess Diaries (aside from Julie Andrews) didn't have a lead with as much star-power as AB and it hauled in $23. the first week. Better movie & reviews, huh;-) I agree Moon...I just came back from seeing Henry again on the big screen before he disapears. Henry is quite fetching. I far prefer him to Jack/Earnest.In fact I even like the whole film better. Take that, Oliver Parker!

WAGW is projected to be at over $27 million by tomorrow. That's more than it cost to make. Plus they'll make a bundle in video/DVD. Nobody's going to lose money on this one. (Evelyn)WB really went to the mat for this film. I disagree. The TV advertising completely disappeared once it opened. And where were the ads saying "the #1 comedy in Ametica," which it was after the first week? And they should have been advertising twice a week on American Idol which is the top rated show, especially among the teens. Their marketing stank, IMO, and they're lucky to be getting what they are. I think they blew their budget on all those billboards.;-) (Janet)It wasn't so much what she said, she just didn't seem overly enthusiastic Colin should be out there doing all the chat shows for this one, and maybe he will. It's *his* movie.

Umm, that's America with an "r", of course.;-) Must proof before hitting send in future.

(Mari)I disagree. The TV advertising completely disappeared once it opened. And where were the ads saying "the #1 comedy in Ametica," Well around here the big complaint about TIOBE was that there was no TV advertising...which costs millions. And all the kids look at TV and seldom;-) read the newspapers.They hit MTV and the teen stations. Did they hit the Amanda's station? I haven't watched it recently. Do 12 yr old watch American Idol? I dunno. My newspaper has carried a v. credible ad; each week different with quotes. And it played in every rural movie house in the state. This is the last week, though:-((

[i] (Evelyn) Did they hit the Amanda's station? I haven't watched it recently.[/i] Yes. I saw one about three days ago. [i] (Evelyn) Do 12 yr old watch American Idol? I dunno.[/i] Can't speak for 12 year olds but I know that my 10 year old daughter and my 15 year old daughter are both avid fans. BTW, they also really enjoyed WAGW both times we went to see it together. Interesting to note that before both of our screenings of WAGW, we saw the Lizzie McG movie trailer and not a one of us wants to see it.

(Evelyn)Do 12 yr old watch American Idol? I think it's pretty much top rated among all age groups. Might have brought in more "full fare paying" adults, as would in-person promo from Colin. I think most ticket buyers don't have access to the Colin Unplugged interview tape.;-) I do realize that network advertising on highly rated shows is very expensive. Still, I think it's doing ok, and should be around a while longer, don't you think? (Evelyn)Henry is quite fetching. I far prefer him to Jack/Earnest.In fact I even like the whole film better. Same here! This is one I could watch over and over again. Henry is a sweetheart, and Colin is really very, very good in it. And having always been a daddy's girl myself, I love the father-daughter scenes. A sweet, touching little film.

Yikes. Didn't do my italics properly. Sorry. :-(

(Janet) Didn't her last couple of movies bomb though, so maybe she's just being cautious. That still shouldn't have come through while she was doing publicity. She should be enthusiastic and make people want to see it. I expect TV and print publicity to start up toward the end of the week, especially as the premiere is in eight days, and Heather and Minnie will be making the rounds for sure. It will be interesting to see how much (if any) Colin does on the TV side. He's always participated fully with the print journalists there. You'll have lots of articles in all the newspapers, color supplements, etc. Get your camping gear ready for staking out the newsagents. ;-) (Mari) The TV advertising completely disappeared once it opened. And where were the ads saying "the #1 comedy in Ametica," which it was after the first week? And is not able to say anymore. A lost opportunity to sustain momentum IMO.

(Mari)I disagree. The TV advertising completely disappeared once it opened. And where were the ads saying "the #1 comedy in Ametica," which it was after the first week? I agree, Mari. I did see a few ads on WB and Nick, but nothing major. I thought it fell off drastically after it opened. Surprising since they stared back in Nov. with the HP trailer. (Mari)Still, I think it's doing ok, and should be around a while longer, don't you think? Agree, again. Also, other than AM it seems that the numbers were down for everything that opened these last few weeks. (Mari)Same here! This is one I could watch over and over again. Henry is a sweetheart, and Colin is really very, very good in it. And having always been a daddy's girl myself, I love the father-daughter scenes. A sweet, touching little film. Once more, Mari...See! Can you blame me for seeing it over and over. Colin was excellent in this. I just can't get enough.

This weekend figures up til Sunday AM: WAGW # 6 Grossed $4.8 Cume: $27.5 ( Doesn't include me this aft;-) Finals Monday . It will be around for a long time. And videos sometimes bring in half as much.

(Mari)Same here! This is one I could watch over and over again. Henry is a sweetheart, and Colin is really very, very good in it. And having always been a daddy's girl myself, I love the father-daughter scenes. A sweet, touching little film. Indeed. I went to see it again with a friend, it was her first viewing. Afterwards she said she didn't expect it, but she got teary eyed during one of the father-daughter scenes.

(Linda), Can you blame me for seeing it over and over. Colin was excellent in this. I just can't get enough. Colin is pure joy to watch. He is really acting, his character has depth. I will certainly see it again.

(Evelyn) It will be around for a long time. And videos sometimes bring in half as much. Whether it makes back its costs, which it will easily, is not the point. It isn't doing well at the box office, and the box office matters ( = bankability). You can't hang it on low attendance, when AM continues to rack up such big numbers, despite being panned by critics and audiences alike. It fell to #6 this weekend. (BTW, the highest per screen average went to A Mighty Wind. Huge thumbs up, a riot.)

The family flick "Holes," based on Louis Sachar's book about the adventures of juvenile delinquents forced to dig holes in a dry lake bed, debuted a strong second with $17.1 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. "Holes," whose cast includes Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight and Patricia Arquette, had the strongest average among the top 10 films, at $7,336 in 2,331 theaters. Box-office analysts were surprised by "Holes," whose returns exceeded even distributor Disney's expectations by a few million dollars. "'Holes' was sort of off the radar," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. "But kids know this book, and there's really no movies out there for kids right now. Almost every time when there's a void in the marketplace for family films, all of a sudden one pops up, and families rush out."

""Holes," whose returns exceeded even distributor Disney's expectations by a few million dollars. " Disney is in the business of family movies. When parents see "Disney" they know it's a family event. Watch Lizzie Murphy:"brought to you by the peole who made Princess diaries". BTW Holes got good reviews: 76%. I realize I set my sight too high for the BO receipts of WAGW. Somehow when that vile Kangaroo Jack brings in $65.M I felt sure we could do better . What is lacking is the teen repeaters. I wondered when the first viewers on this board reported that Colin had as much screen time as AB.Good for us, but not for the target audience. Perhaps they tried too hard to go for a wide audience.

LOL. I mean't "Lizzie McGuire"

Not sure if this link has been posted. Go to trailers and clips, then Henry meets Libby; there's a prezzie there for those of us who like Henry in a tux and tails.:-) http://movies.go.com/movies/W/whatagirlwants_2003/index.html#

Mari! Thank you....another lovely distraction....

I found a very small pic from the set of LA in a Tube magazine at my local station. It's from when he was filming at Canary Wharf. Am running around with friends in from Canada so can't scan it now, but will, unless someone else picks it up and gets it. Will be out of town until Thursday. Which is, of course, the PEN/ICI event...

I received "The Lisa Tape" yesterday and just have to say a couple of things....did anyone else notice ODB's habit of lip chewing? I wonder if he had something going on and was trying to get at it or...if this is a regular habit of his. Found it most interesting. Also....love the bit were he gave the Phoenix affiliate a London 'tour' pointing out Parliment and Big Ben....I'm only about a half hour into the tape right now but his is great stuff. Voyeurism at its best (if there is such a thing).

(Tress) or...if this is a regular habit of his. Better than his old habit of picking at his nose/face. ;-)

I don't remember lip-schewing being a big number on his list of habits, but I can tell you pulling on his nose is. He almost wore it out in the first interview he ever gave on A&E for SIL. He's come a loooong way since then. I like the inflection he gives to "*ab*-so-lu-tely" talking about the scenery out west. Wouldn't you love to see that pic of him at 12 with the cowboy hat at Big Bend. BTW David really must have taken a wrong turn if he went to the Grand Canyon by way of San Antonio and El Paso.

Hi everyone Don't know if you already know this or not but WAGW will be released in Video and DVD on July 15th. Saw this info this morning across my desk. Take care!

(Karen) Better than his old habit of picking at his nose/face. ;-) LOL...He did the nose tug a couple of times...(and I've only seen 30 minutes) (Evelyn) I don't remember lip-schewing being a big number on his list of habits... Watch his mouth on the tape...he's going to town on the inside bottom right lip. I find myself just staring at it (and I don't know why..hmmmm). ;-) (Lola) Don't know if you already know this or not but WAGW will be released in Video and DVD on July 15th. Saw this info this morning across my desk. This is good news!! I thought I'd have to go through Hunk Daddy withdrawal. I can last a couple of months...an amazing calmness has come over me. ;-)

ROTFLMAO! Jethro Tull indeed!! Love the "current" Page photo composition.

The mind boggles over the DVD captures that Rika will bring us. When the time comes, we should have a funny photo caption contest. Anyway, I went for viewing # 4 yesterday (I'll never catch up to some of you ladies) and the theater was packed. Lots of kids in my area are on spring break this week. It occurred to me that although the weekend box office has been just ok, WAGW is quietly earning anywhere from a half million to a million every day. Yesterday's (Monday's) figures: $828,411, cumulative total is at $28,056,635. Happy to see "Holes" doing well; this is based on a wonderful Caldecot Medal-winning book of the same name. This is quality children's literature and I'm glad to see families coming out for it in such big numbers. Expose 'em to decent stuff now and maybe in five years they won't be in line for Malibu's Most Wanted.;-)

(Tress)This is good news!! I thought I'd have to go through Hunk Daddy withdrawal. I can last a couple of months...an amazing calmness has come over me. ;-) LOL, I wonder if Lola is a mind reader. I'm calm, too, now. Thank you Lola, for that DVD news, That's my anniversary...I can't think of a better gift. Mari, thanks for the box office numbers. Not exceptional, but holding its own.

(HolaLola)Don't know if you already know this or not but WAGW will be released in Video and DVD on July 15th Great news Lola, and it means I'll hopefully have a copy of the Region 1 DVD before it's cinema release in the UK in August!

Re UK Premiere of HS on 28 April in London. I initially thought the date of the Italian Institute reading had been changed to accommodate his appearance. But filming of Trauma commences in the Isle of Man on the same date. So just where will he be? - (I'm keeping my fingers crossed for EmmaB!)

Anyway, I went for viewing # 4 yesterday (I'll never catch up to some of you ladies) and the theater was packed. I had quite the opposite experience. It was #6 for me and #2 for my friend and we were the only 2 in the room. Needless to say we sat where there is "dancing room" in front of us and had an absolute ball getting up to "release the pressure"! Of course this was because it was the 10:30pm show. My experience has been that weekend matinees have been going strong (a ratio of 70/30 kids vs. more mature audience) whereas in the evening, my friend and I are doing our part by vowing to go once a week until it disappears -- that is aside from other friends I drag there (so far all liked it).

I had quite the opposite experience. It was #6 for me and #2 for my friend and we were the only 2 in the room. Sunday matinee for me.. 4 in the theatre total. It's a cute movie and like we said, it will do fine.

(Janet) But filming of Trauma commences in the Isle of Man on the same date. So just where will he be? Hopefully, he will be at the ICI. Just because filming starts on a given date doesn't necessarily mean he has to be there. I'm sure there are many other things on the production schedule.

I thought the HS premiere was the 28th, and thre ICI thing tomorrow? Anyway, I can't imagine he'll miss the premiere--it's his movie--and surely they can work around him for a couple of days. Also, I'm guessing that a flight to the Isle of Man is very brief? Maybe a half hour or so?

(mari) Also, I'm guessing that a flight to the Isle of Man is very brief? Maybe a half hour or so? And BV might even send a plane for him ;-)

(Mari) I thought the HS premiere was the 28th, and thre ICI thing tomorrow? Quite right; the ICI reading was changed to accommodate the premiere. Not paying attention. He'll be at both. I expect the premiere was bumped up to accommodate him, since the film isn't being released until the 9th, when he'll be coming apart and see apparitions.

(Karen), since the film isn't being released until the 9th, when he'll be coming apart and see apparitions. ROTF! And let's not forget how hard he's work to get to fall apart. ;-) Can't wait to see his "look" for that one. This board will be very busy this next week. :-D

(Odile)my friend and I are doing our part by vowing to go once a week until it disappears -- that is aside from other friends I drag there (so far all liked it). Excellent! I dragged my aunt there last night...she loved it. #11 for me:-) I've had different experiences at different times. Usually the weekend shows are packed...the earlier ones, that is. The week day shows in the evenings have been quiet. Last night there were 12 of us, my daughter being the youngest in the theater. I did manage to see the LA video again, too. That is like the icing on the cake. I did pay special attention to the kiss. Moon, I definitely saw what looked to me like tongue action on his part. You can't see the tongue, but his facial muscles certainly looked as though they were working at more than just lip service:-) BTW, I need to go to the AM theater to see this, as I mentioned before. In this theater there were No people for the 8:00 show. As far as I could see, WAGW had the most at 12. (Moon)Can't wait to see his "look" for that one Anything resembling HD or the InStyle pictures will do me.

(Linda)#11 for me:-) LOL, I think you win the price for multipal (sp?) viewings! You have my vote! I hope the "early" attention for LA is good news in this part of the world. Perhaps this could be the next theatrical release here, first one since BJD :-( Thank you for all the articles and news. And - Karen, as much as I love the HD LP dance, I'm not sure the reflection (sp?) in the mirror is the one Rika hoped to see, when she claimed it as a keepsake ;-) Nevertheless, I like it (HD that is).

*note* New issue of InStyle has a CF pic in the letters section (RZ on the cover).

(Amy)*note* New issue of InStyle has a CF pic in the letters section (RZ on the cover). And a V. fine CF pic it is! Must be from the same photo shoot as the March In Style article. Mmmm,Yummy!

There was some talk about lack of TV ads regarding WAGW. They are showing them on MTV (I won't mention what I've been watching). Have seen it twice tonight. Testimonials from the young ones about how great the film is, with clips....one woman saying how she 'loved the father/daughter relationship'. A "Now Playing" tagged on the end.

The release date for WAGW in South Africa has been confirmed by Numetro as 25 July. Now the waiting begins.

The release date for Love Actually in South Africa has been confirmed by Numetro as 28 November. I sent an email for each of the upcomming films, and by the 3rd email, the reply was - As a dedicated Colin Firth fan, I will hold thumbs with you! I can't wait, and I am glad to see that there is at least one other CF fan in SA.

Re: those questions of WAGW's budget, from yesterday's Martin Grove column in THR, an article about comedies: 4. "What A Girl Wants" from Warner Bros. and Gaylord Films. A family comedy appealing mostly to teenage girls, it's directed by Dennie Gordon and stars Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston, Eileen Atkins, Anna Chancellor and Jonathan Pryce. "Girl," which only cost about $20 million to make, took in $4.5 million last weekend and was down only 28 percent. With its three week cume at $27.2 million, it could end up with around $50 million domestically. "Amanda's last film 'Big Fat Liar' did $48 million and opened up to less than this ($11.6 million in February 2002)," Warners' Fellman said opening weekend. "Based on the way 'Cody Banks' has been holding (this should do nicely). She's got an audience of from 7 to 17 and we're also getting moms and families." http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/columnists/grove/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1871456

(Martin Grove article) With its three week cume at $27.2 million, it could end up with around $50 million domestically. Good news! And it still has its 'international tour' (glad you got a date for South Africa Leah)! After DVD sales (I predict a few in this crowd alone), it should do quite well! Thanks for the article Karen!

and we're also getting moms and families. Moms are a separate category. LOL! If it took 20 million to make how much did Colin get paid?

