Trashionista

February 27, 2009 3:16 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: 13 Going On 30

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you woke up to find you were a teenager again? I expect we all have. (For some of us, yes, it's an excruciating nightmare, but I suspect revisiting school and ohmigod-I-used-to-wear-THAT hysteria would be a laugh for others, yes?) However, I expect the majority would cower in fear if we were to find we'd miraculously gone forward in time...to find ourselves a good few years older.

Which is what happens to thirteen-year-old Jenna in this 2004 romantic comedy. Ohhh Lordy...

Dorky Jenna (Jennifer Garner) is 13, and after being constantly teased by girls at school, wishes she was older. After playing a party game and getting locked in a closet by her cruel peers, Jenna awakens to discover that she's not herself anymore. Gone are her childlike looks, and even her home...in fact, she's woken up in a very nice Manhattan apartment that just so happens to be her own.

Yep, Jenna has left the eighties behind and is now a successful, highly attractive 30-year-old who works on a glossy magazine. What's more, she seems to have a very handsome hockey-player boyfriend who she finds in her shower.

Not knowing what's happened, Jenna realises that she has to live her life as an adult - though still being a gum-chewing, music loving 13-year-old inside. Things become difficult at work, especially when her school 'friend' is out to bag a promotion that Jenna's also in line for. Jenna's teenage admirer, Matt (Mark Ruffalo), is also back in her life - but sadly, he's engaged.

Jenna has no idea what happened in the previous years, and how she ended up as she did. And so Jenna has to love her life as a thirty-something, trying to piece together what happened in her life since that day in the 1980s, as well as deal with her love life, career and other adult things that she had not even considered before.

For those who loved Big and Freaky Friday, this is a fantastic movie that's both hilarious and refreshing at the same time. Jennifer Garner plays adult Jenna brilliantly, Definitely worth a watch (but thank goodness it's only fiction...)

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 27, 2009 in Friday Flick, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

February 13, 2009 10:47 PM

Friday Flick: My Super Ex-Girlfriend

Seeing as it's Valentines Day tomorrow, it's usually time for those lovey-dovey romantic movies to do the rounds. So instead, I'm going to give you something different. (Okay, so it's kind of about love. But anyway).

Being a fan of the superhero genre (speaking of which, did you read the news about Batwoman?), My Super Ex Girlfriend really appealed to me. And I wasn't disappointed, either.

By day, Jenny Johnson (Uma Thurman) is a quiet, artsy brunette. By night, however, Jenny is someone completely different - she's G-Girl, the blonde, powerful and feisty superheroine who saves the city on a daily basis with her amazing powers (and super-tight costume). When she meets the handsome Matt Saunders (Luke Wilson), it doesn't take her long to start falling for him, even if she is a bit needy when it comes to relationships.

Of course, Jenny soon tells him the truth about her alter-ego and abilities, making him swear not to tell anyone. Ever.

Unfortunately for Jenny, Matt doesn't feel the same about where the relationship is heading. In fact, he's fallen for pretty colleague Hannah. So the only thing to do is let G-Girl down gently. Sadly, that's not so easy...

Jenny's fiery and needy personality soon brings her to boiling point when she finally gets dumped. But dumping a superhero isn't always a wise idea. After all, with superhuman powers, what else is a spurned lover with amazing strength, an awful temper and the ability to fly going to do?

Make her ex-boyfriend's life a living hell, of course.

The potential bunny-boiler G-Girl is putting her powers to good use by refusing to leave Matt alone, even though he's in love with Hannah. And bringing Hannah into the equation would certainly be a bad idea, right?

Fearing that his ex is going to actually kill him, Matt sets out to avoid her. Or at least, get Jenny out of his life for good. Meanwhile, Professor Bedlam (Eddie Izzard) is out to get hold of G-Girl in order to gain her powers for himself.

If you like superhero films, this is a cute, funny addition to those already out there, giving the genre a bit of romantic fun. Admittedly, it can get a bit silly at times, but the plot and G-Girl'shilarious antics kept me hooked. It's the perfect film for a night in, maybe even for the guys out there, too!

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 13, 2009 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 30, 2009 9:49 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Affinity

Now, I don’t know about you, but Christmas for me is all about Gothic romance.

Whether I’m curled up with a collection of Victorian ghost stories while the fog rolls outside my window, or plumped on the sofa, stuffed with cherry liqueurs, watching Mark Gatiss’ excellent Crooked House mini-series, “eldritch” and “half-glimpsed” are the buzzwords of the day.

And it was with this festive spine-tingly anticipation that I tuned into Affinity, ITV1’s adaptation of Sarah Waters’ second novel. 

Like previous TV adaptations of Waters' novels Fingersmith and Tipping the Velvet, Affinity is set in Victorian London and has a female protagonist.  Affinity's main character is Margaret Prior, played with a skilful nervy sensuality by Anna Madeley.

Margaret is an educated young woman with her own opinions and a quick mind.  She has recently lost her father and isn’t as keen on marrying as her family would like. To occupy herself, Margaret becomes a “lady visitor” to Millbank prison, talking to the female prisoners and generally giving them something to aspire to with her neat little hats and general moral uprightery.

But Margaret is quickly drawn to one prisoner in particular – notorious “spirit medium” Selena Dawes (played by Zoe Tapper), who is serving time for killing a young girl during a séance.  The prison is a bleak, stony place but somehow Selena has procured some wild flowers – she tells Margaret that the “spirits” brought them to her.

As Margaret becomes more involved with Selena, we are shown flashes of both their histories.  Margaret is so averse to marriage because she is in fact in love with a woman – once her lover, now her sister-in-law, and we learn that Selena is perhaps more opportunistic than the whispering ingénue Margaret believes her to be.

Margaret soon comes to believe that Selena is innocent of her crime (Selena puts the blame squarely on her “spirit guide”, Peter Quick) and moreover that she and Selena are soulmates.  With a lot of help from Selena – and possibly denizens of the spirit world – the story winds to its conclusion with plenty of whispered promises and bumps in the night on the way.

I really enjoyed the novel and one thing I think was missing from this adaptation is Margaret’s sparse, poetical narration.  But, apart from the hands being played a little too early,  this is a brilliantly atmospheric version, well-played, subtle, and best of all – spooky.

Affinity is now available to buy and rent on DVD.

Posted by on January 30, 2009 in Friday Flick, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 23, 2009 12:20 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Twilight

The film adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s teen vampire romance novel, Twilight, has been out in cinemas for a while now, but I've been dragging my heels about seeing it. 

I was strangely reluctant to even read Twilight (although I’ve no idea why – given that I was more than happy to follow the adventures of one boy wizard for a decade), but I’m so glad I did.  The book is beautifully, dreamily written and I was instantly hooked.

You see, the real reason I was wary of the film is because I’m now reading Breaking Dawn, the fourth book in the series, and I didn’t want the complex emotional world that Meyer had created in my head to be toppled by a dumbed-down, effects-laden Hollywood version.

Happily, Twilight isn’t like this at all.  It begins with the teenage Bella narrating, just as she does in the book, “I had never given much thought to how I would die....”, as she leaves her scatty mother in hot, dusty Phoenix, and travels to the permanently-overcast town of Forks to live with her father.

Kristen Stewart, with her haunted good looks and wry delivery, is a pitch-perfect Bella – shy, brainy and perhaps more mature than her parents.  There’s a slight cinema verité element to everything – all the dialogue and interactions feel very realistic, from Bella’s gruff reunion with her equally awkward father, to  the various jolts and discomforts of starting at a new school.

But a contrasting romantic atmosphere takes over when Bella meets the pale, enigmatic Edward (again, played to perfection by Robert Pattinson) who compounds Bella’s discomfort by seeming to think that she smells bad.

But when Edward moves at impossible speed to physically stop a van from ploughing into Bella, she decides she needs to know more.  Despite Edward’s warnings that Bella should stay away from him, he’s equally drawn to her. 

Which is when Edward confesses that he’s a vampire – one of a family of vampires who have all taken an oath to avoid human blood. Bella falls for Edward, and you can see why.  The boy can really smoulder (which I noticed despite Pattinson being several millennia my junior...). 

But since Edward thirsts uniquely for Bella’s blood – “you’re like my own personal heroin supply”, he tells Bella - can it ever really be safe to love a vampire?

Twilight is directed by Catherine Hardwicke, who brings her indie documentary-style realism from her previous films Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown, balancing it perfectly with the romance and suspense of the love story and supernatural aspects.  And it's so refreshing to see a novel adaptation that neither ignores the plot nor hamstrings itself by following the novel too faithfully.

There are a few really nice moments - at one point, Edward catches an apple Bella has dropped in lovely reflection of the cover of Meyer's book. Also, there's a scene where he plays piano - an irrational movie pet-hate of mine is when the actor clearly can't play and is just miming, but Pattinson actually plays - in fact he composed some of the music for the film.

All in all I thought it was fantastic, and I’m excited now that Meyer’s second novel in the series, New Moon, is currently in production with both leads on board.  It’s a great compliment to them that I didn’t for a minute think of Kristen Stewart as “the daughter from Panic Room” or Robert Pattinson as Cedric Diggory, because I’m usually such a film nerd.  In fact, I even forgot Pattinson was English. 

I left the cinema on a blissful cloud of gothic romance.  I asked the friend I’d dragged along what she’d thought of it.  She hadn’t read the book, and a lot of her motivation for accompanying me was around the sweets I’d bribed her with.

“Well,” she said.  “It is really a movie for fifteen year old girls.  But I loved it, because I’m a fifteen year old girl at heart.  Aren’t we all?”

My thoughts exactly.

Posted by on January 23, 2009 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Movie Magic, Rating: 5/5, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (29)

October 31, 2008 10:40 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: The Notebook

Adapted from the book of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook was actually one of those films that had fallen under my radar until I wrote recently about another Sparks novel going into production.

Staring Rachel McAdams as Allie and Ryan Gosling as Noah The Notebook is a simple love story.

The film starts in a nursing home where an elderly man is reading aloud from a notebook to an elderly woman. It turns out this woman is Allie and she has senile dementia. In the notebook is the preserved love story of how Noah and Allie met and we are transported back to the 1940s to see it for ourselves.

Allie is a rich girl who initially thinks Noah, a poor boy, is a bit of an idiot. But he pursues her and eventually they are inseparable. Her parents disapprove and eventually they move away.

Although I wasn't hooked immediately by about twenty minutes into the film I definitely was. Ryan and Rachel give great performances as the lead characters. The film is charming, romantic and has some beautiful scenes. It was also extremely emotional and I was happily blubbering away by the end.

Well recommended. Check out the trailer here.

Friday Flick Archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 31, 2008 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 24, 2008 8:36 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Tipping The Velvet

When writing about Sarah Waters and her new novel earlier this week, I was reminded that I still hadn't watched the BBC adaptation of Tipping The Velvet which I had bought ages ago. Needing to put my feet up for a bit, I thought the DVD provided the perfect opportunity.

I remember the controversy the programme created when it was first aired but for some reason or another (I think I was planning my wedding) I didn't watch it. I loved the novel however and was hoping the adaptation would be just as good.

In Victorian England, Nan Astley (the mesmerising Rachael Stirling) lives in Whitstable working in an oyster restaurant with her parents. When Kitty (Keeley Hawes), a music hall entertainer, comes to town Nan goes to watch her performance every night. She goes on to become her dresser and when Kitty moves to London, Nan goes with her. They become a double act and are extremely popular. For six months Nan is happy. Then she returns back to the lodgings she shares with Kitty a day early after seeing her parents, and everything falls apart.

Nan is forced to the streets and goes to extreme measures to survive. Eventually she is picked up by Diana Leatherby and so begins her life as an employed "tart".

If you have read the book (which I urge you to do before you watch the adaptation) you will know that this is a lesbian love story. But as with all of Sarah Waters' books and subsequently this adaptation, it is much more than that. There is the romance, which builds up beautifully, so when the sex scenes arrive they are very tasteful. Then there is Nan's emotional and physical journey. Rachael Stirling is endearing in her portrayal as Nan.

In fact, all the actors and actresses play their parts very well, as you might expect from a BBC adaptation. The scriptwriters, directors and producers have all got it spot on, so even the bit parts given to the likes of JohnnyVegas show a great eye for detail.

I would also like to mention Anna Chancellor who plays Diana Leatherby. She was fantastic. (I was wondering where I'd seen her before but then I realised she was Duckface in Four Weddings).

In all a brilliant adaptation. Well worth waiting for. I loved the scenery, the music, the visual metaphors. The way they interpreted the book, to me, had Sarah Waters all over it.

Friday Flick Archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 24, 2008 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (5)

September 23, 2008 12:38 PM

TUESDAY FLICK: Lipstick Jungle

It seems that we have been talking about Lipstick Jungle, like, forever, and finally, finally, last night it came to the screens of the UK public (or to those who get Living TV anyway).

So. Was it worth the wait?

Well, it was entertaining. It featured three strong(ish) females with high powered jobs. But. It is probably unfair of me to do this, I can't help but compare it to Candace Bushnell's other creation. Sex and The City.

Lipstick Jungle is about three women. Wendy (Brooke Shields) has it all - on her plate. She is trying to balance family life (two children) with her husband, friends and her high powered job as a movie executive. Nico (Kim Raver) has a boring husband who is into books (what is wrong with that?!), a male rival at work (obviously), a (male) boss who tells her if she has children she'll lose focus and she complicates things by falling for a Hot Guy. Then there is Victory Ford (Lindsay Price) perhaps my favourite out of the women. Her fashion show is a failure and she is trying to stabilise herself whilst being wooed by a Hot Billionaire (another Mr Big?)  played by Andrew McCarthy.

I wanted to like it, and I did enjoy it. But it just didn't have the same impact as that first episode of Sex and The City. It didn't make me go "wow". In SaTC you had four women with very different and very obvious, strong personalities. With Lipstick Jungle, at the moment, the women just seem a bit samey. The same glossy hairstyle, the same suits, the same decor in their houses. There is nothing unique about them, unlike say the sexiness of Samantha and the quirkiness of Carrie. Also, I'm afraid to say, the character played by Brooke Shields (who is the linchpin of the show) is just a bit tedious. Trying to juggle so many things at once, being let down by her husband, encountering difficulties at work because of the juggling - it just seems to be a bit cliched. A bit last decade.

There is crying, their lives are starting to fall apart and when Brooke's character comes on screen I tense up as I feel one of her juggling balls is about to drop. I just feel the message is, once again, that women can't have it all.

I will continue to watch it and I reserve the right to change my mind as the season progresses but all I can say for now is...thank goodness my Sex and The City movie DVD arrived today.

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 23, 2008 in Friday Flick, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 4, 2008 12:02 PM

THURSDAY FLICK: Lost in Austen

Lost in Austen, the new post modern interpretation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice started on ITV1 last night. Any good? Well, I've mixed feelings. I had already read a review earlier in the week saying the first half is a little, erm, odd and you have to suspend you belief and bear with it. So I was prepared when Amanda Price, a modern woman living in Hammersmith, finds Elizabeth Bennet in her bathroom, apparently after coming through a door at the end of the bath.

Amanda Price, played by Jemima Rooper (the actress who played Bobbie in the recent adaptation of The Railway Children), shares a flat in London, works in a bank and has a throughly (un)charming boyfriend, who drunkenly proposes to her. Her mother, smoking a fag, tells her she should accept the proposal, as, after all, Amanda's standards wouldn't help her with her coat when she's seventy.

So Amanda immerses herself into the romance that is Pride & Prejudice. She reads it constantly, knows the story intimately. Or so she thinks. She doesn't realise how intimate she is going to find it. So, as I've said, she finds Elizabeth in her bathroom, then she disappears, only to reappear again the following night. Amanda, initially thinking she was having a breakdown, then starts to believe, walks through the door into the Bennet's attic, and finds the door slammed behind her.

She goes downstairs, meets the family, gains Bingley's affections, then realises the "book" is now not going to plan. Bingley should be drawn to Jane, not her. She has to do something about it (so why she then goes on to snog Bingley, I've no idea.)

There are some comic moments. Hugh Bonneville plays the role of Mr Bennet very well. Amanda stares at one of the Bennet sisters, convinced for a moment that she can see a contact lense and she refers to the Darcy in this adaptation as "no Colin Firth" (and she's right). Then there is the realisation that she has to clean her teeth with birch twigs and chalk. But in terms of the differences between the cultures there could have been more. I felt something was missing.

