SATC UK premiere
Good lord, I've never felt as outnumbered as I was in Leicester Square last night. The place was heaving with high-heeled girls of all ages, all of whom seemed to have been practising their best ear-piercing scream, as the cast and crew of Sex And The City: The Movie came to town for their world premiere.
Even the usually unwashed cynical journalists were spruced up to the nines – I guess you have to dress to impress when the SATC girls are in town!
Sara Jessica Parker was first to arrive, wearing what appeared to be an exhibit from Kew Gardens on her head – cue pandemonium with chants for both 'Sarah' and 'Carrie' ringing around the square. But she seemed genuinely touched, when I spoke to her, praising the fans for their dedication. One question that seems to have haunted her on this trip though is whether it's right to premiere such a characteristically New York movie in the UK. Sarah put this down to a movie company decision, explaining that she was "thrilled to kick it off here". Her co-star Mario Cantone was less diplomatic though, saying that the World Premiere should have been in NYC – but he also thought they might be saving the best for last.
The other three girls – Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattrall – all looked stunning and genuinely taken aback by the crowds and there was no sign of the reported squabbles between Cattrall and her fellow stars as the four managed to hug, kiss, grin and bear it for a group shot on the red carpet... what a bunch of pros!
And before you ask, yes I have seen it. And no, I'm not telling you anything about it although I will say that it's full of what every SATC fan would expect; eye-popping fashion, a healthy round of Cosmos and maybe even a wedding or two... Tempted? Well, you will have to come back later for my full run through on the movie.
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She soooo tiny!
I spoke to Christina at the junket for Speed Racer this week and down by her side was a half eaten plate of deep-fried potato and recently dipped bowls of ketchup and mayo. Still she probably needed some comfort food after getting seriously soaked at the movie's premiere on Tuesday night. At one point she'd just started posing for the paps when her 'person' noticed a big drip on Christina's forehead and quickly spun the star round and wiped it away before letting the photo op go ahead.
You've got to feel a bit sorry for the stars when the heavens open during a premiere because the crowds are always smaller and everything's a bit rushed. Mind you it's no picnic for us journos either, huddling in the downpour, trying to grab a decent soundbite as the rich and famous make no secret that they would rather be in the dry, warm cinema than getting their expensive suits damp. I know, I know.... poor me!
There was plenty of talent in town to support the movie (John Goodman – a bit quiet, Susan Sarandon – very friendly, Joel Silver – cheerful enough, Kick Gurry – very excited, Emile Hirsch – so laid back he was almost horizontal and Christina – tiny, tiny, tiny) and the good news is that Speed Racer is a decent enough movie. It's waaaaay too long at two and quarter hours but those Wachowski brothers have once again managed to create some amazing visuals. Still I don't think it'll break any records with Iron Man still fresh in people's minds.
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Shaa-wing!
The first blockbuster of the summer has arrived in the shape of Marvel's latest superhero Iron Man and I managed to squeeze myself into the packed press conference for all the action.
The big star, Robert Downey Jr., emerged from his Penthouse Suite at Claridges over half an hour late for his interviews and co-star Terrence Howard, having flown in from Rome late the night before, was like a bear with a sore head demanding a coffee before he would even speak to anyone! Juuuust brilliant! Fortunately for me, the ever gorgeous Gywneth Paltrow and director Jon Favreau were charming, friendly and very down-to-earth, which made my (rather long) day.
In the evening I was on Leicester Square's red carpet for the very busy (and rather blustery) premiere. Downey Jr. didn't take off his shades throughout proceedings which, though soooo cool, is a right pain when you are trying to catch his eye. The star of the night however was good old Gywnnie who looked stunning in a very short black dress. Now that girl has some serious legs!!!! Terrence was in a much better mood, he'd obviously got hold of his coffee and Jon was well impressed with how 'polite' London's autograph hunters were. Don't know why Jon, they're only going on eBay!
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Feed'im up, poor fella
It was a tale of two premieres in London on Monday night. Leicester Sq was host to the debut of Mackenzie Crook and new Bond girl Gemma Arterton's controversial new comedy Three And Out where the Tube drivers were out in force (well, a handful were) to protest. A few angry types shouted at the stars as they did the red carpet thing but they took it in their stride with Mackenzie especially fighting his corner. He was happy to talk to the hecklers, challenging them to actually go "see the movie" before they form an opinion. But you've gotta wonder how good the attendance was at the prem cos there were loads of free tickets being dished out to the crowd all evening!
Things were all a bit more civilised up at the Soho Hotel where Dr. McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey, was showing off his new romcom Made Of Honour. Unsurprisingly the place was crawling was female PRs and very minor celebs (Gus from EastEnders and Jimmy Choo were probably the most famous faces) while Patrick himself was very charming and chatty. However, one of the PRs did confide to me that she wasn't that impressed with Patrick in the flesh, not that that should bother him too much - his wife is a bit of a knockout. The best sight of the night for me though was Vanessa Feltz arriving, clearly desperate to be interviewed by the assembled TV crews, all of whom totally blanked her as she shuffled past. Mwa-ha-ha-ha!
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Getting an eyeful...
In town to promote his new movie Fool's Gold, Matthew McConaughey this week upheld his status as the most laidback movie star in history, strolling along the red carpet in much the same manner I imagine he strolls around his own bathroom. Mr C didn't so much as bat an eyelid when co-star Kate Hudson's dignity took a momentary trip out of town as the shoulders of her green Galliano dress went walkabout and waiting paps got the money-shot they'd been hoping for.
The first of the summer blockbusters got a hush-hush screening last week as Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr and Gwyneth Paltrow was shown internally at Paramount. We liked, but couldn't help wishing some of the 125 minutes had ended up on the cutting room floor...
Fool's Gold premiere pictures and video >>
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Renee and George
Nothing gives me sadistic pleasure like seeing a scantily-clad celeb freezing their nips off on the red carpet. Don't they watch the weather report before they step out in their birthday suits? This week it was Renee Zellwegger's turn to work the premiere route wearing a few yards of silk, despite the fact it was hailing and she had a stonking head cold. Luckily the Oscar-winner had a strong umbrella-wielding entourage to keep her dry, and – it turns out – a personal nose blower. Yep, the "down to earth Texan" got her assistant to hold a hanky while she delicately blew some bogeys into it. To RZ's credit, she looked thoroughly embarrassed by the snotty affair, and seemed keen to put about that recently manicured talons were the reason she wasn't able to hold her own snot rag. Bless.
RZ's Leatherheads co-star, a rather more suitably attired George Clooney, was meanwhile charming the pants off present journalists, both male and female. He called everyone by their names (v. unusual) and was happy to pose for pics for journos (unheard of). He then spent an hour working the crowds, dodging marriage proposals and some rather more "personal requests". It's a hard life!.
To celebrate the release of the Abba-tastic Mamma Mia! we run though the best musicals ever