(Moon Dreams) If it took 20 million to make how much did Colin get paid? Whatever it was, it was'nt enough!! ;-))(come on, you knew someone had to say it!)

(TRess)Testimonials from the young ones about how great the film is, with clips....one woman saying how she 'loved the father/daughter relationship'. LOL.WB heard you Mari. $50 M.ain't bad. Princess Diaries made $24.M on the VHS rentals*. *"The Total VHS Rentals figure at the top of the page is the cumulative figure before it drops off the top 10 rentals chart. A video, on average, will make about 60% more after dropping off the top 10 rentals chart. " At this rate not even TIOBE was a loser.

Eoww! I didn't think the numbers were all that good myself, especially when you look at what some of the others will be pulling in (How to Lose a Guy, et al.). Then when you couple it with how quickly the DVD/video is coming out tells me they don't think the film has much of a shelf life. Sorry, but I don't find it all that encouraging. *looking at my half empty glass*

(Miss Cranky Pants)especially when you look at what some of the others will be pulling in (How to Lose a Guy, et al.) "Ah feel yo'pain" But listen, WAGW can't be compared to "Lose a Guy" or the other rom-coms. For starters it is age (9-13)and gender specific.Right there you cut out a chunk of the paying audience, and your repeaters. My sights were set too high too re:$$$ I look at it this way: It's better than the book. On the bright side, I just recieved my WAGW soundtrack. Oliver James is there, but no Kelly Preston.What a gyp! Three pics of Colin in backside of cover. The "20yr old" coming to meet the parents, the playground scene (they cut his bum, but I've decided the bulge is where he parked his chewing gum!), and going to the office in the Rolls wearing "my blue suit". Inside has the air-guitar scene.

(Evelyn) LOL.WB heard you Mari. Am glad somebody listens to me.;-) I think $50 million is fantastic. I figured $40 million would be a stretch. And the reason they're rushing the video/DVD out there in July is to catch the kids while they still have a month of summer break left. Has nothing to do with how long it will be in theaters. (Evelyn) WAGW can't be compared to "Lose a Guy" or the other rom-coms. For starters it is age (9-13)and gender specific. Right there you cut out a chunk of the paying audience, and your repeaters. Exactly. Plus "Lose A Guy" has "date movie" appeal--which gives it a big leg up right off the bat. WAGW's audience needs somebody to drive them to the theater.;-) Take another look at that half-filled glass, Miss Cranky P.;-) ;-) Also, as a comparison, take a look at the big name films released at about the same time (Gwynnie's View From the Top, Cuba Gooding's Boat Trip). Dead in the water.

Just running for shower, ironing skirt, dreading how terrible I am going to look next to Italian fashion-istas...but also very excited! Will report in tonight. Digital photos (if available - remembering he can still easily cancel) won't be ready till Sunday or Monday since I can only get them downloaded at DBf's house.

Oh!! Emma good luck! I can't wait to hear about your adventures! I'm keeping my fingers crossed.... Since we were talking about movie grosses, I have found an interesting site so that you can see how WAGW is doing compared to other films....I predict it will do better than 'Dreamcatcher'....but never see the numbers of 'Bringing Down the House' ;-) (Karen if this is the wrong place for this I apologize): http://www.the-movie-times.com/thrsdir/moviesofyear.mv?moviesof2003

Emma I'm lighting candles for you. He will be there!!

(Linda)#11 for me:-) Wasn't that your magic number for TIOBE? I see HD is probably going to leave Jack/Ernest in the dust... LOL! I am glad to see that there is at least one other CF fan in SA. Yes! and a fan ready to acknowledge herself as such. I'm sometimes tempted to just go and introduce myself to other "mature", by-themselves ladies at WAGW... I mean they can't all be there for AB! :) Of course, that might prove a bit embarassing... maybe not as much as some friends of mine talking to each other saying :"oh yeah, last week I went to this movie with Odile called WAGW" "What? You too? How many times has she seen it?" -- Of course that is an answer I own up only on Drool. :) Good luck EmmaB! Can't wait to see your report!

Good Luck Emma, off course he will be there. Have faith! Just got a mail from filmfactory confirming no release in Denmark :-( They suggested I might catch it in Sweden, where it is released June 25th. Perhaps I should plan to cross our little pond? As always, thank you for the articles, links and news. signed TCDWAHFG (The Crazy Dane With A Half Full Glass)

(Mari) Take another look at that half-filled glass, Miss Cranky P.;-) LOL! I spent years writing rationalizations for operational results, but could keep my fact and fiction separate. ;-) Good luck, Emma! Hoping to see your report soon.

(Odile)Wasn't that your magic number for TIOBE? I see HD is probably going to leave Jack/Ernest in the dust... LOL! LOL, glad to see you remembered. Yes, it is a hard one to call. As much as I love Jack/Earnest...HD has, alas, won my heart. Hoping I don't kick up too uch dust, but #12 is tomorrw. I think it was the looking at the tatto on Daphne's neck while she was asleep that did it, or was it the BLP, or waiting for Daphne on the stairs before the Royal Dress Show???...I'm still trying to decide. Good luck Emma, he is going to be there, and you are going to see him. Looking forward to your post. I've been thinking of you all day. What kind of glass should we use in thinking about the HS date here in the US? Thanks for the box office observations, Miss Cranky Pants, sheesh;-)

Sorry for the missing letters up above, it's the blasted keyboard.

(For starters it is age (9-13)and gender specific.Right there you cut out a chunk of the paying audience. I wonder, since those young ones do pay a lower price for admittance, how much money it would make if everyone paid the same? I discovered one thing about pre-teen girls, is that once they really like something, they will try to buy everything associated with that thing. My neighbor's daughter has seen the movie 3 times (more than me!),is going to see it again this weekend, bought the book 2 wks ago, is getting the CD for her birthday next week and is intent on buying the DVD when it comes out in July. If you go by her, I think WB will make out pretty well.

(Ada) I discovered one thing about pre-teen girls...once they really like something, they will try to buy everything associated with that thing. My neighbor's daughter has seen the movie 3 times (more than me!),is going to see it again this weekend, bought the book 2 wks ago, is getting the CD ...is intent on buying the DVD ... ROFLOL! And that differs from most of us how? LOL I guess you truly never really grow up. (Gotta go check my email for my ebay Colin Firth search update....would not want to miss anything!)

Emma can't wait to hear your report! That tape is so very enjoyable! Joyce, we can discuss it here.

(Moon Dreams) That tape is so very enjoyable! Joyce, we can discuss it here. Here? Or 166? My tail has'nt stopped wagging since watching it!:-}

(Maria)Here? Or 166? My tail has'nt stopped wagging since watching it!:-} ROTFLOL, what an ab...solutely appropiate way to put it. Yes, I'd love to discuss it, too. (saying "absolutely" in CF mode)

For starters it is age (9-13)and gender specific. Plus "Lose A Guy" has "date movie" appeal Miss Cranky Pants suggests you add the following v. plausible reasons to your list: - The moon was in the second house - Jupiter was aligned with Mars ;-))))))) Shocker! Saw a WAGW commercial this afternoon on network TV. Was not a HD one, and I think they changed the message, saying it was the "top teen comedy." I suppose they had to give it one more shot before the big Cancun movie opens. ;-) (Linda) Yes, I'd love to discuss it, too. Waddaya waiting for, Linda Richman to say, "talk amongst yourselves"? OK, your topic today is: Would closed-captioning have helped you to understand the questions better on the 'Lisa are you there' tape? Talk amongst yourselves...

The moon was in the second house And what was Moon doing there? ;-) Just remember, peace doesn't guide the planet. ;-) daya waiting for, Linda Richman to say, "talk amongst yourselves"? Excuse my ignorance, but I have no idea who Linda R is? I'm waiting for Ms. Cranky Pant's permission. ;-) So here goes: Isn't wonderful to have him just staring at us? That Lisa bit killed me. I called my friend Lisa on her birthday and left a message on her machine. Is she sad to have missed the call? ;-) He fidgets quite a bit, slurps often when he drinks water and says "You know" repeatedly.

(Moon) Isn't wonderful to have him just staring at us? Yes it is!! And my favorite bit is when he does the 'two handed cover up'. First covering the thin spot with one hand then running the other hand through his hair. Also love the lip pinching...which he does several times....

I don't even know what to say! I just had the most incredible night. And I am very intoxicated on white wine (also what he was drinking!!) courtesy of the ICI. I am so glad that I brought a friend with guts with me - who took the chicken, me that is, and said "can I get a picture of you and my friend?" to Colin who not only remembered this during his own picture-taking obligations for PEN, but also pointed out that the string of the camera was in the way of the view finder. IT WAS AMAZING! Livia is incredibly beautiful - which a lot of you already know. She is very pregnant right now, which you also know, but she looked amazing. Feel free to ask anything you want. I am on cloud 9. The alcohol helps =). If you want to do justice to a book, get him to read out a section or three of it. His voice - well, you all know how good it is! But to hear that in person is just surreal. The whole night has been completely surreal. Took lots of digital photos with a mini camera so I hope some turn out that I can share. The important one of me and him (so embarrassed that Kristen even harrassed him for it) is on my normal camera. I can't even believe that I was in the same room as him. With very few people. And, like, he moved in when the photo was taken. And I managed to say thank you. And he said you're welcome. I'm very sorry - I will be more sober tomorrow =).

I'm so happy for you EmmaB! Enjoy the wine but don't forget everything before tomorrow. Ok I'll start the questions... What was he wearing?

(Emma) I don't even know what to say! I just had the most incredible night. OMG!! Emma!!! I am so, so happy for you! After several near misses, it was your time. Sounds like you got more than one picture. Did you get a picture of Livia and Colin together? Does Livia look 'almost done'? What sections of the book did he read aloud (can you remember)? You said there were very few people. How many (do you guess)? And you said ODB 'moved in when the photo was taken'...how 'in' is 'in'? ;-) Did you get an autograph (did you bring your copy of The Leopard)? I'll stop now! I'm thrilled for you!!

Emma...sounds as if you had a 'transcendental experience'. So happy for you.

Congratulations, Emma on a wonderful evening. So happy for you to have actually met him, talked with him, having your photo taken with him, breathed the same air.... I have to stop, I'm on my way to your cloud 9 as it is:-) Thank you so much for sharing. Will look forward to the pictures. You see, all the good vibrations, candles, optimistic thoughts and whathaveyou really paid off;-)

Congrats, Emma! I told you alcohol is the key!! ;-)

EmmaB Congratulations! Very happy for you and very clever to bring a friend with guts. Looking forward to hearing more. As if that isn't enough! (Karen)Waddaya waiting for, Linda Richman to say, "talk amongst yourselves"? Re: Lisa Tape. I'm working on a transcription of it(unless someone else already did it). Hope to have it done by the weekend and will post it somewhere here (where appropriate) for people who don't have access to it. Some of us may try to discuss it live but that is not to take the place of usual discussion here. It would be extracurricular. : )

Okay, Kristen is now telling me to get off the computer, but I will try to answer some questions. He was wearing a navy blue collared shirt (untucked) with light brown suede blazer (which she can confirm is real suede as she grabbed his arm to get his attention) with grey/light green khakis. And boots? Dark brown or black. Very prominent part in his hair. Kristen says it was frizzy and balding. =) But looked exactly like he does on camera. Unbelievable really. Brushed by both of us. How juenvile I feel that that is so exciting! Funny Annette, I said - I am breathing the same air as him! That was really enough. But I am thankful that someone had more guts than me or I would have left and not taken the fantastic opportunity. I think maybe there was a 100 people there, maybe a few more. Some literary, some interested in Sicily/Italy, and some there for my same motivations =). I will look at the book again and remember the passages that he read. The first and last were the most vivid - the passage in which the garden and the death of the soldier were recounted. And then the Prince's death.

(EmmaB)I think maybe there was a 100 people there, maybe a few more I just checked the English Pen site (via Karens link at The Bucket), and it states that the event was sold out. So it seems they wantet it rather intimate and small. Lucky for you, Emma :-) Thank you for your quick response, Good Night, and sweet dreams!

Emma, I'm thrilled for you! Good things come to those who wait and breathe the same air as YKW! Relax, relive it, and try to remember every detail slowly but surely! Thanks for your report. Love the sound of what he was wearing, but wonder if the 'boots' were the funny ones he wore for the interview with Harry Smith?

Emma...thanks so much for sharing! Living half way around the world from ODB, I have to live vicariously through others. Thanks for all the tidbits you could throw our way!! And remember, if you think of anything else, we are here...waiting...like puppies by the back gate. Have pleasant dreams!

(Emma)And he said you're welcome. He said that? "You're welcome?" Whattaguy! ;-) Very happy for you, Emma. You're on a roll--are you going to try again at the HS premiere? navy blue collared shirt (untucked) with light brown suede blazer . . . with grey/light green khakis. Sounds . . . lovely . . .;-) Very prominent part in his hair. Side part? Or flopping in the middle part? I love the side part look from WAGW. Kristen says it was frizzy and balding. =) We need to all chip in, get the hair and makeup lady from WAGW, and put her on retainer.:-) Were there any other readings, or just Colin's?

Yahoo, Emma. Way to go. I'm so thrilled for you. Can you breathe into an envelope and send me some air?? I'll pay the postage. Did you stay till the end? How long did he and Livia stay. Who left first? The Firth's or you. Oh Gawd, I'm on cloud 9 right along with you. Now you must go to HS premiere. Now for Miss Cranky Pants... Who is Linda Richman?? Have I missed something:-) (MCP)Would closed-captioning have helped you to understand the questions better on the 'Lisa are you there' tape? Talk amongst yourselves... No, but sitting on his lap and sharing his earpiece would have been a great help. Ok, don't ff through the test patterns, you can't see him, but the sound is still on. I'm changing my name to Lisa I loved the look he was getting by the end of the tape...like if one more person asks if the scenery behind me is real, I'm going to blow a gasket. That's it for the moment, want to get my questions posted for Emma... Linda Richman...*scratching head* Now where do I know her from??? (Karen)Shocker! Saw a WAGW commercial this afternoon on network TV. Double Shocker--Watching a NY affiliate just now, have seen a WAGW commercial at each commercial break for the last hour.

(Cranky Pants)spent years writing rationalizations for operational results, but could keep my fact and fiction separate. ;-) Poor CP. Made cynical by years of cookin' the books for the accounting firm of Dewy, Cheatham & Howe. ;-) (Moon)Excuse my ignorance, but I have no idea who Linda R is? Hysterically funny Jewish mother character performed by Mike Myers on Saturday Night Live. LR is a radio phone-in talk show hostess. "Her" show is called "Coffee Talk" which she of course pronounces "Cawfee Tawk." Classic comedy. Karen has done some very funny takes on it for our Odds & Ends birthday parties--has her down to a tee. Joyce, thanks for taking on the job of transcribing Colin Unplugged! Will be much easier to discuss that way. For now, we could do it Jeopardy style, as we know his answers, but have to come up with the questions.;-) "Alex, I'll take fidgeting and lip biting for $200 . . .";-)

(Emma) Took lots of digital photos with a mini camera so I hope some turn out that I can share. The important one of me and him (so embarrassed that Kristen even harrassed him for it) is on my normal camera. Wonderful news, Emma! I'm so happy for you! Can't wait to see the pictures. I don't know if you can do it over there, but here you can have film from regular cameras processed as prints and saved to a photo CD, so you have both. You might check into it. If I had a picture of me and ODB, I'd want it saved every possible way. (Odile) Yes! and a fan ready to acknowledge herself as such. I'm sometimes tempted to just go and introduce myself to other "mature", by-themselves ladies at WAGW... I mean they can't all be there for AB! :) At my #5 there was a suspicious-looking woman of a certain age in the audience, sitting way up close. Afterwards I saw her in the ladies' and asked her how she'd liked the movie, commented on CF, etc. She thought WAGW was cute and said "he" was good, but it didn't seem she was a particular fan. Later I saw her in the parking lot, putting flyers on the windshields of cars. I guess she spent her break in the movie.

