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Happy New Year, everyone!
Just wanted to say that I saw Galaxy Quest a few hours ago and had a wonderful time. I expected that perhaps I would laugh in a few places and maybe smile through a good bit of the rest; instead, I found myself laughing out loud A LOT. I was glad to see that this was a very affectionate spoof, plenty of inside gags but also very enjoyable on its own terms.
My comment to the friend who went with me, as we left the theatre, ran something like this: "Tim Allen was better than I expected; Sigourney Weaver is a wonderful comedienne; and as for Alan Rickman, well . . . I could go home and look up 'supercilious' in the dictionary and his picture would be beside it!" He is the master of the disdainful look, no doubt about it.
Well, enough ranting for one entry. *wink* It was a good way to end a year and begin the next. My good wishes to all for the year 2000!
Mary Anne
USA - Friday, December 31, 1999 at 23:29:11 (PST)
Tim Allen will be on "Entertainers" with Byron Allen, promoting Galaxy Quest (which usually airs on the weekend). Though he doesn't really say much about GQ (talks mostly about his personal life), I think they shows most of the trailer.
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Friday, December 31, 1999 at 21:07:30 (PST)
In the US, Entertainment Weekly for January 7, 2000 (The Sopranos are on the cover) features a story about British villains in the Video section. Hans Gruber (since the actor is British, it's included) is one of the three characters on which the article focuses. There is a caricature of Rickman and a small photo from "Die Hard."
Keyser
USA - Friday, December 31, 1999 at 18:43:35 (PST)
I've updated the British Page with a Happy Millenium link with pics of all my British goodies (including Alan!) Enjoy my page!
Stezi <stezi@wxs.nlfoo>
The Netherlands - Friday, December 31, 1999 at 08:39:17 (PST)
Hello Everyone,
I was a guestbook addict a couple of years ago and remember fondly all of the friends and fun here ...
Well, time has flown and brought many changes to my life ... not the least of which is an overflowing video cabinet (now taken over by the likes of Barney and Teletubbies - yikes).
My purpose in writing to you today is to see if anyone would be interested in my AR video collection. I have unopened copies of AABA, Closet Land and Close My Eyes. I also have vcr tapes of The Barchester Chronicles and two copies of Mesmer.
If anyone is interested, please email me privately at:
tracy.jollymore@home.com
Happy New Year to Everyone,
Cheers,
Trac
Tracy <tracy.jollymore@home.comfoo>
Canada - Friday, December 31, 1999 at 08:09:29 (PST)
Judy, this is for you! According to the Dark Horizons site today:
"Those fellow Australians who thought they couldn't hold out till April to see Kevin Smith's new comedy can now celebrate. Village/Roadshow confirmed in their latest release schedule sent out today that "Dogma" is set for release nationwide on February 3rd. Expect some cheers from KS fans for this news, now the big question remains...what is the Rev. Fred Nile (to American readers, he's about the Aussie equivalent of Rev. Jerry Falwell) going to do about it? Whatever happens it should be worth watching. Thanks to 'JN', that screenwriting sensation 'Anthony O'Connor' & 'Xanthe' at Village. "
So it shouldn't be too long at all.
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 15:42:49 (PST)
I just made the huge mistake of checking out Claire's picture page (the last GB entry piqued my curiosity)...if any of you are at work, as I am, don't do it or you will get nothing done the rest of the day! (*grin*)
LynnP (now melted into a puddle on her desk...)
At work in Harrisburg, PA USA - Thursday, December 30, 1999 at 04:59:47 (PST)
Claire/Georgiana, Thanks for the lovely photo entitled, "October." Where did that one come from? My suggestion? I've never seen [on your pages] the fantastic photo--nice *hands* in this one--found in European Travel, August '91. I've seen it on KelClancy's pages, but as a little one. It's a full-page pic, and is wonderful. Happy New Year, everyone.
amy
OK USA - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 18:03:33 (PST)
Well, I hope it's warm there. It's been snowing here for three days. Frankie Howerd (1922-1992) was a British actor who did a lot of "Carry On..." and "Up the..." films. He specialized in making stupid faces at the camera. He would bug his eyes out, raise his brows and purse his lips in an "ooh!" expression. (I had a roommate once whose boyfriend loved those movies and they would watch them late at night on the weekends when they came on. Carrie, if you're reading this, you still owe me money!)
Magda
Canada - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 17:51:24 (PST)
I'm deeply envious of you Northern Hemisphere folk who have already seen GQ. No idea when it will hit our way down here.
judy <judy1@one.net.aufoo>
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 17:47:24 (PST)
Magda, you have me laughing in my ignorance.
Georgiana
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 17:33:53 (PST)
You don't want to know, Georgiana. And he does not.
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 17:30:09 (PST)
Here's part of an amusing "Dogma" review from the 24 December Birmingham Post (paragraphing omitted): "For all its alleged Catholic -bashing satirical attack on organised religion, Kevin Smith's inspired film is, while often theologically confusing, aggressively and ultimately touchingly pro-faith and pro-God. It's the intolerance, the mumbo jumbo, the hypocrisy, the preposterousness, everything that gets in the way of simple belief, that are its targets. He might have qualms about the medium, but even the Blessed Sir Cliff couldn't fault the millennial prayer of its message. If you want to cast stones, there are plenty of other excuses. A good 30 minutes too long with yawningly slack stretches and interminable preachy speeches, a lack of visual flair, constant shifts in tone, a tiresome excess of juvenile sexual innuendo, flatulence jokes and John Hughes digs, and the excruciatingly ill-conceived S*** Monster that emerges from a toilet bowl. But none of this can obscure the fact that its Oz-style quest is often both thought-provoking and extremely funny. Damon and Affleck poke fun at their media image ("do I come off as gay?" asks Affleck), Salma Hayek makes a smouldering Muse turned stripper, Fiorentino has just the right balance of cynicism and desperation to believe, and, as the Voice of God, Rickman, despite looking increasingly like Frankie Howerd, is the best he's been since Robin Hood."
Georgiana (...BTW, thanks, LynnP! But who is Frankie Howard??) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 17:07:41 (PST)
There is an on-line version up (alas, not with a Rickman photo) of the article Claire mentioned:
The Express, Micro Edition.
Georgiana (well, it was *one* of those Austen productions...)
USA - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 10:10:36 (PST)
Second date corrected.
Oops... didn't catch that one.
Suz (D.o.C. again)
Keep going on the date typo Suzanne, another one in last paragraph. Magda, better also mention Albert's stoop, and thick germanic accent which was a continuing butt of Victorian jokes.
Claire
- Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 07:46:14 (PST)
Having just seen both 'Dogma' and 'Galaxy Quest', i'm wondering how many lines spoken by AR's character were actually written by him. 'you just had to get your shirt off, didn't you?' (spoken to Tim Allen) and 'But where's the motivation?' spoken at an otherwise unpropitious moment were classic Rickman. knowing that he DID write some of his lines in 'Die hard' and the respect that kevin Smith has for him, it somehow seems reasonable.
our man came out well competing with two monsters; the Rock monster in 'GQ' and the Excrement monster in 'Dogma'. i took 2 grandsons to GQ and noticed how much both adults and children enjoyed the movie. Can't wait to see his latest, the one made in northern England about a hairdresser.
Alice C Brown <alicecbrown2yahoo.comfoo>
Boston, Ma USA - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 07:26:58 (PST)
This is Albert of the receding hairline and the glossy handlebar mustaches and the paunchy physique before he died, right? And Victoria of the tiny stature and the bell-shaped crinolines and the perpetual pregnancies? I'll bet it's a very romanticized version!
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 06:43:35 (PST)
Correction made.
Thanks, Claire & Dianne!
Suz (D.o.C.)
Typo to fix please Suzanne - Victoria's coronation 1838.
Article came with a small picture which will be up in the usual place sometime today - but you guys have been remarkably quiet with your millenium requests so still waiting to get enough to make one page!
Claire
- Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 05:21:48 (PST)
Those who think Brandon is one of the best roles AR ever played, I think I have the answer to your prayers!
Daily Express reports Rickman to be lined up to play Prince Albert opposite Jane Horrock's Victoria in a £6 million BBC series entitled VICTORIA.
The series will concentrate on Victoria's early life from her coronation in 1838 and how she fell in love with her cousin Albert, and will end with his death in 1861.
Portman films will make the series for the BBC and shooting is scheduled for April in a production full of the great and the good of British acting, and featuring many of the great houses and palaces the queen visited.
The Executive producer Dave Cunliffe is quoted as saying "It was an extraordinary love story and that is what we are setting out to capture.."
I would love for this to be signed sealed and delivered, but a little voice keeps telling me that Albert was 19 years old in 1838 and he died aged 42. But then who among us doesn't believe in Peter Pan where Alan Rickman is concerned?
Claire ( with thanks to Dianne)
Sussex, UK - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 04:52:53 (PST)
I see Georgiana didn't waste any time getting her bid in...you go, girl! (*grin*)
LynnP (good luck!)
York, PA USA - Wednesday, December 29, 1999 at 04:43:16 (PST)
An upcoming auction at Amazon.com
One-piece bodysuit with gray t-shirt. Custom sized for Alan Rickman. Includes size 11 1/2 E boots that zip and snap closed, plus color photograph of Alan Rickman as shown above right.
Comes with official DreamWorks Certificate of Authenticity signed by Galaxy Quest Director Dean Parisot. Value: Priceless!This is a real Galaxy Quest costume!
Auction has not yet started.
Fausta
USA - Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 17:17:41 (PST)
Well, Georgiana, maybe he had reason to whine. This is in today's EW Today on-line:
"The stars of the new comedy "Galaxy Quest" have acting styles that are universes apart. There's Sigourney Weaver, known for bringing gravity to any role, whether it's the devastated mom in "A Map of the World" or "Alien"'s Ripley. And then there's Tim Allen, known for blowing things up real good on "Home Improvement." "At first I thought, this is not going to work," says Allen. "She and Alan Rickman are real serious actors. I'm serious, too, but my process is just fart joke, fart joke, fart joke...act."
But when it came to acting from the heart versus acting from the colon, the two schools -- Weaver and British stage veteran Rickman ("Dogma") vs. Allen and fellow comedian Daryl Mitchell ("Veronica's Closet") -- agreed to disagree. "The whole shoot was Tim and Daryl going off on a tangent, making everyone laugh," says Weaver. "And then Alan and I would stand like this (She crosses her arms and looks down her nose impatiently). Tim would get mad at us for being from the 'Uta Haagen-Dazs school of acting.' There was a lot of teasing between where in the business we came from."
Says Allen, "She and Alan have been through Lee Strasberg and the Yale drama school, and I was in Mississippi doing d--k jokes. On the set, Sigourney would be going (He shakes out his whole body in an actorly relaxation technique), and I'd be, 'What the hell are you doing?'" Not practicing method fart jokes, that's for sure."
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 15:02:51 (PST)
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "Besides the stellar cast - Rickman, Shalhoub and Rockwell are terrific - the film has a streak of offbeat, dark humor that propels the one-note joke at the core of the story."
Georgiana (...which may be why I'm not crazy about this character...)
- Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 14:08:09 (PST)
From John Hartl in the Seattle Times: "Rickman is dryly
funny as a Spock-like actor who never gets out of his Klingon-style makeup ("Where's the happy ending?" he whines when they run into real trouble with Thermian enemies)."
Georgiana (who has trouble with whining...) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle, - Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 13:47:39 (PST)
Good news for DVD owners! This went up today at the Dreamworks site:
"A number of you have asked me regarding deleted scenes and behind the scenes as well as original episodes or their clips on DVDs. Considering its a DreamWorks DVD (btw: DVD is in works), you can count on it. Aside from original episodes being on DVD (because there weren't any), I personally believe, it will be a DreamWorks Special Signature Collection DVD with lots of features. However, I will get in touch with my contact at DreamWorks DVD Entertainment Department and ask him some of these questions."
What's the point of taking scenes out of a movie when you're just going to stick them into the DVD? To make VHS owners feel old and out of it? Weird.
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 13:42:08 (PST)
LynnP, there were many 5-yr-olds (and younger) in the audience, and even when a couple looked a little scared for a bit, everybody ended up laughing. Most of the young kids left the theater saying "You will save us" the way the good aliens did.
And congratulations on the good news!
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 05:55:07 (PST)
For those of you who have seen GQ: is it appropriate for a 5-year-old? I would like to take my husband and daughter this weekend but I won't have a chance to screen it myself first.
LynnP (who just found out she's pregnant again, woohoo!)
York, PA USA - Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at 05:05:54 (PST)
The rest of the Hollywood Reporter article, which may explain the 'pull materials' flurry last week...
DreamWorks' 'Quest' not in Regal galaxy
By David Finnigan
The Knoxville, Tenn.-based theater chain has 4,417 screens at 431 sites in 32 states.
Two sources from competing companies in the exhibition industry confirmed that because DreamWorks is a firm-term company that sets conditions in advance of its films' openings and does not adjust them if a film does not do well, Regal is concerned about the boxoffice prospects of "Quest," which opened to an estimated $8.1 million during the weekend. The exhibitor would agree to open the film only if the terms were adjusted if it did not do well, the sources said.
Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Universal Pictures are also firm-term distributors. Firm-term deals generally put more financial risk on the exhibitor than more-flexible terms tied to a movie's performance.
DreamWorks head of distribution Jim Tharp confirmed that Regal took a pass. "We offered the movie to them in a number of locations, and that's all I can really tell you," he said. "It's their decision as to whether they play the movie."
Despite Regal's pass, "Quest" opened in 2,412 theaters, Tharp said. "This is about the right number. We always intend to be in 2,300-2,400 (theaters)."
Neither Tharp nor Zacharetti would elaborate on Regal's "Quest" decision, though Tharp noted, "They're playing 'American Beauty' and adding dates."
Sources on the exhibition side noted that prices on major studio film rentals have risen about 20% during the past two years. An issue for Regal has been DreamWorks films running in other chains' theaters in competitive zones, one source said.
"This has been going on for a while," said one exhibition source who requested anonymity. "On a market-by-market basis, they (Regal) have passed on some (DreamWorks) films. And they've been testy with each other."
Georgiana (who hopes the film will do well, saw it at the Meridian 16...)
USA - Monday, December 27, 1999 at 17:21:58 (PST)
My Seattle GQ experience was very different from Georgiana's. I was at the third (1:30) Xmas matinee in a downtown theater. There was scarcely an empty seat in the house. Many were filled with laughing young people and their appreciative parents. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time from beginning to end, something I cannot honestly say of any Rickman film since Rasputin. AR's work ably supports the collective effort here; this was clearly an ensemble which enjoyed a great rapport. I'll take Lazarus in headpiece over Metatron in codpiece any day!
D.Delphis
Richland, WA USA - Monday, December 27, 1999 at 15:52:15 (PST)
Hi all!
Please do send me your reviews for the GQ reviews page
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Monday, December 27, 1999 at 14:45:04 (PST)
There were about 20 people seeing GQ at the opening showing here on Christmas Day (11 am). Don't know how it did later in the day, but looked to be nothing like the business "Ripley" was doing a block away.
