I went back on the thread and did not see this. If it is old news, excuse! From the BBC: Renee Zellweger has reportedly agreed to put on weight again to reprise her role as Bridget Jones. Zellweger, who starred as the eponymous heroine in the 2001 film, will put on at least 20lbs in order to reprise the role, reports said. Filming is expected to start in July. Hugh Grant and Colin Firth are also expected to reprise their roles in the film. The sequel will be called The Edge of Reason.

Murph, we post this kind of info on #149, which is for Bridget Jones.

wow, catching up on old posts : have i stumbled upon dentistry 101 all of a sudden ??? this is amazing, i don't even understand half the things you are talking about (should i mention that i don't even brush my teeth ? hahaha - rebellion !!!)... the thing is, i'm experiencing a nasty relapse of stubble fever (and yes, you know exactly why, karen) and i was just thinking about something yesterday night re: trauma. (hope it's ok to post this on 176)... ok, so the guy is supposed to wake up, he was in a coma, blablabla... now the million dollar question : do they shave people who are in a coma in e.r.s ? and no, i'm not taking a crash course in nursing either, it's just because you know, if they *don't*, there might be a slight chance of getting an opening scene combining stubble w. awakening ? do i sound like i am begging ? well, in fact i am.

Sorry. Will you move it or delete, Karen? Thanks.

now the million dollar question : do they shave people who are in a coma in e.r.s LOL I'm no nurse but as far as I know they do shave them ;-(

Rent Talk to Her (Habla Con Ella)

(NitaE)now the million dollar question : do they shave people who are in a coma in e.r.s I guess it depends on how long he's in this coma. Judging by the look of CF's stubble a weeek before filming began...the nurses opted for the sexy-don't shave-look. Bravo!

YooHoo! Hola Lola! Since I'm not sure if you ever check out the BJD board, and since the latest Edge of Reason news has been reported by the BBC (as noted by Murph above), I suppose you can now confirm what this venerable institution is reporting?

It's not long for this world :-( UK box office report: HS in 14th place, making only $96,094 (down -74%) for a three-week cume of $1,567,189. Only in 113 theaters, down 174 from the prev week for a $858 average (-35%). I won't even bother saying what did better. It's demoralizing. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/uk/2003/21.htm

(Karen) HS in 14th place, making only $96,094 (down -74%) for a three-week cume of $1,567,189. I won't even bother saying what did better. It's demoralizing. *thud* That was the sound of my heart sinking all the way to the floor. :-( :-(

(Karen) I won't even bother saying what did better. It's demoralizing. Ouch! I think I just got a chest pain! (Dorine) That was the sound of my heart sinking all the way to the floor. :-( :-( Your heart just joined my entire body....I'm totally deflated....:-(

(Tress) Your heart just joined my entire body....I'm totally deflated....:-( HELP!! I'm on the floor and I can't get up!!!

(Karen) It's not long for this world :-( It will live forever on VHS and DVD. Something to look forward to:-/

Hope Springs (12A) By BBC Radio Times Little Voice director Mark Herman takes a stab at a "traditional" relationship movie - and fails miserably - with this lazy and spark-free romantic comedy. A by-the-numbers exercise that falls flat from the beginning, it's the sort of foppish romp normally associated with Hugh Grant. Here the fumbling Brit is Colin Firth, playing a sensitive English artist who heads to the small US town of Hope to mend his broken heart after he is betrayed by brittle fiance Minnie Driver. There he finds more than a shoulder to cry on in the shape of free-spirited nurse Heather Graham - a coupling that feels weak and contrived, despite Graham's endearingly perky performance. Firth lacks conviction, trotting out his lines on autopilot, while there's no chemistry between the leads, even during the most intimate sequences. The film simply shambles along, hampered by limp direction.

...despite Graham's endearingly perky performance. Firth lacks conviction, trotting out his lines on autopilot... This is the opposite of most of the reviews....I guess there has to be a few HG fans out there. The film simply shambles along, hampered by limp direction. Makes it sound as if Mr. Herman lacked a stiffening resolve when making this film! ;-) Thanks Mari! (I think) ;-)

http://mweb.co.za/litnet/teater/mandela.asp I don't know if this link has been posted....there's info on "Dead Wait" (the original play). Hopefully this film won't/can't be such an easy target for the critics as HS.

Thanks, Bethan! I'm quite intrigued. Very interesting evolution, would like to know the differences specifically. The second half returns to the present and deals with Josh�s attempts to find some kind of justice through George�s daughter, and by trying to track down his CO, who by now is a ruined version of his former self. The play ends with an extraordinary scene at the spot where George was shot. Ooooh! Angst and drama for ODB! Yeah!