Congrats, Emma!! And did you take a deep breath as you posed so you could remember how he smells? Suede-ish? ;-) navy blue collared shirt (untucked) with light brown suede blazer Is this the same as the Lisa Tape clothes? AKA Colin Unplugged (LOL, Mari. At first I thought you were referring to the hair, or lack thereof.) (Mari)For now, we could do it Jeopardy style, as we know his answers, but have to come up with the questions What do you suppose was asked when he said, "What's not to like?" I hope he was responding to a compliment. And what was he talking about when he mentioned how he had fantasized about it for years? Joyce, thanks for the future transcription. Listen for his quiet F-word near the end around the "what an asshole" comment. My very dear, and alert, fellow fan friend caught that one, much to our delight.

My favorite is the "Elder Statesment" segment. He puffs up waits for the young'uns to come to him for words of wisdom and it nevah 'appens. Poor baby:-((

Thank you for not keeping us in suspense! How ab-solutely wonderful! Just remember, no detail is too small for us to be interested in so please try and recall every molecule that occupied the room! Sweet Dreams Emma! (EmmaB)I will be more sober tomorrow =). I have a suspicion you won't be "sober" for a long time! ;-))

(Brenda) "What's not to like?" Not all the way through yet so I'm not sure and memory might be faulty, but does this not immediately preceed the bit about never seeing evidence (of adoration) but only hearing about it...the infamous "somebody's mother, sister, aunt..." bit? I was thinking the question to probably be something like "How do you feel about being considered sex-on-a-stick and the hottest thing in tails by fantasy-fixated, frothing women everywhere?" (OK, maybe it wasn't quite like that but I bet I'm close.)

Congratulations Emma, you lucky, lucky girl!! I hope you felt us there with you in spirit, because we were all cheering you on! I think you would have been intoxicated even if you had skipped the wine. Cloud nine is getting rather crowded, isn't it? Sweet dreams. (Barb)does this not immediately preceed the bit about never seeing evidence (of adoration) but only hearing about it...the infamous "somebody's mother, sister, aunt..." bit? You are absolutely right! Just watched that part while trying to find the bit where he says my name (Hello, Lisa, can you hear me Lisa?) OMG! This tape is a must have for Droolers everywhere!

(Hen Lisa) Just watched that part while trying to find the bit where he says my name (Hello, Lisa, can you hear me Lisa?) Too many Lisa's having too much fun with the name thing around here. I must have my share! (Oooh, I feel better already!)

OMG! I'm in firthette hell! Emma's great news and tidbits, the Lisa tape discussions starting, and whatever will come this coming week and I'm leaving town and my two computers tomorrow at 6:00 am! Whatever will I do? I've become addicted to this board but I shall conquer this, I shall! Nahhhhhh. I'll catch up. Great news Emma and thanks soooo much for sharing and the opportunity for vicarious drooling. I'll even take him frizzy and balding. Now back to the Lisa tape before I sleep.

Congratulations Emma!!! All your efforts have paid off in the best way possible. So very very happy for you. Can only imagine how you are feeling. I know how I would be, if it happend to me. Thank you so much for sharing, can't wait to hear more and see the pics. How wonderful!!!

Emma, I am so happy for you! Sounds like a fantastic night; thanks for sharing all the news. I hope you can share the pictures too.

Great reportage, Emma!! Sounds like a night you will always remember. Now, where were his hands and where were yours? Were you bold enough to put them around him? If not, then you didn't have enough to drink. Colin who not only remembered this during his own picture-taking obligations for PEN, but also pointed out that the string of the camera was in the way of the view finder. Tell us about his picture-taking obligations for PEN. Do they have a monthly magazine?? newsletter??? Hmmm Very prominent part in his hair. Kristen says it was frizzy and balding. =) We talking part on side or the one in the back we all saw as he pointed out the sights of London? ;-) Colin is a real pro when it comes to taking pics like this. Remember him asking which camera and where should I look, plus the infamous, "should I lose some height?" (Brenda) At first I thought you were referring to the hair, or lack thereof.) *snort* Finally, our two Maple Leafs in London came through on the same day with the Tube magazine pic from Love Actually. It is rather small and I've enlarged it a bit. Thanks to both Emma and Leona. Colin is wearing headphones. I'd say, "quick, somebody claim them," but we can't be sure that is in the movie or a behind the scenes shot and Colin is listening to playback. The caption: Next autumn's box-office hopeful from the makers of Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral is a series of ten intertwined love stories with a star-studded cast including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson and Colin Firth - playing a man who discovers his girlfriend's affair - recently shot a scene at Canary Wharf station. Looking forward to your transcription, Joyce.

Up early for more sightseeing and feeling a bit rough...but bloody good =). It would have been really easy for me to have run out of there last night just content with seeing him in person, but I did feel like I would be letting the team down if I didn't do *something*. So spent half the night trying to find something intelligent to say, which wasn't happening. Thankfully I had outside intervention that worked out well! Okay, let me see what I can tackle here... Colin and Livia - did not get a pic of them together. They weren't standing together that much. A few times they walked over to say something to each other, and when they were leaving (which is just when he remembered he still had a picture taking obligation with me!), but other than that it seemed like she was busy talking to people she knew, and he was a little busy with various women around him =). Livia is very pregnant, I don't know how much since I don't have a lot of knowledge about pregnancy, but 7 or 8 months? She just looked stunning - not that her clothes were anything outside the ordinary, but physically. I didn't get a hug - a bit of a 'lean in' for the photo is all. It's true Karen I just hadn't had quite enough wine at that point! No autograph either. I didn't think last night was the time for that as it was supposed to be about the book and author. But then I was kicking myself as someone had their copy of Speaking with the Angel. I heard from someone that he is maybe not going on Monday to the HS premiere (they asked). Doesn't make a lot of sense since it's all about him, but we'll see (am going after work). The good omen on the way last night, the reason why I really knew he would be there, was the sudden appearance of giant HS posters in the tube tunnels. Nice to see his face in giant proportions on the way home too =). He was completely charming and nice to everyone. He looked a bit bored during the bits of the presentation not involving him. But smiled at the funny parts. Held his hand to his mouth in that way that he does. I couldn't get photos in that bit since it was very dark and I was standing at the back - I actually turned up late, so awful! The evening went like this - presentation was David Gilmour speaking, Colin reading, woman that I don't know her name right now speaking, Colin reading, audience comments and questions, Colin reading. Never heard what happened to Mr Blahnik! I haven't seen the interview so I don't know about the boots or clothes. Don't mind my friends perception of his hair - he looked great! It was a middle-ish part. As the picture I have was taken on their way out the door, the Firths left just before 9pm I think. We were ready to go but we waited (didn't want to seem creepy). Plus that way I could freak out and not worry about him seeing =). Gotta go to Westminster Abbey, but I will check in later... Thanks for wonderful encouragement and good thoughts everyone!

Oh Emma, you lucky girl. I'll be gone all day today, but I'll check in-in case you post again. I thought about you all last night, and I couldn't sleep. I wondered if you were able to. (Emma)he was a little busy with various women around him I just can't imagine why:-)

(Emma)I heard from someone that he is maybe not going on Monday to the HS premiere (they asked). I wondered about that. Since the first day filming of Trauma on the Isle of Man is on the same date. Any Manx CF fans out there? It is a very small island. Anybody planning an early holiday this year? - my sister says it's a very beautiful island!

Emma, how great for you! Can't wait to see the picutures. presentation was David Gilmour speaking, Colin reading, woman that I don't know her name right now speaking, Colin reading, audience comments and questions, Colin reading. Never heard what happened to Mr Blahnik! As in Manolo Blahnik? ;-) And is this David Gilmour Pink Floyd's guitarist? I'm betting he will be at the HS premiere. Lucky girl!

Emma, thanks so much for the great report! I can't wait to see some pictures too. I'm wondering about your friend Kristen though. I think you should make her watch P & P while she is visiting:)

Emma, it sounds like you had a wonderful night; thanks for the report! I think it'll be a while before you come down from cloud 9 ;) Good luck at the HS premiere!! (Emma) Plus that way I could freak out and not worry about him seeing =). LOL! I would need a considerable amount of freak-out time, myself :P

(Emma) I didn't get a hug - a bit of a 'lean in' for the photo is all. It's true Karen I just hadn't had quite enough wine at that point! Awww :( Must've been because the wifey was around. I remember some ladies had the nerve to put their arms around Colin while posing. I suppose I should just be grateful that he had his hands on me. *snicker* I heard from someone that he is maybe not going on Monday to the HS premiere (they asked). That's insane! I'd like to think that he was just being evasive, but I don't. :( (Moon) As in Manolo Blahnik? ;-) Yes, he was supposed to be there.

(Emma) I didn't get a hug - a bit of a 'lean in' for the photo is all. Ohhh.....don't sweat the hug! You shared his 'space'!!!! Lucky girl! And despite the fact that some were saying he may not show at the HS premiere, I am going to cross my fingers and light the necessary candles and think good thoughts and hope he comes your way again!!! I'm still so happy for you Emma! (Emma) The good omen on the way last night, the reason why I really knew he would be there, was the sudden appearance of giant HS posters in the tube tunnels. Nice to see his face in giant proportions on the way home too =). Bet you saw him in your dreams last night in giant proportions as well! Well done Emma!

(Emma) Thank you so much for your wonderfull reports! I am very happy for you and can imagine how you feel. I'm surprised you can remember so many details about him (when I met him I was so overwhwlmed I couldn't take in anything). I hope you'll have a chance to ask for an autograph at the HS premiere. Maybe he'll even remember you.

(Moon) As in Manolo Blahnik? ;-) (Cranky P.)Yes, he was supposed to be there. And he didn't show? The heel. ;-) Emma, from your description of how Livia looks, it sounds like her facial appearance has not changed, which generally signals a boy baby. How was she carrying: mostly in front, or was she sort of round all the way?

(Emma) feeling a bit rough...but bloody good =). I *completely* empathize with you here. ;-);-) when they were leaving (which is just when he remembered he still had a picture taking obligation with me!) How exciting! He remembered! When he was leaving, too. Did you notice if she look perturbed that he went back, or no big deal? They weren't standing together that much. A few times they walked over to say something to each other.......but other than that it seemed like she was busy talking to people she knew, and he was a little busy with various women around him =). Sounds exactly like the party. Guess she gives him leeway for the adoring masses of Drooleurs and droolers to have their chance near him. ;-) presentation was David Gilmour speaking (Moon) And is this David Gilmour Pink Floyd's guitarist? When this was announced I wondered about this and thought it was an odd choice. Just said to someone the other day, it's a shame he hasn't toured here in a long time (solo or with PF). He puts on an awesome show. Forgot he was supposed to be there....wonder why? Is he married to an Italian, too? Does your jaw hurt from constant grinning? Do you realize you break out spontaneously into a huge grin and maybe laugh, say in the middle of Westminster Abbey, for seemingly no reason that other people could fathom? ;-) Well done, Emma and Kristen.

(Mari) it sounds like her facial appearance has not changed, which generally signals a boy baby. Oh, but I thought it's the other round. If a woman is pregnant with a baby boy, her facial appearance will change because of the hormone.

(Mari), Emma, from your description of how Livia looks, it sounds like her facial appearance has not changed, which generally signals a boy baby. How was she carrying: mostly in front, or was she sort of round all the way? I'm taking bets it's a boy. We must have more little male Firths on this Earth. ;-) And he didn't show? The heel. ;-) LOL, you couldn't resist.

Oops, it should be "the other way round". sorry. BTW, thank you so much for your report, Emma.

Oh Karen I forgot to say - I didn't know what exactly the pictures were for that they took of the group of speakers at the ICI that Colin was asked to stand for, but it was a few group shots. Maybe their own, maybe a media outlet. I couldn't tell Livia was pregnant until I saw the bump - as in, her face is very well defined still, great bone structure! David Gilmour, seems like an academic. All I know about him is he wrote the introduction to one of the published versions of The Leopard. I must say I have been spontaneously grinning all day, Dorine! Particularly when I run into HS posters. Kristen and I have been saying hello =). If you want to get a feel for the party/drinks reception bit, think Kafka's Motorbike (it was a bit spooky). Kristen was threatening to ask where the toilets were if she ran into Salman. Of course I would have been mortified! Livia did not seem perturbed in any way that he was doing his obliged bit with anyway. She's gotta be used to it. And she is secure, I am sure!

An online HS review, a bit more upbeatthan the last one..;-) http://www.movie-gazette.com/cinereviews/hope-springs.asp?bhcp=1

Thanks for your reports Emma. I don't think I'd remember much of anything! When he 'leaned in', could you tell which cologne/aftershave he was wearing?

Thanks again, Emma. One more question: where either Colin or Livia smoking? I hope not, but I seem to remember reports of Livia smoking during the Donmar perhaps?

Colin's Films TV Schedule (till May 31) http://www.tv-now.com/stars/firth.html

Thank you Emma for more news. Another question in addition to the aftershave one...What was Livia wearing? I know you said she looked beautiful, but can you remember exactly what she had on and what colors? Just trying to coordinate what ODB was wearing in my head with LD's outfit. Nice review of HS, Maria. I'm looking all over for posters but I haven't seen any yet. The manager of our multiplex checked the summer calendar and it isn't listed for that theater anyway. Entertainment Weekly had the summer movie guide for June, July, and August. I went over it several times...no mention of it:-(

Thank you so much for such a great report of your exciting evening Emma. Great job. I'm sure it'll be a while before your feet touch ground, and deservedly so. Thank you for Tube pic Leona. Thank your Maria for HS review. It is much better. I agree with Emma, hopefully he will attend premiere the movie is all about him, wouldn't make sense if he wasn't there. Fingers crossed.

Thanks again, Emma, for being such a great reporter! We'll all be lighting candles in hopes that you'll see him again at the HS premiere.

(Emma) He was wearing a....collared shirt (untucked) with....blazer with ....And boots Sounds like he and I consulted the same stylist that night for our nights out. ;-) Kristen was threatening to ask where the toilets were if she ran into Salman. ROTFL! Just got my tape. It is *utterly, utterly* fascinating! What a sexy little laugh he has...or partially stifled laugh. :-D

(Dorine) What a sexy little laugh he has...or partially stifled laugh. :-D Pretty amazing isn't it? Like the Valmont laugh but softer...makes my tummy feel all funny when I hear it!! ;-D

Thanks for the HS review, Maria. There is one in Sight and Sound (May issue) which hasn't hit our shores yet and is not online. So if anyone in the UK wants to check it out... (Linda) I'm looking all over for posters but I haven't seen any yet. I have two in a mailing tube. Does that count? ;-) (Dorine) What a sexy little laugh he has...or partially stifled laugh. (Tress) Like the Valmont laugh That's his "I've said/thought something naughty" laugh, same as on Jon Stewart's show when he made the autoeroticism comment. No need to worry. From all I've heard, Colin will be at the premiere and the only other one listed as a for sure is Minnie. Hope to have a line on the party afterward as well.

