Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Interview With Walter Cronkite

Aired June 25, 2004 - 10:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at the top stories "At This Hour." President Bush has left Andrews Air Force Base. He is en route to Ireland. While there, he'll meet with European Union leaders before traveling on to Turkey for a NATO summit. Both summits will include discussions on the Iraq War and Washington's lobbying for more international support.
President Bush's top legal liaison to the Supreme Court has announced his resignation. Ted Olson says he'll return to private practice after the court completes its current term. Olson became the solicitor general back in June of 2001. His wife, Barbara, died aboard the hijacked airliner that hit the Pentagon on September 11.

John Kerry takes his presidential campaign once again to Ohio. That's a manufacturing state that has wrestled with job losses. The presumptive Democratic nominee is holding a town hall meeting in Stark County for what he calls a conversation with workers about the economy.

NASA called off a risky space walk yesterday after just 14 minutes. An apparent oxygen leak caused pressure to drop suddenly in astronaut Mike Finke's suit. But flight controllers say that neither he nor the cosmonaut with him were in danger. The spacewalk was to repair a fried circuit breaker on the International Space Station.

Former President Bill Clinton says he's supportive of the Bush administration's decision to go to war in Iraq, but believes it may have been rushed. The former president, on tour to promote this week's release of his best selling book, last night was on CNN's "LARRY KING LIVE."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I don't approve of the timing, I didn't agree with the timing. I think we should have let Mr. Blix finish the inspections. We could have invaded and toppled Saddam Hussein at any time. His military was less than half the strength it was at the Gulf War, and we were in better shape militarily.

And I knew this was going to be quite a project. So I preferred to let the weapons inspection play out and put more military personnel and more effort into Afghanistan to stabilize Mr. Karzai and to try to get bin Laden and Dr. al-Zawahiri and the other top aides.

(END VIDEO CLIP) KAGAN: Join Larry tonight when he welcomes comedian Jon Stewart. That's "LARRY KING LIVE" tonight at 9:00 Eastern -- 6:00 Eastern (sic) here on CNN.

Well, you walk into any broadcast news room in the U.S. and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone over 30 who would not cite our next guest as a major influence. Walter Cronkite has spent 65 years in journalism. He's now reaching to a new generation with a PBS animated show. It's called "Liberty Kids." And it releases on DVD and video next week in advance of the Fourth of July holiday. Mr. Cronkite, good morning. Thanks for being with us here this morning.

WALTER CRONKITE, VETERAN JOURNALIST: Good morning, Daryn. It's always a pleasure to be on CNN. You folks do a good job.

KAGAN: Well, that is high praise from you. We appreciate that. And you know we always love having you on.

CRONKITE: Thank you.

KAGAN: You have been so many things. But I don't think in looking over your bio you've ever been a cartoon character.

(LAUGHTER)

CRONKITE: No. But I certainly did reach the heights when I finally did become one, being the voice of Benjamin Franklin in this marvelous television series that is called "Liberty's Kids" that was on PBS, Public Broadcasting, last year. And was one of the most popular features ever on the air, for children, particularly. But with a huge audience of adults who followed it as well.

It was such a thrilling series. So beautifully animated, so beautifully written. And so importantly educational regarding the revolution and indeed the founding of the nation, the writing of the Constitution.

It just taught history in a way that almost no other medium could.

KAGAN: You're one of many famous voices and faces that take part in this. Some of the others, Dustin Hoffman, Billy Crystal, they're playing a number of historic figures. Even Warren Buffet is in there as James Madison.

When the came to you, did you get to pick, did you get to select which historic figure you wanted to be? Or was it always about being Ben Franklin?

CRONKITE: No, I think they came to me and said, "You're Ben Franklin." And I said, "Oh, yes? Tell me more about it."

The series is great. Of course, what we're celebrating at the moment is that they're going to announce immediately the availability of the first three of the programs, the history pieces on DVD and on VHS, on tape as well, that will be marvelously done. There'll be repeats of the major shows. But also interactive games to be played, material that can be taken off one computer to make storybooks and drawing books, cards, games. Really, a whole package of entertainment. And this great education all there, you can have it at home now.

