Julia is an absolute hunny, no doubt about it. I went to school with a girl called Bev who looked quite a bit like her, which was kinda cool. Julia in "Pretty Woman" is really really super :)

Yep. That was my favorite Julia Roberts movie.

i'm probably the only person on the planet that hasn't seen "pretty woman"... (nor will i, probably)... though i think julia's pretty cool...

People have been telling me for years that I look like J.R., but I don't think so at all! And ironically, I don't think she's very attractive either! Nick, in my opinion, you didn't miss much. Kind of a hooker/Cinderella. I just didn't buy it.

julia's very attractive, i think... but there's something sort of moving about her aura, or whatever... that's what i like... (she's quite large though, isn't she? seems to be like 6'3" or something... you're not that tall, are you autumn?)

Only 5'9", but yeah, there's an aura around here somewhere...

lol!

You're 5'9"? *swoon* *thud*

Yes, I am quite...statuesque. Why, how tall are you, Mike?

About 5'11" these days, I think. Six foot in my mum's heels.

LOL!

statuesgue... *a little lime with envy*

*how many of those before you should no longer operate heavy machinery?*

(laughing) He's right, it's a great line Stacey....

ok mikeg and terry, ya'll were aware that julia had a body double, right? and i think i agree with nick, she's not a first-looker, it's the way she is, her personality shines through. kinda like nicholas cage, not necessarily a whiplash reaction, but is worth the second look. must be nice to be, uh, statuesque. makes us short gals even shorter! hey, but big things come in small packages and i should know *GRIN*

Sing it, girlfriend! :-)

woohoo!!

rah....she's the biz :))))

I think Julia Roberts was as great in Run Away Bride as she was in Pretty Woman

She was good in Notting Hill as well. She's good in lighthearted sort of films, playing herself.

I thought she was terribly miscast in Notting Hill, myself, but there you go.

Really? Why?

I saw Stepmom last week, and I didn't care for her in that. Actually I didn't care for the movie at all.

I saw that too. I also didn't think that role suited her, and the movie. Bleugh! Sentimental, soppy, slobbering, suffocating stuff.

I wouldn't say the lovely Ms. Julia was miscast in Notting Hill because don't think it matters who played the American movie star. Hugh Grant's off-kilter Welsh roomie, Spike, played by Rhys Ifans, made the movie. It was, in my estimation, the best film I saw all summer. I have not seen Stepmom and have no plans to do so. Even the trailers didn't appeal to me.

Best film all summer?? Naaahh....it wasn't that good. Predictable in the extreme. The funniest bits were when he was "interviewing" her and had to say that he was from Horse and Pony magazine. "So...were there any horses in the film?" "It was a film about outer space" *big grins* As for her being miscast, I just think she was. For me it just didn't "work", whatever that means :) Purely subjective!

As all opinions are...for me the funniest part in the film was Hugh wearing the prescription goggles at the movie because his daft had misplaced his glasses. Speaking of "daft," the line "Are you a daft prick?" sent me into uncontrollable paroxysms of laughter.

the glasses were another funny part :-))

but again I thought that was fairly predictable now I think of it....

As for predictable--yes it was. All "romantic comedies" are, as they follow the "Cinderella" format...time tested and audience approved: A. Boy meets girl B. Boy gets girl C. Boy loses girl D. Boy gets girl back Seldom do films in the genre stray from that format. The creativity is to see how it happens within those parameters and to have interesting characters and sparkling dialogue, all of which I believe "Notting Hill" had.

All romantic comedies are predictable - it's just part of the package. There one shouldn't have any expectations, or one will be dissappointed. What made the film a success I found, was that there are people JUST like Hugh Grant and the daft guy in England. JUST like that! Okay, neither of them would in a million years land a Hollywood Star - but that's Hollywood for you. But those two characters were really believable. And the girl from Vicar of Dibley, who plays Grant's sister. There are girls JU T like that in England. I'm no fan of romantic comedies, but that was one thing that was just wonderful about this movie! But I wouldn't call it the best movie of the summer either. For me that was The Matrix.

