<![CDATA[ Latest from What To Watch in Hugh-grant ]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/tag/hugh-grant Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:30:00 +0000 en <![CDATA[ How to watch Heretic ]]> Hugh Grant, once one of the most popular leading men of romantic comedies, has gone dark in recent years with more villainous turns. He has another that fans are excited to see in Heretic. The buzzy A24 horror movie is now playing, so we’ve got everything you need to know about how to watch Heretic right here.

After a campy villainous turn in Paddington 2 and playing shady if not outright bad guys in some Guy Ritchie movies, Grant once again appears to be relishing in a diabolical role in this psychological thriller where he leads a pair of religious women into a cat-and-mouse game designed to test their faith.

If you’re excited to watch Heretic, read on as we have all the information you need to know about when and where the movie is playing right now, including whether or not Heretic is streaming.

How to watch Heretic in movie theaters

Heretic is now playing in movie theaters in the US, UK and elsewhere around the world.

In order to find Heretic showtimes, it’s best to check out Fandango, which can show you all of the movie theaters in your area where the movie is playing and what the available screenings are. You can also purchase your Heretic ticket directly through Fandango.

Another option for frequent moviegoers that may have a particular movie theater is movie theater subscription and membership programs. Offered by various US and UK movie theater chains, in addition to showing when and where Heretic is playing at a specific theater, these programs give perks like free, discounted or monthly allotments of movie tickets, as well as deals on concessions for fans to enjoy.

Is Heretic streaming?

Heretic is not available as part of the included lineup of any major streaming platform, but it is available for at-home viewing as of December 10.

Those in the US can digitally buy or rent Heretic via on-demand platforms, including Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and YouTube.

There are still no confirmed details about Heretic’s streaming plans right now, but we can make some educated guesses. After we assume its initial run on on-demand platforms, Heretic is most likely to make its streaming debut in the US on Max, just like other A24 movies from 2024 have done recently. An exact timeline for Heretic to arrive on Max is not known at this time.

What else to know about Heretic

Heretic is an original script written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who also co-directed the movie. Here is the official synopsis for the movie:

“Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.”

In addition to Grant as Mr. Reed, the movie stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as the young missionaries.

Reviews for Heretic have been strong, as the movie is “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 94% as of November 8. Read our thoughts on the movie with the official WTW Heretic review.

If you need anything else to convince you on whether to see Heretic or not, you can watch the official trailer for the psychological thriller right here:

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/how-to-watch-heretic mMEY4F9fFPnP3B8K25yhmU Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:30:00 +0000 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:48:19 +0000 false false false

Hugh Grant, once one of the most popular leading men of romantic comedies, has gone dark in recent years with more villainous turns. He has another that fans are excited to see in Heretic. The buzzy A24 horror movie is now playing, so we’ve got everything you need to know about how to watch Heretic right here.

After a campy villainous turn in Paddington 2 and playing shady if not outright bad guys in some Guy Ritchie movies, Grant once again appears to be relishing in a diabolical role in this psychological thriller where he leads a pair of religious women into a cat-and-mouse game designed to test their faith.

If you’re excited to watch Heretic, read on as we have all the information you need to know about when and where the movie is playing right now, including whether or not Heretic is streaming.

How to watch Heretic in movie theaters

Heretic is now playing in movie theaters in the US, UK and elsewhere around the world.

In order to find Heretic showtimes, it’s best to check out Fandango, which can show you all of the movie theaters in your area where the movie is playing and what the available screenings are. You can also purchase your Heretic ticket directly through Fandango.

Another option for frequent moviegoers that may have a particular movie theater is movie theater subscription and membership programs. Offered by various US and UK movie theater chains, in addition to showing when and where Heretic is playing at a specific theater, these programs give perks like free, discounted or monthly allotments of movie tickets, as well as deals on concessions for fans to enjoy.

Is Heretic streaming?

Heretic is not available as part of the included lineup of any major streaming platform, but it is available for at-home viewing as of December 10.

Those in the US can digitally buy or rent Heretic via on-demand platforms, including Prime Video, Google Play, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and YouTube.

There are still no confirmed details about Heretic’s streaming plans right now, but we can make some educated guesses. After we assume its initial run on on-demand platforms, Heretic is most likely to make its streaming debut in the US on Max, just like other A24 movies from 2024 have done recently. An exact timeline for Heretic to arrive on Max is not known at this time.

What else to know about Heretic

Heretic is an original script written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who also co-directed the movie. Here is the official synopsis for the movie:

“Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.”

In addition to Grant as Mr. Reed, the movie stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as the young missionaries.

Reviews for Heretic have been strong, as the movie is “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 94% as of November 8. Read our thoughts on the movie with the official WTW Heretic review.

If you need anything else to convince you on whether to see Heretic or not, you can watch the official trailer for the psychological thriller right here:

]]> <![CDATA[ Heretic: how to watch, reviews, awards, cast and everything we know about the Hugh Grant psychological thriller ]]> Remember the charming, aloof Hugh Grant that was the star of so many romantic comedies back in the day? Yeah, that Hugh Grant is nowhere to be found in the 2024 new movie Heretic, a psychological thriller from A24 that sees Grant make a creepy villain turn.

Heretic is just one of many thriller/horror movies coming out from A24 this year. It joins a lineup that includes Love Lies Bleeding, I Saw the TV Glow, MaXXXine and The Front Room.

To find out more about Heretic, read on to for all the information we have on the movie, including when it is coming out, who stars alongside Grant and its trailer.

Heretic how to watch

Heretic is now playing exclusively in movie theaters in the US, UK and elsewhere around the world. Here's what you need to know about how to watch Heretic.

Heretic cast

As we mentioned, Hugh Grant is best known for his roles in many classic romantic comedies, including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Love, Actually, but in recent years he has been embracing a darker side, playing the villain role in a number of movies. This included his acclaimed performance in Paddington 2, but also movies like Cloud Atlas, The Gentlemen and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Starring opposite Grant in the movie are two young actresses, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East. Thatcher's credits to date include a four-episode stint on Chicago Med, When the Streetlights Go On, The Book of Boba Fett and, most notably, playing Natalie/Atalie in Yellowjackets. East, meanwhile, has starred in Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Generation and the Steven Spielberg movie The Fabelmans.

Heretic plot

An original script co-written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, here is the official synopsis for Heretic from A24:

"Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse."

Heretic trailer

Get a preview of Grant's wicked performance and the psychological torment his character wages in the Heretic trailer directly below:

Additional trailers for Heretic is now online. Check them out right here:

Heretic reviews

You can read WTW's Heretic review to find out what we thought about the movie. But if you're curious about the overall reception of A24's latest, the movie is "Certified Fresh" with an impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Heretic awards

Here's a look at the major awards an nominations that Heretic has earned so far;

BAFTAs

  • Best Leading Actor — Hugh Grant (nominee)

Golden Globes

  • Best Actor Comedy/Musical — Hugh Grant (nominee)

Critics Choice Awards

  • Best Actor — Hugh Grant (nominee)

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods movies

Beck and Woods are also directing Heretic. The pair are long-time collaborators as both writers and directors. Here is a list of the feature movies that they have directed together:

  • The Bride Wore Blood (2006)
  • Nightlight (2015)
  • Haunt (2019)
  • 65 (2023)

Together they also directed the TV movie Spread and three episodes of the TV series 50 States of Fright. They also famously wrote the screenplay for the original A Quiet Place with John Krasinski and, more recently, the script for the 2023 horror movie The Boogeyman.

Heretic poster

(Image credit: A24)
]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/watching-guides/heretic-release-date-trailer-cast-and-everything-we-know-about-the-hugh-grant-psychological-thriller tZo7rukAyKyhbVmKJExuHY Tue, 25 Jun 2024 15:00:15 +0000 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:55:58 +0000 false false false

Remember the charming, aloof Hugh Grant that was the star of so many romantic comedies back in the day? Yeah, that Hugh Grant is nowhere to be found in the 2024 new movie Heretic, a psychological thriller from A24 that sees Grant make a creepy villain turn.

Heretic is just one of many thriller/horror movies coming out from A24 this year. It joins a lineup that includes Love Lies Bleeding, I Saw the TV Glow, MaXXXine and The Front Room.

To find out more about Heretic, read on to for all the information we have on the movie, including when it is coming out, who stars alongside Grant and its trailer.

Heretic how to watch

Heretic is now playing exclusively in movie theaters in the US, UK and elsewhere around the world. Here's what you need to know about how to watch Heretic.

Heretic cast

As we mentioned, Hugh Grant is best known for his roles in many classic romantic comedies, including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Love, Actually, but in recent years he has been embracing a darker side, playing the villain role in a number of movies. This included his acclaimed performance in Paddington 2, but also movies like Cloud Atlas, The Gentlemen and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Starring opposite Grant in the movie are two young actresses, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East. Thatcher's credits to date include a four-episode stint on Chicago Med, When the Streetlights Go On, The Book of Boba Fett and, most notably, playing Natalie/Atalie in Yellowjackets. East, meanwhile, has starred in Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Generation and the Steven Spielberg movie The Fabelmans.

Heretic plot

An original script co-written by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, here is the official synopsis for Heretic from A24:

"Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse."

Heretic trailer

Get a preview of Grant's wicked performance and the psychological torment his character wages in the Heretic trailer directly below:

Additional trailers for Heretic is now online. Check them out right here:

Heretic reviews

You can read WTW's Heretic review to find out what we thought about the movie. But if you're curious about the overall reception of A24's latest, the movie is "Certified Fresh" with an impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Heretic awards

Here's a look at the major awards an nominations that Heretic has earned so far;

BAFTAs

  • Best Leading Actor — Hugh Grant (nominee)

Golden Globes

  • Best Actor Comedy/Musical — Hugh Grant (nominee)

Critics Choice Awards

  • Best Actor — Hugh Grant (nominee)

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods movies

Beck and Woods are also directing Heretic. The pair are long-time collaborators as both writers and directors. Here is a list of the feature movies that they have directed together:

  • The Bride Wore Blood (2006)
  • Nightlight (2015)
  • Haunt (2019)
  • 65 (2023)

Together they also directed the TV movie Spread and three episodes of the TV series 50 States of Fright. They also famously wrote the screenplay for the original A Quiet Place with John Krasinski and, more recently, the script for the 2023 horror movie The Boogeyman.

Heretic poster

(Image credit: A24)
]]> <![CDATA[ Notting Hill is officially 25—here's how to watch the rom-com classic on TV today ]]> One of the best rom-coms of all time, Notting Hill officially turns 25 this year—it hit theaters on May 28, 1999, and raked in a whopping $363.8 million at the box office. And you can celebrate the sweet cinematic occasion by tuning into the Richard Curtis-penned, Roger Michell-directed romantic comedy today on TV.

Starring two of the genre's biggest names—Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman, Ticket to Paradise), who plays Hollywood film star Anna Scott, and Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones's Diary), as British bookseller William Thacker—Notting Hill has been an enduring favorite thanks to the chemistry between its two megawatt leads, its cheeky humor courtesy sidekicks like Will's roommate Spike (Rhys Ifans) and its fairytale version of the titular London neighborhood. 

"A chance encounter over spilled orange juice leads to a kiss that blossoms into a full-blown affair," reads the film's official synopsis. "As the average bloke and glamorous movie star draw closer and closer together, they struggle to reconcile their radically different lifestyles in the name of love." Along with the aforementioned actors, the Notting Hill cast includes English performers like Emma Chambers, Tim McInnerny, Gina McKee, and Hugh Bonneville 

Though Roberts and Grant have gone on to star in plenty of rom-coms since—the latter will return to the Bridget Jones franchise for the upcoming fourth film, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy—Notting Hill is one of the most beloved and acclaimed movies (it earned several BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations) of their respective resumes. And you can revisit the charming romance between Anna Scott and William Thacker by tuning into Notting Hill today, Sunday, June 2 on Starz Encore (West) at 10:50am Pacific Time. 

If you don't have access to cable, you can celebrate the 25th anniversary of Notting Hill by watching the rom-com on demand with an MGM+ subscription, which costs $6.99 per month. Cable-cutters can also tune in online with a live TV streaming service that carries Starz, such as Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV and Philo TV. 

Watch the trailer for Notting Hill above before tuning into the classic '90s romantic comedy on TV today. 

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/notting-hill-turns-25-how-to-watch-on-tv fPtqiyDYXQq54mKBFkpJW9 Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:39:20 +0000 Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:39:26 +0000 false false false

One of the best rom-coms of all time, Notting Hill officially turns 25 this year—it hit theaters on May 28, 1999, and raked in a whopping $363.8 million at the box office. And you can celebrate the sweet cinematic occasion by tuning into the Richard Curtis-penned, Roger Michell-directed romantic comedy today on TV.

Starring two of the genre's biggest names—Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman, Ticket to Paradise), who plays Hollywood film star Anna Scott, and Hugh Grant (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones's Diary), as British bookseller William Thacker—Notting Hill has been an enduring favorite thanks to the chemistry between its two megawatt leads, its cheeky humor courtesy sidekicks like Will's roommate Spike (Rhys Ifans) and its fairytale version of the titular London neighborhood. 

"A chance encounter over spilled orange juice leads to a kiss that blossoms into a full-blown affair," reads the film's official synopsis. "As the average bloke and glamorous movie star draw closer and closer together, they struggle to reconcile their radically different lifestyles in the name of love." Along with the aforementioned actors, the Notting Hill cast includes English performers like Emma Chambers, Tim McInnerny, Gina McKee, and Hugh Bonneville 

Though Roberts and Grant have gone on to star in plenty of rom-coms since—the latter will return to the Bridget Jones franchise for the upcoming fourth film, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy—Notting Hill is one of the most beloved and acclaimed movies (it earned several BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations) of their respective resumes. And you can revisit the charming romance between Anna Scott and William Thacker by tuning into Notting Hill today, Sunday, June 2 on Starz Encore (West) at 10:50am Pacific Time. 

