The number before the last dollar figure is the "weeks in release."

Karen: Are any of these guys respected in the way we've set up certain US critics as being important or influential? Largely the answer is no. The only influential critic in that sense was Barry Norman on BBC's film review programme Film 98 (or 99 or whatever the year was). Jonathan Ross has taken over the role, and probably still carries some of the influence, but the print critics do not carry individual weight in my opinion. The only possible exception, and I hate to say this, is Alexander Walker, who, through sheer longevity at the Standard, commands some respect. Readers of other papers may disagree. The situation is very different with both TV and theatre criticism, in which certain print critics do carry that kind of Ebert-like influence. My suspicion, contrary to what has been said before, is that UK box office numbers are more influenced by widescale hype (obviously) but in the sense that if a movie keeps getting mentioned for whatever reason, it scores. Good signs: C4's breakfast show RI:SE trailed their Minnie Driver interview every few minutes for nearly an hour last Wednesday (before I gave up and went to work) - I think CF had been on the day before, no? Bad signs: no TV adverts, limited Tube and print ads etc. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the newspaper reviews only affect the more discriminating, rarer filmgoers who probably don't determine the hits and misses.

Thanks Helen and Mari for the interview. Re figures about films Karen, I am surprised to see "I capture the Castle" not up there! Barbara "Hugh baby you're mine all mine" Ellen, used it as the benchmark aginst which to measure HS and it was part of why she thought it had failed so badly. If it's so great why isn't it up there...... maybe more limited release. With takings like that we should get to see it for another week at least:-)

HS looks to be going the Ldum way. :-( Thanks for the insights, Mark. I await your verdict on HS. ;-D

Thanks for the explanation, Mark. Picked up the May Film Comment yesterday at my European bookstore. I'm pretty sure this review hasn't been posted because I don't think it's at their website (last time I checked) Film Comment (**) by James Cameron-Wilson HS Englishman hides from mad girlfriend in USA! The best thing about Hope Springs is that Colin Firth isn't the villain. He may play someone rather wet, smug and ridiculous, but he's not seeking world domination. The villain of the piece, though, is English, being one Minnie Driver, who saunters into the small town of Hope, Vermont, with Machiavellian intentions. Still, it's good to see a film set in America where the British aren't all bad and this one is well cast. A sort of flip side to Hugh Grant, Firth is perfect at portraying the ordinary, decent, vaguely misplaced Englishman with a back pocket full of irony. Here, he's Colin Ware, an artist who has run off to the US to escape a traumatic break-up with his long-standing girlfriend. Shell-shocked and rudderless, he alights on the backwater of Hope in the vain optimism that it will live up to its name. After ordering some rubbers from a shop (his first faux pas, he should've asked for erasers), he stumbles into The Battlefield Inn where he succumbs to the onslaught of depression and jet lag. Immediately uneasy in his new surroundings, Colin just wants to pass into a state of oblivion but becomes hostage to the good intentions of the natives. The Inn's owner (a wonderful Mary Steenburger) sets him up with the local beauty, Mandy (Graham), a carer who will do anything to relieve her oppressive boredom. Colin's inexperience with women sets him at a disadvantage. Surprised by his reticence, Mandy enquires, "You don't have sex on first dates?" Colin replies, "I don't have first dates."Of course, Mandy's winsome physical attributes would be hard to resist by any man and no sooner has Colin fallen for her, than the ex (Driver) turns up to re-claim him. Hope Springs, adapted from the novel New Cardiff by Charles Webb, is mildly endearing but it fails to find a footing in reality. While watching Colin Firth in just about anything can be entertainment enough, he loses his way in a plot that feels markedly contrived. Continuity is not the film's strong point, either, and many of its details let it down. There is some fun to be found here, but the laughs are definitely on the muted side.

Mark thank you for your insights, It makes me feel a bit better. Karen, thanks for the Film Comment. It certainly isn't sparkling, but at least it is upbeat with a sincere tone to it. While watching Colin Firth in just about anything can be entertainment enough At least he got that bit right;-)

My wit being about as sharp as a shoelace these days I can come up with nothing to say about this contest question, but you ladies (and Mark)in the UK are at least shoe-ins to qualify... http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/competitions/groovymovie_competition.shtml

Excerpts of the UK box office analysis from Screendaily: Despite four new entries hitting the UK top ten this week none were able to come close to 20th Century Fox�s X-Men sequel, X2. With a vast lead the comic-book title took $4.9m (�3.1m) in its second weekend, a 48% drop from its opening. Leading the opposition and taking up second position was UIP�s comedy Old School. Directed by Todd Phillips (Road Trip) the film took $1.2m (�742,478) from 316 sites � including $169,825 (�105,971) of previews from 270 sites. Columbia TriStar launched horror title Darkness Falls into fourth place with $775,223 (�483,739) from 295 for an average of $2,628 per location. UIP�s Working Title hit Johnny English took up third position with a fifth weekend gross of $1.1m (�713,222) from 415 sites. The Rowan Atkinson vehicle has grossed $27.2m (�17m) � over a quarter of its current international cumulative gross � in the UK and Ireland. Also doing well in the territory for UIP is romantic comedy How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. Playing in fifth this week the Kate Hudson-Matthew McConaughey film has taken $8.9m (�5.5m) to date. Buena Vista International�s Hope Springs opened seventh on $588,147 (�367,004) at 303 sites for an uninspiring average of $1,941. The romantic comedy, which stars Colin Firth, Heather Graham and Minnie Driver, played well in London�s West End however where it was placed second with a resounding $80,713 (�50,365) from 12 sites � an average of $6,726. Similarly Momentum Pictures� I Capture The Castle did solid business at 76 locations around the country to take ninth place with $221,381 (�138,142) and an average of $2,913 per venue. The film, which stars Bill Nighy, Tara Fitzgerald and rising talent Romola Garai, also played particularly well on 14 sites in the West End taking $73,237 (�45,700) for an average of $5,231.

