Trashionista

MOVIE NEWS: Jane Eyre

The Canadian actress Ellen Page has been cast as Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre in a new adaptation due to start filming at the end of this year. 

This is the first period film for Page, who was Oscar nominated for her part in Juno. She also starred in X-Men 3.

The classic novel about a governess and her master, Mr Rochester, is one of the most filmed adaptations of all time. It is being developed by BBC Films. [Via Empire]

Related posts: Wuthering Heights gets graphic | TV News: Jane Eyre

MOVIE NEWS: An Invisible Sign Of My Own

Aimee Bender's novel An Invisible Sign Of My Own is being adapted for the big screen and America Ferrera has signed on for the starring role.

The quirky story is about a twenty-year-old loner, Mona Gray, who as a child turned to maths for salvation after her father became ill. As an adult, Mona teaches the subject and still relies on numbers to keep her world safe and ordered. Will love change that forever?

[Via Hollywood Reporter]

Related posts: Movie news archives

Angels And Demons casting news

Remember we told you about the film adapation of Dan Brown's Angels And Demons?

Well, today the news is out that leading lady Ayelet Zurer (who?) is to be joined by the very lovely Ewan McGregor. He will play an insider at the Vatican who helps Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks).

[Via Empire]

Related posts: Bad Mother's Handbook casting news | Yet more Shopaholic casting

MOVIE NEWS: The Oxford Murders

Ooh, I like the look of The Oxford Murders. It's out this week and is adapted from an award-winning novel of the same name by the Argentine mathematician and writer Guillermo Martínez.

It's a thriller, but with addded mathematics and philosophy. Set at Oxford University, Professor Arthur Seldom  (the wonderful John Hurt) and his student Martin (Elijah Wood), work together to solve a series of puzzling murders...

Related posts: Movie News archives

Jane Austen goes hip hop

Screen Gems is planning a hip-hop musical version of Jane Austen's Emma. Yes, you read that right - a baggy-trousered dance-culture Emma.

Written by Tyger Williams (Menace II Society) and shifted to a high school, the film aims to cash-in on recent dance movie successes. To appeal to modern youth, the title is likely to be Emme. I'm far too old to comment on this...

[Via Empire]

Related posts: The Jane Austen calendar | Jane Austen's Guide To Dating

MOVIE NEWS: Malice In Wonderland

A new take on Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland is being filmed in the UK. The producer, Albert Martinez-Martin has moved filming from Sunderland (the film was going to be titled Malice In Sunderland) to Southend for reasons of "funding."

Mischa Barton is to star in the movie as a US student utterly disorientated in a strange city after she is hit by a London taxi.

[Via BBC]

Related posts: Penguin Classics covers | The Old Curiosity Shop

The Ivy Chronicles casting news

The Ivy Chronicles by Karen Quinn is being made into a film. Yes, I know we already told you this but wait - there's more!

Having worked together on Ocean's 12, producer Jerry Weintraub is being reunited with Catherine Zeta Jones. I assume she'll be playing the main character Ivy Ames. It's been a while since I read the book, but she strikes me as a good choice. What do you think?

[Via Hollywood Reporter]

Related posts: Book Review: Wife In The Fast Lane | Karen Quinn competition

Remember when we asked if chick lit was bad for your love life...?

Well, it's not just us! Look!

Mr. Right . . . is Stuck in Traffic is a one hour documentary that investigates the impact "chick flicks" and "chick lit" have on real-life love. Using humorous re-enactments, film clips, interviews, animation and social experiments we'll explore whether chick culture is harmless fun or a ruthless relationship saboteur.

Best-selling authors Marian Keyes (Anybody Out There?) and Jane Green (Second Chance), relationship expert Dr. Michelle (The Today Show & Tyra) and many others will share their thoughts on nasty cases of "inflated expectations" and possible cures for this pop culture pandemic.

It's apparently currently in post-production. I'll keep a look out for it and let you know if I ever get to see it (and of course, feel free to tell us all about it if you see it first).

[via Canada.com]

MOVIE NEWS: Rosemary's Baby

Yep, it's another completely unnecessary remake of a classic!

Rosemary's Baby, Roman Polanski's chilling horror, is being remade by Platinum Dunes. Based on Ira Levine's 1967 novel, the original film starred the wonderful Mia Farrow. She played the pregnant woman who is disturbed by the increasingly strange behaviour of her husband and neighbours, and who begins to wonder what she is going to give birth to...

