Queen Latifah in "Taxi"
Photo: Kerry Hayes

The Reel Story

In the New York crime caper "Taxi," Queen Latifah stars as cab driver Belle, whose pimped-out vehicle and driving services are commandeered by a bumbling detective played by Jimmy Fallon. Since Fallon's character's license was taken away, he is at the mercy of the aspiring NASCAR driver and her turbocharged cab while chasing Gisele Bundchen and her gang of catwalk-ready crooks. Early on in the film, Belle's friends present her with a "titanium super charger" for her cab, which she has been working on — Monster Garage style — for the past five years. With the flip of a switch, Belle's cab goes from stock to something out of "The Fast and the Furious," taking one shocked city dweller from Times Square to JFK airport in nine law-breaking minutes. Which begs the question: Can regular New York cabbies pimp their rides?

The Real Story

Cabbies, don't program Xzibit into your cell phones just yet. To get to the bottom of this, we checked in with Singh, a real-life cab driver in the Big Apple. He laughed and told us point-blank, "No way, that is crazy!" Then he kept on laughing, and we jumped out of the cab pretty quickly.

Wanting a little more information, we called the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission and dug a little deeper. Allan J. Fromberg, spokesperson for the TLC, explained that while Latifah, Fallon, Bundchen and Jennifer Esposito were given honorary hack licenses by TLC commissioner Matthew Daus the night of the film's premiere, "There was a lot of artistic license taken for a very entertaining effect" in the film.

"There are very specific specifications that must be followed," Fromberg went on to explain. "There is much chapter and verse that needs to be followed to be within regulation." Sorry, cabbies: The New York streets are not the place to get in your NASCAR practice. "However," Fromberg laughed, "we will forgive Queen Latifah just about anything."

Check out everything we've got on "Taxi."

Visit MTV Movies for more from Hollywood, including news, interviews, trailers and more.

• "Taxi" photos

• Queen Latifah
• Jimmy Fallon

50 Cent with Vivica Fox in their seats at the 2003 VMAs
Photo: Walik Goshorn

NEW YORK — Madonna smooching two pretty young things, 50 Cent showing up with Vivica A. Fox and then bringing out Snoop Dogg and Archbishop Don "Magic" Juan during his performance. And who could forget that dapper Justin Timberlake, logging a plethora of camera time with constant cutaways and three acceptance speeches.

The theme of the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards was obviously "Pimps up!" (see "Madonna Smooches With Britney And Christina; Justin, Coldplay Win Big At VMAs").

Backstage and in the basement hallways of Radio City Music Hall, the pimp juice was flowing just as fluently, as attendees, presenters and performers made new acquaintances and chilled with old homies.

(Click for backstage photos from the VMAs.)

Duran Duran's Simon LeBon was definitely treated like a pimp as he walked topless through a backstage holding area, waiting for a talent wrangler to steam his shirt. "Oh my, it's going to be hot," he said to the woman as she tried to get the wrinkles out. "I know it's going to be too hot with that steam. Oh well."

It was getting hot for Don Juan as well. As a few of Beyoncé's dancers practiced their hydraulic booty shake by an elevator, a car carrying Don Juan and a few of his crew stopped on the floor. The Don lowered his green Elton John-like spectacles and stepped out of the elevator, intent on spitting his game, no doubt. Just as the pimp began his rap, a husky bodyguard told him he was on the wrong floor. Magic's face shriveled in disappointment as the doors closed.

Earlier in the night, P. Diddy was yelling, "Chuuch, chuuch, chuuch!" to Don and Snoop as he stood outside their dressing room. Diddy had planned to go back into the auditorium, but it was clear he'd had second thoughts and decided to stop and see his friends. Moments later all you could hear was laughter coming from the room. "I'mma see you," P.D. shouted to the goblet-toting duo, walking out of the room later. "I'll be in my seat."

King of crunk music Lil Jon was walking around holding a platinum pimp cup that bore his name in diamonds. But while the pimp juice holders and Don Juan's iced-out staff — which stood at almost six feet tall — had celebs like Chris Rock and Adam Sandler taking a second look, the most magnetic eye candy was 50 Cent carrying around his Moonmen.

Serena and Venus Williams spent time smiling and laughing with 50 shortly after he came offstage from his second VMA win, for Best New Artist. When the giddy sisters congratulated the beefy MC it was clear their admiration was shared, as Cent gave the millionaire athletes props on their shoes. Maybe he was thinking he'd found a couple of spokesmodels for his G-Unit footwear.

