Category Archives: Hollywood

May 23, 2014 · 8:28 AM

Glitzy glimpse of Branagh’s Cinderella

Ever since I watched Much Ado About Nothing with my father, I’ve been a big Kenneth Branagh fan. He’s a jack of all trades, in my humble opinion: Actor, producer, director, writer … a thespian who speaks Shakespeare as if it’s his first language, but can also deliver an action-packed blockbuster about a hammer-flinging Avenger.

I am very excited about his next project, a new adaptation of Charles Perrault’s Cinderella, due out in spring 2015. Fans of Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones will recognize Lily James (Lady Rose in D.A.) and Richard Madden (Rob Stark in G.O.T.) as the star couple. Cate Blanchett will give life to the evil stepmother. And I’m always thrilled to see Helena Bonham Carter — who’ll be tackling the fairy godmother this time — in anything.

Last week, Disney unveiled a teaser trailer of sorts. It doesn’t say much about the story, but it is quite mesmerizing. Enjoy!

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Filed under Hollywood

March 31, 2014 · 5:18 PM

Check out Swide.com’s 2014 fairy tale movie guide!

Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Hermione Granger in Beauty and the Beast, Kenneth Branagh’s take on Cinderella, and –gasp– a sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman. (Why, Chris Helmsworth? Why?!) It doesn’t seem like Hollywood plans to abandon the fairy tale trend anytime soon, which makes this newbie twisted-fairy-tale-series author quite happy. (hint, hint…)

But in all seriousness, Swide.com has put together a great movie guide for the fairy tale lovers out there, complete with trailers, gossip, and a whopping dose of heartthrob pics. Check it out here and then come back to say which film you can’t wait to see 😉

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Filed under Fairy Tale Spin-offs, Hollywood

March 7, 2014 · 1:00 AM

What you MUST watch this Sunday…

As the author of a series that reinvents our most beloved fairy tale characters, it’s hard not to get excited for the return of ABC’s hit series “Once Upon a Time” this Sunday.

But as a reader who is currently devouring Jason Mott’s bestselling novel THE RETURNED, it’s even harder to not shout from the rooftops (or, you know, this desk chair and my blog) that the pilot for “Resurrection” will hit the air an hour later.

Based on Mott’s novel, “Resurrection” is a product of Brad Pitt’s Plan B production company. It centers around a worldwide event in which people’s loved ones begin returning from the dead and attempting to resume their old lives–regardless of how things (and people) have changed. THE RETURNED is a remarkable book, so I expect big things from the TV series!

In honor of this momentous event, I’m beyond honored to announce that Jason will be visiting Skipping Midnight on Wednesday, March 12. You won’t want to miss what he has to say about the show, his vision, or his upcoming projects.

You also won’t want to miss his extremely generous giveaway: FIVE AUTOGRAPHED copies of THE RETURNED !

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Filed under Author Interviews, Hollywood

November 15, 2013 · 12:23 PM

Movie Trailer: Angelina Jolie as Maleficent

Disney has just released the official trailer for “Maleficent,” a dark retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale starring Angelina Jolie as the villain. I personally think it looks pretty darn awesome… but I’ve been disappointed in the past.

As an action movie fanatic, this new trend sets me all atwitter. I think showing the fairy tales from the villain’s point of view is a fantastic idea — one that promises action, suspense, and a healthy tinkering of how we view the “good” and the “bad.”

But while 2011’s “Red Riding Hood” had its moments, 2012’s “Snow White and the Huntsman” was borderline unwatchable (thank you, Kristen Stewart). Continue reading →

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Filed under Hollywood

October 30, 2013 · 10:48 AM

Halloween movies for scaredy-cats

Image courtesy of supakitmod / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I have a confession to make. I’m a wuss. Not when it comes to roller coasters, thrill rides, or helicoptering around Hawaii with no doors, mind you. But try to get me into a haunted house and there’s an extremely good chance I’ll wind up clocking some 15-year-old “zombie” making minimum wage, while screaming at the top of my lungs and flinging metal props to aid in my escape.

And yet, I love Halloween. I love the colors, the fanfare, the ability to let yourself go and embrace some inner wild side. (So… the same reason your nice muffin-baking neighbor is reading 50 Shades of Grey… again.) What I don’t like is watching deranged psychopaths maim, torture, or murder people. The world has enough of that already, IMHO, so it isn’t fun for me. I get that other people can detach themselves and just enjoy the story, but… need I remind you about that poor 15-year-old “zombie” who now has to go to his Fall Fling wearing an eye patch? Continue reading →