From Moviecom.com (always thought she had pretty good taste ;-) http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&cf=parentsguide&id=1808415451 ..."adorable" AB and "adorable" CF...

(Moviecom.com review) The love interest, played by Ian Williams, should be high on the Teen Beat hearthrob list. Oops.

Let's try that again without hitting the submit button too early.... (Moviecom.com review) The love interest, played by Ian Williams, should be high on the Teen Beat hearthrob list. Oops. A little difficulty differentiating fantasy and reality it seems. ;-)

Thanks for all the interesting reading today, Ladies. Dressed in a turquoise corduroy suit Maybe it's a tasteful teal? :-) fondly twisting a strand. "I think this is probably no longer possible." Hee hee. Since we're talking heair, I am a BIG fan of his side-parted look in certain WAGW scenes. The fashion show is one of them. Anybody else? "I'm just trying to avoid sounding like a complete asshole LOL! Good thing Milos Forman isn't directing.;-) (Evleyn)"Oh yeah..speak for yourself, Peter.A little rumpy-pumpy on screen ain't so bad." Sing it, sistah! Psst, Scarlett, there's a reason those Hollywood films make so much money.;-) *Give the people what they want.* Thanks, Annette, for the poster link. I think he looked better in the poster shown at Bradofrd, though. Maria, have you called the theater to find out when it opens? Thanks, Barbara, for the backstage quotes. (Dorine)Are you kidding me?!! (note there is no freakin winkie) I had the same reaction.

(Mari)I think he looked better in the poster shown at Bradford, though. But when it is right in front of you at eye level it is astonishing!!! My heart flew into my mouth and my pulse sped up and I completely flushed (scary if this is the reaction to a poster! If I were to ever meet the real McCoy...) (Mari)Maria, have you called the theater to find out when it opens? I would, but the phone number is so shrouded in secrecy I may have to wait until I go back on Saturday...:-( Wonder what happens if you forget something in the theatre? Grrrr..)

(Mari) I am a BIG fan of his side-parted look in certain WAGW scenes. The fashion show is one of them. Anybody else? *waving hand* Me! Me! Also at the playground, my absolute favorite. The breakfast table is a very close second, though I don't think the hair was quite the same. But love the whole look when he eats the Cocoa Pops out of the bowl with his fingers. Oh to be a Cocoa Pop at that moment. ;-) (Evleyn)"Oh yeah..speak for yourself, Peter.A little rumpy-pumpy on screen ain't so bad." (Mari) Sing it, sistah! Psst, Scarlett, there's a reason those Hollywood films make so much money.;-) *Give the people what they want.* While I do agree with you, for some reason I guess I'm feeling a bit masochistic here. I guess I find the thought of seeing the situation going right to the edge of something happening, then pulling back, *extremely* erotic. At least with him it should be....I hope. ;-) There's something to be said for being teased.

(Dorine)There's something to be said for being teased. I guess. But sometimes you want the full axminster, too:-) (Mari) I am a BIG fan of his side-parted look in certain WAGW scenes. The fashion show is one of them. Anybody else? Yes, Yes, Yes!

I know it's tough tearing your eyes away from the pic on the new HS poster, but this one also has a different tagline from the Bradford one: The problem every man dreams of...a choice (obviously aimed at the male audience) and then at the bottom: She loves me, she loves me not. (finally an explanation for that idiotic flower) But I still want to see/own The Graduate one. ;-)

(Dorine)There's something to be said for being teased. (Linda) I guess. But sometimes you want the full axminster, too:-) For me, GWAPE is all about the tease...I don't think I want to see Griet and Vermeer doing the wild thing. The book made it a bit ambiguous (for me)...I was never quite sure if it was all in the imagination of a fanciful girl, or Vermeer really did want to take her into the back room and show her how to grind. ;-) (Mari) I am a BIG fan of his side-parted look in certain WAGW scenes. The fashion show is one of them. Anybody else? I'm just a fan of his hair in this movie, period (his real hair, not the wig). He looked amazing!

(Tress)For me, GWAPE is all about the tease...I don't think I want to see Griet and Vermeer doing the wild thing I think this too, although I have always wondered about Tracy Chevalier's comment that she liked the changes to the storyline made in the script. - I have a feeling that Griet's child may have the same colour hair as Vermeer!

Something that struck me from Dorine's class notes:she said, �You�re writing this for Colin Firth aren�t you?� But WB wanted Pierce Brosnan...He couldn�t do it since Bond was overschedule, so they wanted Hugh Grant next....I�ve forgotten who the next studio choice was at the moment. But she said it really was a short list of acceptable choices......Jude Law too young, for example. She mentioned Jeremy Northam and didn�t really seem to discount him, but obviously not who she wanted. So as we know, she jetted off to England to beg CF so it could be greenlit.Given the names and sticker prices for such people as Huge (got $8 mil for BJD), Pierce Brosnan (big bucks), Jude Law (fairly big bucks), WB was willing to write a big check for this part. Colin had to have pulled down a fairly large amount to make this movie. He can afford to work for the "art" for awhile now. ;-)

(Karen)He can afford to work for the "art" for awhile now. ;-) We can only Hope! *Wife, baby, coma, breakdown - that'll do me......*

(Janet) - I have a feeling that Griet's child may have the same colour hair as Vermeer! LOL...so you think the little one may be in a little turquoise corduroy jumper with matching booties? ;-)

Some international box office data: Meanwhile another �chick flick�, What A Girl Wants, grossed a solid $598,700 on 170 screens in Australia, roughly 76% of the opening gross for 2001�s The Princess Diaries. The picture is expected to play well through the school holidays, which begin later this week in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. What A Girl Wants took $76,800 on 30 screens in New Zealand, which was 25% better than The Princess Diaries. It is due to open in the Philippines on Apr 19.