Sight and Sound's available here. Let me check this out tomorrow. But I doubt that they'd like this film.

(Karen), From all I've heard, Colin will be at the premiere and the only other one listed as a for sure is Minnie. Hope to have a line on the party afterward as well. We need you Emma and our other UK based Firthettes. Very interested in that line to the party. We need details, ladies! Best of luck!

(Dorine) What a sexy little laugh he has...or partially stifled laugh. (Tress) Like the Valmont laugh Guess I'm not that into Valmont. He didn't enter my mind at all. (Karen) That's his "I've said/thought something naughty" laugh, same as on Jon Stewart's show when he made the autoeroticism comment. Hmmm, will have to go back to watch that. I remember that, but didn't think anything remarkable about the laugh. Maybe I couldn't hear it as well with audience laughter, too. I think that's why it's so appealing....kind of childlike almost. Hard to describe, but I *loved* it.

(Tress)Like the Valmont laugh but softer Yes, I was thinking the same thing--the scene in which V is soaking wet and AB's character is asking him to seduce Cecile. CF also mutters fuck under his breath at some point during the interview. If you're interested in the company that produced the satellite interviews, go here--this is a big business, apparently: http://www.onthescene.com Satellite Media Tours (SMT) This format puts your spokesperson or newsmaker in a studio or on location being interviewed one-on-one with reporters via satellite. On The Scene�s media specialists pre-book the stations in consecutive segments, going to as many as 7 cities per hour.

(Mari) CF also mutters fuck under his breath at some point during the interview. LOL, I caught that. That big sigh he made looking like Louis Armstrong was a riot, too.

(Mari) CF also mutters fuck under his breath at some point during the interview. LOL.Doing interviews is not exactly his favorite passtime. Gives new meaning to "bored to death".

(Mari) Yes, I was thinking the same thing--the scene in which V is soaking wet and AB's character is asking him to seduce Cecile. Yup! That laugh! I haven't heard it in any of his other films (anyone?)....but heard it during the interviews several times. (Mari) CF also mutters fuck under his breath at some point during the interview. Heard that! Thought..."a man after my own heart"! (Dorine) That big sigh he made looking like Louis Armstrong was a riot, too. Loved that! Made me laugh, he expelled a some air and his eyes got a bit buggy! Also, did you catch the humming thing he did? It was during a 'test pattern' "mmmmm........mmmmm......mmmmm"....v.v. funny!

Hope Springs Review from Sight and Sound. (May 2003) Demetrios Matheou One picture of Minnie Driver. When Colin Ware, an English artist, finds out that his fianc�e Vera is to be married to another man, he is so grief-stricken that he escapes to the New England town of Hope to recuperate. He checks into the Battlefield Inn, with the intention of distracting himself by preparing an exhibition of portraits of the townsfolk. The Inn�s manageress, Joanie, decides to match-make Colin with Mandy, a young woman who works in a rest home. The pair fall in love. Vera arrives in Hope, declaring that her marriage was a sham, designed to galvanise Colin himself onwards the altar. She wants him back. A battle of wits follows between the three lovers, at the height of which Vera invites Colin to her hotel, disrobes and tries to seduce him. Colin resists, but when Vera�s cigarette sets off the hotel fire alarm and they flee the building, the passing Mandy sees her half-naked rival and assumes the worst. She rejects Colin. In return for a portrait, Colin persuades the mayor to convince Vera that she is descended from the town�s founder � inviting her to be its Queen of Hope in the forthcoming Cannon Ball. When Colin reveals to her that she�s been conned, Vera finally accepts that she has lost him. Nevertheless, as the festivities begin she takes her place alongside the mayor, who has become attracted to her. Mandy is tricked into meeting Colin. He proposes marriage and she accepts. For the first 15 minutes Mark Herman�s film promises to be a romantic comedy with a refreshingly bitter bent. As the opening credit rolls, Colin Firth�s devastated artist flies, then buses from abandonment by his fianc�e in London to seemingly futile emotional escape in New England. On arrival, his heartbreak is compounded by extreme jet lag and cultural displacement, largely the result of the disconcerting eccentricity of Hope�s inhabitants: the untrusting owners of the general store, with whom Firth�s character Colin Ware shares an amusingly arch conversation about stationery (�rubber� meaning something altogether different to Americans), and Joanie, the mini-skirted owner of the Battlefield Inn, who takes a worryingly personal interest in her new guest. Throughout these scenes Firth is at his pinched-mouthed, distracted best. The actor is a specialist in aloof misery, of course, not least with his pair of Darcys (from Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones�s Diary); but here he really seems to be on the edge of a precipice, his palpable gloom suggesting a bona fide account of everyday, but not insignificant, sorrow over being jilted. Unfortunately, no sooner has the man slept off his jet lag than Hope Springs performs a disappointing volte-face. Heather Graham�s instant disrobement (Boogie Nights seems to have condemned her to nonchalant nakedness) may provide one of the more enjoyably oddball courtship scenes of recent years, but it has too immediate an effect on both Ware and the film. Ware casts off his despair � and his detachment � as he launches himself into a new romance. By the time his ex Vera has arrived, dressed in high heels and a wickedly barbed London urbanity, pathos has given way to lightweight comedy. The potential for exploiting the effect of culture clash on a grieving mind is squandered: decent lines such as �Maybe in England people live in the past, but here that ain�t done much� are replaced by bedroom farce and a running joke about Vera�s smoking in the nicotine-free zone that is present-day America. Hope Springs might seem like a good marriage of film-maker and original writer. Writer-director Mark Herman�s work is characterised by a well-balanced sense of tragi-comedy; Brassed Office, whose unemployed miners find solace in a brass band; Little Voice, in which Jane Horrock�s very large voice offers escape from a hideously humdrum life; the underrated Purely Belter, a Loachian paean to childish optimism turned sour amid northern deprivation. Charles Webb, whose novel New Cardiff Herman adapts, was responsible for The Graduate, which Mike Nichols turned into one of the most cynical of romantic comedies. But on this occasion, both novel and film opt for pleasure rather than pain, sparkling dialogue rather than insight. The results make for a film with little consistency or conviction � one whose very title suggests the rote vacuity so favoured by Hollywood at the moment.

(Mari) CF also mutters fuck under his breath at some point during the interview. (Tress)Heard that! Thought..."a man after my own heart"! LOL, At least we know what his favorite curse word will be if he ever appears on The Actor's Studio. I thought he might be a "bollocks" man, myself:-)He said it so beautifully in FP. Another laugh of his that I adore...he does it at the end of TIOBE when Algy is explaining to Lady Bracknell that Bumbry exploded, and he does it several times during the interview. He just kind of smiles and blows air through his nostrils, lips pursed, dimples showing (we all know he has the pursed lips down pat) but that sound of air just makes me nuts. (Karen)I have two in a mailing tube. Does that count? ;-) If we don't get a release date for this poxy film that may have to suffice. Thank you aishling for the review of HS. Lucky, lucky gehls.

(Tress)Yup! That laugh! I haven't heard it in any of his other films (anyone?)....but heard it during the interviews several times. RV Interesting that this reviewer read the book. "The potential for exploiting the effect of culture clash on a grieving mind is squandered: decent lines such as ?Maybe in England people live in the past, but here that ain?t done much? are replaced by bedroom farce and a running joke about Vera?s smoking in the nicotine-free zone that is present-day America. (Sight and Sound)"But on this occasion, both novel and film opt for pleasure rather than pain, sparkling dialogue rather than insight". "The Graduate" was then and this is *now*. "Pleasure".. and "sparkling dialogue" is OK by me. Thanks Aishling for taking the time to type this up..

Thanks Aishling for running out and getting the mag, then typing it all up. I had forgotten S&S's reviews are always so full of spoilers, but they're meaty and incisive. I don't dismiss intelligent film criticism. [FYI, S&S is the magazine of the British Film Institute and not some rag aimed at pimply-faced Trekkies.] From the SPOILERS, there are lots of bizarre changes from the book, but as John Malkovich said the other night (whilst laughing), it should change. This is a good comment about Colin: Throughout these scenes Firth is at his pinched-mouthed, distracted best. The actor is a specialist in aloof misery...but here he really seems to be on the edge of a precipice, his palpable gloom suggesting a bona fide account of everyday, but not insignificant, sorrow over being jilted Well, at least it has "sparkling dialogue."

New page for Hope Springs: http://www.firth.com/hs_notes.html A preview of all the material you'll soon be reading in articles and interviews. ;-)

Great page, Karen. I just lost � hour of well deserved sleep, because I simply had to read it all. But, I hope it provides sweet dreams. A thought, in the beginning, they talk a lot about the british/american angle. Makes me think of WAGW. But, that also seems to be the only thing, the two movies has in common. If only the reviewers could see, what the writers of the productionnotes saw, I guess it would get a great start at the cinema;-) Thank you Aisling for the S&S review. And thank you all for the articles and links.

(Karen) From the SPOILERS, there are lots of bizarre changes from the book, but as John Malkovich said the other night (whilst laughing), it should change. I'm a tad confused how John Malkovich fits in here. Did *HS* come up in conversation? Was he referring to his own film? Can't remember if The Dancer Upstairs is an adaptation....and too lazy to look before I send this. ;-) The one thing that strikes me about many of the HS reviews so far that are more critical is that the focus of much of the criticism is on the story itself. I don't see how that can be a valid criticism of the film itself unless it's a drastic change from the book. The story in the book is what it was and ironically all the criticisms they made about the characters and the story were my complaints about the book. And lastly...I was thinking earlier after watching the satellite tape and seeing as much as the "real" Colin as we can, that while he may be somewhat of a pain in the ass at home (as many, if not, most men are ;-))..... I *really* hope she appreciates him.

Or maybe I should say, she'd better. :-/

(Dorine)that while he may be somewhat of a pain in the ass at home (as many, if not, most men are ;-))....., Not ODB, he's not most men:-))I simply refuse to believe he's a pain in the ass at home.**huge heavy sigh** (Evelyn)Pleasure".. and "sparkling dialogue" is OK by me.. Me too. I loved this book and the "sparkling" dialogue...I never got the impression that the author wanted me to take away too much pain. I didn't think that Colin Ware was to be too tragic a figure either. A bit confused and in pain initially, but very quickly comes to the realization that (what he probably knew all along)Vera should have been out of his life a long time ago). I thought the humor and dialogue were "sparkling" and it is what I would expect from the film as well. IMHO, of course.

Thanks for typing out the S&S review, Aishling! This critic's main beef seems to be that HS is not The Graduate--but really, how often does one of those come along? Except for one or two, the reviews seem ok to me so far. Pics and write-up from the PEN event at link below. Livia looks very pretty--IMO, she's definitely carrying a boy! And Mr. Y Chromosome next to her looks good too.:-) http://www.englishpen.org/events/recentevents/atributetotheleopard/

Thanks, Mari! First time I see Livia without any makeup. It looks like a boy to me too. :-D Thanks Aishling for and getting the mag, then typing it all up. (Linda), I never got the impression that the author wanted me to take away too much pain. I didn't think that Colin Ware was to be too tragic a figure either. I believe that the critic was referring to The Graduate when he spoke about pain.

Thank you for the link, Mari! That looks suspiciously like the satellite tape jacket, doesn't it? Might be the same shirt too. I keep encountering interesting reviews of WAGW in college newspapers. I'm surprise it's getting any coverage there since they're hardly the target demographic; however, it appears to be due to CF, who evidently has some fans on college campuses. Here are some excerpts from a review in the Johns Hopkins News-Letter: I don't mean to totally trash this movie, because it has a bright, spunky energy that redeems it, and after all, Colin Firth is a dish. Actually, What a Girl Wants is pretty clever in spots, especially when it plays on the Austen-ology that Firth fans will pick up in a heartbeat. For all you people who somehow managed to miss out on the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice (big mistake, BIG mistake) where Firth played Mr. Darcy and won his tight following, you're not going to "get" the ancestor named Lord "Bingley" Dashwood, the clever choice of having Anna Chancellor play the gold digger fiance, or other wink-wink moments. All the rest of you, keep your eyelids pricked. What rescues What a Girl Wants from being bubblegum froth after all is the daddy-little girl chemistry between Firth and Bynes.... Firth rises to form as the new dad who's discovering all the worrying that comes with having a teenage daughter on the loose. There's a particularly sweet moment where he calls up his ex-lover and asks plaintively, "Is it always like this?" Aww. And while he overdoes the awkward, starched, British act in the beginning, the scenes where he loosens up under his daughter's influence, and rediscovers the man he used to be, are executed with true Firthian grace. In fact, he pushes the envelope; it's a tad alarming to see him go loose like this. While Pride and Prejudice's Darcy loosens his cravat or undoes the top few buttons from his shirt, you'll see Firth as Dashwood go nuts in tight black glam leather. ..... Now, if you want a serious art movie, this ain't in your lane. But if you want an hour or so of no-brainer relaxation (not to mention Firth drooling), then this movie is just your cup of tea. Link to full article: http://www.jhunewsletter.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/04/18/3e9f1f51ae60b

(Mari) Livia looks very pretty--IMO, she's definitely carrying a boy! And Mr. Y Chromosome next to her looks good too.:-) (Moon) First time I see Livia without any makeup. Thanks, Mari. Talk about livin' right....if you just look at her face, you'd never know she was having a baby let alone that far along. Even at first glance to me, at that angle and in all black, she barely looks pregnant. And he was definitely lookin' quite nice. :-) That's really cute, Rika. Thanks. Nice to see such intelligent, discerning kids in college these days. (Can't believe I refer to full grown people as kids. It can't be time, yet, LOL) And thanks Aishling for typing up that review.

And ROTFL, Karen! Just looked at the new HS page. That capture of him watching her take a swig might is my favorite look in the trailer so far. You caught it at a great place. Thanks, LOL!

Karen, wonderful HS page! That picture with all the trees in full autumn foliage is such a tease. ;-) I wonder how many shots of someone else's hand we will get when Colin Ware draws? ;-) BTW, Lora asked at one of our local AMC theatres which has the poster up about the release date for HS in Miami and she was told July 9th. This guy seem to know all about it. It makes sense to me since it's opening in the UK in two weeks and they probably found a spot in July. Is opening in July the dearth of movies? I'm always away at that time.

Great job on the HS page, Karen. Has anyone ever heard of this phrase from the notes: "weather forced 'French hours.'" Rika, I agree, that looks like the Colin Unplugged jacket to me in the PEN pics. Emma, are any of those ladies you?:-) Thanks for the Johns Hopkins U review; no surprise at the Firth fandom, as you have to be pretty brilliant to get into J-H. (Moon)Is opening in July the dearth of movies? In the U.S., it's a very popular time of year to open films--the big action flicks, mostly, but no reason a comedy couldn't do ok then. Again, that's the U.S.--I have no idea about Miami.;-) ;-)

(Johns Hopkins sistas) ...Colin Firth is a dish...true Firthian grace....Pride and Prejudice's Darcy loosens his cravat or undoes the top few buttons from his shirt, you'll see Firth as Dashwood go nuts in tight black glam leather. Glad to see our institutions of higher learning continue to raise the bar and aim for appreciation of art in all its higher forms. ;-) Me thinks a JH Firthette might need to delurk!