(Linda) Mark thank you for your insights, It makes me feel a bit better. Well I can tell you ,it doesn't make me feel better. Mark and I have known each other many years...it he knows it isn't personal. (THR)7 - Hope Springs $590,876 303 $1,950 -- $590,876 Disgraceful.Worse than I thuoght it would be. Here goes: For the umptieth time : Where are all the millions of fans in the UK. You know, the place where he's the "household word." Did "How to Lose a Guy" get hype from Kate Hudson and Matthew McCanoughy. I tell you, they still look upon Colin as a TV star and not a big screen draw. This happens to him in his home country with every damn movie that he has made. Except for Bridget. And that was not *his* movie. Gaaah. He even did some TV promos and went to the premiere(!), fergodsake. For him, that's a lot ;-) Of course, you know I don't mean our UK friends on this board who soldier on valiantly.

You know, the place where he's the "household word That is true but he is very much a middle class pinup...He is liked by the sort of person who only goes to the movies in this country if the critics are good and/or it has been heavily advertised. I went this afternoon. To the only performance I could get to this week (it has been a busy time) at 1.30pm. I have to say that I do not understand the savagery of some of the criticisms. It is nothing like as dire as SLOW or as muddled as MLSF. There was a point when HG arrives on the scene when I thought I might have to run out of the cinema, but the moment passed and the time passed agreeably enough. I laughed out loud several times, there were some genuinely funny lines. HG is the weak point. Her character is vacuous rather than sweet which may just be a reflection of HG's lack of skill as an actress. I thought MD was good. I like her. She adds a bit of bite to the action. I felt that in the right hands they could have made a cohesive comedy out of it but there was this basic problem that we were given no clue as to why Colin ever liked Vera. We have a man who is devastated, who jumps in to bed with a dumbo and immediately forgets his previous love. I am sure in better hands they could have made something of it. The other characters were fun and quirky and I felt it could have been so much better. However CF is ABFG in this, never better. And he has obviously been working out. Breathtaking. Maybe that is why the male critics were so harsh. Pure male envy ;-)

We don't do the "degrees of" bit here, as the topic would be full of such items. I've moved Sue's news over to 168, where we've talked about this one before.

Noble of you to go Allison:-)) The Drool crowd is always loyal...even with the "forgetable"ones. Can I ask you how many others were in attendance...or did you have a private viewing? I still think it would do OK in the US. WAGW is eyecandy too. It seems "we're "into those these days. Although , by his own admission, heads don't turn when he enters the room.;-D

Since I probably will never get a chance to see HS, how does it compare to....that most feeble, IMO, of Colin's fims....to...Londinium???? It HAS to be better than that one. http://www.sunlightproductions.com/Londinium/home.html

how does it compare to....that most feeble, IMO, of Colin's fims....to...Londinium???? Cannot help you there. There are depths below which I am not prepared to go ;-) There were 4 of us there. A middle aged man and three women. But it was 1.30pm. Nobody was waiting for the other blockbusters either at that time.

(Murph) Since I probably will never get a chance to see HS, how does it compare to....that most feeble, IMO, of Colin's fims....to...Londinium? Thank you for answering that Murph. It's actually been a burning question of mine this week that I was distracted from asking. And thanks Allison for your impressions. (Allison) And he has obviously been working out Or he *was* working out. They shot this almost a year and half ago, right? Still would be nice to see on a big screen though. (Evelyn) Although , by his own admission, heads don't turn when he enters the room.;-D LOL! Still one of my favorite ironic statements of his.

Sorry, obviously I don't proof myself well enough... Thank you for answering that Murph. I meant thanks for asking, of course. ;-)

Thank you, Allison. Your review seems to echo the early reviews after the Bradford. I guess that's why it continues to make no sense to me why the critics totally trashed it. Sad.:-( Still hopeful in NJ...

(Linda)Still hopeful in NJ... What's the expresssion . . . hope springs something. . .;-) (Murph)It HAS to be better than that one. Murph, have you seen SLOW? Much worse than L'Dum, IMO. Though it's a very hard one to call. Amanda Bynes will be on Jay Leno's show tomorrow (Thursday). I can only wonder why the braintrust at Warner's didn't have her on there 6 weeks ago when WAGW came out.

(Mari) Murph, have you seen SLOW? Much worse than L'Dum, IMO. Though it's a very hard one to call. It is a hard one to call, but IMO, I have to give it to L'dum. At least Colin looked AFG in SLOW (oh yes, I *am* that shallow ;-)). But I still find SLOW much more amusing (intentional or not). Actually I found quite a few things I liked about SLOW over repeated viewings. I barely made it through a second viewing of L'dum. *That* one was indeed cringeworthy for me. Did like Stephen Fry though :-(

Moving my response to Firthology.......

(Dorine)it is a hard one to call, but IMO, I have to give it to L'dum. At least Colin looked AFG in SLOW ). My sentiments exactly,Dorine. (oh yes, I *am* that shallow ;-) It didn't even occur to me that this is shallow behavior. ;-) Uh-oh. But I still find SLOW much more amusing (intentional or not). Actually I found quite a few things I liked about SLOW over repeated viewings. Agreed. I barely made it through a second viewing of L'dum. I barely made it through the first viewing, as I was that embarrassed for ODB and even the rest of the cast. I taped over it ASAP. I used to think Playmaker was the worst, but after I saw Lon-dumb (as Evelyn calls it), there was no contest for me. Allison, thanks for your feedback on HS. Glad to hear you liked it and that he was one buff bloke,;-) It does seem a pity that the reviewers are so nasty. I ended up liking WAGW so much more than I thought I would, and am hoping I'll feel the same way about HS.

Here's a good review from Sky Movies: Hope Springs Brassed Off director Mark Herman has a pretty successful crack at a trans-Atlantic romance thanks to winning performances from Colin Firth and Heather Graham. Stars: Colin Firth, Minnie Driver, Heather Graham, Mary Steenburgen, Oliver Platt There must be high hopes this comedy based on a novel by Charles Webb will be as successful as a previous book - The Graduate. A dynamic as winning as the older woman seducing the younger man may be absent but strong turns and a wry humour make it worth a look. British artist Colin Ware (Firth) winds up in a New England town lovesick and jetlagged when he finds his fiancee is marrying someone he's never heard of. However, he soon discovers his business appears to be everyone else's in the tight-knit community of Hope, Vermont. At the Battlefield Inn, landlady Joanie Fisher (Steenburgen) dismisses his self-pity and hooks him up with Mandy (Graham). She's a "caregiver" out of her mind with boredom at the Shining Shores resthome, who thinks nothing of slugging back half a bottle to see her through the day. Ripping away layers of Colin's English reserve, she seduces him and he finds his resistance melting away along with memories of ex-fiancee Vera (Driver). The just as things appear to be taking off, Vera lands in America and heads straight for Hope to reclaim her man. Like Hugh Grant, Firth runs the risk of being cast as the romantic Brit, but his nicely underplayed performance is a highlight. Graham plays it kooky, yet with a light touch miles away from the contrived wackiness of Sandra Bullock. Only Driver finds little to work with as the hard-headed chain-smoking fashionista of cliche and it's very difficult to see her attraction to arty Colin in the first place. Nevertheless, there are some sweet moments, especially those featuring Oliver Platt's marketing-obsessed mayor. Tim Evans