From megastar.co.uk I think they are a bit confused....or maybe it's us. ;-) Farrell's booth hit Jecinta Noble It's good to talk Father-to-be Colin Farrell dominated the US box office with his delayed film Phone Booth over the weekend..... Runner-up to Joel Schumacher's thriller was Colin Firth�s drama What A Girl Wants, which took $11.2m. The film sees Firth play a repressed Englishman who has to learn to cope when his American daughter comes to London to find him. Could Hugh Grant�s role as the bumbling British fool be in jeopardy?

And just realized CF and the "anti-CF" have something in common. Could it be a sign (cue Omen music). ;-) Father-to-be Colin Farrell dominated the US box office with his delayed film Phone Booth over the weekend.

Further to Mari's post of yesterday from Cinemascore - Warner Bros. Pictures' "What a Girl Wants" arrived in the second spot, taking in $11.4 million on its opening weekend. The PG-rated film, starring Amanda Bynes and Colin Firth, generated the highest satisfaction among moviegoers of the session's three new wide releases as a stellar 96% gave the film a favorable score, according to CinemaScore.com. It was an overwhelmingly female audience as a huge 82% comprised that group, and young as a solid 53% were under 18 years of age. Dennie Gordon directed the comedy, about a girl who is looking for her long lost British father in London. A relatively slim 29% were 35 and older. The film's subject matter was the biggest draw, as cited by 41% of those polled. http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=filmNews&storyID=2525786

I don;t remember seeing this one posted, pardon if it has been but it bears repeating...;-)) THE EFC REVIEW: In a lousy week filled with war and destruction, an annoying head cold, college rejections, car dent repair, hot, muggy weather, and an unexpected tax bill running to 5 digits (!), escapism was definitely something the doctor ordered. And that is just what What a Girl Wants provides, critics be damned. Yes it's predictable and corny, yes it's derivative and heavily influenced by The Princess Diaries, yes it strains credibility, yes its production values are suspect, and yes it must have have run out of money when it came to creating its opening titles, BUT sometimes charm is enough to carry the day, and charm it has up to its American and English ears. The lead actress Amanda Bynes plays cute and perky so effortlessly and naturally, you can't help but like and root for her, regardless of the lame things she might have to do and say. And there are not one but TWO Prince Charmings - newcomer heartthrob Oliver James as her boyfriend and the thinking woman's heartthrob Colin Firth as her long-lost dad. Oliver is just as appealing as Bynes and as nice and sensible as a cool guy can be, and he can actually sing, too. If this role is a good indication of his charm and appeal, he has a pretty bright future ahead of him. Colin Firth plays his role with the depth, sincerity and integrity you've come to expect from all his performances. He actually succeeds in making you believe he could be a man who finds the love child - of his one true love - that he never knew he had, and that he could change his life for them. In the hands of a lesser and less charming and attractive actor, the man would have been little more than a corny plot device. But Firth provides the heart and heft of the movie and makes his character someone you grow to like and really care about (and maybe fantasize about, too - as the fantasy father or husband, depending on your demographic). As the title makes clear, this is a film for girls, so chick-flick haters and cynics STAY AWAY (unless you have an Amanda fixation). But it's also for girls of riper vintage - note the TWO Prince Charmings - who should be more than willing to succumb to their princely charms. Don't go to this movie expecting the wit of Clueless or the intelligence of Ever After. It's a lightweight modern-day fairy tale which sometimes misses its mark. But it provides a diverting ninety minutes of escapism, megawatt charm from its stars, and smiles, laughs, and awws aplenty for its targeted audience.

This site has a picture from Hope Springs that I haven't seen before. Nice links too (worlds most sexiest men) http://www.femail.co.uk/pages/standard/article.html?in_article_id=175758&in_page_id=119

Sorry, forgot to post a warning: BARE FEET!!!!! And thank you for the articles and reviews, all. (MariaT)but it bears repeating...;-)) Brint it on ;-)

re: Annette's article link Yes, this is the silly Colin Ware that is doing yoga with Mandy, either before or after he falls over doing it in those leggings.

Question to Maria... What is : THE EFC REVIEW: Online somebody?

(Evelyn)Question to Maria... What is : THE EFC REVIEW: The E Film Critic?? http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=7393 Thanks for the new pic Annette!

Thank you, Maria and Annette for the links, and reviews. Loved those pictures, even though I've seen them before.

Thanks Maria for the articles. And thanks Annette for the link. Love the look on his face doing the yoga. And his picture in the sexiest men in the world gallery is one I hadn't seen. But good Lord is it a good one. Love the intent gaze and hint of a smile/smirk. Whew!