I have enjoyed some remakes (The Thomas Crown Affair springs to mind), but I can't help feeling they are rather pointless... What do you think?

[Via Empire]

Related posts: Movie News archive

More on My Sister's Keeper movie

Jason Patric (The Lost Boys, Sleepers) has joined the cast of My Sister's Keeper. He will play the girls' firefighter father.

Hollywood Reporter also tells us that Thomas Dekker (Heroes) is to play "the older sister's boyfriend and fellow cancer survivor." I don't remember that character in the book (although it is a long time since I read it). Does anyone else?

Related posts: Movie Magic: My Sister's Keeper | More My Sister's Keeper News

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 NEWS: Marley & Me pictures

I was a bit worried that, given his recent troubles, Owen Wilson might have pulled out of Marley & Me, but my fears were unfounded, because here he is with Jennifer Aniston filming in Miami. [via Popsugar]

I loved the book, so I can't wait to see the film. How about you?

Related posts: Marley & Me review | Rex and the City review | What the Dog Did review

MOVIE NEWS: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day trailer

Because I loved the book so much, I wasn't sure about this film when I first read the cast list, but I think it looks good fun. What do you think?

 

(Shopaholic) MOVIE NEWS: Hugh Dancy *is* Luke!

It's still not listed on IMDb, but the most recent newsletter from Sophie Kinsella seems to confirm it:

... the Shopaholic movie is finally underway! I have been in New York recently, attending rehearsals, talking to the actors, director and producers, and seeing the story come alive before my eyes... and it's given me goosebumps :) Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy and Krysten Ritter are going to be SO fabulous as Becky, Luke and Suze.

Surely Sophie knows who's playing Luke?

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

MOVIE NEWS: Suburban Girl... again

Did any of you watch the recent David Duchovny series, Californication? Duchovny played an author whose best-selling novel, God Hates Us All, is turned into a romantic comedy starring Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, with the title changed to Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

I was reminded of it when I saw this cover for Suburban Girl, which, you may remember is based on Melissa Bank's best-selling novel, A Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing.

Suburban Girl has gone straight to DVD, with the tagline "rewriting her dream in the big city" (I just can't *think* what they're trying to cash in on there!).

MOVIE NEWS: The full Sex and the City trailer

Enjoy!

MOVIE NEWS: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Yes, I loved Rachel Cohn's Gingerbread and I'm intrigued by the sound of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, which she wrote with David Levithan, but I'm mostly interested in the forthcoming movie because it stars Michael Cera, who I lurve. 

You know, he was George-Michael in the (sublime) Arrested Development, Paulie Bleeker in the (fabulous) Juno, and Evan in the (hit and miss) Superbad? Well, he's playing Nick and Norah will be played by Kat Dennings (who I don't know).

Related: Movie news archives

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

First photo of Shopaholic movie

I know it's only tiny, but since it's the first photo from the eagerly-awaited Shopaholic movie, I thought it was worth sharing.

Yes, it's Isla Fisher as Becky Bloomwood. And, yes, it's being filmed in New York. We're just going to have to accept it. And there's still no announcement of who's playing Luke!

[via BuzzSugar]

Related posts: Shopaholic & Baby review | Sophie Kinsella in Second Life

MOVIE NEWS: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants trailer

I love Ann Brachares' Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series and I really loved the first movie. I can't wait to see the second (and, unfortnately, last) so I'm thrilled by this trailer.

What do you think? Will you be going to see it?

MOVIE NEWS: Flirting With Forty

Jane Porter's books have been recommended to us both by a Trashionista reader and by author Megan Crane.

We haven't read any yet (there are TONS of books to read! We're doing our best!), but we were still excited to hear that Flirting With Forty is to become a movie starring Heather Locklear. Can't wait to see it!

Related: Jane Porter interview

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

TV & MOVIE NEWS: I Was a Teenage Popsicle

Bev Katz Rosenbaum has announced that her young adult book,  I Was a Teenage Popsicle, has been optioned for film and TV. (The plan is to produce it as a film then spin it into a series.)

For any writers reading (and I know there are lots of you), this came about as the result of Bev sending a copy of her book to the production company after watching one of their shows and realizing the tone was similar to her book!

Bev's advice is to take note of which shows and indie movies are similar to your books and send the producers (you can almost always find the production companies' websites on the net) a copy of your book along with any endorsements/reviews (good ones would probably be best...).

Great advice and good luck, Bev!