I'm not a techno-thriller type, but I loved The Matrix, as well =)

Same here, but I really think they were onto something really big with that movie. It will set a new standard for science fiction. Not only will the special effects have to be brilliant, but the movie will have to be intelligently written. A thoroughly good business. WHAT A MOVIE!!!

Also, it was a comeback for Keanu Reeves, who's made some really strange career moves since Speed. Plus, I think a great deal of Laurence Fishburne as an actor. He's got such presence and maturity, it's hard to believe that he's not yet 40.

I'm not much of a Keanu Reeves fan - he's too pretty pretty. But he is apparently quite intelligent - for an actor, that is! Laurence Fisburne is just great, I agree. Presence, maturity, charisma and just gorgeous. How old is he, if he's not 40 yet???

38. He was still a teenager in Apocalypse Now. And of course, he played Cuba Gooding, Jr.'s father in Boyz in the Hood. But Fishburne is only eight years older than "Jr." Fishburne trivia he wouldn't want you to know: he was "Cowboy Curtis" in Pee Wee's Playhouse. Cuba Gooding, Jr. trivia he would like people to know, but sadly, few remember: his father, Cuba Gooding, was the lead singer for the 1970s R&B group The Main Ingredient "Everybody Plays the Fool," "I Just Don't Want to be Lonely." Great falsetto.

Keanu Reeves dad is from the Big Island. Still lives here. Has done time for drug convictions. Is in a halfway house here in Hilo now. Keanu, who is quite cerebral, hasn't spoken to him in about 15 years.

Good for him. Nobody should take crap like that - not even from their parents.

I just hope he is beyond any bitterness about it, because he shouldn't be eaten up inside by his dad's weaknesses.

More likely 'dad' is probably kicking his own ar$e for not being nice to the little bugger, and getting a share in the winnings!

Dad's problems are of his own making. I'm not concerned with how he feels, but hope he cleans his act up and doesn't remain a drain on society. What I hope is that Keanu (which means "cold" in Hawaiian) is at peace with himself and can get some more good movie roles...his agent calls him "strangely unmotivated." But even though he grew up in California, he is Hawaiian and we love him here.

Interesting! I didn't know that. One thing I've noticed about his acting is that he is at his best in a role where he 'follows' an older, more mature actor - like Matrix or Devil's Advocate. I think if it weren't for Al Pacino and Laurence Fishburne, his characters would not have held up. What do you thinK?

I thought he was terrific in Speed, where he was the male lead. Yes, he did have Dennis Hopper as a bad guy/counterpoint, but even though Hopper is older, I've never heard anyone describe him as "mature." Still, I do think you're right; he's more comfortable in an ensemble situation and doesn't want the pressure of carrying a project. And even though he doesn't seem concerned about career, he was right in turning down the godawful Speed II.

Speed II was so awful I didn't even watch all of it! Saw 'Deconstructing Henry' tonight. WONDERFUL!

I will have to check it out.

You know, I had higher hopes for Speed II when I found out that Temuera Morrison was in it. If you haven't heard of him. He is an incredible Maori (aboriginal Polynesian) actor from New Zealand whose best known role was as Jake Heke (Hee'-kee) in the internationally acclaimed film Once Were Warriors and its sequel What Becomes of the Broken Hearted. He's an incredibly rugged, muscular fellow who plays both brutes and gentle giants with equal facility. For years he was a doctor in New Zealand soap opera. I got to meet and interview him (and co-star Rena Owen) when Once Were Warriors made its U.S. debut in the 1994 Hawaii International Film Festival. I think he would fit the consensus of what the Spring women seem to consider male babeosity. Keenly intelligent NOT a pretty boy, and seems more mature than his relatively tender 38 years.

