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Yet more Shopaholic casting news

Eep! One of my favourite actresses - Joan Cusack - has signed up to the Shopaholic movie along with John Goodman. They will play Becky Bloomwood's parents.

Then, I read on Digital Spy that John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lynn Redgrave, Leslie Bibb and Julie Hagerty have also joined the cast.

Related posts: More Shopaholic casting news | First photo of Shopaholic movie

MOVIE MAGIC: The Yiddish Policeman's Union

Michael Chabon (The Wonder Boys) and the Coen brothers in the same sentence? Yep, it's my dream come true. Well, one of my dreams. There's the one with Clooney and Depp and Cusack, but we'll gloss over that...

The Coen brothers are going to adapt Chabon's The Yiddish Policeman's Union. It's a tale set in an alternate-reality Alaska, with an alcoholic cop investigating the death of a heroin-addicted chess prodigy who may or may not be the Messiah. Can't wait.

Related posts: Movie Magic archives

Writers go back to work

Yay! An agreement has been reached and the 100-day Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike is officially over. A back-to-work order was approved by 92.5% of the WGA members.

The Oscars ceremony can now go ahead as planned, TV shows such as House and CSI will be back in production, and, most importantly, writers get a fairer payment deal for their work.

[Via Variety]

Related posts: Latest WGA strike news | Golden Globes ceremony cancelled

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...

BOOK NEWS: Screen Plays: How 25 Scripts Made It to a Theater Near You - for Better or Worse

Interested in how films are made? Polishing your own screenplay as we speak? David Cohen's new book describes the process of taking an idea for a film from the first concept, to the script and - finally - the screen.

Cohen interviews Hollywood screen writers and looks at the fortunes of 25 movies including Erin Brockovich, Lost in Translation and Monster's Ball.

Aimed at aspiring screen writers, the book is also packed with advice on how to sell your script - and how to protect it once you have. It's out in the US next week, but I haven't managed to find a UK release date yet...

Related posts: The Crusie/Mayer writing workshop | Screenwriters on strike!

Caprice Crane directs

Okay, you already know we adore Caprice Crane here at Trashionista, but did you know that she may be a robot?*

No? Well, what other explanation is there for a woman who writes such unfeasibly good fiction, is working on book number three, has just written a comedy screenplay (called 'Shorty' according to her website) and has still found time to direct a short film? Hmmm?

Titled Passing The Time, the film can be found on Caprice's MySpace.

* Yes, I am aware she could just be very talented and hard-working and spend less time watching DVDs than I do. Darn it.

Related posts: Guest Blog: Caprice Crane | Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane

MOVIE MAGIC: How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

I was very excited to read that Toby Young's hilarious How to Lose Friends and Alienate People is being made into a film.

Better still, it stars the frankly brilliant Simon Pegg. Pegg plays Sidney Young, the British writer struggling to fit in at a high-profile New York magazine.

The film also stars Kirsten Dunst, Jeff Bridges and Gillian Anderson, and is scheduled for an October release.

[Via Independent]

Related posts: The Sound of No Hands Clapping review | Movie Magic archive

MOVIE MAGIC: Decent Exposure

Sarah's just read and enjoyed Phillipa Ashley's Decent Exposure and Phillipa's emailed us with some exciting news.

The TV/movie the rights have been optioned by Fox, which is part of 20th Century Fox. If they go ahead with the project, Phillipa says, it seems most likely it is going to be a TV movie. A writer/producer has been assigned, but no casting news as yet.

So any suggestions? Who do you think would be good for the heroine, Emma? And what about "Mr July"?

Related posts: Phillipa Ashley's Decent Exposure wins the Joan Hessayon New Writers' Scheme Award | Wish You Were Here by Phillipa Ashley | More Movie Magic

MOVIE MAGIC: Stupid and Contagious

Yay, last week's Movie Magic finally captured your imagination ... or it might have been because I suggested a size 6 (probably) actress to play size 12 Heather Wells...

You've all read Caprice Crane's Stupid and Contagious, yes? (If not, why not? We've recommended it so many times!)

So if it was to be made into a film (which I sincerely hope it will be in the future), who would play Heaven and Brady?

I'm thinking the scrumptious Dave Annable (Justin in Brothers & Sisters) as Brady and Katherine Heigl as Heaven. What do you think?