Related posts: Heather Wells series optioned for TV | Angus, Thongs & Full-Frontal Snogging trailer!

MOVIE NEWS: Angus, Thongs & Full-Frontal Snogging trailer!

Oh, this has been a good week for fans of young adult series. First the Sweet Valley High news and now the trailer for the movie of the first book in Louise Rennison's Georgia Nicolson series.

And, yes, I think that *is* T4's Steve Jones... sigh...

Latest WGA strike news

Vanity Fair has cancelled its famous after-show Oscars party in support of the Writers Guild of America strike.

This latest blow comes just as hopes are raised for an agreement between the WGA and the Hollywood film studios. The word on the net is that a deal is taking shape to end the three-month-long strike and that meetings are being set up for this Saturday.

[Via Reuters]

Related posts:  Golden Globes ceremony cancelled | Writers and producers resume talks

Adopt A Writer

No. Not literally. Supporters of the Writers Guild of America strike have come up with a genius idea. They have pulled together writers who blog to create the Adopt A Writer website. Featuring working writers, it aims to give an insight into writer's lives, finances and experiences of the strike.

Writing is such a misunderstood profession. People either picture the super-rich and successful or someone living penniless in a garret. Hopefully, Adopt A Writer will give a more balanced, infomed view, as well as rallying support for the strike.

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

MOVIE NEWS: Sex and the City poster

I'm only mildly excited about the Sex and the City movie. I loved the show, but I'm not convinced that returning to it won't be a mistake. Still I'll be happy just to have a bit more Mr Big in my life...

What I am excited about, though, is this gorgeous poster. I can't stop looking at it. I know I need to buy it for my office wall. But at the same time, there are a few things missing. It needs a New York skyline (even a small one, across the bottom, would do).

[poster via Just Jared]

Also, a picture of Carrie and a tagline of "Get Carried Away"? Sex and the City was never just about Carrie. It makes me wonder if part of Sarah Jessica Parker's agreement to get on board was based on it being All About Her. I don't mind if Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda are in the background a tad, but they should definitely be there, don't you think?

Related posts: Reading Sex and the City | Sex and the City trailer

MOVIE NEWS: More Shopaholic casting news

You probably all know by now that Isla Fisher is playing Becky Bloomwood in the Shopaholic movie (now in pre-production), but I've just checked on IMDb and found out who's on board for Luke and Suze. And I'm not happy.

Luke will be played by Hugh Dancy (The Jane Austen Book Club). I haven't seen him in anything, but judging by the photos he's a tad less masculine than I imagined Luke to be. (But I can't see Luke as anyone other than Colin Firth, so it might just be me.)

Krysten Ritter will play Suze.  If you're a Gilmore Girls fan, then you'll know Krysten as Rory's really annoying Yale friend. I don't know who I'd cast as Suze, but I don't think it would be her.

What do you think?

Atonement set to score at the BAFTAs

Having romped  home with the Best Film Prize at the Golden Globes, Atonement is now taking on the BAFTAs. It's been nominated for a whopping 14 awards including Best Film, Best Director, Best British Film and Leading Actor.

Keira Knightley received a nomination for Leading Actress, despite the heated Trashionista debate on whether she was too pretty for the role...

[Via EarthTimes]

Related posts: Golden Globes ceremony cancelled | Booker Prize longlist

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 NEWS: I Think She's Got It by Bridie Clark

Because She Can author Bridie Clark has already sold the movie rights to her next, as yet unpublished book, I Think She's Got It. In fact, the Weinstein Company has bought book, movie and television rights!

According to BuzzSugar, the story is a modern-day Pygmalion, set in Manhattan and focusing on "a shy Midwesterner who is transformed into a sophisticated socialite by a man-about-town who insists he can turn anyone into the latest 'it' girl."

A great idea, but, as BuzzSugar points out, the title references My Fair Lady, which was itself a retelling of Pygmalion. Just shows that a good story can run and run...

Movie News archives

MOVIE NEWS: More My Sister's Keeper cast news

First there was Cameron Diaz (which I thought was ridiculous). Then there were the Fanning sisters (which Sarah wasn't too sure about). And now I read that Alec Baldwin has signed on to play the lawyer, Campbell, in the forthcoming adaptation of Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper.

He's much older than the character (who's in his thirties), plus recent revelations about his private life have put me right off Mr Baldwin, but what do you think? Is this shaping up to be an incredible film? Or (like me) do you think the casting director's having a laugh?

