July 2004 Movie News
Currences Maximus!: The third installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, pulled in $93.7 million, according to final studio figures released on June 28th.
Oldman Takes On Another Baddie: Who do Hollywood casting agents go to for successful villains? Apparently Gary Oldman. His manager, Douglas Urbanksi, confirmed that Oldman is in talks with Lucasfilm to voice the role of General Grievous, leader of the rebel (isn't that a twist?) clone armies fighting the Jedi troops, in Star Wars: Episode III The movie is scheduled to be released next May.
Olsen Twins Update: A number of magazines have reported that Mary-Kate has some type of eating disorder and has checked into an unidentified treatment center. It was serious enough that Ashley canceled a trip to Australia to be with her sister. Richard Thorne, chief executive of the Olsen twins' Dualstar Entertainment Group, released this statement: "While it is unfortunate that plans have been canceled, Mary-Kate and Ashley appreciate everyone's support and understanding at this time. They look forward to coming to Australia and New Zealand in the very near future."
Nerds Explode All Over: Napoleon Dynamite, a movie reveling in being a nerd, has made a sort of folk hero out of Jon Heder, who plays the title character. "Release your inner dork and he will redeem you!" is one of his more famous quotes. Bringing out the good powers of geekdom is a wonderful thing. Good on you, mate!
Celebrity Poker: Actor Ben Affleck raked in the big prize at the Commerce Casino's California State Poker Championship, grabbing first place and a cool $356,400. This qualifies him for one of the big chairs at the World Poker Tour Championship next April. Tobey Maguire, aka Spider-Man, was knocked out early in the three-day tournament. Maybe his Spidey-sense was on the fritz.