That's COOL! Your job must be fun. Do you interview many well-known people? And how does that feel like? I mean, does one gaze at these people in great awe when they suddenly stand before you?

I was in awe at first. My first celebrity interview was with Linda Ronstadt (1975). I had already done radio for six years, but had never interviewed anyone more famous than a high school football coach. I opened my mouth and something like "duh duh duh uh uh bah bah bah" came out. She laughed kindly...realizing how inexperienced I was and trying to make me feel at ease. I knew she had just gotten out of drug rehab--which to her credit, she checked herself into, long before it was fashionable. I ask d how she was doing in the battle to stay clean and sober and she answered, "Nowadays the only thing that goes up my nose is air--and occasionally, my finger." That put me at ease and I have never felt at a disadvantage with anyone in an interview again. I've met nice celebs (Kenny Loggins), vain celebs (Joan Jett), bored celebs (Jim Messina), bright celebs (Alex Trebek), dumb celebs (former NFL star "Hollywood" Henderson), and drunk or drugged celebs (Joe Cocker stands out). The only one I've met that tried to make me feel inferior, however, was Diana Ross. Rhymes with witch. Because I only work weekends now, and on a neighbor island instead of in Honolulu or Los Angeles, where I worked before, visiting celebs are fewer and farther between. I still do a lot of sports interviewing.

Interesting. Why do you think people go like that? In awe of one another, I mean. Or that thing with autographs. Why do people want celebrites' autographs? And then, what do they do with it?? I don't get all that.

I never ask for celebs' autographs. Although I do have a banner headline (framed) from the Chicago Tribune in 1992 which reads Bulls Capture Eastern Conference Finals autographed by Michael Jordan. It is authenticated and appraised at $750. I bought it for $150. I couldn;t refuse.

Yes, but why?

Because I grew up near Chicago and my friend Debbie (married), who did also, covets it. I'd like to think I have one thing she wants (besides my friendship). I display it over the TV in my modest apartment.

ha-ha! That's a GOOD reason!

Thank you, I thought so, too. Maybe one day, I'll give it to her for her birthday or Christmas. But not this year. I enjoy watching her lust over it.

sadist!

I guess so...but I've wanted HER for years...first she was married to my (former) broadcast partner, then when he cheated on her, she dropped him and took up with a broadcast engineer at a Honolulu TV station (she finally married him after 12 years of cohabitation). For me, it's always been (what women think is kindness and men think is the worst thing a woman can say to them) "I love you as a friend." I'd rather have a woman I love or lust for hate my guts. At least there's some PASSION there. "I lov you as a friend" from a woman you have feelings for is like cold oatmeal with no sugar or fruit. If that makes me a sadist, SO BE IT!

I know. I don't like that either. I think it's okay to say 'I love you' between women and women, and men and men. But not between men and women. It usually means that one party genuinely loves the other, while the other person is having an ego boost and nothing more. No, I never say to a guy I love him. It is a sentence that comes far too easily to people. And I say NEVER give her the banner! Hey, does she KNOW you love her?

No, correction. I HAVE told someone I loved him. But I never say it to a person unless I intend to marry him (or get his money - but that opportunity hasn't arisen yet!).

John, take the banner with you when you die...do NOT let Debbie have it. You are far too good for that sort of nonsense...but what can I say, I DO love John as a friend because I know that is the only way he'd have me (...just being silly in the dawn's early light...) It is not any nicer for a woman to hear that statement from a man than it is for the reverse, imho.

Yes, absolutely. So I just steer clear. That way if it comes from the person I want it to come from, it's a nice surprise; otherwise I just say, sorry but I don't love you.

'Tis the safest way...no misunderstandings and hurt feelings and that messy business.