[via BuzzSugar]

MOVIE NEWS: Sex and the City trailer

Eek! Just in case you haven't caught it yet, here's a link to the trailer for the Sex and the City film... It's due for release (in the US) at the end of May, 2008.

And if that isn't enough to keep you going,check out this New York Times article about the film, the filming of the film, and the relationship between the film and the city it has made (even more) famous. Phew!

(Thanks to IMDB)

Related posts: MOVIE NEWS: Sex and the City | Reading Sex and the City

More WGA Strike news

We told you about the Writers Guild of America strike six weeks ago, when it began. Negotiations were halted on 7 December when the producers' alliance refused to bargain further unless the union dropped six proposals. Today, things have taken a turn for the worse.

The WGA has filed an unfair labour practices complaint, claiming studios broke the law by ending negotiations.

The WGA is demanding (not unreasonably some may say) that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers returns to the bargaining table to, you know, talk this thing through and reach an agreement.

Related posts: Writers and producers resume talks | A little bit of politics

MOVIE NEWS: Bride Wars

Anne Hathaway has signed on to star with Kate Hudson in a new comedy called Bride Wars about best friends who are pitted against each other when their wedding dates clash.

Gary Winick will direct and the script has been written by June Diane Raphael and Casey Wilson. Karen McCullah Lutz, author of The Bachelorette Party, and Kirsten Smith also wrote on the project.

For more wedding fun, check out our sister site, Bridalwave.

Related posts: Devil Wears Prada - Anne Hathaway interview | How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days

Movie News: I am legend

Holy Smoke! I just watched the preview for I am legend (courtesy of Meg Cabot's blog) and my heart is racing.

Based on Richard Matheson's 1954 novel of the same name, I am legend depicts New York City after a virus has wiped out every human bar one. Will Smith plays Robert Neville, the last man alive, but he is Not Alone.

It's out later this month and I want to see it. I may have to watch it from between my fingers, but I want to see it...

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

Writers and producers resume talks

Although the WGA (Writers Guild of America) strike continues, there is hope this week that an agreement will be reached.

Yesterday, for the first time since the strike began over three weeks ago, writers and producers resumed talks. They met again today,  but thanks to a media blackout, neither side gave any comment.

[Via Variety]

Related post: Screenwriters on strike

PS I Love You trailer

PS I Love You is the only Cecelia Ahern book I actually enjoyed, but I'm not sure about the film. I don't understand why they couldn't find an Irish actor... (I had thought Gerard Butler was Irish, but it turns out he's Scottish!).

Related posts: Is anyone watching Samantha Who? | Hilary Swank injured in filming

Movie News: The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly

Okay, nobody laugh, but I only just realised that a film had been made of The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby.

Anyhoo, it's out at the end of November.

Bauby's memoir was written after he suffered a massive stroke, aged 42, which left him with 'locked-in syndrome'. His only method of communication was through blinking his left eyelid, but he managed to dictate this book.

Anyone else think it will be very difficult to do justice to this incredible story?

Related posts: Movie News archive

MOVIE NEWS: Angels & Demons

Let me tell you a little story. Once upon a time I worked at Waterstone's bookstore and customers would sometimes ask for recommendations. Whenever they asked us to recommend a crime novel, we always told them to read Angels & Demons by a little-known author named Dan Brown.

We booksellers would often wonder why Dan Brown wasn't more famous since Angels & Demons was such a flat-out fabulous book. And then along came The Da Vinci Code... and we all lived happily ever after (or at least, Dan Brown did).

Anyway. My point is that I didn't like The Da Vinci Code book and so haven't watched the movie, but I was excited to hear that a movie is being made of Angels & Demons. Except that it's become the first movie casualty of the Hollywood writers' strike; it's had to be delayed because the script needs more work and there are no writers around to do it. Shame. [via booktrade.info]

Related posts: Books the British public just couldn't finish | Screenwriters on strike!

Movie News: More casting news for My Sister's Keeper

Here at Trashionista, we were traumatised to hear that the so-wrong-it's-not-funny Cameron Diaz had been cast as the mother, Sara, in the film of Jodi Picoult's bestselling My Sister's Keeper.

However, I just read (on Jodi's website) that real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning have been cast as Kate and Anna Fitzgerald.

Now, I don't know anything about Elle, but Dakota is lovely. Very talented, utterly adorable and, I reckon, a good choice for the part. What do you think?