Since I haven't seen this information posted, I thought I'd mention that HS is available for download on WinMX. In the part I've seen so far, the picture is dark and partly cut off at times, but the sound is fairly good. I'm finding that it takes quite a bit of persistence to locate it - and then even more persistence to actually obtain it - but it's likely to be the best chance for those of us who aren't in the UK to see it any time soon.

despite Graham's endearingly perky performance. Firth lacks conviction, trotting out his lines on autopilot, If Milan had not just won the Champions league cup. I'd be upset about this. Colin has just proven to the UK and maybe the reat of the world(except us of course), that he ain't got the pull to carry a film as the male lead. :-( Lola where are you?

(Moon)Colin has just proven to the UK and maybe the reat of the world(except us of course), that he ain't got the pull to carry a film as the male lead. :-( I'll reserve judgment on that after GWAPE, Trauma, and TDW. Want to give him the benefit of the doubt and wait for a good script, direction, and decent co-stars.

Rika, how about a search term?

(Moon)Colin has just proven to the UK and maybe the reat of the world(except us of course), that he ain't got the pull to carry a film as the male lead. :-( He may not be a big rom-com box office draw yet but give him time, just give him time :-) Besides, the general consensus from reviewers seems to be poor writing and directing (imo). If anything, MH has shown the UK and possibly the rest of the world that he's no RC. Did anyone (present company included) really expect HS to be another BJD, NH or Big Fat Greek Wedding? I think not:-( (Linda) I'll reserve judgment on that after GWAPE, Trauma, and TDW. Want to give him the benefit of the doubt and wait for a good script, direction, and decent co-stars. Ditto.

Thanks to Diana of the Den:-) BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2003-- The $36-Million Box Office Hit, Featuring an All-Star Cast of Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth and Kelly Preston, is Loaded with DVD Special Features On August 5, Warner Home Video (WHV) invites you to experience the coming-of-age story of all-American teenager Daphne Reynolds (Nickelodeon Kid Choice Award(R)-winner Amanda Bynes) as she jets to London in the teen sensation What A Girl Wants. Filled with glamorous trips to the London shops, the tireless pursuit of a cute English boy and endless mischief, the DVD features additional scenes, a making-of documentary, interactive challenges and more! What A Girl Wants is available for $27.95 SRP on both widescreen and fullscreen DVD editions and for $19.96 SRP on VHS. Fashionable DVD special features(a) include the following: -- Seven Minutes of Additional Scenes. -- Fashion Etiquette 101 -- a look at what it takes to be the belle of the ball. -- What's a Girl To Wear? Mix-'N'-Match Interactive Challenge -- consumers are challenged to match the outfit to the correct occasion. Those with fashion sense will be treated to an exclusive look at Amanda Bynes on the set. -- Commentary by writers Jenny Bicks and Elizabeth Chandler. -- Easter Eggs -- special hidden content. -- Theatrical Trailer and more! As an incentive for teens, consumers who purchase What A Girl Wants on VHS will have the opportunity to get six months of Teen People free. Synopsis Amanda Bynes (The Amanda Show, What I Like About You) stars as Daphne, an irrepressible American teen who impulsively hops a flight to meet the aristocratic father (Colin Firth of Bridget Jones's Diary) she never knew. Determined to fit into dad's world, Daphne stifles her vibrant personality to be the perfect debutante while plunging into a whirl of garden parties, fashion shows and more. With the help of Ian (Oliver James), Daphne discovers it's not worth being her father's daughter if that means abandoning who she really is. She's going to remain true to herself and do it with the smarts and courage every girl wants to see. For more information on this and other titles distributed by Warner Home Video, visit www.whvdirect.com. (a) DVD special features are subject to change. Note: A photo is available at URL: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.052803/bb13

wait for a good script, direction, and decent co-stars. Definitely the key words. I have been expecting (and hoping) that his performance in Trauma will blow me away as it did in Apt. Zero since they are both psychological dramas, but then I think, what if the stars don't really mesh and the writing (first screenplay) and directing doesn't work well as seems to have happened with HS. Yes, I can sound pessimistic....keeps the level of disappointment to a minimum and increases the level of happiness when things work out well. How's *that* for a coping strategy? ;-)

