Fawning over kidpix
Underlining the power of talking animals over small children, Disney's "Bambi II" is doing boffo biz abroad-- even though the toon went direct to DVD in the U.S.
Film
Oscar bumps slow to trickle for pix o'seas
The Feb. 10-12 frame was a good one at the foreign wickets for local pics -- as well as for Hollywood's February assortment of genre odds 'n' sods.
Local pix mint green with Kiwis
Once upon a time Kiwi auds steered clear of local movies. A decade or two ago, veteran exhibitor Joe Moodabe dreaded releasing local films, which often didn't attract auds, but he had to keep…
WB's pricey show boat
In a summer populated with buccaneers, mutants and monks, Warner Bros. is betting big on a movie starring a luxury liner. WB is splitting the $150 million production pricetag on "Poseidon" 50-50 with…
Statue of limitations
Oscar winners should keep a tight grip on their awards, and their heirs better have them under lock and key. In case of a mishap, the Academy isn't likely to replace it. Case in point: the supporting…
Tummy troubles roil India
Indian thesp Amitabh Bachchan's stomach ailment has Bollywood feeling his pain. Ever since Bachchan, 63, went into the hospital with an intestinal disorder last fall, his producers have been awaiting…
Oz film funder plans to reslice pie
Aussie government funder the Film Finance Corp. has pledged to introduce four funding rounds for film financing starting in July, following an embarrassing shortfall this year.
Real life spurs a change of 'Heart'
What do you do when you make a movie based on a book that turns out to be a complete and total fraud? That's the situation Asia Argento is in with "The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Else," based on…
Fashionista still has pic designs
Vanity Fair's annual Hollywood issue always receives a boatload of attention. But this year, even more eyes have fallen on the mag because Graydon Carter handed over the reins of the edition to…
Helmer's living in the 'Now'
With Oscar ballots due Feb. 28, the furor over some nominees is intensifying. But "Paradise Now" director Hany Abu-Assad is determined to not argue with those petitioning the Academy to revoke the…