Related posts: Movie Magic: My Sister's Keeper | Jodi Picoult interview

Movie News: Brick Lane

The controversial film adaptation of Monica Ali's Brick Lane is out on general release tomorrow.

Despite a brouhaha during filming (residents of the real Brick Lane protested), the film has gone on to win two awards at the Dinard Film Festival in northern France and a screening at The London Film Festival.

So, will you be rushing to the cinema to watch it? I have to confess, I haven't actually read the book yet...

Related post: Yay or Nay Wednesday: film adaptations

Screenwriters on strike!

Meg Cabot and Neil Gaiman are among those who have laid down their pens this week for the Writers Guild of America strike.

The action only affects screenwriting and concerns the residual payment made to writers for internet distribution and the sale of DVDs. Knowing how much money the television and film industry makes and how little most writers get paid, I can't see a problem. Can you?

FYI, the last time Hollywood writers went on strike was in 1988. It lasted for 22 weeks and cost the industry $500 million.

[Via AOL]

Related post: A little bit of politics

MOVIE NEWS: Julie & Julia

I was already excited about the movie adaptation of Julie Powell's non-fiction book, Julie & Julia, because my hero, Nora Ephron, is writing the screenplay and directing. But now I've heard some casting news, I'm even more excited: Meryl Streep as Julia Child and Amy Adams as Julie Powell. [via Variety]

It's going to be so good. (Or, at least, it had better be!)

Related posts: From blog to book | Lulu Blooker prize shortlist

BOOK NEWS: Angus, Thongs & Full-Frontal Snogging

We've written about this before, but I've just seen some casting news and I'm very excited. Georgia herself is to be played by an actress named Georgia Groome, who I don't know, but in this picture looks exactly - exactly - as I imagined the character of Georgia Nicolson!

Georgia's dad is being played by Alan Davies (love him) and her mum by comedian Karen Taylor. You might not know Karen Taylor, but I recently enjoyed her sketch show, Touch Me, I'm Karen Taylor, and I think she'll be perfect too. With a great cast and Bend It Like Beckham's Gurinder Chadha directing (and she's written the screenplay), this one's going to be big.

Related posts: Spotlight - Louise Rennison | "... Startled by His Furry Shorts!" review

MOVIE NEWS: Karen Quinn

The studios obviously haven't been put off by the failure of The Nanny Diaries (or else they were encouraged by the success of The Devil Wears Prada) since the film rights of chick lit books are still being snapped up!

In the latest issue of her very entertaining email newsletter, Karen Quinn announced that an offer has been made to turn her second novel, Wife in the Fast Lane, into a film.

She also said that she's read the script for The Ivy Chronicles and she loves it. There's no information about this movie on IMDb, apart from a release date of 2010 (is it just me, or does that year seem startlingly futuristic?).

Mark Wahlberg for The Lovely Bones

Ryan Gosling has apparently dropped out of Peter Jackson's film adaptation of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones. Gosling was due to play Susie's father, but he's been replaced by Mark Wahlberg. It's more than last minute, since filming was apparently due to begin today! [via BuzzSugar]

I've just had a look on IMDb and Gosling is still listed, along with Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon (love her), Stanley Tucci (love him) and Michael Imperioli (the unfortunate Christopher from The Sopranos). Sounds like a great cast.

Related posts: The Almost Moon review | Alice Sebold interview

MOVIE NEWS: The Kite Runner

I haven't read The Kite Runner yet, but I've heard an awful lot about it so I can't wait to see the film ... I mean, read it. (Jenni, former Trashionista editor, LOVED it!)

Anyway, the film is due out next month and, if you're in the US, there are all sorts of treats on the movie's website, including advance screenings, signed books and the chance to win dinner with the author, Khaled Hosseini.

Have you read it? Did you love it?

MOVIE NEWS: The Next Thing On My List

Diane LOVED Jill Smolinski's The Next Thing On My List and I've just read that Kelly Bowe is on board to adapt it for film for Wendy Finerman Productions and New Line.

Finerman producing The Devil Wears Prada movie and the upcoming version of Cecilia Ahern's P.S. I Love You.