(Dorine) How's *that* for a coping strategy? ;-) Good one. Mine is to anticipate the great film discussions we can get out of HS and other fiascos:-) As I catch up on the many conferences here, I must say the ladies and gents of the Spring are some of the best writers and critics it's been my pleasure to read. Who needs crunches when my abs and a*s get a workout as I'm ROTFLMAO? Can't hardly wait:-)

I think this should be here, but please move it if need be, Karen E!News Live just reported that RZ has agreed to do TEoR for 20 million and no word or her co-stars yet. With that they showed a pic of HG. I know this will be repeated tomorrow morning. I'll watch again, as I was just walking into the room and I want to make sure I heard correctly

Jumping up and down!!!! Fashionable DVD special features(a) include the following: -- Seven Minutes of Additional Scenes!!! -- Fashion Etiquette 101 --...what it takes to be the belle of the ball!!! -- What's a Girl To Wear? Mix-'N'-Match Interactive Challenge --...the outfit to the correct occasion. ...an exclusive look at Amanda Bynes on the set!!! Oh my gawd! I can hardly wait!

Good news on the WAGW DVD, but where are all the interactive Colin/Hunk Daddy goodies? That's what THIS girl wants!

It seems Barb's priorities may be a *little* different than we thought. ;-) Fashion Etiquette 101 --...what it takes to be the belle of the ball!!! Maybe he will turn up as the must-have accessory.....an AFG man. ;-)

(Mari) Rika, how about a search term? I found it under "hope springs" - sometimes it shows up, sometimes it doesn't. It's in two parts.

(Me) Oh my gawd! I can hardly wait! (Dorine) It seems Barb's priorities may be a *little* different than we thought. ;-) Seems I owe you all a real big winkie for the end of most post above...my inner 12-yr old forgot to insert it! (I personally have always believed there is nothing wrong with the worst fashion that some scissors and creativity would not fix!)

(Linda) I'll reserve judgment on that after GWAPE, Trauma, and TDW. Want to give him the benefit of the doubt and wait for a good script, direction, and decent co-stars. Ditto. Ditto too....or two. (Me-Barb) Oh my gawd! I can hardly wait! (Dorine) It seems Barb's priorities may be a *little* different than we thought. ;-) Mine must be too since I also have the "novel..ette". I'll have a complete set and here's my;-)

my worst nightmare

now?

My friend, the extra from Conspiracy and TIOBE, has just been filming with Colin again today and will be tomorrow as well. They're doing a scene involving the reconstruction of a pop star's murder. Colin's character gets caught up in it. So they're in London now.

Karen, that's exciting--am all ears for anything your friend can share! Mix-'N'-Match Interactive Challenge --...the outfit to the correct occasion I'd have thought you ladies would be thrilled at the prospect of a virtual Hunk Daddy paper doll: put on his leather pants, them swap them out for the khakis, insert the cell phone, observe how it changes the fit . . .;-)

(Karen), They're doing a scene involving the reconstruction of a pop star's murder. Colin's character gets caught up in it. Shades of Armadillo! LOL! (Sonia), Besides, the general consensus from reviewers seems to be poor writing and directing (imo). If anything, MH has shown the UK and possibly the rest of the world that he's no RC. Did anyone (present company included) really expect HS to be another BJD, NH or Big Fat Greek Wedding? I think not:-( Although not a great book, I gave HS the benefit of the doubt, but I never thought that it might not make to the US. The big problem is that he believed in this project enough to go after it. What makes us think he is capable of picking great scripts? Especially when working with relatively novice directors as he is in Trauma and GWAPE? (Dorine), I have been expecting (and hoping) that his performance in Trauma will blow me away as it did in Apt. Zero since they are both psychological dramas, AZ is one of my favourites, it will be hard to compare.

