Free Republic

lizabeth Banks has spoken out about new movie Charlie's Angels' poor performance at the US box office, blaming it on poor marketing. The $50million reboot – which she wrote, produced, directed and starred in – pulled in a disappointing $8.6 million on its American debut last weekend, falling short of its projected $12-15 million domestic opening. And when asked at Wednesday night's London premiere if she believed British audiences would respond better, the star told MailOnline: 'First of all, everyone that sees the movie loves the movie. I think that we had a problem with just, like, no one knew...

MINNEAPOLIS -- The GOP's uninvited guest, Hurricane Gustav, initially cast a pall over festivities at the Republican National Convention this week, but by Wednesday the party was popping. Actor Jon Voight made the rounds; so did singer Pat Boone (easy to spot in white suit and boots). Former Nixon speechwriter turned actor and columnist Ben Stein worked the convention floor between appearances on CNN. Five for Fighting's John Ondrasik, a John McCain fan who donated to the senator at a fundraiser in Beverly Hills in June, performed at a downtown nightclub. Singers Aimee Allen and Sara Evans serenaded political maverick...

France to pull elite troops from Afghanistan Last Updated: Sunday, December 17, 2006 | 1:54 PM ET CBC News France will withdraw its 200 special forces troops from Afghanistan within weeks, authorities announced Sunday. The elite soldiers have been serving under U.S. forces in the southeast, battling Taliban and al-Qaeda militants. The rest of France's contribution in Afghanistan — about 1,100 troops — have been under NATO leadership and stationed in the relatively safe capital, Kabul. French authorities have resisted repeated calls from NATO leaders and individual countries in the coalition, including Canada, for the troops to be deployed in...