A very Happy Birthday wish to you, Karen, our fearless leader!

... and when you wake up, please do something about these tags...

...or did I? <-o

Happy birthday Karen! The boys are jumping for joy!

Happy Birthday Karen! You must start today with a toast. Before the party starts rocking. I have a new friend that would like to wish you a Happy Birthday. Adian Grenier meet Karen. Don�t ask about Rupi, it is over! Now for your presents. Once in a while a girl has to do one crazy thing and that is this: To help you keep time when you are out sleuthing, one look at this and you know you are worthy. And here is a little something for you to wear at the Chicago Film Fest Grand Ball. Have a wonderfully firthfilling day.

Happy Birthday, Karen!! No fast suit for ODB!

LOL, Tineke! Brilliant! Look at those abs...

Happy Birthday, Karen! Have a great one:-)

LMAO, Tineke! Great job! Today's Karen's big day and I've thought long and hard about how best to honor her. Since birthdays bring about fond memories of the past, I've decided to gather together a few of her former loves for a tribute. Let's get things started. First, cue the music: For all the boys I've loved before... Dearest Karen, though we are no longer friends, I wish you the happiest of birthdays. Here I am in a pose similar to the newest of your loves, what's his name again? Ah, yes, Firth. I believe I worked with him once. *big brooding sigh* He is one lucky chap. He may have you but I still get all the best roles. Now I must turn the stage over to our next guest... Hullo, Karen, it's me! *incredulous* You don't recognize me? *smug* Perhaps thiswill help. It's Sean! We haven't seen each other for so long. I've been quite busy filming television advertisements, after all. Who's that fellow you're hooked up with now? Firth? Colin? What a marvelous coincidence! He seems a bit between things now, so I've been sending him scripts for ads I haven't the time for. Just yesterday I sent him a huge Starbucks project. Please tell him to remember who gave him his big break when he scores in that one. And perhaps you'll have better luck getting him to switch from those awful rose-colored glasses to contact lenses. Ah, I see my time is up. Our next guest is arriving. So, my dear, on this, the anniversary of your birth, I offer these seminal words of advice...Did you know that a contact lens in the hands of an eye care professional can take your vision to another level? Karen darling! It's your birthday--marvelous! Since we don't speak very often these days, I must take this opportunity to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your assistance in my election as the 'Favorite Man' in that voting booth contest a few months back. Wasn't it you who urged 'vote early, vote often?' *whispers* No need to worry, dearest, I won't tell that you were voting for Firth at the same time. I had several acquaintances doing the same thing. One must do what one must do, after all. Have to run, luvvie. Am off for another Love Boat episode! Ta! And now, over to the current man in your life-- Karen, darling, I never knew you had such a...colorful past. Let's put that behind us. Tonight, we shall wine and dine privately and I will honor your fondest wish to see my new six-pack abs. Just for you, my lovely, I will be wearing only a towel. *end music* Happy birthday, Karen, from Eileen and all your boys ;-D

Grr, thought I checked all the tags. And sorry Willie's pic came out so big. That's not an easy sight to endure.

(*Colin*) I will be wearing only a towel. C'mon Colin, drop the bloody towel! These luvvies have seen you butt-bare before. They know your dimples below the waist are every bit as cute as the ones on your upper cheeks. Give Karen a BIG birthday surprise. Just remember Karen dear, if Col's new buff bod doesn't tickle your fancy, just come over to me. I've been working out in anticipation, and have been packin' heat lately, if you know what I mean.

(Eileen) And sorry Willie's pic came out so big. That's not an easy sight to endure. It almost scared the pants off me ;-) Tineke, love your collage :-)

It scared me too! LOL! Hey, Anthony Andrews looks like such a gentleman. :-) Poor Colin is having trouble with his shirt again! But who cares, when he looks so good. Those killer dimples. That Sean looks like the actor who is playing Roland. Your taste sunk a little here, Karen. ;-)

Kaaaarrreeeennnnn, where aaaaarrrreeee you? Hope heartless abuse doled out at CF topic hasn't kept you away from your birthday party. That would be v.v. sad. :-(

