Amanda Bynes is the latest tween idol to make the transition from small to big screen. Star of All That and The Amanda Show, her first foray into film came with the 2002 hit "Big Fat Liar". Now she's aiming to discover "What a Girl Wants".
The movie tries to highlight the differences between Americans and Brits and make that a source of the comedy. How do you feel about Britain after spending time there making the film?
Well, I learned that it's not as different as we portray it in the film. We try to magnify the difference between Americans and the English. In real life it's really much more similar than how we show it. Everyone was so nice and it was an entirely British crew except for Kelly Preston, Dennie Gordon and I.
And what about working with Colin Firth? How was that?
It was really special. He's an amazing guy and a wonderful actor, and to work alongside him was an honour. He's down to earth and has such a good sense of humour and he's so charming. He's such a lovely guy.
Why did you think this film would be a good vehicle for you?
I like the message in the movie, and I think it's a good story. I just thought this would be a good message to give to girls. I've grown up with kids watching me on TV and as they're growing up, I'm growing up, and hopefully they can get a good message from it.
What is that message?
I think that the most important lesson you can learn is just to be yourself and not to change yourself for anyone else. Not for your boyfriend, not for your parents. That's a strong message in this film.
"What a Girl Wants" opens in UK cinemas on Friday 8th August 2003.