Oh joy! Mari, you made my day. I know my euphoria may be short lived, but at least Mr. Evans seems to have reviewed HS from a balanced, (I'm reviewing a rom-com) perspective. winning performances from Colin Firth and Heather Graham. ...must be a HG fan, but what the heck, we'll take it. ...Thank you.

Here's another good one, from Red Magazine (thanks to Pam). HOPE SPRINGS By Caroline Hire Artist Colin Ware (Colin Firth) flees England when he receives a wedding invitation from former love of his life Vera (Minnie Driver). Arriving in the remote town of Hope, he encounters beautiful careworker Mandy(Heather Graham) and it is not long before his broken heart begins to mend. But just when things are starting to look up for Colin, Vera appears on the scene using all her seductive wiles to get him back. She is sophisticated, witty and glamorous; poles apart from naive and down to earth Mandy. Now Colin has to make a choice. From the start, it is clear who we are supposed to side with in the battle for Colin's heart but this does not destroy any of the film's charm. Director Mark Herman has succeeded in adapting the central themes of the book, lost love, healing and people's inate tendency to hang onto the past, with empathy and wit. Colin Firth is brilliant as the bewildered target of two women's affections. Minnie Driver's hard-nosed urbanite will resonate with many a city dweller and while your "booing" at her, you'll be cheering the charming Heather Graham as the perfect 'butter wouldn't melt' all-American girl. Verdict: Sweet but not saccharin. Entertained you will be, but don't expect to be challenged.

Interview from Red Magazine (again, all thanks to Pam). Seems as though he did one group interview/press conference so we've read most of this before, but some slight additions here and there. by Caroline Hire Ever since he emerged from that lake, sodden shirt clinging to his manly frame, in Pride and Prejudice, Colin Firth has been the epitome of the thinking woman's crumpet. I met up with him at London's Dorchester Hotel where he was promoting his latest film, romantic comedy Hope Springs, which also stars Minnie Driver and Heather Graham. Did the real Colin live up to his smouldering on-screen persona? Read on... Colin sits there in jeans and a black polo neck. His furrowed brow and fixed gaze are so Darcy-esque I think I may faint. But as the frown turns into an encouraging smile, I remember I'm here to interview the man not fall in love with him. Red 0nline: How did you discover Hope Springs? Colin Firth: The book (New Cardiff by Charles Webb, on which the film is based) came recommended. I was having dinner with a friend who�d seen a preview of it and he gave me a nod and said 'This has got your name on it, literally'. And by a strange coincidence, the rights to the novel belonged to the producer I was working with, so I was in a very strong position of being able to make a pest of myself and lobby for the job. RO: Is there a 'Colin Firth' type of role? CF: Well, I think it�s far more easily identified by others than by me. I usually find when I get asked questions that it�s some assumption about the type I�m playing. I got a new one recently, someone said: 'You're always playing someone who's attracted to a woman'! It used to be that I was always paranoid or a loser or something so there's usually something that you seem to associate yourself with at one time or another. RO: Is that an actor thing, because all parts are essentially autobiographical? CF: I think so, I mean essentially you are drawing on aspects of yourself. I find it interesting taking whatever it is that I might bring to a situation and applying it to the problems presented by a story. How do I deal with this? How can I make it truthful? In this case it appealed to me partly because it felt close to me in some ways. This is about a confused, bewildered, middle-class Englishman adrift in smalltown America and that has definitely been me. RO: What�s been your own experience of America? CF: I have a very long relationship with America. My mother grew up there and I felt to some extent that I partly belong there. I was schooled there briefly, for about a year. We�ve always been involved with America � I have a son who lives there and it�s a big part of my life. I was nicknamed 'The Yank' for years when I came back, throughout my teens. America�s a gigantic place culturally as well as everything else and there isn�t any one perception that you�ll encounter, but I would say it�s favourable if you�re English over there. But most Americans don�t know who I am, so I can walk down the street and so on. RO: Were you called 'The Yank' because you�d acquired an American accent and mannerisms? CF: Yes, I had. I was very feeble-minded in that way, I just used to drift, according to whatever would make my life easiest. I�d been going from school to school and it had been astonishing to me in my first ever school that these kids didn�t talk the way my parents did � I mean my parents had this sort of BBC �RP� sound and I was at a state school in Essex, so that was a culture shock I had to deal with. So, just when I thought I�d mastered the Essex Billericay tones, I was in a Hampshire school and then America. So, er...strangely enough I became an actor. R0: This is the second time you�ve played an artist. Do you have any artistic talent? CF: None whatsoever. I have the level of talent where if I had a lifetime of lessons, I would never aspire to the kind of drawings you see in this film, and I�ve actually just played Vermeer (the Dutch Renaissance artist), so you can imagine how far I was from that. Basically hours of lessons just so I can look like someone who wouldn�t drop his paintbrush. RO: There's a scene where Heather has to dance around you totally naked - it's very tastefully shot. Was it difficult to film? CF: I�m over it now. We had to reshoot that scene because the studio thought it was too naughty. This is a scene where we�d managed to get absolutely no nudity and no sexual activity whatsoever and the studio came through and said: �No, this is too dirty � you�re going to have to make a less dirty moment there.' RO: How about the scene where you had to carry Heather Graham? What was that like? CF: Well, it was funny for other people. I was wearing appliances by the time we finished that. I mean, that�s no slight on Heather. I could have been carrying a gerbil, the amount Mark Herman (director) put me through, and I�d have needed an osteopath. About six or seven weeks� worth of carrying, basically. Every time we finished early, we�d do extra pick-up shots of me carrying her. RO: What are you doing next? Are you going to do Bridget Jones 2? CF: I�ll do Bridget Jones 2 if it�s a good script. I won�t be doing the Colin Firth bit though � they�ll probably drop that. I�m just about to start something called Trauma, a psychological thriller by Marc Evans, who did My Little Eye.