Hope Springs (Mark Herman, UK, 2003) A heartbroken English artist (Colin Firth) goes to America to forget about his ex-girlfriend (Minnie Driver) and immediately meets and falls in love with someone else (Heather Graham). The ex-girlfriend then turns up - alive, unfortunately. This is no detective thriller; it's a romantic comedy. Hope Springs is a film with no characters in it. There are some bemused actors wandering around reciting their lines, the only occasional flash of emotion appearing when they inadvertently think of their agents and what they are going to do to them next time they see them. Apart from that it is a matter of grimacing their way through scenes - some supposedly funny, others presumably serious; no one seems to know. Heather Graham tries very hard, but has so little to do that she does too much, and ends up pulling goofy faces of the "Look! I'm reacting!" kind. Colin Firth and Minnie Driver are both on auto-pilot, though while Firth seems to be hating every minute of it, Driver looks mildly amused by the whole shoddy proceedings. Which is more than I can say for anyone in the audience. Watching Hope Springs brought on an unexpected feeling of nostalgia, which I had trouble explaining until I realised it was reminding me of "Neighbours". As with that much-loved serial drama from the land of the Christmas Day sunburn, plasterboard people are required to revel, rant and weep at the whim of a demented writer. Actions have no motivation in character but are plainly driven by plot (ho-ho! he's saying she's in England - something tells me he�ll regret that later on!) and the overwhelming sense of emotional unreality means there is nothing to make the viewer in any way sympathetic towards anyone. On top of this, there are some bizarre blunders. Heather Graham's character (I use the term loosely) at one point drinks four mouthfuls of unidentified booze and is immediately pissed. There is only one kind of alcohol that produces this effect - non-existent alcohol. Then she decides she wants to jump around and take her clothes off. You'd think this was an excuse to show Heather Graham bouncing up and down naked, but you don't even get to see that. So what's the point of the scene? Then there's the innkeeper couple we're supposed to like, played by Mary Steenburgen and Frank Collison, who exhibit the strange habit of having sex every time Colin Firth has sex. Why are we having sex, dear? Because Colin Firth is having sex, of course. Whoever thought this was endearing needs to be fired. Out of a cannon. And the plot supposedly centres upon a real dilemma. The man thinks he has been rejected but it turns out his ex wants him back. So what will he do about his new girlfriend? The tiniest potential for drama exists here, but fear not � the writers have made sure to stamp it out. Heather Graham and Minnie Driver are so crudely delineated as goodie and baddie, it's glaringly obvious who he's going to go for. And we don't care anyway. Hope Springs is based on the novel "New Cardiff" by Charles Webb, who also wrote The Graduate. I presume that director Mark Herman was uncomfortably aware of lurking in the shadow of Mike Nichols's 1967 classic and decided to confront the issue head-on, opening his feeble effort with Graduate-like scenes of a depressed man standing, as opposed to walking, on an airport travelator. The impersonation doesn't come off. Firth is no Hoffman, Herman no Nichols, and whoever did the opening track is neither a Simon and nor a Garfunkel. "Hope," wrote Alexander Pope, "springs eternal in the human breast". He also wrote that "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". If this were not the case and the poet had known that he was fated to provide the title for this film, he would have stabbed himself in the eye with his quill. Review by Christy Ward highangle.co.uk

only one kind of alcohol that produces this effect - non-existent alcohol There is a legal drink in South Afric called 'wit blitz' (tranlation = white lightening). One mouthfull would do it.

So much for that opening "homage" to The Graduate. :-( Every time I read a reviews criticizing some aspect of the plot/dialogue, I keep noticing that none of them were in the book. A brilliant adaptation. Meritorious mediocrity.

Here's another. I generally don't post online reviews, but only did so above because it was the only one that compared it to The Graduate and a recent discussion here. http://www.tiscali.co.uk/entertainment/film/reviews/hope_springs.html

One of the news articles about The Dead Wait had this pic, which appears to be from WAGW because it is credited to Warner Bros, though I can't really place it. Does the Queen of Cinema Viewing recall this one? It's a keeper regardless. ;-)

(Review) Firth is no Hoffman. Thanks for the review Mari. By the time (if ever) this movie makes it to the US, I'll have myself convinced it's a gem, just to be contrary. :-) Ok, it's not the Graduate, big deal. It's still watchable, isn't it? And as wonderful an actor as DH is, he was in Ishtar (which isn't watchable) *shudder x 3* ;-) (Moon) The big problem is that he believed in this project enough to go after it. What makes us think he is capable of picking great scripts? He prefers scripts in progress or maybe, deep down, he wants to do improv. ;-) Glad to know the man cares enough about his career to go after a project once in awhile. Why Colin, it's not just a job? ;-) (Moon)Especially when working with relatively novice directors as he is in Trauma and GWAPE? I hope he will always give novices a chance. Shouldn't all actors, even the seasoned professionals? Even experienced directors make stinkers. Looking at CF's career, I love that he takes chances (consciously or not) and doesn't always go for the obvious, the sure thing. Makes for lively, interesting conversations. ;-) (Karen) Every time I read a reviews criticizing some aspect of the plot/dialogue, I keep noticing that none of them were in the book. A movie should stand on its own. The book it's based on shouldn't be required reading except for the one who writes the screenplay. ;-) (Karen) Meritorious mediocrity. LOL, indeed!

