For UK-ers.... advert from today's Times 2 "This Saturday in Play you can win a swanky London weekend at the Savoy and one of ten DVDs of Oscar Wilde's classic The Importance of Being Earnest starring Judi Dench and Colin Firth"

I've just realised that WAGW will almost certainly premiere at the Warner Village West End. But can't reach the cinema by phone to confirm - all I can get is one of those blasted automated helplines. Have sent email and am awaiting reply.

Excellent, Janet...Our UK ladies have had such great luck lately.

(Linda)Looks to me like the Italian gesture we use when "putting the horns" on someone to ward off jealousy or evil.;-) Ah, the mal'occia! It *is* close, but after careful study, there is no doubt in my mind that he is imitating `. . . Senor Wences and his hand puppet, Johnny! (Wot, you girls never watched Ed Sullivan in the '60s?;-) Slap a wig on that hand, and you've got Johnny. "Deefeecult for you, easy for me." "Awright?" "S'awright!" Great find, Maria!

(Mari) . Senor Wences and his hand puppet, Johnny! (Wot, you girls never watched Ed Sullivan in the '60s?;-) LOL!! I'm changing my vote! Senor Wences it is!

Soright!!

According to Coming Soon, the US release date for Love Actually has been pushed back two weeks, to Novemeber 21. Also, they have it listed for release in the "top 25 markets." Lola, whassup wit dat? And in other release date news, Dogville has been pushed back to next year. Which I hope means that Lion's Gate can now put all their end-of-year/awards season $$$ into GWAPE.:-)

Not sure if it's significant, but the little blurb from Variety said UIP. Doesn't that usually indicate outside the US? Regardless, the two week pushback doesn't bother me, especially as it will be closer to the big holiday fanfare, though the top 25 markets business does.

(Janet2) I've just realised that WAGW will almost certainly premiere at the Warner Village West End It would seem the obvious choice but I rang them three weeks ago and they said they were not holding the premiere. They didn't have any information at all on where it would be held:-(

A very recent posting at the Message Board for GWAPE at Yahoo movies "I happen(ed) to watch the film yesterday, cause i'll be doing some work on it , and i have to say that it's a great film , with an amazing cast. can't wait to see it again on the big screen. "

(aishling)It would seem the obvious choice but I rang them three weeks ago and they said they were not holding the premiere. They didn't have any information at all on where it would be held:-( I've still not been able to find out either, and I need to book my airline ticket soon, while there are seats available. Any info or advice on who to contact would be greatly appreciated. I've tried emailing WB but only had an acknowledgement so far.

Janet, I contacted what looked to be the WAGW UK website - http://www.pf757.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ab/wagwindex.html He just responded - "Hi Maria, I'm afraid the details are still to be confirmed, as are the attendees. I'll have the details up as soon as I know. I have tried to contact Warner's but they don't seem to have a contact address on the Internet." Regards, Paul Fisher I'll keep in touch with him but it doesn't sound like he knows much more than us...:-(

(Bethan) A very recent posting at the Message Board for GWAPE at Yahoo movies (...) i have to say that it's a great film Very good news indeed. Lets hope it reflects the critical and popular opinions. Could this be the film to get things going for ODB? Followed by Trauma and TDW, the powers that be may just take notice of him (I hope)

A site for the City of Westminister seems to confirm some sort of special showing: http://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure/events/forthcoming.cfm 03 Aug - Celebrity Screening of 'What a Girl Wants' - Warner West End, Leicester Square Don't know how authoritative they are, but looks promising...

Thanks for the info re WAGW Premiere. I'm determined to be there. But I'm surprised nothing seems to have been confirmed yet. Just my luck!!!

ITV Poll on the next Bond: Ralph Fiennes wins with 24%. Colin Firth, who got pulses racing as Mr Darcy in the TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, tied with fellow British actor Clive Owen for third place with 12 per cent. http://www.itv.com/news/1565176.html

from www.westminster.gov.uk 03 Aug - Celebrity Screening of 'What a Girl Wants' - Warner West End, Leicester Square Oddly worded as they usually call it a premiere.

re: mary's post: "wot? 12% only ?" ahhhhh, james bond.... sorry, i was just daydreaming there....