Minnie interview in the same issue: http://www.reddirect.co.uk/minniedriver1.asp

Thanks Mari! R0: Is he as dry in reality as the characters he plays? M: Yeah, he is, actually. He�s bright but he�s very humble and he�s terribly filthy and dry! (what a champ, quite well-rounded!) R0: Filthy? Did he demonstrate some filthiness on the set? M: He was ALWAYS demonstrating filthiness; when does he not? (Oh god, oh god!!) He�s got a filthy mind and he�s clever, very witty. He's really fun to spar with. (Examples would be nice!!) Gah! You have no idea what this is doing to me(actually, you probably do..)...I have been suffering for a few days with a case of the "got it worse than ever blues"...deep exaggerated sigh...

Red interview..... His furrowed brow and fixed gaze are so Darcy-esque I think I may faint. But as the frown turns into an encouraging smile, I remember I'm here to interview the man not fall in love with him. LOL! See Dorene and Co, even the pros become flustered!

Back to Lon-dum for a second -- Meluchie says it is on Cinemax today in the USA. Rush to your VCRs!!!! I did not like SLOW either, but at least he changed his outfit a couple of times. I think in Lon-dum he wore the same suit throughout.

(Maria)I have been suffering for a few days with a case of the "got it worse than ever blues"...deep exaggerated sigh... ...*double sigh* Thanks Mari, your two for two today...on the HS review coaster:-)

blast! closing them I hope

Thanks, Mari and Pam for the reviews and interviews. Glad to see someone putting a positive spin on HS. Hmmmm, RE referred to Colin as "frothy" and now MD calls him "filthy." What's next? Fizzy? Feisty? Firthalicious? ;-)

I know they are small, I know we have seen most all of them already, I know my eyes are bloodshot and ready to plop out from staring hard, but I think there are a couple of different shots, like #2324,2322, 2176 maybe others...Plus the added bonus of it knowing somewhere on the page (I think!) is the cool looking cyrillic spelling of his name...(hopeless, completely and utterly...) http://www.fotobank.com/photo/image.html?KEYWORD=colin+firth&REPORTNEWS=ON&REPORTARCHIVE=ON&TYPE=REPORTNEWS

R0: Did Heather Graham keep up with the dry filthiness? M: I don�t think it�s really her thing. I think Americans really think that dry filthiness IS dry and filthy. I think she had a really good time but it was probably a bit overwhelming because we were such a British posse. I did feel sorry for her but we were like: "Come on in! Come on in and get drunk!" I don�t think she was up for it in quite the same way. Oh! I like this bit! I should apply the 'Thumper Rule' (If you can't say something nice, then don't say nothin' at all) but I can't....I suppose it may have been the 'wittiness' and not the 'filthiness' that HG had trouble keeping up with! And I'm with you Maria! I want examples of clever, witty, dry filthiness!! LOL! Thank you Mari...this helps make it better!

I know these are older reviews from WAGW, and not necessarily glowing about the film itself, except when it comes to ODB (Wot? Postive remarks from WAGW?), but after Mari's postive review I was hungry for more happy thoughts about ODB... http://home.earthlink.net/~kinnopio/reviews/2003/whatagirl.htm http://www.filmfodder.com/movies/reviews/what_a_girl_wants/

Thanks Mari and Pam for the interview and reviews and Maria for the pics. There were a couple I hadn't seen before. Thanks again ladies.

Sorry, oops. Thanks Helen for typing and giving permission for the article. Much appreciated.

(filmfodderreview)Firth is actually quite good here Sorry to be negative, but this sounds to me as the reviewer was surprised! Anyway, let's hurry back to the half-full glasses and toast for some good reviews. Thank you Mari, Pam and Maria for articles, interviews and pics (I don't remember seing the very first one. Would love to see it a bit larger (anyone with clever skilss in this direction get the hint?;-))

R0: Did Heather Graham keep up with the dry filthiness? M: I don?t think it?s really her thing. I think Americans really think that dry filthiness IS dry and filthy. .. we were such a British posse... I did feel sorry for her but we were like: "Come on in! Come on in and get drunk!" I don?t think she was up for it in quite the same way. I detect a twinge of envy from MD , *supporting actress*, for HG,*the leading actress.* Almost as bad as Judi Dench criticizing Gwynnie in SIL. Abominable manners when the other is not there to defend herself, IMO.

(Evelyn) I detect a twinge of envy from MD , *supporting actress*, for HG,*the leading actress.* Maybe I'm naive or cynical or whatever, but from the little bit I've read about or heard from HG, I don't necessarily see any reason why MD would feel envious of HG. Certainly not of her "talent" or status in the movie, IMO. She's not been overly well regarded in the past or in the current reviews for the most part (cruel as some of them were) . Now why HG may not have chosen to be more a part of the "Brit posse", we can guess, but who knows. Doesn't mean MD's statement doesn't have a basis in fact. Oh my, can't believe I'm more or less defending MD.

Oh my, can't believe I'm more or less defending MD. Yeah, but if you've got a point there you've got a point there. We are nothing if not fair here, no?;-) No biasesss that I can see. Well, perhaps one.......

There's an excellent review for HS in today's Yorkshire Post, very thoughtful and perceptive, making points that other reviewers (Tookey/Landesman) seem to have missed. High praise for CF. I don't think it's available online, so will try to type it out later over the weekend. The Yorkshire Post is a quality broadsheet with a wide readership.

(Bethan)The Yorkshire Post is a quality broadsheet with a wide readership. Excellent! Bring it on. Thanks Bethan.

Quality is vg, will look for it Bethan, thank you! Thanks, Mari and Pam for the reviews and interviews. Glad to see someone putting a positive spin on HS. Indeed!

Glad to see someone putting a positive spin on HS. Hope it translates to the box office.