(Sonia) A movie should stand on its own. If you'd read any of our older discussions, you would know I firmly believe this as well. My point is that Mark Herman's additions appear to be what everyone is criticizing. The reviewers may not be aware of that fact (because most haven't read the book), but that isn't the salient point for them. Colin pursued this project based on the book and from Mark Herman's own mouth, we've heard that they started shooting the film without a finished script. That doesn't say much to me about how Colin picks his work.

(Sonia) And as wonderful an actor as DH is, he was in Ishtar (which isn't watchable) *shudder x 3* ;-) And when Colin has as many Oscars and AA nominations, then you can drag out Ishtar. (Colin has plenty of his own Ishtars...)

I wouldn't agonise too much about the reviews. Most British films get bad to v.v. bad reviews from the critics, which is why Kangaroo Jack rules and Brit films disappear into a black hole. I can think of a couple of British movies (at least)in the last few weeks which have had far worse reviews than HS! And HS is really quite okay...will probably do well in video rentals and sales. And would get a very good audience if shown on TV. The movie multiplexes are dominated by 16-25 year olds and any film which does not automatically appeal to this age group needs to have exemplary 5 star plus reviews to make any impact. Has anyone seen both HS and WAGW? I did see a comment at another site (apologies if I'm breaking net etiquette here) from someone who had seen both, and preferred HS.

(Karen) And when Colin has as many Oscars and AA nominations, then you can drag out Ishtar. Just my point. Actors, even award winning ones, don't always pick great scripts. What was that formula for a making blockbuster again? Maybe there should be a check list to go with all scripts (tongue firmly in cheek) ;-) (Colin has plenty of his own Ishtars...) Plenty enough to make me reach for that bottle of non-existent alcohol ;-)

(bethan)Has anyone seen both HS and WAGW? I've seen both, and I do prefer HS, despite it faults. (Please don't compare it to L'dum, which I've finally seen (thanks Yura) - it's Oscar material compared to that!). But that may be because WAGW taps into all the cliched ideas about the Brits, that I find a bit boring. - We're not all plonkers, and not all Americans are cool! That said, I did enjoy WAGW what what it was: a bit of fluff (albeit with an AFG male lead!).

Karen, the AFG picture is from meeting Ian in the entranceway I think. (I guess I got to this before lindak :) ) Two people already preferring HS over WAGW... This doesn't bode well for how British critics will review WAGW... :(

(Odile)Karen, the AFG picture is from meeting Ian in the entranceway I think. (I guess I got to this before lindak :) ) Just barely, Odile...;-)but I'll put my two cents in...that AFG pic is definitely from the meeting with Ian, just before they leave for their 5 hour joy ride. I've seen both HS and WAGW. I prefer WAGW, by far. However, that said, I liked HS and definitely think the UK critics were a bit over the top. It has its weak points, but there was a lot to laugh at as well. I will confess, that I loved the book. But I don't know if I'd make the trip 15 times to see it. The transfer from book to screen didn't hit the mark as I hoped it would.

(Lindak)I've seen both HS and WAGW. I prefer WAGW, by far. Ditto. The comparison may not be entirely fair, though, since I saw WAGW in the theater and a grainy, dark image of HS on my laptop. I'd talk about my reasons for feeling that way, but that should probably be on Spoilers, not here.

(Sonia)Actors, even award winning ones, don't always pick great scripts Sure, anyone can pick a loser once in a while. But the body of an actor's work is, I think, what we're talking about here, and by anyone's measure, Hoffman has had an incredible career. The Ishtars on his resume are the rare exception, not the rule. Rika and Linda--you minxes!;-) May I ask how long it took to, um, obtain HS? I tried to "obtain" it, but after about 7 hours of downloading, it quit, leaving me with bubkes. And that was just part 1.:-( Sounds like the preference, understandably, is for whichever one was seen in a theater under ideal conditions.

(Bethan), I can think of a couple of British movies (at least)in the last few weeks which have had far worse reviews than HS! Tur, but did they have an international cast? Those American actors are well known in the US, and so is Minnie. Colin a bit less. That's what makes it so sad if it goes stright to video. the AFG picture is from meeting Ian in the entranceway I think. I agree! A lovely moment it was. ;-)

(Mari) Rika and Linda--you minxes!;-) May I ask how long it took to, um, obtain HS? I tried to "obtain" it, but after about 7 hours of downloading, it quit, leaving me with bubkes. And that was just part 1.:-( Persistence paid off eventually but it took a few days. I was in the queue for 15 hours once and ended up with that same bubkes.

