Hollywood Exclusive by Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel Smith

Milla Jovovich shows off her amazing constitution in one of her most physically demanding performances to date — which is saying a lot for the "Resident Evil" actress — in David Twohy's forthcoming "A Perfect Getaway" with Tim Olyphant and Steve Zahn. At least, so says producer Mark Canton. He notes, "We shot in Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Hawaii, and she was constantly being called upon to do scenes with her running, swimming and fighting — she never let down, just did it. She has a huge fight with Kiele Sanchez of 'Lost' in the movie," he lets us know.

"It's a really cool thriller, and she is just wonderful in it," he gushes of the feature in which Jovovich and Zahn play honeymooners who discover their tour guides are really assassins. "She's such a great combination of actress and person."

MEANWHILE: Right now, Canton's attention is focused on this year's Capri Hollywood Film Festival, for which he serves as chairman.

With honorees including Quentin Tarantino and Forest Whitaker, and attendees ranging from Samuel L. Jackson to Heather Graham, this year's Capri fest — the 13th — is keeping up its growing reputation as a year-end draw for industry elites. But beneath the parties and schmoozing, there's a serious undertone.

"I think what we're seeing a growing awareness of the pain, struggle and hardship of many people in our industry," says Canton. He's among those participating in a symposium (along with producer Lawrence Bender, director Sidney Lumet and others) dealing with the future of cinema and global partnerships within the current financial climate. "I'd like to think we're going to gain or impart some knowledge. There are people who are dedicated to being part of the solution here," he says.

Of course, Capri still has more than its share of glamour. As Canton notes, "We're sort of being inundated" by production entities anxious to "show their films at this end of the world, and also by talent — people who've had good experiences and have reached out to come back. There's nothing wrong with spending New Year's on Capri," observes the longtime producer and executive whose upcoming projects include a remake of "Fame" and a sequel to his "300." "They get to have a fantastic time in addition to doing what they love to do anyway, which is demonstrate what they're about as filmmakers."

SMELLING LIKE A ROSE: Stephanie Edwards makes it clear she harbors no ill will toward her "Tournament of Roses Parade" on-air colleagues as she returns to co-host the nationally and internationally syndicated and streamed video KTLA coverage of the event with Bob Eubanks Jan.

1. You may recall that the witty, red-haired personality was shifted out of the broadcast booth in 2005, after 25 years, and consigned to crowd interviews in the bleachers — in the pelting rain. Meanwhile, Eubanks was joined by the decades-younger Michaela Pereira from the channel's morning show. Edwards hasn't been part of the broadcast since '06.

"Bob was very supportive and always has been, or I wouldn't be back," Edwards tells us now. "And Michaela is going to continue to be a very strong part of our parade coverage, and I'm delighted about that. We're friends, and I think she's terrific."

Edwards' fans found her treatment outrageous. Numerous complaints were written to the station and on the Internet. Media members expressed disgust. This past summer, new general manager John Moczulski asked Stephanie back, and reportedly gave her a $50,000-a-year, two-year contract. When her return was announced, "We were at the Tournament House in Pasadena, and the Tournament people were in there having crumpets while we were waiting in secret in an upstairs room …They made me feel extremely welcome," she says. The tempest over her treatment "was like hearing my own eulogy without having to die." Edwards deadpans that she hopes she can still remember how to commentate on the parade: "When it was over, I was so convinced it was over I let some information drain out of my head."

THE BIG SCREEN SCENE: They're wrapping up casting of the children who'll be seen in Rodrigo Garcia's "Mother and Child" with Naomi Watts, Annette Bening, Samuel L. Jackson and Jimmy Smits. The big screen saga has to do with a woman who gave up her daughter 35 years ago. Kerry Washington and Shareeka Epps also star in the flick slated for a mid-January production start in L.A.

SHRINK TO FIT: Brace yourselves. A new, yet-untitled relationship show in the works now for February production has been sending out feelers for a "dynamic sex therapist" who can serve as an expert to discuss couples' bedroom issues. Casting sources tell us that the show wants a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, or marriage and family counselor who is trained in sex therapy by an accredited college or university, "preferably with on-camera experience," either gender OK.

With reports by Emily Feimster.

To find out more about Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith and read their past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 MARILYN BECK AND STACY JENEL SMITH

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