I �d love to be at the WAGW premiere but unfortunaly (more than unfortunaly) I come to London on the 4th of august not on the 3th. I�m counting on you (whoever will be there) to report.

Oh, Sophie, thanks for the gorgeous picture!!! Perked my Tuesday up. Wonder what ODB would do with Bond, considering his agility (!?) in BJD's fight scene, and various L'dium pub "steam-offs". LOL! But if Bond = cool, suave, handsome, intelligent..he'd beat RF anyday in my book. Dry martini, anyone?

Hi All They are planning a two day press junket in London on Oct 10-12 for Love Actually. this will accommodate Colin's shoot schedule for The Edge of Reason which will end early January. I apologize if I miss any questions that you may have posted here but I rarely see them due to time constraints. So if you have any questions please direct them to Karen and she can forward them to my email. I just received a promotion which means that my time will be even more scarce to come in and post. But if there is anything I feel is super important I will do my best to drop by. Also, recently an employee based out of London had her work email posted on a public forum for Colin and needless to say it's been hell for her ever since. So I really appreciate the professional attitude and respect of this forum. Trust me the difference is night and day. Karen expect a press kit for LA soon. Take care everyone!

Oooo, good news! Thank you, thank you!

Congrats on you promotion Lola. Thanks for keeping us abreast of the happenings for LA and TEOR.

(Andrea) Oh, Sophie, thanks for the gorgeous picture!!! Perked my Tuesday up. Wonder what ODB would do with Bond, considering his agility (!?) in BJD's fight scene, and various L'dium pub "steam-offs". LOL! But if Bond = cool, suave, handsome, intelligent..he'd beat RF anyday in my book. Dry martini, anyone? The martini must be shaken, not stirred. I often dreamed of Colin as JB. RF I can't see as him at all. But I'm afraid, and ducking tomatoes, that after seeing the last PB effort we'd definitely have to get him into severe physical training as well as lessons in the boudoir.;-) I volunteer for those. But would love to see him in a good mystery as a detective. Think he would be very good in something of that nature. Congratulations on your promotion Lola. Good news and thank you for all the news you give us.

(Hola Lola) They are planning a two day press junket in London on Oct 10-12 for Love Actually. this will accommodate Colin's shoot schedule for The Edge of Reason which will end early January. Wonder how much time off, if any, he'll get to squeeze in PR for GWAPE. :-( (And yes, I know GWAPE PR would be for another company/studio. I'm sure time off could or would need to be arranged in his contract for TEOR to enable that to happen ;-)) Time will tell. So TEOR will target 2004 end of year holidays for release, then? That would be a mighty nice Xmas (and bday, for me) present. ;-) GWAPE(s) this year and hopefully towels the next! ;-D Also, recently an employee based out of London had her work email posted on a public forum for Colin and needless to say it's been hell for her ever since. Poor thing, what a pain in the...... :-( Thanks so much, Lola! Congrats on your promotion!! :-D Shame you'll have less time to drop by (even to lurk for a laugh ;-)). (Pam) But would love to see him in a good mystery as a detective I don't think I'd actually mind that either.

(Pam)....we'd definitely have to get him into severe physical training as well as lessons in the boudoir.;-) Couldn't agree more. Somehow, he'd have to beef up a bit. Couldn't be hanging from helicopters or airplane wings without the muscles. Just wouldn't play well. Also, he definitely needs to learn the "bed ballet." Can we share on the boudoir lessons? Perhaps we can hope TEOR has some shagging scenes. Great screen practice for a JB role and great fantasy fodder for us!! Congrats to Lola.

(Lola)So I really appreciate the professional attitude and respect of this forum. Trust me the difference is night and day. Thank you for the compliment, Lola. However, the credit goes to the Karen who consistently has a high standard in running this place and makes us look good.

Thank you Lola, and congratulations on your promotion. Don't work too hard... (Dorine)GWAPE(s) this year and hopefully towels the next! Yes, towels...small ones. V. small one;-)

(EmmaB)from www.westminster.gov.uk 03 Aug - Celebrity Screening of 'What a Girl Wants' - Warner West End, Leicester Square Oddly worded as they usually call it a premiere. Contacted Westminster Council by phone. They confirmed it was not Premiere but Celebrity Screening, ie stars of movie may not make an appearance, but do other publicity instead. Tickets by invite only. Time will be either 2.00pm or 7.00pm.(Yet to be confirmed). - Don't know whether to laugh or cry. This is probably my only chance to be in London for a Premiere!