Christina Aguilera might also have a moonlighting job on the horizon — as a psychic. When the Olsen twins and David Spade announced Justin Timberlake as one of the nominees for Best Pop Video, Christina told her small crew, "Justin is going to win."

Before Christina took the stage with Redman, the backstage area was bustling as Nelly and Murphy Lee came out of a dressing room with Outkast to announce the performance. Dre and Big Boi spent some time with fellow presenter Iggy Pop, who engaged the duo in an animated discussion off to the side, waving his arms as if he were explaining something important.

Another odd Outkast pairing occurred later on, this time with AFI. As the G-Unit would do later in the evening, the two groups took time to pay homage to Run-DMC and shower them with handshakes.

"The originals," Dre and Big Boi said about the legendary rappers.

"The original rudeboys," Big Boi continued.

Meanwhile, a few feet away, David Spade kept the Olsen twins laughing out loud, and when the pyro in Christina's set went off and startled everyone backstage, he alerted everyone in jest, "I'm OK. I'm OK."

Last year's VMA host, Jimmy Fallon, was a big fan of his "Saturday Night Live" buddy Chris Rock's hysterical conduct as this year's master of ceremonies. "Fallon!" Chris yelled, pointing to Jimmy as he walked toward his friend. They hugged, and then Fallon spoke of how much he was enjoying the night's proceedings. "The show is unbelievable," he said with a smile. "You motherf-----! Unbelievable."

Fallon made the most of his time in the hallway, shaking hands with Duran Duran and congratulating them on their recent New York performance, and then chatting with Kelly Osbourne. "Break your leg," he joked before she went onstage with Avril Lavigne to present Best Dance Video. Those two ladies spent a lot of time together throughout the night.

Good Charlotte were also popular backstage. After they engaged in some mutual admiration with Linkin Park's Chester Bennington ("You guys are f---ing awesome," Chester exclaimed), they invited him to come to their after-party, where they were to share a table with Metallica. Later, the rockers engaged in a group hug offstage after accepting the Viewer's Choice Award. Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore kissed on the cheek and hugged right next to them. Benji Madden told the Hollywood twosome he loved both of them.

"Thanks, I know you rigged it," Benji told Drew after she congratulated his group.

"Oh," a confused Barrymore answered. "Yeah, thanks."

Although Justin Timberlake played it cool during his three acceptance speeches, as he came offstage following his last win he had a wide Kool-Aid grin. Timberlake playfully punched his bodyguard and laughed as he went into a dressing room where Pharrell Williams was watching the show.

His "Cry Me a River" co-conspirator Timbaland was jovial as well when Missy Elliott won her first-ever award for Best Hip-Hop Video. "I told you so," Timbo told his jubilant friend before they went onstage to accept it.

Most of Missy's opening-act cohorts were nowhere to be seen during the show. Britney Spears arrived around 5:15 p.m. to get ready for her big kiss, and Madonna showed up shortly before show time. However, after their headline-making performance, both seemed to have vanished in the wind.

Even though Madonna, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy and Jay-Z were among those hosting after-parties, it didn't seem like anyone was in a hurry to break out of Radio City after the show.

Justin and Pharrell had one last bit of politicking to do before they left. J.T. hollered at rap legend Doug E. Fresh about a possible collaboration. While DJ Clue, Fabolous and Joe Budden cracked jokes in front of Radio City, the Black Eyed Peas talked to fans and Bad Boy's Da Band played to the crowd that was outside stargazing. Jay-Z chatted and posed for photos with Eminem before walking into the street to get in a limo. "Jay-Z! Jay-Z! Jay-Z!" the crowd cheered.

The coolest exit of the night, however, belonged to the surprise tandem of Avril and Kelly. A Hummer H2 was the chosen mode of transportation as the two sat on the top, smiling, yelling and dangling their feet inside the sunroof.

• Rock, Diddy, 50 Cent, Sean Paul, Mya: Backstage At The 2003 VMAs

• Avril Lavigne
• Diddy
• 50 Cent
• Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon
Photo: Dreamworks Records

Two generations of "Saturday Night Live" funnymen will soon collide when Steve Martin's "Shopgirl" hits theaters with Jimmy Fallon in a lead role.

