Friday September 7, 5:30 pm Eastern Time

Press Release

World Premiere of the Film 'Hardball' - Further Update

WHAT: World Premiere of the film "Hardball" Benefiting: HANK AARON CHASING THE DREAM FOUNDATION

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream

Foundation is to give at-risk children, ages 9-12, the

opportunity to achieve their dreams by granting monetary

awards, which support a variety of needs: art lessons,

transportation to dance class, individual time with a coach,

musical instruments, a writing course or a week at camp. These

awards encourage creative expression, promote physical fitness,

expand knowledge of the world, help children gain confidence in

their own abilities, require them to share responsibility for

their own learning and engage them in meaningful relationships

with caring adults.

    WHEN:      MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 PROMPTLY AT 7:30pm
               Arrivals to begin at 6:30pm

    WHERE:     PARAMOUNT PICTURES
               5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood

    WHO:       "Hardball" cast members attending include: Keanu Reeves, Diane
               Lane, John Hawkes, D.B. Sweeney, Bryan Hearne, Julian Griffith,
               Michael B. Jordan, Allan Delon Ellis, Jr., Alexander Telles,
               Kristopher Lofton, Michael Perkins, Brian Reed, DeWayne Warren,
               Sterling Elijah Brim

               Other guests attending include: Hank Aaron, Paul Walker, Lil'
               Bow Wow, Jermaine Dupri, Frankie Muniz, Soleil Moon Frye, Jason
               Gedrick ("Summer Catch"), Jennifer Blanc ("Dark Angel"),
               Matthew Lillard, Ron Lester ("Summer Catch"), Shar Jackson,
               Amanda Bynes, Ashley Clark ("The Hughleys"), Dana Deurey
               ("Providence"), Gabriel Mann ("Summer Catch"), more celebrity
               guests to follow

Down on his luck, Conor O'Neill (Keanu Reeves) is offered an opportunity to wipe away his gambling debts if... he'll take a job coaching a baseball team of underprivileged Chicago youths. As he molds the tough, street-smart youngsters into a cohesive unit, the impoverished kids offer O'Neill valuable lessons about trust and heart -- and a chance at redemption and purpose in his life.

Keanu Reeves stars in ``Hardball,'' a Paramount Pictures presentation in association with Fireworks Pictures, directed by Brian Robbins. Diane Lane co-stars, and also appearing in the film are John Hawkes, D.B. Sweeney, Mike McGlone and Graham Beckel. The screenplay is by John Gatins, based upon the book by Daniel Coyle. The film is a Paramount Pictures presentation in association with Fireworks Pictures, and is a Nides/McCormick Production and a Tollin/Robbins Production. The executive producers are Kevin McCormick, Herbert W. Gains and Erwin Stoff. The producers are Tina Nides, Mike Tollin and Brian Robbins. Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom, Inc., one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music.

     Release Date:           SEPTEMBER 14, 2001
     Directed By:            Brian Robbins
     Produced By:            Brian Robbins, Mike Tollin and Tina Nides
     Executive Produced By:  Herbert W. Gains, Kevin McCormick and Erwin Stoff
     MPAA Rating:            "PG-13" for thematic elements, language and some
                             violence

     ALL PRESS MUST BE ACCREDITED TO COVER ARRIVALS TO THE EVENT
     For further information, please call:
     Photo - Michael Berman, 323.956.4602
     TV - Gail Silverman, 323.956.4721 or Tim Menke, 323.956.5503
     Print/Radio/Online - Susan Indri, 323.956.5915
     International - Alfred Pignat, 323.956.5551

SOURCE: Paramount Pictures