[via Hollywood Reporter]

TV & MOVIE NEWS: Meg Cabot

It's possible that Meg Cabot is trying to take over the world. Not satisfied with writing books faster than I can read them, she's selling TV and movie rights left, right and centre too. Television rights to Avalon High have been purchased by the Disney channel, and the TV rights to How To be Popular have been sold to MTV. Plus there might also be a Mediator movie. How cool is that? [via bookchicclub]

Related posts: Meg Cabot interview | Jinx by Meg Cabot | Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

MOVIE NEWS: Enchanted, Inc

I've just heard that Universal have bought the film rights to Enchanted, Inc, the first book in Shanna Swendson's wonderful series. I'm so excited about this - not just because I absolutely loved Enchanted, Inc, but also because Shanna is a Friend of Trashionista ^TM! Congratulations, Shanna. Got any casting ideas?

Maria Bello has never finished a Jane Austen book

Turns out Maria Bello - one of the stars of the movie adaptation of The Jane Austen Book Club - is no fan of Jane Austen. Saying, on Babble.com

I'll be brutally honest and say I'm a huge reader — I read about two novels a week, I've been reading since I was five — and I've never gotten through a Jane Austen book. It's just not my type of writing. I sort of like more testosterone-driven, hard-hitting novels like Hemingway or Philip Roth or Simone de Beauvoir. I sort of like things that go right for the gut. Maybe I'll grow into liking Jane Austen, but right now, eh.

Related posts: Marian Keyes doesn't like Austen either! | The Jane Austen Book Club review | The influence of Austen

MOVIE NEWS: Paddington Bear

I love Paddington - I mean, who doesn't love Paddington? - but I'm not sure about the planned live action movie announced earlier this week.

The first film based on Michael Bond's classic series of books will be produced by David Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter movies, but no casting or other information has yet been announced. [via BBC]

But having just sat through most of the Garfield: the Movie, I'm not on board with live action films of cartoon characters. What do you think?

Movie news archives

MOVIE NEWS: Suburban Girl (again)

I'm intrigued by the film Suburban Girl - it's the movie of the Melissa Bank book The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing - and I've just found this interview with the director, Marc Klein on YouTube.

MOVIE NEWS: The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency

I know I keep saying this, but I love the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series, and I'm really looking forward to the movie.

It's being directed by Anthony Minghella (who directed The English Patient and The Talented Mr Ripley) and stars jazz singer Jill Scott as Mma Ramotswe.

Scott is pictured with the author Alexander McCall Smith who has written an excellent piece about the experience of seeing his book brought to life in the Daily Mail.

The film will be shown on BBC1 this Christmas.

MOVIE NEWS: Marley & Me

Me and Diane both loved John Grogan's Marley & Me (even though I didn't cry) and I've just read that it's being made into a movie with ... wait for it ... Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. (David Frankel, director of The Devil Wears Prada, will direct.) [via BuzzSugar]

I saw John Grogan as more David Duchovny than Owen Wilson (although Owen Wilson would be great as Marley!), but still I think this could be good.

Keira Knightley 'too pretty' for Atonement?

Ceri Radford of The Telegraph's books blog can't decide if she's looking forward to the adaptation of Ian McEwan's World War Two-set modern classic Atonement or not. On the one hand, she loves a period drama, on the other hand... there's Keira Knightley. That alone would put me off (me-ow!) but Radford's specific problem is that the pouty one is "too pretty"  for Cecilia, who is described in the book as "plain".

Does it matter that actresses look like the characters they're playing, or is a little artistic licence understandable - we are talking about Hollywood after all!

What do you think?

MOVIE NEWS: Shopaholic!

Is it really true? Well, yes, apparently it is. According to Coming Soon:

P.J. Hogan (Peter Pan, My Best Friend's Wedding) will direct Confessions of a Shopaholic, an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Sophie Kinsella. Jerry Bruckheimer will produce.

Shooting begins this November in New York. [via BuzzSugar]

I know we've asked you this before, but who do you see as Becky? (I can definitely see Rachel Bilson, but also, of course, Reese Witherspoon.)

Related: Shopaholic and Baby review | Shopaholic and Baby - Yay or Nay?

MOVIE NEWS: The Jane Austen Book Club trailer

We wrote about the upcoming film of The Jane Austen Book Club back in April and now we have the trailer to show you. I didn't love the book, but the film definitely has a good cast (love Maria Bello) and I liked the trailer (gave me the shivers), but we'll have to wait until January next year to see if it's as good as it looks.

Related posts: The Nanny Diaries trailer.

MOVIE NEWS: Dogs of Babel/Lorelei's Secret

I loved Carolyn Pankhurst's novel Lorelei's Secret (called Dogs of Babel in the US) and I've heard (via Huffington Post) that it's being made into a movie with Will Ferrell.