The messy-haired "SNL" player is joining "SNL" veteran Martin and Claire Danes ("The Mod Squad") in the big-screen adaptation of Martin's popular novella, according to spokespeople for both actors. "Shopgirl" tells the story of a Neiman Marcus clerk torn between a well-off divorced man and a starving-artist musician.

In addition to writing the book and starring in the movie, Martin wrote the script and will serve as executive producer. Lakeshore Entertainment will also produce.

"Several producers came to me and wanted to turn [the book] into a movie," Martin joked while hosting the Academy Awards last year. "And I said, 'Look, if you think you're going to take this book and change it around and Hollywood-ize it and give it a new ending ... well, that's going to cost you.' "

Production is scheduled to begin on "Shopgirl" in January.

Fallon will next appear in Woody Allen's "Anything Else." Danes recently wrapped shooting on "Terminator 3," due next year.

• Jimmy Fallon

Chris Jericho
Photo: MTV News

Don't believe everything you hear — Fozzy are no joke.

They're more real than even Spinal Tap, and their dramatic and sometimes tragic legacy continues with the release of a new CD, Happenstance, a new video, and, as always, new frustrations.

After a long history of having their music stolen while they were trapped in Japan in the '80s, Fozzy thought their days of battling plagiarists were ancient history. They say they even secured signed apologies from members of Dio, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and other acts who had pilfered and scored huge hits with Fozzy songs. But just as the band was preparing to shoot its first big-budget video for either "Happenstance" or "Crucify Yourself," Fozzy claim their video idea was stolen while their backs were turned.

The band had hired WWE pro wrestler Chris Jericho (who bears a striking resemblance to Fozzy frontman Moongoose McQueen) to pen the video treatment, and the muscular metal fan concocted a story line that spoofed "American Idol." In the clip, Fozzy were to be filmed auditioning for a panel of judges to prove once and for all that they were the kings of metal.

Unfortunately, Jericho asked an intern to photocopy the treatment before it was distributed, and Robert John — president of Fozzy's label, Megaforce — swears the pimply teen turned out to be a spy for Jimmy Fallon, who filched the plot for a comedic music sketch at this year's Video Music Awards. And the rest, as they say, is history ... or at least Fozzy's brand of rock and roll fiction.

"I can't understand why Jericho trusted that weasel with the papers," John said. "It was a crushing blow after the weeks of preparation that had gone into the video. With Fozzy foiled again at the high point of their career, having just released their new CD, Happenstance, we had to return to the drawing board and look for another concept."

Fozzy now plan to go with a story line that would drop the bewildered band onto a bling-bling flauntin' hip-hop set. And while it took awhile for the band to forgive Jericho for allowing their last treatment to leave his sight, they've agreed to consider allowing him to direct.

"You know those cliché rap videos that you always see?" asked Fozzy singer McQueen (who bears a striking resemblance to WWE pro wrestler Chris Jericho). "We're doing something like that where there's the bouncing car, the pit bulls on a leash and all the dancing girls. The whole deal. It's the next step in our plan to take over the world and Fozzify the globe."

• Fozzy
• Jimmy Fallon

To celebrate the release of his debut album, The Bathroom Wall, Jimmy Fallon will appear and sign autographs during an in-store at FYE at 1290 Avenue of the Americas in New York City on Tuesday, August 27, starting at 5:00. Two days later, he'll host the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards just a few blocks away at Radio City Music Hall starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT. ... Ashanti will help to usher in this year's traditional Turkey Day festivities by riding the M&M float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, according to Def Jam. No word yet if the Murder Inc. princess will also perform at the event, which will be televised from New York. ...

P.O.D. have canceled their October European tour because frontman Sonny Sandoval is suffering from a herniated disc in his neck and back. The condition, caused by years of performing, will eventually require surgery, the band's publicist said, but the band has no plans to drop off Ozzfest. ... Gloria Estefan and Jimmy Smits will co-host the 3rd annual Latin Grammy Awards, which will be broadcast live from L.A.'s Kodak Theatre on September 18 starting at 9 p.m. on CBS. ...

Redman, Onyx, Keith Murray, Poverty, Words and Madd Skillz will head out on the 2002 Lyricist Lounge Tour staring September 12 in Orlando, Florida. The itinerary's scheduled dates run through an October 9 stop in Washington, D.C. ... The drummer from Ash, Rick "Rock" McMurray, suffered broken ribs August 16 when the band's bus crashed en route to an Area2 show in Detroit, according to their Web site. No other members of the group were seriously injured, and the band hopes to return to the road soon. ...