(Me) .....watching her take a swig might is my favorite (Mari) you have to be pretty brilliant to get into J-H. Now you see why they let me in the library only. ;-)

Hope this is not old. Karen, if it is, please delete (And use as you want):

Very long interview/article on CF in Sunday Telegraph supplement. Photo on front cover which I didn't like, but very good photo accompanying article. Interviewer is smitten with CF but not Hope Springs..."fluff", although she praises the excellence of the acting by CF and MD. She prepared for the interview by watching Tumbedown, TEP, DQ and Conspiracy...doesn't like CF in lightweight roles. Nothing really new in the article. CF is in v.serious introspective Eeyore mode! Only new "fact" is about his family and university. Dad went to Cambridge, mother to Nottingham, grandfather to Oxford, cousins are high academic achievers. Also talks about Fair Trade and Oxfam. The premiere for HS is on behalf of Oxfam, at his instigation.

Also talks about conflict between ideals and reality, and how life has to be a "bloody compromise".

Thanks, Murph. I think. That's quite possibly the least flattering photo of him I've ever seen. And coupled with that headline . . . what were they thinking? Anyway, I liked the "Free Seeds Inside" part--they've correctly identified him as Mr. Y Chromosome.;-) ;-)

Thank god they put good photos up on English PEN since I just got mine onto the computer and they are really crap! Hopefully the one important one is a little better. Although I must say I don't really care that much, who needs photographic evidence really?! It happened, that's enough. =) Alas no I am not one of the admirers there. I wasn't really hanging off his arm, I could barely deal with it all =). Okay - well I was going to say what Livia was wearing but you can see. She was just in plain black trousers and flat comfortable looking shoes (possibly boots too). Her hair was fabulous. I didn't really inhale enough to check cologne situation. In fact I was probably holding my breath. Neither were smoking. Just he had the white wine. Someone else has said that he seemed to be in a bad mood that night. I don't think so - not that I know him enough to read him. But he was putting up with a lot. Kristen apologised for bothering him and he really was completely charming. And he said 'you're welcome' like he REALLY meant it, looking right into me! I am going to carry that one away for a long time =). Off to buy Sunday Telegraph. =)

I really need to stop grinning so much. =)

Didn't I call it?! The publicity started this weekend... Thanks, Murph, for the cover pic. I have several other unflattering pics of him that are similar to this one. Wonder, are they all from the Telegraph? ;-) (Bethan) Interviewer is smitten with CF but not Hope Springs..."fluff", although she praises the excellence of the acting by CF and MD. She prepared for the interview by watching Tumbedown, TEP, DQ and Conspiracy...doesn't like CF in lightweight roles. OK, I've been busted. Will have to come up with new nom de plume. ;-) (Mari) Anyway, I liked the "Free Seeds Inside" part--they've correctly identified him as Mr. Y Chromosome.;-) ;-) LOL!

Not a winner, that's for sure. I am getting more later today. Will see if any of the others are not quite so "hair deprived" and gloomy.

Here's the second new one from The Sunday Telegraph, courtesy of Aishling:

They should definitely get a better hairdresser for him. :) Maybe that's why he looked so upset. :(

OMG....hate me if you will, but I kinda like the Sunday Telegraph photo! The mussed up hair does something for me! And love the jacket!!! (Mari) I liked the "Free Seeds Inside" part--they've correctly identified him as Mr. Y Chromosome.;-) ;-) ROTF....I saw that at the bottom of the picture and though....OMG what kind of seeds did they include? ;-) The second picture.....I fell on the floor. Perfection!

I too like the photos...quite darcyish somehow

Emma, a belated hurrah for your ODB encounter; thanks ever so much for sharing it with us! Mari) I liked the "Free Seeds Inside" part--they've correctly identified him as Mr. Y Chromosome.;-) ;-) LOL, Mari, my thoughts were somewhat along those lines, too. ;-) Ack, at his hair, Louisa, his hair in the pic. Reminds me of how Bridget describes her hair--all peaks and weird shapes. Maybe it's the lighting or lack of makeup, but his face looks a little blotchy, too. We know he's photogenic, so why did they use such a lousy photo? Grrrr....

Thanks, Murph, Aishling, Karen. That cover picture has to go. Didn't he look in the mirror before they took it? The second one is better but sad. Does it have a caption? Is that at his house? Does he ride a bike in London? (Bethan), Also talks about conflict between ideals and reality, and how life has to be a "bloody compromise". As in what? Did he give personal examples? Is the article on-line? I have a hard time getting in to the T site.

A couple of extracts from the article... For Evelyn.. The reporter raises (again!) the subject of his "miserable" schooldays(!) "Oh God" he says" that has been a self-perpetuating thing, which I daresay I was responsible for, my first ever interview as a disgruntled, well not even disgruntled, just taking my first opportuunity to make my first gesture. I only didn't like school on the level of your average schoolboy not liking school" The reporter seems to have conflicting views about HS....she likes the performances but not the film. She hates the (saccharine kooky sweet)scene where HG strips naked and "attempts to convince Colin Firth that she has taken her clothes off in order to feel free and innocent, and asks him to do the same." She says that many people , particularly CF fans, will wish to leave the cinema at this point... "but if they stay they will be rewarded by some excellent performances - particularly excellent given the general awfulness of the film - by not just CF, but by Mary Steenburgen and Minnie Driver.." Make of that what you will!

Hey Ladies, it's all happening here! First of all a belated WOW to you Emma, thanks for sharing your wonderful evening last Thursday in every thrilling and glorious detail, how fabulous for you. And as a note of caution..... when I got that close to him, you won't come down to earth for AGES:-)) Enjoy! Thanks Aishling for typing up the article and to Karen for the great HS page. And to everyone else for providing me such a droolful hour of "catch- up."

Had to send my DB out for the Telegraph (well it's raining) and he came back with the Sunday Mirror "just in case." The following snippet was on the William Hickey page. "Colin Firth's sex- symbol genes seem to have appeared belatedly in his two year old son Luca. "At about one or two months old he looked like a turnip but he has got over it." said Colin on Thursday at the Italian Cultural Institute's celebration of the author Tomasi di Lampedusa in London's Belgrave Square. "Thankfully he no longer resembles a root vegetable." Firth, married to Livia Giuggioli, was joined in readings from Lampedusa's cult novel by the Irish author Edna O Brien who was in more serious mode ( boring quote from her ;-)) Emma, thank goodness we had YOUR version, way to go girl!

BTW the snippet is accompanied by a small b/w pic of him at some prem, we have seen it before (head only) but still miles sexier than anything the Telegraph's cover photographer could come up with. Noticed that they also said Colin was still living with Meg in 1996, whoops!

Oops! Got so excited by the pics that I forgot to say a big thanks!!! To Murph, Bethan, Aishling and Karen!! Thank you for all the news and wonderful photos. (Emma) I really need to stop grinning so much. =) No you don't!!! If I were you....I'd have perma-grin for the rest of my natural life! (Emma) I didn't really inhale enough to check cologne situation. In fact I was probably holding my breath. LOL....I'm proud of you for not reaching over and just sniffing him! Amazing control! ;-) Thank you Emma for answering all our questions! Hope you don't come down off of Cloud 9 for some time!

(Mari)That's quite possibly the least flattering photo of him I've ever seen. And coupled with that headline . . . what were they thinking? I liked the "Free Seeds Inside" part--they've correctly identified him as Mr. Y Chromosome.;-) ;-) ROTFL, Mari....Free Seeds indeed! I'm definitely right there with ya about the picture! I don't even know how to type the sound I made when I saw that. Ewwww, for starters. And I like the second pic better, at least the composition...I find the suggestion of it alluring somehow to think he rides a bike? (ok call me crazy ;-)), but as LisaJH said, something is up with his face in both I think. (Emma) I really need to stop grinning so much. =) You're too cute, Emma! ;-) (Tress) OMG....hate me if you will, but I kinda like the Sunday Telegraph photo! Ok, I will! I thought we had a twin thing goin' on, but obviously I've been *soooo* laboring under a misapprehension. ;-D (Bethan re article) She says that many people , particularly CF fans, will wish to leave the cinema at this point... Huh? Thanks Karen, Murph, and Bethan.

(Dorine) Ok, I will! I thought we had a twin thing goin' on, but obviously I've been *soooo* laboring under a misapprehension. ;-D Oh, now, see I'll have to explain myself a bit better! I like the hair thing....it kinda makes me think that this is what he may look like when he wakes up. Sooooooo.....for some oddball reason, I find this incredible sexy. I will never get to see him 'first thing' so, this is as close as I will get (don't tell me that ya'll think he looks like Lord Dashwood in the morning!)....So, I like it, but for completely pervy reasons (and with the seed comment below the picture....well.....I won't go there)! ;-D

(Dorine) particularly CF fans , will wish to leave the cinema at this point... Huh? Absolutely! (oops too much interview viewing ;-) )I mean we didn't exactly get up in droves in the "ever ready Eddie" scene in SLOW now did we?

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday. 1. "Identity," $17 million. 2. "Anger Management," $16 million. 3. "Holes," $13 million. 4. "Malibu's Most Wanted," $7.7 million. 5. "Confidence," $4.75 million. 6. "Bulletproof Monk," "$4.65 million. 7. "What a Girl Wants," $3.35 million. 8. "Phone Booth," $3.1 million. 9. "It Runs in the Family," $3 million. 10. "The Real Cancun," $2.3 million. I'm glad that WAGW is estimated to do better than "The Real Cancun"! ;-)

(Tress)I'm glad that WAGW is estimated to do better than "The Real Cancun"! ;-) I don't know if it will though... My theater has pulled off all the evening shows for WAGW. It's only playing now at 1pm and 3:30pm (BTW I'm going at 3:30 :) ). Thanks all for the news and photos... The free seeds definitely reminded me of another nickname ODB used to be coined: IBM (Ideal Breeding Material).

(Tress)I like the hair thing....it kinda makes me think that this is what he may look like when he wakes up. Sooooooo.....for some oddball reason, I find this incredible sexy. I will never get to see him 'first thing' so, this is as close as I will get (don't tell me that ya'll think he looks like Lord Dashwood in the morning!)....So, I like it, but for completely pervy reasons (and with the seed comment below the picture....well.....I won't go there)! ;-D Tress, I could be your twin anytime. I'm with you all the way;-) Thank you all for the links, photos and articles (I'm so afraid to leave a name unmentioned, that I choose "all").

In case people are wondering, I went through my misc. CF pic file and looked at all those labeled from The Telegraph, and let me tell you, they have a history of printing some very bad pics of Colin: Several from this shoot:

I LOVE the bottom one! You don't like that? Does he have something on the bridge of his nose or is that in the scan?

(Tress)Does he have something on the bridge of his nose or is that in the scan? This was taken, when he had a, oh I don't remember, some music-device falling onto his nose. The article said something about CF being reluctant to having his photo taken looking like that, but that he changed his mind. Something about not wanting to look "precious". Sorry, very babbling, but my memory is rotten!

look precious as not on the photo, but the idea of not wanting anybody to photograph him with a "bumped nose".

(Annette) This was taken, when he had a, oh I don't remember, some music-device falling onto his nose. Ohhhh! I had heard about that....didn't know this was the picture (evidence). It doesn't look that bad. When I heard he had bumped his nose I was picturing black and blue and a huge scab. Thanks Annette.

(Mari) I liked the "Free Seeds Inside" part--they've correctly identified him as Mr. Y Chromosome.;-) ;-) Oh do I have a garden for those seeds:-)Stop! Y'all know what I'm talking about...Honestly, I don't know where your minds are these days. Sheesh.:-) I love that bottom picture, Karen--bump on the nose and all. (Annette)Tress, I could be your twin anytime. I'm with you all the way;-) I guess that makes us triplets?;-) Thanks, Karen for the great HS page and the "bad" pictures above. Thanks to Aishling, Rika, Bethan, Tress, And, of course, to the girl with the perpetual grin. (Dorine) particularly CF fans , will wish to leave the cinema at this point... Huh? I don't think so.

(Bethan) For Evelyn.. The reporter raises (again!) the subject of his "miserable" schooldays(!) "Oh God" he says" that has been a self-perpetuating thing, which I daresay I was responsible for,... LOL. Thanks Bethan. I think he's over that stage.But it did go on for several years, didn't it! My observation is that he is less of a whiner now that he used to be. I 'm impressed that he actually lobbied for the role of Colin Ware. But does anyone else get the drift that he's not so impressed with the final porduct?

(Bethan), Also talks about conflict between ideals and reality, and how life has to be a "bloody compromise". I hate to see him growing up;-( Glad to see he selected Oxfam for the premiere. Proud of him.

Karen thanks for a really great HS page and pics. Aishling, Bethan, Murph, Emma, Mari thanks so much for the information and pics, great job everyone.

Have been typing for ages the article and will get it up as soon as possible. Need to correct all the typos and format.

Thanks, Karen, for the great new HS page. Can't wait to hear about the premiere and party afterwards. Thanks to Aishling, Emma, Bethan, Murph and Mari for all the great news and pics. You ladies are wonderful for sharing so quickly with us. Lots going on right now and the party's hopping!

(Moon) Lora asked at one of our local AMC theatres which has the poster up about the release date for HS in Miami and she was told July 9th. Odd - that's a Wednesday.

Here's the article: http://www.firth.com/articles/03telegraph_427.html Believe it or not, the photographer Julian Broad is the same one from InStyle's bed pics. ;-) Enjoy!

Thank you Karen, Aishling and Antonella! Interesting article.....and I'll say thanks to Julian Broad too (since I fancy the pics). ;-D

Thank you Karen, Aishling and Antonella! Interesting article..... Ditto. But now a little help for British-lingo-challenged people. Who are Mills & Boon? And what are plus-fours?

Mills & Boon is a publisher of romance novels; in the US, the equivalent would be Harlequin Romances or similar. Plus-fours are baggy knickers, like they wear for golfing.

Saw HS commercial on channel 4 last night -- billed as Romantic Comedy of the Year! (based on a 5 star Cosmo review) It's wet and windy today in London; however, will persevere and get pneumonia for sake of another encounter =).

Good luck, Emma. Perhaps you'll try to grab his arm this time? ;-)

From today's Daily Express: New birth for Firth Colin Firth has been keeping news of his next production close to his chest. He and his Italian wife Livia are expecting their second child in August. "We don't know the sex yet," says Colin, who has a two-year son Luca with Livia and a 12-year old boy Will with actress Meg Tilly. Heavily pregnant Livia escorted Colin to London's ICI the other night for a tribute to GT di Lampedusa's book The Leopard. "I'm fascinated by all things Italian," admitted the BJD star who, although based in England, spends much of his time in Rome. So does the brooding actor, currently adding the finishing touches(?) to the film Trauma, have any plans to put pen to paper himself? "The thought of writing a book always nags me at the back of my head," he said. "I wrote a short story a while ago for a book Nick Hornby edited, called Speaking With The Angel, to raise money for The TreeHouse Trust for autistic children. I got a lot of offers after that but I haven't got the time or the discipline at the moment." (Text accompanied by a good-sized colour copy of the photo of C and L from the PEN website.)

Thanks Karen for that article. That was very interesting indeed.And thanks for the explanations, sometimes for me it's quite difficult to understand what you all are writing about. Emma, I cross fingers for you and whish you good luck!