The book is about a man who, following his wife's death to which their dog, Lorelei, was the only witness, tries to teach Lorelei to talk. Ferrell, who showed he has an excellent grasp of both the absurd and, um, acting, in Stranger Than Fiction, could be perfect, but we'll have to wait until 2009 to find out.

Movie News archives

MOVIE NEWS: Yes Man

We wrote a while ago about how the movie rights to both of Danny Wallace's hilarious books - Yes Man and Join Me - had been snapped up and, at the time, we'd heard that Jack Black was to star in the first.

Well, we were wrong (not our fault - we got it from Danny's website!). Turns out Yes Man is now to star Jim Carrey. But don't get too excited (assuming you're excited at all), it's not due out until 2009.

Movie news archives

MOVIE NEWS: The Lovely Bones

Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones is one of the most successful books of recent years (and also top of a list of books you shouldn't bother to read) and now the inevitable movie details have been announced.

Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings, King Kong) has co-written the screenplay and will direct and Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada) is in negotiations to play killer George Harvey.

 

Susie Salmon will be played by Saoirse Ronan and Ryan Gosling and Rachel Weisz will play her parents.

[via BuzzSugar]

Related posts: New book by Alice Sebold | Books the British public just couldn't finish!

MOVIE NEWS: The Nanny Diaries trailer

The Nanny Diaries is probably the most eagerly awaited chick lit adaptation since Bridget Jones's Diary.

The trailer states coming this spring, but I've checked on IMDb and they have a date of 7 September, which doesn't bode all that well. What does bode well is that Laura Linney's in it. I love Laura Linney. Anyway, let us know what you think.

Related posts: Citizen Girl review | Dedication review

MOVIE NEWS: Evening

I must admit I hadn't heard of the book Evening by Susan Minot before I saw adverts for the film. But the ads definitely caught my eye: this new adaptation of Minot's book stars Claire Danes, Toni Colette, Meryl Streep and Glenn Close, among others! According to the film's website, it's about a mother-daughter relationship... which I'm guessing doesn't always go smoothly (or else why make a film about it?!)

No news on a UK release date yet but we'll keep you posted.

Movie news archives.

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

Last week, the film and literary worlds were all-a-flutter with the news that Sex and the City is to be made into a movie - after years and years of rumours and speculation it is (apparently) really going to happen. I guess Kim Cattrall decided to just grit her teeth and make nice with SJP... or something. (I'm just speculating, that's not libel!) Anyhoo, what I want to know this week is whether you think it's a good idea.

Should a good thing be left well enough alone? Or are you chomping at the bit to find out what happened next for Carrie and co.? Do TV series ever make good films - if not, will this be the exception? And if you are keen on the idea, what should happen next? (Hey, you never know who might be reading!)

In other words: SATC - the movie: is it a Yay or a Nay, and why?

Yay or Nay archives.

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

MOVIE NEWS: Sex and the City

Woo! And indeed hoo!

According to IMDb, the long-awaited Sex and the City TV movie will start shooting this autumn.

All four of the original women have signed up: Kim Cattrall, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis and the film will be directed by the show's longtime director Michael Patrick King, based on a new script he's written.

Related posts: Reading Sex and the City's Samantha | Thursday Three: Bridget, meet Carrie | Love Walked In review

MOVIE NEWS: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Following my review of this wonderful book earlier today, Phillipa left a comment asking if rumours of a film are true. And they are!

Due for release next year, the screenplay has been written by David Magee who wrote Finding Neverland and Simon Beaufoy who wrote The Full Monty, so it's in pretty safe hands!

Carry on over the cut for the - possibly controversial - casting news. 

Dunebug's Amy Adams is to play Miss LaFosse and Frances 'Fargo' McDormand is Miss Pettigrew.

Yep, they're both American and I'm not sure how I feel about that. They're both great actresses, but still, weren't there any British actresses available? Or doesn't it matter?

(There are some British cast-members, including Stephanie Cole, Ciaran Hinds and Shirley Henderson.)

Knocked Up author sues Knocked up director

Canadian author Rebecca Eckler is suing Universal Pictures and director Judd Apatow alleging that the story for the hit movie "Knocked Up" was taken directly from her non-fiction book of the same name.

Apart from the title, Eckler claims the book and movie's similarities include the fact that the Katherine Heigl character is an up-and-coming television reporter, and the main character in Eckler's book is an up-and-coming newspaper reporter. She also says that the movie and book have a secondary female character in common (to whom both main characters go to for advice) and that both of the secondary characters have screaming children.