I would also liked to have seen how Elizabeth was getting on in modern day London. I couldn't help but think that that might have been a little more exciting.

Missed the first episode? You can catch up here.

Lost in Austen, Wednesdays ITV1 at 9pm.

Posted by Helen Redfern on September 4, 2008 in Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Television | Permalink | Comments (9)

August 29, 2008 10:25 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Ballet Shoes

With the recent news that Ballet Shoes is to be released onto the big screen in America I thought I would post about the film for this week's Friday Flick (in the UK you can buy it on DVD but I bet it'll be on TV again over Christmas).

I was incredibly excited when I read Ballet Shoes the book by Noel Streatfeild was to be turned into a film. But when I heard the news that Hermione Granger (sorry Emma Watson) was to play Pauline Fossil, much as I love her, I was horrified. I thought she'd be far too old. Thankfully, however, I was wrong. Emma plays Pauline perfectly.

The film has a great cast. In addition to Emma there is Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon in Harry Potter) who plays Great Uncle Matthew, Eileen Atkins, Marc Warren, Victoria Wood (I *heart* Victoria very much) and Emilia Fox.

Certain elements of the story have been changed. They've made Mr Simpson a widower for example. Garnie's storyline has increased and there is a focus on her health plus a romantic element, which gives the film an adult storyline too. The lodgers have a decreased role to play, except for Mr Simpson, which was a bit of a shame as their roles are essential to the book, but in the end it didn't make a huge difference. It is still a lovely and beautifully shot film.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on August 29, 2008 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 25, 2008 8:26 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: The Railway Children

This week I have gone for a book adaptation that has had two film versions made out of it, although looking on IMDb it is a popular adaptation as there was also one or two TV series filmed in the 1950's.

Think of steam engines and think of simpler times. For these three children however, life was anything but simple. Their father had been taken away in mysterious circumstances, their mother upset but with determination and stoicism they sell their house and possessions, lose their maids, and move to a smaller cottage in the country where mother starts writing in order to earn them some money.

Fortunately they have moved next to the railway line and for the three children this provides a welcome distraction. They meet and become friends with Perks the porter and the station master and save the lives of many people by waving their red petticoats after a landslide.

Both film versions are beautiful. The one I watched at the weekend was the more recent film and although I found it very good I found it difficult to see other actors playing the familiar roles. Perks wasn't Bernard Cribbins but Gregor Fisher (Rab C Nesbitt, Love Actually) and the child who played Bobbie in the 1970 version (Jenny Agutter) is now the mother in this recent version. I am though judging it on what is familiar as I have seen the 1970 version so many times. In that film I particularly loved the clumsy Phylis and the Bobbie that is gradually becoming an adult.

Either film however is a good film to watch and even my young son enjoyed it - for the stream trains obviously (until he finally lost interest two thirds of the way through). Just watch out for the ending though and get your tissues ready.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 25, 2008 in Classic Novels, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 18, 2008 1:04 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Romancing The Stone

Every now and again a film or a book can go completely against my beliefs but I fall in love with it nevertheless. Romancing the Stone, the story of the romance novelist Joan Wilder is one of my favourite films of all time. And it shouldn't be. After all the heroine is saved by the man (Michael Douglas) and she is often seen as weak (cutting through the long grass anyway in Columbia) but, *sigh*, I like it anyway.

Yes I know this film isn't adapted from a book, but she is a writer. So that's why I've chosen it for this week's flick.

The movie opens with a scene from Joan Wilder's latest novel. Then we see her at home, crying her eyes out as she types The End. Joan is quite reserved but when she receives a package from her deceased brother in law her life is turned upside down. She goes to Columbia to hand the package over to the men who have kidnapped her sister, gets on the wrong bus and meets Jack (Michael Douglas). He convinces her to find what is at the end of the map and the race is on between them and Ralph (Danny de Vito) to see who can get to the stone first.

An action adventure film, with a bit of rom com thrown in - I'm a sucker for these types of films and the fact the heroine is a writer too, well, it's no wonder I've loved this film since it came out in 1984.

Posted by Helen Redfern on July 18, 2008 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 13, 2008 10:19 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Sleeping with the Enemy

I didn't know this film was an adaptation, but it is. Based on the book of the same name by Nancy Price, this psychological thriller was released in 1991. (Which is what, seventeen years ago? Eek.) Starring Julia Roberts, after her success in Pretty Woman, this demonstrated a whole different side to her acting skills.

Julia plays Laura who lives in a beautiful ocean view house on Cape Cod with her husband Martin (Patrick Bergin). To outsiders their life looks idyllic, but in reality Laura's husband is abusive and possessive. She suffers at his hands for a long time, until a boat trip during a storm she falls overboard, presumed drowned. Her husband knew she couldn't swim.

In flashback we see how she has faked her own death and then moves on to Iowa changing her name to Sara where she hopes her husband never finds her. Unwittingly, though, she has left behind some clues...

I saw this film a short while ago, after not having seen it for years, and even though I knew the ending I was still in suspense. Martin looks a normal enough bloke (critics have said he wasn't scary enough) but I think the fact he looked so normal made him more frightening. We don't know what people are like just from looking at them on the street.

If you have never seen this film (and surely everyone has, unless of course you are a lot younger than me) then watch it. It may appear a little dated now, but if you are into thrillers, especially female led ones (and how many of those are there?), then this is a great film for you.

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 13, 2008 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 6, 2008 10:10 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Sex and the City

For those of you who haven't seen it yet, Do Not Panic, I will not be giving any details of the plot away. Promise.

Sex and the City - the movie starts four years after Big flew to Paris to find Carrie. At the end of the final series Miranda had moved to Brooklyn with Steve, Charlotte was happily married to Harry and about to adopt a little baby and Samantha, recovering from cancer, was having a fabulous relationship with Smith. It all ended in a brilliantly satisfying way and still brings tears to my eyes when I watch it with the song You Got the Love beating out with Carrie walking down the street in New York.

So. What has happened to the four women and their partners in four years? And how on earth is the film going to measure up to the series?

In answer to the first question...well, I'm not going to tell you. I will tell you that I loved the film and it certainly did measure up. Yes I am a fan, but the two friends I went with hadn't seen all the series and they still loved it. All the characters you want to see are in it. It is very much Carrie based, more so than the series, but just like when you adapt a film from a book, adapting a film from a series will mean some things in the formula and style are going to have to change slightly. On the whole I found it faithful to the series although I'm not going to say any more here because I would have to give examples.

There are some very funny laugh out loud moments and some very emotional moments. I happily blubbed away with the rest of them. What I found quite disconcerting though, wasn't just the fact there was a huge audience that laughed when I was used to watching it on my own on DVD, but also the graphic scenes that Sex and the City is so famous for. Sitting four rows from the front and on a huge screen was a lot different to watching it on my little TV at home.

I know people have complained that it was slightly too long, but to be fair, I didn't want it to end. When is the next one coming out?

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on June 6, 2008 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 30, 2008 11:23 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Girl with a Pearl Earring

Art really isn't my bag but after reading Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier I was so taken by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer's painting of the same name I nagged encouraged my husband to buy me a print for my wall. The book is historical fiction, inspired by the painting and uses the pearl earring as a focal point.

Taking place in Delft, Holland (famous not just for the painting but its blue and white pottery) in 1665, the story follows Griet (Scarlett Johansson), a sixteen year old who is employed as a maid in the Vermeer household.

Vermeer (Colin Firth) sees Griet's interest in painting and secretly gives her lessons in mixing paints.  Vermeer's patron, van Ruijven (Tom Wilkinson), commissions him to paint Griet as he has become quite taken by her. Vermeer borrows his wife's pearl earrings, who isn't best pleased when she finds out.

Not only was the book a bestseller, it was also critically acclaimed, so the film itself had a lot to live up to. If you are not a fan of slow, deliberate films this is not for you. I, however, found the film entrancing. The smoldering and intense Colin Firth and the tension between him and Scarlett was wonderful. I did prefer the ending in the book, it felt more complete, but other than that the look and feel of the film matches both the novel and the painting perfectly.

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 30, 2008 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 23, 2008 11:39 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Runaway Jury

The Runaway Jury by John Grisham is, by far, my favourite Grisham book. I went through a period of reading all of his books and this is the one that stood out. I was extremely anxious then when I heard they were making a film of the book and substantial changes were going to be made. Why do they do that?

If you have never read any of Grisham's books, you should know that most of them are about law and lawyers and plaintiffs and juries all woven into a tight, juicy plot. The Runaway Jury - the book - is about a woman taking a large fictional tobacco company to court claiming that her husband's premature death was because of the cigarette manufacturers. Runaway Jury - the film - changes substantially in that the cigarette manufacturers are replaced by firearms dealers. As I was a big fan of the book, could the film have the same effect on me?

The basic premise of the film is the same. There is a jury consultant (Gene Hackman) who can communicate illegally through jury selection with the defence attorneys. One of the potential jurors is Nicholas Easter (John Cusack) who works in a video game store and tries to get out of jury duty. The judge refuses and he is picked. What starts off routinely, then becomes odd. The jury start to behave strangely, someone is controlling them and soon it appears they can be bought...

When a book is adapted you can't expect every single detail to appear in the film. It's impossible. In Runaway Jury the film, there are irritating departures from the book. There are gaps in the plot and often a lack of realism. If you have read the book and want to watch this film, pretend you've never read it and in return enjoy a tense, slick and exciting thriller.

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 23, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 16, 2008 12:28 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is taken from the Stephen King collection of novellas, Different Seasons. This isn't a scary Stephen King book or film. Instead it is a story of, well, wrongful imprisonment for a start, but also hope, integrity and, funnily enough, redemption. The first time I watched it,as a student, I turned my nose up, but from the beginning I was hooked. When I watched it again a few weeks ago, once more I was sucked into the story.

It is 1947 and Andy Dufresne (played brilliantly by Tim Robbins), a young banker, is wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and her lover. He is sent to the notorious Shawshank State Prison where he meets Red (Morgan Freeman) who is actually the narrator of the story. Red is a man who can get things, and after about a month Andy asks him for a rock hammer as he is into rock carving.

Andy is not your typical prisoner. He is a caring man, not hardened and claims, to the disbelief of his fellow inmates, that he is innocent. He is calm, patient and mild-mannered, initially seen as weak, but proves himself to be anything other than.  He is targeted by a gang called "The Sisters" and is attacked by them for a few years.  Andy never loses hope though and gradually life for Andy in the prison improves as he becomes useful to the warden.

The acting of  Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman along with all the other actors is excellent. The portrayal of the brutal conditions inside the prison is often uncomfortable viewing but stick with it. It has an excellent ending. One of the best, if not the best, I have ever seen in a film.

Realted posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Helen Redfern on May 16, 2008 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (6)

April 18, 2008 2:31 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: O Brother Where Art Thou?

I am a big fan of the Coen brothers - their films are witty, intelligent and quirky as all get out. O Brother Where Art Thou is no exception.

Loosely based on Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, the story follows three depression-era convicts who escape a Mississipi chain gang and go on a quest for treasure.

George Clooney shows versatility and great comic-timing as the silver-tongued ringleader, Ulysses Everett McGill. There are various nods to The Odyssey - John Goodman plays a one-eyed baddie (a cyclops), the gang meet the sirens, a blind seer, and at one point Pete appears to be turned into a frog - and a multitude of visual and verbal jokes.

John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson play the other escapees, while Holly Hunter is Everett's estranged wife.

The bluegrass soundtrack is outstanding, the performances sparkle and the director of photography, Roger Deakins, uses an old-time colour palette that gives it a unique feel.

This is actually one of my favourite Coen movies - gentler and more relaxed than some, but still whip-smart and hysterically funny.

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 18, 2008 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 4, 2008 10:57 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Something's Gotta Give

Okay, this film isn't adapted from a book, but it is about writing... The main character (played by the tremendous Diane Keaton) is a successful playwright.

Written and directed by Nancy Meyers (Private Benjamin, The Holiday), this is a romantic comedy with a difference; it's about middle-aged people (gasp!)

Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) is a perennial bachelor who only dates women under the age of 30. He meets Erica because he is dating her daughter and they take an instant dislike to one another - and not just because of that.

Over enforced companionship (Harry suffers chest pains and Erica relunctantly agrees to let him stay at her beach house while he recovers enough to travel), the two discover that there is a mutual attraction.

There are complications from Harry's handsome young doctor (Keanu Reeves) who pursues Erica romantically, and from Harry's own set of expectations and prejudices.

The on-screen chemistry between Nicholson and Keaton is brilliant, the script witty and the drama refreshing. Plus, there's a great supporting cast in Frances McDormand, Amanda Peet and Jon Favreau.

It made a change to be watching a mature love story (in all senses of the word); highly recommended. 

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on April 4, 2008 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Romance | Permalink | Comments (6)

March 28, 2008 9:20 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Catch Me If You Can

Based on the true-life story of Frank W Abagnale, master-con-man, Catch Me If You Can is adapted from Frank's autobiography of the same name.

Frank's story as a charming fraudster is an amazing one. Before his nineteenth birthday he had spent millions of dollars passing fake cheques and had impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a doctor and a prosecuting lawyer.

The film features Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale and Tom Hanks as the FBI agent hot on his trail and is directed by Steven Speilberg.

It would be hard to make a dull movie out of material this good, but I particularly like the way Frank's character and relationships are exlored.

From his adored father (played by Christopher Walken) to Carl Hanratty, the FBI agent who pursues and eventually catches him, Frank shows himself to be strangely upstanding in his relationships and is a sympathetic anti-hero.

A thoroughly entertaining tale, if a little over-long. I now want to read the book!

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 28, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 7, 2008 11:19 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Stardust

I adored Neil Gaiman's book, Stardust, so was immoderately excited when I heard it was being filmed.

Better still was the news that it was being partially shot on the beautiful Isle of Skye, and that the talented Claire Danes, Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer were all on board. 'How can it fail?', I thought, with uncharacteristic optimism...

Joyously, it didn't.

With lots of british comedy actors - including Julian Rhind-Tutt, Mark Heap, David Walliams, Mark Williams, Ricky Gervais, and Sarah Alexander - playing 'spot the actor' was almost as much fun as the action.

Charlie Cox, a relative unknown, played Tristan Thorn. He has a softly handsome, 'everyman' kind of face, that is perfect for the boy-turns-to-man adventure story.

Robert De Niro does a fantastic comedic turn as a camp sky pirate and Michelle Pfeiffer is every bit as good as I expected as the witch intent on cutting out the heart of the fallen star (Claire Danes).

Jane Goldman's screenplay is good, but loving the book as much as I do, I was bound to find fault... It's a little more schmaltzy and 'Hollywood' than Gaiman's original work, but this is a minor criticism. It really is super fun and one I'd recommend even if you're not usually a fantasy fan.

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on March 7, 2008 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (5)

February 29, 2008 4:27 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Shakespeare In Love

It is a windy and wet February 29th and I'm feeling a little blue... What better way to cheer myself up than with a filmic favourite? An incredibly romantic, well-acted filmic favourite, that's what!

Shakespeare In Love came out at the end of the nineties and enjoyed huge success. Gwyneth Paltrow wowed audiences and critics with her performance as the beautiful Viola De Lesseps (managing to shine despite the show-stealing turn from Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth).

Shakespeare In Love has a fabulous screenplay by Oscar-winning writers Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. It manages to be self-referentially funny, clever, and genuinely touching all at the same time.

The cast is star-studded with Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Simon Callow, Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, and Ben Affleck, ably directed by John Madden (Mrs Brown).

Shakespeare In Love isn't just for English Literature students. It's a sunny smile of a film, filled with exuberant performances and good cheer.   

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 29, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 22, 2008 12:58 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: High Fidelity

This week I'm going to revisit one of my favourite book-to-film adaptations, High Fidelity.

There was a great furore when this film was being made, because the director relocated the story from London to Chicago. I may even have joined in with the hand-wringing over the Americanisation. However, I, and the rest of the Hornby-loving world, need not have fretted...

High Fidelity is a triumph of a film. The script is witty, the characters just as quirky and brilliant as in the book, and, and this is such a big bonus, it stars John Cusack.

Jack Black and Todd Louiso are funny, but also touching, as the assistants in Rob's record store, and Iben Hjejle is perfect as Laura, the love of Rob's life (if only he could admit it).