Movie Magic archives

MOVIE MAGIC: Size 12 Is Not Fat

Yes, it may seem that since I discovered that Meg Cabot reads this blog, I have become kind of obsessed with her, but that's just plain wrong. I was obsessed with her before.

That aside, it usually takes me ages to think of a book for Movie Magic, but this week Size 12 Is Not Fat sprung immediately to mind and so I'm going with it. Although I don't know why since none of you seem particularly interested in casting imaginary movies with me. No, I'm not sulking. Much.

Anyway. Heather Wells, hero of Size 12, Size 14 Is Not Fat Either and the forthcoming Big Boned - who should play her in a movie version? I'm thinking Jennifer Garner. You?

MOVIE MAGIC: My Best Friend's Girl

This week I thought we could turn our imaginary casting hats to one of the most popular chick lit books of recent years - Dorothy Koomson's My Best Friend's Girl.

Since I *still* haven't read it (I know, I'm a very bad chick lit fan), I can't make any suggestions, but I know the book has a lot of fans amongst Trashionista readers so help me out.

If you were making a film of My Best Friend's Girl, who would you cast in the main roles?

Related: Marshmallows for Breakfast review

MOVIE MAGIC: Vince & Joy

After the underwhelming response (in other words, there was no response) to last week's Movie Magic, can I interest you in Lisa Jewell's Vince & Joy?

I know people don't like him, but I can't help thinking of Colin Farrell for Vince (even though just the name Vince makes me think of Paul Nicholas ... who might be a bit old) and, I've got Rashida Jones (Karen in the US version of The Office) stuck in my head for Joy (despite the fact that she's American).

Any suggestions?

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

MOVIE MAGIC: Anybody Out There?

No, I haven't heard that Anybody Out There is being turned into a film, but if it was, who would you cast?

As Anna Walsh? As Helen Walsh? As Aiden?

For some reason I'm seeing Paul Rudd (Phoebe's husband, Mike from Friends) as Aiden, but I'm stuck for who could play those Walsh sisters.

Any ideas?

Related posts: Marian Keyes news - she's on Strictly and on film! | Marian Keyes interview

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

MOVIE MAGIC: My Sister's Keeper

Mere days after I decide to revive Movie Magic, I hear some truly horrifying casting news for Jodi Picoult's brilliant My Sister's Keeper. Have you heard? Brace yourself.

Cameron Diaz as the mother, Sara. Cameron Diaz!

Honestly? I could weep. I so loved this book and Cameron Diaz is so, so wrong for Sara. So wrong that I feel it must be a joke, but apparently not. [via BuzzSugar]

I have a couple of actresses in mind for Sara, but I'll keep them to myself until I hear from you. What do you think? Who would you cast ... not just as Sara, what about the father or Campbell? 

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.

MOVIE MAGIC: Twenty Times a Lady

Exciting news!  Trashionista fave Karyn Bosnak has revealed on her blog that she's been working hard putting the finishing touches to her screenplay for book Twenty Times a Lady.  It might be a little early for a Movie Magic, but we like to be first with the news on Trashionista, so let's get to picking! (Who knows, maybe Hollywood is reading...)

Love interest Colin is a sexy Irish Colin Farrell-a-like, but can you think of anyone better to play the role?  For Delilah, think a dark-haired Bosnak... and then there's her sister, overbearing mother and eccentric grandpa.  Not to mention all her past lovers!

Ideas?

MOVIE MAGIE : Round Up

I've decided this week to have a look at some of the movie adaptations that have been announced or started production, based on our favourite chick lit novels.

First up is Sophie Kinsella's  'Can You Keep A Secret'. This is currently in pre-production (no one has been officially cast yet) with Paramount Pictures. The screenplay adaptation has been written by Erin Cressida Wilson who also adapted 'Secretary' from Mary Gatskill's short story. Kate Hudson is rumoured to be the top choice for the starring role of Emma Corrigon. We'll be eagerly watching for more news of this film!

The film version of Marian Keyes' "Rachel's Holiday" is now in production with Working Title Films. Catherine Zeta-Jones is said to be in talks both to star in the film, and to produce it. Fancesca Joseph is on board to direct, her career began with BBC's "Driving School' and she has since gone on to direct "Tomorrow La Scala" and "Four Last Songs".

Meg Cabot's "Teen Idol" has been optioned by Joan Singleton who intends to co-produce the film with her husband Ralph. His experience to date is slightly darker with a number of Stephen King adaptations under his belt, but these have been very well done so I'm in no doubt the job done on "Teen Idol" will be equally good.

