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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bethan....how did you like HS ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(shining self diligently and grinning like the Cheshire cat)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROTF, Moon! Good luck! ;-)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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