Happy Birthday, Karen... I can't believe I forgot;( I hope you have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Karen! Thanks SO MUCH for all the hard work you do around here - it is greatly appreicated!! Tineke - LOL loved the pic of Colin in his swim trunks :-) V.v. Good Eileen - that pic of Willie - *hee hee* must admit was rather startled :-)

Happy Birthday Karen

O Lord, Eileen.....somebody needs to slap a government health warning on your posts from now on......I laughed so hard at your photographic tribute from Karen's boyfriends ( where is she by the way ? ) that I almost did my self an injury. I hope Karen find it as funny. No idea ya'll loved AA too. Wasn't he just divine, dahlink, in The Scarlet Pimpernel ? I even visited Oxford once, just to see all the places that Sebastian loved in Brideshead Revisited. It was wondeful. Haaaaaaaaaaaopppppppppppyyyyyyyyyy Birthday Karen !!!!!!!!!!!

Gaah! Willie pic was normal sized when I copied it. Wasn't thumbnail. Willie pics must have built-in enlargement device in manner of explosive time-bomb.

No prob....just make the CF pix as big and we'll forgive you.

Please joint us for your Birthday party Karen, where are all you wonderful graphics?

For our Windy City birthday gal (and with apologies to Messrs. Cahn and Van Heusen), sung to the tune of My Kind Of Town, Chicago Is . . .: My Kind Of Gal Our Karen is . . . My Kind Of Gal Our Karen is . . . And each time I roam, our Karen is Calling me home, our Karen is One pal who won't let you down She's My Kind Of Gal! ***** Brilliant par-tay as usual, ladies. Tineke, that swimmer on the far right can anchor my relay any old time!:-) Happy Birthday, Karen, and here's to a wonderful Firth-filled year!

Dearest Karen, The computer retard that is me has no clever graphics to share. Just a heartfelt wish for a special day for a very special lady. Thanks so much for all you do and for being such a good friend. Tineke and Eileen - ROTFLOL!

Karen, Arsenal just won Lazio in the Uefa Cup game and on the big score board it read: Happy Birthday Karen! We appreciate your help in making us the team we are today. Hip Hip Hurrah!

I guess it was sensored. Who would want to see a bunch of guys in their Arsenal boxer shorts anyway? ;-)

Happy Birthday, Karen. Have an enjoyable upcoming year.

Marcia, the lei is lovely, as they always are. White tuberose mixed with orange ilima blossoms, it is very beautiful. It would be very nice if Karen could smell that exquisite lei.

Happy Birthday, Karen. Thanks for all you do on this board and best wishes for a great year to come.

Speaking of Olympic makeovers, anyone notice Shannon Miller's? Now if she can just work on her Minnie Mouse voice :-)

MANY HAPPY RETURNS KAREN AND THANKS FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO FOR US With love and hugs from the gutter!

I almost missed Karen's BIG Day! xxxxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN I got some people to help shop for your birthday. While sorting through the bog rolls, they did manage to come up with a few good ideas. Some bright shiny apples Think of temptation and the Garden of Eden A necklace to replace the one lost down the garbage disposal Think Lesson #4 (or was it 3?) You may well ask "are these for me?" and of course we can't forget chocolates! And of course the best present and only accompaniment to your lei - Have a sensational day and year!

Happy Birthday Wishes (From one Karen to another) Couldn't tell you how valuable you are to all of CF's admirers. Only symbolism will do Sweets for the Sweet, Hon! Happy birthday from the other Karen. ;-) KJtry to be back later

I have returned: Since you're unlikely to see any of it until tomorrow -- Happy Birthday ... Belatedly! Karen -- Your Horoscope Libra -- (September 23 - October 23) Venus . . . . . The Balance Libra Gemstones: Sapphire and Jade -- September Birthstone: Sapphire ����� flowers: Goldenrod, ��� ��� and Aster: ���You are sensitive and charming with a fine temperament which allows you to succeed in both business and social life. Tactful and sensitive at all times, you are readily received into many different circles, but people admire you most for your remarkable sense of justice. Like actual scales, your life is characterized by an evenness or balance which keeps you level-headed in even the most trying of situations. You likewise have strong perceptive powers which you use to the benefit of everyone around. ��� Libras make good interpreters, correspondents, managers, and teachers. They are expert supervisors who direct activities with great skill. Although they have a tendency to over-speculate, their greatest interest lies in keeping the peace. They feel close to nature and enjoy spending time outdoors. lucky star: venus ... lucky day: friday ... lucky colors: green, yellow ... lucky numbers: 3, 7 Boy! it sure looks like they've got you pegged!!Only argument with 'em: Your official gem oughtta be: (**Hee hee**) Love, KJ

Happy New Year, Karen!