Thanks for the article and the new pic, Annette. I found this bit enormously funny and such creative spin: Hope Springs, a romantic comedy tipped to be one of the summer's big box-office hits. I've put up the Premiere pic and closeup of Colin as Vermeer at the dining table, which was scanned by Josie, in the gallery: http://www.firth.com/gwape_gal1.html Much better wig (from what I can see) than as young Henry. Looks pretty damned good.

(Dorine) And his picture in the sexiest men in the world gallery is one I hadn't seen. That was from the Berlinale press conference for Shakespeare in Love. He was the only one of the cast to attend, with John Madden (director) and all the producers. There was a video clip online for quite some time, but I doubt it is now. But, as I recall, the German voiceover pretty much drowned out the people answering questions.

Thanks, Karen! I could tell it was from a little while ago, but it's now of my favorites. Shame about the video. Just looking is ok, too. :-)

There was a videoclip working here not too long ago. I can't tell if it still works, as I have no player of any kind installed at the moment http://www.filmscouts.com/scripts/person.cfm?Person=1710

From Variety: These are the five most requested films from activity on Moviefone.com and the Moviefone phone service. 1. What A Girl Wants 4. Phone Booth 2. Head of State 3. Bringing Down the House 5. Basic

(Annette) Sorry, forgot to post a warning: BARE FEET!!!!! Jeez! 'Bout had a heart attack...I saw your warning after I clicked on the picture! Those are some mighty fine BARE FEET! Thank you Annette, Maria and Karen for all the goodies. Love the new GWAPE picture...it is going to be an agonizingly long summer and fall waiting to see this film...wig doesn't look half bad from a distance.

(Tress) wig doesn't look half bad from a distance. Sigh.... I suppose. Oh, well, a wig was inevitable and at least it's not red.

Thank you Annette for the link to the SIL clip. I enjoyed that. Is anyone else having trouble with the GWAPE gallery? I can't see the new picture. Thanks for that great picture from the SIL press conference, Karen. Great to see WAGW #1 on Moviefone, thanks Mary.

(Rika) Sigh.... I suppose. Oh, well, a wig was inevitable and at least it's not red. I would have loved to have seen ODB with real (his) long hair, but I don't think he had any time to grow it....and extensions are a dangerous proposition since they tend to tug on the existing hair (and for those of you who love the hair ODB still has...well...a wig is good! And like Rika said...at least it isn't red...I love red hair BTW, just cannot see ODB as a redhead!) ;-)

Try again now, Linda. I reuploaded it. ???? Trauma News They start filming on 28 April and the only other "confirmed" cast member is Mena Suvari (rose petal girl from American Beauty)

Thanks everyone for all the links, reviews and news re WAGW. Much appreciated on our side of the pond. However things may be hotting up here too, I got this from a very amusing source ( sadly not from ODB's local Islington branch tho';-) The sainsbury's magazine says "Watch out for.....Hope Springs 3/5* Hugh Grant has been busy starring in two films for release this year(Two weeks, Love Actually), so Colin Firth owner of another of Britain's best pairs of stiff upper lips, has had the chance to show he can be just as funny and romantic as Hugh. Firth makes the best of his role as Colin , blah blah plot synopsis.......This is warm and cute and pleasant enough thanks to three nice lead performances(Driver's bitchy turn is a treat) and a terrific supporting cast." Hey go back to selling Chardonnay and Jamie Oliver guys ;-)) Still it was nice uncovering a pic of him with the tins and bottles in the shopping trolley!

From Antonella, this theater is in York: City Screen are delighted to invite you to a special charity screening of Mark Herman's charming and hilarious new romantic comedy HOPE SPRINGS, starring Colin Firth, in aid of Marie Curie cancer care. Writer and director Mark Herman will be present at the screening. Be one of the first to see this wonderful new film before its release in May. Enjoy a wine and canap� reception in our riverside cafe-Bar before the screening. Tickets cost �15 each with all proceeds going to Marie Curie cancer care Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment Thursday 10th April 6.15pm - Wine and canap� reception in the riverside Cafe-Bar 7.00pm - Screening

Double drat! Still hopefully someone can get there. Thanks for posting Boss. We live in hope that ODB will repeat his Survival screening sometime soon.

Annette, thanks for the link. ODB looks very much like he's doing yoga for the first time in his life ;-). Karen, that sexiest men picture is simply gorgeous. Thank you so much.

Thanks Annette for the link. He looked like he was struggling to appear interested and that interviewer was quite dull. I know it gets old because they do that stuff all day long, but that interviewer couldn't have helped the situation at all. ;-) Thanks again Karen for putting that pic up here. I bookmarked and downloaded it too. I had trouble seeing the new pics at first Linda, but went in through IE rather than AOL and saw them. That style of wig isn't what I expected though am aware of hair styles of that time. He kinda looks like Rembrandt. Still, I agree, at least it isn't red. Not my cup of tea. Thanks Josie for the pics and article. Welcome!