KAGAN: We look forward to that. It's interesting that it's a piece that has to do with American history. You yourself are such a part of American history. While I have you here with me today, I just wanted to ask you about some other topics in the news. If you wouldn't mind, if we could take a little bit of your time.

CRONKITE: Yes.

KAGAN: Let's start with the role of the media in the war on Iraq. So much is made of the role and influence that you had in the war on Vietnam. When you watch how the media in general is covering what is taking place overseas, what are your thoughts?

CRONKITE: Well, I think the media has done a very good job in covering Iraq on the scene. As a matter of fact, the reporters and camera people have risked their lives to be on the scene in Iraq today with the security being as loose as it is.

And I think they deserve the kind of credit that they have earned with this courage and with the kind of impartial reporting they've been doing. They have shown the kind of courage that our troops there have indeed in their presence. And I think they should be honored for such.

KAGAN: In this election year, you're watching the campaigns make their way across the country. Any hunger to be out there? Or do you feel like you had the better time to be part of covering politics?

CRONKITE: Oh, no, I don't think I had the better time necessarily. This administration has been a most interesting one with some major changes, of course, in our foreign policy which are reflected in the Iraq War, of course.

And in domestic policy that have made great news stories as it has changed the whole picture of American government at home and abroad. Particularly abroad in our foreign policy. And I think it's been a rich time to be a reporter, writer, observer.

KAGAN: It is an interesting time indeed. Including our time spent with you this morning. Thank you for being with us.

CRONKITE: You bet, Daryn. Take care.

KAGAN: I'll do that. Walter Cronkite. He is the voice of Ben Franklin on the DVD that's coming out, "Liberty's Kids." A historic series that you might have seen on PBS. Thank you, Mr. Cronkite. Appreciate your time.

CRONKITE: Thank you. You bet. KAGAN: Coming up next, Michael Jackson's attorneys fight to keep some information secret. We will get a live report from the courthouse in Santa Maria.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: There HAS been a stunning development in the Scott Peterson murder trial. That tops our look at legal briefs. A police detective has admitted on the stand that he never mentioned a witness who might help prove Scott Peterson innocent of killing his wife, Laci, and their son. The witness claims that she saw Peterson's wife at the warehouse where he stored his boat. The prosecution claims that Peterson hid his boat from his wife.

A sucker punch on the ice leads to a criminal charge. Vancouver Canucks Todd Bertuzzi is now accused of assault for his on-ice attack in March on Colorado's Steve Moore. Moore was hospitalized with three fractured vertebrae and a concussion. Doctors aren't sure if Moore will ever play hockey again.

Secrecy in the Michael Jackson case. That is the topic of a pretrial hearing scheduled today in Santa Maria, California. Michael Jackson will not be there. But our Ted Rowlands is, and he is in Santa Maria.

Good morning, Ted.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The theme here today is the unsealing of documents. Both the prosecution and defense have filed motions to keep all of the relative documents in this case sealed, which has been the case thus far. Jackson is facing multiple charges of child molestation and conspiracy, and even the details of those charges have been sealed.

Today a representative from the media, a lawyer representing the media, will argue to unseal some of those documents, or all of those documents. The argument from the prosecution and defense is, is that Michael Jackson's right to a fair trial would supersede the public's right to know in this case. This hearing is expected to be relatively short. As you mentioned, Michael Jackson will not be in attendance. He is free on three-million dollars bail. Earlier this month, a judge here in Santa Barbara county denied a reduction of that bail request. At this point, the trial date for Michael Jackson has been set for September 13th -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And so, Ted, might that be the next time we see Michael Jackson at the courthouse there?

ROWLANDS: Well, you know, he has the choice of coming to any of these hearings if he wants to. But he also has the choice of not coming to the inconsequential ones, if you will. So he may come before that. But he will obviously be required to attend on September 13th, or whenever the this trial starts.