Plus, it's got Joan Cusack (one of my all-time favourite actresses) as Laura's best friend, Liz, and Tim Robbins as the new-age new-boyfriend.

I just re-watched High Fidelity for this piece, but typing this makes me want to go and press play on the DVD again.

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 22, 2008 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 15, 2008 10:49 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: P.S. I Love You

I went to see P.S I Love You this week. It's adapted from the Cecelia Ahern novel, which I haven't actually read (gasp!)

Anyhoo, if I was a proper film critic, I would proceed to eviscerate this film. The tone is all over the place - pathos, comedy, tragedy, and slap-stick mixed up in a stomach-churning manner.

The book is set in Ireland, but the film is largely set in New York (no surprise, there) and Scottish actor Gerard Butler plays the Irish husband, Gerry, with a supremely dodgy accent. 

The facts of Gerry's illness and eventual death from a brain tumour are glossed-over to get straight to the important business of Hilary Swank looking immaculate and wistful as Holly, the young widow.

The pace is a tad slow with constant flashbacks to the seemingly-perfect Gerry, and the Hollywood version of Ireland is laughable (Holly's new Irish love interest, William, sings in a pub, works on a farm and part-time as a coastguard. Okay, then.)

I would also say that the idea of a dying man setting up a load of letters for his future widow, with advice on getting on with her life like 'go and do karaoke' is one of those things that you will either view as desperately romantic or pathologically-creepy. I must admit I lean towards the latter...

However, despite its faults (or perhaps because I'm a soppy soul) P.S I Love You still managed to tug my heartstrings. I loved Lisa Kudrow and Gina Gershon as Holly's sassy best friends and Kathy Bates was brilliant as her mother. In fact, Hilary Swank really showed her true acting worth in a heart-breaking scene between Holly and her mother.

And yes, I cried. A little bit.

Related posts: PS I Love You trailer | Hilary Swank injured in filming

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 15, 2008 in Book related, British Authors, Cecelia Ahern, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (8)

February 8, 2008 1:29 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Music and Lyrics

Music and Lyrics isn't adapted from a novel, but it is about the creative process. And it's a delightful romantic comedy that will brighten up your Friday evening.

Alex Fletcher is a likeable, self-deprecating former pop star who ekes out a living on the eighties nostalgia circuit. He hires Sophie Fisher to water his plants while he's away.

Then Alex gets an exciting opportunity: Cora, a successful pop starlet wants him to write her a new song. The catch? He's only got four days to do it in...

Luckily, Alex discovers that Sophie has a flair for writing lyrics and he convinces her to help him. Okay, that sounds pretty contrived, but the film quickly focuses on the interplay between the characters and does so very well.

The leads (Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore) are an absolute delight to watch and the characters well-developed. The supporting characters and actors are fantastic, too, rounding out the film nicely. Haley Bennet plays the Shakira-like starlet in a hilarious dead-pan manner, while Kristen Johnston is Sophie's wise-cracking big sister.

Also, this may be the most likeable role I have ever seen Hugh Grant in. There is nothing quite so endearing as a man who is willing to laugh at himself.

In fact, the hilarious video of Alex Fletcher's eighties pop hit - 'Pop Goes My Heart' - is worth the price of the DVD alone...

Posted by Sarah Painter on February 8, 2008 in Friday Flick, Movie Magic | Permalink | Comments (5)

February 1, 2008 10:17 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Little Children

I loved Tom Perrotta's book and I love Kate Winslet so I had high hopes for this film, but...

Okay, first of all there was a voiceover. An omniscient narrator describing the characters' thoughts and backstory. For example, "Sarah wondered if Brad was always this forthcoming. If anything, he seemed a little lonely..."

At first I thought we'd accidentally put the audio description on! It was extremely distracting.

Then there were the changes to the book. I'm not entirely confident about this since it's a while since I read it, but as far as I recall, the treatment of the sex offender character was much more interesting and morally challenging in the book. In the movie, he was much more of a generic "baddy", from the casting onwards.

There were a couple of other things that were taken directly from the book, but weren't fleshed out or explained enough. Like Brad's obsessive watching of the skateboarders. Having read the book, I got what it was all about, but my husband, who hasn't read it, was puzzled by it.

Kate Winslet was great, but all in all, it left me a bit cold.

Related posts: Little Children movie news | Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on February 1, 2008 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (11)

January 25, 2008 1:22 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Charlie Wilson's War

Charlie Wilson's War is the kind of film that could go terribly, horribly wrong. A story about a Texas congressman's covert dealings with the rebels in Afghanistan (aiding them in combat against the Soviets), a main character with a flawed personality and a war film billed as 'funny'.

Of course, that's without banking on the screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. The man who brought us the West Wing - a series that effortlessly blends quick-witted, dialogue-heavy comedy with political drama.

Sorkin uses the same magic here and the script is every bit as good as I had hoped. It's moving, funny and thoughtful, and manages to cram a whole lot of story into 90 minutes without seeming rushed.

Of course his source material is also excellent. The film is based on George Crile's acclaimed non-fiction book - Charlie Wilson's War: The Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History.

And hats off to Mike Nichols for the direction, too. He navigates the different tones in the story smoothly and uses the A-list cast to great effect.

Amy Adams (Enchanted) is Wilson's personal aide and Julia Roberts plays against type as his socialite friend and confidente. Tom Hanks is fantastic as the playboy politician, but I adored Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust Avrakotos, the maverick CIA agent who aids Charlie Wilson.  He has such wonderful comic timing combined with a genuine edginess.

If it's still on at your local cinema, do catch it. If not, put the DVD on pre-order now.

Related posts: Friday Flick archives

Posted by Sarah Painter on January 25, 2008 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (7)

January 18, 2008 11:16 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Notes On a Scandal

I love Judi Dench (who doesn't?). I love Bill Nighy. And I've got a bit of a girl crush on Cate Blanchett (Have you seen her in The Life Aquatic with, apparently, no make-up on? She's just unbelievably beautiful!). And I loved the book by Zoe Heller. So I don't know why it took me so long to get around to watching this movie...

At first I was a bit disappointed by the casting of Andrew Simpson as Steven Connolly - the boy Cate Blanchett's character, Sheba, has an affair with - because I thought he was too young-looking and not sexy enough, but then I realised he's supposed to be 15 and she's supposed to be taking advantage of him, so that disappointment was clearly inappropriate!

As the film went on, my disappointment lessened anyway, since I found Simpson pretty convincing. In fact, all the performances were brilliant and there was a convincing level of tension throughout the entire movie.

Like the book, my sympathies switched between Dench's Barbara and Blanchett's Sheba and, like the book, I was left feeling unsettled. In other words, a fabulous film of a fabulous book.

Posted by Keris on January 18, 2008 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (6)

January 11, 2008 7:47 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Wonder Boys

This is one of the most successful film adaptations I have ever seen. Which is suprising since I loved Michael Chabon's Wonder Boys so much, I expected to be hyper-critical.

The fact that it has one of my favourite actresses - Frances McDormand - helps, of course, but the sharp script and faithful adaptation go a long way, too.

Grady Tripp once wrote the Great American novel. Seven years and with a sprawling, 2000 page manuscript he can't finish, he is still trying to follow it.

In one weekend, Grady's wife leaves him, his mistress announces she's pregnant, and his editor (played by Robert Downey Jr at his very best) comes to town.

The plot is wonderfully crazy, with far too many twists to easily summarise, and all of the characters - both major and minor - are an outright joy to watch.

Even if you're not usually a fan of his, don't be put off by Michael Douglas, either. He plays Grady Tripp - with all of his strengths, weaknesses, insecurity and ego, wonderfully well. It's one of those times that the actor looks and talks exactly how I imagined when I read the book.

This is a class act and well worth putting on your DVD rental list.

Related posts: Friday Flick archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on January 11, 2008 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 4, 2008 1:34 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Enchanted

Yes, yes, I know it's not a book-made-into-a-film or even aimed at adults, but it is lovely. And it's (loosely) based on several fairy tales, so that counts right?

Plus, it's the perfect antidote to the January blues - whatever your age.

The story begins in animation and follows Giselle - the quintessential Disney heroine - as she is swept off her feet by the handsome prince. There is, of course, an evil queen (the wonderful Susan Sarandon) and she banishes the sweet and innocent princess-to-be to modern-day New York City. Genius.

When she arrives in New York, the film swaps to live action. Giselle is played by Amy Adams who, somehow, manages to make her adorable, rather than annoying. Giselle meets and befriends divorce lawyer Robert and his daughter, and discovers that there is more to getting a happy ever after than riding off into the sunset.

Robert is played by Patrick Dempsey (Dr McDreamy in Grey's Anatomy), and the cast is completed by Timothy Spall, James Marsden and Julie Andrews (as the narrator).

Whatever you may think about Disney, it does what it does very well. It turns out that rule holds true even when Disney is poking fun at itself.

Enchanted manages to be funny for grown-ups and children alike without resorting to cynicism. It's pretty to watch and very charming.

It's also stuffed full of references to Disney classics. If you want to see if you managed to spot them all, Empire magazine has compiled a handy list.

Related links: Friday Flick archive | Reading Grey's Anatomy

Posted by Sarah Painter on January 4, 2008 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 28, 2007 10:44 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Shadowlands

At this time of year, when the turkey is but a memory and the Christmas decorations are starting to grate, I like to sit down with an excellent film and bawl my eyes out.

If you can relate to that and fancy joining me in a pre-new-year emotional purge, then grab your tissues of choice and pop Shadowlands into your DVD player.

Directed by Richard Attenborough and adapted by William Nicholson (from his own stage play), Shadowlands is based on the life of C.S Lewis.

The writer and Oxford University professor is a confirmed bachelor. Then he meets the American poet Joy Davidman and slowly falls in love with her. A simple story, perhaps, but wonderfully told.

Anthony Hopkins plays Lewis with his characteristic depth, dignity and restraint, while Debra Winger is superb as Joy.

This film is a happy, sad, romantic treat. Now, where did I put my hankie?

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 28, 2007 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 21, 2007 7:40 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: It's A Wonderful Life

In 1943, Philip Van Doren Stern wrote a short story about a man who wishes he had never been born and is temporarily given his desire by a guardian angel.

Frank Capra transformed the story (called The Greatest Gift) into the 1946 film It's A Wonderful Life.

Now, I must admit, I only recently saw this classic film (thanks Kathryn!) but boy, was it worth the wait.

I guess, like most people in the western world, you've probably already seen it. In which case, you don't need me to tell you that the script is sublime, that James Stewart excels as George Bailey - the ultimate good guy struggling against the odds, or that Donna Reed is perfect as Mary Hatch, George's love.

You already know that it is a beautiful slice of retro feel-good cinema, and so much more than the sum of its parts.

If you haven't seen it, I'll just say this: It's a Wonderful Life may be the quintessential yuletide film, but it's so good, it's not just for Christmas...

Related posts: Friday Flick archive

 

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 21, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 14, 2007 3:58 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Finding Neverland

I must admit, when I sat down to watch Finding Neverland I had a lemon wedge handy to counteract the cloying sweetness I fully expected to encounter. Well, not really, but you catch my drift...  Still, I needn't have concerned myself; this is a delightful film and one that celebrates - and captivates - the imagination.

Finding Neverland is a fictionalised account of the family and events that inspired Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie to create Peter Pan.

At the start of the film, Barrie (played with understated perfection by Johnny Depp), is in a bad way. His latest play in London has flopped and his marriage to social-climber Mary, is not doing much better. While walking his dog in the park, Barrie meets four boys and their recently widowed mother, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet).

Barrie becomes a playmate to the boys - taking inspiration from their imaginative games and fresh view of the world - and a friend to Sylvia. 

Despite disapproval from both his wife and Sylvia's mother (Julie Christie), Barrie stays true to friendship and his art in a truly heart-warming (and, yes, weepy) ending.

Related posts: Friday Flick archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 14, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 7, 2007 1:26 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Sense and Sensibility

Unsurprisingly, this film is based on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. A book I haven't actually read since my university days, but remember enjoying...

It features not just a stellar cast - including Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman - but a stellar director, too, in Ang Lee.

Emma Thompson plays Elinor - the sensible one - while Winslet is her more romantically-inclined sister, Marianne. The interplay between two sisters with very different temperaments is beautifully done, and the script fairly sparkles.

Speaking of the script,  Emma Thompson proves yet again that some people are born with talent, and some are born with more talent than seems strictly fair. Not only does Thompson turn in a fabulous performance as Elinor Dashwood, she also wrote the excellent screenplay - deservedly winning an Oscar for it.

Greg Wise is perfect as Marianne's dashing - but ultimately feckless - suitor, Willoughby, while Alan Rickman plays against type as quiet, kind, Colonel Brandon. Hugh Grant acquits himself very well as Elinor's love interest - shy Edward Ferrars.

As always with Austen, the film says a great deal more about society and human nature than simply the search for a suitable husband. Thanks to splendid cinematography, stunning scenery and costumes, it looks very pretty while doing so.

It's my favourite of the Austen adaptations and the perfect Sunday afternoon film.

Related posts: Austen Week | Flirting with Pride & Prejudice | Lost in Austen

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 7, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

November 30, 2007 6:40 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Get Shorty

We love Elmore Leonard here at Trashionista and the films are often as good (gasp) as the books.

In Get Shorty, John Travolta plays Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark who's been sent to L.A. to collect on a bad debt from movie producer Harry Zimm (Gene Hackman).

Chili is also a film buff with a script idea, and he decides to become a producer. However, he's not the only mobster who wants a piece of the film action, and double-crossing fun begins.

Stuffed to the gills with Hollywood jokes, celebrity cameos, snappy dialogue and laughs, this is a great film and a very funny satire. I love Rene Russo's turn as a B-movie actress and Chili's love interest, too.

Like this? Try: Jackie Brown

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 30, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 23, 2007 12:37 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: The Night Listener

While Armistead Maupin is one of my favourite authors, The Night Listener is my least favourite of his books. But when I went to an author reading earlier in the year, he talked about the true story behind the book and then the movie version starring Robin Williams and Toni Colette that it made me want to watch it. I wish I'd stuck with my first instinct.

When Gabriel Noone is given a book purportedly written by a 14-year-old boy detailing the abuses he suffered at the hands of his parents, he's impressed by the story and the writing. And then the publisher gives the boy, Pete, Gabriel's number and they start talking on the phone.

Having recently broken up with his long-term boyfriend, Gabriel is lonely and finds himself talking to Pete and his foster mum, Donna, on a regular basis. And then Gabriel's ex suggests that Donna and Pete have the same voice and Gabriel sets off to their home town in Wisconsin to find out the truth. Which is where, for me, the film totally lost the plot...

Part of the reason I didn't enjoy the book was its dark and claustrophobic atmosphere, which is just personal taste, but in the film I found it really didn't work. Once Gabriel reaches Wisconsin, The Night Listener seems to want to be a traditional thriller, so there are loads of scenes of Gabriel sneaking around in the dark and a really terrible scene in a hospital. Gabriel's behaviour becomes increasingly ridiculous and unbelievable. Frankly, he got right on my wick.

Although the acting is excellent - both Williams and, of course, Toni Collette - I found it way too heavy-handed and it lost all the subtlety of the book. A real shame.

Posted by Keris on November 23, 2007 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 16, 2007 10:08 AM

Friday Flick: Dracula

Sumptuous, compelling, visually-stunning and strangely-romantic, Francis Ford Coppola's take on Bram Stoker's Dracula is a triumph.

The casting is brilliant. Gary Oldman as Dracula is a stroke of genius. Anthony Hopkins plays the eccentric Professor Van Helsing with his usual aplomb, and Winona Ryder is perfect as Mina, the object of Dracula's desire. Even Keanu-stiff-as-a-post Reeves, works well as Jonathan-stiff-as-a-post Harker.

Francis Ford Coppola filters the myth of Dracula through his own unique vision, creating a classic gothic-fantasy with a heady, sensual feel. 

I was shocked when I realised this film came out fifteen years ago. Apart from the obvious, unpleasant reminder that I'm definitely getting old, this version of Dracula has really stood the test of time.

Plus, the two-disc collector's edition has just been released, so it's the perfect time to add it to your collection.