Thank you Karen, Aishling and Antonella! It is an odd article, strange way to promote a film. Done in a basement room of the Portobello Hotel? LOL! We now know that: 1. It was some other friend and NH that brought the book to his attention. 2. Will still lives in LA and not Vancouver. 3. He has sold his soul by compromising the pounds for his beliefs. 4. He gets away with 'case-specific' when he doesn't want to answer a question. 5. Cursing comes very naturally to him. 'What appealed to me was the lightness of it - it juxtaposed with a wry cleverness that belied its slightness. It is difficult to explain. Wit is what is going to sell this film, and that is easily obscured in the apparent fluffiness.. ' Huh? Seems a rather confused way of promoting the film. If I see a man in tweeds and plus-fours and he is driving an old Jupiter, I'll think, "You didn't go to Eton. You didn't". Another bizarre quotation. I didn't think Colin gave a flying .... or thoughts about men that went to Eton. He is like the impressionist who feels obliged to tell you when he has stopped performing - 'And now this is me' as Mike Yarwood used to say. This is a new insight to Colin. No one has ever commented this before. I liked the way he brought everything back to Another Country and by association with "heavies" such as Branaugh, Day-Lewis... Good luck today, Emma! I would love to read that 5 Star Cosmo review. Is it out yet?

Thanks, Barbara! He and his Italian wife Livia are expecting their second child in August. If this is true that would make her 3 months pregnant and by the photo and the comments she is much further along. I'd say June looks more likely.

Thanks for typing up the article, Karen. Very interesting, although I've never associated P&P with the words "romantic comedy". For some reason, my little brain can't quite wrap itself around that :) (Tress) I'll say thanks to Julian Broad too (since I fancy the pics) I'll thank Julian Broad, too, but for the InStyle pics :P In the Telegraph pics CF looks.....miserable, like he needs a hug :( (Moon) Lora asked at one of our local AMC theatres which has the poster up about the release date for HS in Miami and she was told July 9th. Entertainment Weekly didn't have it listed in it's summer preview issue, and I just checked Premiere magazine's website and couldn't find it there either. Very strange...is Miramax doing the marketing for this film? ;) Good luck Emma!!!

(Moon Dreams)If this is true that would make her 3 months pregnant and by the photo and the comments she is much further along. I'd say June looks more likely. Wouldn't she be nearer 6 months' pregnant? - And he may be telling a fib about the date to keep the press at bay.

Thank you for the article, Karen. Very interesting reading, me think! Good luck Emma!

TV ALERT for the UK fans: Colin will be on "This Morning" tomorrow (Tuesday).

(Moon) 3. He has sold his soul by compromising the pounds for his beliefs. Aw...I didn't get that at all from the interview. "Compromise" is not selling out. Most of us do it . But I think he's being too hard on himself. Are you reading this Colin??? You have given exposure [read $$$]to many causes that might otherwise have gone unnoticed [by me esp]: Survival Appeal Tree House Trust Fund ["Speak with the Angels"] The Chicken House Theatre (SIL Charity Preem) Free Trade Coffee [ I now feel v. virtuous when I pay an exhorbitant amount for a cup of Starbucks;-)] Oxfam [I know I have missed others...can anybody add to them.] He has taken the notoriety of his career and taken it to a higher level. Not many people, even with higher ed degrees, can say that. "I salute you" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you boss for devoting your Sunday to typing it up.And to the team in the UK (Aishling, Bethan, you know who you are ). Imagine getting it up on the day it was published. I feel like such a lump! It was a good interview. At least he didn't diss Tony Blair or Prince Charles;-)

He and his Italian wife Livia are expecting their second child in August. She's close to 6 months along. Thanks for that, Barbara. Re: The Telegraph photos--that can't be his house. He'd never let himself be photographed in a way that would make his home identifiable, IMO.

(Mari)TV ALERT for the UK fans: Colin will be on "This Morning" tomorrow (Tuesday). OMG!! If this comes off, it'll be a first!! Casual interviewing style(very chatty), with male and female co-hosts. Not in the same league a Parky, but better than nothing. Hope this is only the first of many UK TV appearances (lighting candles) Set your VCRs ladies!

Is this a BBC show? I wonder if we get it on BBC/Am? (Mari), She's close to 6 months along. Thanks for that, Barbara. True. But she must be more. I wouldn't call someone very pregnant at 6 months. Re: The Telegraph photos--that can't be his house. He'd never let himself be photographed in a way that would make his home identifiable, IMO. That looked to me more like the back of the house that might go into a small garden.

(Moon Dreams) Is this a BBC show? I wonder if we get it on BBC/Am? I checked the BBC /Am website and this show is not listed..:-((

(Moon Dreams) 5. Cursing comes very naturally to him. He is'nt the only one..(but I don't imagine he would ever do this on a tv appearance!) Just found this on the BBC website regarding Anna Chancellor...Shocking!!;-)) Anna once famously shocked the Richard, Judy, the TV audience and the ITV network bosses, when she uttered the 'f' word the live This Morning show whilst being interviewed.

Thanks Karen for the explanations... I guess not knowing much about clothes, I thought the tweeds were knicker pants made of tweed... Time for a dictionary or he's talking about people wearing two pairs of pants. :) Evelyn. I agree he does a lot for worthy causes. I mean I "know" French actors who outside of their craft are only known for supporting a certain soccer team or for owning a winery. But I think the compromise comes from being aware of the misery in the world and not invest your whole self in it (especially when your family comprises many missionaries). Shades of Cause Celeb in a way. Good luck EmmaB! I'm eagerly waiting for your report. You are so good to us stranded in no-Firth land!

(Tyrrel) This results in him dropping his trousers, slapstick-style, and many people, particularly Colin Firth fans, may, at this point, wish to leave the cinema. Now, what about this scene would be so awful as to make her want to walk out? What does Colin do? I know it isn't the quasi-pasty twirl bit. Or is it just HG here who is impossible to take? I do like that Tyrrel has pretty good taste and can recognize good performances from Colin and says that most of the others in HS *do* give excellent performances (that is, with the exception of our naked sprite). But we can forgive him for that, and if the casting agents don�t seem to see him as he sees himself, then perhaps it is because he is something of a blank canvas. He is like the impressionist who feels obligated to tell you when he has stopped performing��and now this is me,� as Mike Yarwood used to say. I agrre, Moon, this is a bizarre thing to say. (CF) For me and Ken [Branagh] it was our first job ever out of drama school. Actually, that's not true for Branagh. But I think life has treated me very, very well, and I have got away with murder, really.� He's not complaining, knows he's done well for himself and shouldn't complain. (Evelyn) But does anyone else get the drift that he's not so impressed with the final porduct? His enthusiasm is rather, ahem, understated. ;-) (Moon) We now know that: 5. Cursing comes very naturally to him. And this is a new revelation to you? ;-) (Janet) If this comes off, it'll be a first!! A second, actually. He did appear on Parkinson many years ago to promote TD, with Robt Lawrence. I believe "This Morning" is an ITV program, which means it would not be on BBC America. Thanks Barbara for the news snippet from the Daily Express.

Good luck at the premiere, Emma! A few commments on the article (a big thanks to Karen, Aishling and Antonella): I wish the author hadn't taken this opportunity to slam the movie. Here he is doing press to promote it, and she goes out of her way to negate it. I also think she could have done a better job in explaining free trade and why he links it to coffee--if I hadn't already known the issue, I wouldn't have understood it from this. The "we're drinking shit coffee" comment comes out of left field because she hasn't given it context. I think his comments on speaking out as a public figure are interesting--he's right, there's a real there. The media only listens because you're famous (and they want their sound bite), but the public doesn't particularly want to hear it from you. I do think there are ways of doing it, however. Adrien Brody is a good example of someone who speaks out in an eloquent, constructive manner, and I think Colin would do it that way too. The public doesn't resent the voicing of opinions--what they resent is the stridency and disrespect that sometimes accompanies it.

(Karen)Now, what about this scene would be so awful as to make her want to walk out? It certainly didn't make me want to walk out, but I have to say, his legs do look a little spindly. BTW, I don't think he was wearing underpants in that scene but don't get too excited, it was a 'rear' view as he jumped into bed! - definitely played for laughs, not sex appeal. BTW, did anyone make it to the previews last Thursday? I don't think any comments have been posted yet. I enjoyed it second time around - and I didn't find MS as irritating as first time. It will never be major hit, but it is an enjoyable little movie, with good performances all round (well, maybe excepting HG).

(Moon) We now know that: 5. Cursing comes very naturally to him. (Karen), And this is a new revelation to you? ;-) LOL, no, but he could omit them for interviews once in a while. ;-) Am I the only one that is disappointed in this Telegraph interview? Getting the cover story is a big deal.

The telegraph interview is conducted in the basement of the Portobello hotel in Notting Hill. I assumed the photo of him with the bike and patterned rug (back right of pic) was taken around Notting Hill on property of the hotel possibly.

Good luck Emma, we eagerly anticipate your report. I find it hard to believe that ODB's first appearance on a UK chat show since Tumbledown is to be This Morning, from upmarket to downmarket in a day ;-) The TV listings I checked had Jerome Flynn listed for tomorrow discussing his role as Tommy Cooper on London stage, maybe they will both be on!

Karen thanks for the terrific HS page and pics. Thanks also for the Telegraph article, explanations, and pics (has his scalp turned purple? Can just hear Jim Broadbent saying it now;-)). Thanks to Aishling for the HS review article with juicy spoilers, and to Antonella, Bethan, Murph, Emma, Mari for all the information and pics. (Moon)Lora asked at one of our local AMC theatres which has the poster up about the release date for HS in Miami and she was told July 9th. This guy seem to know all about it. He told me he thought it was coming in July, but he didn't give me an exact date. Maybe he was more specific with you. Did he tell you it was the 9th? He did say I was the second person who asked about the poster ;-). Emma, good luck tonight. Hope he remembers you and asks, "So how did our picture together turn out?" ;-) Ask him how Trauma is going or if he's started on it yet. Btw, I love the way he says 'drama' and 'Trauma' in the Colin Unplugged video. It's sort of like, 'drawma' and 'Trawma." So maybe, Emma, you'll get to hear him 'say those words' if you ask him about the movie. ;-) (You don't have to ask...it's just a small suggestion, since I know from experience how hard it is to think of a question when you're breathing the same air!) We're thinking of you and sending good vibrations your way!

Forgot to say thanks to everyone for the wonderful articles, pics, etc. posted over the past few days. Strange, that although he is generally very photogenic, there are some stinkers out there! -And Emma, you know we are all wishing you the very best for tonight.

(Moon) We now know that: 5. Cursing comes very naturally to him. (Karen) And this is a new revelation to you? ;-) (Moon) LOL, no, but he could omit them for interviews once in a while. ;-) Maybe ODB is seeing how well it seems to work for the 'other' CF....he has a lot of catching up to do if that is the case...;-) (Janet) BTW, I don't think he was wearing underpants in that scene but don't get too excited, it was a 'rear' view as he jumped into bed! - definitely played for laughs, not sex appeal. Oh my! Does this mean what I think it means? We get cheeks? Please confirm! ;-D Good luck Emma!! I'm hopeful that you will see ODB again!!

(Janet) BTW, I don't think he was wearing underpants in that scene but don't get too excited, it was a 'rear' view as he jumped into bed! - definitely played for laughs, not sex appeal. (Tress), Oh my! Does this mean what I think it means? We get cheeks? Please confirm! ;-D See that's what I mean. Couldn't she have asked him about this? This line of conversation sells tickets and he was promoting HS.

First off, Good luck Emma. Lightening can strike twice. Please breathe a bit of air for all of us, here.:-)Oh Gawd,I can't even begin to think about seeing him twice in 4 days. Colin Firth is a crumpet for an older woman someone in her thirties to fifties, an age group that doesn't traditionally put posters up... Except when they bully their daughters into putting up certain movie posters in their room:-)(even put nails in the wall) I've never imagined CF as a crumpet before. Hmmmm...delicious. (Lora)I love the way he says 'drama' and 'Trauma' in the Colin Unplugged video. It's sort of like, 'drawma' and 'Trawma." LOL, besides the way he says "debutante" in WAGW, his version of 'trawma' (he says it very drawn out)is fast becoming another favorite of mine. Thanks so very much, Karen, for the Telegraph article, and many thanks to Aishling, Bethan, Mari, and all. Oh, Emma you are probably on your way. Praying hard.

(Tress)Oh my! Does this mean what I think it means? We get cheeks? Please confirm! ;-D Very fleeting, partial view, I'm sorry to say!

Beggars can't be choosers.

On BBC 3 Liquid News: CF interviewed at premiere. He has several days' growth facial hair, and hair looked a little straggly. I assume for Trauma. Interviewer asked some rather mundane questions, CF seemed rather embarrassed. I am totally delighted for Emma. Lighning does strike twice!

(Janet) Very fleeting, partial view, I'm sorry to say! Oh....don't be sorry! LOL! This just means that the slo-mo button on the DVD player will get some use! Unless a stunt butt was used...;-) And thanks for all the info Janet. Yippee for Emma!! Twice in one week!

Hey Janet thanks for the news re premiere, great to know Emma will have a second helping. (Janet) several days growth facial hair Hey good news, a traumatised Lord Wessex then;-))

(Moon) See that's what I mean. Couldn't she have asked him about this? This line of conversation sells tickets and he was promoting HS. Moon, I know that you know more than most people that what is asked and discussed doesn't always end up in the finished article. :-( (Moon) We now know that: 5. Cursing comes very naturally to him. (Karen) And this is a new revelation to you? ;-) (Moon) LOL, no, but he could omit them for interviews once in a while. ;-) (Tress) Maybe ODB is seeing how well it seems to work for the 'other' CF....he has a lot of catching up to do if that is the case...;-) ROTF Tress! Colin, "beware of the dark side! If once you start down the dark path, forever it will dominate your destiny" (at least according to Yoda) ;-) Actually, I don't recall that he curses all *that* much in interviews, though I could be having an early senior moment. :-P (Linda) besides the way he says "debutante" in WAGW, his version of 'trawma' (he says it very drawn out)is fast becoming another favorite of mine. Oh, me too!!! I'd love to see him do So Graham Norton, too. Hell, if Donny Osmond can go on there.....I thought that was one of the best shows, too. (Evelyn) You have given exposure [read $$$]to many causes that might otherwise have gone unnoticed Maybe that's why he skipped the WAGW premiere in NYC....the rainforest is too well known of a cause. ;-) (Mari) Re: The Telegraph photos--that can't be his house. He'd never let himself be photographed in a way that would make his home identifiable, IMO. That was my first thought,too, but if it was the back how many people would know except the neighbors? Thanks Karen, Aishling, Antonella, and Barbara.

(Janet) several days growth facial hair Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm! Just the way I like him.....unless it's not well shaped...and growing all the way down his neck like some do..... Yuck, I've blown away my own fantasy. ;-) Hope things went well Emma! How exciting!

(Janet) several days growth facial hair (Dorine) Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Mmmmm! Just the way I like him.....unless it's not well shaped Not holding out much hope for "well-shaped", I bet "Trauma"-tized will mean it is more scraggly. Tapping foot, checking watch, calculating time...Oh Emma? Anybody home yet? (Oooh, maybe it's a good sign and she's standing in a potted palm somewhere!)