KAGAN: Ted Rowlands from Santa Maria. Thank you, Ted. Who can resist a story about young brothers learning about life. A look at the tiger tale of two brothers with Mr. Moviefone, straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What's up, money? You got a problem?

Naw, yo, hold my poodle. Hold my poodle!

Hey, yo, what's up? Y'all got a problem? Y'all want some of this? What! What! Boy, What! I'll take the both of you!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: OK, you caught me laughing. OK, there's a twist. The Wayans brothers as white chicks. Just one of the movies at the box office this weekend. Earlier we talked with Michael Moore about his movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11."

Here to tell you which offerings are worth your time and money, AOL's Mr. Moviefone, Russ Leatherman.

Russ, good morning and happy Friday to you.

RUSS LEATHERMAN, "MR. MOVIEFONE": Daryn, first of all, let me apologize for what appears to be a very serious hair problem.

KAGAN: Yes, what's going on with that?

LEATHERMAN: But we're both pros. We can move past it, right?

KAGAN: OK, all right. Let's not waste our time there.

"White Chicks," the Wayans brothers.

LEATHERMAN: Well, you were laughing at that one. You might be the only one, I'm not sure. What's wrong with you, Daryn?

KAGAN: Well, I am a white chick, so I can laugh at my own people.

LEATHERMAN: Well, you're actually a white chick that looks like a white chick.

KAGAN: Thank you. I think that's a complement somewhere.

LEATHERMAN: Somewhere in there.

But that's the problem with this movie. I mean, if you look at these two, they probably look a little more like zombies from "Dawn of the Dead" than they do white chicks. And that would be OK if the movie was funny and the dialogue was funny and everything else. I mean, these are pretty funny guys, Marlon and Shawn Wayans. It's directed by brother Keenan.

I mean, you'd think they do good work here. But really, the script is pretty lame, the jokes are pretty lame, and it's just not particularly funny. So the little thing you're chuckling at right there may be the only chuckle you get.

KAGAN: It must be bad, because this is about the level of movie that you usually jump out of your seat for.

LEATHERMAN: Daryn, I'm going to surprise you this week. I'm going to surprise you.

KAGAN: OK, let's move on to a different type of brothers film, "Two Brothers," the two cute little tiger cubs.

LEATHERMAN: I love this movie. I love this movie.

KAGAN: You loved it?

LEATHERMAN: I loved it, Daryn! I loved it.

KAGAN: Wow.

LEATHERMAN: This is family you can take the kids to. You can take Crazy Aunt Mabel to. Everybody's going to love this movie. It's about these two tiger cubs who are separated when they're very young. Guy Pearce is an adventurer who's sort of responsible for them being separated, but they live their separate lives, and they end up coming back together at the end.

The thing I loved about this movie is it's directed by the same guy who did "The Bear," and what he knows to do is let the tiger cubs be the stars of this movie, you know, get some human interaction in there. But they're the stars of the movies. And they respect the tigers. They don't have them doing like goofy seal and a ball trick. It's really shot beautifully. It's heartwarming. I think the whole family's going to love it. You should go check it out.

KAGAN: Wow. All right, you did surprise me on that. I did not expect you to like "Two Brothers," the cute animal movie. But there's no way -- I will put a dollar down...

LEATHERMAN: Guess what. Guess what.

KAGAN: There is no way you liked "The Notebook."

LEATHERMAN: Daryn, I loved "The Notebook."

KAGAN: You do not!

LEATHERMAN: I loved it. In fact, I cried like a little baby.

KAGAN: Now you're lying. Now we have to get the lie-detector test. LEATHERMAN: OK, but I do love you, and we know that that's a fact.

KAGAN: OK, well that we know is true.

LEATHERMAN: This is a nice romance...

KAGAN: This is the Nicholas Sparks, book right?

LEATHERMAN: It is, and it stars James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, who's fantastic in this movie, and the thing I liked about it, is one, there are no really romances in theaters right now, so everybody's looking for some, you know, in a different way. But this movie is really heartwarming. The critics are saying it's too simple, it's trite, it's predictable. Yes, all of that's true. But I think it's very emotional, it's beautifully done, and I really enjoyed this movie.