I haven't read the book or seen the film (though I've heard better things about the film than the book). If anyone's familiar with both, let us know what you think.

Related posts: How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild and Got A Life | Reading Grey's Anatomy | Movie news archives

Deborah Moggach on the Tulip Fever adaptation

In an article in The Times, author Deborah Moggach explains how the film adaptation of her novel, Tulip Fever, became a bit of a 'mare.

Related posts: Adaptation | Based on the novel by... | Deborah Moggach on the new Jane Austen covers

MOVIE NEWS: The Old Curiosity Shop

A good old-fashioned British film, this adaptation: Charles Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop will star Derek Jacobi, Zoe Wanamaker, Martin Freeman and Gina McKee.

And, as our sister site Corrieblog reports, Bradley Walsh, aka: Danny Baldwin will also star.

Movie news archives.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Joanna Barrett

Joanna Barrett's The Men's Guide To The Women's Bathroom is a great read, out now in the US and in the UK with Little Black Dress. A witty romp through ladies' bathroom secrets, it has generated a huge amount of buzz, and will be made into a movie by Hugh Jackman's production team. So without further ado, here's what Joanna had to say when we grabbed her for a chat...

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom reveals the secrets behind the door marked “Women.”    

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I write everywhere!  In fact, I’m answering these questions right now in the waiting room of my dentist’s office!  (Hey, if he’s going to make me wait, I may as well get some work done!) I think Tolstoy wrote War and Peace while waiting for the dentist. 

While in the midst of a novel, I sit in front of my computer in a bathrobe.  I often do not shower nor wash my hair.  I eat takeout and stare into the refrigerator abyss for something sweet.  I tend to ignore the phone and any semblance of a social life.  It’s a lonely time.  When I finish, I like to hear the hum of the printer as it prints out all those pages.  Such a comforting feeling, indeed.  P.S.  Is this too much information? [Not at all! I know the feeling... - Diane] 

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Pride and Prejudice, of course! 

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

I like writing about women with moxie. I loved former Texas Governor Ann Richards. She was a larger than life character. She’s probably the only person in the world who could get away with telling George W. Bush that he was “Born with a silver foot in his mouth.”

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

It helps to heed the old adage “Write what you know.” Why waste time inventing a story when your story is right in front of you? Of course, the most important part of writing is to put it down on paper. It’s only an idea until it becomes words on a page! I think the best book on the subject is On Writing, by Stephen King. [I do too - Diane]

What are you reading at the moment?

I try to read a book per week. This keeps words flowing through my head in order to make my own writing better. One of my favorite books is A Widow for One Year, by John Irving.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

My second novel [Killing Carlton] is due out on Valentines Day, 2008. Its heroine, Madeline Piatro, is in a relationship with a beautiful and yet very bad man. When this man breaks her heart and steals her business idea, she hires a loveable mob hit man to get revenge. And what woman doesn’t secretly yearn to do this!

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

(I’ve never been asked this question!) That is…I’ve never been asked the question of what I’ve never been asked. Ha! Get it!

Actually, I wish someone would ask me whether I collect real-life stories to use in my novels. I have a good answer for this: yes! While writing The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom, I used some phenomenal quotes I overheard in women’s bathrooms. Please email me at jobarrett@jobarrettbooks.com if you have a fantastic bathroom story of your own!

And check out Joanna's website at jobarrettbooks.com. Thanks Joanna!

Interview archives.

MOVIE NEWS: Persepolis

I was fascinated by Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel, Persepolis and I knew there was a movie in the pipeline, but didn't have any hard info ... until now. The animated film, co-directed by Satrapi, will debut at the Cannes Film Festival. [via Galleycat]

MOVIE NEWS: A Mighty Heart

Based on the Marianne Pearl's memoir about her husband Daniel's abduction and murder by Pakistani militants in 2002 (while she was pregnant with their first child), A Mighty Heart is sure to be a heartbreaking adaptation. Angelina Jolie stars along with (weirdly) two of the former cast of Judging Amy: Jillian Armenante co-stars and and Dan Futterman (who also co-wrote the Oscar-nominated biopic Capote) plays Daniel.

It will be released in the UK on 28 September.

Update: Gratutitous link to some gorgeous pics of Jolie and her partner Brad Pitt, who produced the film, in Cannes this weekend.

More Movie News.