Notting Hill v. Star Wars

It could be a suicide mission. But arguably a pleasurable one as at the helm of the Rebel forces is the stunning Julie Roberts. In a brave move, the movies' most bankable actress is being asked to prove her worth against the Star Wars maelstrom, with Universal Pictures moving up the release of her new comedy to within firing distance of the Lucas Empire. Notting Hill, starring Roberts and Hugh Grant, has been pushed forward to May 28 -three weeks earlier than originally planned and just nine days after Episode I: The Phantom Menace. "We believe that the romantic star power of Julia Roberts with Hugh Grant will make Notting Hill a very strong destination for the adult movie-going audience, most especially with females," predicted Universal Pictures chair Ron Meyer in a statement. "Hopefully there's two audiences," studio distribution chief Nikko Rocco said. "Kids who want to see Star Wars and mom and dad who'll be in the mood for a little romance." No doubt those who've invested the millions into Notting Hill, are hoping exactly the same thing.