Related posts: The Historian | Happy Hour At Casa Dracula | Friday Flick archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 16, 2007 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 9, 2007 9:38 AM

Friday Flick: Out of Sight

Mmm... Delectable. I'm afraid that is the only way to describe Clooney in this film. And, frankly, the scene in the boot of the car is one of the hottest things I have ever seen. Keris agrees with me, too. Look.

Anyway. Hotness-aside, this adaptation of the fabulous Elmore Leonard book just plain works. Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney have fantastic on-screen chemistry (oops, I'm back to the hotness again, aren't I?) and the direction is classic Steven Soderberbergh - clever and slick.

Do yourself a favour this Friday night and snuggle up with George.

Like this? Try: Jackie Brown

Posted by Sarah Painter on November 9, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 21, 2007 9:50 AM

Your thoughts on You’ve Got Mail

Warning: Movie spoiler

There were some strong feelings about The Devil Wears Prada when we discussed it last week so today I’m asking what you thought of You’ve Got Mail?

I knew it was rom com, so I knew that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan had to get together (them’s the rules) but I just didn’t see how it could happen. He destroyed her business! And she fell in love with him! Get a grip woman.

I watched the whole film wondering how the writers were going to wriggle out of the situation but, alas, they didn’t. They let her fall in love with the rat that ruined her livelihood.

I was going to finish this piece with the sentence *I bet it was written by a man*, but then I remembered it’s a Nora Ephron film…

Related Posts: Movie Magic archives

Posted by Nicola pedley on September 21, 2007 in Friday Flick, Movie Magic, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (8)

September 13, 2007 12:53 PM

The Devil Wears Prada - alternative film review

Warning: Movie Spoiler

I finally got round to watching The Devil Wears Prada last weekend (I know I’m a year behind everyone else!) and I was very disappointed. Girl goes to the big city to get her dream job and then jacks it all in because her boyfriend doesn’t like her new lifestyle (and, if you ask me, her best mate seemed jealous as well).

The moral of the story seemed to be that if you want the powerful, glamorous job that Miranda Priestly has you will end up a lonely divorcee, but if you toe the line and get the good little girl job all will be right in your love life. I’m told the book has a different ending so I’ll have to move that up my to be read pile to find out.

Related Posts:  The Devil Wears Prada archives

Posted by Nicola pedley on September 13, 2007 in American Authors, Devil Wears Prada, Fashion-Lit, Friday Flick, Movie Magic, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (11)

September 3, 2007 11:18 AM

MONDAY MOVIE: Paperback Hero

I discovered the film Paperback Hero a couple of months ago when I heard about a new novel with a similar premise. Since we're a full service blog (and since it's got Hugh Jackman in it) I ordered it up immediately!

The jist is that Jack is an Australian lorry driver. So he's hard-drinking, hard-livin' tough guy. He's got a soft spot for his dog, but that's it. He's a man's man. Except ... that he secretly writes romance novels and one of them has been published to great acclaim. When a woman from the publishers turns up at the diner owned by Jack's friend Ruby Vale, Jack is forced to admit to Ruby that he put her name on the manuscript and no-one knows it was written by a man, let alone him.

Since Jack's book is such a success the publisher wants Ruby to come to Sydney and do some promotion. Knowing nothing about the book, Ruby wants no part of it, until the publishers offer to pay for her forthcoming wedding to local vet Hamish. Since Ruby wants nothing more than to settle down, she agrees and she and Jack (posing as Ruby's manager) head to Sydney.

I don't need to tell you what happens do I? It's exactly what you think happens, but the film's no worse for that. As I started watching I thought it was going to be absolutely awful and, make no mistake, it's not great, but it is watchable - mostly thanks to Hugh Jackman. I found him charming in Someone Like You/Animal Attraction, but in Paperback Hero, well, he's just sex on a stick.

N.B. Since I'm now alone at the helm of Trashionista - *sniff* - I'm going to be alternating More on Monday with the Monday Movie (formerly the Friday Flick). There's no way I can read a non-chick lit book every week, plus watch a book-related film *and* keep on top of all the women's fiction out there - I'm not superwoman!

Incidentally, if you know of a book to film adaptation that we haven't yet covered - and you'd like us to cover - let me know at the usual address. Thanks!

Posted by Keris on September 3, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 24, 2007 12:36 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Get Over It

I can't make up my mind about Kirsten Dunst. She's got that indie-cool thing going, and I know I've seen her in some good films, but man can she pick a stinker. Marie Antoniette was distinctly meh. (I know you don't all agree, but I found it  BLAH x 100).

Get Over It really wants to be good, and really, really isn't. It wants to be Romeo + Juliet but fails by being embarrassing and... well, bad.

It's based on A Midsummer Night's Dream, as a cast of high school kids put on Shakespeare's famous comedy. The film descends into weird, Shakespeare-inspired dream sequences and tries to draw parallels between the love lives of teenagers and the love-swapping, drug-inducing players of MND. But it's all rather clumsily done, and I remember watching this film at the cinema, and literally cringing. I suppose the forgiving film fan might find something to enjoy here, but I'd love to know what! 

My advice: Get Over It? Don't bother with it.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 24, 2007 in Friday Flick, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 17, 2007 7:18 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: The Talented Mr Ripley

As Matt Damon is the man of the hour, starring in the just-released Bourne something-or-other (I've lost track, I'll be honest) I thought it might be apt to highlight one of his earlier films, The Talented Mr Ripley. Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law and (briefly) Cate Blanchett, it's based on Patricia Highsmith's psychological thriller of the same name.

Matt Damon is Tom Ripley, a conman who weasels his way into the lives of the rich English folk who holiday on the Riviera. Instead of just tracking down Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) as he was paid to do, Tom takes things a step further: he assumes Dickie's entire identity.

Will he be caught?

And if not, how not?

It's hard for me to gauge how good this film is as I was a big fan of the novel and nothing could really live up to that - but I think this is a respectable adaptation, certainly worth watching (but perhaps more enjoyable if you haven't read the book first!)

The one big issue I had is that Matt Damon doesn't look like Jude Law, and whereas in the book Tom's escapades posing as Dickie could be explained by their looking alike, in the film they can't.

Have you seen it - what did you think?

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 17, 2007 in American Authors, Classic Novels, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (4)

August 10, 2007 11:30 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Write & Wrong/And She Was

Agh. I hate it when films have different names in the UK and US/elsewhere. So this is either called Write & Wrong or And She Was or gawd knows what else, depending on where you live!

Anyway, it's another TV movie - I just can't keep away! The flick - let's call it Write & Wrong, shall we? - is the story of Byrdie Langdon, a Hollywood screenwriter who had big success in the past but now finds her scripts are constantly being passed over for young writers churning out formulaic rubbish. So she decides to take revenge - and maybe net a movie deal into the process.

She asks her 25-year old nephew Jason to pose as a newbie screenwriter, pulling off a Cyrano de Bergerac as she does all the work and he takes all the credit. But then Jason falls for his new producer, who just happens to be an old friend of Byrdie, and when their deception looks about to be uncovered, all hell could break loose...

I love the concept of this movie and for the most part it's executed well. Like all great TV movies, there's some cheesiness, but I liked the fact that this film had a serious point to make, but was entertaining about it. Kristie Alley I found at times funny and at times totally over-the-top but overall this was a good TV movie chick flick to kick back with ... and be thankful my writing career has never been so complicated!

Like this - in that it has a concept and features a writer - Stranger Than Fiction.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 10, 2007 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 3, 2007 12:37 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Lipstick

Also known as Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy, this TV movie is based on Geralyn Lucas's memoir of that same name. At 27, Geralyn was a successful TV producer, married to her perfect man and seemingly living a charmed life. Then she found a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with cancer. As you might expect, it hit her like a thunderbolt. The usually organised Geralyn was sent reeling, as she realised she couldn't make a list to get herself out of this situation...

Sarah Chalke of Scrubs plays Geralyn and Jay Harrington, who was Susan's doctor in Desperate Housewives, plays a doctor again here - Geralyn's husband Tyler, who feels completely left out of her treatment as all her friends and family pile round. I thought the way Geralyn and Tyler's relationship changed was handled really well but some of the dialogue (especially Chalke's stuff to camera) was a bit cheesy and occasionally bought into all those "if you're strong you'll fight it" cancer cliches, which can be a bit offensive... But it's an oddly cheering look at breast cancer in young women and was educational, too. (Who knew they injected silicone into fake boobs - and that it could be so painful?!)

Like this (a little bit) but in book form: Cancer Vixen.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on August 3, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 27, 2007 4:30 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Rumour Has It

A chick flick based on a film that was based on a novel (are you still with me?) Rumour Has It takes the idea that the events of The Graduate really happened and are based on Sarah (Jennifer Aniston)'s family, something she only discovers shortly before she's due to get married to fiance Jeff (the lovely Mark Ruffalo) and which sends her into a tailspin. Because if the events of that book/film are true, then her dad isn't her real father, and she has to find the man who is...

The savaging this got from some critics lead me to believe this was going to be a total piece of trash, but it was actually a nice surprise. It might not hold up twenty years from now but I found it fun, engaging, a little silly perhaps, but I loved the conceit of the film and especially enjoyed Shirley McClaine's performance. I think Aniston is a great comic actress and this isn't great film, but it's far from a bad one. Enjoy!

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 27, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (2)

July 23, 2007 2:04 PM

Hugh Jackman loves chick lit

We've previously featured a number of Hollywood stars who are big fans of book-to-movie adaptations (see "Related posts" below) and Hugh Jackman is no exception. The difference with Hugh is that he seems to be chick lit mad.

He appeared in Someone Like You/Animal Attraction, based on the novel by Laura Zigman. He's currently got If You Could See Me Now (based on Cecelia Ahern's book) in development.

Plus, he appeared, as we've already mentioned, in Paperback Hero (while not based on a chick lit book, is about a romance author).

I wonder if it's Mrs Jackman giving him book recommendations or if he's just in touch with his feminine side.

(This post was in no way an excuse to feature this photo of a shirtless Hugh Jackman and I resent any such suggestion!)

Related posts: George Clooney | Brad Pitt | Kirsten Dunst | Scarlett Johanssen

Posted by Keris on July 23, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

July 20, 2007 10:04 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: State and Main

Like About Last Night (which Keris has lent me and I must watch soon!), State and Main is based on a play by David Mamet. There's both a Sex and the City and a Desperate Housewives connection, as it stars Sarah Jessica Parker and husband of Felicity Huffman William H. Macy. It's an ensemble piece and the massive cast also includes Julia Stiles, Alec Baldwin and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

The film's about a Hollywood film crew who descend on a small American town and turn the whole place upside down. It's a satire on the silliness involved in filming on location, and therein lies a bit of a problem, as the film's basically an in-joke for anyone who's ever been in that experience (i.e. not most of us!) It's really not as funny as I wanted it to be but has moments of great wit and charm. One to smirk along with rather than laugh out loud at, perhaps.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 20, 2007 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Television | Permalink | Comments (8)

July 13, 2007 5:50 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: I Capture the Castle

Based on Dodie Smith's iconic YA/crossover novel about  a romantic teenager with a poor and eccentric aristocratic family who all live in a run-down castle in the 1930s, I Capture the Castle captures the essence of the book brilliantly. The family are struggling to make the rent when two new landlords (Americans!) roll up at the castle.  At first the family are scared they'll be evicted, but before long they've befriended the twenty-something brothers who own their property and our heroine Cassandra and her sister Rose might even want to be more than friends with these interlopers...

17-year old Cassandra is played really well by Romola Garai and I loved Bill Nighy as her reclusive author father. While the film isn't half as charming as the book it's still a good adaptation. Fun, romance, period drama and a touch of betrayal: this film has it all, and if it's not quite a girly classic it's not that far off.

Like this, in that it's also about another poor family: Little Women.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on July 13, 2007 in British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 6, 2007 11:02 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Starter for Ten

I started reading David Nicholls' debut novel, Starter for Ten in Waterstone's one day and absolutely loved it. I thought it was going to be one of those novels that's just so funny and familiar and fabulous. I was actually a bit disappointed - it didn't live up to the promise of the first chapter, but even so I was pleased to see it had been made into a film.

Set in 1985, Brian (McAvoy) heads off to Bristol University and is excited to find they're putting together a team to go on the TV show University Challenge. Brian used to watch it with his late father and it's always been his ambition to compete.

As he and his teammates prepare for the show, he falls for the gorgeous and posh Alice, befriends cynical and political Rebecca, struggles to continue a relationship with his best friend from back home and tries to deal with his mother's new relationship.

Funnily enough, the University Challenge part is the best bit. It's genuinely exciting and Mark Gatiss is brilliant as Bamber Gascoigne. (I still can't accept that they teams aren't really on top of each other though.)

James McAvoy is cute and charming and he carries the film really. Yes, it's perfectly predictable, but it's also perfectly enjoyable.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on July 6, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 29, 2007 5:34 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Who doesn't love a bit of Marilyn Monroe on a Friday afternoon? (Or anytime, in fact!?) I know our ed-in-chief Gemma is a big fan (if you ask nicely she might show you the pics of her dressed as Lorelei, Marilyn's character in this film... or she might not! Sorry, Gemma...)

Anyway! In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn and Jane Russell (Dorothy, the sensible brunette - of course) go on a cruise to have fun and meet men, and succeed in doing both, though not without the odd scrape along the way, and of course, they have to sing as they go...

It's not the best movie starring either of these iconic actresses, but it is a bit of fun, and based on Anita Loos's cult classic novel. It also features "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend", a number that's dazzling in more ways than one... (and was the inspiration for Madonna's Material Girl video, of course).

Carry on over the cut for a clip!

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 29, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Cult classic week, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 22, 2007 12:15 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Jackie Brown

How I loooove Jackie Brown. Based on Elmore Leonard's book Rum Punch (which is now often re-labeled Jackie Brown), it's the story of... would you believe, Jackie Brown?

She's a stewardess who gets mixed up with a dangerous crowd when she becomes a drug runner for extra cash. Samuel L Jackson plays Ordell, the bad guy out to shut her up while Robert Forster's career got a revival when he was cast as Max Cherry, bail bondsmen and all-round good guy who's fallen hard for our eponymous heroine. But what are Jackie's plans? Is she taking the infatuated Max for a ride and can she outwit Ordell?

Director Quentin Tarantino made this an iconic film of the late '90s, popularising Kangol hats in the process! I may have seen it two or five times, and it's still a great watch - Pam Grier is perfect as Jackie. *DID YOU KNOW?* Jackie Brown is Tarantino's homage to the '70s cinema movement known as Blaxploitation (Shaft etc.) and he changed Jackie's surname from Burke to Brown in honour of Pam Grier's portrayal of Blaxploitation heroine Foxy Brown.

Like this, but with George Clooney: Out of Sight.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 22, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (5)

June 15, 2007 2:22 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: The First Wives' Club

An oldie (ish) but a classic (ish). Three great older (ish - OK, I'll stop!) actresses, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn starred in this divorced women's call-to-arms way back in 1996. The three play wives who've all been dumped for younger women (one of whom is played by Sarah Jessica Parker) and vow to take revenge. So they form The First Wives Club.

"Don't get mad, get everything!" is their motto and they set out to do just that. This film is frivoulous and fun as long as you don't take it too seriously or expect too much. The women would probably be better off getting on with their lives and not seeing themselves as victims, but I guess their anger is justified and writing this was probably very cathartic for the sadly now-departed Olivia Goldsmith, who based the book from which this came on her own experiences.

Ouch.

Like this, in more ways than one: Heartburn.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 15, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 8, 2007 2:10 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Riding in Cars with Boys

Based on Beverly Donofrio's first memoir of the same name, Riding in Cars with Boys stars Drew Barrymore as Beverly, following her journey from rebellious 1960s teen to... well, I'm not going to spoil the plot but suffice it to say she has a few ups and downs along the way to becoming a successful author, not least of which is falling pregnant while still in high school and agreeing to marry the father, an unreliable stoner (played well by Steve Zahn). The excellent Brittany Murphy plays Beverly's best friend Fay who is in the same situation, and the two girls struggle to get used to marriage and motherhood while Beverly, independent and unconventional, wonders if there'll ever be more to life.

Drew Barrymore is always heartfelt and emotionally honest, and this is at times a heartbreaking film. She portrays Beverly very honestly as flawed but well-meaning and helps this rise above the standard teenage-mum movie. This is a good film with a happy ending that might make you (me) shed a tear or two along the way.