Thanks, Bethan, for more good news on HS. Dare I say that we seem to be on an upswing again? ;-)

New Cardiff, by Charles Webb (Abacus, �6.99) The film version of this novel has now been released under the title Hope Springs. As the author of The Graduate, Charles Webb is no stranger to the page-to-screen transfer, and this latest offering seems to have been written with cinema in mind: it is virtually all dialogue, with plenty of one-liners ("But I'm not a vengeful person . . . I wish I was. I must have a character flaw"). A classic love triangle, it incorporates plenty of quirkily romantic situations, such as the protagonist carting his hyperventilating fianc�e along the sidewalk: "I'm experiencing an atavistic urge to carry you . . . My manhood's crying out to meet its supreme challenge. I'm sorry if it seems primitive." Imagine Colin Firth speaking these lines, and you have the perfect chick flick - mildly entertaining, gently humorous, with no sharp edges and a happy ending perpetually beckoning from the horizon. As a novel, however, it is fluffy nonsense. (I'm imagining, I'm imagining! Just hope that's not all I ever get to do!)

(Maria)(I'm imagining, I'm imagining! Just hope that's not all I ever get to do!) Keep dreaming, girl;-) I *do* hope, you get beyond that in the future!! (LisaJH)Dare I say that we seem to be on an upswing again? ;-) It sure looks that way;-)or maybe we just don't post the bad reviews any more One thing though: Most of them seem very positive towards CF even if they don't like the film (apart from those ghastly HG-fan:-()

Maria thanks for posting book review, I am here with the Guardian in front of me ready to type it ! The cover has the three faces in colour with the smile to die for, it's part of Waterstone's "3 for 2" if anyone is interested, it's part of the poster that the Guardian ran last week. HS continues here but some multiplexes are only showing it evenings from this week, others continue all day showings. So glad that you liked it Allison Allison, ABFG Completely agree! Murph ... How does it compare to L'dum the endorsements from the UK contingent (Aishling, Janet, Emma, Bethan, Allison and myself and anyone I left out!) surely go to prove that L'dum is unspeakable compared to this. I think we have all had something favourable to say and been encouraging;-)) The weather here in the UK is so awful and unseasonal that it may conspire to add to box office totals this weekend!

(Lizza)The weather here in the UK is so awful and unseasonal that it may conspire to add to box office totals this weekend! Please, please, please, keep up those box office numbers! *using megaphone*:-) The weather here in the US is most unseasonal as well. Too bad we don't have HS to brighten up the day. Enjoy. Thanks, Maria.

Reviewer pits 'What a Girl Wants' against 'Lizzie McGuire' By Barbara Vancheri, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Staff Writer "What a Girl Wants" and "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" aren't exactly crosstown (or cross-cinema) rivals. While young filmgoers may prefer Amanda Bynes to Hilary Duff, or vice versa, they can easily see both comedies, which have much in common: teen stars emerging from popular TV shows, European backdrops and moments cute and klutzy. Released a month apart, just how do they stack up? THE PLOT "What a Girl Wants": Daphne Reynolds is a 17-year-old who graduates from high school and sneaks away to London to meet the father who doesn't know she exists. Dad is Lord Dashwood, an uppercrust British politician with a conniving fiancee. "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": Lizzie McGuire is a 15-year-old who graduates from junior high and takes off for Rome on a class trip. She is mistaken for a dark-haired pop star named Isabella and falls for her doppelganger's singing partner, Paolo. Edge goes to: "What a Girl Wants." GEE, SHE LOOKS FAMILIAR "What a Girl Wants": Nickelodeon viewers know Amanda Bynes, who recently turned 17, from "All That" (which earned her a CableAce Award nomination) and "The Amanda Show." She stars on The WB's "What I Like About You" and has appeared on "Figure It Out" and "Rug- rats," as the voice of Taffy. Bynes also played opposite Frankie Muniz in "Big Fat Liar." "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": Disney Channel viewers know Hilary Duff, who will be 16 in September, from "Lizzie McGuire." Last year, she starred in "Cadet Kelly," Disney Channel's highest-rated original movie. She also played opposite Frankie Muniz in "Agent Cody Banks." Edge goes to: It's a draw. Bynes is the better actress, but Duff's got the movie momentum, which could include a "Lizzie" movie sequel. BOY ON THE BIKE "What a Girl Wants": Oliver James makes his movie debut as aspiring musician and hotel desk clerk Ian, who falls for Daphne. He's handsome, talented, tools around on a motorcycle and is smart enough to ask the American, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" He also has a couple of tunes on the soundtrack. "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": Yani Gellman (Disney Channel's "Tru Confessions," "The Matthew Shepard Story," "Jason X") plays pop star and Italian lothario Paolo. He's handsome, talented, tools around town on a motorcycle, but may really be spoiled and shrewd. Edge goes to: James from "What a Girl Wants." THE ADULTS "What a Girl Wants": Daphne's parents, a bohemian New York City singer and high-profile British politician, are played by Kelly Preston and Colin Firth. Supporting cast includes Jonathan Pryce as a duplicitous political adviser. "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": Robert Carradine is Lizzie's hapless dad -- shown working on a garden gnome -- and Hallie Todd is her overprotective mother. Adult with the most screen time is Alex Borstein as Miss Ungermeyer, class chaperone. Edge goes to: "What a Girl Wants." It's Colin Firth, for heaven's sake, and it's easier (for adults) to watch than the labored "Lizzie." FLASHBACK "What a Girl Wants": This was loosely inspired by the 1958 romantic comedy "The Reluctant Debutante" starring Sandra Dee. Also calls to mind "Cinderella." "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": Hallie Todd hits the nail on the head: "This movie reminds me of a 'Gidget' movie -- a sweet, young girl gets mixed up in crazy situations that always have a happy ending." In fact, there was a 1963 "Gidget Goes to Rome" movie starring Cindy Carol, James Darren and Cesare Danova as an Italian charmer also named Paolo. Edge goes to: Since so few people remember "The Reluctant Debutante," edge goes to "Lizzie," especially since perky predecessor Gidget is in reruns on TV Land. FASHION SHOWS "What a Girl Wants": When Daphne accidentally finds herself on a fashion-show runway, she does the catwalk strut -- until she trips and tumbles. Later, in a bit of fashion sabotage, Daphne is given an unflattering, fussy dress to wear to a formal party, but she transforms the icy blue gown into a one-shoulder dazzler. She also gets a ball gown for her coming-out party and models kicky outfits while shopping with her dad. "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": Masquerading as Isabella, Lizzie shops for a designer dress. She goes to a diva specializing in outrageous outfits, including a hat fashioned out of a magazine, a dress accessorized with an illuminated rope and a Marie Antoinette-style wig. Edge goes to: "What a Girl Wants." SOUNDTRACK SIZZLE "What a Girl Wants": Edgier, with songs by The Clash ("London Calling") and The Donnas ("Who Invited You") plus the fun oldie "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" and a couple of songs from male romantic lead Oliver James. "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": Dean Martin's song "On an Evening in Rome" is trotted out, but this soundtrack skews young, with Hilary Duff contributing "Why Not" and Vitamin C giving "Volare" an updated spin. Edge goes to: "What a Girl Wants." MIRROR IMAGES "What a Girl Wants": Lookalikes for Prince Charles; his sons, William and Harry; and his Queen Mum pop up. "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": Hilary Duff does Patty Duke one better. Instead of playing identical cousins, she portrays identical strangers, one blonde, one brunette. Genetic odds, anyone? Edge goes to: "Lizzie McGuire." BOX OFFICE "What a Girl Wants": Opened in second place with $12 million, behind No. 1 picture "Phone Booth." "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": Opened in second place with $17 million, behind No. 1 picture "X2: X-Men United." Edge: "Lizzie McGuire." WHAT WE SAID "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. ... It scores points for using The Clash song 'London Calling' and capitalizing on the fresh-scrubbed charm of Nickelodeon's Bynes." "The Lizzie McGuire Movie": "Duff -- did we mention she's cute? -- has a likable, non-threatening screen presence. She has competition, though, from her own impersonator in the form of a cartoon Lizzie who flashes on the screen to let you know what she's thinking. ... Duff also needs a little work on the rare dramatic moments." Edge: "What a Girl Wants."