(Janet) Contacted Westminster Council by phone. They confirmed it was not Premiere but Celebrity Screening, ie stars of movie may not make an appearance, but do other publicity instead. Seems odd to put the information on the web site if they don't want or expect the public to show up. When I spoke to someone at the Rainforest Alliance before the WAGW premiere here, they couldn't (or wouldn't) tell me who was showing up. And it was *their* benefit. But, more than likely, someone else was making the event arrangements. Gotta say one of the most interesting things I learned volunteering for the Tribeca FF was who puts together award shows and events that require celebrities, how much goes wrong right up to the last minute, and how they pull them off.

If you think that Livia is probably off suffering in Italian again, then that would be probably one reason they've called it a Celebrity Screening I suppose. Does anyone really think he will go? I probably won't go if it is in the afternoon as I have a previous committment that involves watching home made flying machines crash into the Serpentine. And Janet, save your air miles for LA, GWAPE, TEOR, etc.!! Might be a better chance.

)Maria from Firthology)And how about those hand movements, huh? Pretty impressive! Molto bello! Just *had* to comment here since there's no room at 166.:-( Thank you Maria! I just got a chance to listen To the Maestro! I have no Italian but I loved it and the hands Louisa, the hands! I'll probably get a nastygram from the I.T. police here at work for streaming but it was worth it!

I'm moving Maria's post here: Maybe I'm wierd, (ok, not maybe..) but it has long been a desire of mine to hear him speak Italian...I fear I shall listen to this over and over!! (and hurrah, my heart leaps again after the crash and burn of HS...;-)) Too bad it isn't more clear! http://www.rainews24.rai.it/ran24/rubriche/cinema/videointerviste/interviste.htm And how about those hand movements, huh? Pretty impressive! Molto bello!

Great find, Maria! I must say he makes an effort. You can almost see him thinking. It is a heavy accent but his voice still sounds the same. His American accent is worse, with it, he even loses the identity of his voice. But when he spaks Italian the voice remains natural. Che bravo! I'm impressed.

From me too - great find, Maria! I still don't like the dubbing of the movie at all. I'm in no place to say it's good or bad, but that face and another voice = very strange.

(Moon) It is a heavy accent but his voice still sounds the same Does that mean that his Italian has a heavy english accent or that he speaks with a strong italian accent? He has been very modest in his assessment of his linguistic accomplishments would be interesting to have another person's view.

Grazie Maria. What a treat. (Annette) I still don't like the dubbing of the movie at all Ditto.

(Allison), Does that mean that his Italian has a heavy english accent or that he speaks with a strong italian accent? I await the day to hear Colin speak with a strong "Romano" accent. ;-D He speaks Italian with a heavy English accent but the pronounciation is correct. He is understood. Now if he could only dub his own voice in Italy. ;-)

(Allison)He has been very modest in his assessment of his linguistic accomplishments would be interesting to have another person's view. I'm not very fluent in Italian, but I can understand most of what is being said in conversation. As I mentioned yesterday on 166, I was v. surprised at the level of fluency and his obvious comfort with the language. I didn't think, because of his assessment, that he spoke the language so well. Thanks, again, Maria. A very rare find and excellent treat. Mille grazie!

Thanks Maria! What a treat! Was listening at work and, of course, speak not a lick of Italian. A co-worker does and heard it from afar...he stated "that's an odd accent...oh! He's English". Came over and watched the segment with me and said that ODB spoke Italian very well...I was just enjoying all the hand gestures and realized that it doesn't matter what ODB is saying...I'll listen! ;-)

Anybody up at this time of night for a sneak peek at the Love Actually trailer. Warning: it is fairly pixelated, but I'm on my way to Keepsakes... Acknowledgement for this (i.e. not my find): Linn via Amelie from the French CF circle. Merci Linn et Amelie! Enjoy! And let's talk outfits! :) http://www.kinepolis.be/index.cfm?PageID=143&coufID=11718

It's me again... I forgot to precise that you need to click on B.A. -- for bande-annonce, i.e. movie trailer in French. It's in flash something for loading it, and it takes a while, but it's worth the wait; there is quite a bit of ODB... *sigh*

Odile, Great find! And it does seems promising, although typical RC Rom-Com. - But what was AR all about in those horn-rimmed glasses?