Yes, happy new year to all our Hebrew friends!

Happy New Year!! Sincerest Wishes for Peace and Prosperity in the coming year. ...KJ

Can't figure out why that wouldn't work. Hmmmmm. A change of tactics called for. Try this: Happy New Year!! Sincerest Wishes for Peace and Prosperity in the coming year. ...KJ

HAPPY NEW YEAR, KAREN, From Ann and Evelyn in sunny Henfield!!!

Time I showed up at my own party. I see the ice cream hasn't completely melted... Since you started things off, Heide, with a mention about sleuthing, I can't take all the credit. Every once and a while, my favorite real detective will pop up and say: "Karen, I've got a lead on this Firth fellow you're all interested in. Quick! The game's afoot." Again, thank you, Marcia for the lovely lei. Smells heavenly. And about that listing, I've always been most proud of sharing my birthday with: 1934 Brigitte Bardot Paris France, sex kitten (And God Created Women) Usually people can't tell us apart, but I'm the one in the leopard skin coat. ;-D And I think it was very nice of you putting me on the list after Carrie Otis, who was born in 1968. (close enough) Now, Lisa, about your poem...do I need to say it with a lisp? Or will a swish suffice? ;-D Ann, am looking forward to your future postings, as you're no longer "graphics-challenged." Have seen proof on 61 that you've graduated the EB Accelerated Learning Method. And Aishling!! Wonderful job. Thank you. (Evelyn) WISH YOU WERE HERE :-(( I know, me too. :-( But we're going to have a good time here soon plus we get a big Firth bonus. Gi, just what the doctor ordered!! Spa treatments. Hurrah. The masseur looks like he'll do in a pinch, or a rub, or in a towel! (Donna) The boys are jumping for joy! Me too. Love those water polo boys but, really, can't anyone come up with something better than those baby bonnets in this day and age? (shuddup, Karen, and stop complaining. No one looks at their heads) Thank you for the champagne toast and sparkly bday cake, Moon. Adrian Grenier? Naw, saw him in that Sebastian Cole movie. Little too much going on with those eyebrows. Doesn't hold a candle to my new honey: What do you think? ;-D BTW, am going out to get a dress to go with those lovely baubles. Besides the gala festival ball, am entertaining the QOE next week. So will get lots of use out of those. Beautiful and utilitarian. Perfect combo. Tineke!!! LOL!!! Absolutely amazing! How ever did I miss ODB at pool's edge. Hate NBC's coverage! Looks like he took the gold. (see what going to uni gets you? such talents) Have saved this pic for my private collection, as I'm sure we all have. ;-D Thank you. (Moon) Look at those abs... Yes, look at them and that pelvic bone being oh, so, suggestive... yum Eileen, am so glad you've got your graphics capabilities back. However, after being scared like all the rest by Willie, had a good laugh: (Rafe) though we are no longer friends When were we ever? In your dreams, O Beady-Eyed, Pencil-Legged One. Send little brother over to recite Juliet's lines to me. ;-D (Sean) And perhaps you'll have better luck getting him to switch from those awful rose-colored glasses to contact lenses. It's worth a try. Might help his chances of getting the Starbucks gig. Wouldn't mind being behind the counter giving him a double latte, no skim, foam. ;-D Could you have found a bigger pic of AA? *snort* Yes, gave him my all at that voting booth. All those sleepless nights. But worth it. ;-D (Anthony dearest) Have to run, luvvie. Am off for another Love Boat episode! Gaaah!!! Am off to get VCR going. May not have this classic episode in my collection. ;-D Thankfully, you came back to your senses with: (CF) Just for you, my lovely, I will be wearing only a towel. Who could ask for anything more? Mmmmmmm (Donna) C'mon Colin, drop the bloody towel!...Give Karen a BIG birthday surprise. And I thought it couldn't get any better? You're right. And what we've seen before probably looks even better since Cornel's put him through his paces. (Stephen) if Col's new buff bod doesn't tickle your fancy, just come over to me. Such big feet he seems to have...Any room in that tub? ;-D (Laura) I can't believe I forgot I can. ;-) (Bethanne) No idea ya'll loved AA too. Only to make fun of, hon, although did like Brideshead many years ago. Mari: Old Blue Eyes salutes you. Will record new version with Willie Nelson. Thank you for the serenade. (Moon) Who would want to see a bunch of guys in their Arsenal boxer shorts anyway? ;-) No one here...although maybe it needs a bit of animation, sort of like this one Murph: Beautiful card, thank you. Heide, you sure Colin doesn't do his shopping online now? Love the prezzies. Girl can never have too many necklaces or flowers. Am enjoying that Milk Tray as I type. But of course, the lei companion piece was the BEST!! Mmmmmmm KJ, the roses are be-yew-ti-ful. Venus . . . . . The Balance v. true, except when I go off-balance. ;-D Libra Gemstones: Sapphire and Jade Do love these v.v. much lucky day: friday No way could it be Thursdays. ;-D (KJ) Only argument with 'em: Your official gem oughtta be Agreed. Will toss out all my sapphires and jade if can have posted substitute. A big thank you to all those wonderful friends who wished me a happy birthday: Bethanne, Lucie, Cathey, Meredith, Susan, Laura, EsBee, Judy, Jana, Cheryl, Lynda, and Tracy. Great party, ladies. Sorry I arrived a little late. And thank you for the new year's greetings too.