I believe I want Debbie more than love her, but I'm reasonably certain I COULD love her if the possibility of being together presented itself. She is my age, same interests, at least my intellectual equal (probably smarter, actually). She is not a raving beauty, but is not unattractive physically, either. She most assuredly knows that I am interested. When she was married to my former partner, I had a girlfriend at the time. The guy she finally married treats her badly and is almost openly unfaithfu , but makes twice what I do and owns his own home. She has a son, has a job she loves (but which doesn't pay well) and is looking at things from a more practical than romantic manner. I really think that in her heart she would enjoy being with me, but her brain has the upper hand, here. Maybe I'm kidding myself. Maybe she really does love this dude--who almost certainly doesn't deserve her, any more than my former partner did.

By the way ladies, I meant to say and forgot, "Thanks for listening--and for the advice."

I think you are right about your accessment of her situation. I know about things like this. Wants and needs can be two different things and that is when it hurts...You do not delude yourself. I am more than a little sure you are right.

Well, then. If he is unfaithful anyway, then why can't she be unfaithful too?

John! Are you gonna be a stickler for morality at this late date?! Ree speaks wisdom!

Who knows, maybe she is being unfaithful--but hasn't privileged me with that information. If she does want me, she'll tell me. This IS 1999. As long as she's married (and not separated) I'm not initiating anything. And it's not out of fear of rejection. I've had my face slapped more than once in my life. Nor am I a stickler for morality. But I do have a modicum of self respect, which I wish to keep.

BTW, what is "this late date"? Am I due to die tomorrow? I'm only 45 (46 soon).

ha-ha, No - I'm sure you've got many a day left! All I was trying to say was, if the chance presents itself, GRAB it. We only live once.

John, I will not be here for a while...will inform you more in email, but not from this laptop nor AOL address. Aloha. Keep Spring flowing. I almost destroyed it... Ree, accept nothing less than what you really desire out of life from Chris. Know that I care about you and wish you well.

Whoa....

Really, whoa, whoa, whoa, don't back out on us Marcia. I want you! Please stick around!

Thanks for that Terry. It has been a rough week. I began to get down on myself and thought I was the problem. I'll be here *smile*...I could not stay away, even if I wanted to. Too many fine intellects housed in fine human forms for that. *hugs* here, too!

And what with Terry WANTING you!

And what with Terry WANTING you! Terry-guy!!! You're BACK!!!

ok, can we please get back on topic? *grin* i've not seen notting hill and stepmom made me bawl my eyes out. i liked her in conspiracy theory, but without mel, it wouldn't have worked. there was good chemsitry between she and richard gere in pretty woman so when something works, stay with it. can't wait to see runaway bride. oh, and you guys forgot sleeping with the enemy, which was also a good one. oh, i'll tell people if i love them. because if i get to the point that i can tell someone that, i mean it. i never use the word love unless i mean it with everything that's in me. yes, i've used it with a friend but am not sure i ever told it to his face, which is a shame, he should've known.

Never use the word "love" to a male friend who might be attracted to you. No matter how well intended, it's an arrow through his heart. It's the same as a man a woman loves telling her her ass or thighs are too big.

That is, don't use it unless you yourself have amorous intentions towards him.

...about that email I sent you and you returned some time ago...we did and I think I did not embed an arrow; at least you can be honest enough with me to tell me in return email...but what I said still goes, my dear! And, unfortunately, nothing on me is too big with one exception, and John is far too good a friend and gentleman to mention it, aren't you?!

What about men who say they love you, then disappear?

1. It's different when you say it than when Debbie says it. I like and respect you (as I do Debbie), but am not hoping that someday you'll notice me in a romantic or sexual way. So when she says it, it hurts. It's like, "If you love me, than why am I ONLY good enough for your friendship. What's wrong with me?" 2. A man who says he loves you, then disappears (I'm guessing here--after having gotten "what he wants," i.e. sex) is a dog. I'm not saying it's right. There's no defending that creature and he does exist and unfortunately, in large numbers. I would never tell a woman I loved her if all I wanted was sex. If all I want is sex and I have no availability to a woman who wants only sex, I'll pay for it. And I don't care what the law or anyone else thinks about that. 3. What about you is too big, Marcia dear? If you mean your brain, well, that's just fine with me.