Ooh that was nice. Bad picture, no sound at work, but Janet you are right, it seems VERY promising. The kissing was funny! (funny as in humourous scene, not judging quality!)

I remember bits of the article but not the pic, forgive if a repeat... Hello cute scarf man! Hello little smile! Hello cute hand on shoulder! Article - http://tube.tfl.gov.uk/content/metro/03/0305/30/# Interesting..it links back to the bucket!!

Maria, thank you! I remember the article being postet or a link but never saw this picture (or at least not clearly enough to remember ;-))

Thanks for the LA update, Hola, and congrats about the promotion. I'll forward any questions on to you and look forward to receiving a package in the near future! (Hola) Also, recently an employee based out of London had her work email posted on a public forum for Colin and needless to say it's been hell for her ever since. Yes, and to make it worse, people started emailing Bevan and Fellner, forwarding insipid petitions, etc. A sad state of affairs. (Hola) So I really appreciate the professional attitude and respect of this forum. Trust me the difference is night and day. So glad you can tell the difference. :) (BTW, Colin as James Bond is NOT news, but fantasy on some people's parts) (Dorine) Wonder how much time off, if any, he'll get to squeeze in PR for GWAPE. :-( He'll have whatever the studio (Lions Gate) feels is necessary, as I'm sure it is in his contract. Working Title has to work around his prior commitments. Aren't you watching Project Greenlight? ;-D Thanks, ladies, for the links to the RAI Italian interview, the Love Actually trailer (you can watch it in English too) and the Tube pose.

(Maria)Hello cute scarf man! Hello little smile! Hello cute hand on shoulder! Too cute! Thanks again oh Google Queen..... I've not seen it either and he's lovely. I'll tack that onto the my minds images from the LA trailer! Thanks for that Odile!

The Palm Beach Post: Greatest Sports Movies of all time: 43. Fever Pitch (1997) - Colin Firth, Ken Stott http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/movie_list.html

(Murph)43. Fever Pitch (1997) - Colin Firth, Ken Stott Thanks Murph, that was fun. "Oh, only #43" I thought and then checked out the list and found it very good indeed, given what followed.

Thanks for the LA trailer, Odile. Can't do French, but it was v. good en espa�ol. Lots of smooches..."All You Need is Love"..perfect holiday movie.

Thanks, Maria! Lovely picture!

(Murph) The Palm Beach Post: Greatest Sports Movies of all time: 43. Fever Pitch (1997) - Colin Firth, Ken Stott Always knew my hometown paper was worth reading. ;-) Thanks, Murph.

tah-doo-daaah ! tons of news & goodies ! thanks lola for the news & congratulations on your promotion (don't work too hard though, hehe), thanks odile for the trailer (snorted at the triple kiss scene), thanks maria for the pic (bet the scarf will very soon resurface at keepsakes).

Empire On Line competition. Prize is 2 tickets to WAGW Premiere and after show party on 3 August. Will contact Warner to confirm.

(Murph) The Palm Beach Post: Greatest Sports Movies of all time: 43. Fever Pitch (1997) - Colin Firth, Ken Stott I'm surprised (and pleased!) that FP made it onto a US list -- I don't think the movie's very well known here, is it? And much as I liked FP, I was even more surprised to see that it ranked ahead of Pat and Mike. I wonder if the voting was before or after Katharine Hepburn died? Thanks for the article! I got a kick out of it -- reminded me of some movies I haven't thought about in awhile.