(Karen), Moon. Adrian Grenier? Naw, saw him in that Sebastian Cole movie. Little too much going on with those eyebrows. Doesn't hold a candle to my new honey: You mean rolley-polley? LOL! AG may be young, but he has so much potential! ;-) I do not mind having him all to myself, I always have to share CF with the rest of you. ;-D

We knew you'd show up sooner than later. Your responses were worth a party all on their own. Going to the closing ceremonies with your new honey? I see you like to have a lot to hold onto. Will watch for you waving flag from stands. Think I shall actually miss watching Olympic coverage and rooting for anyone competing against the US. (I'm American so can say that. ;-)) Damn, the Lithuanians were so close against that hotshot "Dream Team".

You can't imagine how jealous I was of the other guy:

Congratulations to our British Friends on their Olympic Golds. Glad to see all your comments, Karen. ��������� Thanks to all the enthusiasm last Sunday on the AC article I decided to go see it on Friday night. I have never enjoyed the film (outside of ODB)...I find British school dramas tiresome....but the play is brilliant. Like Heide I'd give anything to have see Colin play Guy Bennett. It is really a far better role than Tommy Judd.Cast was tremendous. All young and making their West End debuts. WOW I felt as if I was seeing the future KB, RF and RE....The lead is Tom Wisdom, who was the resident- hunk on Coronation street. Has great potential. No one special in the audience except for Minniew Driver whom I found standing next to me at the bar at intermission time. Both of us ordered orangeades.

Missed the party Missed the dance Out of town, I Missed my chance. Hope she'll still Permit me tell How I ardently Wish her well. Happy birthday, Karen. P.S. No surprise that Minnie is copying Evelyn's drinks orders.

Well, if I can't have Rafe's lil bro speaking in iambic pentameter... ;-D Very clever, Mark. Thank you for the birthday wish, expressed so sweetly. Now, this may seem odd for you all Downunder (but the closing ceremonies have just finished up here...) Give yourselves a hand!! You put on a wonderful Olympics!!

Here here, I second that, a wonderful Olympics and wonderful for GB.

And Italy too!