BarbaraT: Pls let me know if you got my email (at your aol address)

What a bountiful day for photos ladies! Thank you. I'm going to have to give a thumbs up to the Vermeer look reminds me of Courtois. Quite yummy. I am all anticipation. Dark hair, clothing, sets, all that below the surface bubbling between Vermeer,Griet and his wife. Perfect for a November opening. Can't imagine any of the women having their eyes closed during that yoga session in HS. A few are peeking I noticed. :) Liked that interview pic too Karen. Will keep it in reserve for when I retire HS poster photo. No estimated time of departure yet. ;) Bummer. Can't make that HS New York showing. Wish I had known. :( Please take good notes, ask lots of questions ladies. So many interesting reports and tidbits. Thanks everyone.

Trauma News They start filming on 28 April and the only other "confirmed" cast member is Mena Suvari (rose petal girl from American Beauty) Thanks Karen! Sounds like very promising casting - definitely lifts "Trauma" out of little Brit flick category. Will she be playing the wife (in flashbacks)?

(Bethan) Will she be playing the wife (in flashbacks)? I was wondering if anybody was going to ask. I don't know, but I hope not. :-( It would be worse (cringeworthy) IMO than the Kevin Spacey relationship in AB, though IRL Mena Suvari is married to an older guy. She's mainly been doing indie films, with the exception of American Pie2.

Can't make that HS New York showing That's York, as in England, hon. ;-)

Some WAGW trivia regarding the dog, skeet shooting, the cat and the camel... I was kind of worried about that cat... http://www.ahafilm.info/movies/moviereviews.phtml?fid=7501

(AHA site)A man sits in a wheelchair and ambitiously shoots at the discs that are released, but he seems to hit everything around him but his target! Well, that's close. Not. (Maria) I was kind of worried about that cat... I know! Though the second time I saw WAGW, it was clear the cat departed the branch well before it broke. (Joyce) Will keep it in reserve for when I retire HS poster photo. No estimated time of departure yet. ;) And if you're like me, it's likely to be staying around for quite a while. Mmmmm mmmmm.

(Bethan) Will she be playing the wife (in flashbacks)? (Karen) I was wondering if anybody was going to ask That was my first thought, too. The second one was "Ewwww!" But will reserve judgement as much as I can. ;-)

The trainer helped the couple to mount the camel and then took the rope and began to walk. The camel preferred to just stay where he was�and he did. LOL...smart camel! He knew that there were several ladies who needed him to stay put so they could study that kiss...and that outfit! (Annette...were you feeding him treats?). ;-) Thanks Maria!

With all the reviews/comments about WAGW, I can't believe I missed Hollywood flack hack's column in THR, which is an interview with Denise Di Novi about WAGW. A lot of regurgitated stuff, Hollywood insider production stuff, and long, so you can read it here: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/columnists/grove/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1858123 Though I did find this remark interesting: Di Novi's also very enthusiastic about working again with Warners and Gaylord. "We had a lot of success (last year) with 'A Walk to Remember,' my last movie," she said. "Dawn Taubin (domestic marketing president for Warner Bros. Pictures) has done a really good job in targeting the female audience, which is somewhat new for Warner Bros.

(THR) While Di Novi isn't saying precisely what those advantages and tax breaks added up to or what the picture wound up costing, she does note, "I would say it's a medium budget movie. It's not low budget. It's not big. It's in the mid-range." I read it was around $20 million. Thanks, Karen. V. interesting.

(Tress)were you feeding him treats?). ;-) LOL. Actually my mind was engaged at something else than "pulling the camel". I'm afraid he sensed, that he didn't have my full attention;-)

A few more pictures from the play with Kristin Scott Thomas here: http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=SRH&logsrch=1 (if the link doesn't work, just search from the main page)

(Karen) Can't make that HS New York showing That's York, as in England, hon. ;-) Snort! Can't make either one. Of course! The ticket price is in pounds! (Maria) Some WAGW trivia regarding the dog, skeet shooting, the cat and the camel... Wouldn't it be nice to get this much behind the scenes detail on all CF films?

(joyce)Wouldn't it be nice to get this much behind the scenes detail on all CF films? Speaking of behind the scenes, most of you probably have seen this before. But I think he looks so good, that it is okay to see it again (from TIOBE): http://www.celebrity-exchange.com/celebs/photos34/colin-firth.jpg

Thanks, Annette, for finding more of them. I've put up larger versions of the better shots here: www.firth.com/p_eye6.html

Thanks, ladies for all the great pictures, today. Talk about pleasing to the eye. Karen, I'm now able to see the GWAPE gallery, thank you. Interesting Hollywood Reporter article as well. Thanks. The trainer helped the couple to mount the camel and then took the rope and began to walk. The camel preferred to just stay where he was Oh so would I,;-)

Annette, thanks for today's windfall! Hey, don't you ever sleep?