In fact, I did cry like a little baby. And I'm thinking that if you take your significant other, your wife, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, whatever, to this movie, you're going to have a good night, Do you know what I'm saying?

KAGAN: OK, good. Yes, I do.

Real quickly, one word -- "Fahrenheit 9/11," as a movie, is it worth seeing?

LEATHERMAN: I would say yes. Michael Moore knows how to make a movie, but it's definitely got some spin to it, so it's probably, you know, not as objective as I would have liked it to have been, then it would have been a great movie. But right here, the way it is, it's a good movie. I think it's worth checking out. It's not going to sway anybody one way or the other. The people who hate Bush will continue to hate him; the people who hate Michael Moore will continue to hate him. But there's some interesting information in the movie. I just wish he would have laid back a little bit.

KAGAN: There you go. OK, well you go to that for the movies. If you want objective, you come to CNN, how about that?

LEATHERMAN: Let's go see "The Notebook" together, Daryn?

KAGAN: Sorry.

LEATHERMAN: Please.

KAGAN: Russ...

LEATHERMAN: You're busy. You're tied up, aren't you?

KAGAN: Yes, I'm busy. I'm very busy.

Russ Leatherman, Mr. Moviefone, thank you so much.

LEATHERMAN: See you next week. Bye. KAGAN: Yes, boy, I am very busy.

You can keep your eye on entertainment 24/7 by pointing your Internet browser to CNN.com/entertainment. Among the highlights you'll find there, an update on the Olsen twins, how Mary-Kate's eating disorder is affecting her sister Ashley.

Also, a revival of Clinton jokes in the wake of Bill Clinton's autobiography "My Life."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: The first week of summer unleashed some ferocious weather in Wisconsin. Strong storms whipped up tornadoes and caused millions of dollars in damage. At least one person was killed and 19 injured. The Wisconsin's governor declared 11 counties disaster areas. That is on top of the 12 that received the declaration earlier this week because of flooding. A tough start to summer 2004 for the folks in Wisconsin.

(WEATHER REPORT)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired June 25, 2004 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look at the top stories "At This Hour." President Bush has left Andrews Air Force Base. He is en route to Ireland. While there, he'll meet with European Union leaders before traveling on to Turkey for a NATO summit. Both summits will include discussions on the Iraq War and Washington's lobbying for more international support.
President Bush's top legal liaison to the Supreme Court has announced his resignation. Ted Olson says he'll return to private practice after the court completes its current term. Olson became the solicitor general back in June of 2001. His wife, Barbara, died aboard the hijacked airliner that hit the Pentagon on September 11.

John Kerry takes his presidential campaign once again to Ohio. That's a manufacturing state that has wrestled with job losses. The presumptive Democratic nominee is holding a town hall meeting in Stark County for what he calls a conversation with workers about the economy.

NASA called off a risky space walk yesterday after just 14 minutes. An apparent oxygen leak caused pressure to drop suddenly in astronaut Mike Finke's suit. But flight controllers say that neither he nor the cosmonaut with him were in danger. The spacewalk was to repair a fried circuit breaker on the International Space Station.

Former President Bill Clinton says he's supportive of the Bush administration's decision to go to war in Iraq, but believes it may have been rushed. The former president, on tour to promote this week's release of his best selling book, last night was on CNN's "LARRY KING LIVE."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I don't approve of the timing, I didn't agree with the timing. I think we should have let Mr. Blix finish the inspections. We could have invaded and toppled Saddam Hussein at any time. His military was less than half the strength it was at the Gulf War, and we were in better shape militarily.

And I knew this was going to be quite a project. So I preferred to let the weapons inspection play out and put more military personnel and more effort into Afghanistan to stabilize Mr. Karzai and to try to get bin Laden and Dr. al-Zawahiri and the other top aides.

(END VIDEO CLIP) KAGAN: Join Larry tonight when he welcomes comedian Jon Stewart. That's "LARRY KING LIVE" tonight at 9:00 Eastern -- 6:00 Eastern (sic) here on CNN.