Edge goes to: "What a Girl Wants." It's Colin Firth, for heaven's sake.... LOL....Thanks Mari! Won't be seeing Lizzie McGuire since I don' t have kids...but if WAGW were still in theaters, I'd be there right now! ;-)

It's Colin Firth, for heaven's sake.... Sounds like a rallying cry to me...oh for the day when they can build an advertising campaign around it. (Had to double check the source...hmmm, U.S. after all.)

I noticed from my tv magazine that RV is shown (on a channel that I can`t see), but it got 4 stars, and especially CF was mentioned, with a picture of him:)

Thanks,Mari... What we've been thinking all along. CF, or no CF, it was a much better film, better plot, and much better parent watchability. IMHO,of course. I'm disappointed that I couldn't make sweet sixteen. It's gone, pulled out right from under me. ...what exactly was the reason for AB on Leno this week when it left most theaters???

(Linda) ...what exactly was the reason for AB on Leno this week when it left most theaters??? Did she plug her TV show? Maybe it's season finale is this week or something? I've noticed that the WB is plugging her show more since WAGW. The timing does seem weird.

It's Colin Firth, for heaven's sake 'nuff said! Edge goes to: "What a Girl Wants." Edge goes to: "What a Girl Wants." Edge goes to: "What a Girl Wants." Great! Then we get to the box office... WHY? WHY? WHY? Been swamped with work for a few weeks, and now am catching up on reviews for HS. This is making me worry. If reviews and box office are too tepid, would that affect how it's marketed in US?

Mari, thanks for that but;-(( still have to wait until Aug. 8th for heavens sake! So glad WAGW has the edge.

(Rika)Did she plug her TV show? Not really, it was definitely for WAGW...JL introduced her as blah, blah, blah, star of her own show, and now in WAGW that can be seen in a theater near you. JC was fooling around the whole time, JL never discussed the film with her, and when it was over he said AB...and mentioned WAGW again. That was it no clip, no discussion of plot, or co-stars.

Found this site for Trauma (Myriad Pictures): http://www.myriadpictures.com/staging_area/trauma.html (I like the look of the "poster", but haven't read enough to know if it is an official site or just a "commercial").

Having read a bit more, it looks to be one of the financing or whatever companies, linked to the movie. So - perhaps a site to bookmark for news?

Thanks, Annette! I like the poster too!

Thanks, Annette. Great find. Myriad is indeed one of the financers of the film. While it wouldn't be an "official site," if you check some of its library films (completed and/or released) there is a bit more info (sometimes pics and links to such sites, if they exist)

A thought about the poster (teaser poster, not for theatrical release necessarily). Doesn't the shot of Colin look like one from the Evening Standard photoshoot, where he has his head down? The Jason Bell ones: http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/es060900.html (Gaah! I really need to replace that one with a much better quality one.)

On my screen the poster pic is a left profile. Evening Standard's is frontal. Though the poster pic does look familiar.

The head down one: plus there are others from this session which have surfaced at other publications.

Extracts from the Yorkshire Post HS review. "....saw in Hope Springs a film that bucked the trend for so-called romantic comedies by cooking a snook at what worldwide audiences have come to expect (and rely on) from Hollywood movies. This wasn't a cosy little affair that relied on familaiar faces to buoy up lacklustre writing and plot. Instead it dwelt with painful honesty on the subject of love, betrayal, sadness and the overwhelming feeling of hurt whenever someone is dumped. And it did it without the glossy saccharine coating that generally smothers movies (of this genre) As Herman's first US film, Hope Springs is to be applauded....the quality of the writing and the depth of the characterisation - particularly in Firth's weary, confused and put-upon hero - remains a costant. Those mistakenly expecting something akin to Pretty Woman, Maid in Manhattan or Two Weeks Notice should dig out their copies of Brassed Off and Little Voice, and watch them anew. That's Herman's forte: eccentricity, beautifully delivered oneliners, verbal barbs and intricately drawn characcers that boast strength and reality in their construction" Too late to save the movie after the critical mauling. Hope it gets a US opening!

"remains a constant" - sorry for typos.

(Karen)plus there are others from this session which have surfaced at other publications. I think you're right that it might be from the same photo session. Notice the same little wisp of hair that's comes down farther than the rest right before his ear and above his sideburn (sideburn in each pic does appear to be same length as well). Plus there's none of the stubble (or stubble beginnings) which was recently observed at UK HS opening.