(Mari) Sure, anyone can pick a loser once in a while. But the body of an actor's work is, I think, what we're talking about here, and by anyone's measure, Hoffman has had an incredible career. The Ishtars on his resume are the rare exception, not the rule. Precisely. Thanks Odile and Linda for confirmation. I figured it *had* to be that scene (striped shirt and dark suit) but I couldn't quite remember him looking like that. *hmmmm* it's been awhile

Colin Firth filming in Lower Marsh London SE1 website team :: 30 May 2003 Colin Firth has been filming in Lower Marsh with market traders hired as extras. The star has been making Trauma, a Warner film due for release late next year, which tells the story of a man who struggles to overcome the death of his partner. The Waterloo market was transformed for the three days of filming with extra stalls on both sides of the street and shops restocked for filming. The film company has paid �4000 to the traders to fund promoting the market which has recently suffered a loss in customer numbers following further office closures. Lower Marsh has also been promised a mention in the credits.

Today's Daily Express has a picture of CF on the set of Trauma looking very, very rough indeed - as I assume he's meant to. It's from the market scenes Mari's just mentioned. He's scruffily dressed, unshaven and looks as if he hasn't slept for a week. I'm afraid I'm unable to scan it, but if no-one else in the UK can do so I'll send it to Karen by post. Secondly, there's an interview with Colin in this week's issue of Now (dated 4th June). It doesn't really have any new info - he talks about whether or not he'll do BJD2, but if recent reports are reliable what he says has been overtaken by events - but it does have new quotes. None of the pics are new. I'd volunteer to type it out, but an eye problem means I can only use the computer of a few minutes at a time, so I'm afraid it's not really possible at the moment.

Thanks, Mari, for the Trauma news. Here is a page about the history of Lower Marsh. Everything in the UK is steeped in old history -- I love that. http://www.lower-marsh.co.uk/about.html

Today's Daily Express has a picture of CF on the set of Trauma looking very, very rough indeed - as I assume he's meant to I saw the photo as well, Barbara, and agree with you - he looks at the end of his tether! I hope someone somewhere can scan this as you've only got to look at it to realise that Trauma will be a strong dramatic role.

a Warner film See Mari! Glad I didn't go the feeble-minded route. ;-) due for release late next year Late next year?? Interesting. Thanks for the article sightings, ladies (and, Barbara, I've emailed you!) My extra pal is working on Monday too. I've asked him for the location so that maybe we can send a Drool reporter. ;-)

looking very, very rough but still very handsome and sexy and...?somebody, please find a scanner!

but still very handsome and sexy? Yes!

Now, this is fairly haggard and yummily so: Thanks to Antonella

Thanks for all the news and great picture Antonella and Karen.

Must say I am v. intrigued by all the reports on Trauma. And the new photo shows that no one will be able to falsely accuse him of being a second string HG. Thanks Antonella and Karen for sharing the great photo.

Thanks for the pic Antonella and Karen. Can see he hasn't been to wardrobe yet. ;)

Hell-oooo! What a lovely image to see in the morning. Looking angst ridden and scruffy! Thank you Antonella and Karen. Quite lovely. I want to see what is hanging around his neck... (Hen) And the new photo shows that no one will be able to falsely accuse him of being a second string HG. Here's hoping that the reviews for Trauma will be HG reference free!

Grazie for the pic Antonella and Karen. (Joyce), Can see he hasn't been to wardrobe yet. LOL! That looks like an outfit he might have worn from home. Will have to check out the shoes. ;-)

Taken May 29 and on the Russian fotobank site:

Thanks Karen! Cannot wait to see this movie! Like the third shot in...mid-stride! Gasp! His sideburns look nice and long too.....and it appears like they spent loads on the wardrobe! ;-)

Wot? Lord Dashwood on the skids? ;-) Guess he won't be getting a henna tattoo in this film.

(Karen) Thanks for the article sightings, ladies Ditto. (Karen) this is fairly haggard and yummily so Antonella and Karen, thanks for the pictures. I love to see ODB haggard, rough and suffering. What can I say, call me twisted ;-) (Tress) Cannot wait to see this movie! Like the third shot in...mid-stride! Long legged mid-stride... Yum!