I guess the RAF doesn't hire 40-year-old pilots.;-) Crudup flies to Warners' 'Gray' By Cathy Dunkley LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- Billy Crudup ("Almost Famous") has signed to star opposite Cate Blanchett in the drama "Charlotte Gray" for Warner Bros. and FilmFour. Shooting is scheduled to start in February on the $20 million-plus budgeted project, which will be directed by Gillian Armstrong. The project marks the first to come under Warner Bros. and FilmFour's three-year multifilm co-production pact that was sealed in May and was designed to yield up to two films a year (HR 5/10). "Gray," based on Sebastian Faulks' best-selling novel of the same name and adapted by Jeremy Brock ("Mrs. Brown"), tells the story of a young Scottish woman (Blanchett) who joins the French resistance to rescue her Royal Air Force boyfriend (Crudup). The project will be produced by Ecosse Films, Sarah Curtis and Douglas Rae. Robert Bernstein will executive produce. Universal Pictures sealed a multiterritory distribution deal with FilmFour to pick up rights on the title for several major European territories, including France, Benelux, Scandinavia, Spain and Italy. Universal also has taken rights to the film in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Blanchett and Armstrong previously teamed on "Oscar and Lucinda." Crudup, repped by CAA, most recently starred as the brooding guitarist Russell Hammond of the fictional rock band Stillwater in Cameron Crowe's critically acclaimed "Almost Famous" for DreamWorks. He also recently signed on to star in "World Traveler" opposite Julianne Moore for IFC Prods. and Alliance Atlantis. His other feature acting credits include roles in "Waking the Dead," "The Hi-Lo Country," "Without Limits" and "Inventing the Abbotts."

I agree! Great job Australia!!! This was the best Olympics I have seen (mind you that is through the limited coverage of NBC here in the states)! I wanted to go to Australia before now, but now I want to go even more! Cheers for the Aussies!

To Australia, the Olympics were a wonderful party. Thank you for the pleasure, you were wonderful hosts.

This aft I popped in to see "Goya in Bordeaux"directed by Carlos Saura. It is a film for art and film lovers.Subtitled. Dazzling cinematography.Very artistic...some of it surrealistic.I liked it immensely along with a terrific soundtrack. My reservation is that Mr. Saura seems to feature his technique over the story ...poor, disjointed..[hey, you think MLSF was bad].I wonder if CF would want to be in a film that he's playing second fiddle to the director's "bag of tricks".Who knows? As a coming attraction at the Curazon Mayfair (great little theatre)they announced "The House of Mirth featuring Jodi May and Elizabeth Mc Govern...think maybe I should extend my hol......;-)

(Evelyn) My reservation is that Mr. Saura seems to feature his technique over the story Interesting comment, Evelyn; most of the critics here are saying the same thing. Lots written about the form, less on the function, and not much on the actors. Most reviews here have been positive. I think it expands beyond NY/LA next weekend. BTW, House Of Mirth did get a distributor here. No demotion to STARZ.;-)

What about "Billy Elliott" Evelyn, have you seen that film yet, it has had wonderful reviews all round, great feel good film about a young boy who wants to become a Ballerina! "The Best British Film since... for ever". I am going to see it next week and will report back.

Think it is opening here the same weekend that DQ plays. Maybe we can take it in as well. Have heard it referred to as "Brassed Off with a Tutu" ;-D

(MarkG) Missed the party Missed the dance Out of town, I Missed my chance. Hope she'll still Permit me tell How I ardently Wish her well. Mark -- a great little ditty, that. This may be over your head, but why did I keep expecting the last line to read "...Burma Shave"? (*Heehee* Boy! does that date me ... )

It is so much fun reading all the stuff here. My late in the day stop is always rewarding. Have tried over and over again to read Sebastian Faulk. Cannot get into his books. This casting sounds good, though. Here is a new pic of Jon Firth as Joshua in the upcoming Hallmark Hall of Fame "In The Beginning" that Mickie is putting on her site. Do you think there is more Colin there than usual?

Is this a hair question? ;-D

I think he looks more like a Fiennes brother. *ducking*

(Karen)Re: Billy Elliot.Think it is opening here the same weekend that DQ plays. Maybe we can take it in as well. Was going tomorrow on Leicester Sq., but will wait til Chicago if that's on the agenda. ....great feel good film about a young boy who wants to become a Ballerina! Hey, I only see that kinda movie once.