Thanks, Annette, for the link. I marvel at your finds. (Karen) Doesn't the shot of Colin look like one from the Evening Standard photoshoot, where he has his head down? I immediately thought of that photo, too, as it is one of my favorites. So vulnerable. Mmmmmm. Bethan, thanks for another positive review. As the saying goes, better late than never. I hope he was too busy with filming Trauma to read the scathing reviews.

Eeee by gum Bethan! Excellent that you found something so positive, very much glass half full. Hats off to the North!;-)

Thanks, Annette, for the link. I marvel at your finds. Yes, an excellent link! Trauma sounds very promising. I hope he was too busy with filming Trauma to read the scathing reviews. Ditto. )-: But the only way forward/to be taken seriously is through serious dramatic roles....no more rom com (exept TEOR!) Is there any chance that Trauma will get a US/international release...it seems to have global backing.

(Karen) Doesn't the shot of Colin look like one from the Evening Standard photoshoot, where he has his head down? The Jason Bell ones: Yes, it occurred to me, too, but not right away for some reason.....while I was out driving around. Always debate with myself if it's Jason or Colin Bell. Think it was the head position and sideburns that made me think of it. The one you posted above is one of my top 3 pics for him. Thanks so much, Annette! Neat poster.

Thanks, Annette. Great find. I knew I'd seen that picture before, one of my favorites. Thanks, Karen for re-posting it as well. I also followed the link and realized I had never read that article before. Thanks Bethan for that v. positive review. ...and thanks to you, too, Lora for providing the investigative commentary on the picture... (Lora)Notice the same little wisp of hair that comes down farther than the rest right before his ear and above his sideburn (sideburn in each pic does appear to be same length as well). Plus there's none of the stubble (or stubble beginnings) which was recently observed at UK HS opening.

(Dorine) The one you posted above is one of my top 3 pics for him. I would put that pic way up there too (its the sideburns that get me...I'm reduced to drooly mess whenever I see them)! Thanks Annette! Great find...and it came with a bit more info on the film (as well as the yummy poster).

Thanks for typing that up, Bethan. It is odd that this review said the opposite of the others. He is obviously a great fan of the director. ;-) I too love those pictures of Colin. Vvg hair day and he looks great with long sideburns and the darker hair colour. Mmmmm. Any news on the box office returns this weekend?

(Moon)Any news on the box office returns this weekend? I've been checking all day, all the sites still have last week's figures up;-(

Thanks for posting that review, Bethan. And thank you, Yorkshire Post! Sounds like that reviewer is not a fan of rom-coms. The only downside to this review is that the movies the reviewer contrasted wtih HS all made lots of money.

(Moon)It is odd that this review said the opposite of the others. He is obviously a great fan of the director. ;-) Probably next door neighbor; doesn't Marc Herman hail from that neck of the woods? I don't want to hurt Myriad Films' feelings, but I think your poster is better looking , boss ,except for the pic. They shudda hired Emma.

Thanks, Annette, for the great find of the poster and plot description. Colin looks like he has spotlights coming out of his head.;-) Reading the summary, the plot sounds somewhat familiar, only it was called Vertigo when I saw it, and Jimmy Stewart had the Colin Firth part.;-). One can only hope that Marc Evans is a budding Hitch. Then Brian DePalma made a similar one called Obsession--Cliff Robertson and Genevieve Bujold (I think). Trauma continues in the single-word title vein. Is there any chance that Trauma will get a US/international release...it seems to have global backing. I think Warner's is one of the backers, but it seemed to me that they only took the UK rights. The rumor dujour dans la Firthmonde is that HS is going straight to video in NA.:-( Merde.

(Mari), The rumor dujour dans la Firthmonde is that HS is going straight to video in NA.:-( Merde. Double merde! This will be a huge blow for ODB. Il l'a suivi! Il l'a voulu!

Google News from Daily Record THE SCOT WHO MAKES STARS' SKIN CRAWL May 20 2003 Andrew's home is a haven for crocs and grisly creatures destined for the movies Cath Bennett MEET the man who has a licence to hurl creepy crawlies at Colin Firth and Mena Suvari. Andrew Stephenson is an animal wrangler, who hunts down exotic and often grisly creatures for film crews. His latest project is in the Isle of Man on the set of Trauma, where he has the unique job of spraying the former Mr D'Arcy and the American Beauty actress with ants. Andrew, who keeps crocodiles at his home in Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, said: "Colin Firth had to have about 50 ants on his arms, chest and legs for around two hours while they filmed. "He was amazingly stoical about it, especially as the ants kept running off him, so we had to keep rounding them up and putting them back." Bugs?! Nobody said nuttin' bout no bugs! I just hope the rom-com whiplash effect doesn't give me nightmares! But, to be an ant and crawl on those arms, legs and chest.... (The link posted wierd, hope it works but if not, the above is the main relevant part.) http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/page.cfm?objectid=12974640&method=full&siteid=89488&headline=THE%20SCOT%20WHO%20MAKES%20STARS'%20SKIN%20CRAWL

"Colin Firth had to have about 50 ants on his arms, chest and legs for around two hours while they filmed. Subtext (according to my pervy mind)...We get skin! Chest! Legs!!! "He was amazingly stoical about it, especially as the ants kept running off him, so we had to keep rounding them up and putting them back." Obviously boy ants...girl ants would never crawl off ODB! ;-) Thanks Barb...I'm with you! Oh, to only be an ant and crawl on those amazing body parts! My life would be short, but I would have lived!

(Mari), The rumor dujour dans la Firthmonde is that HS is going straight to video in NA.:-( Merde. (Moon)Double merde! This will be a huge blow for ODB. ... And after that stellar premiere. Why, oh why, didn't they release it here first.I think it would have gotten a better reception. From critics and audeinces. These distribs know better than that, after how many of his films have tanked in UK ? Grrrrrr

(Tress) We get skin! ... Oh, to only be an ant and crawl on those amazing body parts! My life would be short, but I would have lived! I'm LOLing so hard I'm crying! We get skin! How remiss of me! And you've given me the answer...when I'm watching those larger-than-life onscreen ants and feeling crawly, I'll LOL again and just think "damn lucky ants!"

