People talk 04/04/03

'Matrix' sequel will premiere at Cannes

PARIS -- The futuristic sci-fi sequel "The Matrix: Reloaded" will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where its filmmakers and stars will walk down the red carpet.

The second film in the "Matrix" thriller trilogy, "Reloaded" will be shown out of competition on May 15, the second day of the festival, which runs until May 25. That's the same day the film will be released worldwide.

Actors Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss reprise their roles from "The Matrix," the 1999 powerhouse action film.

Jada Pinkett Smith joins the cast for the second edition, which, like the first, was written and directed by brothers Larry and Andy Wachowski.

The final film in the trilogy, "The Matrix Revolutions," is scheduled for release in November. The original won four Academy Awards and grossed more than $460 million worldwide.

The world's best known film festival, in its 56th year, serves as a launching pad for movies that are shown out of competition.

Each May, independent and big-budget movies compete in several categories for recognition and the coveted grand prize, the Golden Palm.

Liv Tyler marries rock musician

LOS ANGELES -- Liv Tyler has added another rock musician to her life.

The daughter of Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler married Royston Langdon, lead singer of the band Spacehog, in a private ceremony at a villa in the Caribbean on March 25, her publicist said Wednesday.

It's the first marriage for both the 25-year-old actress and 30-year-old musician. They plan a small reception for family and friends next month in New York, where the couple live, publicist Stephen Huvane said.

Tyler, who plays the elf Arwen in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, has also appeared in such films as "Armageddon," "Inventing the Abbotts" and "That Thing You Do!"

British-born Langdon also plays the bass for Spacehog, which formed in the mid-1990s.

Metallica to be honored as this year's 'mtvICON'

NEW YORK -- Avril Lavigne, Limp Bizkit, Sum 41 and Korn are among the performers who will honor Metallica as this year's "mtvICON."

The tribute to the veteran metal band is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. May 6 on MTV. The 90-minute special will include covers of Metallica's hits, testimonials from musicians who've been influenced by the band, and a finale in which Metallica will perform.

Metallica has won several Grammys and have hits including "Enter Sandman," "Unforgiven" and "One."

Previous artists to receive the "mtvICON" treatment are Aerosmith and Janet Jackson.

Model's alleged harasser gets charges droppedLONDON -- Prosecutors dropped charges Thursday against a kitchen worker accused of harassing model Claudia Schiffer, saying the man was undergoing psychiatric treatment.

Prosecutor Ian Devine told judges that Agostino Pomata, 34, was being held under mental health laws and would be detained at least until the beginning of August. He may be released then or indefinitely detained, Devine added, saying that trying him "would not be in the public interest."

The magistrates hearing the case agreed it could be discontinued.

Pomata, who had denied the charges against him, was accused of harassing the German model at her home near Bury St. Edmunds in Suffolk, eastern England, nine times between Sept. 23 and Nov. 12 last year. He worked at a restaurant in the town.

Holy dirty water! 'Robin' ordered to clean runoff

NORCO, Calif. -- Former "Batman" actor Burt Ward, who played sidekick Robin on the '60s TV show, has been ordered by water quality authorities to clean up the runoff from his Great Dane Rescue Center.

The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board told Ward Tuesday to submit plans to fix the problem or face fines and possible closure.

Water flows from Ward's property into a small creek that washes into the Santa Ana River, board spokesman Milasol Gaslan said. A sample of that runoff taken in February contained at least 40 times the fecal bacteria level acceptable for such a creek, she said.

Neighbor complaints led to the tests.

Ward has offered to install a septic tank, which would solve the problem, Gaslan said.

"I'd be willing to do whatever it takes," including spending several thousand dollars to buy another septic tank, said the 56-year-old Ward, who said he has 30 dogs.

In November, the City Council gave Ward a permit to operate the rescue shelter from his home. The shelter had been operating illegally.

"There are some constant complainers in this neighborhood, who are unfairly attacking" because of his notoriety, Ward said.

With all the horses and farm animals in Norco, Ward said, he wonders why his rescue center is under fire.

"I like Batman and Robin, too," said neighbor Kris Fogle, who added that he didn't think officials should let Ward get away with things because of his role.

-- From wire reports