Georgiana
Seattle, - Monday, December 27, 1999 at 11:32:52 (PST)
The Los Angeles Times web site said that Galaxy Quest found it's target audience over the weekend, taking in over 8 million dollars in a 24 hour period. And with no new real competition in the family comedy field, the article said that the film should continue to do well. The show I attended was over 3/4 full, even though it was the middle of the afternoon on Christmas Day.
Georgia
Anaheim, CA USA - Monday, December 27, 1999 at 09:56:48 (PST)
Hmm, just got this from the Hollywood Reporter email:
TOP FILM STORY DreamWorks' 'Quest' not in Regal galaxy In what sources describe as a dispute over firm financial terms for the movie's release, Regal Cinemas, the country's largest theater chain, is not showing DreamWorks' Tim Allen science-fiction comedy "Galaxy Quest," which opened Christmas Day. "We are not playing 'Galaxy Quest' at our theaters," Regal senior vp marketing and advertising Phil Zacharetti said in a telephone interview from his office last week.
I was wondering why it didn't do that well... although there were not many people at the first two shows that I was at (I think it was a mistake to open it on Christmas day; should have stayed the 10th or 17th).
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Monday, December 27, 1999 at 09:48:23 (PST)
From Friday's Ottawa Citizen: "Alan Rickman plays an embittered thespian who tanked his Shakespearean career to play a Mr. Spock knock-off with a dreadful prosthetic forehead."
Georgiana
- Monday, December 27, 1999 at 09:28:29 (PST)
From Friday's Boston Globe: "Rickman gets the most
mileage out of their communal gloom as a Shakespearean actor steeped in melancholy." And, "'Galaxy Quest' is a savvy little side dish of a movie."
Georgiana
- Monday, December 27, 1999 at 09:26:04 (PST)
From Saturday's San Francisco Chronicle: "ONCE A SHAKESPEAREAN: Taggart's first officer was played by Alexander Dane, who is in turn played by Alan Rickman, who gives us a dryly comic picture of an actor in hell. He hates his life; he hates his career; and he remembers with bitter regret that he once starred in "Richard III" before fate landed him on a prime-time series wearing ears that look like fins. He is mortified when he has to stand onstage at conventions and say his signature line, "By Gramtha's hammer, I shall be avenged!" As on "Star Trek," all the characters in "Galaxy Quest" -- in the movie, and also on the fictitious show -- are made vivid and individual, if only in superficial ways.
Georgiana
- Monday, December 27, 1999 at 09:22:54 (PST)
From InfoBeat: "The Trekkie-esque spoof `Galaxy Quest,' starring Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver as has-been sci-fi actors mistaken as real stellar voyagers by aliens, debuted in eighth place. Opening Saturday, `Galaxy Quest' grossed $8.1 million."
Georgiana
- Monday, December 27, 1999 at 09:19:40 (PST)
The New York Times printed a (rather noncommittal) review of Galaxy Quest on Friday. The link below will take you to it; on the page are also some links to clips I haven't seen before. Enjoy...
http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/122499galaxy-film-review.html
LynnP (who still hasn't seen it, despite all intentions)
York, PA USA - Monday, December 27, 1999 at 05:50:43 (PST)
The quote below comes from an interview with Kevin Smith at the UK www.popcorn.co.uk site. There is a link at the News Askew site. Loved the wings--but the hospital!?! Poor baby.
One of your casting coups was Alan Rickman, who plays an angel. What was his feeling about wearing a prosthetic that rendered him sexless?
He seemed to go down with it quite well, but I think he found the part where they had to measure him for it awkward. He says it's like the opposite of the Boogie Nights prosthetic. Whereas Mark Wahlberg gets the long fake ****, he got the no fake **** at all. The worst part was the mechanical wings. They weighed about a hundred or so pounds, and they jerked him back and forth as we opened and closed them. He put his back out and had to lay up in a hospital for a while. I felt really bad about it. I mean here's the dude working on the movie for scale, and then to boot we threw his back out and removed his **** It was one indignity after another. Welcome to America!
A-m
LI, NY USA - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 20:09:55 (PST)
Magda, thanks for the info about Never Better. I have been wondering about that one--whether the title was Blow Dry or Never Better, the plot, and the release date. I had heard that it was being released this January, which I thought was too soon. I'm glad to be up-to-date on it. It sounds good, and it has an impressive roster in front of and behind the scenes.
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 17:59:25 (PST)
Seasons Greetings everyone!
Well, now that Dogma and GQ are out there (imagine, I live in a city where TWO AR movies were showing on the same day), we should keep an eye on the next one that's coming up: Never Better.
At the Upcoming Movies site, it says that it will be released in July-August-September of 2000, that NB is now the only title and here's their synopsis (which is more coherent that any other one I've seen):
"Two beauty salons in a small English town are locked in a heated rivalry over a national hairdressing competition. On one side is an old-fashioned hairdresser (Alan Rickman; with his morgue beautician son played by Hartnett). On the other side is his ex-wife (Richardson), who is now a lesbian and in love with her partner (Griffiths)."
This is the one I'm really looking forward to.
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 16:08:10 (PST)
Saw GQ yesterday. I confess to being a bit disappointed. I would have liked fewer whizz-bang FX and more character development and interaction amongst the cast. It was such a funny premise, I think even more could have been made of it. We should definitely have seen Alexander Dane without his Lazarus makeup; for example, he could have been shown reluctantly donning the headpiece in the first scene, to reinforce his "how the mighty have fallen" complaint. One last beef (and slight *SPOILER*): the nerdy kids who help save the day were great, but one of them (with a speaking part) should have been a girl. Wasn't the whole point of the Sigourney Weaver character that women are usually reduced to insignificance in sci-fi films? All that being said, the movie was very funny, and the "termites" (nice aliens) were great. Unlike most of the aliens on Star Trek, these guys actually seemed other-worldly even in their humanoid guise, and they carried a lot of the film's surprising sweetness. AR was irresistible even in his mollusc makeup, and I agree with Amy about his big scene. And no off-putting violence for those of us who can't handle it. I'd call this a must-view for any AR fan.
Nancy R. <nroberts@sonic.netfoo>
CA USA - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 13:12:23 (PST)
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! I did, thank you. Although it would have been even merrier had I been able to convinced my relatives that going to the movies was a great idea. :-) But alas, I could not. So... I must wait a little longer before seeing Galaxy Quest. (patience is a virtue, right?). But I'm glad to see that many of you did make it, and I'm enjoying reading your reviews.
As for the DreamWorks Latest News page linking to this site and the video clips I made, I did see that, Andrea. Wow! I told him he was welcome to use any of the clips I made, but had no idea he'd choose those two first. That's pretty cool.
Nice going, Amy! I'm looking forward to hearing you (and the soundtrack).
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 11:15:51 (PST)
Robyn, I also wondered WHY AR couldn't remove that awful headpiece even when his character was at home? Still haven't figured out the answer.
BTW, it was funny when, by the end of the movie, the headpiece was pretty much falling off by itself!
Georgia
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 10:29:38 (PST)
Saw Galaxy Quest yesterday...and loved it! I thought AR was delightful, very funny in his dilemma of hating his character but having nowhere else to go. And the short glimpse of the "intense" AR we love near the end when he quotes his dreaded line with feeling (and THAT voice!!). The audience really seemed to enjoy it, and he got a lot of laughs. Of course, I also loved the singing in the soundtrack! :-) I must say we sounded great... ;-)
Amy Fogerson <AmySingsLA@aol.comfoo>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 09:31:56 (PST)
Hi Joan, thanks for the Old Vic link. The site is wonderful. Congratulations.
Christine <christine.zang@t-online.defoo>
Germany - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 08:50:11 (PST)
Robyn, my theory is that Dane is at the end of his rope, and he's holding on to the very last vestige of his acting career, so he can't/won't let go of the alien character or he'd fall apart altogether (which he was already doing when the movie first starts)!
Fausta
USA - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 08:43:20 (PST)
Thank you, Fausta, my favorite line, too!
But I have a question on the costumes so this is a **SPOILER!** Sigourney Weaver's character was shown fresh out of the shower with her hair as she would wear it on the street - normal looking. Tim Allen's character was shown as he would be at home after a session of heavy drinking - normal looking.Why wasn't Alan's character ever seen without his seashell headdress? That scene in his (wretched!) apartment would have been the perfect opportunity to show Sir Alex as he would be at home - normal looking.
Why the different treatment? Who wears a prosthetic like that at home?
Robyn
USA - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 07:09:38 (PST)
I found GQ laugh-out-loud funny, with everyone in the cast doing a great job. Good comedy (missed a few lines from laughing at the goings-on), good action-adventure, and good science fiction, with references to The Day The Earth Stood Still (are you another fan, Maxine?), The Hitchiker's Guide To The Glaxy, Dune, and lots of other classics, not just to the many Star Treks.
My favorite line re: Alexander Dane "Give him a big hand, he's British!"
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Sunday, December 26, 1999 at 06:14:46 (PST)
I can see why Alexander would/should be jealous of Tim Allen's character... looks like he lives in a hovel of an apartment compared to Tim's nearly all-glass mansion in the hills. Yet they did remain friends... and that was so dear!
Maxine
USA - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 19:37:22 (PST)
Yes, I noticed the Brandon name, too! However, I am trained to notice that name, since I have seen Sense and Sensibility about 1,000 times!
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 19:09:38 (PST)
"And when Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer." Looks like Alexander helped conquer another world! And the lists of his movie coincidences continues... the kid who helps them is named Brandon!
Maxine
USA - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 18:21:58 (PST)
Yeah, but even as a half-lizard, I loved when he smiled!
Maxine
USA - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 18:18:42 (PST)
Saw Galaxy Quest today, and I very much enjoyed it, although I kept wishing it was Tim Allen in that awful alien make-up instead of AR! The audience laughed loud and long, and some were obviously sci-fi convention and Star Trek experts, going by some of their comments. However, you don't have to be a trekkie to enjoy this film. It's a welcome change of pace from the heavy dramatic movies that we are being bombarded with.
My main wish is to see Alan in his next film looking like a fantastic-looking human being instead of a debauched rock star or a half-lizard alien!
Georgia <camarbo@aol.comfoo>
Anaheim, CA USA - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 18:10:19 (PST)
I found it to be a sweet, funny and rather mellow and caring movie... I love buddy movies and this was full of people I liked the feel of and was happy to spend my movie time with. I sat through it twice and felt even more at home the second time. I enjoyed the humor, even to the splat of the alien on the window, and Alan's remark about Tim (aka Capt Kirk) managing to take his shirt off (and ending that with a smile) -- took me the second time to realize that the planet Klaatu was the name of Michael Rennie in Day the Earth Stood Still. After Dark Harbor and Dogma, I personally am delighted to see this pleasing film and look forward to owning it the second it comes out on video. I wished it was longer and could have kept in it more of what they must have cut out... they shouldn't have cut out what shows on the previews of when the alien grabbed Tim's face, because in the movie it shows him being thrown out of the room with his face bloody. Certainly I would have wanted him to be in it more and have had longer full face screen time... but I for one am happy with it.
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 18:01:03 (PST)
Sorry to say, I was mildly disappointed--perhaps as was seeing "Galaxy Quest" with my NYC artist daughter. Few kids in the audience and far more grown-ups across the street at Ripley. She thought the humorous lines were too 'dead pan'; I found they whizzed by too rapidly to savor (yes, well, a tad of the Christmas cheer the night before). The first third of the film I felt was tediously paced. And it was definitely Allen's film, with two fine actors serving rather as window dressing. I saw more realization of Mr. Rickman's considerable breadth of skill and talent in "Dogma" than in this film--which I shall probably not see again until video release.
Georgiana
Seattle, - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 17:41:20 (PST)
GQ has gotten it right. You don't need to be a Star Trek geek to enjoy the movie, which is well-cast all around, down to the conventioneers. Very funny (as in laugh out loud), and with far more drama than I expected, all to the good. More details later. But for now, it's a go.
Renie <http://members.tripod.com/~DailyTelegiraffe/rickmanmain.htmlfoo>
CA, USA - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 17:09:55 (PST)
Thanks so much, Suzanne, for the video clip from Conan. I can't believe that I missed taping it myself. What was I thinking!?!
Did you know that the Dreamworks GQ site now links to your main AR page and to the two GQ video files? Hopefully, your server can handle the extra traffic!
Happy Holidays everyone!
Andrea <ezeitler@optonline.netfoo>
LI, NY USA - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 16:49:35 (PST)
A nice comment on Rickman's performance in GQ in Canada's Globe and Mail - although I would query the reviewer's comment re AR's sense of humour. It reads 'Alan Rickman hasn't had a role that draws on his droll sense of humour since he played the elegantly psychopathic terrorist in Die Hard. His Dr. Lazarus, who wears what looks like a multicoloured sea shell welded to his head, is a comic mask of resentment and humiliation.
I hope that all my guest book friends are busy enjoying their Christmas Day. And I look forward to hearing from those who are spending it seeing Galaxy Quest.
Gail <grayment@istar.cafoo>
Toronto, Canada - Saturday, December 25, 1999 at 12:39:51 (PST)
The DreamWorks GQ site put up a couple of new pictures of Dr. Lazarus yesterday, including b&w wallpaper for each screen resolution.
Also, I just found out that today's edition of "Access Hollywood" talked about GQ within the first five minutes. However, the weekend edition of the show stated they'd have more about it on Monday's show.
And on the FOX News Channel, GQ will be on "Celebrity Spotlight." I believe it comes on at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Eastern Time.
I'm off to spend Christmas in Houston. Thanks, everyone!
Suzanne (in a festive mood & anticipating GQ tomorrow!) <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 21:37:25 (PST)
Many thanks to Suzanne for your MANY hours of work to provide us with this lovely place. Merry Christmas and a peaceful and joyous New Year to everyone!!!
A-m
LI, NY USA - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 21:01:38 (PST)
Haha! My local (and much beloved) newspaper had the AR and SW picture blown up to half a page yesterday! Nananana boo boo! :) Just Kidding! The holiday spirit invades me!
Julia (hohoho)
Calgary, Canada - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 18:20:08 (PST)
To all the fun Rickmaniacs far and near: This year has been such a treasure
to share this cyberspace with you -- a real joy and special pleasure!
And now the holidays have come and I just want to pray:
May peace and hope and joy come to you to brighten each new day.
These gifts are not beneath a tree nor beside special candle lights
but in the news this season brings -- from beyond the starry heights
The One who made those stars above gave a promise to us all
His holy word said He would provide redemption from the fall
Colored lights and candles bright can't mask our deepest fears
but Messiah reaches into our heart as promised for thousands of years
It is there to read in the Holy Book and is our part to seek His face
He rewards those who sincerely seek Him with peace and loving grace
So I send you heartfelt wishes to remind you of what His gift can be
The One who made the universe will hear any sincere plea
May this holiday season calm to reveal a desire in your heart
to reach out to God and hold on fast... to never ever part
A prayer for SHALOM (Peace)in your soul...
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 16:32:56 (PST)
At Christmas
O wallet, sad, depleted, shunned and empty,
Devoid of all that makes you greater grow
I shed a tear--or two--out of sheer envy
Of those who hold the tide of tenners flow.