Like this: (well, a teeny bit): Girl, Interrupted.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 8, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Memoirs | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 1, 2007 12:06 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Romeo + Juliet

Before Baz Luhrmann decided to make Moulin Rouge (not to mention one of the worst ads of all time), he burst into movie-making with this colourful adaptation which brought Shakespeare bang up-to-date whilst keeping the original language.

To say that it's dazzling would be an understatement: a modern soundtrack, technicolour sets, NYPD Blue-style camera work and the chemistry between a pre-Titanic Leo Dicaprio and a post-My So-Called Life Claire Danes made this a modern classic (based on a classic classic...)

It's fun, fabulous, and educational - what more could you want?!

Like this (but not even an eighth as good): Marie Antoinette.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on June 1, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 18, 2007 10:00 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Adaptation

Adaptation has to be the weirdest Friday Flick yet. It's both an adaptation of Susan Orlean's non-fiction book The Orchid Thief (a fascinating study of a not-always-legal orchid collector's world) and a fictional film about... adapting Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief for the big screen.

Confused yet? You will be... Nicholas Cage plays writer twins Donald (who doesn't exist in real life) and Charlie Kaufman (who actually did write the Adaptation script). In the film, Charlie is trying to do justice to Orlean's book and struggling, whilst  his brother, who has far less writing talent but boundless enthusiasm, is racking up huge success with a pulpy thriller. So Charlie decides that the only thing to do is ratchet up the tension in his script, even if it means deviating from the truth of the book...

As this is happening, we see the events he writes about with Orlean and her subject John Laroche portrayed brilliantly by Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper, who throughly deserved his Oscar win for supporting actor.

I really enjoyed this film, although I think it might an acquired taste as it's definitely very odd. And it's important to remember that the ridiculous escalation of events at the end of the movie is satirical, and not meant to be taken seriously - but it's lucky Susan Orlean has a sense of humour!

Like this (kind of): Stranger Than Fiction.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 18, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Non Fiction, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (3)

May 11, 2007 12:18 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Breakfast at Tiffany's

Based on Truman Capote's legendary novel (which I liked far more than I thought I would having fallen in love with the film years ago), Breakfast at Tiffany's is the story of Holly Golightly, the most iconic of all Audrey Hepburn's film roles. Holly is flighty and mysterious, a naive party girl prone to getting caught up with a bad crowd. When she moves into the apartment building of George Peppard's Paul, he feels himself magnetically drawn to her - so much so that he might even be willing to give up his own questionable lifestyle and fall in love with her... if she'll have him.

If you haven't seen this film yet, why the HECK not? It's a classic, the ultimate chick flick! Audrey is breathtaking.

Just ignore Mickey Rooney's racist portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi (please).

*DID YOU KNOW?* BaT was directed by Blake Edwards, who is married to Julie Andrews.

Like this - 'cos it's another girly classic: Fried Green Tomatoes.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 11, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 4, 2007 12:20 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Iris

This week's Friday Flick is inspired by yesterday's Trailblazer, Iris Murdoch. Yes, it's Iris: the film.

Based on the first in John Bayley's trilogy of books about his late wife, Iris covers Murdoch's life from university (where she met John) to her descent into Alzheimer's. Although moving, it stops short of being depressing, and is instead a great tribute to the author - illustrating what a talented, vibrant woman she once was. Kate Winslet plays her wonderfully. As she becomes older, and more ill, she's played by Judi Dench, who looks astonishingly like Iris and portrays her with brilliant subtlety. There are moments of great humour, even in her illness, and very touching times with John, too.

In short, it's a very good, absorbing, moving film.

But carry on over the cut for my one slight beef about it...

For some reason, Hugh Bonneville, who plays the young John, didn't get as much recognition as the older John, Jim Broadbent, who won an Oscar (Dench and Winslet were also nominated), but he's very good. Perhaps that's because the male actors, despite not looking that alike, blend so well into each other. Perhaps his name could be added to the next version of the DVD cover...?

Like this (in that it also won Oscars): The English Patient.

Friday Flick archives. - We'll have something a bit more frivolous next week, I promise!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on May 4, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick, Memoirs | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 27, 2007 6:36 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Miss Potter

Released this week on DVD, Miss Potter (follow that link to see the trailer) is a biopic of Beatrix Potter: showing how she became one of the most successful children's authors of all time, despite the reluctance and disdain of her publishers.

Unconvinced by her rabbit illustrations and anthropomorphic stories, her publishers foisted her off on their young, naive brother, played by Ewan McGregor - who turns out not only to be a marketing maestro, but to be Miss Potter's first suitor...

This is a light period drama that was more involving than I expected: quite a girly film, but an interesting one, that made me want to know more about Beatrix Potter - a woman of hidden depths.

Renee Zellweger seems to have transported the spirit of Bridget Jones back almost a century; not for nothing did some reviewers call this film 'Bridget Potter'! But I enjoyed her interpretation (even if the drawings-occasionally-coming-to-life thing was a bit cheesy...) This would be the perfect  Sunday afternoon film.

Like this, only more modern: Bridget Jones's Diary.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 27, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 20, 2007 8:00 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Mansfield Park

Long before ITV1 got their hands on Austen, when Billie Piper was but a babe in arms (well, almost), was this 1996 version of Mansfield Park, starring Frances O'Connor and Johnny Lee Miller.

It's the story of Fanny Price, the poor relation sent to live with her uncle and benefactor Sir Thomas Bertram (plus her auntie and distant cousins). But from whence comes all of Sir Bertram's money? (And more importantly, isn't Johnny Lee Miller rather dishy?! )

I have to say, I really enjoyed this film, but (confession time!) I haven't read the book it's based on. (Oops). I understand that some MAJOR liberties have been taken with the text, and that true Janeites (as Austen devotees are known) are still up in arms about it, eleven years later.

If you've never read Mansfield Park, you'll probably find it as enjoyable as I did. If you have read it, watch this at your own risk, people - and perhaps take it with a pinch of salt...

Like this, but more faithful to the original text: The BBC's Pride and Prejudice.

Friday Flick archives | Austen Week archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 20, 2007 in Austen Week, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (10)

April 13, 2007 12:32 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Thank You For Smoking

In Thank You For Smoking (yes, you read that right!) Aaron Eckhart plays Nick Naylor, possibly the most hated man in the United States. He's reached that exalted position by being a lobbyist for the American tobacco industry. That's right - not against them, FOR them.

With the public's concerns about the safety of smoking impossible to ignore, and under increasing pressure from his bosses, Nick has to try to turn around the perception of cigarette smoking as something bad. Is he fighting a losing battle?! (Duh). More importantly, how can Nick lie every day and still be a good role model for his son? The pair spend some more time together to try to find out...

This is a delicious black comedy, with Eckhart perfectly treading the line between smarm and charm and actually making us like this weird and morally ambiguous character. There's a lot to laugh at but despite the theme of the film, it does (of course, this is Hollywood after all) have a strong moral tone.  It's a great ensemble piece with Maria Bello, William H Macy, Rob Lowe and Robert Duvall all turning in great performances. (And Keris - Adam Brody's in it briefly, too!) There was a big hoo-hah in the US at the time of this film's cinematic release because this was Katie Holmes's last pre-TomKat role, and she's not playing a nice girl (although some 'revealing' scenes were apparently cut). She doesn't do dark and nasty that well though - she always seems too proper, and nice little Joey Potter swearing...?!! Not right at all.

But if you're ever looking for tips on how to win a debate or write a great argument, this is the film to watch. If you just want to watch a darn good (if a tad long) film, it's that too.

Like this (in that it's similarly high-concept): Stranger Than Fiction

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on April 13, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (6)

April 6, 2007 4:10 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Marie Antoinette

Oh, how I wanted to see this film. I expected a punky, fun version of the legendary French Queen's story, sort of like Baz Luhrman's Romeo and Juliet, but with bigger hair. But despite a couple of visually stunning montages of Kirsten Dunst shopping - in house, sorry palace, of course - and a big cupcake fest later on, Marie Antoniette definitely doesn't rock.

There is a modern soundtrack, but the music is so bland and un-iconic it's barely noticeable. I liked the sympathetic portrayal of Antoinette - her age and lack of experience is highlighted, and it's made clear that she never actually said "let them eat cake"! As PR, it's pretty well done. But the story rambles, the dialogue is sparse and uninspiring and I couldn't have cared less about any of the supporting characters. The only bit I found even vaguely amusing was possibly the best scene, at the start of the movie. Kirsten Dunst/Marie Antoinette was woken up by her lady's maid to find a room full of royal women, the most prestigious of whom gets the honour of dressing her. As more high-ranking women keep entering the room, her undershirt is passed from one to the next while she stands shivering and nude. "This is ridiculous!" she cries.

The response? "Madame, this is Versailles."

Which made me want to learn more about palace and its inhabitants through the years, I must admit.

But I  couldn't help thinking that reading the book this film was based on would have been a better use of my time.

Still, at least it gave me the chance to come up with a new nickname for the director: Sophia (not much) Coppola. Ha. [DS]

Like this, but more fun: Clueless.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by Aigua Media on April 6, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick, Non Fiction, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (3)

March 30, 2007 3:43 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: White Oleander

Based on the wonderful novel by Janet Fitch (which I LOVED - and I'll be reviewing her latest, Paint it Black, soon) White Oleander is the story of Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) a beautiful but manipulative single mother who is sent to jail for murdering her ex-lover, leaving her teenage daughter Astrid (Alison Lohman) to shuttle from foster home to foster home with often disastrous consequences.

Astrid finally finds a happy home with Renee Zellweger, who she really clicks with - but soon her jealous mother has found a way to destroy that, too...

The story of a mother too selfish to let her daughter (or anyone else) be happy is moving and convincingly acted (nice to see Pfeiffer being coolly evil for a change, she does it well!) But there's no way this could match up to the brilliance and subtlety of the book, and it's not a particularly great film, although it's not a bad one, either. The choice of Billy Connolly to play Ingrid's ex struck me as odd - not what I was expecting from that character, and hard for British viewers not to see him as a comedy figure! Alison Lohman is very talented though, and hopefully destined for bigger things.

Like this, but with Angelina Jolie (and no murder): Girl, Interrupted

Friday Flick archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 30, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Crime / Mystery, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 23, 2007 12:42 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: A Cinderella Story

Based on Cinderella (yes, really!) A Cinderella Story is the big ball of cheese you might expect from a Hilary Duff (star of Lizzie McGuire) and Chad Michael Murray (star of One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek) collaboration. Aka: tween heaven!

Sam has an evil stepmother, played by the fabulous Jennifer Coolidge (from Legally Blonde and Friends spin-off Joey) who has worked her to the bone ever since the death of Sam's father. Sam has to work all hours (on roller skates) at the family cafe as all the local jerks from school come in and laugh at her over their hamburgers.  And all this while her stepmother and bitchy step-sisters pamper themselves and put their feet up. Thank goodness, then, that Sam has a secret friend she can talk to over IM every night - someone who really understands her, and isn't like all those other guys from school... (you can see where this is going, can't you?)

This film is fun (if a tad annoying) and silly and of course completely predictable. "A harmless girlie rom-com" is one of the comments on the front of the DVD, and that about sums it up - it's harmless and fluffy and tweens will probably love it, but it's the kind of film it's best to suspend all disbelief over - or the ideal watch at 2 am when you're having trouble sleeping, or at 5 pm when you're trying to cook a meal, paint your toenails and talk on the phone and just want something on in the background. (Which to be honest, is probably the best place for Chad Michael Murray and his smarmy expressions - the background...)

Like this, only better: 10 Things I Hate About You

Friday Flick archives

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 23, 2007 in Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 20, 2007 12:10 PM

Adaptation: tricky, but worth it?

Did you see Mansfield Park at the weekend? (I recorded it but have heard mixed reviews!)

What did you think?

An interesting article in The Guardian looks at ethics of adaptation for the small and silver screens and the difficulty of doing justice to the original text - but points out that when it works, it works. 

Which is why we devote a regular feature to it every Friday, of course!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 20, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Opinion, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 16, 2007 11:29 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Postcards From The Edge

What could be better for Mother's Day weekend than a Friday Flick which celebrates a dysfunctional/realistic mother-daughter relationship?! Based on the cult novel by Carrie Fisher, which we LOVED, Postcards From The Edge (the film) takes this relationship front and centre.

It tells the story of Hollywood actress Suzanne Vale, who has to move in with her mother after an accidental drug overdose, as she tries to get her life and career back on track...

Meryl Streep plays Suzanne, and does a great job at capturing her bewildered post-rehab state, although at times she's a little more subdued than I would have expected. But the show is really stolen by Shirley McClaine, playing Doris - surely a very thinly-veiled version of Carrie Fisher's own mum, Debbie Reynolds - the similarity is very striking (apparently Reynolds was incensed to audition for the role and be turned down!)

It's not quite as good as the book, but it's a quality film and one of my favourite adaptations ever. And the tag line is fabulous:

"Having a wonderful time. Wish I were here."

*DID YOU KNOW?* If you get the DVD, one of the highlights is Carrie Fisher's rambling (in a good way) and deliciously indiscreet ("I was having an affair with him") commentary. She also points out which parts of the story really happened to her... unmissable.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on March 16, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Celebrity Authors, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 9, 2007 5:12 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Cold Mountain

Based on the critically acclaimed novel, by Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain stars Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger (who won an Oscar for this role).

Law plays a confederate soldier who, disillusioned with the Civil War, sets off on foot to return to Cold Mountain and Ada, the woman he loves. Of course, things haven't exactly been a picnic for Ada while he's been away ...

I must admit, I haven't seen the film because, despite being beautifully written, the book was far too slow-going for me. Anyone seen it?

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on March 9, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 2, 2007 10:33 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Brokeback Mountain

I think I put off watching Brokeback Mountain because I'd heard so much about it that I thought I was bound to be disappointed. Based on a short story by Annie Proulx, it stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as cowboys who, as you may have heard, fall in love.

And, yes, I did spend the first half hour or so waiting in anticipation for some hot cowboy-on-cowboy action, but once that was out of the way I relaxed into the story and was completely transported.

Brokeback Mountain also stars Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams (who, funnily enough, are soon to be seen playing Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte respectively). The acting is brilliant, the scenery gorgeous and the storyline engrossing and moving.

A lovely film.

Related posts: Movie News: Bronte / Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen / Friday Flick: 10 Things I Hate About You

Posted by Keris on March 2, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 23, 2007 10:27 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: The English Patient

Based on Michael Ondaatje's Booker-Prize-winning novel, The English Patient won 9 Oscars.

Juliette Binoche is Hana, a nurse caring for a badly burned Englishman (Ralph Fiennes) at a deserted Tuscan monastery. As he's dying, the patient tells Hana how he fell in love with a married woman (Kristin Scott-Thomas) whilst working in the Middle East. The relationship had tragic consequences and we see these scenes in flashback.

As you would expect from such a great cast (including - yes! - Colin Firth), the acting is brilliant if a little cold. The film looks incredibly beautiful and it is tragically romantic, but I found it pretentious, while, at the same time, being totally transfixed.

I would suggest reading the novel after watching the film. If I hadn't seen the film first I would have found the novel completely inpenetrable.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on February 23, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 16, 2007 10:11 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Pride and Prejudice

As promised threatened, this week’s Friday Flick is a Jane Austen adaptation. Or rather, the Jane Austen adaptation: Andrew Davies’s Pride & Prejudice.

Starring Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet, this really is the definitive mini-series. Perfectly cast and charmingly acted and with the added bonus of the Firth/Darcy wet-shirt-out-of-the-lake-scene, it’s pure entertainment from start to finish.

If you haven’t seen it, what on earth are you waiting for? Get some drinks, snacks, pyjamas and curl up for a weekend’s viewing. I promise you won’t regret it.

Related posts: Flirting with Pride and Prejudice / Darcymania! / Jane Austen's Guide to Dating

Posted by Keris on February 16, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 9, 2007 2:17 PM

Friday Flick

You know how yesterday I said I didn't want you to do my job for me? Well, er, now I do.

Last month, Diane and I swapped Thursday Three for Friday Flick because I was struggling to find the time to watch movies and Diane had loads of films she wanted to talk about. But then Diane slipped off into the world of no internet (screeeeam!).