(Evelyn) Thanks for the LA trailer, Odile. Can't do French, but it was v. good en espa�ol. Evelyn, use this to get into the page for trailer for the English version ... http://www.kinepolis.be/TrailerPopup/TrailerPopup.cfm?movieName=Love%20Actually&ident_site_Id=290&country_ID=B&language_Code=ENG&trailerID=2723%3c/A

I seem to be running a day late...at least...this week. Thank you Odile and KJArt for posting that trailer link! I am now completely useless at work and can't seem to get that tune outta my head! The automation department rues the day they gave me that sound card!!! ;-) ODB looks fantatic....nice close-up (and I have inspected at least a dozen times to make sure). Thanks to Murph for the article. Am impressed that 'Fever Pitch' was #43! As 'The Endless Summer' was only #63! And the tube pic! Thank you Maria! From the looks of the others in the photo, it doesn't really appear to be a day for such a heavy scarf! ODB must be v. v. warm! Oh....wait....that's me....*fanning self*...sorry! ;-)

(Liz)I'm surprised (and pleased!) that FP made it onto a US list Me, too. FP is one of my favorites. (Tress)it doesn't really appear to be a day for such a heavy scarf! ODB must be v. v. warm Scarves/towels...They're becoming his trademark;-)

(Tress)and can't seem to get that tune outta my head It's been driving me nuts all day trying to place the voice - any ideas?

(Tress)and can't seem to get that tune outta my head (Janet) It's been driving me nuts all day trying to place the voice - any ideas? Singing All You Need Is Love? It's the guy they show singing in the church at the wedding at the beginning, isn't it? Is he somebody? Or are you talking about something else? :-P

(Tress) and can't seem to get that tune outta my head (Janet) It's been driving me nuts all day trying to place the voice - any ideas? (Dorine) Singing All You Need Is Love? It's the guy they show singing in the church at the wedding at the beginning, isn't it? Is he somebody? Or are you talking about something else? :-P I wasn't assuming it was the guy in the church (you know...the whole Audrey Hepburn...'My Fair Lady' thing...with Marni Nixon doing the singing for Audrey), so I looked yesterday on the internet....and I looked....and I looked....(not that I recognize the actor/possible singer...from the church, so it could very likely be him doing the vocals). And now that I'm typing this and thinking of it....the blasted tune is back!!!! GAH! Must find another Beatles tune to replace it with before I go mad! ;-)

(Janet) It's been driving me nuts all day trying to place the voice - any ideas? I'm sure he was a singer in a British band from a while back (60s/70s). His vocal style is just so familiar - it'll come to me eventually!! And I think it is him singing in church, BTW. He's around the correct age, anyway.

(TressGAH! Must find another Beatles tune to replace it with before I go mad! ;-) Try Rocky Racoon! You'll get frustrated trying to remember the lyrics and put it out of your mind;-) It always works for me.

(Janet) It's been driving me nuts all day trying to place the voice - any ideas? It sounds like that black singer with a big scar on his face. He has a wonderful voice. I can't remember his name! Emma and Janet and whoever else attempts the WAGW London premiere, best of luck! I look forwrd to the DETAILED reports. ;-D Plus pictures, of course! I am off on an exotic adventure tomorrow. Take care and enjoy the summer. Cherio!

(Moon)It sounds like that black singer with a big scar on his face. He has a wonderful voice. I can't remember his name! Moon, you mean Seal. I agree with you, he's got a great singing voice, but I don't think he's the one in the trailer. I looked, but I couldn't tell for sure (trailer was very blurry for me). Emma and Janet and whoever else attempts the WAGW London premiere... I'll second that. Have fun tomorrow...wish I was there with you:-)! Moon, hope you have a great trip. Hasta!

(AdaVW)I looked, but I couldn't tell for sure (trailer was very blurry for me). I'm sure the guy singing is meant to be the father of the groom, which would make him at least 50, by my reckoning - I still think he's a singer from a British band from a while back. (AdaVW)Emma and Janet and whoever else attempts the WAGW London premiere... I still can't get confirmation of venue, etc. Warner Village West End deny it is being held there, yet Westminster Council say it definitely is. Very badly handled!

The trailer's a real treat. Mille mercis. While some of you are going nuts wondering who the singer is, I'll concentrate on the scene where ODB walks away then glances back. ;-p (Moon) Emma and Janet and whoever else attempts the WAGW London premiere, best of luck! Ditto

Best of luck, UK ladies. Moon...happy exotic adventures

(Sonia)While some of you are going nuts wondering who the singer is, I'll concentrate on the scene where ODB walks away then glances back. ;-p Sounds like a great plan! I've no idea either and I do love the trailer. Have been hitting that pause button and relishing the results. The *look* at the pond has been having *pride of place* as well.

(Moon) I am off on an exotic adventure tomorrow. Take care and enjoy the summer. Cherio! Moon! Hadn't seen ya for a while, so I thought you left town already. Have a great time and safe journey! Say Hi to George for me. ;-) (Ada) Moon, you mean Seal. I agree with you, he's got a great singing voice, but I don't think he's the one in the trailer. He was my initial thought as well, but you can tell the difference. Good luck UK brigade! We'll be waiting! *toe tapping* ;-)

I know I've been away, but I thought the WAGW premiere was August 3. Warner Brothers UK site is running a competition for premiere and after-party tickets. Anyway, I guess it's time to don the flack jackets. Empire's review: Following up such a well-received debut as Director Gordon may know what some, if not all, girls want � a rich daddy, parties galore and a boyfriend who looks like a member of Blue � but the clumsiness with which this fantasy is played out makes The Princess Diaries look subtle. In a remake of The Reluctant Debutante (1958), American teen Daphne (Amanda Bynes) is delighted to find her father is a British lord (Colin Firth). Her unannounced arrival, however, displeases daddy�s poisonous fianc�e (Anna Chancellor), as does her reluctance to behave like the ancient stereotypes populating this film (�I�m British: we only show affection to dogs and horses,� spouts Eileen Atkins� Lady Dashwood). Firth�s comic abilities are given slightly more room to breathe, but with its clumsy plotting and sickly sentiment, this feels like a lazy attempt to cash in on an outdated American dream. ANNA SMITH Issue 171 September 2003

BBC review: Cinderella has been done so many times she can no longer wear white to her wedding. Not that Amanda Bynes would ever dream of doing anything so conventional in "What a Girl Wants". You see, she's American, and therefore fun and funky, where we Brits are staid and stuffy. What-ho! I say, spiffing cucumber sandwiches, etc. One gets the idea. In fact, if you thought "The Princess Diaries" was a mite hackneyed, there are even fewer surprises in this effort - "inspired" by 50s pic "The Reluctant Debutante" - by director Dennie Gordon. Hip chick Daphne Reynolds ("Big Fat Liar star Bynes) jets from New York to London to make the acquaintance of the father she's never known. He just happens to be Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), very debonair but so uptight he could crack a nut when he walks. And that's nothing compared to Dashwood's fianc�e (Anna Chancellor) and prospective stepdaughter (Christina Cole) - a frosty double act to rival the Polar ice caps. Inevitably Daphne causes quite the ballyhoo, threatening Dashwood's impending marriage, and his political ambitions, with her infernal jollity. She even goes so far as to give HRH The Prince of Wales an impromptu lap dance in one of few mildly amusing moments. Her inclination towards open displays of affection also jars with The Dashwood Way. Moving to give her grandmother a hug, she's waved away with the advice: "I'm British. We only show affection to dogs and horses." Director Gordon rolls out one clich� after another at a wearing pace. Ironically though, it's Colin Firth's square-shaped performance that proves to be the high note in the movie; Amanda Bynes' monotone exuberance feeling strained by comparison. Admittedly prepubescent girlie-girls might be won over by Miss Bynes' chickadee antics, but supervising guardians should be warned: it'll take a lot more than a stiff upper lip to swallow this bag of old chestnuts. "What a Girl Wants" is released in UK cinemas on Friday 8th August 2003.

Shadows On The Wall: There's a hint of serious subtext running beneath the surface that just about makes this ludicrous comedy bearable. Otherwise, it's contrived and over-sweetened but still adequately entertaining. Daphne (Bynes) is a sparky 17-year-old New Yorker who has never met her English father, the legendary Lord Dashwood (Firth). Her mother (Preston) has been her whole family, and she finally decides it's time to meet Dad. So off to England she runs, where she turns her father's well-ordered life upside down, threatening his devious fiancee (Chancellor), whose own father (Pryce) is a political manipulator with big plans for Dashwood. There are other wrinkles involving Dashwood's knowing-but-eccentric mum (Atkins), the spiteful potential stepsister (Cole) and a cute-but-scruffy musician (James). The entire plot is apparent within about five minutes of the opening credits, so the only fun to have is in the way they get there. Alas, the plot itself isn't remotely original, relying on terribly British cliches (London Calling on the soundtrack, again?) and corny situations where even a tiny bit of creativity and intelligence would have made it so much better. Fortunately, the performances are good, and Firth is especially solid as a man confronted with his past in a rather shocking way. His scenes with Bynes are excellent, and give the film a real heart, as do Bynes' scenes with Preston, who adds some weight to the normally throwaway wacky-mom role. But essentially what we have here is another cute romantic fantasy aimed at 13-year-old girls and no one else (see also the much-worse The Princess Diaries). And on that level it's a triumph.

(Mari)(BBC review) Ironically though, it's Colin Firth's square-shaped performance that proves to be the high note in the movie; Shadows On The Wall: Firth is especially solid as a man confronted with his past in a rather shocking way. His scenes with Bynes are excellent, and give the film a real heart, Thanks Mari! Pretty much that same as in the US. A relief so far.

He just happens to be Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), very debonair but so uptight he could crack a nut when he walks. Ohhhh....I hope he doesn't crack a nut! LOL.... But this is good: Fortunately, the performances are good, and Firth is especially solid as a man confronted with his past in a rather shocking way. His scenes with Bynes are excellent, and give the film a real heart, as do Bynes' scenes with Preston, who adds some weight to the normally throwaway wacky-mom role. Glad to see a somewhat decent review. I was a bit worried that the UK reviewers would all dislike this one....and I don't want Hunk Daddy trashed! I do so love him a million green M&Ms..... Thanks Mari!

ANNA SMITH Issue 171 September 2003 What Anna Nicole did on her summer vacation ;-) (BBC Review) Cinderella has been done so many times she can no longer wear white to her wedding. Alas, the plot itself isn't remotely original, relying on terribly British cliches (...)Firth is especially solid as a man confronted with his past in a rather shocking way. His scenes with Bynes are excellent, and give the film a real heart Congrats to the casting director. And when will writers/directors learn that clich�s do not a film make? Mari, thanks for the laughs, uh reviews ;-)

(Mari) I know I've been away, but I thought the WAGW premiere was August 3. And I've been here, obviously not really paying attention to when it is and following the "herd's" well wishes. Oops. ;-) Following up such a well-received debut as Director Gordon *Please* tell me they aren't referring to Joe Dirt. Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), very debonair but so uptight he could crack a nut when he walks. ROTF!! Thanks, Mari. They were better than I expected and not really off the mark. And as always, the British reviews are *very* humorous. Sometimes more than the actual movie. (Tress) I do so love him a million green M&Ms..... Oh my....I think I must disown you as my twin. ;-D

Getting better reviews than HS , which we didn't think it would.... Er...that is until we saw HS. Thanks Mari. Wonder what Osama bin Tookey of the DM will say.

Osama bin Tookey of the DM LOL Evelyn! Sadly (though not for ODB)Alexander Walker of the ES will not be able to get his claws into this one :-(

My world clock says it is 7:30 p.m. in London....what time does the premiere start?! Good luck to any and all UK ladies attending! Am waiting for reports!! (me) I do so love him a million green M&Ms..... (Dorine) Oh my....I think I must disown you as my twin. ;-D LOL....You keep forgetting that I was the one that was dropped on my head! And that you have the advantage of being the older (by two weeks) and wiser (infinitely) twin!! ;-)

from IMDB, an interview w/ Keira Knightley - a couple of questions about "Love Actually" http://us.imdb.com/NewsFeatures/keiraknightley.html What about working with Hugh Grant? Our paths cross in the film, but we sadly don't have a proper scene together. I met him a few times, and I also did a few days with Colin Firth who I absolutely love! He's fantastic and really cool, and we had a real giggle.

Thanks, Mari. Reviews really do sound better than what I was expecting...we'll see. Exactly when is this premiere? I thought it was the 3rd as well. (Tress)Ohhhh....I hope he doesn't crack a nut! LOL.... LOL, you beat me to it.

(Mari) I know I've been away, but I thought the WAGW premiere was August 3. (Dorine)And I've been here, obviously not really paying attention to when it is and following the "herd's" well wishes. Oops. ;-) So wait, does this make me the herd? ;-) Ahhh well, please forgive the booboo. My only excuse is..uhm..(thinking fast)..how about...my eyes got crossed!