Away from chick lit, fans of Harry Potter will be pleased to know filming is well under way on the 5th installment (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) with a predicted release date of 13th July 2007 for UK and USA, with most other places getting the film between 11th and 20th July, though spare a though for Australian fans who will have to wait until September to see the film. It's also worth mentioning that Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" series is also being adapted for the big screen - the first installment is in pre-production, and is expected some time in 2007.

MOVIE MAGIC: I Don't Know How She Does It

The next project for the team behind "The Devil Wears Prada" movie (director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh) is apparently going to be British author Allison Pearson's "I Don't Know How She Does It".

I was lucky enough to have dinner with Allison Pearson a couple of years ago and much of the conversation was given over to casting suggestions for the "I Don't Know How She Does It" film. I know we all agreed on George Clooney as Jack (Kate compares Jack to George in the book) and I think Ms Pearson may have been interested in Nicole Kidman as Kate (though I might be wrong because the wine was flowing). I know I suggested Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City's Miranda) but I have little recollection of the rest of the evening.

So any ideas? She has to be able to play tough and soft. And funny.

MOVIE MAGIC : Your choice

From last week's responses you lot are obviously as puzzled as us with who you'd cast as Heathcliff and Cathy in a new adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights'. I like the idea though of having a cast of British unknowns - what better project to be involved in to get your name known!?

Today sees the last Movie Magic as we know it. It'll continue to pop up when we have some exciting news about the latest adaptations of our chicklit favourites, but from next week you'll find an exciting new feature on Mondays.

I'll leave you with one final question. Which book would you most like to see turned into a film, and why?

MOVIE MAGIC : Wuthering Heights

Today's Movie Magic is brought to you courtesy of a couple of Trashionistas and a glass of wine (or two). When I had the chance to have a bit of a book chat with a couple of the contributors to Trashionista we got onto discussing Bronte's classic novel 'Wuthering Heights'. Over the years a number of attempts have been made to convert this much loved book into a visual feast, but none of them has quite managed it. This brought us on to the subject of who we would cast in the two lead roles - Cathy and Heathcliff. After much discussion and pondering, we came up with a complete blank.

So we decided to turn the challenge over to you, who would you cast to play Cathy and Heathcliff? We're looking forward to the suggestions.

MOVIE MAGIC : Memoirs of A Geisha

Now normally on a Monday we put ourselves in the shoes of the casting director and decide who we'd cast in the film adaptation of some of our favourite chicklit books. Occasionally though the professionals get there first - and that was the case with Memoirs of a Geisha. We've already reviewed the book today, so for a full sweep we thought we'd take a look at the film too.

The casting of the film takes in some of the biggest names in Asian cinema. Whilst the film is beautifully created, and follows the plot fairly well, for avid fans of the book there will (as you would probably expect) be some disappointments. Some sections of the book have been cut to keep the film to a manageable length, and whilst director Rob Marshall tries his hardest to convey all of the imagery used in the book it is never going to be exactly how you imagined it all. If you can accept before you begin to watch that it isn't going to be exactly as you pictured it then this is one worth a try.

MOVIE MAGIC : Come Together

Regular readers will know that we here at Trashionista are fans of the writing duo Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees. So this week's book becoming a movie is 'Come Together'. You know the drill by now, I tell you who I would cast in the roles and you tell me just how wrong I got it!

So first up to cast is Jack. As I read the book I only had one person in mind as Jack, Chad Michael Murray (yes I'm preparing myself now for the backlash).

With Jack sorted the next choice has to be the role of Amy. I'm not quite sure on the reasoning behind this choice, but I have a nagging little voice telling me I have to pick Julia Stiles.

Carry on across the cut for the rest...

Jack's best mate Matt is another one whom I've cast as a result of a nagging voice... and I'm giving the part to Adam Brody.

And finally H should be played by Anne Hathaway. She's already clocking up plenty of chick lit related work though - having been the star of 'The Princess Diaries' films written by Meg Cabot, she has just completed filming 'Devil Wears Prada' and is now filming a film called 'Becoming Jane' in which she's playing the title role of Jane Austen (amongst a star studded cast).

So there you have it, over to you...

MOVIE MAGIC : Devil Wears Prada

In this weeks movie magic we're taking a slightly different tack. Filming on the movie adaptation of 'The Devil Wears Prada' has now been completed and the film is classed as being in 'post-production'. We want to know whether you agree with the actors they have chosen for the roles.