Well, you walk into any broadcast news room in the U.S. and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone over 30 who would not cite our next guest as a major influence. Walter Cronkite has spent 65 years in journalism. He's now reaching to a new generation with a PBS animated show. It's called "Liberty Kids." And it releases on DVD and video next week in advance of the Fourth of July holiday. Mr. Cronkite, good morning. Thanks for being with us here this morning.

WALTER CRONKITE, VETERAN JOURNALIST: Good morning, Daryn. It's always a pleasure to be on CNN. You folks do a good job.

KAGAN: Well, that is high praise from you. We appreciate that. And you know we always love having you on.

CRONKITE: Thank you.

KAGAN: You have been so many things. But I don't think in looking over your bio you've ever been a cartoon character.

(LAUGHTER)

CRONKITE: No. But I certainly did reach the heights when I finally did become one, being the voice of Benjamin Franklin in this marvelous television series that is called "Liberty's Kids" that was on PBS, Public Broadcasting, last year. And was one of the most popular features ever on the air, for children, particularly. But with a huge audience of adults who followed it as well.

It was such a thrilling series. So beautifully animated, so beautifully written. And so importantly educational regarding the revolution and indeed the founding of the nation, the writing of the Constitution.

It just taught history in a way that almost no other medium could.

KAGAN: You're one of many famous voices and faces that take part in this. Some of the others, Dustin Hoffman, Billy Crystal, they're playing a number of historic figures. Even Warren Buffet is in there as James Madison.

When the came to you, did you get to pick, did you get to select which historic figure you wanted to be? Or was it always about being Ben Franklin?

CRONKITE: No, I think they came to me and said, "You're Ben Franklin." And I said, "Oh, yes? Tell me more about it."

The series is great. Of course, what we're celebrating at the moment is that they're going to announce immediately the availability of the first three of the programs, the history pieces on DVD and on VHS, on tape as well, that will be marvelously done. There'll be repeats of the major shows. But also interactive games to be played, material that can be taken off one computer to make storybooks and drawing books, cards, games. Really, a whole package of entertainment. And this great education all there, you can have it at home now.

KAGAN: We look forward to that. It's interesting that it's a piece that has to do with American history. You yourself are such a part of American history. While I have you here with me today, I just wanted to ask you about some other topics in the news. If you wouldn't mind, if we could take a little bit of your time.

CRONKITE: Yes.

KAGAN: Let's start with the role of the media in the war on Iraq. So much is made of the role and influence that you had in the war on Vietnam. When you watch how the media in general is covering what is taking place overseas, what are your thoughts?

CRONKITE: Well, I think the media has done a very good job in covering Iraq on the scene. As a matter of fact, the reporters and camera people have risked their lives to be on the scene in Iraq today with the security being as loose as it is.

And I think they deserve the kind of credit that they have earned with this courage and with the kind of impartial reporting they've been doing. They have shown the kind of courage that our troops there have indeed in their presence. And I think they should be honored for such.

KAGAN: In this election year, you're watching the campaigns make their way across the country. Any hunger to be out there? Or do you feel like you had the better time to be part of covering politics?

CRONKITE: Oh, no, I don't think I had the better time necessarily. This administration has been a most interesting one with some major changes, of course, in our foreign policy which are reflected in the Iraq War, of course.

And in domestic policy that have made great news stories as it has changed the whole picture of American government at home and abroad. Particularly abroad in our foreign policy. And I think it's been a rich time to be a reporter, writer, observer.

KAGAN: It is an interesting time indeed. Including our time spent with you this morning. Thank you for being with us.

CRONKITE: You bet, Daryn. Take care.

KAGAN: I'll do that. Walter Cronkite. He is the voice of Ben Franklin on the DVD that's coming out, "Liberty's Kids." A historic series that you might have seen on PBS. Thank you, Mr. Cronkite. Appreciate your time.