Thank you Karen and Antonella. Ohhh! Putting the stubble to good use, I see. (Joyce)Can see he hasn't been to wardrobe yet. ;) I'm glad you remembered your winkie. Wondering if wardrobe is a la FP?. I want the job of the lady with the arm reaching in to fix his makeup, or is she wiping his brow...I don't care, I want the job. (Sonia)I love to see ODB haggard, rough and suffering I love him rough, too!!:-)

Thanks for the photos and info. Wasn't there an interview a few years back where ODB says when he looks in the mirror in the morning he's no heartthrob? Well, he's wrong! Scruffy can be very nice :-)

Getting them a little bigger but marked...Karen Karenina will continue to pursue, though her Cyrillic is very rusty ;-)

Spaceeba, Karenina! (Is phonetic spelling;-) Have you ever noticed that when movie stars are haggard, they look artfully haggard?;-) I mean, if I were to lose 3 nights sleep, not wash or comb my hair, and wear Salvation Army rejects, I'd scare small children. But not these people. Sigh . . . they truly are different from the rest of us. ;-)

Thanks, Karen--now don't throw yourself in a front of a train while foraging for these goodies.;-) Wonder what the Russian word for "yummy" is? ;-) (Mari) Have you ever noticed that when movie stars are haggard, they look artfully haggard?;-) LOL, Mari! Indeed. Sometimes I look at myself after I've applied undereye concealer, etc., and I STILL have a scary, haggard look. *sigh*

Hot damn! There must be some law that states it is illegal to cover up such beauty with funky 'watermarks'.... (LisaJH) Wonder what the Russian word for "yummy" is? My keyboard won't type Cyrillic...but I will appoximate: BKYCHbIN (really...I just looked it up!) ;-) Thanks again Karen....love how the jacket sleeves are too long (not that I don't want to see his hands, just that I find the Salvation Army look intriguing on ODB).

(Tress) BKYCHbIN I think that's pronounced "boychik" ;-)

There's a very good review of "Love Actually" over at yahoo.com Movies Message board by someone who has seen the completed film at a preview. Sounds as though Richard Curtis wil have another Notting Hill/BJD type success.

(Karen) I think that's pronounced "boychik" ;-) ROTF...well, then...I think ODB is very 'boychik'! In a scruffy, haven't shaved, haven't slept, just woke up from a coma, been ravaged by ants, lost my wife sort of way....;-)

Mmmmmm, a nice Sunday treat. Thanks, Karenina. (Tress) I think ODB is very 'boychik'! In a scruffy, haven't shaved, haven't slept, just woke up from a coma, been ravaged by ants, lost my wife sort of way....;-) Which of course just means that he needs someone to give him some major TLC. Line forms to the rear. ;-)

I hope to get a better one of this sometime this week. From Trauma: (Tress) I think ODB is very 'boychik'! Is a 'boychik' (noun form of yummy boy) ;-D

(Tress) I think ODB is very 'boychik'! Yes he is...with or without the ants. Look at his eyes in that picture...dark and haunted. OHHHHH. Thanks, Karen.

New gallery of *select* caps from HS, courtesy of one of our Drool Darling Lurkers :) http://www.firth.com/hs_gal10.html

(Karen) Is a 'boychik' (noun form of yummy boy) ;-D OMG....he is the 'boychik'! And the HS captures! Did I say I may like the trunks? I like the trunks!!! But I'll have to go back and look again to make sure....;-D The legs over the head thing is odd....but I must say I'm pleased that he can do this so well. Gives one all sorts of things to think about on a Sunday afternoon.... Thanks Karen and Kathy.

Sorry, ladies, I took down the new gallery as Kathy went nuts and there are many more pics...so will take awhile (read: much later) to reorganize, etc.

(Rika) Line forms to the rear. ;-) LOL...whose rear??? ;-D I've already got my number and will wait patiently....for that and for the HS PICS (see....I see how it is....the boss claims the trunks on keepsakes and then pulls the pics so she can stare at them all day and not share! (Karen, you do know I am kidding....will be patient and wait for next trunk viewing in manner of cool, aloof, ice queen....er, princess....make that serving wench).

Oh blast, I came in too late to see the pictues. Will wait patiently...

(Tress) love how the jacket sleeves are too long (not that I don't want to see his hands, just that I find the Salvation Army look intriguing on ODB). Wouldn't that be the Oxfam look?;-) Whatever it is, I hate to think we have to wait till late next year for this one. Thanks Karen K. for the wonderful glimpse of ODB in the white towel. And the trunks, how could I forget the trunks?

Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures, Karen and Kathy. Hard to do and what a find. Words can't express. Time to invent new vocabulary for him. He just gets better and better. Unbelievable.