Wow, another Firthful day here, with new pics, articles, reviews, news, etc. Thanks to everyone--Karen, Annette, Maria, Lizza--hope I haven't forgotten anyone! Great finds, Annette, especially the pic of Yoga Bear.;-) Not crazy about the GWAPE wig, but will reserve judgement. I think Scarlett got the better end of the deal, with her mullett and do-rag.;-) Couldn't they have let him wear that WAGW side part I like so much? Nobody knows what Vermeer looked like anyway.;-) Re: Mena Suvari in Trauma--that's so funny, I saw her on a talk show a few weeks back and she mentioned heading off to England to do a film. Little did I know . . . I hope she's not playing his daughter.;-)

Thanks for all the pictures and links everyone. Take a closer look at Karen's www.firth.com/p_eye6.html. You don't suppose that's his vehicle behind him with the license plate showing, do you? I kind of doubt it, but I'll jot it down just in case ;-)

UK tax fund First Choice backs 30% of Myriad duo, Purifiers Adam Minns in London 09 April 2003 04:00 First Choice, the innovative UK tax fund launched by financier Grosvenor Park, is pumping approximately 30% of the budgets into two high-profile titles on Myriad Pictures' international sales slate - Istvan Szabo's Being Julia and Trauma, director Marc Evan's follow-up to UK horror hit My Little Eye. Being Julia is being produced through Robert Lantos' Serendipity Point Films as a Canada-UK-Hungary co-production. Annette Bening and Jeremy Irons will star in the project, billed as a Dangerous Liaisons set in the glittering London theatre world. Written by Ronald Harwood, an Academy Award winner for The Pianist, the production starts principal photography in June, re-uniting Lantos and Szabo after 1999's Sunshine. Trauma marks the debut production from Ministry of Fear, the genre label formed by UK producer Little Bird. The psychological chiller will star Colin Firth and Mena Suvari and is produced by Nicky Kentish Barnes and Jonathan Cavendish. Written by Richard Smith, the keenly-anticipated project will start principal photography later this month on location in London and the Isle of Man. BBC Films, Warner Bros and the Isle of Man Film Commission are co-financing, with Myriad once again handling international sales. First Choice, a tax-based equity fund launched in January, is also backing The Purifiers, a gang movie set against a martial arts backdrop in a Britain of the near future. Written and directed by Richard Jobson, who recently made his feature debut with Sixteen Years of Alcohol, the film stars Kevin McKidd and is produced by Jobson and Chris Atkins of Vestry Films and Bill Kenwright. The film is co-financed by Bill Kenwright Films, Scottish Screen and Jim Howell's sales agent Park Entertainment. Principal photography is set for May. The projects mark the first titles backed through First Choice, a production partnership of investors for which Grosvenor Park is management adviser. Headed by chairman Donald Starr and managing director Daniel Taylor, Grosvenor Park has backed recent productions including Spider, Count Of Monte Cristo, The Importance Of Being Earnest, Reign Of Fire and Gosford Park through other tax mechanisms. "This is an exciting new project providing equity to assorted films and we are pleased to have attracted three diverse and highly attractive feature films to our First Choice Films production partnership," said Starr. "Each film has unique international selling points and in particular a quality and calibre of talent which we believe will be attractive to distributors and audiences around the world."

Thanks everyone for the photos and articles. After a long drought there is so much happening right now - Hurrah! Is it just me or does anyone else worry about ODB when his cheeks are so ruddy? I'd like to think it's a "grape" reaction but I keep thinking high blood pressure. (insert lewd comment re blood pressure)

Review from Premiere magazine: Relax, people. This film has nothing to do with that Christina Aguilera song. It does, however, have everything to do with a plucky American teenager named Daphne (Bynes, of the WB's What I Like About You). Raised by her free-spirited Manhattan mother (Preston) with lots of love, Daphne has never met her British father (Colin Firth), and he doesn't even know that she exists. Daphne decides it's time to hop across the pond to London to meet her dad, who turns out to be a rather formal nobleman (a far cry from the bohemian soul he was when he met Daphne's mom in the '70s). What ensues is of course a typical fish-out-of-water story as the vibrant, zany girl makes a splash in the stiff world her father shares with his bitchy socialite fianc�e (Chancellor) and her mean teenage daughter. Bynes achieves something quite rare for a squeaky-clean teenage actress: She isn't irritating. Not in the slightest. In fact, she's charming and quirky and a pleasure to watch. You can understand why she wins over her father, and how her joie de vivre changes his outlook on life. As for Firth, he picks up where his splendid portrayal in Bridget Jones's Diary left off. Once again, he expertly presents a dry exterior that hides a tender, searching heart. Watch for a great montage of the city set to the defiant strains of the Clash's "London Calling." Here, you'll view London as it's seen through the eyes of an inspired teenager: alive with the crisp red of double-decker buses and the electricity of those gray skies. Just don't listen too hard to the song lyrics, though. �Susannah Gora

Thanks Mari. Writer and director both come from TV...hmmmmm. Back to MLSF stamping ground in Isle of Man. (Sandy)After a long drought there is so much happening right now - Hurrah! Agree.Virtual bundle of riches. 3 maybe 4 films this year; I can remember when we went six months w/o a word. Got tired of re-hashing those old films.

(Mari) I hope she's not playing his daughter.;-) For you "believers," time to light the candles again. I'm going to dig the chicken bones out of the garbage. Going back to the Isle of Man again. I can just feel all those tax breaks... Let's see, didn't I have a contact there???? (Evelyn) Back to MLSF stamping ground in Isle of Man. How soon they forget where gay Peter lived. ;-) (Premiere) Just don't listen too hard to the song lyrics, though. No kidding. Great song, but the lyrics don't compliment the story.