I wish they'd get off the dime and announce something on Armadillo. Good news for Jon, though: A&E crowns ``Victoria'' miniseries By Michael Fleming NEW YORK (Variety) - A&E has begun production on ``Victoria and Albert,'' a four-hour miniseries about the love affair between British Queen Victoria and her husband Albert. The film will star Victoria Hamilton (``Mansfield Park,'' ``King Lear'') as Victoria and Jonathan Firth (``An Ideal Husband''), with a supporting cast of British thesps including Diana Rigg, David Suchet, Nigel Hawthorne, Jonathan Pryce and Peter Ustinov. ``It's a love story of an arranged marriage between this girl and her cousin which neither was keen about,'' said director John Erman. ``She fell for him, but he took the union as a job until they fell madly in love and had nine children. When he died at 40, she was shattered and never really recovered.'' Erman, who won an Emmy for the Ann-Margret TV movie ``Who Will Love My Children'' and DGA Awards for ``Roots'' and ``An Early Frost,'' is directing the miniseries from a script by John Goldsmith (``David Copperfield'').

(Variety) and Jonathan Firth (``An Ideal Husband'') Huh? Had no idea JF was in IH. How'd I miss that? ;-) It is good news for Jon, though. A&E has been good for the Firths. (Mari) I wish they'd get off the dime and announce something on Armadillo Or announce something about anything...

(Eileen) Had no idea JF was in IH. How'd I miss that? ;-) Same way we all did. This version of AIH has never made it off the shelf. Must run in family. ;-D BTW, he played Goring.

(Eileen) Had no idea JF was in IH. How'd I miss that? ;-) (Karen) Same way we all did. This version of AIH has never made it off the shelf. Must run in family. ;-D BTW, he played Goring. I remember reading about this. Didn't this version of AIH reset the time period to modern day, or something? Poor Jon, his film came too late to the party. At least Valmont got released :-)!

A Hollywood Reporter item about how V&A's other international rights have been purchased said "A&E will air 'Victoria' in the summer." I assume it means summer 2001.

Also a mention about Andrew Davies' Dr Zhivago. Same stuff as before.

Wot! A re-make of Dr. Zhivago? Why?

Wot! A re-make of Dr. Zhivago? Why? That is what I said when it was first posted. I guess it has to do with the fact that presently, there are not many interesting books or original scripts out there. I know some of you think CF would be great in it. IMO, Omar Shariff owns the part and the comparisons would be detrimental to DB.

(Moon) That is what I said when it was first posted. I guess it has to do with the fact that presently, there are not many interesting books or original scripts out there. Sorry about that. Guess I should go back and read the older posts to avoid being part of the department of redundancy department. ;-) I suspected the lack of original material was the chief reason, but fear that we next may see remakes of Citizen Kane and Casablanca on the horizon. Oh, the horror of it all. :-)

Did anyone happen to catch "The Gilmore Girls" on the WB (not exactly my network of choice, but I do keep an open mind�) last night? The good press surrounding this show left me curious, so I tuned in. The show opened with the La's version of "There She Goes." I find it hard to believe this was a coincidence, and wondered which writer is the CF/FP fan. The show has potential, although some of the snappy banter seemed a little forced, and there was enough quirkiness for three episodes of Northern Exposure. :-) Thereafter, I watched the debate, which could have used some of the snappy banter. ;-)

Get a thrill every time I hear "There She Goes" and that goes for that crappy version by ? (forget) that's been on the charts recently. Used to think there might have been a FP connection too, Lisa, or even a NH connection but I've heard the LAs version a couple of times used as music for movie trailers. Guess it's just a popular bouncy piece of music since, judging by the recent Fever Pitch US (non-)distribution, the film's not too well known. ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canadians at Spring.

Bjork was fantastic in Dancer in the Dark. Bring a box of kleenex if you plan to see it. Brilliantly done and even DH, though he did manage to find some faults, admits to being disturbed by it. It is not a Musical, but the Musical carries the film. You will know what I mean if you see it. I highly recommend it. Happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian Firthettes.

(Lisa) Did anyone happen to catch "The Gilmore Girls" on the WB (not exactly my network of choice Sorry, my television refuses to change channels from Fox; perhaps is waiting for repeat of "Sexiest Bachelor Contest," which IMHO should be a weekly series. ;-D

(Karen) perhaps is waiting for repeat of "Sexiest Bachelor Contest," which IMHO should be a weekly series. ;-D Right on. I thought Messrs. Illinois and Michigan were going to cause a riot among the very appreciative audience. Er, that was before I switched back to the History Channel, of course.;-)

According to Lou Lumenick Film Critic of the NY Post JE & RH are quoted as 25-1 and 30-1 respecively to win Best Supporting Actress at next year's Oscars. No mention for Rf or Sunshine as Best Film.

