News Archive: Aug-Dec 2000

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Update: 11-Dec-00
The Grinch Steals Box Office Thunder

'The Grinch' easily fought off all box office competition including Disney's '102 Dalmatians' on its second weekend on release in the UK. Ron Howard's film based on Dr Suess' classic yuletide tale took a staggering £2.5M, taking its total to £6.4M. The Jim Carrey hit also remained at the number one spot in the US for the fourth weekend running and has now taken an estimated $195.5M in the US alone.

Update: 5-Dec-00
Hawke's Eye For A Role

Ethan Hawke has told of his enthusiasm for taking on Hamlet, one of Shakespeare's most sophisticated roles. 'Many people have played him very wonderfully, including Olivier and Kevin Kline', Hawke notes,'but they were all in their forties. I liked that I was just a little bit too old to be a student, someone just hanging around, not yet ready to leave school'. The star, who first caught the world's attention in 'The Dead Poet's Society', is the youngest actor to portray Hamlet on film. Michael Almereyda's version of the play is set in present day New York and was shot entirely on 16mm. 'Hamlet' also stars Kyle MacLachlan, Bill Murray and Julia Stiles and is released by FilmFour on 15 December 2000.

The actor is currently back in New York shooting his directorial debut, 'Last Word on Paradise'. The film, which stars his wife Uma Thurman, concentrates on thirty diverse characters staying in the same hotel and features a soundtrack by Yoko Ono. However, Hawke has been unimpressed by life behind the lens, telling the 'Sunday Times' magazine, 'I had no idea how tedious directing could be'.

Update: -27-Nov-00
Christina's Crying Man

Christina Ricci comes to London next week for the premiere of her new film 'The Man Who Cried', which sees her reunited with her co-star from 'Sleepy Hollow', Johnny Depp. Sally Potter ('Orlando', 'The Tango Lesson') has written and directed the tale of two lovers set against the rise of the Third Reich. Ricci portrays a young Jewish girl who falls in love with a gypsy (Depp), whose people are also under persecution. The premiere, on Tuesday 5th December, is in aid of human rights charity Amnesty International. An exclusive interview with Christina Ricci will be available online before the film's opening on 8th December.

Update: 20-Nov-00
Whobilation!

'The Grinch' stormed into the number one spot at the US box office at the weekend with a record-breaking opening. Ron Howard's live-action version of Dr Suess' classic Christmas tale took a staggering $55.1M on over 4,200 screens at 3,127 cinemas across North America. The film, starring Jim Carrey as the green meany, has secured the biggest non-sequel opening ever, the sixth biggest ever, the second most successful for Universal Pictures and the second most successful November opening of all of time.

Update: 20-Nov-00
'Billy' Takes Stockholm

'Billy Elliot' won the hearts of judges at this year's Stockholm International Film Festival. Stephen Daldry's directorial debut garnered the Award for Best First Feature Film and the international critic jury FIPRESCI's Award for Best Film, it was announced last night. The British hit, which stars Julie Walters and newcomer Jamie Bell, was also a success with the public, winning The E! Audience Award. As well as continuing to rank in the top five at UK box office, the film is also proving hugely popular with US audiences.

Update: 16-Nov-00
Carrey's Capers In London!

Last night in London's Leicester Square, Jim Carrey wowed the crowds gathered for the Royal Premiere of his new film 'The Grinch'. Celebrities attending the event included Renee Zellwegger, Richard E. Grant, Hugh Laurie, Kyle MacLaughlan, Jamie Bell and Michael Parkinson. As a hairy green monster, Carrey is the embodiment of the famous character created by Dr Seuss. One of Hollywood's top talents, Carrey was clearly thrilled to meet Her Majesty The Queen.

Update: 16-Nov-00
Howard's Happy Day

Director Ron Howard introduced the cast and some of the creative talent behind 'The Grinch' to the audience at the Odeon Leicester Square. He told James Kleinmann how pleased he was to have secured the rights to 'The Grinch'.

Update: 16-Nov-00
Taylor Made For Success

Seven year-old actress Taylor Momsen plays kind hearhearted Cindy Lou Who, the little girl who befriends The Grinch. She was very excited on her first day on set in Whoville.

Update: 16-Nov-00
Size Matters

Actor Jeffrey Tambor plays the Mayor of Whoville who has it in for 'The Grinch'. He marvelled at the scale of the production.

Update: 16-Nov-00
The Best Man

The late Theodore S. Geisel was the man known as Dr Seuss whose stories have enchanted children of all ages for decades. His widow Audrey Geisel was convinced that only a team as strong as Ron Howard and Brian Grazer would to justice to her late husband's famous creation, The Grinch.

Update: 16-Nov-00
Out On A School Night

Fourteen year-old star of the hit British film 'Billy Elliot', Jamie Bell, attended last night's glittering Royal premiere. He is an avid Carrey fan.