So I'm here all alone and I still don't have time to watch films (I've had Center Stage from LoveFilm for three weeks now*) so if anyone would like to share their thoughts on any film (based on a novel and that we haven't already written about) then please email us, I mean me.

And if you don't? Well then it'll be a Jane Austen adaptation-fest until Diane gets back ...

* although having just seen the photos on IMDb, I want to go and watch it right now!

Posted by Keris on February 9, 2007 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 2, 2007 10:37 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: 10 Things I Hate About You

I thought I’d go a bit more highbrow this week. I’ve noticed it’s all gone a bit smutty since Diane’s been away (there was this and this and this! See what I mean?).

So this week’s Friday Flick is based on no less than a Shakespeare play. Set in a modern high school, 10 Things I Hate About You stars Julia Stiles as Kat-the-shrew and Heath Ledger as Patrick, the hunk who tries to tame her (that’ll be The Taming of the Shrew then).

Kat’s father won’t let her younger sister Bianca date until Kat does (which he fully expects to be never). So Bianca’s prospective boyf hires Patrick to date Kat. Even if you’re not familiar with the Shakespeare, I bet you could guess what happens, but it’s such good fun that a bit of predictability doesn’t matter.

I really enjoyed this film. Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger can both actually act, which helps, and the singing scene is one of those that’ll have you grinning your head off and rewinding to watch again (or whatever you do with a DVD). I only have one complaint and that is that The West Wing’s Allison Janney was, as they say, woefully underused! She was the best thing in it for the first twenty minutes and then she was in it no more. Shame.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on February 2, 2007 in Friday Flick, Girly Stuff | Permalink | Comments (5)

January 26, 2007 5:13 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Secretary

Adapted from a short story by Mary Gaitskill, Secretary is a very peculiar film and not exactly chick lit, as I’m sure you can tell from the cover. If I tell you that when me and my husband saw it at the cinema (we got free tickets) there was just the two of us and two single men watching it alone, you might get more of an idea ...

It stars the wonderful Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway who gets her first job as a secretary to a lawyer, Mr Grey (James Spader) after being released from a clinic for self-harming. Impressed by his masterful behaviour, she begins a dominant/submissive affair with him, but when he loses interest she realises she’s going to have to go further to get him back. Luckily she’s a bit barmy so it’s not much of a problem.

The lasting impression I had of this film was that it wasn’t as mucky as it pretends to be and that Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader are both brilliantly weird and weirdly brilliant. I watched it again recently and it was actually both a bit more graphic and funnier than I remembered, but it’s still worth watching for their performances and to see a woman find herself in a way you may never have imagined.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on January 26, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 19, 2007 12:31 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Heartburn

Anyone who's so much as blinked at Trashionista over the last few months should have picked up on the fact that Keris and I love Nora Ephron. A lot. So it was only a matter of time before her 1986 adaptation of her classic novel Heartburn became a Friday Flick.

As in the book, it's the story of Rachel Samstat, a Washington, DC-based cookery writer and stay-at-home-mum who discovers her husband is cheating on her whilst she's heavily pregnant with their second child. Key Lime Pie-throwing ensues...

I think there's a real advantage in authors adapting their own work, as this film shows: some material is cut and situations changed a little, but it's very faithful to the book and doesn't lose much in translation. Jack Nicholson isn't quite the traitorous Mark I imagined, looks-wise, but he pulls off the role well, and Meryl Streep is pretty much perfect as the naive Rachel. Plus Stockard Channing's in it, which is never a bad thing!

Heartburn the film is not quite as fast-paced and funny as the book, but it certainly holds its own, and is a good, slightly quirky choice of chick-flick for a cosy Friday night in.

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 19, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 12, 2007 3:04 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Clueless

A 1995 rom-com (very) loosely based on Jane Austen's Emma, Clueless is still Alicia Silverstone's best film to date, and even twelve years later makes a great chick flick. (Not that I'm biased or anything - I saw it twice at the cinema and several times on video. And I think maybe once on TV...)

Lead character Cher's mother died in a tragic liposuction accident when Cher was just a little girl, and so she's grown up with just her workaholic dad (he married again, briefly, but things didn't work out - they did however leave her with an ex-stepbrother, Paul Rudd, later Mike in Friends, who she loves to wind up). To fill the void in her life, Cher along with her best friend Dionne, like to 'help' other people - doing makeovers, match-making etc.

But when Cher meddles in the love-life of new friend Tai (Brittany Murphy, again) and gets it drastically wrong, she vows to become a better person - and give herself an inner makeover instead...

Sharp-witted, sweet, funny and only occasionally incomprehensible (the film has its own snappy teen-speak which Silverstone says brilliantly) this film ticks all the chick-lit boxes: fun, romantic, entertaining and it credits the audience with a brain. And if none of that appeals, then you'll still be amazed by Cher's computerised, revolving wardrobe!

The ending is more unexpected however, if you haven't yet read Emma... (The one time you'll hear me advocate not reading Austen!)

*DID YOU KNOW?* Dionne's boyfriend Murray is played by Donald Faison, who now stars in Scrubs.

*DID YOU KNOW?* There was a TV series of the film, which ran for three years from 1996 and featured all of the original cast except Alicia Silverstone (although Rachel Blanchard did a pretty canny impression of her!)

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 12, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

The perfect chick flick

Here at Trashionista, we love our chick flicks almost as much as we love chick lit, as evidenced by our weekly Friday Flick feature. So we were excited to read this in today's Guardian newspaper.

Not only is it an article about what makes the perfect chick flick, it's written by "chick-lit novelist" Emily Barr and includes comedy queen Jenny Colgan's top five chick flicks. (Comedy queen is right - Sleepless in Seattle instead of When Harry Met Sally? She's having a laugh.)

Posted by Aigua Media on January 12, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (9)

January 5, 2007 12:53 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Girl, Interrrupted

Aka: the film that won Angelina Jolie an Oscar (remember when she kissed her brother slightly incestuously to celebrate? Good times).

Girl Interrupted is adapted from Susanna Kaysen's memoir of the same name and is the story of her time in a mental institution in 1967. She "accidentally" downed a bottle of painkillers and more than a little alcohol and so has to have her stomach pumped and be institutionalised with a group of young women, all of whom seem considerably more disturbed than she is.

I found the book moving, funny and touching. But what about the film?

Well, the film is good too, and stands up on its own - it's more than just an adaptation, it's a story in its own right. I wouldn't say it's a movie you enjoy exactly, but considering it's about depression, more severe mental illness, the changing role of women, family issues and the start of Vietnam, it has great moments of humour and isn't bleak. There are some fabulous performances here - a pre-scandal Winona Ryder is overshadowed by Jolie (she's overwhelming at times, but seriously deserved the Oscar for best supporting actress) and a thoroughly disturbing Brittany Murphy (who's much better at serious stuff than the fluff she sometimes leans towards).

I believe it's on TV soon, and I'd recommend trying to catch it if you haven't seen it already. As our TV guide has sprouted legs yet again, I'm afraid I can't tell you when it's on (anyone know?) but keep your eyes out, 'cos it's definitely worth a watch.

DID YOU KNOW? Kaysen's follow-up, a book about her vaginal-health problems, was far less of a success - and thankfully, hasn't been made into a film! (Yet).

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on January 5, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Prize Winners | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 29, 2006 1:00 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Primary Colors

Primary Colors (the book) caused a furore when it was published in 1996. Attributed to Anonymous, it’s an apparently fictionalised account of the real 1992 Democratic primary. We now know the book was written by Joe Klein, a Washington DC reporter, and we also know that the exploits of the Clinton-esque Jack Stanton weren’t a patch on what the real President Clinton would eventually get up to.

I haven’t read the book but, after seeing the film, I’ve added it to my list. The film is interesting, entertaining and intriguing (part of the fun, of course, is guessing who each character is based on and how much of it is true), with great performances from John Travolta (doing an impressive Clinton impersonation), Adrian Lester as the naive staffer who wants to believe Jack is “the real thing,” Emma Thompson as Jack’s wife Susan (she doesn’t do an impression of Hilary, but she does do an American accent that I thought was a bit patchy) and Kathy Bates. There’s even a brief but memorable appearance by Allison Janney, The West Wing’s CJ. In fact the film is rather like an extended episode of The West Wing, but without the humour (like seasons 5, 6 and 7 of The West Wing then).

Well worth a watch.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on December 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 22, 2006 7:33 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Practical Magic

Based on the book by Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic is the story of sisters and witches, Sally (Nicole Kidman) and Gillian (Sandra Bullock) who live in a small town with their aunts (played entertainingly by Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing). As is often the case with sisters in fiction, they’re opposites: Sally is the free-spirited one and Gillian the more serious homebody.

A curse on the female members of the family means any man who falls in love with them will die and the curse has already done away with Sally’s husband. When Gillian gets into trouble with an abusive boyfriend (played by ER’s foxy Dr Kovac, Goran Visnjic) it brings a sexy cop (Aidan Quinn) into their lives.

This is a great girly film (and not just because of Visnjic and Quinn). It’s funny, a bit scary, a bit soppy and well-acted throughout. A good film to watch of a cold winter’s night!

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on December 22, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 15, 2006 3:32 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: About Last Night

About Last Night is an eighties film based on a David Mamet play called Sexual Perversity in Chicago. It stars a very young (and quite disturbingly pretty) Rob Lowe along with Demi Moore, Jim Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins. It was my absolute favourite film when I was about 14 and I can still recite chunks of it now, even though - until yesterday - I hadn’t seen it for years.

It’s the story of Debbie (Moore) and Danny (Lowe) who meet, sleep together, fall in love and move in together. And then things start going wrong. It’s funny, sexy and cheesy in the way only an 80s movie can be (there are three of those so-bad-they’re-good musical montages beloved of the films of that decade), but it does actually have some interesting things to say about relationships.

Plus Rob Lowe takes his clothes off rather a lot (there’s a shower scene I can remember wearing out the video’s pause button on) and there's even a very early appearance by an almost-unrecognisable Megan Mullally!

If you didn’t see it at the time (and if not, why not?), watch it now. You won’t be sorry.

Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on December 15, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 8, 2006 5:22 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Sky High

This week's Friday Flick is a bit of a departure in that it's from a children's book ... actually, it's less of a departure, because once again I have mistaken a book taken from a film for a film taken from a book. Yep, the Sky High I saw in the library is actually a novelisation. Sorry about that. But it's a good film, so if you will permit me to review it anyway? Why, thank you.

Will Stronghold's parents are the legendary superheroes Jetstream (Kelly Preston) and The Commander (Kurt Russell), so when he starts at Sky High, expectations of him are also, well, sky high. But the problem is Will hasn't got his powers yet and so, rather than being a hero, he is assigned to the sidekick (or hero support) group.

Will finds himself happier with the other sidekicks, whose powers include turning into a guinea pig, glowing and melting, but soon - because this is a teen movie - he finds himself drawn to the more popular heroes, particularly foxy Gwen. But when a new villian appears, it's down to Will and the sidekicks to save the day.

Yes, while the plot is standard teen movie fare, the film is more like a live-action version of The Incredibles. The effects are great. There are a few in-jokes (the principal of Sky High is played by Lynda Carter - Wonder Woman!). The intentionally cheesy acting (particularly from Kurt Russell - no really, it is intentionally cheesy!) is very funny and all in all it's a great family film.

Jodi Picoult, Wonder Woman? / Friday Flick archives

Posted by Keris on December 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Supernatural, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 4, 2006 5:00 PM

Top 10 chick lit film adaptations

Last week, Diane told you about our Top 100 Extravaganza and here's the first Top 10 - chick lit film adaptations (along with quotes from Friday Flick).

10. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Yes, it's a young adult book, but it's a great read and a lovely film too.

We wrote: "Standard stuff for teen movies (and books for that matter), but the script by Delia Ephron and the charm and talent of the cast (particularly Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera) make this something special. I loved it."

9. The Perfect Catch

Chosen as the second adaptation of Nick Hornby's Fever Pitch - not chick lit, not even fiction, but it's still managed to become two fun films!

We wrote: "You don't need to understand or appreciate baseball to enjoy this film. Yes, it's standard romantic comedy fare and certainly not original (well ... it is a remake), but it's great Friday night viewing."

8. Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason

Not quite as good as the first film, despite being almost exactly the same, but I had to include Bridget Jones, didn't I?

We wrote: "Its fun and light-hearted, and if all else fails you can just spend your time trying to decide whether you want Mark or Daniel!"

7. Hanging Up

Neither Delia Ephron's book nor the film adaptation are that well known, but they're both great.

We wrote: "Both funny and sad (some parts were almost painful to watch) and I loved the interaction between the sisters (and they're all such fab actresses) and their father (played by Walter Matthau). Recommended."

6. Animal Attraction

Laura Zigman's Animal Husbandry was one of the earliest chick lit books and this is the movie under a different name (and also known as Someone Like You, just to be really confusing!).

We wrote: "Despite the cliched ending - why do all chick flicks have to end with a chase? - it's a really enjoyable film (but, seriously, it's worth watching just to see Hugh Jackman shirtless)."

Carry on over the cut for the Top 5 and see if you agree with our choice of best chick lit film adaptation of all time!

5. Just Like Heaven

The film is probably better known than the book, but both are lovely.

We wrote: "A bit of girly escapism."

4. How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days

An early example of chick lit non-fiction, and a great adaptation.

We wrote: I loved this film. It's funny, looks great and ... Hudson and McConaughey's [chemistry] makes the screen crackle. Plus it's got the line: 'If I had a nickel for every time I got in a fistfight during a chick flick ...' What's not to love?"

3. In Her Shoes

Jennifer Weiner's book is one of my all-time favourites. A faithful and entertaining adaptation of a book by one of chick lit's reigning queens.

We wrote: "A great girly film!"

2. The Devil Wears Prada

Lauren Weisberger's book is arguably the biggest chick lit novel of the past five years and possibly one of the best received adaptations.

We wrote: "A fun, girly film, perfect if you love fashion, journalism - or just a light chick-flick of a Friday night. I recommend it!"

1. Bridget Jones's Diary

Well, what did you expect, really? The chick lit book and the chick lit adaptation. It doesn't get much better than Bridget (or Mark Darcy ...).

We wrote: "A brilliant British movie (yes yes we know Renee is the exception)."

So do you agree? Is Bridget the best (and does she warrant two places in our Top 10)? Have I missed any of your favourites? Any of the above you absolutely hated? (You'll notice Must Love Dogs didn't make it!) Email us and let us know (or leave a comment).

Posted by Keris on December 4, 2006 in Book related, Friday Flick, Top 100 Extravaganza! | Permalink | Comments (9)

December 1, 2006 10:11 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Stranger Than Fiction

I'm cheating again because Stranger Than Fiction isn't adapted from a book, but it's about a book, so I think I can be excused.

Will Ferrell is Harold Crick, an IRS auditor who suddenly finds he can hear a woman's voice narrating his life. Not just the exciting bits - oh no, sorry, there aren't any exciting bits - but things like "Harold brushed his 32 teeth exactly 32 times." Harold is a very particular person. His life is ruled by his watch and every day is the same. That is until the narration only he can hear announces his impending death. ("Little did he know ...")

Worried that he's going mad (well, you would be, wouldn't you?) Harold visits a psychiatrist who, unable to convince him he's suffering from schizophrenia, suggests he visit a literature expert. So he goes to see an English Professor played by Dustin Hoffman (cue a few cute Rainman references). He's not sure he can help Harold either - he certainly doesn't think he can do anything to save his life - but he does suggest Harold try and see if he can influence the plot of the book. (I know, it's complicated, stick with me.) So Harold does. He flirts with the baker he's auditing (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal). He takes time off work. He buys a guitar. In other words, he starts to live.

Intercut with Harold is the story of the book's author Karen Eiffel played by Emma Thompson. She's suffering from writer's block and just can't work out how to end the book, but her publishers have employed an assistant (an understated performance from Queen Latifah) determined to crack it. Unfortunately, all of Karen Eiffel's books end with the death of the main character, i.e. Harold.

Stranger Than Fiction makes very little sense if you actually try and take it apart - Why has the narration only just started if Karen's been writing the book for years? How come only some parts of Harold's life are narrated and not others? and many, many more questions - but, you know, we're talking about a film in which a character from a book is actually alive and hearing the author narrating his life - this isn't realism!