(Mari) I think Scarlett got the better end of the deal, with her mullet She looked really cute and hip at the IFC Spirit Awards with her short cut. (Beedee) Annette, thanks for today's windfall! Hey, don't you ever sleep? ROTFL! Yes, thanks Annette......and? ;-)

(Karen)How soon they forget where gay Peter lived. ;-) Was Peter gay? ;-) For you "believers," time to light the candles again. I'm going to dig the chicken bones out of the garbage. Hey, I'm hanging onto the fact that Warner Brothers is putting up some of the money, and therefore might distribute it.

Review from Us Magazine: WHAT A GIRL WANTS All-American teen Amanda Bynes has everything she needs--except her long-lost London dad. The stars: Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston The story: On a quest for her biological father, 17-year-old Daphne (Bynes) ditches Manhattan for London, where she reaches out to Lord Dashwood (Firth), the aristocrat her hippie mother (Preston) loved and left before Daphne's birth. The teen imperils the buttoned-down political aspirant with her wild Yankee ways and--faster than he can don leather pants and play air guitar--transforms him from dullard to doll, while charming London society in the process. What's Good: Bynes (Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show) wears her role like skin-tight hip-huggers; Firth plays a sexy, stuffy Brit to rival lovable dunderhead Hugh Grant, in a sweet-natured comedy that recalls The Princess Diaries. What's Bad: 100% chick flick--and there's not a plot twist in this happy tale you don't see coming. Final Say: * * * A heart-warmimg and adorable daughter-knows-best comedy.

Firth plays a sexy, stuffy Brit to rival lovable dunderhead Hugh Grant Am I the only one who didn't think once of HG when watching Colin's performance? It seems all the critics were in-tune to that.

(Dorine)Am I the only one who didn't think once of HG when watching Colin's performance? No, you aren't. It never crossed my mind that HG might have played Henry. I think some of those critics saw the Daniel/Mark rivalry and decided it must carry over into real life. Maybe they believed the fight scene was real? ;-) I'm tired of these references to HG. Some of them make it sound as if Colin is picking up the crumbs that Hugh doesn't want to take. And while I'm complaining, if one more critic uses the word constipated in a review (mostly it's applied to Colin, but I've also seen it used in about Pryce and Atkins, too), I'm gonna buy a case of Ex-Lax and start mailing it to their newspapers/magazines! (Maria T)I was kind of worried about that cat... Thanks for posting the link. I was worried about the cat, too. After all, Jocelyn only showed affection for dogs and horses, not cats and pigeons.

I'm tired of comparisons. Hola said both were swell and I buy it! I didn't think of HG and I wish those numb n*2ts critics would stop it. I'm ready to enjoy both without dissing either ..........or either.

(Kate) if one more critic uses the word constipated in a review (mostly it's applied to Colin, but I've also seen it used in about Pryce and Atkins, too), I'm gonna buy a case of Ex-Lax and start mailing it to their newspapers/magazines! ROTFL! Oh do! Sign it from them. ;-) Some of them make it sound as if Colin is picking up the crumbs that Hugh doesn't want to take. Well, actually....according to DG, in a way he is....and not just HG's. :-( But that doesn't mean the others were good choices for this.

Fear grips Firth, Suvari for 'Trauma' Pic to begin shooting at the end of April By ADAM DAWTREY Variety LONDON -- Colin Firth and Mena Suvari have signed to star in "Trauma," a psychological chiller directed by Marc Evans, which will be the first pic made under the Ministry of Fear banner at Little Bird Films. The pic starts shooting at the end of April in London and the Isle of Man. Myriad Pictures is handling worldwide sales, with Warner Bros. taking U.K. theatrical and video rights. Pic is being co-financed by BBC Films, the Isle of Man Film Commission and First Choice, the new tax fund from Grosvenor Park. The original screenplay by first-time Scottish writer Richard Smith is about a man who wakes from a coma after a car crash to find that his wife apparently died in the same accident. As he tries to rebuild his life, he is haunted by images of his dead wife and his grip on reality starts to loosen. Firth plays the bereaved man, with Suvari as his new-age neighbor who encourages him to contact his wife through a medium, with shocking consequences. Director Evans previously had a modest hit with another horror movie, "My Little Eye." "Trauma" is being produced by Nicky Kentish-Barnes, whose credits include "About a Boy" and "An Ideal Husband," and Little Bird's Jonathan Cavendish. Anglo-Irish production outfit Little Bird set up its Ministry of Fear label 18 months ago, under former Edinburgh Film Festival director Lizzie Franke, to develop horror movies with a psychological twist. The label has development funding from the Film Council.

With shocking consequences??? oooooowwwww! Wife has morphed into HG. ;-) I had a feeling that Mena Suvari played someone who would be helping him. Thanks, Mari. ~~~~~~ This week's Hello (on newsstands in England yesterday) has an article about Kelly Preston and there's a pic of she and Colin dancing. If anyone wants to scan it, please send to my office.