(Dorine)Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm! Just the way I like him.....unless it's not well shaped... A la InStyle??? Whew! (Barb)Tapping foot, checking watch, calculating time...Oh Emma? Anybody home yet? Give her time, just give her time...it's only 8:50 in the UK:-)

It's early here still but remember the golden rule of Colin encounters........ takes twice as long to get home when you are on cloud nine (again:-) ) Lucky Emma. and we still have the Boss's party link too. can't wait to see more facial hair, hope it makes tomorrow's papers;-)

(Barb)Tapping foot, checking watch, calculating time...Oh Emma? Anybody home yet? Here, while you are waiting, read another review from someone in the "sisterhood"..;-) http://www.filmmonthly.com/Video/Articles/WhatAGirlWants/WhatAGirlWants.html

You go to ogle Colin Firth and wish they'd hurry up with that Bridget Jones sequel already. Ok, fess up, who here goes by the name Coco Delgado? And hey. Colin Firth in leather pants dancing in front of a mirror? Worth the price of admission. Just saying. Hey, Coco, come count my ticket stubbs. Thanks, Maria. Fun article while we wait for Emma.

Thanks for all the news, articles and tidbits everyone. Re:Sunday Telegraph Cover. Welcome bad boy. He looks like a street punk. Hallelujah. I love the new look on CF. It's very edgy and it throws a big cream pie in the face of Mr. Darcy. He looks very comfortable in his own skin. Dare I hope I hear a mold being broken as we speak? If only! Cuss on tomorrow bad boy - make people drop their morning sausages!(Not that I don't like the other photo too-this has been an Equal Opportunity message) Emma! Emma! Emma!

OK, Matthew Perry was there, so may we'll have some press coverage over here as well. Sorry, but no time to fix them up right now.

Does Minnie look disinterested in that last one or what??

He wuz there!! Pics of the HS premiere are up on Wire Image: http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====26391

Way to go karen! brilliant He's looking so wonderful as indeed is Livia, exactly as Emma said. But Minnie... honestly. She looked more animated dragging on her fag and slurping starbucks in BC! Obviously unable to cope with her such a classy guy up close and personal. Take a leaf out of Renee's book honey:-)) Thanks for the link Evie, Bellini's up!

Thanks boss..."Olivia" Firth...looks gorgeous as always. What style. Shows up the rest of the folks. Minnie Driver's dress...ug . I've seen better on the sale rack of M&S. Look at that mob ...anybody find Emma;-)))

He wuz there!! Pics of the HS premiere are up on Wire Image: http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====26391

Thanks Karen and Evelyn! I thought Minnie looked preggers too in that first pic with Mr. Perry! And I love 'Olivia's' Laugh-In dress! It's very cute on her. Is her hair short(er) now or is that just the picture? Like ODB's scruff...

Thanks, for these boss. He looks AFG. I don't know wot's wrong with Minnie.

Agreed that "Olivia" looks really classy ( as ever) and nice to see Kristen Scott Thomas returning the favour and turning up at his premiere too. (Evelyn) anybody find Emma isn't she the one floating nine feet above the crowd ? ;-))

Boy does he look fantastic. I love that scruffiness. And very open collar! ;-D "Olivia" Firth...looks gorgeous as always. What style. It seems she's cut her hair. Smart. Who wants to deal with all that hair with two little ones? Seems they've both transformed themselves a bit in the last few days. (Lizza) But Minnie... honestly. She looked more animated dragging on her fag and slurping starbucks in BC! LOL!!! Thanks, Karen and Evelyn!

I'm getting the Wire Image big ones ready. So much for cleaning up the front yard. :-( Olivia's Pucci dress is sooooo Minnie looks better in the others; can't say the same for her dress either. She's never dressed well IMO.

BTW we really do have to hope he's on "This Morning" tomorrow looking like that! (Rupe was on it I recall to promote TIOBE and said the F*&* word, and after the satellite tape who knows what ODB could do :-))

(Karen) I'm getting the Wire Image big ones ready. So much for cleaning up the front yard. :-( Priorities woman! (I'll be right up to do it for you!) What I *can* see looks AFG!

I'm not sure that dress is the most flattering one for Livia at this particular time. It does look better on the one Karen posted vs. the Wireimage one, though.

Something quick, until I can sort through and pick out the best, clean up others, etc. Enjoy! http://www.firth.com/hs_gal5.html

Thank you, Karen! And Evelyn! Waiting for the big images. I agree on the dresses. Notice how tiny Mena Suvari is. I wonder if Mathew Perry or Hank Azaria are also in Trauma? Emma must be floating home. ;-)

Thank you again Karen! The bigger pics look awesome! ODB looks AMAZING! And if Livia is only 6 months along...she's huge (her belly...the rest of her is tiny. She looks great). Like her hair...and agree with Dorine...best to keep it short when you are running after two little ones.

Aaaaahhhh, thank you Karen and Evelyn! I swear, there is not a man alive who does for an opened-neck shirt what that man does. I'm sure there will be even more splendor!

Fantastic job Karen1 lovely selection, just noticed Livia's shoes, gorgeous, lime green and bejewelled (I think) look really fab. Need a closer view, bet they are italian;-0 Anyone else detect a reddish hue in ODB's hair, or is it just the light? like that colour on him...... lighting candles for "This Morning" aaahhhh1 Nevah thought I'd say that;-)

Fabulous finds! Thanks so much for the quick work! (Moon)I wonder if Mathew Perry or Hank Azaria are also in Trauma? I know MP is doing a play with MD, and I think HA might be in it as well. Livia looks great. She really has the nicest smile. I'm glad she's not hiding. And I'm thinking that dress is going to give her some attention in the mags. I couldn't wear it (aside from my not being extremely preggers) but good for her. Halloooo, Emma! Can't wait for your report.

Just added some more, where Livia looks bigger than a house. ;-)

(Karen) Just added some more, where Livia looks bigger than a house. ;-) And they are saying baby due in August? Twins? She is big...but didn't Colin say in an interview that she was absolutely huge with Luca? I think she looks amazing...beautiful, but she does look very pregnant.

She could not possibly be due in Aug. I like that Trauma look. You're right about that dress, Brenda. It will get attention, maybe even Hello Mag. It's not Pucci. Looks like it could be some young designer's boutique in Soho.

Above and beyond the call of duty: My DH is in London on business. He went along to Odeon Leicester Square around 9.00pm. The crowds has apparantly dispersed a little, and he was able to ask ODB for his autograph (for me, of course) as he was leaving, and he filmed it too. He was laughing while telling me this, 'cos CF gave him a strange look as he walked away - probably thought he was some sort of crazed male fan!! I think I can download some stills, so if they're OK, I'll do it later this week when my DH returns home.

Ohhh!! Congrats on the autograph coup Janet! And pics as well...your DH is the man!

(Janet) 'cos CF gave him a strange look as he walked away Oh, no! I think Colin's seen it all. How about the husband who yelled out, 'there goes your man' to his wife? ;-) Looking forward to seeing any pics, Janet. Let me know if you need any help. Glad you got an autograph too. (Moon) It will get attention, maybe even Hello Mag. It did get attention. Even WireImage singled (Olivia) out, obviously thinking she was "someone."

I'm catching up with everything from the past two days. Thanks everybody for everything! Thanks especially to Karen for putting the premiere pics up so quickly. OMG does he look gorgeous!!! So does Livia. What was MD thinking? In the photo taken from behind, where she's wearing a coat, her dress looks like a bedraggled slip showing.

(BarbS) Priorities woman! (I'll be right up to do it for you!) LOL! You know I'm *not* that far away, and I have your address. Be ready at 9 am. Glad I blew off my dentist appt to do the yardwork. ;-)

Karen, thanks for all the great pics from premiere. Boy, you're fast! Whew! Amazing! Livia's dress is adorable. Bet she's due at the end of July and that's why they're saying August. You always show sooner and bigger with the second, they say. I wonder if her hair is pulled back except for the front. In the PEN pics (yesterday) it looked like she still had long hair, but that she had it shorter in the front (like tonight). Janet, congrats on the autograph - what a DDH you have! I bet you can't wait to see what he captured on video - it's like a private 'unplugged' video with YKW just looking at you! ;-) Emma, Emmabean, pray tell us what tonight you've seen!?? ;-) Thanks, Maria, for the cute article. And thanks, Barbara, for the article/info you provided.

Karen, Really great photos. Thank you. CF looks fantastic. Love Livia's dress and shoes. Very Italian inspired at least. I think the big print and the style of the dress detract from the pregnancy more than the dress she wore to The Leopard reading. Altogether lovely. Catherine Zeta-Jones set a standard at the Oscars. Glad to see it. What about that CF hug from behind with Minnie? Livia would need a crowbar to get me out of that one. Would love to know Minnie's secret for remaining upright after that.

Thanks, Karen, for the fantastic premiere pics. He looks wonderful! Livia is lovely as usual, and unless she is having twins there is no way she will last until August. Janet, your DH deserves a special award. He is definitely a keeper. Emma, we can't wait for your special on the scene report. You may never come down to earth now. Enjoy!

Karen, you are the best. Very quick work. Heck, if I could fly out tomorrow I'd help out in the yard. Thanks a million. (Joyce)Would love to know Minnie's secret for remaining upright after that LOL, I don't know, but could you just imagine? Congratulations on your autograph, Janet. Great DH you have there. (Karen)Olivia's Pucci dress is sooooo Busy? She's glowing, though. Her hair does look long again in the picture where she is alone. (Tress)but didn't Colin say in an interview that she was absolutely huge with Luca Actually, he said that thankfully Luca came three weeks early because she was enormous. Not one of his more, eh, tactful answers. Check out his body on that picture to the left of the one where he's holding Minnie around the waist. Wow!!! AFG, I have to say it again, AFG. I'm beginning to think that since we haven't heard from Emma that maybe she left with the Firth's and is stuck somewhere in an elevator with them. Either that or cloud 9 took a wrong turn:-)Or, dare we hope she got into the party???

(Janet) 'cos CF gave him a strange look as he walked away (karen)Oh, no! I think Colin's seen it all. How about the husband who yelled out, 'there goes your man' to his wife? ;-) Capital!Capital! LOL. Karen is right. He's not only used to husbands..also fathers, boyfriends, sons, fiancees. All in a day's work. MD is a mess; that long unkept mane. I love "Olivia's" dress. Hey when she's finished with it maybe she'll let Laura have it;-)I think the reason "O" looks so big is because she is so v. thin normally.Just because she's preggars doesn't mean she has to dress like a nun. Fantastic job , boss. Now, roll on the reviews.

Hey, wait a minute... I just looked at the pics again... I think he's wearing *my* navy blue suit. Woo hoo!!

(Karen)Olivia's Pucci dress is sooooo (Linda) Busy? Or sooo like some things that used to hang in my mother's closet. ;-) Wonder why we didn't treated to the lovely Heather? She never misses an event where she can display her boobs. ;-0

(Evelyn) I think he's wearing *my* navy blue suit. No doubt. He only has the one.

(Tress) And if Livia is only 6 months along...she's huge (Moon) She could not possibly be due in Aug. You all are going to laugh at me, but you remember the park pictures? Now magazine, late October -- and obviously taken before that but probably not too much before? She was wearing glasses. I had a friend who wore contacts but who, while pregnant, could not wear them. By her third pregnancy, if I saw her in glasses, I knew what that meant before she even told me. First thing I thought of when I saw Livia in glasses (who may well wear them fairly frequently, I'd just never seen a picture.) If she's truly looking at late July or Aug, obviously it meant nothing, but if she goes significantly earlier...I'll jump up and down and say "I knew it!" ...And you can still laugh at me...;-)

There's a slew of new pics of CF and Olivia at: http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====26392

I can't take my eyes off the photo above (#1253). That shirt is better than Darcy's wet one! Broad chest, slim waist, smoldery look. I'm feeling faint. (lindak)I'm beginning to think that since we haven't heard from Emma that maybe she left with the Firth's and is stuck somewhere in an elevator with them. Good thing Livia is due in August (wink, wink). Emma might have to help deliver :-)

There is also a slew there (wireimage) of Colin and Minnie. Oh to have been Minnie tonight...but I definitely would have worn a different dress:-) No meow intended.

Maybe Emma is driving them to the hospital as we speak.;-) Karen, great job in getting the premiere page together so quickly! I love premiere days around here . . . we need to have them more often.;-) Olivia's dress is very shagadelic, baby!;-) Oh, behave! Janet, we used to get BBC Liquid News here, but not sure if we still do. Will check. Story about your DH's close encounter at the premiere is too funny! Good for him. Looks like Mena Suvari, John Madden and KST were also there.

(lindak)I'm beginning to think that since we haven't heard from Emma that maybe she left with the Firth's With any luck at all, Emma was still around while the crowds were dispersed and Janet's DH was getting the autograph. Maybe she got up close and Firthful!

Check the wireimage photo #82. Is that woman's breast out of her dress? That'll be the photo printed in the mags. How dare she upstage Livia? Who is she anyway?

Some video footage of CF at the premiere. Go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/default.stm Go to "programmes" and click on "video-Entertainment Summary."

(Mari)Some video footage of CF at the premiere. Thanks, Mari. Colin doesn't sound "delighted" to be compared to The Gnat ;-) Does the announcer actually say "Darcy-tastic!"? Great word!

Oooh, thanks Karen for the HS premiere pics and typing up the article, and thanks to everyone else for all the lovely info these past few days. I agree that ODB and Livia look amazing. (Mari) Olivia's dress is very shagadelic, baby!;-) Oh, behave! LOL! Hey, it may be busy, but when you get to be that size, it's not like a black dress is going to hide much, either.;-) Why not have fun and be colorful? What's up with the mighty Minnie? I thought she was a clothes-horse a few years ago. She shoulda worn the red Halston. ;-) (Brenda)I can't take my eyes off the photo above (#1253). That shirt is better than Darcy's wet one! Broad chest, slim waist, smoldery look. I'm feeling faint. I'm with you, Brenda. He's one tall drink of water. Mmmmmmmmmmm. Emma are you still levitating after your second encounter? ;-) Hope to hear from you soon!

Thank you all for such wonderful pics and news. Took me a long time to finish (and drool) and it definitely made my day. "Olivia" looks gorgeous as ever!

(Brenda)Is that woman's breast out of her dress? . . . Who is she anyway? As our dear Moon would say: "Whore!" LOL! Colin doesn't sound "delighted" to be compared to The Gnat ;-) No he doesn't, and neither would I.;-) (Lisa)Why not have fun and be colorful? Agreed! To all those who tried to tell me that the Firths hide their pregnancies . . . toldya, toldya, nyeh, nyeh, nyeh!;-) I like her shorter hair bob, too.

(Karen) Wonder why we didn't treated to the lovely Heather? She never misses an event where she can display her boobs. ;-0 (Brenda) Check the wireimage photo #82. Is that woman's breast out of her dress? That'll be the photo printed in the mags. How dare she upstage Livia? Who is she anyway? I have a theory...I think Alison David (wireimage photo #82) probably has on the dress that Heather planned to wear....Heather didn't want to show up in the same frock...soooo....;-D And I think AD is a singer...but not sure.

(Evelyn) Just because she's preggars doesn't mean she has to dress like a nun. Definitely not. That dress is a lot fun. Great choice for the dreary weather anyway. Just that one Wireimage photo of her alone could have been more flattering from another angle. (Karen) Wonder why we didn't treated to the lovely Heather? She never misses an event where she can display her boobs. ;-0 LOL! She didn't want to be upstaged by the other woman hanging out. ;-) (Brenda) I can't take my eyes off the photo above (#1253)...smoldery look That's funny, I thought his look said "Oh s*&t, there's more of those photographers in here, too." ;-) Great premiere page, Karen. Janet, that's too cool about your husband. Hope he got that look from Colin on camera as he walked away. (Barb) You all are going to laugh at me, but you remember the park pictures? Now magazine, late October -- and obviously taken before that but probably not too much before? A couple of other people thought the same thing at that time, but because of the clothes. Emma *must* have been partying. *fingers crossed* (Joyce) What about that CF hug from behind with Minnie? Livia would need a crowbar to get me out of that one. You said it! And he really had a grip on her. I can't fathom her apparent lack of excitement. ;-)

(Brenda) Check the wireimage photo #82. Is that woman's breast out of her dress? Very good eyes. It's half out. Mark, would you like a close-up? ;-) Thanks for the video, Mari. Audio fell apart; will have to try again later.