Update: 15-Nov-00
Her Heart Belongs to Daddy

Rapturous applause was heard last night in London's Leicester Square at the UK premiere of 'Duets', starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis. Gwyneth's father, director Bruce Paltrow attended the Hello! London Film Festival Gala screening with his wife, actress Blythe Danner. The filmmaker was joined at the glitzy West End party by celebrities including Damon Hill, Frank Skinner, David Badiel and Trisha. The film, which sees six diverse characters come together for a karaoke competition, opens at cinemas on Friday. The grand final of the 'Duets' national karaoke contest also takes place on Friday night at Destiny nightclub in Watford at 10pm.

Update: 06-Nov-00
Stars Flock to 'Quills' World Premiere

The Sky Movies Gala World Premiere of 'Quills' brought the stars out in force to London's Leicester Square at the weekend. The film's cast including Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, Michael Caine and Joaquin Phoenix headed a strong celebrity line-up. They spoke to our reporter about the compelling new film based on the life and times of the Marquis de Sade, played by Geoffrey Rush. The film opens across the UK in January 2001.

Update: 03-Nov-00
'Quills' to Shine at LFF

Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush ('Shine') will tonight head a starry line-up at the Sky Movies Gala World Premiere of 'Quills'. The film tells the story of the controversial French writer the Marquis de Sade, played by Rush. His co-stars Michael Caine, Kate Winslet, Joaquin Phoenix and director Philip Kaufman are expected to attend the event, making it one of the highlights of this year's Regus London Film Festival.

Update: 30-Oct-00
SING YOUR HEART OUT - SOLO OR DUET!

Thursday 2 November marks the launch of a search for Britain's top karoke talent. The nationwide competition coincides with the new film 'Duets', starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis. Regional heats will be held at the Vivid & Elite - Romford, Discotheque Royale - Uxbridge(2/11), Atlantis - Croydon (4/11), Millenium - Teeside (6/11), Destiny - Glasgow (7/11), Dylans - Derby (8/11), Destiny - Watford (9/11), Paradox - Liverpool (10/11), Palace - Blackpool (10/11), Kudos - Wigan (11/11), with the Grand Final in Watford on Friday 17 November. If your fancy yourself as the next Elton John or Celine Dion - get on down!

Update: 16-Oct-00
Seventies Gangster Classic is Still No.1 with Fans

With the 'Get Carter' remake now on theatrical release across the US, the orginal film is today re-released on Warner Home Video and DVD. Michael Caine, star of the 1971 gangster classic, features in Stephen Kay's new film alongside Sylvester Stallone and Miranda Richardson. Since the Seventies 'Get Carter' has atttracted cult status across the world, especially among students. Fans of the orignal film have even taken to touring its Newcastle locations, a fact that mystifies director Mike Hodges.

Update: 13-Oct-00
A Passion for Radio

Former Cameo intern Emma Levy has been nominated as co-presenter for Best Show in this year's Student Radio Awards. The weekday breakfast show airs on Passion 106.8 at Farnborough College of Technology. The station is also honoured with a nomination in the Best Student Radio Station 2000 category. Cameo continues to invest in talented young people providing them with an insight into the media and entertainment industries.

Update: 6-Oct-00
It's a cinch! 'The Grinch' to clinch Royal Film!

'The Grinch', the new comedy fantasy starring Jim Carrey has been chosen as the Royal Film Performance 2000. Her Majesty the Queen will attend the premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square on November 15th. The film's director Ron Howard (Apollo 13, EDTV) and cast including Jim Carrey and Sir Anthony Hopkins are expected to attend. Proceeds from the night will go to the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. Based on Dr Seuss's classic Christmas story, 'The Grinch' opens in the UK and Ireland on December 1st and is set to be the runaway yuletide hit.

Update: 4-Oct-00
Billy's Knock Out Success

Described as 'the film that puts the punch back into British cinema', 'Billy Elliot' took a staggering £2.12M at the UK box office in its first five days. Fourteen year-old star Jamie Bell has danced his way into the hearts of British cinemagoers in this celebratory tale of chasing your dream.

Update: 28-Sep-00
'Billy Elliot' - Stars out in force for West End Charity Premiere

Last night London's West End was the place to be as a host of celebrities turned out in force to support the Charity Premiere of the most feted British film this year, 'Billy Elliot'. Kathy Burke, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Joseph Fiennes, The Pet Shop Boys, Dale Winton, Davina McCall and Vic Reeves were just some of the stars who gave a five minute standing ovation to the film which tells the story of an eleven year-old boy who discovers a talent for dancing. Against the background of the miners' strike, young Billy Elliot, played by Jamie Bell, is given hope and encouragement by his dancing teacher, played by Julie Walters.