If you don't have access to cable, you can celebrate the 25th anniversary of Notting Hill by watching the rom-com on demand with an MGM+ subscription, which costs $6.99 per month. Cable-cutters can also tune in online with a live TV streaming service that carries Starz, such as Fubo, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV and Philo TV. 

Watch the trailer for Notting Hill above before tuning into the classic '90s romantic comedy on TV today. 

]]> <![CDATA[ Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy star Hugh Grant reveals exciting script news ]]> Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy star Hugh Grant has plenty of good things to say about the forthcoming fourth movie which sees 

In an interview with People, Wonka star Hugh Grant (who appeared in the first two Bridget Jones flicks) was keen to highlight that the movie will have a sense of humor and warmth.

"It is very moving as well as funny", Hugh Grant said. "It's partly based on Helen Fielding's experiences of bringing up two children by herself after her husband died. And so Bridget is bringing up two kids and wondering whether she should ever go back to dating. It's a very good script". 

This comes shortly after we got some big Bridget Jones 4 casting news. Leo Woodall (of the Netflix hit, One Day) is rumored to be playing a younger love interest for Bridget Jones (who will once again be played by Renée Zellweger).

In addition, Chiwetel Ejiofor is set to star in an as-yet-unconfirmed role, and Emma Thompson is also reprising the role of Dr. Rawlings. 

Beyond the above details, we don't know too much more about Bridget Jones: Mad About The Body beyond the fact we expect it to be based on Fielding's third Bridget Jones book of the same name and the movie's reportedly set eight years after the third installment, Bridget Jones's Baby, which was released back in 2016. 

As Grant teased, that title follows 51-year-old Bridget Jones as she navigates parenting. The book is set a few years after the sudden death of Mark Darcy (who was killed by a landmine in Sudan), and sees the single mother of two young children trying to navigate the dating world all over again. Of course, this being a Bridget Jones story, chaos and comedy are never far away. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is currently expected to hit US theaters and on Peacock on February 14, 2025. A UK release date has not been given at the time of writing. 

For more info on all the latest releases, check out our guide to the new movies still to be released this year. Outside of the Bridget Jones universe, Hugh Grant can soon be seen in Jerry Seinfeld's Netflix comedy, Unfrosted as Tony the Tiger. 

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/bridget-jones-mad-about-the-boy-star-hugh-grant-reveals-exciting-script-news qQadzQTRjnVcDtciFyFVoW Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:16:41 +0000 Tue, 20 May 2025 11:59:32 +0000 false false false

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy star Hugh Grant has plenty of good things to say about the forthcoming fourth movie which sees 

In an interview with People, Wonka star Hugh Grant (who appeared in the first two Bridget Jones flicks) was keen to highlight that the movie will have a sense of humor and warmth.

"It is very moving as well as funny", Hugh Grant said. "It's partly based on Helen Fielding's experiences of bringing up two children by herself after her husband died. And so Bridget is bringing up two kids and wondering whether she should ever go back to dating. It's a very good script". 

This comes shortly after we got some big Bridget Jones 4 casting news. Leo Woodall (of the Netflix hit, One Day) is rumored to be playing a younger love interest for Bridget Jones (who will once again be played by Renée Zellweger).

In addition, Chiwetel Ejiofor is set to star in an as-yet-unconfirmed role, and Emma Thompson is also reprising the role of Dr. Rawlings. 

Beyond the above details, we don't know too much more about Bridget Jones: Mad About The Body beyond the fact we expect it to be based on Fielding's third Bridget Jones book of the same name and the movie's reportedly set eight years after the third installment, Bridget Jones's Baby, which was released back in 2016. 

As Grant teased, that title follows 51-year-old Bridget Jones as she navigates parenting. The book is set a few years after the sudden death of Mark Darcy (who was killed by a landmine in Sudan), and sees the single mother of two young children trying to navigate the dating world all over again. Of course, this being a Bridget Jones story, chaos and comedy are never far away. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is currently expected to hit US theaters and on Peacock on February 14, 2025. A UK release date has not been given at the time of writing. 

For more info on all the latest releases, check out our guide to the new movies still to be released this year. Outside of the Bridget Jones universe, Hugh Grant can soon be seen in Jerry Seinfeld's Netflix comedy, Unfrosted as Tony the Tiger. 

]]> <![CDATA[ Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves — release date, trailers, cast, and everything we know ]]> Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the world's most recognizable role-playing game back to the big screen for the first time since 2000 in a movie that is packed full of famous faces and fearsome fantasy foes.

Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (Game Night, Spider-Man: Homecoming), this new take on the classic game sees us being thrown in with a band of heroes who set to recover a powerful artifact and come up against some powerful foes in the process.

We're now just days away from the film's release, and it's looking more and more like Honor Among Thieves is one of 2023's must-see new movies. If you're excited about this new fantasy adventure, here's everything you need to know about Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves right now.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves release date

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was originally slated for March 3, though it got pushed back to release on Friday, March 31 at the start of November 2022. It got a world premiere on the opening night of SXSW 2023 (Friday, March 10).

Originally, UK audiences were told that they'd have to wait a little longer to watch the D&D movie (April 3). However, the UK release date was brought forward to match up, meaning UK fantasy fans can also watch it on March 31. 

Who's in the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves cast?

(L-R) Regé-Jean Page, Sophia Lillis, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Pine, and Hugh Grant attend Paramount Pictures and eOne's Comic-Con presentation of

Regé-Jean Page, Sophia Lillis, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Pine, and Hugh Grant at Comic-Con in 2022. (Image credit: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves features a range of exciting stars. First up is Chris Pine (Star Trek, Don't Worry Darling), who's playing the human bard Edgin. 

Michelle Rodriguez (Fast and Furious franchise, Widows) is on hand as Holga, a barbarian, Bridgerton heartthrob Regé-Jean Page plays the courageous paladin, Xenk, It star Sophia Lillis plays the shape-shifting druid, Doric, and Jurassic World: Dominion star Justice Smith is set to appear as a sorcerer called Simon. 

British icon Hugh Grant (Love Actually, Paddington 2) is also on board as the foppish rogue, Forge Fitzwilliam. 

We got our first glimpse at the whole adventuring party at the preview night at San Diego Comic-Con:

Shadow & Bone's Daisy Head is also on hand as the villain of the film. She's playing a Red Wizard called Sofina, and you can see her slinging spells at our adventurers in some of the newer trailers. 

Characters that resemble those from the 1983 Dungeons & Dragons animated TV series also make a cameo appearance in the film. It was also rumored that some cast members from the hugely popular Dungeons & Dragons web-series, Critical Role, would appear in the film, though Chief Creative Officer Matt Mercer has confirmed that they were not involved in production and that none of them would be cropping up in the movie.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves reviews

The adventuring party from Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves standing together, with Edgin (Chris Pine) in the center

Critics and viewers alike have been pretty impressed so far! (Image credit: © 2022 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. HASBRO, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS AND ALL RELATED CHARACTERS ARE TRADEMARKS OF HASBRO. © 2022 HASBRO.)

At the time of our most recent update, the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves reviews have been very positive! The film currently has a 90% critics rating (from 90 reviews) and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In What To Watch's D&D movie review, we said we were very impressed with the core cast and thought the film was tons of fun, calling Honor Among Thieves 'a fun-filled fantasy romp' packed with jokes and exciting action sequences.

Our sister site Cinemablend gave the film 4/5 stars and claimed 'the balance of action and humor is handled excellently'.

Den of Geek rated the film 3.5/5 and labelled it 'a crowdpleaser that actually pleases'.

Empire critic Helen O'Hara also gave the film 4/5 and called Honor Among Thieves 'a wildly entertaining high-fantasy-meets-low comedy'.

What's the plot?

A plot summary from Paramount Pictures released alongside the trailer (more on that later) reads:

"A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure."

The official poster for Dungeons & Dragons: honor Among Thieves

The original poster for Honor Among Thieves.  (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Is there a trailer?

Yep, quite a few, in fact! The final trailer features quotes pulled from some of the film's many positive reviews, interspersed with glimpses at some of the many action sequences you'll be laying eyes on throughout. 

The previous teaser opened with the gang escaping from a dragon, our latest teaser gives us a fresh look at the menacing Red Wizards and features even more fearsome monsters like displacer beasts, a mimic, and a battle between an owlbear and a dragon. You won't want to miss this. You can also find earlier trailers embedded below.

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/watching-guides/dungeons-and-dragons-honor-among-thieves-release-date-trailer-cast-and-everything-we-know XhmJ3epuMwpLNmUCXjByJF Tue, 07 Mar 2023 14:33:45 +0000 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:47:11 +0000 false false false

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the world's most recognizable role-playing game back to the big screen for the first time since 2000 in a movie that is packed full of famous faces and fearsome fantasy foes.

Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (Game Night, Spider-Man: Homecoming), this new take on the classic game sees us being thrown in with a band of heroes who set to recover a powerful artifact and come up against some powerful foes in the process.

We're now just days away from the film's release, and it's looking more and more like Honor Among Thieves is one of 2023's must-see new movies. If you're excited about this new fantasy adventure, here's everything you need to know about Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves right now.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves release date

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was originally slated for March 3, though it got pushed back to release on Friday, March 31 at the start of November 2022. It got a world premiere on the opening night of SXSW 2023 (Friday, March 10).

Originally, UK audiences were told that they'd have to wait a little longer to watch the D&D movie (April 3). However, the UK release date was brought forward to match up, meaning UK fantasy fans can also watch it on March 31. 

Who's in the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves cast?

(L-R) Regé-Jean Page, Sophia Lillis, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Pine, and Hugh Grant attend Paramount Pictures and eOne's Comic-Con presentation of

Regé-Jean Page, Sophia Lillis, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris Pine, and Hugh Grant at Comic-Con in 2022. (Image credit: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves features a range of exciting stars. First up is Chris Pine (Star Trek, Don't Worry Darling), who's playing the human bard Edgin. 

Michelle Rodriguez (Fast and Furious franchise, Widows) is on hand as Holga, a barbarian, Bridgerton heartthrob Regé-Jean Page plays the courageous paladin, Xenk, It star Sophia Lillis plays the shape-shifting druid, Doric, and Jurassic World: Dominion star Justice Smith is set to appear as a sorcerer called Simon. 

British icon Hugh Grant (Love Actually, Paddington 2) is also on board as the foppish rogue, Forge Fitzwilliam. 

We got our first glimpse at the whole adventuring party at the preview night at San Diego Comic-Con:

Shadow & Bone's Daisy Head is also on hand as the villain of the film. She's playing a Red Wizard called Sofina, and you can see her slinging spells at our adventurers in some of the newer trailers. 

Characters that resemble those from the 1983 Dungeons & Dragons animated TV series also make a cameo appearance in the film. It was also rumored that some cast members from the hugely popular Dungeons & Dragons web-series, Critical Role, would appear in the film, though Chief Creative Officer Matt Mercer has confirmed that they were not involved in production and that none of them would be cropping up in the movie.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves reviews

The adventuring party from Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves standing together, with Edgin (Chris Pine) in the center

Critics and viewers alike have been pretty impressed so far! (Image credit: © 2022 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. HASBRO, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS AND ALL RELATED CHARACTERS ARE TRADEMARKS OF HASBRO. © 2022 HASBRO.)

At the time of our most recent update, the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves reviews have been very positive! The film currently has a 90% critics rating (from 90 reviews) and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In What To Watch's D&D movie review, we said we were very impressed with the core cast and thought the film was tons of fun, calling Honor Among Thieves 'a fun-filled fantasy romp' packed with jokes and exciting action sequences.

Our sister site Cinemablend gave the film 4/5 stars and claimed 'the balance of action and humor is handled excellently'.

Den of Geek rated the film 3.5/5 and labelled it 'a crowdpleaser that actually pleases'.

Empire critic Helen O'Hara also gave the film 4/5 and called Honor Among Thieves 'a wildly entertaining high-fantasy-meets-low comedy'.

What's the plot?

A plot summary from Paramount Pictures released alongside the trailer (more on that later) reads:

"A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure."

The official poster for Dungeons & Dragons: honor Among Thieves

The original poster for Honor Among Thieves.  (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Is there a trailer?

Yep, quite a few, in fact! The final trailer features quotes pulled from some of the film's many positive reviews, interspersed with glimpses at some of the many action sequences you'll be laying eyes on throughout. 

The previous teaser opened with the gang escaping from a dragon, our latest teaser gives us a fresh look at the menacing Red Wizards and features even more fearsome monsters like displacer beasts, a mimic, and a battle between an owlbear and a dragon. You won't want to miss this. You can also find earlier trailers embedded below.

]]> <![CDATA[ Operation Fortune: release date, reviews, trailer and everything we know about the Guy Ritchie movie ]]> One of the signature directors of the action genre right now, Guy Ritchie has a brand new movie, Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre.

Ritchie doesn't wait too long to dive right into things with his films, so we're not going to drag things out too much here. Here is everything we know about Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre (just Operation Fortune from here on out).

Operation Fortune release date

Following a nearly year-long delay, Operation Fortune arrives exclusively in movie theaters on March 3.

Operation Fortune was expected to be released on March 18, 2022, but it was pulled from the calendar by then distributor STX. It is believed the movie was pulled because it featured Ukrainian mobsters, something the producers didn't want to highlight in the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, per The Wrap.

Operation Fortune plot

Save for the filmmaker's live action version of Aladdin, practically all Guy Ritchie movies take place in the world of crime and/or spies. Operation Fortune continues that playbook.

Here is the official synopsis:

"Super spy Orson Fortune must track down and stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology wielded by billionaire arms broker Greg Simmonds. Reluctantly teamed with some of the world’s best operatives, Fortune and his crew recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star Danny Francesco to help them on their globe-trotting undercover mission to save the world."

Operation Fortune

Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett and Aubrey Plaza in 'Operation Fortune' (Image credit: Daniel Smith/Miramax Films)

Operation Fortune cast

Headlining it all is Jason Statham as Orson Fortune. Statham has worked with Ritchie multiple times, including in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and Wrath of Man. Throughout his career, Statham has shown he has both the action and comedy down pat, and you typically need a healthy dose of both for a Guy Ritchie movie.