This was posted on the "Rotten Tomatoes" website by someone who had been to a preview. "I was invited to a preview of 'Love Actually' last week (May 03). Apologies for spoilers, I'll try to keep them to a minimum.. Before going, I was concerned that the whole 4 weddings/ Notting Hill/Hugh Grant theme was perhaps getting tired, so didn't expect too much. On the Contrary! I found this to be surprisingly funny, very fresh, and strangely thought provoking over the few days after, and I think that's the real strength of this film. Silly moments are provided courtesy of the young man who is off to the US in the belief that an english lad is bound to get laid there.. (He plays the eldest teenager in 'My Family' and its the same character - very funny!) Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson carried off a really superb troubled marriage, very well done indeed, and the emotion is is strong, but not at all overdone - if anything that adds power to it, because it's more believable.. Martine McCutcheon was excellent, big surprise! Playing a girl in a slightly unbelievable job for someone who can't keep her mouth shut, she carries it well, looks great, and deserves praise for willingness to be in a film where the size of her arse & thighs are frequently mocked! Liam Neeson, very good.. possibly overshadowed by the lad playing his son.. never work with kids, eh! Hugh Grant manages a creditable performance, restricted only by the role being played - High point is his standing up to the sleazy US president (Billy Bob Thornton, excellent) in a press conference - very well done, universally approved of by those watching! (Are you reading this, Tony Blair??) Colin Firth - (mercifully not made up as Mr Darcy for once) I think has the weakest character, but that's by design and he plays it well. The ladies will still approve.. Bill Nighy is sleazy, revolting and wonderful, some truly big laughs, and his manager (Rab C Nesbitt!) His song (OMG!) has to be heard to be beleived and I have a truly horrible suspicion about the No1 song this coming xmas in the UK.. Kiera Knightley, beautiful beautiful beautiful (I'm not biased, honest!) Most of the stories come to their conclusions at xmas, and not always predictably. There are some great twists through the film, well set up and I'm not going to spoil them! On leaving the film, one of the storylines had seemed to not be concluded.. but since it's a story about a Love that can't happen, the ending is totally appropriate, true to life and well handled. Like I say, surprisingly thought provoking for a comedy! Overall, I think its going to be a big big hit. Blokes who resist Hugh Grant romantic comedies and are dragged along by their girlfriends are going to love it, laugh their socks off, enjoy the adult humour and occasional bouncing boobs and unashamedly confess to enjoying it after! The ladies will absolutely love it anyway, and at the preview at least, the whole audience was cheering and clapping their appreciation. I look forward to taking the Mrs to see it in November! But.. if you are engaged.. don't take your fiancee.. she will gain some VERY expensive ideas on how the wedding reception should be! pretty cool though... Enjoy.." 'weakest character' sigh!

Thanks Sue. Reads liked a planted review to me. This person knows far too many details, far too many for an "ordinary" person selected off the street to attend a preview and usually can't even recall who is in a film, let alone when the actual release date will be. ;-)

Two page article about Colin in Now magazine: http://www.firth.com/articles/03now_604.html None of the pics are new, though I really should rescan the People white pj pic as this one is bigger than the other and the color is better. Lots of new quotes though.

thanks Karen!

Thank you, Karen. it's not attractive, it's not healthy and, it's not sexy... Thank you, Colin;-)I'll remember that next time I'm on a diet.

�Ren�e didn�t look fat to me as Bridget�not at all. It didn�t even occur to me that she was in any way overweight,� he insists. �And I don�t think Bridget Jones is supposed to be fat. How many women have you met who don�t think they�re fat? Most seem to think their bums are too big or whatever. They�re very harsh on themselves and usually make a judgment about their bodies that�s certainly lost on me. There�s all this self-torture going on when it�s not necessary.� Oh...bless him! Like that ODB sees nothing wrong with the Bridgetesque body type. Hey, someone please pass the Guinness (I need it to wash down the cake)! ;-) Thanks Karen.

(article)the pitch I�m getting on the new one so far is very encouraging.� Sounds very promising :-) it's not attractive, it's not healthy and, it's not sexy... As Linda said; Thank you, Colin Can I join you for cake and Guinness, Tress? Thank you for the article, Karen (People pic still very yummy in my book)

it's not attractive, it's not healthy and, it's not sexy... Isn't he just too lovely for words? I think he has a pretty healthy attitude towards life in general, and he is a lot more in touch with reality than many of his peers. A thoroughly nice man, IMHO!!

(Janet)A thoroughly nice man, IMHO!! Hear, hear! Thank you Karen for the new article and the yummy "man in white" photo. I've always loved that one! Has anyone ever heard him refer to himself as a nerd before? Does it have the same connotation in the UK as in the US?