CRONKITE: Thank you. You bet. KAGAN: Coming up next, Michael Jackson's attorneys fight to keep some information secret. We will get a live report from the courthouse in Santa Maria.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: There HAS been a stunning development in the Scott Peterson murder trial. That tops our look at legal briefs. A police detective has admitted on the stand that he never mentioned a witness who might help prove Scott Peterson innocent of killing his wife, Laci, and their son. The witness claims that she saw Peterson's wife at the warehouse where he stored his boat. The prosecution claims that Peterson hid his boat from his wife.

A sucker punch on the ice leads to a criminal charge. Vancouver Canucks Todd Bertuzzi is now accused of assault for his on-ice attack in March on Colorado's Steve Moore. Moore was hospitalized with three fractured vertebrae and a concussion. Doctors aren't sure if Moore will ever play hockey again.

Secrecy in the Michael Jackson case. That is the topic of a pretrial hearing scheduled today in Santa Maria, California. Michael Jackson will not be there. But our Ted Rowlands is, and he is in Santa Maria.

Good morning, Ted.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The theme here today is the unsealing of documents. Both the prosecution and defense have filed motions to keep all of the relative documents in this case sealed, which has been the case thus far. Jackson is facing multiple charges of child molestation and conspiracy, and even the details of those charges have been sealed.

Today a representative from the media, a lawyer representing the media, will argue to unseal some of those documents, or all of those documents. The argument from the prosecution and defense is, is that Michael Jackson's right to a fair trial would supersede the public's right to know in this case. This hearing is expected to be relatively short. As you mentioned, Michael Jackson will not be in attendance. He is free on three-million dollars bail. Earlier this month, a judge here in Santa Barbara county denied a reduction of that bail request. At this point, the trial date for Michael Jackson has been set for September 13th -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And so, Ted, might that be the next time we see Michael Jackson at the courthouse there?

ROWLANDS: Well, you know, he has the choice of coming to any of these hearings if he wants to. But he also has the choice of not coming to the inconsequential ones, if you will. So he may come before that. But he will obviously be required to attend on September 13th, or whenever the this trial starts.

KAGAN: Ted Rowlands from Santa Maria. Thank you, Ted. Who can resist a story about young brothers learning about life. A look at the tiger tale of two brothers with Mr. Moviefone, straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What's up, money? You got a problem?

Naw, yo, hold my poodle. Hold my poodle!

Hey, yo, what's up? Y'all got a problem? Y'all want some of this? What! What! Boy, What! I'll take the both of you!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: OK, you caught me laughing. OK, there's a twist. The Wayans brothers as white chicks. Just one of the movies at the box office this weekend. Earlier we talked with Michael Moore about his movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11."

Here to tell you which offerings are worth your time and money, AOL's Mr. Moviefone, Russ Leatherman.

Russ, good morning and happy Friday to you.

RUSS LEATHERMAN, "MR. MOVIEFONE": Daryn, first of all, let me apologize for what appears to be a very serious hair problem.

KAGAN: Yes, what's going on with that?

LEATHERMAN: But we're both pros. We can move past it, right?

KAGAN: OK, all right. Let's not waste our time there.

"White Chicks," the Wayans brothers.

LEATHERMAN: Well, you were laughing at that one. You might be the only one, I'm not sure. What's wrong with you, Daryn?

KAGAN: Well, I am a white chick, so I can laugh at my own people.

LEATHERMAN: Well, you're actually a white chick that looks like a white chick.

KAGAN: Thank you. I think that's a complement somewhere.

LEATHERMAN: Somewhere in there.

But that's the problem with this movie. I mean, if you look at these two, they probably look a little more like zombies from "Dawn of the Dead" than they do white chicks. And that would be OK if the movie was funny and the dialogue was funny and everything else. I mean, these are pretty funny guys, Marlon and Shawn Wayans. It's directed by brother Keenan.

I mean, you'd think they do good work here. But really, the script is pretty lame, the jokes are pretty lame, and it's just not particularly funny. So the little thing you're chuckling at right there may be the only chuckle you get.

KAGAN: It must be bad, because this is about the level of movie that you usually jump out of your seat for.

LEATHERMAN: Daryn, I'm going to surprise you this week. I'm going to surprise you.