Just read this on ComingSoon.com. Variety reports that Colin Firth is set to star in The Dead Wait, a South Africa-set saga that spans the 20 years since the bloody Angolan war of 1983. Firth will play a tough commanding officer in the South African army. Casting is under way for the co-lead roles of a young recruit and a black character. Scripted by Paul Herzberg and helmed by Jens Meurer (Public Enemy), the film is due to roll in early 2004.

Variety reports that Colin Firth is set to star in The Dead Wait, a South Africa-set saga that spans the 20 years since the bloody Angolan war of 1983. Yippeee!!!! Another drama...ODB is on a roll! This is the one that Karen heard about, in October, I believe....and then all was silent for a while (and I assumed it wasn't going to happen....must learn to keep the faith). I tried to access the Variety article but you have to be a subscriber. The article is titled "Firth sets forth on 'Dead Wait'" Thanks for the good news Ada!

Oooh, better and better. Googled on "The Dead Wait", http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/mandelas_land/dead_wait_index.htm This is apparently from a play of the same name, reviews included: 'Strikingly modern�an autopsy on apartheid' The New York Times 'Paul Herzberg's THE DEAD WAIT is quite incredible� the image of a white soldier carrying a black 'terrorist' on his back towards safety stays in the mind for days�Intense, intelligent, in your face - don't wait another day to see it!' The Sunday Times (South Africa) 'Powerful, human and emotional, an historic piece which investigates the past with a view to establishing truth and how to effect reconciliation, not only within society, but within the self - a welcome dimension to the South African theatrical landscape.' The Mail & Guardian 'Powerful, compelling and emotional. I have rarely encountered such concentration of energy' The Citizen 'Ex-SA actor and playwright Paul Herzberg has given local theatre a jolt with THE DEAD WAIT and the huge emotional impact it carries. ' Business Day Online Also shows several noms for the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards 2002: http://www.manchesteronstage.co.uk/menawards2002.htm ...including Best New Play. Potential with a capital P?

Paul Herzberg's THE DEAD WAIT And I'm such a mega dork that I just ordered my copy off of Amazon (UK Amazon has it).

Synopsis from South African Veterans Association webpage: The Dead Wait by Paul Herzberg (1996) - After twenty years in exile, haunted by events in his youth, Josh Gilmore returns to South Africa. His mission: to bring justice to his former platoon commander. As a conscript, in 1976, in Angola, Josh had been forced by his commander to carry a black wounded freedom fighter through the bush on his back. The freedom fighter whispered into Josh's ear as they moved, and in the mayhem, a bond begin to grow. Josh's commander responded to this unlikely friendship, with catastrophic results... But when Josh returns, he finds a different South Africa...and a different platoon commander. (Soon to be a film) (Ada from Variety) Firth will play a tough commanding officer ...Casting is under way for the co-lead roles of a young recruit and a black character. (I won't spoiler "catastrophic results" I saw explained elsewhere.) OMG, what a story and what a potential role.

Thanks, Ada. Definitely a supporting role, but at least it's drama. Screendaily's account: Firth stars in Beyond's Dead Wait --Adam Minns in Cannes 20 May 2003 04:05 Bridget Jones�s Diary star Colin Firth is to star in The Dead Wait for Beyond Films. Scheduled to start production early next year on location in South Africa, the project is to be directed by Russian Ark producer Jens Meurer, who directed 1999 Venice Black Panther documentary Public Enemy. The film will tell the story of a man�s quest for retribution and is set in present day South Africa and against the bloody, clandestine Angolan War of 1983. Sheryl Crown, the Oscar-nominated producer of Solomon & Gaenor, is producing, while the script is by Paul Herzberg. The title is set up as a co-production between Crown�s Rubicon Pictures in the UK, David Wicht of Film Afrika in South Africa and Egoli Tossell Films in Germany. The UK�s Mansfield Associates are executive producing.

Thanks Barb for the creepy crawly news. :-( Damn! I hate having to close my eyes during one of Colin's movies. Excellent Ada! Yes, we had read back in October that Colin was interested in the Dead Wait before. Will have to pull out my "Rumor/No Go" file. But this is definitely one to root for! Serious work. Firth will play a tough commanding officer...His mission: to bring justice to his former platoon commander...commander responded to this unlikely friendship, with catastrophic results...a different platoon commander Yippeee!!!!!! A role with depth!!! He'll be a baddie but something more. Got an itchy ordering finger... Can't jinx this. Don't buy it, Evelyn. Don't let it join the nightstand cemetary. ;-) ~~~~~~~~~ OK, the first box office results from the weekend... Dropped from 7th to 9th place, taking in $375,046 from 287 screens (lost some). Cume to date is $1,312,374. Especially for Evelyn, Kangaroo Jack which opened this weekend pulled in $1.2 mill. The Jungle Book, which was 8th last week, held its place. And the ever-popular How to Lose a Guy continues to haul it in...

(Karen) Can't jinx this. Don't buy it, Evelyn. Interesting that one of the reports on this is coming out of Cannes. I hope this is not deja vu all over again, but a quick trip to the archives shows this is the anniversary of another Cannes tip, that one being one that didn't quite make it. (Lighting candles...)

(Barb) Interesting that one of the reports on this is coming out of Cannes. Not really. Every day there are lots of reports out of Cannes. It is the *big* film market. This film is being pushed at the market. They're trying to get investors and/or distributors and it's being done on Colin's name. (Mari) Definitely a supporting role I'm reserving judgment. Am picturing two male leads of equal importance. Only example that comes readily to mind is The Quiet American. Am also reserving judgment on the people making this film. No track record but if the material's solid, he has to take risks like this. BTW, those ants are definitely going to appeal to the horror websites that have been following this movie. BTW2, which Tube line goes to S. Africa and/or Angola-like terrain? ;-)

Firth will play a tough commanding officer... More than likely with ugly military hair cut. :-( Funny, I was just thinking of this project the other day when I heard there were travel advisories to Kenya (and somewhere else in Africa) and flights from Britain to there were cancelled due to seemingly impending terrorist attacks. I figured this project was dead as we hadn't heard anything in so long and it would be unlikely he'd travel down there for the shoot if it was there. V. v. excited to hear it's a go! Glad that Trauma creatures aren't spiders. Don't care how much skin would be showing and where, if they were spiders, I wouldn't be looking at the screen. Thanks for all the news everyone.