Without so much a care these shoppers show
Towards those whose pockets now are out of dough.
So home, and stuck in front of my computer
Where else, I ask you, come this time of year?
The sink is clogged; I've just called Roto-Rooter,
They said they'll be here sometime late next year.
(It's more the ant invasion that I fear,
They're marching through fruitcake armed with spears.)
To take my mind from such bucolic idyll
My keyboard rescues me from UPS
I've taken, sure, an overdose of Midol
(What better time for mega-PMS?)
I've turned off CNN and CBS
And donned my knock-off faux designer dress . . . .
A word, or three, for you who keep life sane
Or maybe not so sane, as life requires--
Where we discuss the sacred, and profane
And we pursue our own secret desires.
(It's great when others stoke these inner fires
Until they flame and smoke like burning tires.)
No words express the comfort that we find here
No picture show the family we've grown
(This may well be a blessing in disguise here
A swimsuit issue? O--*collective groan*)
Despite the fluff and tone of this lite poem
You know you think, as I do, "This is home."
To be ourselves and not fear ostracism
As part of something larger than ourselves
Sweet few, who see through life's enormous prism
Reflecting light we nurture in our selves.
(I bet you thought I'd rhyme with Santa's elves;
Such rhyming should be banished from the shelves!)
Where dark, illuminate the lamp of warmest welcome
For some, long cold, and left out in the wood
Clasp hands and sing 'till voice is hoarse and then some,
No medicine can do a greater good.
A "safehouse" where there is no "must" or "should"
And where we'd chat forever, if we could.
And so, my friends, as Christmas day draws near
Accept my wish for joy throughout the year.
Renie <reniept@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 15:57:34 (PST)
At this holiday season, Merry Christmas to Suzanne and the great generous gifted family she hosts on these pages. It still feels like being home.
Georgiana
Seattle, - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 14:00:52 (PST)
To Suzanne and everyone on the GB: I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year and hope that all of your wishes come true. I haven't entered a message here in ages, but I do check it a few times a week. Just wanted you to know that I enjoy all of the entries I read.
Suzanne, I also would like to add my thanks for all you do for us -- I know how time-consuming it is and it is appreciated.
Clorinda <LadyGwenie@AOL.comfoo>
NJ USA - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 12:34:24 (PST)
Just like to say thank you Suzanne for the videogram. Yes, it definitely WAS worth waiting for !!
Happy Christmas to everyone once again.
Catherine (buzzing around in her new wheelchair just in time for the Millenium) <catherine.bowles@virgin.netfoo>
Yorkshire, England - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 05:47:51 (PST)
Jeffrey Lyons of NY NBC tv called GQ "the funniest movie of the year, by far"
Going by the AR & SW photo, (and barring platform shoes on our hero), he's 6'.
Merry Christmas to all!
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 05:43:02 (PST)
Hi everyone! Firstly, a great Christmas and happy new year to you all. Secondly, due to technical problems, I am replying to Jean in D.C. who enquired about Philip Rickman, the bird illustrator. Jean, I am not aware of any direct lineage with Alan and myself, but I will be seeing my cousin Tony for confirmation who drew up our family tree which covers this period. Many thanks for the information.
Jeff Rickman <jeff.j.rickman@si.shell.comfoo>
London, UK - Friday, December 24, 1999 at 03:57:11 (PST)
Suzanne---bless you.
Ellen
USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 20:40:03 (PST)
The Los Angeles Times has also given Galaxy Quest a great review, saying that it has just the right blend of comedy and action, and cites all of the cast for their strong performances!
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 19:45:50 (PST)
Thank you, Suzanne, for letting us know that Roger Ebert gave GQ a "thumbs up". Now I can watch Ebert's show without fear and trepidation!
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 18:10:31 (PST)
If anybody wants to see Harry Knowles, he'll be Roger Ebert's guest reviewer this week. As Georgiana said earlier today, Galaxy Quest will be reviewed on "Roger Ebert at the Movies" this week. I caught a special feed of the show on my satellite dish just now, and they show more scenes with Dr. Lazarus I haven't seen before. They both gave it a big "thumbs up."
And thanks, Lin! There's nothing I love doing more. But it is you and all his other admirers who visit and contribute to the site who make it what it is and just that much more enjoyable. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, everyone!
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 17:31:24 (PST)
THANK YOU Magda for getting that picture to us! I'm having fun watching AR's scenes in the trailers I've been able to catch... he is hilarious with that look of disdain! When Tim tries to convince them to stay and not go home to their dull lives... watch how Alan looks back at that crazy crewman (Sam Rockwell, who was total slime in The Green Mile but looks hysterical here) standing behind him and smiling goofily at him. And I love, "you broke the bloody ship!" Ah, I'm SO GLAD for this movie!
Maxine
USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 17:20:17 (PST)
If anyone wants to see the picture that Linda is talking about, it's atAR and SW
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 17:01:10 (PST)
CNN Showbiz today's clip on Galaxy Quest was on at around 10 minutes into the show... I expect if you set your vcr around 5 minutes in and stopped it around 16 minutes in you're sure to catch it, and a quickie of Dr. Lazarus grabbing that picture to sign just before the commercial before the actual story.
Maxine
USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 16:49:51 (PST)
According to the Dreamworks SKG GQ site, CNN's Showbiz Today has a special on GQ on today's show. It ran at 4:30 pm, and it should be rerun at 3:00 am (Eastern).
A-m
LI, NY USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 16:11:58 (PST)
Merry Christmas to all. And thanks, Suzanne, for all the work you do on this web site. I really appreciate and enjoy your efforts. Have a wonderful holiday!
Lin
Great Frozen North - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 16:10:11 (PST)
There's a wonderful interview with Kevin Smith on Dogma in the London Evening Standard, which includes this quote: "We had Alan Rickman," says Smith, "because the voice of God had to be British. His take on Metatron was like Ziggy Stardust as if he had aged." You can read the whole interview at
http://www.thisislondon.com/dynamic/lifestyle.html
Also, yesterday's (12/23) Los Angeles Times had an adorable picture of a smiling AR in a black leather jacket, with Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver at the Hollywood premiere of Galaxy Quest.
Linda P.
USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 13:56:06 (PST)
All right, I finally finished the Videogram (again, my apologies to Mac users!). The file is kind of large because it's nearly seven minutes long, so it may take awhile to download. But as I said before (and I'll say it again), it's worth it, believe me.
Re: Fresh Air. Thanks, Georgiana! Will look forward to hearing it from their web-site.
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 13:43:12 (PST)
Robyn: The "Today" show site doesn't list who will be featured on tomorrow's show, but it does mention that Tim Allen will appear on "Later Today" to discuss Galaxy Quest. (I must be living under a rock, I didn't even know there was such an animal as "Later Today.")
Here's wishing my fellow GB junkies a very Merry Christmas! I'm headed for the theater on Sunday...that will be my favorite Christmas present!
LynnP (
York, PA USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 11:12:10 (PST)
Roger Ebert is scheduled to review "Galaxy Quest" on this week's show (airs here on Sunday).
Georgiana
Seattle, - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 10:47:06 (PST)
Suzanne, it is very difficult to paraphrase Mr. Minghella. He seems to have an uncommonly sensitive and complex intellect with a very particular (he and Rickman are both fond of using this word in this fashion) way of speaking. However, what I found illuminating was the fact that he was raised on the Isle of Wight (have I misspelled this?), and his grandmother (to whom he had been closest) had been abandoned by his grandfather. Thirty years later, these Italian women (mother, aunts, grandmother) were still expecting his return, and went off to collect the old man's body when he died--though another family had had him for life, his 'true' family would reclaim him for eternity. This is obviously the stuff of "A Little Like Drowning," but also concerns the sense of loss and hurt that underpins the emotional issues in TMD--a connection he made. Rickman, who starred in both, was not mentioned. He said he was priased one day for "The English Patient" and the next had a public drumming of TMD (consigned to room 101?--I assume this is meaningful in the UK). Withall, he states he has had an exceptionally happy childhood and personal life.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle, - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 09:05:52 (PST)
Sigourney Weaver showed up this morning on the Today Show. Maybe Alan tomorrow?
And Good Morning, America's Joel Siegel gave GQ a B+ rating in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it review that did not show AR in it.
Robyn
USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 07:24:47 (PST)
Thank you for the interview transcript, Renie!
There are now at least 28 pages dedicated to AR, so let's hope he knows about the 'net firsthand.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexicte.comfoo>
pun intended, of course, USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 06:09:25 (PST)
Georgiana: thanks for the info about Fresh Air. I was planning to ask if anyone heard the show yesterday! I caught the last ten minutes of it, during which AM mentioned TMD only briefly. I'll check out the RealAudio archive version when it's posted on the Fresh Air website.
Incidentally, one of Terry's guests this afternoon is to be John Powers, a movie critic, who will review the opening holiday films. Perhaps a mention of GQ...?
Finally got to watch the tape of AR's Conan appearance last night. He was absolutely charming, and I was absolutely charmed. After that first smile, you could have knocked me over with a feather.
LynnP (still blind in one eye from looking thru the telescope at the moon...)
York, PA USA - Thursday, December 23, 1999 at 05:17:20 (PST)
Sorry, I'm still not done with the interview, and it's late already, so I'll finish and upload it tomorrow (it'll be worth the wait!).
Georgiana, could you please elaborate on what AM said about TMD and A Little like Drowning?
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 22:39:21 (PST)
Heard Antony Minghella on NPR's "Fresh Air" on the commute home tonight, discussing "The Talented Mr. Ripley," but also with some fascinating background/insight to "A Little Like Drowning" and "Truly Madly Deeply." Ironic, don't you think, that his film and Rickman in GQ are opening the same day? Mr. Minghella is extremely articulate.
Georgiana
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 19:28:45 (PST)
Time to sneak a peek at the Rickman pages under construction. The transcript is right next to the GQ icon.
http://members.tripod.com/~DailyTelegiraffe/rickmanmain.html
Renie <reniept@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 18:27:30 (PST)
First of all, I want to apologize for causing all the confusion about LIVE yesterday. That will teach me to believe their website!
Secondly, I totally agree that the Conan appearance was just adorable. Loved the earthquake story! He was so relaxed. I wonder if AR already knew Conan. Conan made a very funny appearance on Ruby Wax's Lifetime show. She did a show about artificial insemination. In the course of the show she narrowed her search for the perfect "funny" father down to Conan. The program ended with her husband on the phone yelling at Conan and telling him to stay away from his wife. It was pretty cute.
Finally, Emma Thompson and Greg Wise have named their baby girl. They are calling her Gaia Romilly Wise. The info is from Empire online and the site includes a description of the origin of the name. http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?story=1871
A-m
LI, NY USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 17:17:31 (PST)
Okay, I'll try to have a video finished and posted later this evening. Thanks for the transcription, Renie!
More Galaxy Quest on "E! News" (repeat tomorrow at Noon ET). And also "Hollywood One on One." Interview is with Tim Allen, but they show a bit of behind-the-scenes in Salt Lake City, Utah. (check your local listings for this one)
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 17:12:14 (PST)
I've just finished transcribing the appearance on Conan. I'll get back to you all shortly with a url. (Would we, Suzanne? Anything to see those fingers again.)
Renie (Graduate of Star Fleet Academy, Gilda) <reniept@hotmail.comfoo>
CA, USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 16:25:02 (PST)
Suzanne
Yes,yes,yes,yes,yes,yes !!!!!!!!
(Does that sound desparate enough ??)
Catherine (boy, this would really make my Christmas) <catherine.bowles@virgin.netfoo>
Yorkshire, England - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 15:57:05 (PST)
Although AR's segment was much too short on Conan last night, it was enjoyable. Wish that he'd be on the Charlie Rose show. A much better interviewer - not just the quick 5 min. plug for the guest's current project.
Am proud to announce that our Old Vic Theatre web site is at last ready. Please check it out and please, please spread the word to all your friends! The URL is:
www.oldvictheatre.com
happy holidays!
Joan <jmvogelle@aol.comfoo>
USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 15:56:30 (PST)
I woke up *early* this morning, in hopes of catching AR on Regis & Kathie Lee---Now, i haven't watched the show in years, but I don't think that was Kathie Lee, today... Anyway, AR wasn't on, so, that's that... Anyhoo, I really enjoyed AR on Conan last night, (and again today: I love my VCR!) especially the Peruvian teacher bit. It scares me how alike we really are, even down to the lack of left-right coordination! If I was blonde, we could pass for relatives---Ahh, the things chemicals do for us! :) P.S.--Support group? What support group? :)
Julia
Calgary, Canada - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 15:46:09 (PST)
No Mandy, I'm the one with the hairdryer trying to unglue the Dogma poster at Holborn station!
Claire
err ... just kidding London Transport Police, - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 15:31:19 (PST)
CNN Showbiz Today stated it would have a story about Galaxy Quest on tomorrow's show, so set your VCRs.
As for the Conan interview, would you like me to make a Videogram of it?
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 15:10:03 (PST)
Thanks, Maxine. I should read more carefully. Unfortunately, my local station doesn't show Conan a second time, so I can't volunteer to tape & circulate.
Nancy R.
CA USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 13:33:16 (PST)
From today's LA Times: "The Sunday afternoon premiere of DreamWorks' comedy "Galaxy Quest" at the Mann's Chinese Theatre was a family affair. Sigourney Weaver, who plays B-actress Gwen DeMarco (who in turn plays Lt. Tawny Madison on the fictional "Galaxy Quest," a "Star Trek"-like TV show) showed up with her brood wearing the same blond bombshell wig she wore in the film. "I heard that people were going to dress up like aliens, so I thought it was the least I could do. Besides, it might be my last chance to be a blond." Also on hand were Tim Allen and Tony Shalhoub with their families, and DreamWorks Pictures co-heads Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald.
PHOTO: Sigourney Weaver, left, Tim Allen, Alan Rickman at "Galaxy" premiere. PHOTOGRAPHER: JEFF KRAVITZ
Georgiana
- Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 12:58:41 (PST)
Nancy, just look below your message... I said that if you have a second set of Tonight/Conan on your station in the middle of the night, that these are repeats from the week before. Just as I will, you'll have to just keep taping that show every night just in case. Obviously, even when they post what is going to be on it's not always right... yes, Alan was on there after all, but Brokaw was scheduled for Thursday night, and where was Tyra? See what I mean? Email me if you have any questions.
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 12:21:59 (PST)
On Conan, AR described himself, endearingly, as a "klutz" and told the earthquake story as illustration (groping around in the dark for his underpants, and then, having presumably found them, thinking he should go to the lobby, but deciding he should take his passport with him). I can relate: I was in an apartment-building fire when I was 25, and the two things I took out into the street with me were my ancient Teddy bear and my passport! And speaking of being a klutz: having fiddled around with my VCR to get it to tape, I misjudged the amount of tape remaining, and the blasted thing ran out right before AR's appearance. To make matters worse, although I was sitting right there, I didn't even notice! So if anyone finds out when the appearance will be repeated, please post it here; failing that, I join Catherine in hoping that someone will circulate the tape. Actually we should do this anyway, for the benefit of our non-U.S. members.