Eighties pop-rockin' girl group the Go-Go's have written and recorded "Do It Over," a theme song for a new series called "Do Over." The Paramount-produced television series begins next month on the WB. ... Spiritualized drummer Kevin Bales is currently being treated for leukemia, according to the band's Web site. The English rock band, who have made swirling, dreamy pop their stock and trade, have delayed the recording of their next album, which was originally set to begin in September. ...

08.19.02

Marilyn Manson recently shot scenes for "Beat the Devil," the next film from director Tony Scott ("True Romance"), which co-stars Gary Oldman ("Bram Stoker's Dracula") and James Brown. "I am proud to have gotten a signature from the Godfather of Soul on my very own Bible," Manson posted on his Web site. ... Sebastian Bach has signed to star in a year-long national tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar," beginning November 1 in California, according to the hard rocker's Web site. The former Skid Row frontman has previously appeared on stage in Broadway's "Jekyll & Hyde" and "The Rocky Horror Show." ...

Robbie Williams emerged victorious from a case to evict a cybersquatter who was using www.robbiewilliams.info to direct users to Oasis' Web site, according to Reuters. Howard Taylor of Southampton, England, who said his intention was to use the URL as a fan site for Williams and made the Oasis link as a joke, was required by the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization to transfer the site to Williams. ... Eleven previously unreleased tracks by crooner Jeff Buckley will be released on October 15. The album, Songs to No One, was culled from demos and live performances Buckley recorded with Gods and Monsters founder Gary Lucas. ...

Guitarist Erik Rutan has parted ways with death metal standard bearers Morbid Angel in order to focus on Hate Eternal, a project he formed in 1996. "Being in Morbid Angel for the past nine years has been the greatest time in my life," Rutan said in a statement released via Earache Records, home to both bands. ... Former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted will be releasing a split CD from two of his long-running projects — IR8 and Sexoturica — through his own Chophouse imprint, according to the label's Web site. IR8 features Newsted, Tom Hunting of the Bay Area thrash band Exodus and Canadian Strapping Young Lad mastermind Devin Townsend, while Sexoturica includes Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser. ...

The Rolling Stones played a surprise gig in Toronto on Thursday at the Palais Royale, treating lucky fans to such Stones classics as "Wild Horses." The band has been rehearsing at a Toronto school for its upcoming world tour that kicks off on September 3 in Boston. ... Sheryl Crow, Sting, John Mellencamp and Don Henley have been confirmed to play both "Music to My Ears: In Celebration of Timothy White" concerts on October 7 in Boston and October 8 in New York. The concerts, benefiting the family of the late Billboard editor-in-chief, will also feature James Taylor and Billy Joel in Boston and Jimmy Buffet and Brian Wilson in New York, among others. ...

Course of Nature, newcomers who are currently touring with Nickelback, will appear in season premiere of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" on the WB on September 20. In the episode, Sabrina encounters the band (fronted by Melissa Joan Hart's real-life boyfriend Mark Wilkerson) at their rehearsal space, playing their single "Caught in the Sun." ... Glenn Lewis' duet with Amel Larrieux, "What's Come Over Me," will be the third single from the "Barbershop" soundtrack, due August 27. Lewis' Hennessy Privilege Music Tour with Kelly Price and Dave Hollister kicks off September 25, ... Eddie Money, Loverboy and Survivor will hit the road on what is being dubbed the Triple Shot of Rock Tour. Opening night is August 22 in Cleveland.

• Jimmy Fallon
• Ashanti
• Redman
• Keith Murray
• P.O.D.

• Jimmy Fallon

Outrageous Moments

• Kelly Clarkson
• Madonna
• Britney Spears
• blink-182
• Michael Jackson

VMA '04 Red Carpet Fashion

• Usher
• Jessica Simpson
• Ashlee Simpson
• Ryan Cabrera
• Nick Lachey

"Anything Else" Photos

• Jimmy Fallon

2003 MTV Video Music Award Performers And Presenters

• 50 Cent
• G-Unit
• Good Charlotte
• Diddy
• Kelly Clarkson

• Jimmy Fallon

2002 VMA Top Moments

• Eminem
• TLC
• Guns N' Roses
• Diddy
• *NSYNC

2002 MTV Video Music Awards Performers And Presenters

• Diddy
• Shakira
• Britney Spears
• Elton John
• Bow Wow