Another recent Ritchie collaborator appearing in Operation Fortune is Hugh Grant, playing the billionaire arms dealer Greg Simmonds. Grant has previously appeared in Ritchie movies The Gentlemen and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and here it looks like he is getting the chance to give another delectable turn as a villain.

Bugzy Malone, who also appeared in The Gentlemen, is another actor reteaming with Ritchie.

The main cast also features a trio of newcomers to the Ritchie filmography — Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes and Josh Hartnett. Elwes (The Princess Bride) and Plaza (The White Lotus) will be part of the team working with Statham's Fortune, while Hartnett (Black Hawk Down) is set to play the movie star Danny Francesco that is recruited to help in their mission.

Operation Fortune trailer

A brand new release date means a brand new trailer for Operation Fortune. Check it out right here:

You can also watch the trailer released prior to the movie's planned 2022 release below:

Operation Fortune reviews — what the critics are saying

For better or worse, the latest collaboration between Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham is standard fare, according to What to Watch's Operation Fortune review, which touts the movie's ability to give fans what they want in an enjoyable package, even if there's nothing particular new about it.

When looking at the general consensus of the action movie, as of March 1 it has a "Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes of 62%.

How long is Operation Fortune

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre clocks in with a runtime of one hour and 54 minutes.

What is Operation Fortune rated?

Operation Fortune has an R rating in the US for language and violence.

Operation Fortune director Guy Ritchie

We may have mentioned it a couple times already, but Operation Fortune will be directed by Guy Ritchie. Ritchie is almost a genre unto himself, with a list of credits that include Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, RocknRolla, the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and The Gentlemen, among others.

Ritchie's movies are defined by their high energy action and dialogue that make for a fun concoction. He's also been very prolific in recent years. Operation Fortune is Ritchie's first of two 2023 new movies, with The Covenant starring Jake Gyllenhaal the other. He is also working on a TV series based on The Gentlemen that is coming to Netflix.

Operation Fortune

(Image credit: STX Films)
]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/watching-guides/operation-fortune-trailer-release-date-and-everything-we-know-about-the-guy-ritchie-movie GgRfSqNA3nEUZVJtJebanC Mon, 13 Feb 2023 20:26:34 +0000 Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:24:43 +0000 false false false

One of the signature directors of the action genre right now, Guy Ritchie has a brand new movie, Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre.

Ritchie doesn't wait too long to dive right into things with his films, so we're not going to drag things out too much here. Here is everything we know about Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre (just Operation Fortune from here on out).

Operation Fortune release date

Following a nearly year-long delay, Operation Fortune arrives exclusively in movie theaters on March 3.

Operation Fortune was expected to be released on March 18, 2022, but it was pulled from the calendar by then distributor STX. It is believed the movie was pulled because it featured Ukrainian mobsters, something the producers didn't want to highlight in the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, per The Wrap.

Operation Fortune plot

Save for the filmmaker's live action version of Aladdin, practically all Guy Ritchie movies take place in the world of crime and/or spies. Operation Fortune continues that playbook.

Here is the official synopsis:

"Super spy Orson Fortune must track down and stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology wielded by billionaire arms broker Greg Simmonds. Reluctantly teamed with some of the world’s best operatives, Fortune and his crew recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star Danny Francesco to help them on their globe-trotting undercover mission to save the world."

Operation Fortune

Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett and Aubrey Plaza in 'Operation Fortune' (Image credit: Daniel Smith/Miramax Films)

Operation Fortune cast

Headlining it all is Jason Statham as Orson Fortune. Statham has worked with Ritchie multiple times, including in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and Wrath of Man. Throughout his career, Statham has shown he has both the action and comedy down pat, and you typically need a healthy dose of both for a Guy Ritchie movie.

Another recent Ritchie collaborator appearing in Operation Fortune is Hugh Grant, playing the billionaire arms dealer Greg Simmonds. Grant has previously appeared in Ritchie movies The Gentlemen and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and here it looks like he is getting the chance to give another delectable turn as a villain.

Bugzy Malone, who also appeared in The Gentlemen, is another actor reteaming with Ritchie.

The main cast also features a trio of newcomers to the Ritchie filmography — Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes and Josh Hartnett. Elwes (The Princess Bride) and Plaza (The White Lotus) will be part of the team working with Statham's Fortune, while Hartnett (Black Hawk Down) is set to play the movie star Danny Francesco that is recruited to help in their mission.

Operation Fortune trailer

A brand new release date means a brand new trailer for Operation Fortune. Check it out right here:

You can also watch the trailer released prior to the movie's planned 2022 release below:

Operation Fortune reviews — what the critics are saying

For better or worse, the latest collaboration between Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham is standard fare, according to What to Watch's Operation Fortune review, which touts the movie's ability to give fans what they want in an enjoyable package, even if there's nothing particular new about it.

When looking at the general consensus of the action movie, as of March 1 it has a "Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes of 62%.

How long is Operation Fortune

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre clocks in with a runtime of one hour and 54 minutes.

What is Operation Fortune rated?

Operation Fortune has an R rating in the US for language and violence.

Operation Fortune director Guy Ritchie

We may have mentioned it a couple times already, but Operation Fortune will be directed by Guy Ritchie. Ritchie is almost a genre unto himself, with a list of credits that include Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, RocknRolla, the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and The Gentlemen, among others.

Ritchie's movies are defined by their high energy action and dialogue that make for a fun concoction. He's also been very prolific in recent years. Operation Fortune is Ritchie's first of two 2023 new movies, with The Covenant starring Jake Gyllenhaal the other. He is also working on a TV series based on The Gentlemen that is coming to Netflix.

Operation Fortune

(Image credit: STX Films)
]]> <![CDATA[ Check out the trailer for HBO's latest limited series, Big Undoing ]]> Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant are starring in a new limited series on HBO and the network just dropped a trailer to give us a glimpse at what’s in store.

The Undoing is based on Jean Hanff Korelitz’s novel You Should Have Known. The show is the product of  Emmy-, Academy Award- and Golden Globe-winning director Susanne Bier (The Night Manager) and the Emmy-winning creator of Big Little Lies, David E. Kelley.

Bier is directing the show and Kelley adapted the novel for television. Beyond Kidman and Grant, the show also stars Edgar Ramirez, Noah Jupe, Lily Rabeas, Sylvia Steinetz, Noma Dumezweni, Sofie Gråbøl, Matilda De Angelis, Ismael Cruz Córdova, and Donald Sutherland.

Unlike some of HBO’s other recent offerings, this one will air on HBO proper, and also via HBO Max. (Because anything on HBO is also on HBO Max, but the opposite isn't always true.)

Here’s how HBO describes the show:

The limited series follows Grace (Kidman) and Jonathan Fraser (Grant), who are living the only lives they ever wanted for themselves. Overnight, a chasm opens in their lives: a violent death and a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster and horrified by the ways in which she has failed to heed her own advice, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and her family.

Here's the full trailer:

The Undoing officially debuts on HBO on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. Eastern. The limited series will only just six episodes, which will air on subsequent Sundays and be available on HBO Max for streaming on demand.

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/check-out-the-trailer-for-hbos-latest-limited-series-big-undoing 8oRCKvA2KoXJYK5TZ85dxj Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:31:36 +0000 false false false

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant are starring in a new limited series on HBO and the network just dropped a trailer to give us a glimpse at what’s in store.

The Undoing is based on Jean Hanff Korelitz’s novel You Should Have Known. The show is the product of  Emmy-, Academy Award- and Golden Globe-winning director Susanne Bier (The Night Manager) and the Emmy-winning creator of Big Little Lies, David E. Kelley.

Bier is directing the show and Kelley adapted the novel for television. Beyond Kidman and Grant, the show also stars Edgar Ramirez, Noah Jupe, Lily Rabeas, Sylvia Steinetz, Noma Dumezweni, Sofie Gråbøl, Matilda De Angelis, Ismael Cruz Córdova, and Donald Sutherland.

Unlike some of HBO’s other recent offerings, this one will air on HBO proper, and also via HBO Max. (Because anything on HBO is also on HBO Max, but the opposite isn't always true.)

Here’s how HBO describes the show:

The limited series follows Grace (Kidman) and Jonathan Fraser (Grant), who are living the only lives they ever wanted for themselves. Overnight, a chasm opens in their lives: a violent death and a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster and horrified by the ways in which she has failed to heed her own advice, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and her family.

Here's the full trailer:

The Undoing officially debuts on HBO on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. Eastern. The limited series will only just six episodes, which will air on subsequent Sundays and be available on HBO Max for streaming on demand.

]]> <![CDATA[ Hugh Grant to play disgraced Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe in BBC1's A Very English Scandal ]]> Hugh Grant has been cast in BBC1 drama A Very English Scandal as former Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe, who was sensationally accused of conspiring to murder his gay lover in the 1970s...

Hugh Grant is set to make a comeback to British television screens for the first time since the early 1990s by starring in new BBC1 drama A Very English Scandal.

The Hollywood star will be playing the disgraced MP and Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe, who in 1979 was tried but acquitted of conspiring to murder his ex-lover Norman Scott. The three-part drama is based on the book by John Preston, has been written by Russell T Davies and directed by Stephen Frears, while former EastEnders boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins, now of Blueprint Television, is executive producer.

Dominic, who's also executive producer of Kat & Alfie: Redwater, said: “Hugh is one our most iconic British actors – sharp, witty, deeply human and nuanced – and to have him play one of the most controversial figures of British politics is utterly thrilling. With Russell T Davies writing and Stephen Frears directing, A Very English Scandal unites the highest level of talent to bring this extraordinary true story to life.”

Controller of BBC drama, Piers Wenger, said: “Hugh Grant is an extraordinary actor and a worldwide star. I'm delighted that he is joining the BBC One family and I can't wait to see how he applies his unique talent bringing to life this mercurial role."

A Very English Scandal tells the shocking true story of the first British politician to stand trial for conspiracy and incitement to murder. In the late 1960s, homosexuality has only just been decriminalised, and Jeremy Thorpe, the leader of the Liberal Party and the youngest leader of any British political party in a hundred years, has a secret he's desperate to hide. As long as his ex-lover Norman Scott is around, Thorpe's brilliant career is at risk. Thorpe schemes and deceives, until he can see only one way to silence Scott for good.

Politics - Jeremy Thorpe - Liberal Party HQ, London

Jeremy Thorpe in 1967 (PA)

 

It's alleged that Jeremy Thorpe conspired with a fellow MP Peter Bessell and other dodgy individuals to hire an assassin to kill Norman Scott in 1975, but the plan went wrong when Norman's dog Rinka was shot instead. As the police became involved attention turned to Thorpe's involvement and his past homosexual relationship with Norman. Eventually he was arrested and the 'trial of the century' began in 1979.

It's yet to be announced who'll play Norman Scott or any of the other main players in the affair. A Very English Scandal is likely to be screened next year.

 

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/hugh-grant-play-disgraced-liberal-jeremy-thorpe-473102 rmYhKvBAfMr6nrjHCbToYL Mon, 22 May 2017 09:44:13 +0000 false false false

Hugh Grant has been cast in BBC1 drama A Very English Scandal as former Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe, who was sensationally accused of conspiring to murder his gay lover in the 1970s...

Hugh Grant is set to make a comeback to British television screens for the first time since the early 1990s by starring in new BBC1 drama A Very English Scandal.

The Hollywood star will be playing the disgraced MP and Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe, who in 1979 was tried but acquitted of conspiring to murder his ex-lover Norman Scott. The three-part drama is based on the book by John Preston, has been written by Russell T Davies and directed by Stephen Frears, while former EastEnders boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins, now of Blueprint Television, is executive producer.

Dominic, who's also executive producer of Kat & Alfie: Redwater, said: “Hugh is one our most iconic British actors – sharp, witty, deeply human and nuanced – and to have him play one of the most controversial figures of British politics is utterly thrilling. With Russell T Davies writing and Stephen Frears directing, A Very English Scandal unites the highest level of talent to bring this extraordinary true story to life.”

Controller of BBC drama, Piers Wenger, said: “Hugh Grant is an extraordinary actor and a worldwide star. I'm delighted that he is joining the BBC One family and I can't wait to see how he applies his unique talent bringing to life this mercurial role."

A Very English Scandal tells the shocking true story of the first British politician to stand trial for conspiracy and incitement to murder. In the late 1960s, homosexuality has only just been decriminalised, and Jeremy Thorpe, the leader of the Liberal Party and the youngest leader of any British political party in a hundred years, has a secret he's desperate to hide. As long as his ex-lover Norman Scott is around, Thorpe's brilliant career is at risk. Thorpe schemes and deceives, until he can see only one way to silence Scott for good.

Politics - Jeremy Thorpe - Liberal Party HQ, London

Jeremy Thorpe in 1967 (PA)

 

It's alleged that Jeremy Thorpe conspired with a fellow MP Peter Bessell and other dodgy individuals to hire an assassin to kill Norman Scott in 1975, but the plan went wrong when Norman's dog Rinka was shot instead. As the police became involved attention turned to Thorpe's involvement and his past homosexual relationship with Norman. Eventually he was arrested and the 'trial of the century' began in 1979.

It's yet to be announced who'll play Norman Scott or any of the other main players in the affair. A Very English Scandal is likely to be screened next year.

 

]]> <![CDATA[ Martine McCutcheon: ‘Hugh Grant dreaded dancing again for Red Nose Day Actually!’ ]]> Martine McCutcheon spills the beans on reuniting with Love Actually co-star Hugh Grant for a special sketch for Red Nose Day

It’s 14 years since classic rom-com Love Actually had us all weeping and laughing into our popcorn. Now its stars are reuniting for Red Nose Day Actually, a special Comic Relief sequel airing as part of BBC1's Red Nose Day extravaganza. TV Times caught up with former EastEnders actress Martine McCutcheon, who is reprising her role as former tealady Natalie, to find out more about her reunion with co-star Hugh Grant…

The new sketch sounds really exciting, what can you tell us about it? “It's revisiting all the characters that you loved from Love Actually and seeing where they are now all these years later. There is such a lot of goodwill for this because it's  for Comic Relief. The whole atmosphere has just been electrifyingly gorgeous, I didn’t realise how much I had missed it. I really loved Natalie as a character and the way she treated everybody the same including David the Prime Minister [Hugh Grant]. She was just so refreshingly honest, cute and quirky and the public seemed to really love her and her and David together.”