Nancy R.
CA USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 12:15:28 (PST)
So glad I hung in there to catch Conan... was so tired but really woke up when he came on stage!!! With all the trouble about Conan's listings last night on the GB, at least I'm glad that there is a chance for this to be repeated for any of you who have a second set of Leno and Conan being shown again farther into the middle of the night. From what I was told, next week they're to show stuff from this week. Yes, he was on 40 minutes into the show, and I'm just going to set the vcr every night next week for that just in case I catch him again. Only I was sad to learn he doesn't like westerns or sci-fi!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 11:41:13 (PST)
Renie! Where'd you get the talent to hold a, uh, tricorder?! (g)
RE: hands--more thumbs than hands in this film, but his thumbs are mighty nice too.
Gilda
USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 11:10:17 (PST)
From reel.com: "Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman) plays a Spock-like half-human with fluorescent head flanges who cultivates a serious case of aggravated thespianism and suffers recurring panic attacks." . . . "Rickman brings the right combination of stiffness and superiority to the overstuffed, stagey Dane."
Georgiana
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 11:09:51 (PST)
Knew the hands would get to you, Renie! As to the jacket, looked to be 'unconstructed'--i.e., no shoulder pads. Some texture to the fabric. Or too much time in a suitcase. Over black jeans and a black T. Darst I say it? No gray at the temples (or elsewhere). I do think there is a chemical involved here. Great cut. He looked about 2 inches shorter than Conan--who I believe is 6'3. Anyone make the live studio audience?
Georgiana (ducking)
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 11:05:30 (PST)
Black on black. He smiled and talked with his hands the entire time. Plus, the GQ clip they showed--his hands getting two close-ups. Those pants were certainly slim, weren't they? Were they Prada? Something about his jacket wasn't fitting quite right (pick, pick) but he looked so free from the Dogma paste, it was cause for rejoicing. His eyes were rather twinkling, I thought, when he smiled.
I wonder how someone could have told him that Aint-it-Cool loved it? {He wasn't surfing himself (ho-ho-ho).} It was a crafty way not to plug the movie himself, directly. And that wistful thing about his appearance again--that he's happy that people recognize him as the same person, when they come up to him and say "Yippee-Kai-yay . . . " Is he kidding? The Die Hard trilogy is still a much-touted holiday gift set. (Which is more than strange, when you think about it.) Weird fact: Die Hard was cited, along with video games, as what young people in former Russian "satellite" countries waste their time with, instead of stepping up to lead and participate in the future of their countries. (NY Times)
Catherine, I'd transcribe the appearance, but it would be filled with all the hand motions.
Never been to a convention--this GB is the closest! *wink*
But I know how to hold a tricorder. *grin* --Renie , - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 10:40:38 (PST)
A very Merry Christmas and a fantastic Millenium to everybody !!!!!!
(It would be great if someone could circulate copies of the conan interview. Sounds VERY interesting !!! Hint,hint)
Catherine (positively green with envy) <catherine.bowles@virgin.netfoo>
Yorkshire, England - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 10:22:41 (PST)
I thought it interesting that nearly all his anecdotes were from around the time of the "Die Hard" filming. Made me eager to hear those from other times I'm sure as artfully perfected by the retelling. Also had to wonder if failing his driver's test might additionally have had something to do with the fact that he mimed a right turn after a "Turn left" admonition! (Claire, I note the part has now firmly migrated to the left!)
Georgiana (passed mine [new state] by 2 points--also faulted for excess caution at a green light--and had been driving 4 years! My, but things *do* change!)
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 08:50:30 (PST)
I loved AR's appearance on Conan, especially the part where he mentioned that, during the earthquake, he was sleeping nude. What a wonderful image to wake up with this morning (I had taped it because it airs at 12:35am)!
He seemed very relaxed, and full of anecdotes and humor. I can't wait to see GQ. I'd never seen that clip, and it looks very funny.
BTW, Harry Knowles runs a movie web site called Ain't It Cool News here in the States. It's supposed to have a lot of influence.
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 07:37:08 (PST)
I went to see GQ last night at the Loews Theater in NYC last night as well--I'm so sorry I didn't bring a placard saying, "I'm an Alan Rickman Guestbook Junkie!" so Keyser and friends would recognize me and we could meet! :-( I was thrilled to see the movie (first time I ever won tickets to anything!) because AR has so much screen time. Unfortunately, he doesn't ever take off that head piece, even during the scene where he's back at his apartment and talking on the phone with Sigourney about Tim Allen's behavior at an autograph signing. But for those of you who've seen it: Did you get a look at those hunky upper arms?? Woo hoo! Ahem, there seemed to be a little more of him in the middle too, but I'd need to get a better look at him at the next viewing this weekend. As for the film itself, I thought it was a hoot--if you've ever been to a Star Trek con, you'll get a kick out of this. Trekkers/-ies really do come out in all regalia and the atmosphere is just as the movie depicts. Consider this a much longer version of the skit William Shatner did on Saturday Night Live many years ago. You'll all love this movie for one reason or another.
Conan was great last night as well. Loved AR being interviewed about stuff we don't already know about--earthquakes, underpants, etc. (I'm surprised he didn't refer to them as knickers!) Granted, we're not supposed to be prying into his personal life (heck, he offered up this one!), but it's nice to know he airs out his laundry overnight! LOL
Gilda <PrisAB234@aol.comfoo>
USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 07:05:08 (PST)
any time!!!!!!
robin
USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 06:16:07 (PST)
Didn't our man look relaxed on Conan last night? I'll help him find his underpants anytome.
robin
USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 06:14:59 (PST)
My daughter won tickets for the sneak preview of Galaxy Quest last night here in Atlanta and (in the interest of self-preservation) invited her mother to go with her. I am delighted to report the the movie is really and truly funny. For those of you who have wanted to see Mr. Rickman take a comedic turn, it is a treat (well, it isn't Noel Coward, but genuinely funny nonetheless). And, it's an AR movie you can actually take your children to see - how many of his movies fit that description, ladies? A fun time was had by all in the Atlanta audience - I have already booked a date with my niece and nephew for this weekend to see it again! Enjoy!
NancyC
Atlanta, GA USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 05:59:22 (PST)
Who's Harry Knowles?
Did anyone tape Conan?
Fausta
the cosmic questions . . ., USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 05:32:49 (PST)
Claire,
Was it you who has stuck a "FASHION POLICE" sticker over Alan in the Dogma poster at Holborn Station.
Howard denies doing it despite his comment "pink and green does nothing for him". Merry Christmas.
Mandy
London, UK - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 04:14:18 (PST)
It seems that even non-GB people saw the Conan interview. Harry Knowles from AICN has a beef (again the ...'s are his; the ---'s are mine):
"Dear Alan Rickman...
Re: Conan O'Brien Misquote of ME about GALAXY QUEST!
Alright, so I'm sitting here in my room minding my own affairs...--- when suddenly from the living room comes the voice of Alan Rickman saying my name. Dad hushes me... THen says something along linest that Alan Rickman said that I said that GALAXY QUEST was the greatest movie ever made.---
Now, I really adore GALAXY QUEST.---GALAXY QUEST is smarter and far funnier and cooler than MEN IN BLACK (which is a film I don't enjoy all that much) and the cast is note perfect. BUT... This is a parody of STAR TREK... Not DESTRY RIDES AGAIN or FRANKENSTEIN. It's about source material. I love Star Trek... but they've kinda been parodying themselves for the last decade as it is.... It's just GALAXY QUEST does a better job of making loving fun of and with Star Trek, than Star Trek does.
As a kid brought up on STAR TREK, this movie is REAL F***ING COOL.... HOWEVER... IT IS NOT THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE... sorry Alan...---But I would never choose to say that a Pop Tart is the greatest food ever made... and GALAXY QUEST is a nice warm tasty Pop Tart while watching Saturday Morning Cartoons... It rocks... but it is... just a Pop Tart.
Harry Knowles
P.S. Having Hans Gruber say my name is like so f***ing cool! You rock, Alan!"
The concensus of the readers who responded to this letter on the AICN site was that HK should just be grateful AR got his name right and was mentioned on national television at all.
Magda <mgranwtich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 02:49:57 (PST)
My, but he was funny! Can't believe I woke up just in time to catch this!
Georgiana (There's something to be said for those hot flashes!)
USA - Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at 01:28:45 (PST)
I saw it as well, and have checked the tape I made of the show. Although the VCR is perpetually stuck on 12:00, I did manage to get his interview on tape. Julia, you'll need a support group (beyond this site) once you see the interview. He mentions an event I'd never read about before--that being an earthquake in L.A. which found him scrambling for underwear in the middle of the night/blackout. Couldn't help but smile to imagine the giggles being sent up all over the place. 'Twas fun to hear something new....Happy Holidays, all
amy
OK USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 23:17:00 (PST)
Yes! He was on (somewhere around 45 minutes into the show). He was fantastic! And they showed a GQ clip I've never seen before.
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 23:08:21 (PST)
Maxine, I'm on the West Coast, but I just looked at the Conan O'Brien site--I had to check which network he's
on, since I don't watch much TV--and AR is listed as a guest in addition to Tom Brokaw. I'm going to have to stay up (my VCR is broken), so let's hope patience is rewarded.
Nancy R. <nroberts@sonic.netfoo>
CA USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 22:16:13 (PST)
Is anybody there from the east coast? I just saw a preview of Tonight Show and Conan and they show Tom Brokaw on Conan!!! What is going on? It should be near midnight... I hope someone will get on and let us know if he really is on or not? What a day!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 20:53:49 (PST)
According to TVTalkshows.com Christopher Walken and Mike Douglas WERE today's guests on LIVE. This site seems to post the info after the show airs. It sounds right.Soooo, maybe the same person maintains both LIVE and Conan's sites and got confused. ;0)
A-m
LI, NY USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 19:58:00 (PST)
We saw GALAXY QUEST tonight. It's a hoot, a real treat for the STAR TREK fans out there who have ever been to a convention and encountered the avid fans. It has a lot of funny moments. Rickman rolls his eyes a lot and camps it up a bit, thought not as much as the Sheriff of Nottingham. And he NEVER appears without the alien make-up. It was so much fun, I recommend it.
Keyser
USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 19:19:25 (PST)
I saw Roger Ebert this Sunday and they didn't review it... however, I wonder if it was a rerun of last week's which they didn't show. The tv stations in the Denver area are really a frustrating, unorganized lot!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 18:56:03 (PST)
Did Roger Ebert already review Galaxy Quest? I didn't see it on his website.
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 18:38:31 (PST)
Sadly, tho, it is called LIVE... and it must have been today! Yes, put me out of my misery!!! ~~(8-0
Maxine
USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 18:04:16 (PST)
Yes, A-m I do hope you're right that they're confused! Especially since it would make more sense that Alan would stop by when they're interviewing Tim Allen about Galaxy Quest! I do hope that is the case! I can't believe I turned off the stupid program IF/when he was on!!!!
Maxine
USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 17:58:49 (PST)
I am the official poster child for computer illiteracy. If you want to get to the Live website just click on my name on my first posting. Too many jingle bells! Sorry!!
A-m
LI, Ny USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 17:50:56 (PST)
Hopefully, the Live website is "confused". Right at the top of the home page it has a box that lists the date, December 21st, and says that Alan Rickman and Tyra Banks stopped by. I've heard from two people who mentioned Christopher Walken was on and the site doesn't mention him. Maybe they jumped ahead and they're on tomorrow. I'll try to post a link, but have patience as I'm a little hopeless.
If anyone did see it please post and put us all out of misery!
A-m
LI, NY USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 17:45:55 (PST)
Also, there is a sci-fi magazine called Starlog 2000 with another really nice picture of Dr. Lazarus on a quality magazine cover and a full size pullout of that publicity shot inside.
Maxine
USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 17:34:54 (PST)
WHO saw Alan on Regis and Kathie Lee today? When was there time for him? Christopher Walken was on first and, tho I didn't see the second half hour fully... Mike Douglas was on afterwards. Did they slip him and Tyra in between then? I know that Tim is on tomorrow and Sigourney on Thursday, or vice versa... but I can't believe I missed Alan on R&KL!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 17:25:30 (PST)
Moving back into the past for a moment and slightly off-topic, there's an interesting article in the new Persuasions, the official quarterly of the Jane Austen Society, about Colonel Brandon. It's at Colonel Brandon, if you're interested.
Magda
Canada - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 17:21:04 (PST)
Merry Christmas to all and thank you for the wonderful fun I've had on this page this year. Hoping for more in the New Year.
Judy <judy1@one.net.aufoo>
SydneyAustralia, NNS Australia - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 16:30:20 (PST)
Apparently, AR was a guest on "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" this morning. I didn't find out until a few minutes ago. He's going to get to know Tyra Banks pretty well by the end of the day. She was on too. I suppose they can share a limo ove to Conan for tonight's show.
If someone else can get see the show later in the day, not so "live", I hope you'll post what he said!
A-m
LI, NY USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 12:50:59 (PST)
Best Buy stores has Sense & Sensibility on video for $7.99 (not available for that price on line, but they do have it on DVD for $25). In case anyone out there is looking for the perfect last minute stocking stuffer!
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 11:30:52 (PST)
Film review:'Galaxy Quest' (Hollywood Reporter - Mon., Dec. 20, 1999), By Kirk Honeycutt
"Galaxy Quest" has a fabulous comic premise and a cast totally in sync with the gag that generates the laughs. The special effects whizzes have also done their job to create a world in which the comedy can unfold.
But "Galaxy Quest" still feels like a near miss. The problem with a great premise is that it demands a great payoff, and here the payoff is a tad weak.
Nevertheless, "Galaxy Quest," with a cast headed by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman, should attract sizable holiday audiences looking for cheerful entertainment during a season in which poverty, prisons and sociopaths are filling theater screens.
"Galaxy Quest" is the name of a cult science-fiction television show (1979-82) that might remind you of a similar series where brave humans and near-humans trekked among the stars. Two decades later, "Galaxy Quest's" cast, forever typecast and unable to sustain acting careers after the show's cancellation, live off their fictional personas at sci-fi conventions, where legions of faithful fans line up to get autographs at $15 a pop.
At one convention, a group of Thermians, an alien race from a distant world, comes to recruit the "GQ" crew to help defend the extraterrestrials' planet from an evil adversary. It seems the Thermians long ago intercepted telecasts of "Galaxy Quest" and, lacking any understanding of TV or entertainment, believe the episodes to be "historical documents" of real events.
When the "GQ" cast gets whisked off to this distant planet, they discover that the Thermians have copied their space ship, the NSEA Protector, and the "GQ" world to such a remarkable degree that the actors find themselves back on their old set -- only this time everything is real.
Allen's Jason Nesmith, the only cast member to still get a kick out of his series persona, plunges into this new mission without any qualms over having no director or script. But Weaver's Gwen DeMarco, the blond bombshell whose only job was to repeat information supplied by the ship's computer, is often terrified, and Rickman's cranky Alexander Dane, a British stage actor unable to return to Shakespeare after his role as the half-humanoid, half-reptilian Dr. Lazarus, is mostly baffled.
The rest of the "cast" includes Tony Shalhoub as a non-Asian who goes by the name of Fred Kwan; Daryl Mitchell, who was a 10-year-old gunner/navigator when the series was in primetime; and a new member, played by Sam Rockwell, the sci-fi convention's host, who did appear briefly on "Galaxy Quest" before being killed by a lava monster.
The byplay among the "GQ" cast and their encounters with the real terrors of space are mildly amusing, but writers David Howard and Robert Gordon seem content with obvious jokes and never dig any deeper into the various levels of reality -- and unreality.
Elements bring to mind the 1942 film "To Be or Not to Be," though light years removed in style, substance and seriousness. In the classic, Ernst Lubitsch played wonderfully with the idea of actors using their thespian skills to outwit an enemy. In "Galaxy Quest," the threats from the evil Sarris (Robin Sachs) needed to carry real weight and the gimmicks from the old TV series should have created more interesting reverberations in the cast's real battles.
Instead "Galaxy Quest" gets by with broad physical gags and nifty effects, such as a CGI-produced band of cannibalistic blue children and a giant monster comprised of rocks and boulders. Alien makeup and creature effects by Stan Winston are first rate. And director Dean Parisot keeps the pace brisk, which also helps.
"Galaxy Quest" is certainly a bright entertainment. But the satire falls a little short.
Georgiana
- Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 09:55:01 (PST)
The host at the DreamWorks SKG Fan Site
, in his review of "Galaxy Quest," tells us Rickman's was his favorite character, and "captured the essence of Commander Worf"!
Georgiana
Seattle, - Tuesday, December 21, 1999 at 09:44:37 (PST)
The comments of one gent (clearly not Ebert) up at Ain't It Cool include these remarks on Sir Alexander: "Alan Rickman co-stars as Alexander Dane, a prissy British actor who plays the Mr. Spock-like Dr. Lazarus. He's on the verge of a mental breakdown at the beginning of the film when Nesmith is an hour late for their appearance. He rambles on pathetically about being a classically trained actor who once played Hamlet, but is now typecast as the half-humanoid, half-reptilian sidekick. Rickman, who was pretty damn funny in DOGMA, works here as a splendid punchline on a number of levels. His performance is dedicated and the change his character goes through marks one of the film's more dramatic moments." ...and... "I think kids are gonna dig the broad comedy and visual punches while parents laugh at the comic references and subtle work by the stars."
Georgiana
Seattle, - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 22:31:30 (PST)
Magda,
Thanks for posting that review! Of course, I loved hearing he liked the score, since I sang on it
Amy <AmySingsLA@aol.comfoo>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 22:08:40 (PST)
Here I waited two days for my Entertainment Weekly since it didn't come on Saturday... expecting a review and picture of GQ! But it had nothing... was the double issue about the supposed best and worst stuff of the year---and there won't be another issue for two weeks! Expect there will only be a blurb next time! And more than that, E! has been so frustrating because they have never shown the GQ trailer on Coming Attractions! I don't get it! But thanks Suzanne for that little download you gave us over the weekend! I love it!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.netfoo>
Greeley, CO USA - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 18:00:40 (PST)
Thanks Magda - Dreamworks Site also has the three GQ clips - Clips two and three are worth the download effort.
Claire
- Monday, December 20, 1999 at 16:32:34 (PST)
A big congratulations to Claire, Raffaella, Kel Clancy and Stezi: your sites are all listed on Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks site as "Related Links" in the AR category:Dreamworks Links Page
Now let's email the guy at the top of the page and get Suzanne on there too.
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 16:13:22 (PST)
Thank you for your (hiccup) support, Magda! :) Set your VCR's, Ladies, 'cuz Alan's going to be on Conan O'Brien tomorrow night! P.S. I'm (hiccup) better now!
Julia Petrov
Calgary, Canada - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 16:09:12 (PST)
Besides CNN Showbiz Today, today's episodes of Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood and E! News Daily also show the arrivals at the premiere of Galaxy Quest.
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
LOL, Magda - and thanks for the reviews!, - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 16:05:42 (PST)
From the GQ Production Notes:
In contrast to his jaded character, Rickman enjoyed the affectionate take on the science fiction far community. "I think it's great that there are people who leave their boring old jobs and get dressed up in costume-
and live a fantasy life for a moment. God knows that' what I spend my life doing," he remarks.
Claire
- Monday, December 20, 1999 at 16:03:22 (PST)
Okay, who spiked the eggnog and left it out where Julia could get hold of it?
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 15:46:50 (PST)
Thanks, Claire! Always a surprise or two!
Georgiana
Seattle, - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 15:43:53 (PST)
Such happiness has never been known!!!!!!!! GQ premiere shown on showbiz today and GOD is Alan BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS MAN!!!!!!! I have decided to take my local Trekkie fan along with me to the movie. I can't wait.
"Just like Mother used to make!" AAARRRGGHHH!!! I can't take the hilarity! I love him, damn it!
Whew... I'm done now.
lovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelove.......
Julia Pertrov <j_petrov@hotmail.comfoo>
Calgary, Canada - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 15:09:54 (PST)
Magda, thanks so much for the GQ reviews from AICN and Variety. I'm having a hard time finding reviews--this weeks's Time magazine reviewed no less than 15 films, but left out GQ! Ditto with Newsweek. Frustrating!
Georgia
Anaheim, Ca USA - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 14:35:46 (PST)
Hi, everyone! I just got a pass for two to go see Galaxy Quest tomorrow night in New York. If another person in the area would like to join me, please let me know as soon as you can!
Gilda <PrisAB234@aol.comfoo>
USA - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 11:22:09 (PST)
Suzanne: I just viewed the clip you posted on Friday. What a way to start the work week - I howled! Thanks, I needed that!
LynnP <lperrego@eudoramail.comfoo>
Cold, wet, but still snowless York (bah, humbug), PA USA - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 05:17:09 (PST)
Here's another review that came out this morning: Variety Review
Magda
Canada - Monday, December 20, 1999 at 02:24:47 (PST)
Fox News 11 just aired a spot about the GQ premier today. Showed AR, Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver. Apparently there was a costume contest based on the film with the three stars awarding the winner $2500. Our guy looked very handsome wearing his signature black T-shirt along with a lightweight black jacket with the collar turned up and khaki Dockers-type pants.
Lisa <cap10hook@dreamsoft.comfoo>
Riverside, CA USA - Sunday, December 19, 1999 at 22:57:33 (PST)
In addition to their appearances on Rosie O'Donnell mentioned below by Maxine, Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver will be on abc's "The View" Friday morning. In NY, that's 11:00 am (live?). "Check your local listings."
A different TV commercial for GQ includes another line for Alien Science Officer, Dr. Lazarus: "Could I get the check?" delivered while the bridge of the ship is falling apart around him.
Andrea <ezeitler@optonline.netfoo>
LI, NY USA - Sunday, December 19, 1999 at 16:30:21 (PST)
Here's the first GQ review, courtesy of Harry Knowles at AICN. I took out most of the intensely personal stuff (don't sue me, please, Mr. K) and concentrated on the relevant portions. Because Mr. K uses (...) a lot, I used a (-) instead. So enjoy:
GALAXY QUEST review
But ya know what? - This is the sort of film that I love. Science Fiction. Geeky as all hell. Damn fine effects. Cool monsters. Groovy space vistas. Making out with an alien chick. Stupid dangerous things. Rock monsters. Ya know. I just love this stuff -
Now this film isn't the be all end all of geek culture. But damn if it isn't a whole lot of fun.
Originally the script really seemed to be taking potshots at 'fanboys and fangirls', but in the film... watching it come to life...
When watching the film, and the 'background' for the fictional fandom of GALAXY QUEST, which is... for all intents and purposes, STAR TREK... well I feel they nailed fandom quite a bit. There's that freakshow side of it, the dissing cynical side, the oh so happy side and ya know... I thought they really respected not only the fan side, but the show side as well.
Tim Allen/William Shatner... Now sure, he isn't playing William Shatner... but wink wink, he's playing William Shatner. The character is played with a bit of that faux arrogance that we see in Shatner at conventions... The 'pat answers' to typical fanboy questions. The whole, 'Hey baby, wanna ride the captain' type of thing. But at the same time, he can't help but face the reality that his life has become about conventions and mall openings and living on past glories.
Alan Rickman/Leonard Nimoy.... Wow. I've been a fan of Rickman for quite some time, and he is so dead on perfect for the 'respectable actor' that has been 'diminished and marginalized' by becoming typecast as this stupid ALIEN SIDEKICK! Do you remember the whole, "I AM NOT SPOCK" period with Nimoy. Where he became indignant and angry? The same sort of thing has happened in the past with folks like LON CHANEY JR, where you had this great actor... who just could not escape his name.
Sigourney Weaver/Typical Cleavage Space Queen... Oh... be it Jerri Ryan or Denise Crosby or Troi or on an on... there is always this character. The female crew member that always exposes tons of cleavage, whose show duties consist of stating the plainly obvious.
Tony Shalhoub/Supporting Cast Member.... he's the Scotty or Sulu or Chekov or Geordi type. And I LOVE Shalhoub in this film. He's the only crew member that really really just completely accepts everything that he sees on the journey. And it's... well I don't want to spoil it, but man... I'm happy at how this winds up. Sam Rockwell/Red Shirt.... HILARIOUS! For me, watching ol Rockwell become paranoid as hell at the fact that he is the 'expendable crew member'... Well... it's beautiful. It's sort of like when Randy believes he's the comedy sidekick that dies in SCREAM... but I don't know... I just loved the neurosis he puts his character through.
Then there is the damn WESLEY CRUSHER of the show... Daryl Mitchell.... he's the genius kid from the show that piloted the ship, but is now grown up and a bit embarrased about the whole... when I was a kid on the show type of thing. In a lot of ways, the film reminds me of THE LAST STARFIGHTER. A film that I love, that I think a lot of people seem to rail against, but in a lot of ways... that's just the way the film is.
By the time you get through this movie though, I think... at least I know I felt... that this film worked even better.
And the particularly scary part of this film is this... GALAXY QUEST is supposed to be a take off on the whole 'STAR TREK' thing. A 'ha ha' type of thing. But as I watched the film, I felt that the people making this movie had more respect for the material than the STAR TREK folks have in ages.
These characters have more soul, the situations they end up in have more poignancy, the space battles have more fear. Overall this is a better STAR TREK movie than any STAR TREK movie I've seen in a very long time. The aliens were not just nose appliances and forehead wrinkles.
And the score... David Newman does a real honest to goodness bangup job here. It felt so... vintagely cool. My first question upon exiting the theater was... 'Who did the score?' It's wonderful.
Also, while I love the Westmore family's work on Star Trek... Having Stan Winston actually working in this medium... well it was a blast...
This is a film that's sole purpose is to have a lot of fun. I was really concerned that the movie wasn't going to live up to the supremely cool promotional campaign for the movie. Dreamworks has, from the beginning, been treating this AS IF Galaxy Quest had been a real... successful show from 1978 or so. And ya know what? That's pretty cool. From the gum cards to the vintage 'Burger King' style painted glasses to the bouncy flashy balls... GALAXY QUEST's promo people have done a bangup job, BUT...
There is a general rule in this game which is, "The cooler the shit, the shittier the film is." Well... That's not the case here. Go to have fun. Expect it to suck, believe Harry is a bloated sellout (copyright THE WARRIOR 1999) and that the film is a waste. But you'll be surprised. I was. What this film boils down to for me is this. I believe that the folks that made this have been staring at the STAR TREK franchise wondering why they can't seem to make a good one. Started looking at it from an outside of PARAMOUNT point of view... and just nailed the concept.
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Sunday, December 19, 1999 at 13:19:43 (PST)
I just saw the GQ 20th anniversary show and loved it. Thanks to those who posted the dates and times, I would never have seen it without that info.
Ellen <kjwoody@rcn.comfoo>
Whitehall, Pa USA - Sunday, December 19, 1999 at 12:24:58 (PST)
Here's some interesting stuff about the special effects for GQ that I found. Apparently it's in the LA Times today.:
"The man behind the special effects of 'Galaxy Quest'
Copyright © 1999 Nando Media
Copyright © 1999 Los Angeles Times Syndicate
By CHRIS KOSELUK
December 19, 1999 12:04 a.m. EST http://www.nandotimes.com
For more than 15 years, Bill George has prided himself on creating state-of-the-art visual effects for some of the most popular films. As part of the team of Industrial Light & Magic - George Lucas' cutting-edge effects house in San Rafael, Calif. - George has helped stage space battles for "Return of the Jedi" and "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace," guided the Starship Enterprise through three "Star Trek" features, and created models and miniatures for such films as "Deep Impact," "Innerspace," "Alive" and "Ghostbusters II."
But none of this work prepared the movie-magic veteran for the task he faced as visual effects supervisor of the sci-fi comedy spoof "Galaxy Quest," which opens on Christmas Day: He had to produce bad special effects.
"It's a lot cheesier," says George about the initial sequence for the DreamWorks' release. "We had to make our effects look appropriately cheesy, put matte lines around things, give the film scratches, that kind of stuff."
"Galaxy Quest" stars Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman and Tony Shalhoub as a band of aging actors who once starred in a mythical 1970s cult science-fiction television series. Bemoaning their fate of forever being typecast as these characters (think "Star Trek" TV gods), they struggle to stay in the spotlight by appearing at fan conventions.
While in character at one of these conventions, the "Galaxy Quest" cast is kidnapped by the Thermins race of real outer space aliens. These extraterrestrials believe the TV program was reality, and they have modeled their entire existence after the boob tube champions of the universe.
It seems that an intergalactic war is threatening the Thermins' very existence - and they're counting on their "Galaxy Quest" heroes to help them. Can this group of washed-up television actors defend the universe and save the alien race - and without the help of makeup and wardrobe, retakes or stunt doubles?
The script called for George and his crew of ILM wizards to fabricate a sequence of the old "Galaxy Quest" series to open the film - hence the need for a cheesy look reminiscent of the old "Star Trek" and "Lost in Space" programs.
George reveals that sometimes inspiration also came from some unlikely places.
"We had some fun with the TV show because we could kind of let our imaginations run wild," he continues. "Certainly 'Star Trek' was one of the sources we pulled from, but we tried really hard to pull from all over the place. For instance, ('Galaxy Quest' actors) have something very similar to a transporter. Well, the 'Star Trek' transporter is this very ethereal, bubble-soft nice pleasant thing. We wanted ours to be more scary. So our inspiration was 'Duck Dodgers in the 25 1/2 Century,' where this horrible electronic bolt passes through your body."
George credits director Dean Parisot for encouraging him to look beyond the obvious for the movie's unusual visuals. He also points out that the majority of the 200 effects shots created for the spoof will be worthy of any big screen space epic.
"We spent a lot more time focusing on the real world as opposed to the TV show," he explains. "Dean was insistent that it not be campy, that the effects look absolutely real and support the comedy."
George was more concerned with the challenge of coming up with something fresh that the hoards of movie and television science fiction fans haven't seen before. And even though "Galaxy Quest" features a generous visual mix of computer-generated effects, models and mattes, George believes it's the film's comic elements that gave them the angle they needed to give audiences something new and unique.
"Between all the TV shows and movies, most of the visuals have pretty much been played out," he observes. "But a great thing about working on a comedy is that you can come at it from a different direction, because the goal is to make it funny. It's refreshing to be at a place where we can call from different sources."
George believes this was especially true for one of his favorite creations for the film: a horrific rock monster the actors must battle. "They go down to this planet and there's this creature. It's actually an energy field, but the way it manifests itself is to create rocks and build a body that chases after people," George says.
"What's so great about it is that it's so abstract. As the rocks grind together, dust flies off and other rocks fly off and it's just like this huge pigpen kind of thing. It's something that we're really, really proud of, and I think it's going to be the signature sequence of 'Galaxy Quest.'"
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.comfoo>
Canada - Sunday, December 19, 1999 at 08:15:17 (PST)
Yes, Joan! I caught it this morning as well. However the movie is going to turn out, I think that just the publicity campaign for this film is certainly one of the most interesting I've ever seen--I've been thoroughly entertained already.
"I've played Richard the Third . . ." *grin* Geez, now wouldn't that be a performance worth attending!
Mary Anne (well, I've played Lady Anne)
USA - Sunday, December 19, 1999 at 08:00:49 (PST)
I just saw the last 15 mins. of Dreamworks "documentary" on the making of GQ. It is absolutely hysterical! I hope I get the SciFi channel so that I can tape it when it's rerun tonight. [This will teach me not to miss a day of checking in at the GB!]
I have feel that this movie will be the one that will put an end to the question, "Alan who?" His deadpan humor is wonderful!
Joan
USA - Sunday, December 19, 1999 at 07:09:21 (PST)
Thanks, Suzanne! Alanis Morisette was on C. Rose last night, and the teensy clip they showed (1.37 seconds) was one with AR in the church doorway, from Dogma. Maybe you can catch it on a rerun PBS channel. Her interview wasn't very interesting, but the song she did at the end was better than I expected.
There are a lot of holiday films to pick from here in the US. Uk-ers, let us know what you thought of Dogma after you're done with the pressies!
Renie <reniept@hotmail.comfoo>
(An "old-timer" Suzanne! LOL!), - Saturday, December 18, 1999 at 13:36:01 (PST)
My apologies to both Glenda and Helen!
Fausta
USA - Saturday, December 18, 1999 at 12:58:54 (PST)
The photo in the background when Dane speaks of bringing a play over is a wonderful side swipe at last years Antony and Cleopatra that also didn't get brought over - for it features AR as Thidias in his first *Antony and Cleopatra*. Kissing Glenda Jackson's hand Fausta!
Claire
UK - Saturday, December 18, 1999 at 10:57:26 (PST)
. . . and please do visit my page dedicated to Dr Lazarus, as played by Sir Alexander Dane, with brief bio and photos.
http://emma_on_line.tripod.com/galaxyquest.html
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
pompous, moi?, USA - Saturday, December 18, 1999 at 07:52:21 (PST)
Thank you for the video clip, Suz! Love that tear on the plastic head, and that line "his pompousity is something we've grown to love, but what the heck, he's English!".
Photos from AR as George in RHPOT, AR with HMirren in an OLD photo, and the Mozart K545 in background (one page which Marie Therese plays in Mesmer), adds to the fun.
Man, would I love to see the outtakes!
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Saturday, December 18, 1999 at 06:51:38 (PST)
Here they are! A few photos from the Galaxy Quest 20th Anniversary Show: The Journey Continues:
And here's a Videogram clip from the show: GQ anniversary clip (2 minutes 32 seconds, 3.2 MB). Funny stuff!
It will be airing again on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on the USA channel and 11:00 p.m. on the Sci-Fi channel on Sunday and Monday (Eastern Time).
Suzanne (thanks!) <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 20:54:44 (PST)
It must be a remarkable feeling sitting around waiting for the media blitz that will accompany the release of your little $40 million summer project, flash or fizzle, an "explosion" as was Robin Hood (which out-grossed Die Hard 2:1) or not? Meanwhile, I do believe the little "Dogma" is out-doing "Being John Malkovich" at the box office. Almost feels like 1991 again.
Georgiana (whose favorite Rickman film is pretty near the bottom of the financial list...)
Seattle, - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 19:46:51 (PST)
Up on the Electronic Telegraph from December 4, an article about author Simon Beaufoy's latest project contains the following: "He is well aware, though, that writers are usually more effective when they stand slightly apart from the gang, watching and listening. Beaufoy has written another script, for a film entitled Never Better which is set in the world of competitive hairdressing. In fact, it's about hairdressing as much as The Full Monty was about male stripping. "The real themes are cancer, lesbianism and modern family structures," says Beaufoy. Miramax has since acquired the distribution rights, so it has suddenly become a big-budget film with American stars as well as Alan Rickman and Miranda Richardson. It's supposed to be set in Keighley," he adds, looking dubious."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle, - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 19:04:10 (PST)
From Parisot's interview at eonmagazine: "Tim Allen was the only person cast when I got involved; and the next person I cast was Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver, both of whom were my first choices and I was lucky enough that they wanted to do the movie."
Georgiana (great decorations, Suz!) <gellis@drizzle.comfoo>
Seattle, - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 18:37:49 (PST)
Lovely decorations, Suz!
and I looooove that staccato ho! ho! ho!
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.comfoo>
USA - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 17:29:23 (PST)
Hey, gang!
I fixed the guestbook so that a three letter extension (foo) will now be automatically added to your e-mail address. This should curtail the spam. As some of you old timers may remember, Karina had implemented this system a couple years ago when we were having a spam problem. You must remember, however, to remove the extension from the addresses before you send your messages or they will bounce back to you.
I haven't been at home much this week, so I'm a bit behind, but I *will* have those Alexander pics up later this evening. Perhaps a little video clip, too. :-)
For the annual Christmas greeting from Hans, click the green "Christmas .wav" link above.
Happy Holidays!
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.comfoo>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 17:13:11 (PST)
I *think* Tim Allen is on Leno's tonight. On Rosie Monday and Tuesday are Tim and Sigourney, one each day. I haven't heard Alan's name yet, although they're finally starting to name him as the 3rd star on the new trailers. Also Tim and Sigourney are on Regis and Kathie Lee next week some time. Keep checking! Good hunting!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.net>
Greeley, CO USA - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 16:38:10 (PST)
Interesting Dogma review and a lovely AR photo on the BBC page at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_569000/569781.stm
Linda P.
USA - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 12:44:10 (PST)
"Galaxy Quest" is due to open on a whopping 3500 screens, in spite of the competition. Should be accessible to most everyone. Well, in North America, anyway.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 11:17:53 (PST)
This will probably help publicity for GQ: LOS ANGELES (AP) - Sigourney Weaver got the star treatment Thursday
on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was awarded a star on the
celebrity stretch of pavement. (cut) Weaver's latest is
"A Map of the World," and she hits the big screen again later this month in "Galaxy Quest."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 11:09:22 (PST)
AR has been nominated in the best supporting actor category for "Dogma" by the Fourth Annual Golden Satellite Awards committee.
Joan
USA - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 11:08:15 (PST)
Heh heh. What a wise guy...:-)
After watching (my brand-new copy of) AABA twice, I'm looking forward to GQ even more. Boy, will it ever be nice to see AR in a major role in which he doesn't die or is otherwise undead in some way. Don't misunderstand me, he's always lovely in these roles, but really...how depressing.
Aleister Crowley, eh...? Now that would be a juicy role...heck, with AR in that role, it might even convert me (grin). And they thought Dogma was controversial...
LynnP
Still Snowless York, PA USA - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 09:05:09 (PST)
FYI: A mention in Jeannie Williams' column in USA Today: "Alan Rickman flies home to England Dec. 28, hoping to escape Y2K bugs. But, he quips, "We get movies about a year behind you, so I think we get Y2K a year behind you as well." Cute, eh?
NancyC <Nancy.Currier@agg.com>
Atlanta, GA USA - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 07:28:44 (PST)
In September 1998 there were a lot of articles in the press about an Aleister Crowley film starring Alan Rickman as Crowley. It was apparently being filmed in Italy and Scotland at that time but now I can't find any other information about it. Can you enlighten me? Did it happen? Is Alan Rickman still associated with the project?
Fiona Brownlee <marketing.mainstream@btinternet.com>
Edinburgh, Scotland - Friday, December 17, 1999 at 05:45:38 (PST)
I found this interesting little bio of the Miramax executive who's handling Never Better/Blow Dry on what I think is the Harvard Club page. Sounds like the film is in the hands of a senior person with a good track record. My hopes for this movie cautiously increase:
"The Harvard Club of New York and NYWIFT invite you to meet top film exec Julie Goldstein as she shares her personal perspective on the industry and her six years of experience at much-admired Miramax films.
Goldstein oversees a range of European, Australian and American projects through all stages of development and production. She served as executive producer on the multi-Academy Award-winner, Shakespeare in Love, and executive produced Peter Chelsom's The Mighty and Jane Campion's recently-released Holy Smoke. She is currently overseeing Birthday Girl (starring Nicole Kidman and Ben Chaplin) and Blow Dry (starring Alan Rickman and Natasha Richardson). Goldstein also manages writer and director accounts and serves as a link between Miramax and its London-based subsidiary, HAL Films. During her tenure at Miramax, Goldstein has functioned as executive in charge of production on such films as Emma, B. Monkey, Children of the Revolution and Cosi. She also co-produced the soundtrack to Il Postino as well as the award-winning TV special, Poetry, Passion, the Postman, the Poetic Return of Pablo Neruda. Prior to Miramax, Goldstein worked for Boardwalk Entertainment. Don't miss the opportunity to chat with an insider at one of the most exciting studios in the business!"
Some of my favourite films are on this woman's resume!
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Thursday, December 16, 1999 at 18:33:21 (PST)
I could swear someone already posted this, but I can't find it anywhere, so I'll just post the info again. I was shopping around on Amazon and searched AR's name. Found out that Judas Kiss will be available on video there in February for $16.99, for those of you who are interested. Obviously, a lot better than the original $89.99 price.
Gilda
USA - Thursday, December 16, 1999 at 17:34:32 (PST)
Am pleased for you, Keyser! Coming Attractions has retracted.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Thursday, December 16, 1999 at 14:35:24 (PST)
My friend just picked up preview tickets for us to see "Galaxy Quest" on Tuesday, December 21st. I'll report as soon as possible.
Keyser
USA - Thursday, December 16, 1999 at 10:28:17 (PST)
Please come visit Renie's review of Dogma!
(http://emma_on_line.tripod.com/dogma.html, just in case)
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.com>
USA - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 16:54:13 (PST)
By the way, Cinescape has some new pictures up from the film.
Georgiana (must be something more productive I could do with my lunch time...)
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 12:52:18 (PST)
Reading a bit more carefully at the DreamWorks fan site, from Dec. 14: "Release Date Not Pushed. Earlier yesterday, Corona posted a report on Galaxy Quest release date being postponed to 2000 for unknown reasons. As you may have read on Cinescape and I have personally confirmed with DreamWorks, that is not the case. The film will be released on its date, December 25th in North America."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 12:49:11 (PST)
Film Scouts says interview with Tim Allen.
Claire
Sussex ( with a millimetre of snow that just melted!), UK - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 10:52:12 (PST)
Business Wire reports today that
FilmScouts "will talk to the stars of DreamWorks' "Galaxy Quest," the sci-fi comedy starring Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 09:33:37 (PST)
The "official" DreamWorks SKG fan site lists a running time of 102 minutes, a premiere on Dec. 19 at Mann's Chinese Theater in LA. There were showings in Toronto and NYC. Can't imagine--with all that and the USA/SciFi show and amazon.com web site--that this isn't going to come off.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 09:21:32 (PST)
Well, the official (?) Dreamworks/GalaxyQuest site at Amazon.com still lists the release date as December 25. Let's hope that sticks...
LynnP
Also Snowless York, PA USA - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 08:53:40 (PST)
From the rumor mill at Coming Attractions (http://www.corona.bc.ca/films/filmlistings):
"December 13, 1999... 'C' let us know that his local theater (and, presumably, theaters around the
country) received a message on Thursday, December 9th from DreamWorks informing theater owners
that all publicity materials for Galaxy Quest were to be pulled immediately. This includes Galaxy
Quest posters, standees, as well as any trailers currently running on any movies. 'C' then put a call in
to the local DreamWorks representative to find out what was up, and the rep said she could not
officially give a reason why, but that yes, all publicity materials would to be removed, and the film will
most likely not open on Christmas Day 1999 . . ."
Hopefully it will stay a rumor.
Lin
Snowless Canada - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 08:09:48 (PST)
Lois, I also like the part you mentioned in S&S. To me the most impressive thing about that scene is the change of expressions on his face. He clearly didn't expect to hear what he heard. Masterly it changes into love and perhaps also hope of the future. Finally she noticed him and his kindness and all he did for her... *sigh*
All:
I'm almost off to my Xmas vacation. Though I'm more of a lurker, I'm here and want to wish Merry Christmas and A Very Happy New Year to all of you in GB! It doesn't feel much of Christmas here in Finland, we haven't got snow yet but I live in hope... Love,
Heli L. <akasha@iki.fi>
Helsinki, FINLAND - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 05:04:42 (PST)
Re: photos. Ditto, what Claire said. :-)
Suzanne (I'm working on it!)
USA - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 20:52:23 (PST)
R, dearest--good to see some signs of life again! 8-) Re: being Dante . . . well, thanks for the compliment (as if I would ever write that well), but have you seen the portraits of that man? What a face. To borrow from Alice Roosevelt, "looked like he was weaned on a pickle."
Looking forward as well to "Sir Alexander" without the headgear!
Wielding the Aurientine against spammers,
Mary Anne (I knew it wasn't you, Melissa--you're civilized! *grin*)
USA - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 20:07:31 (PST)
TV Guide lists Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver as guests on US TV's "The View" on Friday, December 24th. Rickman is not listed but maybe he'll turn up as well or, at least, the other two will talk about him.
Keyser
USA - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 19:07:40 (PST)
Thanks, Claire. There's something to be said for publicity!
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 16:02:04 (PST)
All GOOD things are worth waiting for!
Claire
- Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 14:06:35 (PST)
Claire its Christmas it's a time for miracles, so be of good cheer and give us some more Alan goodies. Cheers mate!!
Shelley <drivingraveup@netscapeonline.co.uk>
Surrey, UK - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 12:24:22 (PST)
Good golly! "an" e-mail, and "invoking" Dante, not impersonating him. (Though you'd be pretty good, MA . . . )
R
- Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 11:19:52 (PST)
I've worked out where the one I got came from, and sent a e-mail asking not to be listed in the future. I also sent Suzanne a copy of the message this morning. Though it was ill-advised, and annoying, I don't believe it was maliciously sent. (It seems to be from another Rickman site.) Please, visitors, do NOT "harvest" e-mail addresses from this site!
Suzanne, a non-headgear pic, yes please!
Going for the holiday karma spirit award,
MA--If being Dante doesn't work, you can get your "Aurientine"--Renie, - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 11:16:09 (PST)
OFF TOPIC: Broadway Archives now has quite a few titles available, for those of you who are theater fans. Alas, LLD does not appear to be in the plans.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 10:04:19 (PST)
ONE AWESOME MAN. I watch Sense and Sensibility weekly. My favorite part is when he brings Maryann's mother to her when she was ill, she say's Thank-you to him, the expression on his face is SO full of love.
Lois <llrvidiot@webtv.net>
Oceano, CA USA - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 09:40:11 (PST)
I've now received emails from three (annoyed) total strangers to this site who think *I* have forwarded the spam to them. Ditto the Dante maledictions for this creep.
Melissa
USA - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 09:25:26 (PST)
Sorry for the private posting: Raffaella, did you get my email?
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 04:17:35 (PST)
That was strange, and definitely not from me! And, yes, it's best not to open any attachment from someone you don't know.
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.com>
USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 22:23:55 (PST)
Yes, I got one of those e-mails also - and I haven't signed on the guestbook in weeks!
Georgina Lenty
Fresno, CA USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 21:22:51 (PST)
Right--I got one of those e-mails, too, and deleted it so fast the CPU sizzled! No clicking on those "gifts," no opening attachments, no nothing.
If Dante were living and writing today, he'd dedicate a circle of the Inferno to spammers!
Mary Anne (A virtual Commedia . . . hmmmm . . .)
USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 18:58:53 (PST)
Yes, Catherine, I received a weird email too. I knew it was false because I never signed any other guestbook but Suzanne's. I deleted it immediately. I hope it's nothing worse than spamming but I would definitely not open any attachments or click on those "gifts".
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 15:46:59 (PST)
Yes, Catherine, we have a Spammer in our midst.
Melissa
USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 14:55:48 (PST)
Catherine, the TV special is from the point of view that "Galaxy Quest" was a TV show in the early 1980s prematurely cancelled because its avid but poor fans bought none of the sponsors' products. It discusses how the three stars were hired (Sir Alexander hoping to bring a play over) and the subsequent fizzling of their careers. Sir Alexander Dane is said to be a renowned Shakespearian actor, and they show actual photographs from Mr. Rickman's stage career. His disdain for the show is palpable--he says the show's name
sotto voce, answers questions about how he regards Taggart/Nesmith much too quickly--it is all very funny. The premise is that the cast--largely employed only as featured guests at fan conventions (replete with scads of collectibles)--are reassembled to make a feature movie--or documentary. Rivalries are broadly intimated. Too much Allen for my tastes, but Mr. Rickman's bits are priceless, including one scene where that headgear appears to be peeling off--thanks for those great items, Magda.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 14:54:16 (PST)
Did anyone who signed the guestbook today (Monday 13th December) receive a weird e-mail ?
Catherine <catherine.bowles@virgin.net>
Yorkshire, England - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 14:46:52 (PST)
Yes, Catherine, I'm planning on taping AR's appearance on Conan O'Brien next week, since it's broadcast here at 12:30 a.m. and I must get up at 4:30 the next morning - ugh! I'll keep you posted...
Arrgh, we don't have cable and I'm getting soooo jealous of you all, hearing about these interesting AR appearances...
LynnP (whose copy of AABA finally arrived, hooray!)
York, PA USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 12:03:55 (PST)
Ugh, I had to get up at 6:30am to get dressed and over to the clubhouse to catch the program on USA! That along with a trailer I saw in a movie yesterday, leads me to believe that the group is having to promote products and/or stores, and Alan had to say a line that promotes something. It looked like every word was extremely painful! It was a riot! He looks so good! I've gotten used to the headgear, and honestly thought he looked better with it than the hairstyle they made up for him (probably to look veddy English) during those interviews as Alexander Dane. I don't remember seeing promotions like this for any other movie...
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.net>
Greeley, CO USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 10:31:18 (PST)
From the ign movie site: "I know what you're thinking, any film starring Tim Allen is going to suck. But to balance the Allen cheese factor the producers brought in Alan Rickman (the voice of God from Dogma) and Sigourney Weaver (looking real fine for her age)." Hm, no longer "Robin Hood" or "Hans Gruber" and don't I wish I looked so good at her age!
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 10:12:41 (PST)
Thanks Suzanne !! I'd really appreciate it ! I'm so jealous of you all over there in the US. We're just starting to get a bit of publicity for Dogma. Can't wait for GQ. I'd love it if anyone could tell me more about the GQ special. Is anyone videoing AR's appearance on Conan's show ? (sorry,don't know what it's called) Thank you, thank you.
Catherine <catherine.bowles@virgin.net>
Yorkshire, England - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 10:05:39 (PST)
From Nov. 12 Los Angeles "Times": "Not only does "Dogma" match the unmixable in terms of story, it does the
same thing with its eclectic cast. To find polished British actor Alan Rickman, Smith's childhood buddy and alter ego Jason Mewes, comic tornado Chris Rock, cult items George Carlin and Bud Cort, heartthrobs Matt Damon and Ben Affleck--not to mention singer Alanis Morissette as God--together in one film is close to a unique experience."
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 10:05:22 (PST)
The GQ special was hilarious. So glad AR wasn't wearing the headgear during the interview bits. Funny and gorgeous, what more can you ask for? (I'll get some snaps)
Suzanne (Great to meet you too, Georgiana! Had a wonderful time!) <SuzanneK@bigfoot.com>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 07:18:40 (PST)
Bummer! The url below didn't come out right. That should be The USA Network (usanetwork.com).
Robyn
USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 06:43:11 (PST)
Me, again. If you don't get The SciFi Channel, The USA Network also will show it on Sunday the 19th at 9:30am (eastern).
Robyn
USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 06:37:18 (PST)
Good news for Fausta and fellow Quest-ers: The SciFi Channel will repeat the "20th Anniversary" show on the 19th, 20th and 22nd of December at 11:00pm (eastern time). Anybody who wants to double check the schedule can do so at The SciFi Channel.
Robyn <RobynR22@aol.com>
USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 06:25:51 (PST)
Darn it! I missed the GQ Special! If anyone taped it and would like to trade for some audio tapes, please let me know.
"Just like mother used to make" LOL!
My not-so-inner-child loves this stuff.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.com>
USA - Monday, December 13, 1999 at 05:59:36 (PST)
If the film is one whit as good as the "Galaxy Quest" TV special ("The journey continues"), it will be a total delight! I can't stop smiling! (Great to meet you, Suz!)
Georgiana (who set her VCR for 10/12 and can't believe I got home from Texas in time to catch it on SciFi)
Seattle, USA - Sunday, December 12, 1999 at 20:36:30 (PST)
Here's a GQ photo I snapped from the E! special a couple of weeks ago.
I missed the GQ 20th anniversary special this morning, but well definitely catch it tonight on Sci-Fi.
Thanks for all the fantastic info, everyone!
Suzanne <SuzanneK@bigfoot.com>
Hallettsville, TX USA - Sunday, December 12, 1999 at 17:13:07 (PST)
I was sure that I posted this info on Friday, but now I can't find it here. Perhaps I dreamed it . . .
While watching Rosie O'Donnell Friday morning, I saw a different commercial for "Galaxy Quest." AR has one line: "Just like Mother used to make." Presumably, the aliens have served him a meal appropriate to a creature of his species (on the TV show). Some kind of creepy crawlies. Think of what Klingons eat, and you've got a good idea.
Andrea <ezeitler@optonline.net>
LI, NY USA - Sunday, December 12, 1999 at 16:13:04 (PST)
Came across two additional articles in new mags about GQ. The first is the January 2000 issue of "Premiere". with Matt Damon on the cover. It's a short article with a number of b/w photos. The second is "Femme Fatales". It has Sigourney Weaver on the cover and includes a number of photos of AR including one great one of him laughing. Be warned---the later is a REALLY cheezy magazine.
The special on GQ was on USA this morning and was very cute. AR looks wonderful all in black during the interview segments. The act within the act is very clever. I hope the film is as good as it sounds!
A-m
LI, NY USA - Sunday, December 12, 1999 at 15:15:56 (PST)
The "saturation bombing" continues: For those who get the SciFi Channel, there's a program about Galaxy Quest tonight at 10:00 (that's Central Time). Check your listings.
Mary Anne <maryanne_e@hotmail.com>
USA - Sunday, December 12, 1999 at 14:12:41 (PST)
A-m from Long Island: spotted "Starlog" at the bookstore yesterday. No, the headgear doesn't do anything for him (or for me, bleah)...but his eyes on that cover shot....whew.
Shame on me, I sneaked out of work early on Friday to catch the late afternoon showing of "Dogma." Yes, it was a little (!) over the top, but I loved it, and I can't imagine anyone but AR in that role. I hope Lion's Gate releases a special edition DVD with the outtakes, a la "Grumpy Old Men"...I'll bet they're even funnier than the movie.
LynnP
York, PA USA - Sunday, December 12, 1999 at 07:36:33 (PST)
Has everyone left for Christmas holidays already? Here's some AR quotes on GQ from the Dreamworks PR department that I found:
"Another cast member who underwent a unique transformation for his role is Alan Rickman, who stars as Alexander Dane. A self-styled Shakespearean actor, Dane is now forever identified with his series role as the half-humanoid, half-reptilian alien Dr. Lazarus from the planet Tev'Meck.
"Alexander torpedoed his career when he took this American television series and became permanently typecast," Parisot notes. "He can never go back to playing Hamlet, so he's just mortified and depressed every time he has to get back in that alien makeup."
Tackling his first science fiction film, Rickman relates that he was excited about the project from the moment he read the script. "It's always a good sign when you keep turning the pages. I kept turning, and I kept laughing. It's a clever idea, very funny, and really well carried out."
"Alan was the quintessential actor for this role," Newirth says. "He has a Shakespearean background and, as a movie actor, has a knack for comedy, and this part incorporates all of those things. We could not have cast a better actor on the planet-no pun intended."
As the resident alien among the original crew, Rickman spends the entire movie wearing a rubber reptilian-looking headpiece. Working with the artists at Stan Winston Studio, the actor was instrumental in the design of the headpiece, noting, "I thought it was important for it to be good enough to convince the aliens who believe we're the real thing, but also cheesy enough to imagine that it was something he applied himself."
Rickman also used the uncomfortable headpiece as any method actor would. Parisot recalls, "He wanted it to be so unpleasant and humiliating, that he would hate it all the time ... which he did."
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Saturday, December 11, 1999 at 15:34:49 (PST)
So if he's on this continent for Conan on Dec 21, do you suppose he will be attending a Dec 25 premiere? Where is Conan filming these days? Was in LA last I saw...
Georgiana (see you tomorrow, Suz!) <gellis@drizzle.com>
San Antonio, USA - Friday, December 10, 1999 at 20:58:36 (PST)
FYI: The Dec. 9 Rolling Stone has a favorable review of Dogma and a "Bravo" rating on p. 244 of the Dec. 16 issue placing Dogma among a dozen other independent films that "kept the rebel spirit flying."
Gilda
USA - Thursday, December 09, 1999 at 09:58:57 (PST)
Talk about saturation bombing! The GQ trailer is all over the place ... I saw it three times last night: during Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood and The West Wing.
Robyn <RobynR22@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, December 09, 1999 at 07:12:41 (PST)
Thanks for the tip, Magda! (I can never stay up that late, but I'll program the VCR.)
Incidentally, I saw a GQ trailer for the first time on NBC last night. Only one distant shot of AR, and the only stars mentioned by name were Weaver and Allen. Hmph. >:-( But it does look like it will be funny...
LynnP
York, PA USA - Thursday, December 09, 1999 at 05:11:17 (PST)
Attention, Earthlings. You might want to keep an eye on this site Galaxy Quest Reviews and Articles in the coming days. It's a compilation of everything on the Net - pics, articles, interviews, a variety of trailers - that pertains to this movie. And it will also display the reviews as they appear.
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Thursday, December 09, 1999 at 04:22:01 (PST)
The Late Night TV page was updated and now shows AR as being scheduled for "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on December 21st.
A-m
LI, NY USA - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 21:33:07 (PST)
The January issue of Starlog has a AR and Tim Allen on the cover. It includes a couple of articles and a pullout section including a page size photo of AR. The cover shot is a picture I don't think I've seen before. Now don't get too excited unless you really like the head gear!
A-m
LI, Ny USA - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 20:49:23 (PST)
And speaking of DeNiro...if you haven't seen Ronin, run, don't walk, to the video shop. Talk about blowing circuits!
LynnP
USA - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 16:53:46 (PST)
Okay Catherine, you've got my motor running now! DeNiro? Whew! My brain went into meltdown when I read that. How about Ben Kingsley? Or, villain to villain, F. Murray Abraham? Oh, the mind boggles...
(You're serious? Phish I could understand, but you've really never heard of the Grateful Dead....? I'm not that old!)
LynnP
York, PA USA - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 16:50:05 (PST)
After seeing David Warner on Outer Limits last week, I was reminded of the scene in Rasputin where he and Grigori stood outside of Alexi's room... the acting was low key, but the two of them together on the screen nearly blew all my circuits!
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.net>
Greeley, CO USA - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 16:20:36 (PST)
Thanks Lynn ! Never heard of Phish or the Dead either ! Am I missing much ? That guest list certainly was strange. I'm still trying to get my head around AR's friendship with Kevin Smith. But then, he does seem to have a lot of friends and likes working with all kinds of people. Maybe we should hold a poll for the strangest pairing. My vote would be AR and Dennis Hopper or maybe Robert De Niro. Now THAT would be something to see !! I wonder who would act who off the screen ? What does everyone else think ?
Catherine <catherine.bowles@virgin.net>
Yorkshire, England - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 15:30:55 (PST)
Anyone who may be in NY and down in the theatre district might want to keep an eye out for AR. His friend David Suchet's play, Amadeus, just started previews last night and opens on the 14th. It's at the Music Box theatre so AR would get a chance to revisit the theatre he spent so much time in during the run of LLD.
A-m
LI, NY USA - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 11:47:36 (PST)
Catherine: SNZ is a swing/rock band; somewhat eclectic. Check out www.squirrelnutzippers.com. they seem to have a sort of cult following, like Phish or the Dead or Jimmy Buffet, who call themselves [chuckle] Zipperheads.
Quite an interesting guest list, wouldn't you say....? I can't make heads or tails of it, myself!
LynnP
USA - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 11:37:23 (PST)
Long time lurker now coming out of the closet! Just reading the ViewAskew Board, Kevin Smith mentioned that while in England he'd had dinner with Mr. Rickman, who mentioned that he was coming to the US to do PR for Galaxy Quest. Also mentioned that he would be on Conan O'Brien in mid-December. I checked out Conan's upcomming guest list, Mr. Rickman is not listed for this week or next, perhaps we will see him during the week of Christmas!!
Elizabeth
USA - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 11:19:09 (PST)
Please. I know I'm not from the US. But who or what the hell is Squirrel Nut Zippers ????!!!!
Catherine (the very confused) <catherine.bowles@virgin.net>
Yorkshire, England - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 11:12:55 (PST)
Well, Tom Brokaw, I can see. But really, now....Squirrel Nut Zippers?????
LynnP
USA - Wednesday, December 08, 1999 at 09:26:36 (PST)
It looks like The Man is over here. According to this press release from Touchstone, he was in New York yesterday:
"ADVISORY/Touchstone Pictures' Cradle Will Rock Premiere Screening (BusinessWire)
(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)-- MEDIA ALERT / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY Touchstone Pictures' WHAT: CRADLE WILL ROCK PREMIERE SCREENING EXPECTED FROM THE FILM: TIM ROBBINS SUSAN SARANDON JOAN CUSACK JOHN CUSACK EMILY WATSON JOHN TURTURRO HANK AZARIA PHILIP BAKER HALL BILL MURRAY CARY ELWES RUBEN BLADES ANGUS MACFADYEN CHERRY JONES PAUL GIAMATTI BRENDA PRESSLEY STEPHEN SPINELLA EXPECTED GUESTS: CHRISTIAN SLATER WOODY HARRELSON HARRY BELAFONTE TIM MEADOWS CHRISTOPHER WALKEN SANDY DUNCAN JAMES KING DEBORAH GIBSON JOHN MCENROE JASON RAIZE HORATIO SANZ JOY BEHAR BRIAN FRIEL TERRANCE MC NALLY LISA LING JULIE TAYMOR MEREDITH VIERA JUDY KUHN TOM BROKAW BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL JODI APPLEGATE JEREMY KUSHNIER STAR JONES ANN CURRY WES ANDERSON SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS ALAN RICKMAN STEPHANIE POPE WHEN: Monday, December 6th 6:45PM Arrivals 7:30PM Screening WHERE: Screening: Reception: (Arrivals only) Ziegfeld Theatre The Supper Club 141 West 54th Street 240 West 47th Street Between 6th and 7th Avenues Between Broadway and 8th Avenue (Dec 06 4:07 PM EST)"
Interesting company he's keeping. I mean, Tom Brokaw!!!
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Tuesday, December 07, 1999 at 15:25:31 (PST)
Doing my part ot further the hype associated with Galaxy Quest, please visit my new Galaxy Quest page, (that's http://emma_on_line.tripod.com/galaxyquest.html, just in case) dedicated to Dr. Lazarus, of course.
What a happy coincidence that Mr. Spock was ressurected in Star Trek 3, and AR's character's named after a person in the New Testament that was also ressurected. Wonders never cease.
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.com>
USA - Tuesday, December 07, 1999 at 08:22:41 (PST)
Parental units of the younger set will be pleased to see repeated ads for Galaxy Quest on Nickleodeon, especially during Hey, Arnold!.
But where's Rickman's agent, that his name is not mentioned, one wonders?
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.com>
USA - Tuesday, December 07, 1999 at 06:08:06 (PST)
Provisional name for the Thompson/Wise sprog is Jane.com
Abbie
London, UK - Tuesday, December 07, 1999 at 02:31:44 (PST)
Thanks, Keyser, for the info! I checked at the USA website and it says it will also be on the 19th at 9:30 AM. Wonder what this is all about? They're showing some really cute previews of the film on a Denver channel tonight.
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.net>
Greeley, CO USA - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 19:25:46 (PST)
Yes, thank you Suzanne for the sound wavs... I have my computer talking to me at every opportunity, but wow this last one is most enjoyable!!! I have a request... when Elliott offers the Major "what can I offer you, Major ...some refreshment?" Oh, pretty please??? ;^)
Maxine <maxinerose@prodigy.net>
Greeley, CO USA - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 19:02:48 (PST)
A Galaxy Quest 20th Anniversary program airs on US cable TV next weekend. It's on 9:00 AM EST on Sunday, December 12th on USA Network and 11:00 PM EST on Sunday, December 12th on the SciFi Channel. There's actually a photo of Rickman, in character make-up in the ad.
Keyser
USA - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 18:54:48 (PST)
And thanks, Georgiana for the great request! If anyone has a sound file request/suggestion, please do let me know.
I too, enjoyed all of Rickman's characterizations in ROTN. And hearing him sing in French! Hmmm, now there's an idea...
Suzanne (trying to find the right tape) <SuzanneK@bigfoot.com>
(Congratulations, Emma!), - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 14:39:28 (PST)
Yes, LynnP, it is "Return of the Native," Damon Wildeve to Eustacia Vye. My version contains 12 tapes--it is on tape 6.
Georgiana <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 13:10:44 (PST)
FYI: Current Esquire and George magazines have reviews of Dogma.
Gilda
USA - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 11:40:51 (PST)
I'm so happy for Emma! Thanks for sharing the brilliant news about her baby daughter. How about calling her Alanis?
Christine <christinespindler@angelfire.com>
Germany - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 10:58:40 (PST)
LynnP--I have to disagree with you about ROTN. I wouldn't change a single thing about his reading and characterizations. (I also hated it in high school, though!)
Emma news:Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson has given birth to a daughter.The girl was born at The Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth in St. John's Wood, north London, and weighed 7.5 lbs, her agent Lorraine Hamilton said. The father, 40-year-old Emma's partner actor Greg Wise, 33, said they are still thinking about names.
Renie <reniept@hotmail.com>
CA, USA - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 10:47:57 (PST)
Whew! Glad you warned me to sit down, Fausta. My knees wouldn't have held up.
Was that sound clip from "The Return of the Native?" I've tried to read Hardy before and hated him. So, for fifteen hours of The Voice, I bought it, and listened to all of it. AR was the only thing that made the story tolerable. That voice just carried me away...except where he was reading the female-in-emotional-distress parts, and then he was just annoying. (Sorry, AR.)
LynnP
York, PA USA - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 10:17:56 (PST)
This has come up late: November 8, 1999, Derby Evening Telegraph: THEATRE - DERBY PLAYHOUSE, Pg.03, "Theatre wins national prize." DERBY: The Playhouse theatre has won a prestigious award at a star -studded presentation evening in London. Derby Playhouse won the coveted title of Most Welcoming Theatre in the Barclays Theatre Awards 1999 at a presentation hosted by playwright Ned Sherrin at the Greenwich Theatre last night. The event, presented by the Theatrical Management Association, was attended by acclaimed
theatre celebrities including Alan Rickman, Patricia Routlegde, Nigel Planer and Sir Peter Hall.
Georgiana (for those tracking he was where when?...)
USA - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 10:17:26 (PST)
From an article about screenwriter Simon Beaufoy from The Daily Telegraph(12/4/99)
He is well aware, though, that writers are usually more effective
when they stand slightly apart from the gang, watching and listening.
Beaufoy has written another script, for a film entitled Never Better
which is set in the world of competitive hairdressing.
In fact, it's about hairdressing as much as The Full Monty was about
male stripping. "The real themes are cancer, lesbianism and modern
family structures," says Beaufoy. Miramax has since acquired the distribution
rights, so it has suddenly become a big-budget film with American
stars as well as Alan Rickman and Miranda Richardson. It's supposed
to be set in Keighley," he adds, looking dubious.
A-m
LI, NY USA - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 10:02:06 (PST)
For those of us who are exceedingly fond of Mr. Rickman's voice, and who want to start the week with a jolt (albeit a most pleasant one), must go to the FOF guestbook and listen to The Voice saying the "I do love you . . ." thing. Make sure you're sitting down, though.
And LynnP, I saw Dogma, and agree 100% with you, wouldn't it be terrific if Rickman could star (again) in a film that stands on its own, with or without him? Then he could really shine, instead of just being the saving grace!
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.com>
USA - Monday, December 06, 1999 at 06:49:25 (PST)
Assuming that Smith's remark has some merit…Ah, wouldn't it be terrific if Rickman could star (again) in a film that stands on its own, with or without him? Then he could really shine, instead of just being the saving grace. I think I'll shut up now, not having seen "Dogma" yet…it's not fair of me to prejudge.
Anyway, our local newspaper today advertised a drawing for two tickets to a special pre-screening of "Galaxy Quest." I cut out the coupon before my husband even had a chance to read the paper…! He doesn't seem interested in seeing it, so if I get lucky (as it were, heh heh)…I'll post here and the nearest fan can accompany me!
LynnP
York, PA USA - Sunday, December 05, 1999 at 17:43:35 (PST)
It's comments like that last one that really make me wonder about Kevin Smith.
Magda
Canada - Sunday, December 05, 1999 at 17:27:13 (PST)
Found at NewsAskew: a Kevin Smith quote from his appearance on The Big Breakfast program. " ... [AR] lends an air of credibility to our film, without him it would have been a B-movie at best ... we needed a British voice in the movie and it just lifted it up to a whole other level, added another star to those reviews we probably would have gotten..."
Andrea <ezeitler@optonline.net>
LI, NY USA - Sunday, December 05, 1999 at 16:08:23 (PST)
Speaking of billboards, I saw one for Galaxy Quest today. Shows Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman. A nice surprise after a long morning at the malls!
Lisa W.
Riverside, CA USA - Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 14:04:05 (PST)
New Kevin Smith interview up on Film Four web site with minor AR content. However, even better from a UK point of view, is the new Dogma massive billboards (assume there will be more than the one I saw) featuring the major cast members including AR looking suitably unangelic with the raised eyebrow! Very different to the US poster. If it wasn't a two hour journey away, I'd go back with the camera!
Claire
UK, - Saturday, December 04, 1999 at 09:52:07 (PST)
Happy Hanukkah, everybody! 8-)
Nes Gadol Haya Sham--"A great miracle happened there."
Mary Anne <maryanne_e@hotmail.com>
USA - Friday, December 03, 1999 at 19:47:58 (PST)
Well, I just had a hankering to watch "Truly Madly Deeply" tonight, so I broke out my copy. I have just 3 words to say...
"Warming my lips."
Yikes! :-)
Amy <AmySingsLA@aol.com>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 21:09:15 (PST)
Terry Gross' December 1 interview with Kevin Smith is now up and running. You can hear it at http://www.whyy.org/freshair/fara.html. It's available in either 28.8 or ISDN; however, the program is in streaming audio and Smith's interview is in the second half of the hour-long show.
LynnP
York, PA USA - Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 18:31:12 (PST)
Terry Gross' December 1 interview with Kevin Smith is now up and running. You can hear it at http://www.whyy.org/freshair/fara.html.
LynnP
York, PA USA - Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 18:30:08 (PST)
OFT: Chris--The latest issue of the
Daily Telegiraffe has a NY Times interview with Fiennes, and such and such related to "The End of the Affair" and "Eugene Onegin". Fiennes gave an excellent interview with Charlie Rose earlier this week.
I don't get E! for those h*nds moments . . .
R, CA/USA - Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 13:35:57 (PST)
Kevin Smith was on Fresh Air on NPR last night, including a rather fun expanded version of the anecdote he told in Toronto of how he used the "threat" of Shakespearian actor Alan Rickman to coerce Jason Mewes into taking his work more seriously (Mewes memorized the entire script), and, of course, what a non-threatening really nice guy Alan was on the set.
Georgiana (heard about half of it) <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Thursday, December 02, 1999 at 07:16:41 (PST)
If ever there were a film crying for a 'director's cut,' it is "Robin Hood Prince of Thieves." Would it not be wonderful to to see what Kevin Reynold's version of this film looked like before the distributor re-cut it and he walked off the project? Perhaps we should all write to Morgan Creek (Morgan Creek Productions, 4000 Warner Blvd., Bldg. 76, Burbank, CA 91522) with such a suggestion?
Georgiana (I wrote in August--got no response...) <gellis@drizzle.com>
Seattle, - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 18:44:04 (PST)
Sue P: just reinforcing Magda's response here...AR certainly is a major actor, and appears to me to have a great deal of respect for the scripts and for the characters he plays. What happens to those scripts and characters after the directors and producers get done with them, however, is anyone's guess, and the results are sometimes disastrous. Having just watched Mesmer, I think it's a good example. So is Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. I think we'll all agree that it wouldn't have been worth seeing without AR (and the possible exception of Morgan Freeman, whom I also adore), and had Costner left in all of those other wonderful scenes that AR masterminded, it wouldn't have been Costner's movie at all. It would have been Rickman's.
LynnP
York, PA USA - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 17:46:52 (PST)
Ack! Of all days to miss Fresh Air. Thanks for the tip, Ellen! I checked the WHYY site (http://whyy.org/freshair/) and they do have previous shows available for listening via RealAudio. The November 30 and December 1 shows aren't available yet, so I'll give it a few days and then try again.
LynnP
York, PA USA - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 17:35:00 (PST)
I just heard Terry Gross interview Kevin Smith on Fresh Air. He talked about Alan Rickman. I may not have this perfectly correct because I did not get a tape on. He said that he told Jay that he would have to know his part perfectly because their were real actors in the movie such as Alan Rickman. Jay asked who AR was and Kevin told him he was a top British actor with British training who had done major films such as Die Hard. That if he did not know his stuff Rickman would blow him away. That AR would chew him up and spit him out if he did not act like a pro. Jay memorized the whole script and when Kevin asked him why he learned everyone's parts he said he did not want to tick off that Rickman dude. When he met Rickman he reolized he was a really nice guy, but it did get Jay to do his best acting. ever. You can probably hear the interview on the PBS site. Fresh Air is usually available the next day.
Ellen
USA - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 17:18:09 (PST)
Alan Rickman is a major actor.
Unfortunately, this world is populated with many minor producers and directors.
Magda <mgrantwich@yahoo.com>
Canada - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 15:24:30 (PST)
Alan Rickman is an excellent actor and should have more lead parts and star in movies as the lead in films as big as Die Hard. Do you think he has anything in the pipeline to become a major actor?
Sue Pennant-Jones <SuePJ@Freeuk.com>
uk - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 12:57:27 (PST)
Jawad's fan site dedicated to S. Spielberg Galaxy Quest page has the following info:
Advance Screening Tickets Give Away
The link is
For those of you who live in Toronto or the greater Metropolitan Area and would like to win tickets to the advance screening of 'Galaxy Quest' in the December 20th week, you are in for a treat. DreamWorks Pictures will soon be informing me the number of tickets it will be giving away (more than 10 so far, 2 people per pass). I would like to know how many of you in the area would be able to attend the screening. Remember, you take someone with you and it will be perfect time with no school unless you are off to vacation. Please enter your name, e-mail and comments saying 'I am interested' below so that I know the the # of interested people. This is just to get an idea how many tickets should I get more from DreamWorks if necessary. Please note that the screening will be in around downtown or in North York Area
http://spielberg-dreamworks.com/galaxyquest/Latest_News.htm#freetickets
Fausta <emma-mail@mailexcite.com>
USA - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 06:44:49 (PST)
For those of you HANDS obsessed, I did manage to catch the E! presentation of GQ. Tim Allen seemed to be very gracious as far as our man is concerned and mentioned that Alan liked the comedy of GQ. I noticed the shots of the film showed alot of HANDS for you. So, it must be a go see. I personally prefer the smile, and did not see much evidence of it, but I guess I will SUFFER through it all just for one GRIN (grin) or profile of that magnificent nose. Ahhhh Merry Christmas! To heck with the dinner, I'm goin' to the movies!!!!
Laurie <LaurieD545@aol.com>
Cave Creek, AZ USA - Wednesday, December 01, 1999 at 01:41:10 (PST)