A preliminary Trauma page can be found here: http://www.firth.com/trauma.html

(Karen)A preliminary Trauma page can be found here: And when do *you* sleep? Oooo, creepy page. Good job!

Oh, I love the page design!! Well done, Karen! (Karen)I had a feeling that Mena Suvari played someone who would be helping him. Maybe there is some hidden secret about car accident and Colin's wife's death, and even that may put Mena Suvari into some kind of danger? Hmm, that will be more intriguing.

(Mari) Hey, I'm hanging onto the fact that Warner Brothers is putting up some of the money, and therefore might distribute it. Yessssss!!! I'm excited by this one....but keep thinking it will be 5-6 years before I get to see it. If WB puts in some money...maybe it will only be 2-3 years!! ;-) (Dorine) Am I the only one who didn't think once of HG when watching Colin's performance? It seems all the critics were in-tune to that. I never thought about it....couldn't see it. I was concentrating so hard on ODB there wasn't any room for any other thoughts... ;-) It seems that every role ODB takes at least one critic (usually several) say that they could see HG in the part (though I don't recall hearing that about P&P, thank goodness)! Seems when you lack something clever to say, you can just put in the 'HG line'. (Mari) I hope she's not playing his daughter.;-) (Karen) For you "believers," time to light the candles again. I'm going to dig the chicken bones out of the garbage. Firth plays the bereaved man, with Suvari as his new-age neighbor who encourages him to contact his wife through a medium, with shocking consequences. Gah! You guys work fast!

(Tress)It seems that every role ODB takes at least one critic (usually several) say that they could see HG in the part (though I don't recall hearing that about P&P, thank goodness)! LOL, They don't dare! Recently saw S&S again and HG is so dorky in it. Oops, and I just promised not to diss. But given it's the same *gender*....

"Anglo-Irish production outfit Little Bird set up its Ministry of Fear label 18 months ago" Gaagh, couldn't they find a better name for that label? (Mari)Hey, I'm hanging onto the fact that Warner Brothers is putting up some of the money, and therefore might distribute it They should. After his efforts on WAGW which carried the movie through, he should be their poster boy. For the record I agree with Lola, there is a place for HG and CF in the industry. I like HG. He works hard and unfailingly supports the cast and crew of his films by doing the publicity. Actually, IMO that's the hard part.

(Evelyn) there is a place for HG and CF in the industry. I like HG. I completely agree and I do, too, esp his "new" persona. I just found odd the preponderance of HG references in the WAGW reviews. While HG is not the only (Brit) actor who stumbles and bumbles in movies, I guess he has just cornered the market in it. *ducking thrown tomatoes and assorted veggies* ;-)

(Dorine)I just found odd the preponderance of HG references in the WAGW reviews I agree. I don't have any problem with HG. I happen to love him in 4WaaF, and I did enjoy him in AAB (even though I could see Colin in that role as well). However, at no time did HG ever enter my mind as HD in WAGW. I also try to think of the chemistry that was pretty evident between CF and AB. I just can't picture it between HG and AB. IMHO, of course. Thanks Karen for the Trauma page, excellent!...sounds delicious and suspicious. Thanks Mari and all for the continued reviews, articles, and news.

No HS at Tribeca FF. :-( :-(

(Dorine) Am I the only one who didn't think once of HG when watching Colin's performance? (Kate F) No, you aren't. It never crossed my mind that HG might have played Henry. I'm tired of these references to HG. Some of them make it sound as if Colin is picking up the crumbs that Hugh doesn't want to take. (Tress) It seems that every role ODB takes at least one critic (usually several) say that they could see HG in the part HG is a good actor, and one I enjoy watching. Not 1/3 as much as I enjoy watching CF, but that's another story. ;-) Apparently many critics now consider HG to be the British actor of choice for certain types of roles, thus revealing their tunnel vision and/or total lack of understanding of the appeal and talent of ODB. As for WAGW, CF was letter perfect as Henry. IMO HG wouldn't have fit the part at all.

(KathyF) Apparently many critics now consider HG to be the British actor of choice for certain types of roles This isn't anything new. From an American standpoint, the first man of British comedy (esp romantic comedy) is Hugh, while the preeminent British dramatic actor is Ralph Fiennes. As far as I'm concerned Hugh and Colin are not interchangeable, or fungible for that matter.

Great work everyone on Trauma, Mari and karen you sleepless duo;-) thanks for the reviews on WAGW etc am off to check out Hello. Nearly did earlier today but there's a big "Julia marriage" cover so I couldn't face it, should've guessed there would be hidden treasure.

(Evelyn)Back to MLSF stamping ground in Isle of Man. Wasn't it RV that was filmed there? I'm sure MLSF was filmed in Scotland. - It certainly looked like the scenery around Strachur and Loch Fyne.

Wasn't it RV that was filmed there? Right again. Our dear Peter. I like that little film that went no where:-(

(Karen) As far as I'm concerned Hugh and Colin are not interchangeable, or fungible for that matter. Exactly. I can't recall seeing a single film done by ODB that I thought HG could have done better...they are very different to me. I like HG, thought he was v. v. good in AAB, but he's no Hunk Daddy! And I'll confess that initially I wanted to see CF in the AAB role, but HG did such a great job that there is no way I could find fault with him in that part (but secretly wish that we could 'stumble into a parellel universe' and see a CF version of that film)! If that makes any sense whatsoever...I have been known not to be very coherent when it comes to ODB...

closing

Thanks for all the pics and news ladies. Great Trauma page Karen and Mari.