So, yes, you will of course need to suspend disbelief, but if you do, you can't help but love this film. There are great performances from everyone involved. It's funny, it's sweet (there's one absolutely gorgeous chick lit style moment!), it's intelligent, thought-provoking and life-affirming. I loved it.

Posted by Keris on December 1, 2006 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 24, 2006 3:05 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Where the Heart Is

This made for TV movie is based on the best-selling book by Billie Letts. I'd never heard of either the film or the book so I didn't know what to expect. Natalie Portman is Novalee Nation who is abandoned, penniless and pregnant, in the carpark of WalMart by her loser boyfriend Willie Jack. With nowhere else to go she finds herself living in the WalMart for weeks, until her baby is born and she and "the WalMart baby" become local celebrities.

Novalee and her daughter, Americus, are taken in by the local community, including Sister Husband (Stockard Channing), Lexi (Ashley Judd) and Forney (James Frain) and start to build a life, interrupted by a series of tragedies (well it is a TV movie after all!).

Natalie Portman is mesmerising as Novalee. Never less than totally convincing, she's charming, independent, strong and sweet. Don't be fooled by Ashley Judd appearing on the cover of the DVD, this is Portman's movie. That's not to say Ashley Judd isn't great too; in fact there are a number of fabulous female performances : Stockard Channing, Joan Cusack and a sparkling cameo from Sally Field as Novalee's runaway mother.

We are occasionally updated on Novalee's loser boyfriend Willie Jack's whereabouts and misadventures and I actually found this unnecessary (I didn't care what happened to the fool), but that aside this is an enjoyable and intelligent feel-good film.

Posted by Keris on November 24, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 17, 2006 1:28 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Must Love Dogs

Based on the novel by American author Claire Cook, Must Love Dogs stars Under a Tuscan Sun's Diane Lane and High Fidelity's John Cusack along with Dermot Mulroney, Elizabeth Perkins, Christopher Plummer and Stockard Channing as Dolly (the most memorable character in the book, in my opinion). So it's got a good pedigree, but did it make my tail wag?

Okay, I've stopped that nonsense. Diane Lane plays primary school teacher Sara, whose family want her to start dating again after her divorce. The title refers to a lonely hearts advert Sara's sister places on her behalf. (In the book it was a newspaper ad, but the film has, unsurprisingly, updated this to internet dating.)

Sara's first date goes disastrously when the man she's arranged to meet turns out to be her widowed father. But eventually she meets Jake (John Cusack) - I'm fairly sure he wasn't called Jake in the book - and things look promising. She also finds herself getting closer to the father of one of her school children (despite the kid telling her his father is "incorrigable"). So who will she end up with? I'm thinking the clue might be on the cover.

I'm sorry to have to say that, about half an hour into the film, the DVD packed up. I read the book last year and didn't particularly enjoy it, but funnily enough it's actually stuck in my memory much more than a lot of books I liked more. What annoyed me about the book - and also in what little I saw of the film - is how pathetic Sara is because she's single. Just because you're not married doesn't mean you eat your meals standing up at the sink, does it?

Would anyone who's seen it all the way through like to comment?

Posted by Keris on November 17, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (4)

November 10, 2006 4:30 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Chocolat

The news that Joanne Harris's next book - The Lollipop Shoes - will be a sequel to the enormously successful Chocolat inspired me to make it this week's flick.

Juliette Binoche plays Vianne Rocher who, along with her daughter, arrives in a quaint French town and opens a chocolate shop. You wouldn't think that would be a problem, would you? But the religious and political attitudes of the town - and the sensual effects of Vianne's chocolates - soon serve to stir up trouble.

Juliette Binoche is perfect as Vianne and Johnny Depp is of course gorgeous as Roux, but his Irish accent's a bit hit and miss. The film looks beautiful too - the costumes, the chocolates, the village. It's romantic, dramatic, sensual, thought-provoking and intelligent (and was nominated for five Academy Awards). A perfect Sunday afternoon film (and if you haven't read the book - what are you waiting for?)

Posted by Keris on November 10, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 3, 2006 5:15 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: American Dreamer

I'm cheating again with this week's Friday Flick (gimme a break - it's a while since I last cheated). American Dreamer isn't based on a novel, but it is about a romance novelist. Released in 1984 (as you can probably tell from the hairdo on the cover) I'd never heard of this movie until I saw it on Jenny Crusie's list of the greatest romantic comedies. Jenny says, "Every romance writer I know loves this movie" and it's not hard to see why.

Housewife Cathy Palmer (JoBeth Williams) wins a competition to write a "Rebecca Ryan" story and the prize is a trip to Paris to meet the author of the real Rebecca Ryan books (which are sort of a female James Bond). Cathy's appalling husband (who really is so awful I couldn't imagine she ever would have married him) won't go with her so she goes alone and has only been there a day when she's hit by a car and wakes up believing herself to be ... Rebecca Ryan.

I got this far into the film and thought about emailing Jenny Crusie to ask her if she was having me on. Dated, far-fetched, ridiculous, I couldn't believe it was on her list! But I persevered (the things I do for Trashionista) and things soon start to look up when Cathy/Rebecca meets Alan McMann, the son and assistant of the author of the Rebecca Ryan novels. He's played by Tom Conti whose bewilderment and amusement at Cathy/Rebecca's behavior is perfectly pitched. Soon they're involved in a Rebecca Ryan style adventure, involving international espionage, drug-smuggling and attempts on their lives.

It is dated, far-fetched and ridiculous, but it's also great fun and that's thanks entirely to the comic brilliance both of Tom Conti and JoBeth Williams (who actually had me convinced she really was Rebecca Ryan). It reminded me in parts of Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination - by which I mean it's not quite right - but if you suspend disbelief I don't think you can help but enjoy it.

Posted by Keris on November 3, 2006 in Book related, Crime / Mystery, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 27, 2006 5:01 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Bend It Like Beckham

Based on the young adult book by Narinder Dhami, Bend It Like Beckham is the enormously successful British movie that foisted the astoundingly irritating Keira Knightley on an unsuspecting world.

Parminder Nagra is Jess, an Asian girl who idolises David Beckham and wants nothing more than to play football. Despite the fact that her strict Sikh family is utterly against it, Jess joins a local women's football team and meets Jules (Keira Knightley). Jules's mother doesn't approve of her playing football either (believing it will lead to lesbianism!) and this, along with the girls' shared love of football and crush on their coach (played by Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) cements their friendship.

I found this quite a sweet film, but I have no idea why it was so successful - it reminds me a little of those Children's Film Foundation films we used to be shown at school (that's if you're as old as me). Mildly entertaining, but really nothing special.

Posted by Keris on October 27, 2006 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 20, 2006 4:12 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: The Devil Wears Prada

We had to review DWP for Friday Flick, didn't we? After all, we've talked about it for quite some time- and even told you how to make Devil Wears Prada cocktails! (I didn't end up sneaking a flask in with me, but I did go to see it with four other girls and a large tub of popcorn, which seems the ideal scenario).

If you haven't read the book and have managed to avoid hearing about the film (how?!) here's the story: Andi wants to be a serious journalist and has moved to New York to pursue her dream. After trying to get her dream job on a big New York newspaper investigating serious issues, and repeatedly failing, in desperation she attends an interview at Runway magazine (famously based on American Vogue) where despite her lack of fashion acumen, editor-in-chief Miranda Priestley (famously based on Vogue editor Anna Wintour) hires her. And then the fun begins!

Sorry- that was sarcasm... the fun doesn't really begin at all for Andi after that. Miranda makes Margaret Thatcher seem warm and fuzzy: Andi is constantly on call to pander to her every whim, from getting the new Harry Potter in manuscript form to getting her out of Florida in the middle of a tropical storm. And Miranda's senior assistant Emily has no sympathy, and never responds to Andi's attempts at friendliness. Soon Andi's relationship with her boyfriend Nate is suffering and her friends complain they hardly see her. Her dad comes to visit her and she spends the whole night on the phone, instead. Andi says she can't stand her job. But a part of her is sucked in, too: she changes her image, loses weight and starts to fit in to this glam new world. But does she want to? And what will that mean giving up?

I really enjoyed this film- it's perfect fun chick-lit fare, perfectly placed for its target audience. Anne Hathaway is great at this kind of bumbling-awkward-girl-turned-beauty shtick (as the two Princess Diaries films prove). It's also fun to watch stuff like this and try to imagine what's based on reality (I imagine quite a lot, as the book's author Lauren Weisberger was Anna Wintour's assistant!) There are some differences from the book, though: Andi's boyfriend lives with her in the film, which actually makes more sense, and Miranda is a touch softer (although not much- I'd heard reports that suggested she was positively warm and fuzzy- not so!) The ending is also different, and I feel the book's more moral outcome was stronger. But those who haven't read the book I'm sure won't mind. All in all, a fun girly fun, perfect if you love fashion, journalism- or just a light chick-flick of a Friday night. I recommend it!

Friday Flick archives.

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on October 20, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Devil Wears Prada, Fashion-Lit, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction, Movie Magic, Movie News, Romance | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 13, 2006 4:20 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Based on the enormously successful young adult novel by Ann Brashares, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants stars Gilmore Girls' Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera and Blake Lively as the four best friends who find a pair of 'magical' jeans in a charity shop/thrift store. The magic lies in the fact that they look equally great on each of the girls despite the girls' disparity in size and shape.

Separated for the summer, the girls hatch a plan to share the jeans - keeping them for a week and then posting them on, accompanied by a letter of the exciting things they got up to while wearing them.

I know, it sounds ridiculous, but is it good or is it pants? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Read on and find out.

The summer is, of course, an eventful one. Tibby, the rebellious one, is working in a supermarket and making a documentary film when she meets a much younger girl and, in the absence of her friends, finds herself spending more and more time with her. The sporty one, Bridget, is spending summer at soccer camp in Baja California and is determined to tackle one of the instructors (ha!). Lena, the shy, artistic one, goes to Greece to stay with her grandparents and, inevitably, meets a boy. Carmen goes to stay with her dad (played by Bradley Whitford, West Wing fans) and - and this is a suprise to poor Carmen - his new family.

This is all standard stuff for teen movies (and books for that matter), but the script by Delia Ephron and the charm and talent of the cast (particularly Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera) make this something special. I loved it.

Posted by Keris on October 13, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 6, 2006 9:52 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Crazy in Alabama

Based on the 1994 novel by Mark Childress, Crazy in Alabama stars Melanie Griffiths and was directed by Antonio Banderas. (I think they may have met while making this movie.)

I have to admit, I went a bit wild ordering DVDs of films based on books for the Friday Flick and when this one flopped onto the mat my heart sank. Melanie Griffith drives me crackers. I'd read the book years ago, but couldn't remember anything about it except it involved a man's head in a hatbox, so I sat down to watch it with a heavy heart. I expected it to be rubbish. Read on to see if I was right.

Lucille (Melanie Griffith) turns up at her mother's house to drop off her seven kids cos she's off to Hollywood. Her husband said she couldn't go so she killed him and cut off his head. And, look, here it is in this tupperware container. This is how we know that Lucille might not be dealing a full deck. Her nephew Pete Joe thinks she's incredible and so tries to protect her and not let the local sheriff, played by Meat Loaf (yes, really) know where she's going and what she's done. But when Pete Joe sees the sheriff kill a black boy for swimming in the whites-only pool, the town's racial tensions and Lucille's future become linked and, frankly, things don't look good for anyone.

So is it rubbish? Well .. it's a funny one. I don't think it's a particularly good film and I imagine it got some dreadful reviews. It's full of cliches. The tagline is 'sometimes you have to lose your mind to find your freedom' which is nonsense in itself. The ending is ridiculous. But. I really enjoyed it. I thought Melanie Griffith was amazing. I completely forgot she was annoying Melanie Griffith and totally believed in the character and I have to admit I shed a tear at the end.

Posted by Keris on October 6, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 29, 2006 9:23 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Animal Attraction

Based on Laura Zigman's book Animal Husbandry, Animal Attraction was called Someone Like You in the US. How's that for confusing? Starring Ashley Judd, Greg Kinnear and Hugh Jackman, it's the story of Jane, a producer for a daytime talk show who, after the sudden end of a relationship (with fellow producer Ray) comes up with the Old Cow/New Cow Theory based on an article about livestock she reads in the paper: whenever a man is in a relationship he starts to see the woman as an old cow and goes looking for a new cow to, um, service, never to return to the old cow.

Having really enjoyed Animal Husbandry, I must admit I didn't have particularly high hopes for this film, but it's actually very sweet; it reminded me of an extended Sex and the City. Ashley Judd is great, her best friend, played by Marisa Tomei is hilarious, Greg Kinnear is convincing both as a sweet-talking charmer and as a sleaze and Hugh Jackman .. well, Hugh Jackman is a revelation. I finally realised what all those Wolverine-obsessed friends of mine have been going on about all these years.

Despite the cliched ending - why do all chick flicks have to end with a chase? - it's a really enjoyable film (but, seriously, it's worth watching just to see Hugh Jackman shirtless).

Posted by Keris on September 29, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Debut Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 27, 2006 4:24 PM

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

On Monday, I talked about what a great book Out of Sight is, and Keris agreed, but she also said she preferred the film. (Controversial!... but then it does star George Clooney).

So many books, especially our favourite chick-lit ones, are made into movies that we even devote a weekly Trashionista feature to them: Friday Flick.

But I want to know how you feel about film adaptations. The upcoming release (next Friday, 5th October, with selected previews this weekend) of the hotly-awaited The Devil Wears Prada makes this a timely debate: can the film ever really be as good as the book, or is something always lost in translation?

Tell us: from book to film- is it a Yay or a Nay (if you HAD to choose!) and why? And we want to know what you think the best and worst adaptations are... go on, let rip!

Posted by DIANE SHIPLEY on September 27, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Movie News, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (7)

September 22, 2006 6:57 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Mean Girls

You may not know that Mean Girls was based on the non-fiction book Queen Bees and Wannabees by Rosalind Wiseman (I didn't until Luisa told me).

It was recommended to me repeatedly following my review of Kaavya Viswanathan's How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild and Got A Life. Unlike me, Gemma read the book before all the plagiarism accusations, but was struck by its similarity to Mean Girls. Gemma was absolutely right - the similarities are startling. But what about the movie?

Lindsay Lohan is Cady Heron who has previously been home-schooled in Africa and is facing high school for the first time. She's befriended by a couple of "misfits" - Goth girl Janis and her gay best friend Damian - but (because she's "hot") soon attracts the attention of the "Plastics" - Regina and her two dim cohorts. She agrees to spend her lunch breaks with them and report back to Janis and Damian on the stupid things they say and do, but soon she's becoming one of them - changing the way she talks, dresses, even failing "math" (which she's great at) to get closer to a boy.

It all sounds like typical teen movie fare - and it is - but it's also clever and absolutely hilarious (the screenplay was written by Tina Fey - famous in the US for Saturday Night Live and who also plays Ms Norbury).

I absolutely loved it.

Posted by Keris on September 22, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 15, 2006 9:35 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Based on the novel by Fannie Flagg, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe stars Mary Louise Parker (seen more recently in Weeds and The West Wing) and Mary-Stuart Masterson (seen not that recently in Sixteen Candles and Benny & Joon). Because they've each got three names that start with Mary, I always used to get these two actresses mixed up. When I sat down to watch this film thinking I'd seen it before and hadn't really enjoyed it, I found I'd mixed it up with Boys on the Side which starred Mary Louise Parker along with - swoon - Matthew McConaughey (I must've enjoyed that. I'll have to watch it again.)

Meanwhile, back at the Whistle Stop Cafe ...

Kathy Bates plays the delightfully-named Evelyn Couch. Evelyn is overweight and fed up. When visiting her husband's aunt in a care home, she meets Ninny Threadgood (Jessica Tandy) who starts (completely out of the blue, actually) telling her the story of Idgie Threadgood (Masterson) and Ruth Jamison (Parker). Ninny's story is then interweaved with Evelyn's realisation that there's more to life than she's been allowing herself.

I really enjoyed this film. There's nothing new or startling (then again, it is fifteen years old) and it probably turns out just how you expect it will, but 15 minutes in, I was in tears. Like Fannie Flagg's books, this is one for a Sunday afternoon with a pot of tea and a box of biscuits (fried green tomatoes optional).