Update: 28-Sep-00
Julie Walters' Faux Pas de Deux.

Describing herself as 'an elephant in ballet shoes', Julie Walters openly admitted that she looked to her young co-star Jamie Bell for technique when it came to their dancing scenes in 'Billy Elliot'. She plays Mrs Wilkinson, Billy's ballet teacher but Julie is not a natural hoofer and relied heavily on Jamie to demonstrate the moves required.

Update: 28-Sep-00
Jamie Bell's Starry Starry Night

Fourteen year-old Jamie Bell, star of the film 'Billy Elliot' was last night enjoying the West End Charity Premiere of his debut film. His performance as an eleven year-old lad who discovers a latent talent for dance has gained unanimous acclaim from critics at Cannes and other film festivals. At the Empire cinema in London's Leicester Square he was proud to be accompanied by his mother and sister who were getting squashed in the starry crowd!

Update: 28-Sep-00
When Billy Met Stephen

Stephen Gately attended last night's premiere of 'Billy Elliot' and was proud to be associated with the film, destined to be a sure-fire hit. His new single 'I Believe' closes the film and Stephen commented on how appropriate the lyrics were to the film's theme of following your dreams.

Update: 22-Sep-00
'Yards' Ahead of the Rest

Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix head a strong cast in Film Four's atmospheric new thriller 'The Yards', which has a Blackstar Gala screening at the London Film Festival. The film is directed by James Gray ('Little Odessa') and has already impressed critics at Cannes. Charlize Theron, Faye Dunnaway, Ellen Burstyn and James Caan make up the stellar ensemble. Veteran actor Caan is due to attend the festival to talk about his film career.

Update: 14-Sep-00
Is Ballet the New Football?

Young footballers will soon be giving up their boots and shinpads to don pumps and legwarmers as the new film 'Billy Elliot' hits our cinema screens (29th Sept). Newcomer Jamie Bell, plays Billy, a canny fourteen year-old lad from the North East who discovers a talent for dancing. It's not something you do when your Dad and brother are miners and times are hard. But Billy's passion transcends his circumstances. Jamie's performance is due to set toes tapping and get boys off the field and on to the stage.

Update: 13-Sep-00
Festival Announces Opening Coup

The Regus 44th London Film Festival opens on 1st November with the international premiere of 'Almost Famous', a fictional movie about rock music in the 70s. Written and directed by Cameron Crowe ('Jerry Maguire') and partly based on his own life, it features Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Patrick Fugit stars as William, a fifteen year-old aspiring rock journalist, whose exploits with the band Stillwater make for a splendid coming-of age/road movie. Crowe and some of his cast are expected to visit the UK for the Festival's opening night gala.

Update: 13-Sep-00
Garbo Talked - Now Paltrow Sings!

Gwyneth Paltrow joins an ensemble cast to sing her heart out in 'Duets'. Directed by her father Bruce Paltrow, Gwyneth plays an innocent showgirl who hooks up with a motley crew of characters with their eyes on the Grand Prize Karaoke Contest in Omaha. 'Duets' screens in the London Film Festival and opens across the UK in November. The Oscar winning actress is currently in England filming 'Possession' adapted from the A.S. Byatt novel and directed by Neil LaBute.

Update: 25-Aug-00
'Space Cowboys' Rounds 'Em Up!

'Space Cowboys' starring and directed by Clint Eastwood took over $18 million in its first weekend at the US box office making it the biggest opening ever for one of his films. The Warner Bros film also stars Tommy Lee Jones, James Garner and Donald Sutherland and tells the story of four veteran fighter pilots who finally get a crack at their first space mission.

'Space Cowboys' marks Eastwood's 45th starring role and his 21st as director. The actor will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at next month's Venice Film Festival.

Update: 24-Aug-00
'Billy Elliot' - Set To Be Tutu Successful!

British-made 'Billy Elliot', set for release on 29th September has been getting rave reviews at this year's major film festivals. The story of a miner's son who wants to be a ballet dancer is tipped to beat last year's runaway success 'East is East'. The film marks a stunning debut from fourteen year-old newcomer Jamie Bell as the boy with feet of fire and Julie Walters plays the dancing teacher who nurtures his talent.

Update: 23-Aug-00
'X Men' Actress in 'Love and Sex' Story!

Famke Janssen currently to be seen in 'X Men' has a more down to earth role in 'Love and Sex' released across the UK on September 29th. She plays a talented writer who kisses frogs that don't turn into princes. Could an artist who specialises in severed heads be the man of her dreams? Jon Favreau best known for 'Swingers' and 'Friends' co-stars in this romantic comedy.

More News Archives:
| Aug-Dec 2000 | Jan-Jun 2001 | Jul-Dec 2001 | Jan-Jun 2002 |
| Jul-Dec 2002 | Jan-Jun 2003 |

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