(Evelyn)I like that little film Me too. (Tress-MariaT) Perfectly coherent! I'll meet you at the wormhole and we can er...hyperspace..or whatever to catch that other viewing... Please, can I come too? (you know, I'd beg, steal or borrow dadada) ooops, just gave away my age once more ;-) Karen, the new Trauma-site is really good. Thank you for the news and articles.

A few new pictures at out soon - only HG and MD ;( http://www.bvimovies.co.uk/

Karen - More for your Trauma page: UK tax fund First Choice backs 30% of Myriad duo, Purifiers Adam Minns in London 09 April 2003 04:00 First Choice, the innovative UK tax fund launched by financier Grosvenor Park, is pumping approximately 30% of the budgets into two high-profile titles on Myriad Pictures' international sales slate - Istvan Szabo's Being Julia and Trauma, director Marc Evan's next picture after UK horror hit My Little Eye. Being Julia is being produced through Robert Lantos' Serendipity Point Films as a Canada-UK-Hungary co-production. Annette Bening and Jeremy Irons will star in the project, billed as a Dangerous Liaisons set in the glittering London theatre world. Written by Ronald Harwood, an Academy Award winner for The Pianist, the production starts principal photography in June, re-uniting Lantos and Szabo after 1999's Sunshine. Trauma marks the debut production from Ministry of Fear, the genre label formed by UK producer Little Bird. The psychological chiller will star Colin Firth and Mena Suvari and is produced by Nicky Kentish Barnes and Jonathan Cavendish. Written by Richard Smith, the keenly-anticipated project will start principal photography later this month on location in London and the Isle of Man. BBC Films, Warner Bros and the Isle of Man Film Commission are co-financing, with Myriad once again handling international sales. First Choice, a tax-based equity fund launched in January, is also backing The Purifiers, a gang movie set against a martial arts backdrop in a Britain of the near future. Written and directed by Richard Jobson, who recently made his feature debut with Sixteen Years of Alcohol, the film stars Kevin McKidd and is produced by Jobson and Chris Atkins of Vestry Films and Bill Kenwright. The film is co-financed by Bill Kenwright Films, Scottish Screen and Jim Howell's Park Entertainment, which is handling international sales. Principal photography is set for May. The projects mark the first titles backed through First Choice, a production partnership of investors for which Grosvenor Park is management adviser. Headed by chairman Donald Starr and managing director Daniel Taylor, Grosvenor Park has backed recent productions including Spider, Count Of Monte Cristo, The Importance Of Being Earnest, Reign Of Fire and Gosford Park through other tax mechanisms. "This is an exciting new project providing equity to assorted films and we are pleased to have attracted three diverse and highly attractive feature films to our First Choice Films production partnership," said Starr. "Each film has unique international selling points and in particular a quality and calibre of talent which we believe will be attractive to distributors and audiences around the world." http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=11923&st=%22Ministry+of+Fear%22&s=1

Murph, thanks but that info was posted last night. Please, everyone, try to read what has already been posted. I've noticed some repitition. It isn't like this is an email list where you don't know if a question has already been answered. The proof is in black and white above. Now unto more interesting things: Thanks Annette, for the heads up on new pics, but the BVI website has an offer for special advance screenings, if you register at the site: To celebrate the forthcoming release of Hope Springs on May 9th we are offering you the chance to see an exclusive preview screening on April 23rd or 24th. [yadda yadda plot] How do I register? Simply select a venue from the list below. If you are successful your tickets will be posted to you in time for the screening. The Brighton screening will be 23rd April. All other screenings are on 24th April. All entries must be received by midnight on 16th April 2003. Then there's a place to pick out your cinema and submit: Whiteleys - UCI Manchester - Filmworks Clydebank - UCI [for you, Janet??] Solihull - UCI Gateshead - UCI Edinburgh - UCI Brighton - UGC Leeds - Warner Sheffield - Warner Shepherds Bush - Warner You will have to register first to get to this page: http://www.thefilmfactory.co.uk/members.html

And from a lurker, the trailer for Hope Springs is available for viewing online. The links, for the 4 connection types, are on the Hope Springs page. http://www.firth.com/hope.html Great line by Minnie, "I can feel your resolve stiffening." LOL! Naturally, it shows Heather's skin and a lot about Colin not wearing underwear. Everybody comments on it. Then you actually see him pantless.

Thanks sooooo much Karen and lurker!! ROTF at his expression when Mandy takes a swig. Gotta say it looks cute. And I see how the poster like The Graduate would be set up. I want one. :-D Thank goodness the tassle bit is there. Not sure how I'd react in the theater. And for the record, I like the way he looks in this even more so than WAGW. Maybe it's the longer hair, more relaxed look, occasional lack of pants... ;-)

From Anne, another one of my correspondents, the pic from Hello: