I didn't used to think much of Eva Green, who was looking smashing in movie star red in London for the premiere of her new film Cracks, but two things changed my mind. First, her chemistry with Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and two, the shot of her flying through the air in The Golden Compass. I'm sad we'll never see more of witchy Serafina Pekkala. The further we get away from that movie the more I'm bummed that it didn't quite work. The book was so terrific but studios and filmmakers should never take on source material that's bolder than they are (this is one of the many reasons that Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy worked so spectacularly. He's huge like the material). It's do or die when you've got a classic book in your hands.
I know that Maggie Gyllenhaal is a mom now but it isn't enough to see paparazzi shots of her hanging out in the West Village. The silver screen needs her. Get back to work, lady! Ridley Scott (pictured attending his daughter's movie premiere) doesn't have Maggie's current problem. He's always working. The IMDB suggests that he has 23 projects brewing as either director, producer or both. I'd hate to be his personal assistant. I'm hoping that one of those 23 movies is as good as Blade Runner or Thelma or Louise but that's like asking for the moon so, let's try again... I'm hoping that one of these 23 projects is as good as Black Hawk Down. There! Much more likely.
Finally, I sandwiched Amanda Seyfried between two respected Oscar darlings (Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore) up top. That was partially because I want her career to turn out like theirs (she's so fine on Big Love) and partially because she's recently co-starred with both of them. But I'm beginning to wonder if Amanda needs a neckbrace especially engineered for young thespians. I should explain. As an actor Amanda is yanked from Meryl Streep (Mamma Mia) to Megan Fox (Jennifer's Body) to Julianne Moore (Chloe) to Channing Tatum (Dear John)??? Think of the acting whiplash.*