Where do we find them? “David and Natalie are married and he is now back as the Prime Minister at Downing Street and we see him at another press conference giving a speech about things that are happening today and that links in with Comic Relief and the good that we can do and the obstacles we are fighting. And Natalie is still there laughing and taking the mickey out of him. I really wanted them to have a happy-ever-after and have the modern-day fairytale and I was so pleased that they do.”

Was it good to work with Hugh again? “I was really excited to work with Hugh again because we have become friends. We've stayed in touch and over the years he's given me advice and we text eachother a lot, which is lovely. He is my partner in crime and it wouldn’t have been right for me to do this without him. We have each others' backs and we are just right together in this.”

He famously danced in the original Love Actually, does he do more dancing in the sketch? “Yes and he was dreading it! But what is so lovely is that he is so good but he always gets so nervous about everything because he wants it to be perfect. He knows that people deserve his best.”

Did you manage to catch up with any of the other Love Actually cast when you filmed the new sketch? “Not on set but the writer Richard Curtis threw us a ‘Supper Actually’ dinner party and most of us were there, it was lovely. I saw Colin Firth, Bill Nighy and loads of the gang and it was really an amazing, quite emotional dinner.”

Love Actually

Why is Love Actually still so special? “It has just got bigger and bigger and over the years has become a modern day It’s A Wonderful Life, which none of us really expected at the time. We thought it was just going to be a lovely movie that people needed after 9/11 and the horrible things that were going on in the world. We never thought that all these years later it would  become a Christmas tradition. It was so special to me personally too, I still pinch myself because I was so lucky to be in it. Even when I was focussing on babies and getting my health back on track, because of that one movie, offers were still coming in and I will always be grateful for that.”

Is it lovely to be part of Red Nose Day too? “Oh they are such special people and it does so much good. The people behind the scenes work relentlessly to give the best they can to the people that need it. I remember watching it as a kid and one of my favourite highlights was when Dawn French kissed Hugh, that was brilliant!”

What is next for you? “I have got my album coming out this year, my return to music after a decade away, which I am so excited about and I have concerts coming up. The album is a bit Fleetwood Mac-y, it is a bit classic singer-songwriter like Adele, although I can’t compare to her because she is just a genius, but it is those great classic songs and grown up rock pop music for adults. I am carrying on as a Loose Women panellist too and my most treasured job is being a mummy to Rafferty who is two now. I have also got a film out with Alan Davies called The Bromley Boys. It is nice to get back to being all of me again rather than just one part of me and I have missed that.”

Do you ever watch EastEnders? “No, because I don’t know anyone in it any more! I am like , "Who are you?" It would be like a busman’s holiday because I can’t ever watch it without knowing what goes on behind the scenes. The other soaps I can watch and not get too involved but when you are filming there, they are such long days and then when you are away you are like, ‘Yay I’m free!’”

Red Nose Day Actually will air on BBC1 as part of Red Nose Day on Friday 24th March

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/martine-mccutcheon-excited-work-hugh-grant-red-nose-day-actually-459795 a9jb43MtEyq1AnFkHhygMj Tue, 14 Mar 2017 17:10:39 +0000 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:29:06 +0000 false false false

Martine McCutcheon spills the beans on reuniting with Love Actually co-star Hugh Grant for a special sketch for Red Nose Day

It’s 14 years since classic rom-com Love Actually had us all weeping and laughing into our popcorn. Now its stars are reuniting for Red Nose Day Actually, a special Comic Relief sequel airing as part of BBC1's Red Nose Day extravaganza. TV Times caught up with former EastEnders actress Martine McCutcheon, who is reprising her role as former tealady Natalie, to find out more about her reunion with co-star Hugh Grant…

The new sketch sounds really exciting, what can you tell us about it? “It's revisiting all the characters that you loved from Love Actually and seeing where they are now all these years later. There is such a lot of goodwill for this because it's  for Comic Relief. The whole atmosphere has just been electrifyingly gorgeous, I didn’t realise how much I had missed it. I really loved Natalie as a character and the way she treated everybody the same including David the Prime Minister [Hugh Grant]. She was just so refreshingly honest, cute and quirky and the public seemed to really love her and her and David together.”

Where do we find them? “David and Natalie are married and he is now back as the Prime Minister at Downing Street and we see him at another press conference giving a speech about things that are happening today and that links in with Comic Relief and the good that we can do and the obstacles we are fighting. And Natalie is still there laughing and taking the mickey out of him. I really wanted them to have a happy-ever-after and have the modern-day fairytale and I was so pleased that they do.”

Was it good to work with Hugh again? “I was really excited to work with Hugh again because we have become friends. We've stayed in touch and over the years he's given me advice and we text eachother a lot, which is lovely. He is my partner in crime and it wouldn’t have been right for me to do this without him. We have each others' backs and we are just right together in this.”

He famously danced in the original Love Actually, does he do more dancing in the sketch? “Yes and he was dreading it! But what is so lovely is that he is so good but he always gets so nervous about everything because he wants it to be perfect. He knows that people deserve his best.”

Did you manage to catch up with any of the other Love Actually cast when you filmed the new sketch? “Not on set but the writer Richard Curtis threw us a ‘Supper Actually’ dinner party and most of us were there, it was lovely. I saw Colin Firth, Bill Nighy and loads of the gang and it was really an amazing, quite emotional dinner.”

Love Actually

Why is Love Actually still so special? “It has just got bigger and bigger and over the years has become a modern day It’s A Wonderful Life, which none of us really expected at the time. We thought it was just going to be a lovely movie that people needed after 9/11 and the horrible things that were going on in the world. We never thought that all these years later it would  become a Christmas tradition. It was so special to me personally too, I still pinch myself because I was so lucky to be in it. Even when I was focussing on babies and getting my health back on track, because of that one movie, offers were still coming in and I will always be grateful for that.”

Is it lovely to be part of Red Nose Day too? “Oh they are such special people and it does so much good. The people behind the scenes work relentlessly to give the best they can to the people that need it. I remember watching it as a kid and one of my favourite highlights was when Dawn French kissed Hugh, that was brilliant!”

What is next for you? “I have got my album coming out this year, my return to music after a decade away, which I am so excited about and I have concerts coming up. The album is a bit Fleetwood Mac-y, it is a bit classic singer-songwriter like Adele, although I can’t compare to her because she is just a genius, but it is those great classic songs and grown up rock pop music for adults. I am carrying on as a Loose Women panellist too and my most treasured job is being a mummy to Rafferty who is two now. I have also got a film out with Alan Davies called The Bromley Boys. It is nice to get back to being all of me again rather than just one part of me and I have missed that.”

Do you ever watch EastEnders? “No, because I don’t know anyone in it any more! I am like , "Who are you?" It would be like a busman’s holiday because I can’t ever watch it without knowing what goes on behind the scenes. The other soaps I can watch and not get too involved but when you are filming there, they are such long days and then when you are away you are like, ‘Yay I’m free!’”

Red Nose Day Actually will air on BBC1 as part of Red Nose Day on Friday 24th March

]]> <![CDATA[ Watch Hugh Grant, Ryan Gosling and other celebs read out horrible tweets about themselves ]]> US chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live! has compiled a segment featuring their guest celebrities reading out horrible tweets about themselves – and it's hilarious

The latest edition of US chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live! saw a host of celebrities read out some pretty horrible social media messages for the popular Mean Tweets segment of the show.

The likes of actors Ryan Gosling, Hugh Grant and Kate Hudson were among the stars who took part, each of them happily dictating less-than-flattering Twitter posts about themselves.

Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel has rounded up a new group of celebrities to take part in Mean Tweets (Chris Pizzello/AP/PA Images)

 

The US chat show host originally started the funny segment back in 2012, and it has gone on to become one of the best things about his programme.

But the latest edition is perhaps one of the best, thanks to British actor Hugh’s response to one Twitter user saying he has “stutteringly pathetic’charm’”.

Love Actually star Hugh laughed at the message, and replied: “Are these real or do you make them up to be especially nasty?”

Ryan read out a tweet that asked: “Why does Ryan Gosling always look like he’s trying to squeeze a fart out without making any noise?”

Keeping it real, the Drive actor responded: “Because I’m a gentleman.”

Kate couldn’t hide her giggles as she was described by one social media hater as “a dead-eyed trash bag that smells like low tide”.

Other notable tweets were read out by Olivia Wilde, Zac Efron, Russell Crowe and Bryan Cranston.

And Zac read out a tweet that said: “Has Zac Efron ever been in a film where he didn’t play a total douche? I’ve never seen one of his films, I’m just judging by his face.”

Breaking Bad star Bryan was incredibly amused with his tweet, which read: “Bryan Cranston looks like Jim Carrey impersonating Matthew McConaughey.”

Ryan Gosling

 

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/hugh-grant-mean-tweets-417047 cY2a3PEJqjYtEGQ2dHRWwa Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:35:24 +0000 false false false

US chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live! has compiled a segment featuring their guest celebrities reading out horrible tweets about themselves – and it's hilarious

The latest edition of US chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live! saw a host of celebrities read out some pretty horrible social media messages for the popular Mean Tweets segment of the show.

The likes of actors Ryan Gosling, Hugh Grant and Kate Hudson were among the stars who took part, each of them happily dictating less-than-flattering Twitter posts about themselves.

Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel has rounded up a new group of celebrities to take part in Mean Tweets (Chris Pizzello/AP/PA Images)

 

The US chat show host originally started the funny segment back in 2012, and it has gone on to become one of the best things about his programme.

But the latest edition is perhaps one of the best, thanks to British actor Hugh’s response to one Twitter user saying he has “stutteringly pathetic’charm’”.

Love Actually star Hugh laughed at the message, and replied: “Are these real or do you make them up to be especially nasty?”

Ryan read out a tweet that asked: “Why does Ryan Gosling always look like he’s trying to squeeze a fart out without making any noise?”

Keeping it real, the Drive actor responded: “Because I’m a gentleman.”

Kate couldn’t hide her giggles as she was described by one social media hater as “a dead-eyed trash bag that smells like low tide”.

Other notable tweets were read out by Olivia Wilde, Zac Efron, Russell Crowe and Bryan Cranston.

And Zac read out a tweet that said: “Has Zac Efron ever been in a film where he didn’t play a total douche? I’ve never seen one of his films, I’m just judging by his face.”

Breaking Bad star Bryan was incredibly amused with his tweet, which read: “Bryan Cranston looks like Jim Carrey impersonating Matthew McConaughey.”

Ryan Gosling

 

]]> <![CDATA[ Florence Foster Jenkins | DVD review - Meryl Streep is hilariously on song as the worst opera singer in the world ]]>

Florence Foster Jenkins Meryl Streep

(Image credit: PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Wall)

Wealthy New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins has gone down in history as the worst opera singer in the world. Yet in Stephen Frears’ tender, warm-hearted biopic starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant she proves to be far more than a figure of fun.

The film finds hilarity in Florence’s awfulness as a singer, but it also finds something admirable about her pursuit of her musical dreams in 1940s Manhattan.

A typically droll Hugh Grant plays Florence’s loyal partner, St Clair Bayfield, the failed English actor who manages her amateur career; and The Big Bang Theory’s Simon Helberg is her naïve piano accompanist, Cosmé McMoon, who can’t believe his ears when he first hears Florence sing.

As the story builds towards Florence’s legendary Carnegie Hall concert of 1944, the film proves surprisingly gripping as well as uproariously funny. Streep, as you would expect, is a joy. She reproduces the hideous racket Florence made with impressive fidelity, yet she also gives us moving insight into the heartaches and tragedies that lay behind the heiress’s burning desire to perform.

Florence couldn’t hit the right note with a blunderbuss. Streep’s performance is pitch perfect.

starstrip4.gif

Certificate PG. Runtime 106 mins. Director Stephen Frears

Florence Foster Jenkins is available on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRVCNffvKk

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/dvd-releases/florence-foster-jenkins-dvd-review-406690 xnFXzwz5ysGgpepFhvvJwY Mon, 05 Sep 2016 06:00:05 +0000 false false false

Florence Foster Jenkins Meryl Streep

(Image credit: PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Wall)

Wealthy New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins has gone down in history as the worst opera singer in the world. Yet in Stephen Frears’ tender, warm-hearted biopic starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant she proves to be far more than a figure of fun.

The film finds hilarity in Florence’s awfulness as a singer, but it also finds something admirable about her pursuit of her musical dreams in 1940s Manhattan.

A typically droll Hugh Grant plays Florence’s loyal partner, St Clair Bayfield, the failed English actor who manages her amateur career; and The Big Bang Theory’s Simon Helberg is her naïve piano accompanist, Cosmé McMoon, who can’t believe his ears when he first hears Florence sing.

As the story builds towards Florence’s legendary Carnegie Hall concert of 1944, the film proves surprisingly gripping as well as uproariously funny. Streep, as you would expect, is a joy. She reproduces the hideous racket Florence made with impressive fidelity, yet she also gives us moving insight into the heartaches and tragedies that lay behind the heiress’s burning desire to perform.

Florence couldn’t hit the right note with a blunderbuss. Streep’s performance is pitch perfect.

starstrip4.gif

Certificate PG. Runtime 106 mins. Director Stephen Frears

Florence Foster Jenkins is available on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRVCNffvKk

]]> <![CDATA[ Florence Foster Jenkins | Film review - Hilarious! Yet much more than a figure of fun ]]>

Florence Foster Jenkins Meryl Streep.jpg

(Image credit: Photo Nick Wall)

Wealthy New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins has gone down in history as the worst opera singer ever. Whenever she set sail on the high Cs, music lovers would be left feeling queasy while everyone else would be struggling to stifle hoots of laughter. Yet in Stephen Frears' tender, generously warm-hearted biopic starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant she proves to be far more than a figure of fun.