KAGAN: OK, let's move on to a different type of brothers film, "Two Brothers," the two cute little tiger cubs.

LEATHERMAN: I love this movie. I love this movie.

KAGAN: You loved it?

LEATHERMAN: I loved it, Daryn! I loved it.

KAGAN: Wow.

LEATHERMAN: This is family you can take the kids to. You can take Crazy Aunt Mabel to. Everybody's going to love this movie. It's about these two tiger cubs who are separated when they're very young. Guy Pearce is an adventurer who's sort of responsible for them being separated, but they live their separate lives, and they end up coming back together at the end.

The thing I loved about this movie is it's directed by the same guy who did "The Bear," and what he knows to do is let the tiger cubs be the stars of this movie, you know, get some human interaction in there. But they're the stars of the movies. And they respect the tigers. They don't have them doing like goofy seal and a ball trick. It's really shot beautifully. It's heartwarming. I think the whole family's going to love it. You should go check it out.

KAGAN: Wow. All right, you did surprise me on that. I did not expect you to like "Two Brothers," the cute animal movie. But there's no way -- I will put a dollar down...

LEATHERMAN: Guess what. Guess what.

KAGAN: There is no way you liked "The Notebook."

LEATHERMAN: Daryn, I loved "The Notebook."

KAGAN: You do not!

LEATHERMAN: I loved it. In fact, I cried like a little baby.

KAGAN: Now you're lying. Now we have to get the lie-detector test. LEATHERMAN: OK, but I do love you, and we know that that's a fact.

KAGAN: OK, well that we know is true.

LEATHERMAN: This is a nice romance...

KAGAN: This is the Nicholas Sparks, book right?

LEATHERMAN: It is, and it stars James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, who's fantastic in this movie, and the thing I liked about it, is one, there are no really romances in theaters right now, so everybody's looking for some, you know, in a different way. But this movie is really heartwarming. The critics are saying it's too simple, it's trite, it's predictable. Yes, all of that's true. But I think it's very emotional, it's beautifully done, and I really enjoyed this movie.

In fact, I did cry like a little baby. And I'm thinking that if you take your significant other, your wife, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, whatever, to this movie, you're going to have a good night, Do you know what I'm saying?

KAGAN: OK, good. Yes, I do.

Real quickly, one word -- "Fahrenheit 9/11," as a movie, is it worth seeing?

LEATHERMAN: I would say yes. Michael Moore knows how to make a movie, but it's definitely got some spin to it, so it's probably, you know, not as objective as I would have liked it to have been, then it would have been a great movie. But right here, the way it is, it's a good movie. I think it's worth checking out. It's not going to sway anybody one way or the other. The people who hate Bush will continue to hate him; the people who hate Michael Moore will continue to hate him. But there's some interesting information in the movie. I just wish he would have laid back a little bit.

KAGAN: There you go. OK, well you go to that for the movies. If you want objective, you come to CNN, how about that?

LEATHERMAN: Let's go see "The Notebook" together, Daryn?

KAGAN: Sorry.

LEATHERMAN: Please.

KAGAN: Russ...

LEATHERMAN: You're busy. You're tied up, aren't you?

KAGAN: Yes, I'm busy. I'm very busy.

Russ Leatherman, Mr. Moviefone, thank you so much.

LEATHERMAN: See you next week. Bye. KAGAN: Yes, boy, I am very busy.

You can keep your eye on entertainment 24/7 by pointing your Internet browser to CNN.com/entertainment. Among the highlights you'll find there, an update on the Olsen twins, how Mary-Kate's eating disorder is affecting her sister Ashley.

Also, a revival of Clinton jokes in the wake of Bill Clinton's autobiography "My Life."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: The first week of summer unleashed some ferocious weather in Wisconsin. Strong storms whipped up tornadoes and caused millions of dollars in damage. At least one person was killed and 19 injured. The Wisconsin's governor declared 11 counties disaster areas. That is on top of the 12 that received the declaration earlier this week because of flooding. A tough start to summer 2004 for the folks in Wisconsin.

(WEATHER REPORT)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com