(Lisa) I find it hard to believe this was a coincidence Wish it was so, but as Heide pointed out, it's been used for other films (most recently Girl Interrupted). Heide, the [more] current single was done by Jewel.

(EileenG) current single was done by Jewel. Wrong. Sixpence none the richer did the remake. Which wasn't that bad of a rendition. I saw them in concert and they gave all the credit to the La's for writing such a cool song. Next up is Barenaked Ladies as my friend Lynn calls them (Buttnaked broads;)) Finally saw High Fidelity. I liked it but the girl who played Laura her hair bothered me. Other than that, I liked it. Liked John Cusack. Loved Barry and Dick. But this was definitely John's movie.

(Laura)Re: High Fidelity ..But this was definitely John's movie Saw it on the plane returning...have to agree...without John, the film isn't much. (Ann)Lou Lumenick Film Critic of the NY Post JE & RH are quoted as 25-1 and 30-1 respectively to win Best Supporting Actress at next year's Oscars Low odds...low probability, but I like the buzz:-))

On Yom Kippur Wishing you a year of bright new beginnings, Karen....

(Eileen)Wish it was so, but as Heide pointed out, it's been used for other films Oh well, a girl can dream in her own Colin-centric world....:-) (Laura) Finally saw High Fidelity. And I am finally reading High Fidelity along with HF's Cause Celeb (Karen, you got my curiosity up about it at the BJD topic).

I've read Cause Celeb (thanks to Darlene who sent it to me) and enjoyed it. In the beginning the London/Africa separate chapters seemed a bit disjointed, but after that it became very easy to read and made sense. The London scenes really read like a sort of prequel to BJD ;-)

So, did you like more than Possession, Gi? I am reading Armadillo now.

And they said someone named Colin couldn't be a big Hollywood star. Unfortunately, his name is Colin Farrell and from Ireland, but appears to be playing Americans and is on covers of mags. *am crying, another CF* Some excerpts from Variety: Colin Farrell, freshly minted as a potential star after his Hollywood debut Friday in "Tigerland," has become the centerpiece in two separate high-profile studio projects. Farrell will star in the Fox 2000 drama "Phone Booth" for "Tigerland" director Joel Schumacher in November and will follow by toplining for director Greg Hoblit in the MGM drama "Hart's War" in January.... Over at Fox 2000, a search for the right guy to hold the screen in the single-location Larry Cohen-scripted drama "Phone Booth" ended when Schumacher tapped his "Tigerland" find to play a slick publicist who answers a ringing pay phone, only to find there's an assassin on the other end who'll shoot to kill if the call is disconnected.... Casting the right actor has been a maddening process -- Jim Carrey committed over the summer then had a change of heart -- until Schumacher decided to rehire Farrell after plucking the Irish import from obscurity to topline the gritty ensemble "Tigerland." When the film opened to strong reviews, the studio was convinced Schumacher should continue the association beyond one picture.

(Karen) Unfortunately, his name is Colin Farrell and from Ireland, but appears to be playing Americans and is on covers of mags. *am crying, another CF* Face it, boss. Of all the many foreign actors kicking around LA for months at a stretch, *ours* is the only one who comes for vacation.:-(

(Moon)So, did you like more than Possession, Gi? I am reading Armadillo now. Possession has a good plot but I'd edit a few poems out ;-)Cause Celeb is easier to read. I wonder which one I'll remember in a year or two... I've ordered Armadillo from Amazon.com and am waiting for it...zzzzz...

Have just got home from seeing Billy Elliott,a realy heart-warming film that is more than just about a young boy who wants to be a Ballerina. Highly recommended but be warned take some tissues. The young boy who plays Billy is awesome and can he dance.

Newsweek raved and raved about Billy Elliot: [excerpt] "The loveable 'Billy Elliot', about an 11-year old dancer, launches the film careers of the amazing young actor Jamie Bell and celebrated stage director Stephen Daldry. Already a smash in Britain, it may be the biggest sleeper since 'The Full Monty'.