The role of Andrea went to Anne Hathaway, whilst Hollywood favourite Meryl Streep took the part of Miranda. Adam Grenier, probably best known for his role as Chase in Drive Me Crazy, takes on the role of Nate and the role of Lilly is taken by Tracie Thoms. The fashion quota is increased by the presence of model Giselle Bundchen.

So what do you think? Did they get it right or is the casting more Primark than Prada? Let us know!!

MOVIE MAGIC - SPECIAL Scarlett Johansson starts filming The Nanny Diaries.

As it was Bank Holiday Monday you didn't get your regular 'Movie Magic' fix (sorry - I was enjoying the joys of May Day!) So as a treat we're bringing you a Movie Magic Special today to make up for it. We heard via our friends at lePaparazzi that filming has begun on the set of 'The Nanny Diaries' so we thought we'd check it out.

Scarlett Johansson has been cast as Nan, who goes to work for Mr and Mrs X played by Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney. They will be joined by Grammy winning RnB star Alicia Keys and the gorgeous Chris Evans (no Brits not that one!!)

Carry on over the cut for a first peep of Scarlett and Alicia on set - we'll keep you up to date with any further news as soon as we hear it.

Scarlett and Alicia on location in Queens, New York. Filming is taking place at sites across New York, and will also move to Toronto for some of the run.

MOVIE MAGIC : Shopaholic...

This week's book is "The Secret Dreamworld of A Shopaholic" by Sophie Kinsella. (published in America as "True Confessions of a Shopaholic") I've decided to cast four main characters, and of course I'd hope for the actors to sign up for the series of films! Now as it's a British book I pondered for quite a while over whether to use British actors only, but remembering Renee as Bridget I decided I'd allow myself the slghtly wider pool of actors from... well... anywhere in the world (just imagine they can do perfect accents!)

There's no other place to start but with Becky. I first considered Michelle Williams, but wasn't quite sure that she could quite convey the scattiness I straight away picture when I think about Becky Bloomwood. I ended up deciding on Rachel Bilson - whilst she's best known for her role in teen drama 'The O.C.', Rachel is actually almost 25. She's definitely proven her ability to play scatty and she has the style that would lend herself to Becky.

Next up is Luke. I went against a lot of my sensibilities here (so what if the ages don't quite match up) and cast another Luke... Luke Wilson. I think he'd play successful businessman well, and would obviously cope well with the more comedic side of the part.

Suze, Becky's best friend, was another one who made me think for quite a while. I settled in the end for Kirsten Dunst.

Tarquin, last but not least, was less difficult to cast. Now whilst I'm sure he doesn't quite match many other people's image of Tarquin, for me the part has to go to Jeremy Sheffield. There's something very British about him that made him spring to mind.

So what do you think? Who would you have cast in the roles? Let us know below!

MOVIE MAGIC : One For The Money

This week heralds the beginning of new daily features here on Trashionista starting with today's Movie Magic. Each week one of the Trashionistas will pick one of our favourite books and choose who we would cast in the lead roles for the movie version. And then its over to you - comment and let us know if you think we got it right or who you would have chosen instead.

I'm starting it off, and the book in question is 'One for the Money' by Janet Evanovich. Fans have been casting the film of this for ages on Janet's own site, so I thought I'd get in on the act. Follow the cut to see my choice for the key roles...

For me the lead role of Stephanie Plum is a no brainer, its got to be Sandra Bullock. Now I know she has said she doesn't want to do any more romantic comedies or the like, but this is my imaginary cast and so she's in!

Joe Morelli was a slightly tougher call... Benjamin Bratt does seem a bit of an obvious choice, but then thats getting back to 'Miss Congeniality' which just would do. So instead I would cast Joe Lando.

Ranger is an interesting one to ponder, many of the actors that spring to mind don't tick all the boxes. My choice may be somewhat from the left field (i.e. I haven't gone for The Rock or Vin Diesel like so many others do) but I think for me Antonio Banderas would be a reasonable choice.

Vinnie to me is most definitely Jon Lovitz, and Lula has to be played by Queen Latifah.

Which leaves Grandma Mazur I think my choice would be Ellen Albertini Dow, though I'm sure any of the Golden Girls would make pretty decent Grandmas.

So its over to you. Agree? Disagree? Let me know below.