(Mari) I know I've been away, but I thought the WAGW premiere was August 3. (Dorine)And I've been here, obviously not really paying attention to when it is and following the "herd's" well wishes. Oops. ;-) (AdaVW) So wait, does this make me the herd? ;-) OMG...I'm in the herd too Ada, even after being given the August 3rd date today...last week I was a few days behind and now....I'm days ahead...I'll go hide until I figure out what decade I'm in! (AdwVW) My only excuse is..uhm..(thinking fast)..how about...my eyes got crossed! Psssst....just say that you were looking at stubble pictures....it a legitimate excuse and I know that I become a bit disoriented afterwards...

(Mari) I know I've been away, but I thought the WAGW premiere was August 3. I've been phoning everybody, and Warner Publicity have finally confirmed it is being held in the Warner Village West End on Sunday 3 August. They couldn't confirm the time but said 'early afternoon'. Not open to the public. No details on who will attend - don't know whether I should make the journey.

ancient stereotypes populating this film (�I�m British: we only show affection to dogs and horses,� spouts Eileen Atkins� Lady Dashwood). Oh, man, this one is bound to show up in most of the reviews. But essentially what we have here is another cute romantic fantasy aimed at 13-year-old girls and no one else (see also the much-worse The Princess Diaries). Well, the 13-year-olds (and those of us with inner 13-year-olds) need entertainment too. Looking forward to better things this fall...

Hey all, I don't usually post but always enjoy dropping in on drool to see what is news. Wanted to go to try and get to Premiere of WAGW and called Warner Bros who confirmed it is not open to the public and also Colin is not attending due to the fact his wife has just had a baby. Hope this helps.

(Kelli/Warner Bros)Colin is not attending due to the fact his wife has just had a baby. Thank you for the information, Kelli. Isn't this the first "confirmation" that their baby is born?

Go here if you would like to win tickets for the UK premiere on August 3rd. http://www.warnerbros.co.uk/movies click What a girl wants, and the competition pop-up pops up ;-)

Annette, yes this is the first I have heard

(Kelli)Colin is not attending due to the fact his wife has just had a baby Thanks for the info Kelli. However,he attended the Premiere of BJD in London 3 weeks after the birth of Luca. (I think they flew him in from Italy by private jet). Perhaps this isn't *big* enough justify that. - Ah well, looks like I won't be going after all!!

Maybe he will change his mind which would be cool.... perhaps I better go up there JUST IN CASE!

I'm not going on Sunday...unless of course I win those tickets. Got other plans. Will wait for the big stuff coming up this fall... Not news as such but...I did get to see those Vermeers in the Hague this weekend and it was pretty to cool see Griet in person. Okay, yes it's fiction! But although I am not normally interested in that kind of painting, it's very compelling to look at. Small. Just stared at it for a while.

Has anyone else seen CF on a Best Western commercial? I thought I was imagining things, but I saw the commercial twice between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Eastern time (US) just now. It shows people sleeping in various places, and there's a brief scene of CF and HG that appears to be from Hope Springs. Might be the closest we'll get to seeing the movie in the US!

Thanks for the news, Kelli. Since AB couldn't attend, it would appear WB won't be trying to compensate with an all-glitter, all-British cast premiere...and Colin could beg off. ;-D BTW, the Love Actually trailer has been taken down from the Kinepolis site; they informed me of it. I'd bet they jumped the gun and it wasn't supposed to be up.

FYI, for all those who took umbrage over the savaging of HS, just wait for this Friday, when they let loose on Gigli. The buzz is so bad already. Rom-coms are a difficult genre to do well because of their predictability and the need for chemistry between the leads. Without a fresh and believable approach and solid dialogue, they're destined for major criticism.

(Karen)...all those who took umbrage over the savaging of HS, just wait for this Friday, when they let loose on Gigli Yeah sure, but that's probably not gonna stop them at the BO is it?

(Beedee) Yeah sure, but that's probably not gonna stop them at the BO is it? I don't know. However, it does make the point that Colin's name isn't enough to attract an audience, i.e., he isn't "bankable." Sorry, but that's the reality.

Thanks Maria, what a great pic. Thanks Mari for the reviews. Kind for the British, better than I thought. Love "crack a nut". Thanks Murph for the sports movie article. Glad to see it on there. I thought it was great, but honestly didn't hear about it until I learned about it from all of you. So am surprised it beat out some American favorites.