I have a short report from Antonella, who was down in London for work, and didn't expect to see anything by the time she got over there: "Anyway I didn't see much. I worked all day as a slave...and I managed to get to Leicester Square by quarter to 8 when all the action was finished. I saw Colin going in and Minnie Driver being interviewed by a reporter and that's it. People were already going away with an exception of an American lady who was taking pictures for someone in the US. Was she maybe one of your "delegates"? I got a billboard but it was too big for me to transport on the bus/tube and then on the train/then taxi....so i "kindly" gave to a screeming teenager who thanked me millions of times. I waited 15 minutes in the cold wind, saw Mark Harman coming out to smoke a sigarette (at least I managed to say hallo to him! Like the man, really very Yorkshire, but nice) and Paul Ross (Jonathan Ross' brother, awful who was signing authographs on the HS billboard even though he doesn't have anything to do with the film) then I went to the station to take my train home. "Apparently Colin behaved very kindly to everybody, signing autograph all around the place, talking on people mobiles and posing for photographs (reminding a bit of Tom Cruise's behaviour at premieres)"

(Brenda)Is that woman's breast out of her dress? . . . She needs to borrow J Lo's two-sided, double-stick tape, or Mari's duct tape, at the very least. ;-)

Hey janet lovely story that your DH got the autograph for you, you must be so thrilled. ODB talking on mobiles...... there's a new challenge ladies, Emma wonder if you tried that?:-)) Mari thanks for all the links, a wonderful "slew|"

(Brenda)I can't take my eyes off the photo above (#1253). That shirt is better than Darcy's wet one! Broad chest, slim waist, smoldery look. I'm feeling faint. My thoughts exactly. Some might have been drawn to Livia's figure of ODB'S dimples, but for me, it's "bring on that bod"!

Agreed Sandy, great suit!

Wow, this has been a busy day! I hate being offline when there's lots of excitement. Thanks to everybody for the various links and information, and especially to Karen for getting the pictures posted so quickly. And speaking of the pictures, I'd say that we haven't heard from Emma because she hasn't regained consciousness yet. Wow, did he ever look fantastic.

Karen: Mark, would you like a close-up? ;-) Hey! I resemble that remark... Will trade any one Alison David (neverheardofher) for any two archived HGs. Incidentally, Colin & Minnie on front of Metro (free London paper) this morning.

It was driving me mental - I had no network connection last night at DBf's house to report to you all! but the good thing is that I got pics ready -- however again, I am glad there are others as my digital sucks really. And I keep cutting people's heads off (oh, like COLIN's). Yes lightening does strike twice - so clearly I have been very very good, or I got something REAL bad coming my way to deserve this! I now have my own signed copy of Speaking with the Angel. I felt like I would have had the nerve to talk to him if he wasn't rushing along, but obviously it was way less intimate that Thursday. He was GREAT with the crowd, went around the whole thing, must have signed his name a hundred times, took photos, talked to people on mobiles (including a 'Hello Mum' beside us - can you imagine getting that phonecall?!) Livia looked so fab in that Pucci print. Kristen Scott Thomas was there, ran in really fast. Have pics of Mena Suvari (who is the size of a 12 year old in my mind!), Matthew Perry, Hank Azaria maybe got in one. Everyone reading the Metro on the train this morning as I came in to work -it was great to see him so many times over! I didn't go back and try to find the party, I just came for the entrance and then left. He looked GREAT in that suit, and the hair growth was v. v. good. Although I think I prefer Mr Casual from last week myself.

Janet I really hope your VCR is set up since I completely forgot to do it for This Morning! And Paul Ross was there interviewing everyone around me as well (thank god he didn't ask me).

Just catching up on the photos and discussion...The press right beside us had no idea who half the people showing up were. The Alison David woman (just learning her name now) came back out after going in very early just so they could take more photos of the dress. She came with Naomi Harris, who I recognised from the version they did of White Teeth on tv in the fall here. There was an American reporter from People mag beside us too, and some photographers were trying to get her photos, but she wasn't sure if she wanted them or not. Seemed to just be interested in Matthew Perry's attendance. Him and Hank Azaria are in a new play with Minnie opening soon, Sexual Peversity or something like that.

Congrats, Emma! I'm so, so happy for you. including a 'Hello Mum' beside us - can you imagine getting that phonecall?!) OMG!! i wonder if the 'mom' at the other end might have fainted. I would if I were, even though I'm not a mom myself. Anything he says will pass me out. :)

Way to go, Emma. Your own autographed Speaking With the Angles...Lucky girl. I have other questions, but need my coffee just now. Glad you made it. How exciting. You are on a roll. :-)

I sent all my photos to Karen (sorry I probably just filled your inbox forever!) but they aren't really good enough to put up on here, so I quickly put some up on my site: http://emmainlondon.tripod.com/colin.html

Good Lord, what a festa!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! He looks great, she looks great, congrats again Emma! Unable to pull up your site, will try and be patient...Arrggghhh!! From Empire this morning.. http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?4706

(Emma)they aren't really good enough I think they are wonderful, and you got a good close up of his hand and dimples. Now I need to know what you are up to next, because all good things happen in Three's...

Wow, crazy couple of days! Thanks everyone for the reports, pics, etc! (Emma) including a 'Hello Mum' beside us - can you imagine getting that phonecall?! I wouldn't have believed it was really him!! I'd probably humiliate myself by going "yeah, yeah, SURE your Colin Firth, riiiight" and then later have to kill myself when I found out it really was him, LOL! Although I'm not too crazy about the dress, Livia looks positively radiant. CF--AFG City! Mmmmm.....Now, what on earth is wrong with MD? She is wrapped up in CF's arms, and she looks......bored??? WTF???????? (Joyce) Livia would need a crowbar to get me out of that one. Ditto that!!

Emma, you are my idol. Not only do you live in my absolute favorite city but you got to see the man twice in a matter of days. You lucky lucky girl. Thanks for all the reports and the great pics. I almost like your pics better than the professional ones b/c you can really get the feeling what it would be like to actually be there. Thank you thank you thank you. Thanks to everyone else for all the great articles and pics. Thanks Karen for maintaining this place where we can all be silly giddy drooly girls.

LOVE the pics, Emma! The one of you is too cute. Artsy fartsy, really, with the blurred edges. ;-) (Jodi) I almost like your pics better than the professional ones b/c you can really get the feeling what it would be like to actually be there. Yes! Especially the two clearer ones. Wow, he looked ab...so...lute...ly amazing!!! Way to go, Emma! What a great way to start my day. That's nice they let the celebrities walk around greeting fans so much there consistently it seems. Here, it doesn't happen that often I think. The public is corraled way across the street or behind photographers many times. :-( Thanks to all!

Oh, man! You're away from the computer for a couple of days and suddenly there's sooo much to catch up on! Many, many thanks, girls, for the stories and great pictures - especially you, Emma. You have no idea how jealous I am, sitting here so far from the centre of excitement. I was interested to see your photo of CF's dad - quite a lot of hair, really, for a man of his age, and is that a dimple? ;)

OK, looks like Emma's Tripod site has gone into bandwidth overload shut down! Maybe we need a schedule!

Can't wait to see your images, Emma. But your page has exceeded its bandwidth, and is unavailable just now. I'll try again later. My DH comes home late tonight, so I'll see what I can do for tomorrow. I may have to send the pics to you, Karen. I recorded This Morning. Very brief interview with Paul Ross(yuck), with a couple of scenes from the movie. He was wearing quite a bulky ribbed black polo neck sweater with a fairly high neck. Noticed a very chunky silver ring on his right hand. (It may even have been two rings on the one finger.) Several days' growth as before. But AFG!

OMG! The Empire online thing is wonderful!! The pictures are great and Livia looks amazing -- I love her hair! And he looks good enough to eat and like he was having a real fine time! Translation please (from the empire story): It�s official. Colin Firth is one jammy git.

(Barb S)Translation please (from the empire story): It�s official. Colin Firth is one jammy git. Extremely lucky guy (with more than a hint of envy).

It�s official. Colin Firth is one jammy git. Translation: I consider CF to be annoyingly lucky.

(Mark) Translation: I consider CF to be annoyingly lucky. LOL! Silly boy, you've been surrounded by the lovely ladies of Drool. Thanks, Emma, for sending the pics; hopefully, I received all of them before you nearly maxed out my inbox. ;-) Can't see your own site, as it is in suspended mode. I'll work on getting Emma's up, plus try to make what's there a little more aesthetically palatable.

Then Livia is one jammy git as well. ;-) Well at least this sounds positive. When I usually call someone a git, I'm not envious nor calling the person lucky. Maybe I've been using it wrong.

Minnie has men flocking by ANDRE PAINE, Evening Standard he says she can't get a date - but with men like Colin Firth and David Ginola around, Minnie Driver was able to make the best of it at the premiere of her latest film. The British actress was seen with both at the party for Hope Springs last night - and she also managed to get Friends star Perry to accompany her up the red carpet, to the delight of hundreds of screaming fans. Driver, 33, also signed autographs for cheering fans outside the premiere last night at Asia de Cuba, at St Martin's Lane Hotel. She played down her recent admission that she felt a "pariah" because men in London never asked her out. "I don't even have time for a date - my dad had to come here tonight just so he could see me," she said. Firth stars as Driver's fianc� in Hope Springs - but in real life he is, of course, taken: he arrived at the party with pregnant wife Livia Guiggioli. Meanwhile Perry is currently rehearsing with Driver for what will be his stage debut, in the David Mamet play Sexual Perversity In Chicago, next week. He said: "The play is going great and Minnie is terrific - very sweet and funny." And former footballer Ginola - who is to start a RADA acting course in London - was one of a number of star guests at the party. Others included American actress Mena Suvari, and musician and actor Roland Gift. Driver, whose love life has included romances with actors Matt Damon, John Cusack, Josh Brolin and Harrison Ford, said: "I loved the premiere and people seemed to enjoy the film, but I'm back in rehearsals in the morning so I have to get home. "It is hard work, but I'm loving it and Matthew Perry is fantastic."

(Dorine) When I usually call someone a git, I'm not envious nor calling the person lucky. Maybe I've been using it wrong. I think you're probably on it after all. Mark and Janet agree on the "lucky" part, Mark adds the fine point that he is "annoying" about it (male perception thing?! ;-)) That's probably where the "git-ness" comes in. (One of my favorite usages of late was for the Gilderoy Lockhart character in HP...now there was a git!) LOL...and agree about the Mrs. Jammy Git thing.

I thought GP was the complainer about not getting dates. I wish I had some of their problems that seems to be keeping them getting dates. Unless it's a personality thing. ;-) (BarbS) Mrs. Jammy Git I kinda like that. Mr. and Mrs. JG Mark adds the fine point that he is "annoying" about it (male perception thing?! ;-)) Yes, Mark....I was wondering if this was a more personal translation. ;-)

A report from Kelli, who attended the premiere and after party. She had a great time and said he was polite to fans, signing autographs for at least 10 minutes. When he got into the foyer where she was, that's when he signed something for her. "truly the best moment" Inside, Colin introduced the film and sat about 3 rows behind her, staying to watch the whole movie. "This unfortunately ruined the movie for me as I just felt sick through the whole thing!!!!!! Kept looking behind me." She said he left with everyone for the party and was again very nice to fans and sat down at a table. She spent the next hour walking past him, and is beating herself up [Ed note: been there, done that] about not getting many pics. Evidently, her friend only took a couple of decent ones, despite their being next to him for ages and everyone else was doing it. When she sends me the pics, I'll get them up here.

(Me) I wish I had some of their problems that seems to be keeping them getting dates. That's keeping them *from* getting dates. :-)

closing tag

bugger! time to leave now :-(

Party was at the Asia Club at St Martins Lane Hotel. More pics from there at Wire Image, including table shots of Colin with "Livia" (now) and his parents. http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====26419 Off to get...

Wow! Thanks Karen!! I now see the wisdom in wearing sleeveless/backless wear in whatever weather!..More opportunity for possible skin on skin action during photo ops!!Phwoaaaa...

Emma! I love your pictures! Especially from the premiere! Feels frantic, almost like it must have been to be there...thank you!

I just took down my site, but saved the code, so maybe I will put it up again at a different address tomorrow but just send it to people who ask for it. I didn't expect the madness of having me not even be able to access it! (Karen, your email was absolutely correct, I didn't forsee the problem though!) Barb, it was frantic! These people move fast! =)

Thanks for all the news and pictures and persoanl encounters! Wonderful to see him front and center. I'm not supposed to put any Wire Images on a web site (I have a subscription for viewing only), but, Shhhh, I can't resist sharing this one from the after party: And isn't it nice that he and Kristen-Scott as such friends? I have never in all my years of Firth Fandom seen Colin's Dad. Both boys look a bit like him.

(Emma) He was GREAT with the crowd, went around the whole thing, must have signed his name a hundred times, took photos, talked to people on mobiles (including a 'Hello Mum' beside us - can you imagine getting that phonecall?!) Oh! Emma! I am so happy for you....twice in one week! I'd explode with happiness! I didn't see your pics :-( but will take everyone's word for it that they are wonderful....if you are mailing them out later, put me on your list! Again, so thrilled for you. And glad he was so good with the crowd and so many of his fans got to see him!! Maria!! Thanks for the Empire article/pictures. He looks amazing! And the pics come up so HUGE on my computer! Livia looks stunning....I know I wouldn't look like that pregnant! And thanks Karen for the party pictures....can't tell if Daddy Firth has dimples or not...but were did ODB get the tall genes?

(Murph) Both boys look a bit like him. Sort of, but when I look at the smile, I see his mom:

I've added a few of Emma's to the "In the Public Eye" page for the PEN event http://www.firth.com/p_eye7.html and am going to start sorting and redoing the prem stuff.

(Karen)I'll work on getting Emma's up, plus try to make what's there a little more aesthetically palatable, What exciting times...Thanks Karen for all the hard work this past week. It made Emma's adventures and the premiere very special around here. I've been in such a state all week almost as if I were there myself...thanks to you and everyone else who contributed news, articles, reviews and picture. Thanks Emma, and I'll say you are one jammy git as well. Whatever the translation:-) (Mark)Translation: I consider CF to be annoyingly lucky. Oh Mark, you know we all love you, too. Thanks Murph and Karen for the news. Yep, your're right, Murph...he does have his mum's smile.

Sorry to double post, but I expect I'll be here a few more times today. I posted before I went to wireimage...Just wanted to say that His mum looks so very proud.

I wish I could see his parents better. Great report, Emma, thanks! Janet, was the bit on This Morning live in the studio or pre-recorded? I saw a Reuters pic in which boob lady's right one is completely out of the dress. And does anyone agree that Matt Perry and Hank Azaria make a cute couple? Nice that Chandler and Apu could make it.;-) Who is Naomi Harris? I wonder if she's in Tramua--she's in several pics with Mena and Colin at wireimage.

Thanks to all our British-side friends for the coverage. Emma, Antonella, Kelli, Janet and for the Empire link Maria. Hope I didn't forget anyone. Excellent job Karen. I'm sure Hello! has nothing better. Thanks.

I have more from our party attendee, but I am trying to get her on this board herself. Hopefully, it will be soon.