*smiling all over* Thank you, John. For all you have said. I was hoping my fondness for you was not misconstrued and injurious to you as a result. It makes me very happy inside to know you appreciate my brain. Some men do not, and I have recently made an issue of it. I think he will not take pot shots at me anymore. He has seen me too often lately with my "hackles" raised. *hugs*

That's good.

well, john, unless your friend turns out to have "other" interests.

She does. His name is Rick. Rhymes with...well, you know what it rhymes with. Unless that's what you mean, your subtlety comes across only as cryptic. In the immortal words of Denzel Washington in Philadelphia, "explain it to me like I'm six years old."

Rick the Dick might want to bugger you! Is that what you're trying to say, Wolfie?

I doubt it. He has Debbie. As long as she's happy (and she says she is) I'll concede him that. If he does want to bugger me, he'll have to whup me first, and he'd better bring lunch. It's an all day job.

Hmmm...most interesting turn of thought. I imagine it is not as intimate for guys to do it as it is for two women, but still...very interesting...learning things I never knew before...I think...

I think I get the thing with guys being intimate - the witnesses at my wedding were our best friends, who were a gay couple, and they told me how that one works. Sadly one has died of cancer since. But women. I mean, I can understand how women can get intimate on a sort of spiritual plane - I'm sure that's the same in ANY kind of relationship. But how do they get intimate physically? Or does that just exist of cuddling?

Straight men don't use the word "intimate" to describe close personal friendships with other men--although that's a male phobia, and there's really no good reason why not. It's probably because the word has the dreaded sexual connotation, although really it means much more than that. In moments of truth, crisis, or confidence, though, there is nothing wrong with a man touching another (hugging, arm around shoulder). Many European cultures are much more liberated about this than are uptight, still basic lly Puritanic Americans. It is no big deal in Italy or some African nations to see males who are not lovers holding hands. I have a Nigerian friend, and I have had to get used to that. But he is a brilliant, caring, and decent human being and I value his friendship enough to allow it--even at the expense of ridicule by some who don't understand.

Extreme emotional upheaval can allow intimacy which other wise would not happen. I have been in such circumstances, and it is nothing I would seek out, but at the time, it was what was needed. John is right about the puritanical nature of Americans. Many otherwise heterosectual men have sought solace with other caring men who had been in similar circumstances. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, and it remains in the private realm of the individuals involved.

the only physicalness i've had with women are hugs, hand-holding, arm linking and the occasional kiss on the cheek. hand-holding is limited to private settings, like when visiting, not walking around the mall unless it's with an older woman like your mom or grandmother.

Here in Hawaii, a kiss on the cheek between close personal male friends is no big deal...especially if they are family. In the mainland U.S., that would raise eyebrows...and some hackles.

Yeah I know all that! I was wondering how female gay relationship work. As far as the physical side is concerned.

hmmmm...i would be uncomfortable seeing either type making out in public. even hetero necking in broad daylight gets to me...it's one thing if it's in the park but quite another if it's on a display bed in the middle of dilliards (which DID happen here!)

Don't go to San Francisco, then ;-)

As I remember, an all-female realtionships work with manual dexterity and other sensary apparatus not usually used on women by wome; (being as delicate as possible...) with perhaps the introduction of implements just for thoses purposes.

OK, I've always wondered about that, myself. Unlike Howard Stern, I don't have the "Lesbian Dating Game" on my radio show. I recall the words of a sage I once knew who saw two women make love, though. He said, "Unlike men, they're not in a hurry."

well, it takes us a bit longer than you dudes! *blush* maybe we should move this conversation someplace else so we don't get yelled at for wandering off topic. oh, before we do, and because top 5 male babes was frozen, i'd like to add two male types to my list: harry connick jr and matthew mccaughnehey (or however you spell it). what a couple of righteous dudes, *woohoo*