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

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

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

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

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

Hallelujah! The candles worked. ;-)

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

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

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

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

Closing tags

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

D'oh! I just realised the date!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

closing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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