Time (Richard Corliss) hated it, but predicted huge hit. In contrast, Corliss wrote a few lines in the "Short Cuts" section about Darren Aronofsky's latest (he of Pi fame):"Using the bravery of his actors, and every trick in a smart cineast's book, Aronofsky takes the view on a jolting trip through the theme park called Hell. It's a demanding film, and a real movie." His Billy Elliot was amazingly wicked. I must give some of the best. BTW, the subtitle of the review was "Every so often, there comes a film so manipulative that it has to be a hit. And here comes Billy Elliot." A confession is in order: There are movies whose feel-good sentiments and slick craft annoy me so deeply that I know they will become box-office successes or top prizewinners. I call this internal mechanism my Built-In Hit Detector. I squirm through these masterpieces of emotional pornography, jotting down derisive notes. Oh, if the contrivance is blatant enough, I may get a bit teary; it is, after all, no more difficult for filmmakers to make an audience cry by depicting, say, a child in jeopardy than it is for a lap dancer to evoke an erection in her client. At the end I have the gloomy certitude that moviegoers will love Ghost or Cinema Paradiso or The Full Monty every bit as much as I disliked it. There--I've said it. Is everyone alienated? Billy Elliot...is a prime example of elevated kitsch....Billy echoes most the manipulative inspirational films of the past 20 years. The movie could be called Chariots of Flashdance, Strictly Ballet, Smile--Life is Beautiful! Audience members, already primed to love a losers-win story about a poor boy with big dreams, don't have to bring anything to the film, because director Stephen Daldry does all the work for them. Sentimental movies need subtlety; this one goes after sweet little effect with a sledgehammer so large that the film could have been produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. [btw, that is the unkindest cut of all]

A confession is in order: There are movies whose feel-good sentiments and slick craft annoy me so deeply that I know they will become box-office successes or top prizewinners. I call this internal mechanism my Built-In Hit Detector. I love it! At the end I have the gloomy certitude that moviegoers will love Ghost or Cinema Paradiso or The Full Monty every bit as much as I disliked it. And I thought I was alone! A real eye opener, thank you, Karen!

Billy Elliot...is a prime example of elevated kitsch.... Actually, some of the UK reviewers said the same thing...."nothing new here" was the consensus.

There--I've said it. Is everyone alienated? Think you've opened the closet door for a few other confessors too. I hate Steven Spielberg films for exactly your reasons. He hasn't made a good film since Jaws. (IMO!) I hate being manipulated into tears and curse all the while I'm wiping them away. Going back into the closet now.

(Heide) I hate being manipulated into tears and curse all the while I'm wiping them away. Hear hear!

That's what turned me off to fiction writing in general way back when -- I hated the intentional manipulation, and what's worse, my consciousness of it in any form of story-telling was heightened, so many other things were spoiled by it as well. Ah, well...

I don't mind most of those films at all. They have their place. But just don't hold them up to me as "Best Picture" material. Gaah!! (my tearducts open wide just thinking about Madame X - Lana Turner version) ;-D

Is this what you meant, Moon? You've seen it (and Mikey) already. Not good that a major character (and exec producer) is dissing the production. Bad omen or did the Press Assoc get it wrong? DreamWorks accused of 'dumbing down' new film Gary Oldman is fuming with Steven Spielberg's company DreamWorks for allegedly " tampering and dumbing down" the new political drama The Contender. The movie, due to be released in the UK in the New Year, stars Jeff Bridges as a dying president at the White House about to hand the reins of power over to his right hand Democrat girl Joan Allen. Oldman plays an extreme right wing Republican Congressman who digs up dirt on Allen in a bid to throw the opposition into turmoil. Oldman - who played Lee Harvey Oswald in Oliver Stone's JFK - has told friends that DreamWorks which is run by Spielberg, David Geffen and ex Disney chief Jeffrey Katzenberg had turned the story into a "propaganda exercise". A friend said: "The film has just opened in America and he wasn't very pleased with so-called alterations to the finished product. He thought they were getting a message across about The System. Instead, they've delivered a promotional film for the Democrats close to the election. It's so obvious."

(Karen, reporting) He thought they were getting a message across about The System. Instead, they've delivered a promotional film for the Democrats close to the election. ***** And the problem with that would be???:-) I haven't seen it yet, but the critics who like it are cheering that here's a political film that doesn't fence sit. Gary, you are being mentioned as a possible Oscar nominee for this one. So, shut the f*** up.;-)