Posted by Keris on September 15, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Classic Novels, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Modern Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 8, 2006 7:05 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days

Based on the self-help satire by Michele Alexander and Jennie Long, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days stars the ever-gorgeous Matthew McConaughey, and Kate Hudson who I find myself liking more and more (but not in the same way I like Matthew).

Kate plays Andie, a journalist at Composure magazine who suggests a feature on the dating mistakes all women make (being too clingy, baby talk, incessant phonecalls, etc). Her editor challenges her to drive a man away in 10 days. Matthew (swoon) plays Benjamin, an ad exec who, conveniently, accepts a bet to make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days (in order to win a prestigious diamond account). Of course they end up dating each other with - yes - hilarious results. No, really.

For their first date Andie is "herself" - sexy, funny, charming - but once she's got Benjamin hooked she turns on the dating no-no's and Benjamin is alternately flummoxed and horrified, but of course he can't dump her. Kate Hudson plays kooky/crazy brilliantly and Matthew McConaughey is so effortlessly charming that it really works.

I loved this film. It's funny, looks great (not just Matthew; it's set in New York) and while there was no chemistry between Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson in Alex & Emma, Hudson and McConaughey's makes the screen crackle.

Plus it's got the line: "If I had a nickel for every time I got in a fistfight during a chick flick .." What's not to love?

Posted by Keris on September 8, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (4)

September 1, 2006 10:06 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Down With Love

I have a confession to make - I watched Down With Love thinking it was adapted from a real book. It was only when I came to write this review that I found out it wasn't. There is a book, but it's the book of the film. But I watched the film so I'm darned if I'm not going to review it! Well, I say review. Here's another confession. I have no idea what to make of this film. My opinions swung wildly the entire time I was watching it.

Renee Zellweger plays Barbara Novak, the author of the smash hit book, Down With Love, which suggests that if women want to be taken seriously in the workplace they have to forget about love altogether. Ewan McGregor's Catcher Block is an award-winning journalist who decides to go undercover and make Novak fall in love with him so he can expose her as a fraud. But Barbara isn't quite what she seems and Catcher gets more than her bargained for.

For the first half hour I couldn't believe such a pile of rubbish had been made. Then I started sort of liking it against my better judgment. By the end I was sitting with a daft smile on my face (this is often how I end up watching films).

I'm a huge fan of the old Doris Day and Rock Hudson/James Garner movies like Pillow Talk, A Touch of Mink, Lover Come Back and obviously this is what Down With Love is trying to recreate. But you can't really recreate a fifties film with modern sensibilities and humour. So while the more innocent bits worked for me, some of the broader humour (Novak and Block are each exercising alone in their relative apartments, but a split screen makes it look as if they're, um, engaging in other physical activities) didn't.

It may have a serious message (about what used to be called "women's lib") or it may be a satire. I don't know. It's got David Hyde Pierce though and any scene with him in was a winner. Renee Zellweger was her usual kooky/sweet self, but Ewan McGregor was totally miscast in my opinion. He's cute and funny, but he's just not old-fashioned enough for this role. George Clooney would have been better, but Intolerable Cruelty was a similar sort of film and I didn't think that entirely worked either. (According to IMDb Down With Love and Intolerable Cruelty were both made in 2003, but that can't be right, can it?)

So, in conclusion .. I don't know. Can anyone help me out?

Posted by Keris on September 1, 2006 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Romance | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 25, 2006 8:35 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Under the Tuscan Sun

Adapted from Frances Mayes' enormously successful memoir/travelogue, Under the Tuscan Sun stars Diane Lane who, following a bitter divorce, heads to Italy to try and learn how to be happy again. (I'm sensing a theme here.) I haven't read the book, so I don't know how faithful an adaptation this is (though a disclaimer at the end of the film would suggest not very) but is it a good film? Read on and find out.

I should probably admit at this point that I have quite low standards when it comes to movies. I'm not interested in cinematography or direction or any other technical bells and whistles, all I want is a film that entertains me, featuring characters I care about, and Under the Tuscan Sun absolutely delivers this.

It helps, of course, that Diane Lane is a wonderful actress (and annoyingly gorgeous) and that screen-time isn't wasted on the end of her marriage; we're pretty much thrown right into her heartbreak. (She moves into a short-term apartment complex populated by divorced, unhappy people. The landlord tells her everyone has different skills and when she tells him she's a writer he says she can help the other tenants with their suicide notes.)

Before long we're in Italy (which looks, of course, stunning). Frances is only supposed to be there on holiday, but she falls for a run-down house and buys it on the spot. As you do. And you know the rest. She charms the locals, makes friends, walls fall down, things/hearts break, etc. We've seen it many times. But I never stopped wanting it to work out and I never doubted for a moment that it would. There's a great supporting cast too: Sandra Oh (from Grey's Anatomy and Sideways), Lindsay Duncan and Vincent Riotta (who I totally fell in love with).

The perfect film for a Friday night with a bowl of pasta and a bottle of red wine.

Posted by Keris on August 25, 2006 in American Authors, Friday Flick, Girly Stuff, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Romance | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 18, 2006 8:51 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Hanging Up

Diane loved Delia Ephron's book so much that I was inspired to watch the film based on it.

Meg Ryan is Eve who finds herself stuck with taking care of her dying father while her older sister Georgia (Diane Keaton) is busy running her own magazine and her younger sister Maddy (Lisa Kudrow) stars in a Joey Tribbiani-style daytime soap. Add to that her job as a party planner, her penchant for crashing cars, a husband who's away more than he's home and an unwanted spell of dogsitting and Eve is at breaking point.

I wasn't expecting much (I remember it getting poor reviews) but I really loved this film. I found it both funny and sad (some parts were almost painful to watch) and I loved the interaction between the sisters (and they're all such fab actresses) and their father (played by Walter Matthau). Recommended.

Posted by Keris on August 18, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (6)

August 11, 2006 7:04 AM

FRIDAY FLICK: Alex & Emma

I'm afraid I'm cheating with this week's Friday Flick - it's not a film adapted from a novel, it's a romantic comedy about a novelist. Luke Wilson plays Alex whose first novel was extremely successful, but who is struggling to begin his second. His writer's block isn't helped by the fact that he owes $100,000 to loan sharks and needs to write this novel to get the advance (which is, conveniently, $125,000) to pay them off or .. they'll kill him.

He hires Emma (Kate Hudson), a stenographer (!), to transcribe his thoughts. At first she's understandably unsure, but soon she finds herself getting interested and involved in the plot of his book. And when I say involved, I mean involved. We see Alex's intentionally (I hope) dreadful book performed by, yes, Luke Wilson and Kate Hudson. So it's sort of a film within a film type of thing. Except that the bits with Alex's book are played quite farcically (Kate Hudson's character changes from Swedish to German to Spanish and then finally American) and so I didn't really care about the outcome.

The problem I found with this film is that I didn't really care about the outcome for Alex and Emma either. I thought Kate Hudson was wonderful - charming, sweet, funny and totally believable. Luke Wilson was .. the same as always (I really don't get Luke Wilson. Now Owen Wilson I get!), but there was zero chemistry between them. It would pass a couple of hours on a flight (now that there's nothing else to do) but it's nothing special.

Posted by Keris on August 11, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (4)

July 21, 2006 2:49 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: The Perfect Catch

Despite the fact that it's actually a non-fiction account of his obsession with Arsenal Football Club, Nick Hornby's 'Fever Pitch' is credited with establishing the "lad lit" genre. Fever Pitch was made into a British film starring Colin Firth (just not as attractive when he's not mean and smouldering) and last year it was remade in the US by the Farrelly Brothers and retitled The Perfect Catch.

The Perfect Catch stars Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon. And while football and Arsenal have been replaced by baseball and the Boston Red Socks, the basic story is the same: Lindsay thinks Ben is the perfect boyfriend until his sporting obsession starts to take over their lives.

I much preferred The Perfect Catch to Fever Pitch. Drew Barrymore is as sweet and charming as ever (unlike Ruth Gemmell, who was a right sour-faced cow in the original). You really feel that Lindsay is willing to compromise to be with Ben. I've never seen Jimmy Fallon before (though he's pretty famous in America) but he was adorable and funny.

You don't need to understand or appreciate baseball to enjoy this film (although we did have to put the subtitles on at the beginning just to try and follow what they were on about!). Yes, it's standard romantic comedy fare and certainly not original (well .. it's a remake), but it's great Friday night viewing.

Posted by Keris on July 21, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (5)

July 7, 2006 11:22 AM

FRIDAY FLICK : Anywhere But Here

This week's recommended chick flick is 'Anywhere But Here' starring Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman. Based on the novel by Mona Simpson, the film follows the fortunes of mother and daughter Adele amd Ann. Whwn Adele decides she's bored with her life she uproots herself and her daughter and moves to LA in the hope of Ann becoming a famous actress. Unfortunately it seems that Adele's hopes and dreams for her daughter aren't shared by Ann herself.

This is a film in which many people can find something to identify with. The acting of both the leading ladies helps to make this highly watchable flick.

Posted by Jenni on July 7, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 30, 2006 11:26 AM

FRIDAY FLICK : Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

This week's Friday Flick showcases some of the best acting talent, both old and new. It is 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood', based on the book by Rebecca Wells. The story centres around Siddalee Walker (played by Sandra Bullock) and the strained relationship she has always had with her mother Vivi (played by Ellen Burstyn). When Siddalee gives an interview that enrages her mother, it is the rest of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (her mother's lifelong friends) who must step in and try to repair the rift. Using a scrapbook that has been kept since they were all children they try to explain why Vivi is like she is.

Other members of the Ya-Ya sisterhood are played by Shirley Knight, Maggie Smith and Fionnula Flanagan.

This is a cleverly created and highly enjoyable film. Get a group of your friends and plenty of popcorn and sit back and enjoy!

Posted by Jenni on June 30, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 23, 2006 4:26 PM

FRIDAY FLICK : Le Divorce

Based on the book by Diane Johnson, 'Le Divorce' is this week's Friday Flick recommendation. When Isabel (played by Kate Hudson) goes to Paris to visit her pregnant sister Roxy (played by Naomi Watts) she is shocked to find Roxy's husband has left her that very day. He begins divorce proceedings, but these are hampered when Isabel begins a relationship with a diplomat who happens to be related to Roxy's ex.

This is a light hearted film which many have likened to fluff, but its real excellence is in the beautiful views of Paris which provide the backdrop to this movie.

Posted by Jenni on June 23, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 16, 2006 2:00 PM

FRIDAY FLICK : Shopgirl

This week's chick flick comes from a novella penned by a slightly unlikely source. It is based on the novella of the same name written by comedian Steve Martin. Yes 'Father of the Bride' / 'Sgt Bilko' Steve Martin. After he finished writing the book, Martin himself wrote the screenplay for this adaptation (prevents it getting sent back and forward for months). He also takes on of the three leading roles - anyone have a clue what percentage that gives him?

The story follows the fortunes of Mirabelle (played by Claire Danes) who moves to Los Angeles in search of the life she knows she deserves. Whilst working in the glove department of Saks, she starts to realise how lonely life on the West Coast can be. Motivated by this disappointment in her dream she allows two men (Jason Schwartzman and Martin) to pursue her. Neither is the kind of man she imagined she would end up with - can love occur in the least likely of circumstances?

Posted by Jenni on June 16, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 9, 2006 11:28 AM

FRIDAY FLICK : Bridget Jones 2 - The Edge Of Reason

This week's recommendation is for one of the best British chick flicks currently on the shelves of your local DVD store. It is of course, Bridget Jones 2 : The Edge of Reason. The eagerly awaited follow up to Bridget Jones's Diary keeps the same cast of Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant (we could only spot that Magda was played by a different actress).

Reviews of the film were very split, but the majority of the viewing public found this effort as pleasing as the first. Its fun and light-hearted, and if all else fails you can just spend your time trying to decide whether you want Mark or Daniel!

Posted by Jenni on June 9, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 2, 2006 12:37 PM

FRIDAY FLICK : About A Boy

This week at the cinema sees the release of 'Wah-Wah', an autobiographical film written and directed by Richard E. Grant. The film tells the story of Richard's young life in Swaziland, and the character Ralph Compton is representative of Richard. This part is played by Nicholas Hoult, who seems vaguely familiar...

He is of course the young actor who starred alongside Hugh Grant in the film adaptation of Nick Hornby's novel 'About A Boy'. The story follows Will (Grant) - richer than he cares to realise but incapable of forming meaningful relationships, and Marcus (Hoult) - a boy desperate to fit in. As their lives become interwoven each finds the other vital for their own survival. With Toni Collette and Rachel Weisz in supporting roles this is a real feel good film.

Did you know?  The role of Ellie is played by Nat Gastian Tena who is currently filming "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", playing the role of Nymphadora Tonks.

Posted by Jenni on June 2, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 26, 2006 8:00 PM

FRIDAY FLICK : Just Like Heaven

So if you want a bit of girly escapism these weekend, why not try the movie adaptation of 'Just Like Heaven'. This is the tale of David, a lonely architect who finds himself falling for Elizabeth - the woman who used to live in his apartment. There's only one problem with what seems like a standard love story, Elizabeth was in a terrible accident and is a spirit trapped between this life and the next.

Casting is pretty strong, with David being played by Mark Ruffalo and Elizabeth by Reese Witherspoon. The supporting cast is also strong - trust us when we say you'll  spend loads of the film saying "Isn't that x" and "Wasn't she in y"!

Posted by Jenni on May 26, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 19, 2006 11:43 AM

FRIDAY FLICK : Little Women

This week's suggested film is based on a book that still bears pride of place on many chick lit fans' bookshelves. 'Little Women' is the modern adaptation of the first two books in Lousia May Alcott's series, 'Little Women' and 'Good Wives'.

The film follows the March sisters, Meg (Trini Alavarado), Jo (Winona Ryder), Amy (Kirsten Dunst, and then Samantha Mathis later in the film) and Beth (Claire Danes). They live with their devoted Marmee (Susan Sarandon) during the American Civil War, whilst their father - a minister - is away at the front line. Romantic interest comes in the shape of Laurie, the boy next door (Christian Bale).

This is a beautiful adaptation of a book that many hold dearly in their hearts. A word of warning though... remember the tissues!

Posted by Aigua Media on May 19, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 5, 2006 12:51 PM

FRIDAY FLICK : In Her Shoes

Today's movie that we've selected to offer up as the Friday Flick is a personal favourite of mine. I've read the book and queued to see the film at the cinema as it was released, and now I've added it to my DVD collection where it's already receiving plenty of attention. The film in question? In Her Shoes, based on the book by Jennifer Weiner.

The cast is great, with Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette playing sisters Maggie and Rose Feller, and Mark Feuerstein as Simon. Perhaps though it is Shirley MacLaine playing the girls grandmother and her band of seniors who really steal the show! This movie comes in at a reasonable 130 mins, I know I would have felt robbed if it had been any shorter. Definitely a great girly film!

Posted by Aigua Media on May 5, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 28, 2006 12:13 PM

FRIDAY FLICK : Bridget Jones's Diary

And as we reach the end of the week, its time once more for our recommendation of a chicklit book turned chick flick. This week we turn our attention to Bridget Jones's Diary. Starring Renee Zellweger in perhaps her most famous role to date, plus of course the delectable Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. Add in a combination of some of Britain's favourite acting regulars in the shape of Celia Imrie, Jim Broadbent, and James Faulkner and you have the makings of a brilliant British movie (yes yes we know Renee is the exception).

Posted by Aigua Media on April 28, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 21, 2006 7:59 PM

FRIDAY FLICK : The Wedding Date

And so we come to the last of our new daily features here at Trashionista. Now whilst some Friday nights we love to get glammed up and hit the town (try our fashion sites for inspiration) other times we love nothing more than to get all our girly friends round and spend the night with a couple of bottles of wine and a good chick flick. As so many of the great chick flicks are inspired by some of our favourite chicklit classics we thought we'd share some of them - try them and love them!!

This week's choice is The Wedding Date based on the book of the same name by Liz Young (earlier versions are also called Asking For Trouble.) The film stars Debra Messing and Dermot Mulrooney alongside a cast of great British talent including the gorgeous Jeremy Sheffield and Jack Davenport plus recent Oscar Nominee Amy Adams. It comes in at a respectable 90 minutes which means that any puase-to-swoon moments are more than justified! (I know I have to have a moment or two for Jeremy!) Enjoy.

Posted by Aigua Media on April 21, 2006 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)