Indeed, while the film finds hilarity in Florence’s awfulness as a singer it also finds something admirable about her pursuit of her musical dreams in 1940s Manhattan - even if those dreams are sustained by a massive fortune, equally large amounts of self-delusion and the loyal support of her partner, St Clair Bayfield.

Played with typically droll suavity by Hugh Grant, failed English thespian St Clair manages Florence’s amateur career, arranging her private recitals and coaxing everyone in her orbit – including pliant singing teachers and journalists – into delivering a positive response whenever she opens her mouth to sing.

As the story builds towards Florence’s legendary Carnegie Hall concert of 1944 – her first performance before an uncontrollable public audience rather than tractable private one – the film proves surprisingly gripping as well as uproariously funny.

How bad will Florence’s singing prove? And how will her listeners respond, starting with her naïve, newly hired piano accompanist, Cosmé McMoon (played by The Big Bang Theory’s Simon Helberg)? The film also keeps us on tenterhooks wondering about St Clair’s true motives. Is his loyalty the product of love or simply a means to enjoy the lavish lifestyle Florence’s fortune enables?

Frears and his actors juggle these questions with admirable dexterity, pulling off the feat of being simultaneously funny and touching. Streep, as you would expect, is a joy. Undubbed, she reproduces the hideous racket Florence made with impressive fidelity, yet she also gives us moving insight into the heartaches and tragedies lying behind the heiress’s burning desire to perform. Florence couldn’t hit the right note with a blunderbuss, but Streep’s performance is pitch perfect.

Certificate PG. Runtime 110 mins. Director Stephen Frears

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRVCNffvKk

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/florence-foster-jenkins-film-review-hilarious-yet-much-more-than-a-figure-of-fun-308284 n2iktehrDr9htS9KnAgoPn Fri, 06 May 2016 15:32:00 +0000 false false false

Florence Foster Jenkins Meryl Streep.jpg

(Image credit: Photo Nick Wall)

Wealthy New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins has gone down in history as the worst opera singer ever. Whenever she set sail on the high Cs, music lovers would be left feeling queasy while everyone else would be struggling to stifle hoots of laughter. Yet in Stephen Frears' tender, generously warm-hearted biopic starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant she proves to be far more than a figure of fun.

Indeed, while the film finds hilarity in Florence’s awfulness as a singer it also finds something admirable about her pursuit of her musical dreams in 1940s Manhattan - even if those dreams are sustained by a massive fortune, equally large amounts of self-delusion and the loyal support of her partner, St Clair Bayfield.

Played with typically droll suavity by Hugh Grant, failed English thespian St Clair manages Florence’s amateur career, arranging her private recitals and coaxing everyone in her orbit – including pliant singing teachers and journalists – into delivering a positive response whenever she opens her mouth to sing.

As the story builds towards Florence’s legendary Carnegie Hall concert of 1944 – her first performance before an uncontrollable public audience rather than tractable private one – the film proves surprisingly gripping as well as uproariously funny.

How bad will Florence’s singing prove? And how will her listeners respond, starting with her naïve, newly hired piano accompanist, Cosmé McMoon (played by The Big Bang Theory’s Simon Helberg)? The film also keeps us on tenterhooks wondering about St Clair’s true motives. Is his loyalty the product of love or simply a means to enjoy the lavish lifestyle Florence’s fortune enables?

Frears and his actors juggle these questions with admirable dexterity, pulling off the feat of being simultaneously funny and touching. Streep, as you would expect, is a joy. Undubbed, she reproduces the hideous racket Florence made with impressive fidelity, yet she also gives us moving insight into the heartaches and tragedies lying behind the heiress’s burning desire to perform. Florence couldn’t hit the right note with a blunderbuss, but Streep’s performance is pitch perfect.

Certificate PG. Runtime 110 mins. Director Stephen Frears

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rRVCNffvKk

]]> <![CDATA[ Top 10 Romantic Movies | No.2 ]]> Love, Actually , 2003

 Director: Richard Curtis

 

Love, Actually - Top 10 Romantic Films.jpg

A festive flick that follows the lives of eight couples struggling with love in the city of London, Love, Actually is a brilliantly British example of all things to expect from a film about love. 

The star-studded cast includes such familiar faces as Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson and the late Alan Rickman, but the characters are rather more unexpected. What other rom-com could boast a questionably young Prime Minister, a pair of shy sex scene body doubles and an old rock star hoping to resurrect his career?

Even so, the film ticks all the boxes for a great romantic film by portraying typical and some not so typical love stories. As clichéd as it may sound, there is something for everyone as (here comes the second cliché) love has no boundaries in this story.

Best Movie Quote: “But the truth is, I’m in love and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

The countdown continues... No.1 

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/top-10-romantic-movies-no2-308879 gTcHUbgMT8hdgV3VqVk6A6 Fri, 05 Feb 2016 12:04:00 +0000 false false false

Love, Actually , 2003

 Director: Richard Curtis

 

Love, Actually - Top 10 Romantic Films.jpg

A festive flick that follows the lives of eight couples struggling with love in the city of London, Love, Actually is a brilliantly British example of all things to expect from a film about love. 

The star-studded cast includes such familiar faces as Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson and the late Alan Rickman, but the characters are rather more unexpected. What other rom-com could boast a questionably young Prime Minister, a pair of shy sex scene body doubles and an old rock star hoping to resurrect his career?

Even so, the film ticks all the boxes for a great romantic film by portraying typical and some not so typical love stories. As clichéd as it may sound, there is something for everyone as (here comes the second cliché) love has no boundaries in this story.

Best Movie Quote: “But the truth is, I’m in love and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

The countdown continues... No.1 

]]> <![CDATA[ Top 10 Romantic Movies | No.7 ]]> Bridget Jones’s Diary , 2001

 Director: Sharon Maguire

 

Bridget Jones' Diary - Top 10 Romantic Films.jpg

While Renée Zellweger tries to play the strong and independent woman who ‘don’t need no man’, she is anything but. Every woman desires to be fought over by two men, especially if those men are the (typically typecast) charming but mischievous Hugh Grant and the ultimate British gentleman Colin Firth. 

This is a film where the girl chooses the bad guy and yet, somehow, the good guy sticks around in the sidelines until the girl realises that she is a fool. Windows are smashed, punches are thrown and blue soup is consumed all before we’re all whisked off our feet crying with happiness for once.

Best Movie Quote: “I like you very much, just as you are.”

 The countdown continues... No.6

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/top-10-romantic-movies-no7-308910 69gyjxvh9Y5qjsqjVnARy Fri, 05 Feb 2016 12:04:00 +0000 false false false

Bridget Jones’s Diary , 2001

 Director: Sharon Maguire

 

Bridget Jones' Diary - Top 10 Romantic Films.jpg

While Renée Zellweger tries to play the strong and independent woman who ‘don’t need no man’, she is anything but. Every woman desires to be fought over by two men, especially if those men are the (typically typecast) charming but mischievous Hugh Grant and the ultimate British gentleman Colin Firth. 

This is a film where the girl chooses the bad guy and yet, somehow, the good guy sticks around in the sidelines until the girl realises that she is a fool. Windows are smashed, punches are thrown and blue soup is consumed all before we’re all whisked off our feet crying with happiness for once.

Best Movie Quote: “I like you very much, just as you are.”

 The countdown continues... No.6

]]> <![CDATA[ Hugh Grant's Four Weddings role has 'infected' male TV performances, says top director ]]> Russell T Davies has complained that Hugh Grant’s bumbling character in Four Weddings And A Funeral has 'infected the whole of fiction'.

Russell, who was responsible for the return to TV of Doctor Who, said that he was determined to create the antithesis of Hugh’s alter ego, Charles, in his new Channel 4 drama, Cucumber.

He told Radio Times magazine: “It’s infected the whole of fiction, so that men in every drama you turn on are mostly playing variations of Hugh Grant in Four Weddings.

Hugh Grant as Charles in Four Weddings

Hugh Grant as Charles in Four Weddings (United Archives/IFTN/DPA)

“They’ve been doing this for 20 years. I absolutely wanted to stop that. Everything is written in that tone of voice now, the ironic tone of voice. The not-quite-being-honest voice,” he said.

Russell, who created Queer As Folk, examines 'the passions and pitfalls of 21st century gay life' in Cucumber.

Vincent Franklin stars as Henry Best in Cucumber (Channel 4)

Vincent Franklin stars as Henry Best in Cucumber (Channel 4)

He insisted that he loved Hugh in Four Weddings And A Funeral, but said of his new protagonist, Henry: “I wanted to write a man who doesn’t resort to those speech patterns. I could do that reflexive voice for Henry easily, but I just want to make him tougher and harder.”

 

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/hugh-grants-four-weddings-role-has-infected-male-tv-performances-says-top-director-71209 a4CrC3vy1QKTVg4Kwx9FAx Tue, 13 Jan 2015 09:03:00 +0000 false false false

Russell T Davies has complained that Hugh Grant’s bumbling character in Four Weddings And A Funeral has 'infected the whole of fiction'.

Russell, who was responsible for the return to TV of Doctor Who, said that he was determined to create the antithesis of Hugh’s alter ego, Charles, in his new Channel 4 drama, Cucumber.

He told Radio Times magazine: “It’s infected the whole of fiction, so that men in every drama you turn on are mostly playing variations of Hugh Grant in Four Weddings.

Hugh Grant as Charles in Four Weddings

Hugh Grant as Charles in Four Weddings (United Archives/IFTN/DPA)

“They’ve been doing this for 20 years. I absolutely wanted to stop that. Everything is written in that tone of voice now, the ironic tone of voice. The not-quite-being-honest voice,” he said.

Russell, who created Queer As Folk, examines 'the passions and pitfalls of 21st century gay life' in Cucumber.

Vincent Franklin stars as Henry Best in Cucumber (Channel 4)

Vincent Franklin stars as Henry Best in Cucumber (Channel 4)

He insisted that he loved Hugh in Four Weddings And A Funeral, but said of his new protagonist, Henry: “I wanted to write a man who doesn’t resort to those speech patterns. I could do that reflexive voice for Henry easily, but I just want to make him tougher and harder.”

 

]]> <![CDATA[ Thought for the Day from Notting Hill ]]>

(Image credit: Contract Number (Programme))

"Why does a man take it for granted that a girl who flirts with him wants him to kiss her - when, nine times out of ten, she only wants him to want to kiss her?"

Notting Hill (1999)

This film was criticised on its release for presenting a misleading picture of the Notting Hill area. What do you think? Discuss this film on our Movie Talk Facebook page or Movie Talk Twitter stream

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/thought-for-the-day-from-notting-hill-323665 9ECYkQM523Du7c8ku8MbLV Sun, 28 Aug 2011 08:00:00 +0000 false false false

(Image credit: Contract Number (Programme))

"Why does a man take it for granted that a girl who flirts with him wants him to kiss her - when, nine times out of ten, she only wants him to want to kiss her?"

Notting Hill (1999)

This film was criticised on its release for presenting a misleading picture of the Notting Hill area. What do you think? Discuss this film on our Movie Talk Facebook page or Movie Talk Twitter stream

]]> <![CDATA[ Couch Potato Wedges - Dipping into some lesser-known Love Actually trivia ]]>

Love Actually, Hugh Grant

  • Teaser:

Love Actually features the lead actors from another well-known movie. I'll leave you pondering that thought. More on that later...

Love Actually, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman

  • Cameos

Can you name all of the Love Actually cameos? No doubt you can reel off Claudia Schiffer, Rowan Atkinson, Denise Richards, Billy Bob Thornton. And with some more thought you can probably come up with Shannon Elizabeth, Parky, Ant & Dec and Jo Whiley. But did you know that soul singer Ruby Turner stars as schoolkid Joanna's mother? And, did you spot French actress Jeanne Moreau in the scene at Marseilles airport?

Love Actually, Rowan Atkinson

  • Bernard

Are you aware that writer/director Richard Curtis always makes a mockery of a character called Bernard in his films and sitcoms?

Four Weddings and a Funeral has David Hague's buffoon-like Bernard marrying Lydia in the second wedding. In Bridget Jones's Diary Dominic McHale's Bernard also falls victim to that fancy dress party mix-up. In Bean, there's Sandra Oh's Bernice. In Notting Hill, Hugh Bonneville's Bernie bumbles his way through numerous social blunders with actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). I have to admit that I can't find an obvious Bernard in The Boat That Rocked, but I'm now going to have to revisit it. I bet there's one  in there somewhere.

And then there's the TV shows. In Blackadder, Nursie's real name is Bernard. And in The Vicar of Dibley, five of Alice and Hugo's children are named Bernard.

So where is the Bernard in Love Actually?

Love Actually, William Wadham, EmmaThompson

Well, it's actually Bernie - the son of Karen (Emma Thompson) and Harry (Alan Rickman) - played by William Wadham. But this character appears to escape the Curtis mockery because his big scene was deleted.

Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsD-6LHgN90&fs=1

By the way, the reason for Curtis's obsession with this name is apparently because he had a love rival called Bernard in his younger days.

  • The Missing Story:

Did you know that there was another love story planned for this episodic  film featuring the Anne Reid character from the above clip?

Here it is, complete with Richard Curtis's explanation for its deletion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ao_heePixQ&fs=1

Such a shame it didn't stay in. I'd have picked that above the silly Colin Frissell (Kris Marshall) and the American girls sketches any day.

  • Actually watching Love Actually:

It's essential festive season viewing in my household. Check out my favourite Love Actually moments here.

If you haven't yet watched Love Actually this Christmas, then check it out tonight, Thursday 30th December, on ITV2 at 10.45pm.

  • Teaser Answer:

Love Actually, Liam Neeson, Thomas Sangster

And finally, the answer to my opening teaser -  which big movie shares its four lead actors with Love Actually?

Sense and Sensibility is the answer. Clearly Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman star, but remember, Kate Winslet also features in that scene where Daniel (Liam Neeson) and Sam (Thomas Sangster) act out the 'I'm the King of the Waves' scene from Titanic!

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/couch-potato-wedges-dipping-into-some-lesser-known-love-actually-trivia-324887 ddEvQhGQtxnodgrR5CNsB Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 +0000 false false false

Love Actually, Hugh Grant

  • Teaser:

Love Actually features the lead actors from another well-known movie. I'll leave you pondering that thought. More on that later...

Love Actually, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman

  • Cameos

Can you name all of the Love Actually cameos? No doubt you can reel off Claudia Schiffer, Rowan Atkinson, Denise Richards, Billy Bob Thornton. And with some more thought you can probably come up with Shannon Elizabeth, Parky, Ant & Dec and Jo Whiley. But did you know that soul singer Ruby Turner stars as schoolkid Joanna's mother? And, did you spot French actress Jeanne Moreau in the scene at Marseilles airport?

Love Actually, Rowan Atkinson

  • Bernard

Are you aware that writer/director Richard Curtis always makes a mockery of a character called Bernard in his films and sitcoms?

Four Weddings and a Funeral has David Hague's buffoon-like Bernard marrying Lydia in the second wedding. In Bridget Jones's Diary Dominic McHale's Bernard also falls victim to that fancy dress party mix-up. In Bean, there's Sandra Oh's Bernice. In Notting Hill, Hugh Bonneville's Bernie bumbles his way through numerous social blunders with actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). I have to admit that I can't find an obvious Bernard in The Boat That Rocked, but I'm now going to have to revisit it. I bet there's one  in there somewhere.

And then there's the TV shows. In Blackadder, Nursie's real name is Bernard. And in The Vicar of Dibley, five of Alice and Hugo's children are named Bernard.

So where is the Bernard in Love Actually?

Love Actually, William Wadham, EmmaThompson

Well, it's actually Bernie - the son of Karen (Emma Thompson) and Harry (Alan Rickman) - played by William Wadham. But this character appears to escape the Curtis mockery because his big scene was deleted.

Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsD-6LHgN90&fs=1

By the way, the reason for Curtis's obsession with this name is apparently because he had a love rival called Bernard in his younger days.

  • The Missing Story:

Did you know that there was another love story planned for this episodic  film featuring the Anne Reid character from the above clip?

Here it is, complete with Richard Curtis's explanation for its deletion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ao_heePixQ&fs=1

Such a shame it didn't stay in. I'd have picked that above the silly Colin Frissell (Kris Marshall) and the American girls sketches any day.

  • Actually watching Love Actually:

It's essential festive season viewing in my household. Check out my favourite Love Actually moments here.

If you haven't yet watched Love Actually this Christmas, then check it out tonight, Thursday 30th December, on ITV2 at 10.45pm.

  • Teaser Answer:

Love Actually, Liam Neeson, Thomas Sangster

And finally, the answer to my opening teaser -  which big movie shares its four lead actors with Love Actually?

Sense and Sensibility is the answer. Clearly Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman star, but remember, Kate Winslet also features in that scene where Daniel (Liam Neeson) and Sam (Thomas Sangster) act out the 'I'm the King of the Waves' scene from Titanic!

]]> <![CDATA[ Does Colin Firth have a point about the plight of gay actors? ]]> Earlier this week A Single Man star and Oscar nominee Colin Firth voiced some long overdue statements about the problem that exists for gay actors in Hollywood. Click here for the full news story.

A SINGLE MAN, COLIN FIRTH

"If you're known as a straight guy playing a gay role, you get rewarded for that," he says. "If you're a gay man and you want to play a straight role, you don't get cast - and if a gay man wants to play a gay role now, you don't get cast."

It's true. How many big name 'out' Hollywood actors can you think of? There are one or two Brits who've crossed over into LaLa land (Alan Cumming, Rupert Everett, Ian McKellen, Stephen Fry, Simon Callow), but of the Americans I can think of no big name male actors (the women are few and far between too. With the exception of Cynthia Nixon, they've all stopped making movies). So yes, Mr Firth is right, if you're an out gay man and you want to play 'a gay role or a 'straight role', you don't get cast.

A SINGLE MAN, COLIN FIRTH

Which brings me to my next question - how many mainstream movies can you think of that actually have central gay roles?

Think about it - I'm not talking about those gay characters that pepper the periphery of the action like Julia Roberts's gay friend (Rupert Everett) in My Best Friend's Wedding, Hugh Grant's boisterous pal (Simon Callow) in Four Weddings and a Funeral, or Meryl Streep's former sweetheart (Colin Firth) in Mamma Mia! No, I'm talking about films with central characters who are gay.

It's difficult, but I've thought long and hard and here is my list of all the mainstream films I can think of featuring central characters who are gay. Its brevity is alarming.

So let's see if Firth is right. How many of these gay characters are played by 'out' gay actors?

Brokeback Mountain: Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal - not gay

Milk: Sean Penn - not gay

A Single Man: Colin Firth - not gay

Capote: Philip Seymour Hoffman - not gay

Infamous: Toby Jones - not gay

Imagine Me and You: Piper Perabo, Lena Headey - not gay

The Birdcage: Robin Williams - not gay. Nathan Lane - yes, he's gay!

The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert: Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce, Hugo Weaving - none are gay

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar:  Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo - not gay

Wilde: Stephen Fry - yes gay, Jude Law - no, not gay

Far From Heaven: Dennis Quaid - not gay

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: Kevin Spacey - not gay, he says.

Philadelphia: Tom Hanks - not gay

Maurice: Hugh Grant,  James Wilby - not gay

Food for thought eh?

If you're prepared to stay up into the early hours then you can catch The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at 1.15am tonight (3rd Feb) on TCM

Or you could stay up even later tomorrow night to watch  To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar at 4am on Sky  Screen 1 HD

Click here to check out more film news.

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/does-colin-firth-have-a-point-about-the-plight-of-gay-actors-325427 vCF3fxeNeks9yLYrks3hbN Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0000 false false false

Earlier this week A Single Man star and Oscar nominee Colin Firth voiced some long overdue statements about the problem that exists for gay actors in Hollywood. Click here for the full news story.

A SINGLE MAN, COLIN FIRTH

"If you're known as a straight guy playing a gay role, you get rewarded for that," he says. "If you're a gay man and you want to play a straight role, you don't get cast - and if a gay man wants to play a gay role now, you don't get cast."

It's true. How many big name 'out' Hollywood actors can you think of? There are one or two Brits who've crossed over into LaLa land (Alan Cumming, Rupert Everett, Ian McKellen, Stephen Fry, Simon Callow), but of the Americans I can think of no big name male actors (the women are few and far between too. With the exception of Cynthia Nixon, they've all stopped making movies). So yes, Mr Firth is right, if you're an out gay man and you want to play 'a gay role or a 'straight role', you don't get cast.

A SINGLE MAN, COLIN FIRTH

Which brings me to my next question - how many mainstream movies can you think of that actually have central gay roles?

Think about it - I'm not talking about those gay characters that pepper the periphery of the action like Julia Roberts's gay friend (Rupert Everett) in My Best Friend's Wedding, Hugh Grant's boisterous pal (Simon Callow) in Four Weddings and a Funeral, or Meryl Streep's former sweetheart (Colin Firth) in Mamma Mia! No, I'm talking about films with central characters who are gay.

It's difficult, but I've thought long and hard and here is my list of all the mainstream films I can think of featuring central characters who are gay. Its brevity is alarming.

So let's see if Firth is right. How many of these gay characters are played by 'out' gay actors?

Brokeback Mountain: Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal - not gay

Milk: Sean Penn - not gay

A Single Man: Colin Firth - not gay

Capote: Philip Seymour Hoffman - not gay

Infamous: Toby Jones - not gay

Imagine Me and You: Piper Perabo, Lena Headey - not gay

The Birdcage: Robin Williams - not gay. Nathan Lane - yes, he's gay!

The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert: Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce, Hugo Weaving - none are gay

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar:  Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo - not gay

Wilde: Stephen Fry - yes gay, Jude Law - no, not gay

Far From Heaven: Dennis Quaid - not gay

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: Kevin Spacey - not gay, he says.

Philadelphia: Tom Hanks - not gay

Maurice: Hugh Grant,  James Wilby - not gay

Food for thought eh?

If you're prepared to stay up into the early hours then you can catch The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at 1.15am tonight (3rd Feb) on TCM

Or you could stay up even later tomorrow night to watch  To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar at 4am on Sky  Screen 1 HD

Click here to check out more film news.

]]> <![CDATA[ Couch Potato Pickings | The Wedding Date and Hollywood’s Britain ]]>

The Wedding Date, Dermot Mulroney,Debra Messing

In this frothy movie, Will & Grace's Debra Messing plays single New Yorker Kat Ellis. With her half-sister's London wedding looming, Kat realises that she must finally confront her old life and her ex-fiancé, so she hires escort Nick Mercer (Dermot Mulroney) to fly over to London with her and pose as her boyfriend. So the phoney lovers are given a room at her parents' place and attempt to keep up the masquerade.

The Wedding Date, Dermot Mulroney,Debra Messing

While Kat puts everything into showing her ex (and the groom's best man) Jeff that she's over him, Nick goes all out to convince the guests that he and Kat are madly in love. But what's the point of it all, when Kat's ex Jeff is too busy lusting after bride Amy Adams to notice her. Well, love works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?

It's throwaway, rom com fluff this, but sometimes that's all you want of an evening.

The Wedding Date, Dermot Mulroney,Debra Messing

I love how this movie has Kat's parents living in your average London home.  You know the type of thing - a roomy, 4-5 storey townhouse with a boat outside.

Yes, this film joins the ranks of those other Hollywood movies set in Britain. As we all know, Britain is a nation of castles, churches and country inns (Four Weddings and a Funeral). It's common knowledge that young, singletons can afford to live in centrally-located period apartments (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason). Asked to name a classy, refined and safe London neighbourhood, Notting Hill would be the obvious choice (Carnival? What's that?). I believe that everyone in Scotland lives in a castle (Made of Honor). Columnists on national newspapers all tend to live in large country cottages on the commuter belt (The Holiday). Oh, yes, and if you're a wedding dress designer, then of course you'll live in a massive townhouse and have your own butler (The Parent Trap).

Need I go on? Can you think of any Hollywood films that present the UK as it actually is?

The Wedding Date is showing today (22nd January) on Film4 at 9pm.

Click here to check out other movies showing today on UK TV

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/couch-potato-pickings-the-wedding-date-and-hollywood-s-britain-325308 cMWFFzhwtS7THHKATQ6um7 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0000 false false false

The Wedding Date, Dermot Mulroney,Debra Messing

In this frothy movie, Will & Grace's Debra Messing plays single New Yorker Kat Ellis. With her half-sister's London wedding looming, Kat realises that she must finally confront her old life and her ex-fiancé, so she hires escort Nick Mercer (Dermot Mulroney) to fly over to London with her and pose as her boyfriend. So the phoney lovers are given a room at her parents' place and attempt to keep up the masquerade.

The Wedding Date, Dermot Mulroney,Debra Messing

While Kat puts everything into showing her ex (and the groom's best man) Jeff that she's over him, Nick goes all out to convince the guests that he and Kat are madly in love. But what's the point of it all, when Kat's ex Jeff is too busy lusting after bride Amy Adams to notice her. Well, love works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?

It's throwaway, rom com fluff this, but sometimes that's all you want of an evening.

The Wedding Date, Dermot Mulroney,Debra Messing

I love how this movie has Kat's parents living in your average London home.  You know the type of thing - a roomy, 4-5 storey townhouse with a boat outside.

Yes, this film joins the ranks of those other Hollywood movies set in Britain. As we all know, Britain is a nation of castles, churches and country inns (Four Weddings and a Funeral). It's common knowledge that young, singletons can afford to live in centrally-located period apartments (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason). Asked to name a classy, refined and safe London neighbourhood, Notting Hill would be the obvious choice (Carnival? What's that?). I believe that everyone in Scotland lives in a castle (Made of Honor). Columnists on national newspapers all tend to live in large country cottages on the commuter belt (The Holiday). Oh, yes, and if you're a wedding dress designer, then of course you'll live in a massive townhouse and have your own butler (The Parent Trap).

Need I go on? Can you think of any Hollywood films that present the UK as it actually is?

The Wedding Date is showing today (22nd January) on Film4 at 9pm.

Click here to check out other movies showing today on UK TV

]]> <![CDATA[ Best Christmas Moments in the Movies ]]> If you could take a handful of moments from the movies to create your ideal Christmas, what would they be?

These are mine:

Best Christmas Shopping trip: Serendipity

Serendipity, john cusack,kate beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack battle it out for a pair of gloves in Bloomingdales, but instead of allowing the shopping stress to get to them they decide to get to know each other a little better...

Serendipity is showing on Christmas Eve on BBC1 at 1.05am

Best Office Party: A Christmas Carol (Patrick Stewart version)

A Christmas Carol

The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge back to his younger days as an apprentice when his boss Mr Fezziwig would host an annual festive knees-up for his employees and friends.

A Christmas Carol is showing on Christmas Eve on Five at 7.05pm

Best Christmas Tree Decorating Moment: Unlikely Angel

If Dolly Parton offered to help you decorate your tree, would you turn her down?

Best Snow Scene: Edward Scissorhands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F608ouen5C8&fs=1

Edward does some amazing things with those handy hands, and this is one of them.

Edward Scissorhands is showing  on Wednesday 23rd December on Sky Christmas at 2.20pm

Best Christmas School Concert: Love Actually

Love Actually, Hugh Grant, Martine McCutchen

It's usually screeching violins, tone deaf renditions of Away in a Manger and kids with tea towels on their heads, but this one has a nativity play featuring a host of colourful sea creatures, a great kiddie performance of Mariah Carey's best song ever and a surprise appearance by the Prime Minister...

Love Actually is showing tonight, 19th December, on ITV1 at 9pm, and on ITV2 on Christmas Day

Best example of Christmas community spirit: It's a Wonderful Life

The final scene in this Christmas classic sees friends and family rallying round James Stewart's George Bailey in a wonderful display of human kindness. A close contender for the best movie in this category is Mr Scrooge's visit to the future in the 1970s musical, Scrooge.

Best Christmas Day Gathering: About a Boy

It takes them a while to get there but they all find the perfect Christmas combination by the end.

About a Boy is showing tomorrow, 20th December, on ITV2 at 6.55pm

Best Party Ice Breaker: Bridget Jones's Diary

Everyone needs a bad Christmas jumper to break the tension at awkward festive social occasions.

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/best-christmas-moments-in-the-movies-326149 aVTXftZ7pQx1upMwZhjTum Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:20:52 +0000 false false false

If you could take a handful of moments from the movies to create your ideal Christmas, what would they be?

These are mine:

Best Christmas Shopping trip: Serendipity

Serendipity, john cusack,kate beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack battle it out for a pair of gloves in Bloomingdales, but instead of allowing the shopping stress to get to them they decide to get to know each other a little better...

Serendipity is showing on Christmas Eve on BBC1 at 1.05am

Best Office Party: A Christmas Carol (Patrick Stewart version)

A Christmas Carol

The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge back to his younger days as an apprentice when his boss Mr Fezziwig would host an annual festive knees-up for his employees and friends.

A Christmas Carol is showing on Christmas Eve on Five at 7.05pm

Best Christmas Tree Decorating Moment: Unlikely Angel

If Dolly Parton offered to help you decorate your tree, would you turn her down?

Best Snow Scene: Edward Scissorhands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F608ouen5C8&fs=1

Edward does some amazing things with those handy hands, and this is one of them.

Edward Scissorhands is showing  on Wednesday 23rd December on Sky Christmas at 2.20pm

Best Christmas School Concert: Love Actually

Love Actually, Hugh Grant, Martine McCutchen

It's usually screeching violins, tone deaf renditions of Away in a Manger and kids with tea towels on their heads, but this one has a nativity play featuring a host of colourful sea creatures, a great kiddie performance of Mariah Carey's best song ever and a surprise appearance by the Prime Minister...

Love Actually is showing tonight, 19th December, on ITV1 at 9pm, and on ITV2 on Christmas Day

Best example of Christmas community spirit: It's a Wonderful Life

The final scene in this Christmas classic sees friends and family rallying round James Stewart's George Bailey in a wonderful display of human kindness. A close contender for the best movie in this category is Mr Scrooge's visit to the future in the 1970s musical, Scrooge.

Best Christmas Day Gathering: About a Boy

It takes them a while to get there but they all find the perfect Christmas combination by the end.

About a Boy is showing tomorrow, 20th December, on ITV2 at 6.55pm

Best Party Ice Breaker: Bridget Jones's Diary

Everyone needs a bad Christmas jumper to break the tension at awkward festive social occasions.

]]> <![CDATA[ Couch Potato’s London Staycation Diary: Notting Hill, Brigitte and Bats ]]>

Notting Hill, Julia Roberts

(Image credit: Contract Number (Programme))

As promised yesterday, here's the final part of my London staycation diary, and we've reached the West London district of Notting Hill.

What can you expect to see when visiting Notting Hill? Travel bookshops? Filmstars? Julia Roberts?  Hugh Grant?

I spent seven years of my life living near Notting Hill in the 1990s and I have to say, my experience was more carnival and the Coronet than it was independent bookshops and film stars, but that's not to say they don't exist. It's the nature of London that one person's experience of the city is very different from another's.

Sofa Spud and I resist the urge to visit the many bookshops on our visit, but we do keep our eyes peeled for film stars. Woody Allen has not only been filming his latest project at Movie Talk's Blue Fin Building HQ, but he's also been directing Freida Pinto and Josh Brolin here in Notting Hill during our staycation week.

Woody Allen

There's no sign of him on our visit though. Typical. When I want to see him, he's nowhere to be seen and when I want to catch my train on the way home from work, he holds me up with his filming and causes me to miss it. That happened a few years ago when he was filming scenes for Match Point on the South Bank.

Match Point,Scralett Johansson,Woody Allen

So how likely is it that we'll bump into a filmstar just like William (Hugh Grant) does when he accidentally spills orange juice over Anna (Julia Roberts) in Notting Hill?

The 3D Concert Experience

Well, apparently my favourite country singer-songwriter (after Dolly of course) Taylor Swift (kind of a filmstar, since she appeared in Hannah Montana the Movie and Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience) was here in the past few days too (seemingly buying up the contents of the Hummingbird Bakery). This American-style cupcake shop is situated on Portabello Road, which is of course the road where Hugh Grant's bookshop is located in Notting Hill.

We buy a cake each for the sake of it, and then regret it because we don't have  a single sweet tooth between us and a scotch egg or a pork pie would have been much more welcome.

In the streets around Portabello, independent shops, restaurants and cafes stand attractively promoting their wares with a wealth of extremely artistic window displays. It's while passing a row of such trendy retail establishments that I have a sneezing fit. I'm still sorting myself out when Sofa Spud whispers: "That was Brigitte Nielsen!"

Brigitte Nielsen

I turn to see a very tall woman heading down the road with a small dog. I'll never know if it was indeed Brigitte Nielsen, ex-wife of Silvester Stallone, star of Red Sonja, legendary Celeb Big Brother contestant (who can forget that 'Jackie' moment?). However, Sofa Spud assures me that it was certainly the spitting image.

So there we go. It looks like anyone can have a Hugh Grant orange juice spillage Notting Hill moment and mine involved sneezing over Brigitte Nielsen's dog. Classy.

We decide to go hunting for the square of the Notting Hill oopsy daisy scene, but after plodding around the area eventually give up - it could be any of them. It's over ten years now since they made that movie. Those private squares have surely all changed considerably since it was shot, and maybe the square in question wasn't even in Notting Hill. Anyway, it's probably just as well that we don't find it since I'm sure we'd be tempted to try out that famous over the railings climb.

I wonder how many people do try that when nobody's looking. Quite a few I imagine, especially on a dark night.

Which is a really poor link to the end of day activity Sofa Spud and I have planned - a bat walk in a South London wood.

The Dark Knight

We're taken round by a bat expert and spot a few pipistrelles. As it goes completely dark, it gets a bit creepy. Plodding through the dark woods with five other people and three electronic bat detectors amplifying every forest sound, this is feeling increasingly more Blair Witch than Batman. After an hour, the 'batman' alerts us to "a larger beast in the trees above," and we decide to take our leave. Our reason? We're tired, not scared (honest).

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/couch-potato-s-london-staycation-diary-notting-hill-brigitte-and-bats-325468 nA28cJ3WBcXY4TX5FYPkzm Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:00:00 +0000 false false false

Notting Hill, Julia Roberts

(Image credit: Contract Number (Programme))

As promised yesterday, here's the final part of my London staycation diary, and we've reached the West London district of Notting Hill.

What can you expect to see when visiting Notting Hill? Travel bookshops? Filmstars? Julia Roberts?  Hugh Grant?

I spent seven years of my life living near Notting Hill in the 1990s and I have to say, my experience was more carnival and the Coronet than it was independent bookshops and film stars, but that's not to say they don't exist. It's the nature of London that one person's experience of the city is very different from another's.

Sofa Spud and I resist the urge to visit the many bookshops on our visit, but we do keep our eyes peeled for film stars. Woody Allen has not only been filming his latest project at Movie Talk's Blue Fin Building HQ, but he's also been directing Freida Pinto and Josh Brolin here in Notting Hill during our staycation week.

Woody Allen

There's no sign of him on our visit though. Typical. When I want to see him, he's nowhere to be seen and when I want to catch my train on the way home from work, he holds me up with his filming and causes me to miss it. That happened a few years ago when he was filming scenes for Match Point on the South Bank.

Match Point,Scralett Johansson,Woody Allen

So how likely is it that we'll bump into a filmstar just like William (Hugh Grant) does when he accidentally spills orange juice over Anna (Julia Roberts) in Notting Hill?

The 3D Concert Experience

Well, apparently my favourite country singer-songwriter (after Dolly of course) Taylor Swift (kind of a filmstar, since she appeared in Hannah Montana the Movie and Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience) was here in the past few days too (seemingly buying up the contents of the Hummingbird Bakery). This American-style cupcake shop is situated on Portabello Road, which is of course the road where Hugh Grant's bookshop is located in Notting Hill.

We buy a cake each for the sake of it, and then regret it because we don't have  a single sweet tooth between us and a scotch egg or a pork pie would have been much more welcome.

In the streets around Portabello, independent shops, restaurants and cafes stand attractively promoting their wares with a wealth of extremely artistic window displays. It's while passing a row of such trendy retail establishments that I have a sneezing fit. I'm still sorting myself out when Sofa Spud whispers: "That was Brigitte Nielsen!"

Brigitte Nielsen

I turn to see a very tall woman heading down the road with a small dog. I'll never know if it was indeed Brigitte Nielsen, ex-wife of Silvester Stallone, star of Red Sonja, legendary Celeb Big Brother contestant (who can forget that 'Jackie' moment?). However, Sofa Spud assures me that it was certainly the spitting image.

So there we go. It looks like anyone can have a Hugh Grant orange juice spillage Notting Hill moment and mine involved sneezing over Brigitte Nielsen's dog. Classy.

We decide to go hunting for the square of the Notting Hill oopsy daisy scene, but after plodding around the area eventually give up - it could be any of them. It's over ten years now since they made that movie. Those private squares have surely all changed considerably since it was shot, and maybe the square in question wasn't even in Notting Hill. Anyway, it's probably just as well that we don't find it since I'm sure we'd be tempted to try out that famous over the railings climb.

I wonder how many people do try that when nobody's looking. Quite a few I imagine, especially on a dark night.

Which is a really poor link to the end of day activity Sofa Spud and I have planned - a bat walk in a South London wood.

The Dark Knight

We're taken round by a bat expert and spot a few pipistrelles. As it goes completely dark, it gets a bit creepy. Plodding through the dark woods with five other people and three electronic bat detectors amplifying every forest sound, this is feeling increasingly more Blair Witch than Batman. After an hour, the 'batman' alerts us to "a larger beast in the trees above," and we decide to take our leave. Our reason? We're tired, not scared (honest).

]]> <![CDATA[ Couch Potato Paradox: Movies you have to see on the big screen ]]>

Public Enemies, Johnny Depp

Well, it seems that my recent post about the benefits of a local cinema hit a nerve with many of you, judging by your many comments. Clearly, I'm not the only one longing for a picturehouse in close proximity to my home.

While some of you would love a movie theatre on your doorstep to relive nostalgic memories, and others of you fancy an escapist sanctuary, most of you simply desire a local place to provide an all-inclusive community hub, and I couldn't agree more. Click here to check out that post of mine.

But did you notice that there was one rather essential draw of a local cinema that we barely touched upon?

Gone With the Wind

Yes, that's right... the films!

The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland

So, here's a question - what are the movies you just have to see on the big screen?

Since the absence of local picturehouses has over the years forced me to become the couch potato that I am, it's a rather tricky question for me to answer, so I'm hoping for your help.

But in the meantime, here are my thoughts about the types of films that just don't work so well on the small screen.

1. Films with epic cinematography.

2. Films with big effects.

3. Films that everyone is talking about.

4. Films that offer big shared laughs.

5. Who'll jump out of their seat first? movies.

Blair Witch Project

http://youtube.com/v/-eIpvZsEky4 6. Movies that make you mistrust the person sitting next to you.

7. 3D movies.

8. Audience participation movies.

9. Films reliant on a big screen to show off their beautiful and artistic cinematography .

The Fall

http://youtube.com/v/707VxB-ek4Q 10. Cult movies.

Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope, Alec Guinness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHNFkqPFBko&fs=1

On Facebook? Connect with Movie Talk on Facebook here.

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/couch-potato-paradox-movies-you-have-to-see-on-the-big-screen-327090 tgPc8rn8jUC9G7pS7TY6y Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:00:00 +0000 false false false

Public Enemies, Johnny Depp

Well, it seems that my recent post about the benefits of a local cinema hit a nerve with many of you, judging by your many comments. Clearly, I'm not the only one longing for a picturehouse in close proximity to my home.

While some of you would love a movie theatre on your doorstep to relive nostalgic memories, and others of you fancy an escapist sanctuary, most of you simply desire a local place to provide an all-inclusive community hub, and I couldn't agree more. Click here to check out that post of mine.

But did you notice that there was one rather essential draw of a local cinema that we barely touched upon?

Gone With the Wind

Yes, that's right... the films!

The Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland

So, here's a question - what are the movies you just have to see on the big screen?

Since the absence of local picturehouses has over the years forced me to become the couch potato that I am, it's a rather tricky question for me to answer, so I'm hoping for your help.

But in the meantime, here are my thoughts about the types of films that just don't work so well on the small screen.

1. Films with epic cinematography.

2. Films with big effects.

3. Films that everyone is talking about.

4. Films that offer big shared laughs.

5. Who'll jump out of their seat first? movies.

Blair Witch Project

http://youtube.com/v/-eIpvZsEky4 6. Movies that make you mistrust the person sitting next to you.

7. 3D movies.

8. Audience participation movies.

9. Films reliant on a big screen to show off their beautiful and artistic cinematography .

The Fall

http://youtube.com/v/707VxB-ek4Q 10. Cult movies.

Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope, Alec Guinness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHNFkqPFBko&fs=1

On Facebook? Connect with Movie Talk on Facebook here.

]]> <![CDATA[ Couch Potato Pickings | Wedding Movies: the good, the bad, and the unexpected ]]> Yesterday, two of my friends tied the knot and held a good old knees-up to mark the occasion. That's the best sort of celebration in my opinion - simple, yet romantic.

Simplicity, however, is not a characteristic of movie marriages, is it? Getting hitched has to be as complex and dramatic as possible when it’s taking place on the silver screen. Matrimony in the movies is about the good, the bad, or the unexpected.

The Good

The ‘dream come true’ movie wedding has to be Love Actually’s nuptials between Juliet and Peter (Keira Knightley and Chiwetel Ejiofor). Could it be more perfect?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1lLq0l04qk&fs=1

The Bad

If Richard Curtis ever wanted to make an extra few pounds he could easily moonlight as a wedding planner, considering how many movie marriages he’s dreamt up. The fourth wedding in Four Weddings and a Funeral where Charles (Hugh Grant) acknowledges his lack of love for fiancée Henrietta (Anna Chancellor) at the altar surely has to be THE biggest nuptials nightmare on film.

The Unexpected

Sarah Jessica Parker

Carrie Bradshaw gets carried away with planning her dream wedding in Sex and the City, but when she finally does get hitched, it’s nothing like the big day of her fantasies; it’s better.

What do you think? Which movie marriages make you smile, groan or gasp?

There are four wedding movies showing today to help you decide, each with their good moments…

Muriel’s Wedding: Toni Collette

their bad moments...

Katherine Heigl

Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan

...and a few moments that may be a little unexpected.

Drew Barrymore

Love blossoms in the wedding hospitality world in quirky feelgood romcom The Wedding Singer on Comedy Central at 10.50pm.

A gawky Abba-loving misfit yearns for the perfect wedding in Australian black comedy classic Muriel's Wedding on Watch at 10pm.

Sky Movies Comedy presents chick flick fluff about a serial bridesmaid who dreams about becoming a bride in 27 Dresses at 6pm.

Watchable but unmemorable variation on the My Best Friend’s wedding theme Made of Honour is showing on Sky Movies Prmeiere at 8pm.

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/couch-potato-pickings-wedding-movies-the-good-the-bad-and-the-unexpected-326771 aCTF9HZJLGkfFkYdJZR4ym Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:00:00 +0000 false false false

Yesterday, two of my friends tied the knot and held a good old knees-up to mark the occasion. That's the best sort of celebration in my opinion - simple, yet romantic.

Simplicity, however, is not a characteristic of movie marriages, is it? Getting hitched has to be as complex and dramatic as possible when it’s taking place on the silver screen. Matrimony in the movies is about the good, the bad, or the unexpected.

The Good

The ‘dream come true’ movie wedding has to be Love Actually’s nuptials between Juliet and Peter (Keira Knightley and Chiwetel Ejiofor). Could it be more perfect?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1lLq0l04qk&fs=1

The Bad

If Richard Curtis ever wanted to make an extra few pounds he could easily moonlight as a wedding planner, considering how many movie marriages he’s dreamt up. The fourth wedding in Four Weddings and a Funeral where Charles (Hugh Grant) acknowledges his lack of love for fiancée Henrietta (Anna Chancellor) at the altar surely has to be THE biggest nuptials nightmare on film.

The Unexpected

Sarah Jessica Parker

Carrie Bradshaw gets carried away with planning her dream wedding in Sex and the City, but when she finally does get hitched, it’s nothing like the big day of her fantasies; it’s better.

What do you think? Which movie marriages make you smile, groan or gasp?

There are four wedding movies showing today to help you decide, each with their good moments…

Muriel’s Wedding: Toni Collette

their bad moments...

Katherine Heigl

Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan

...and a few moments that may be a little unexpected.

Drew Barrymore

Love blossoms in the wedding hospitality world in quirky feelgood romcom The Wedding Singer on Comedy Central at 10.50pm.

A gawky Abba-loving misfit yearns for the perfect wedding in Australian black comedy classic Muriel's Wedding on Watch at 10pm.

Sky Movies Comedy presents chick flick fluff about a serial bridesmaid who dreams about becoming a bride in 27 Dresses at 6pm.

Watchable but unmemorable variation on the My Best Friend’s wedding theme Made of Honour is showing on Sky Movies Prmeiere at 8pm.

]]> <![CDATA[ Couch Potato Pickings | Ghost and most romantic movie moments of all time ]]> Showing on Channel 4 tonight at 10.35pm

Patrick Swaze,Demi Moore

This film is regularly voted highly in those polls of romantic moments in the movies, and there was one year when it came in at Number One.

When I read this I was so surprised that my hands slipped on the clay and the vase I was making ended up splattered around the room

OK, that was a joke. I’m not into making my own clay crafts and I certainly don’t share the popular opinion that the infamous passion and pottery scene is the most romantic of all time.

Demi Moore,Patrick Swayze

It’s erotic. Everyone can see that -  they’re building a slippery, wet phallic object together for god’s sake. It’s also moving – the potter’s wheel is moving… I’m moving, towards the remote control to turn down that dreaded Unchained Melody… But romantic? Surely the most romantic scenes emerge when two people get together just when you thought they never would?

If I had to name my number one romantic movie moment, I think it would be that wonderful scene in Sense and Sensibility where Emma Thompson’s Elinor discovers that her heartthrob Edward Ferrars isn’t married as she thought, but single and in love with her.

What do you think?

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/couch-potato-pickings-ghost-and-most-romantic-movie-moments-of-all-time-326506 eBJUm2eZ8Xrvq1364pWuWe Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 +0000 false false false

Showing on Channel 4 tonight at 10.35pm

Patrick Swaze,Demi Moore

This film is regularly voted highly in those polls of romantic moments in the movies, and there was one year when it came in at Number One.

When I read this I was so surprised that my hands slipped on the clay and the vase I was making ended up splattered around the room

OK, that was a joke. I’m not into making my own clay crafts and I certainly don’t share the popular opinion that the infamous passion and pottery scene is the most romantic of all time.

Demi Moore,Patrick Swayze

It’s erotic. Everyone can see that -  they’re building a slippery, wet phallic object together for god’s sake. It’s also moving – the potter’s wheel is moving… I’m moving, towards the remote control to turn down that dreaded Unchained Melody… But romantic? Surely the most romantic scenes emerge when two people get together just when you thought they never would?

If I had to name my number one romantic movie moment, I think it would be that wonderful scene in Sense and Sensibility where Emma Thompson’s Elinor discovers that her heartthrob Edward Ferrars isn’t married as she thought, but single and in love with her.

What do you think?

]]> <![CDATA[ Couch Potato Pickings | Notting Hill: Who Was Your First Film Star Crush? ]]> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNBXHp2qbRo&fs=1

Who was your first film star crush?

Julia Roberts

(Image credit: Contract Number (Programme))

Come on admit it, we’ve all had a crush on a celebrity at some point. I’ve had loads and they certainly don’t stop at adulthood. Those fantasies I have about meeting my superstar flavour of the month are what pass the time on the train when it’s too crowded to read, or when that perpetually tardy friend has kept me waiting yet again.

That’s why I love tonight’s romcom so much. We may not all be bookstore owners like Hugh Grant’s character, but we’ve all used our lively imaginations to visualise that Hollywood star walking into our worlds, haven’t we?

Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant

In the wrong hands this film would of course be a subjective cringe-fest, but thanks to the brilliant screenwriting talents of Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones, Love Actually – all my favourite romantic comedies), it’s witty, endearingly self-mocking and extremely well-observed. It goes without saying that I'm currently looking forward to seeing The Boat That Rocked - penned, directed and produced by Curtis and out on 1st April. Can't wait.

And if you want to know who my first film star crush was, here’s a clue, but you’ll have to tell me yours first.

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/couch-potato-pickings-notting-hill-who-was-your-first-film-star-crush-326885 f1xrAqExNqUN3UsTqY8ayQ Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:00:00 +0000 false false false

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNBXHp2qbRo&fs=1

Who was your first film star crush?

Julia Roberts

(Image credit: Contract Number (Programme))

Come on admit it, we’ve all had a crush on a celebrity at some point. I’ve had loads and they certainly don’t stop at adulthood. Those fantasies I have about meeting my superstar flavour of the month are what pass the time on the train when it’s too crowded to read, or when that perpetually tardy friend has kept me waiting yet again.

That’s why I love tonight’s romcom so much. We may not all be bookstore owners like Hugh Grant’s character, but we’ve all used our lively imaginations to visualise that Hollywood star walking into our worlds, haven’t we?

Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant

In the wrong hands this film would of course be a subjective cringe-fest, but thanks to the brilliant screenwriting talents of Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones, Love Actually – all my favourite romantic comedies), it’s witty, endearingly self-mocking and extremely well-observed. It goes without saying that I'm currently looking forward to seeing The Boat That Rocked - penned, directed and produced by Curtis and out on 1st April. Can't wait.

And if you want to know who my first film star crush was, here’s a clue, but you’ll have to tell me yours first.

]]> <![CDATA[ Love Actually ]]> Couch Potato Pickings

Emma Thompson

Now this is a real Christmas cracker of a film packed with comedy, romance, pathos, and of course celebs. There’s something in it for everyone.

I’m sure everyone has their favourite and least favourite scenarios from this episodic film.

These are my Top 9, starting with my least favouite:

9)  Colin (Kris Marshall) and the American girls

Kris Marshall

8)  Movie sex scene stand-ins John (Martin Freeman)  and Judy (Joanna Page)

7)  Newlyweds Juliet (Keira Knightley) and Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Juliet's secret admirer Mark (Andrew Lincoln).

Keira Knightley, Chiwetel Ejiofor

6)  Work colleagues Sarah (Laura Linney) and Karl (Rodrigo Santoro)

5) Writer Jamie (Colin Firth) and Portuguese housekeeper Aurelia (Lucia Monez).

Colin Firth, Lucia Moniz

4) Widower Daniel (Liam Neeson) and his stepson Sam (Thomas Sangster).

Liam Neeson, Thomas Sangster

3) Ageing popstar Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) and his manager Joe (Gregor Fisher)

2)   Prime Minister David (Hugh Grant) and tea girl Natalie (Martine McCutcheon).

Martine McCutcheon, Hugh Grant

1)   Harry (Alan Rickman) and Karen (Emma Thompson).

Emma Thompson,Alan Rickman

On ITV2 tonight at 10pm

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/love-actually-327597 fwt9WGDUkt6HsXcoq7AWBH Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:00:00 +0000 false false false

Couch Potato Pickings

Emma Thompson

Now this is a real Christmas cracker of a film packed with comedy, romance, pathos, and of course celebs. There’s something in it for everyone.

I’m sure everyone has their favourite and least favourite scenarios from this episodic film.

These are my Top 9, starting with my least favouite:

9)  Colin (Kris Marshall) and the American girls

Kris Marshall

8)  Movie sex scene stand-ins John (Martin Freeman)  and Judy (Joanna Page)

7)  Newlyweds Juliet (Keira Knightley) and Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Juliet's secret admirer Mark (Andrew Lincoln).

Keira Knightley, Chiwetel Ejiofor

6)  Work colleagues Sarah (Laura Linney) and Karl (Rodrigo Santoro)

5) Writer Jamie (Colin Firth) and Portuguese housekeeper Aurelia (Lucia Monez).

Colin Firth, Lucia Moniz

4) Widower Daniel (Liam Neeson) and his stepson Sam (Thomas Sangster).

Liam Neeson, Thomas Sangster

3) Ageing popstar Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) and his manager Joe (Gregor Fisher)

2)   Prime Minister David (Hugh Grant) and tea girl Natalie (Martine McCutcheon).

Martine McCutcheon, Hugh Grant

1)   Harry (Alan Rickman) and Karen (Emma Thompson).

Emma Thompson,Alan Rickman

On ITV2 tonight at 10pm

]]> <![CDATA[ Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason ]]> Couch Potato Pickings

The Edge of Reason - Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger is brilliant as Bridget in this movie and its prequel. She can't be faulted, but I can't talk about Bridget Jones without dredging up that old grumble over why the lead role in these adaptations of Helen Fielding's very British books was given to an American actress and not one of our many talented Brits.

The Edge of Reason - Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth

There's no doubt that Kate Winslet would have done it perfectly. The character she plays in The Holiday might be called Iris but she's totally Bridget. Kate apparently also auditioned for the Bridget Jones part.

The Edge of Reason - Renée Zellweger

Ah well, we all see Renée as Bridget Jones now, and there's nothing wrong with that. She's a fantastic actress. Click here to read what Renée Zellweger had to say about the British reaction to her being cast as Bridget back in 2001.

The Edge of Reason - Renée Zellweger

Did you watch BBC Breakfast this morning when they were discussing romcoms? They were all in agreement that movies, such as this one, are unrealistic and give women false hopes about love. I don’t agree. Romance is alive and well. Clearly all those cynics have been looking for love in the wrong places. What do you think?

On ITV2 tonight at 9pm

]]> https://www.whattowatch.com/news/bridget-jones-the-edge-of-reason-327577 wj4iRmW4A3EJq6scfSpAsP Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:00:00 +0000 false false false

Couch Potato Pickings

The Edge of Reason - Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger is brilliant as Bridget in this movie and its prequel. She can't be faulted, but I can't talk about Bridget Jones without dredging up that old grumble over why the lead role in these adaptations of Helen Fielding's very British books was given to an American actress and not one of our many talented Brits.

The Edge of Reason - Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth

There's no doubt that Kate Winslet would have done it perfectly. The character she plays in The Holiday might be called Iris but she's totally Bridget. Kate apparently also auditioned for the Bridget Jones part.

The Edge of Reason - Renée Zellweger

Ah well, we all see Renée as Bridget Jones now, and there's nothing wrong with that. She's a fantastic actress. Click here to read what Renée Zellweger had to say about the British reaction to her being cast as Bridget back in 2001.

The Edge of Reason - Renée Zellweger

Did you watch BBC Breakfast this morning when they were discussing romcoms? They were all in agreement that movies, such as this one, are unrealistic and give women false hopes about love. I don’t agree. Romance is alive and well. Clearly all those cynics have been looking for love in the wrong places. What do you think?

On ITV2 tonight at 9pm

]]>