John Hanlon Interviews the Producer of “A Wrinkle in Time”

Posted on March 15, 2018 at 2:48 pm

My friend and fellow critic John Hanlon spoke to Catherine Hand, who decided when she read A Wrinkle in Time at age 10 that she wanted to make it into a movie and has devoted her life to that one goal. Perhaps the most remarkable part of the story is that she actually did get the movie made once, for television, which everyone agreed was inadequate, and true to the spirit of the book, she did not give up. She produced the new version directed by Ava Duvernay as well. Here’s a look at the earlier version:

You’ve been working to adapt this novel for the big screen for a long time. What was the greatest challenge you faced?

I’ve been asked that question and there’s so many different answers but I will tell you A Wrinkle in Time is the quintessential heroine’s journey — which is different than a hero’s journey — and the industry was just not as open to telling that story. It was really when a whole new generation of executive producers, writers, directors rose up and the book —while it may have seemed daunting for many years for a lot of people — I think this new generation of creative individuals in the industry embraced it and I think that at the end of the day, it’s so much about timing and I think as you said earlier its themes are universal and timeless.

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New From Audible: Dennis Quaid Reads “The Right Stuff”

Posted on February 6, 2018 at 2:00 am

Dennis Quaid, who memorably starred in the film of Tom Wolfe’s book “The Right Stuff,” now reads the original book aloud in Audible’s new version, available today.

Here he is in the movie.

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Book: Movie Quotes for All Occasions

Posted on February 1, 2018 at 12:05 pm

“Round up the usual suspects.” “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.” “There’s no place like home.” The movies are so much a part of our lives, so much a part of us, that we can’t help quoting them. James Scheibli’s new book, Movie Quotes for All Occasions: Unforgettable Lines for Life’s Biggest Moments, is a treasure trove of gems from the movies, and it is already an Amazon best-seller.

What makes this book special is the way it matches the quotes, to the occasions where they are most apt — graduations, weddings, office pep talks, sports pep talks, and even sadness and loss. And Scheibli has some great selections, both the familiar to the unexpected, the classics (“Rocky,” of course, “Citizen Kane,” ) to the far-from-classics (“Hellboy,” “Never Back Down,” “Two for the Money,” “Vanilla Sky”). It also includes recommended films, behind-the-scenes details, and some unexpected trivia.” Every page is a delight.

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New From Audible: Quidditch Through the Ages

Posted on January 26, 2018 at 1:00 am

New from Audible: J.K. Rowling’s new book, Quidditch Through The Ages, is now available for preorder for download this March. The audiobook, read by Andrew Lincoln, charts the history of Quidditch from its early origins to the modern-day sport loved by so many wizard and Muggle families around the world. This audio edition of Quidditch Through the Ages includes over an hour and a half of exclusive bonus content, featuring The History of the Quidditch World Cup, written by J.K. Rowling in 2014 for pottermore.com, now brought to life for the first time. Explore some of the Daily Prophet’s reports on the preliminary rounds of the 2014 Quidditch World Cup, also written by J.K. Rowling, via the voices of our two commentators, Ginny Potter and Rita Skeeter. You will feel like you’re listening to a real-life Quidditch match as they report live on the Final of the 2014 Quidditch World Cup.

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Jon Hamm in “Stinker Lets Loose!”

Posted on January 9, 2018 at 3:58 pm

It almost seems like there really was a movie back in 1977 called “Stinker Lets Loose,” part of those affectionately remembered cornpone road films like “Every Which Way But Loose,” “Cannonball Run,” and “Smokey and the Bandit.” There should have been, anyway. And now there sort of is, with the novel and audiobook (exclusively from Audible) starring Jon Hamm.

Author Mike Sacks and director Eric Martin have created a fully immersive cinematic audio experience with an all-star cast. Stinker teams up with old pals Boner and Jumbo, plus new friends Buck and Rascal the Chimp, for a crazy ride across the highways and byways of Bicentennial America and meets scores of beautiful Southern gals, reams of treacherous villains, and even the Big Man!

Jon Hamm as Stinker

Rhea Seehorn as Gwyneth

Andy Daly as Boner

John DiMaggio as Jumbo and Sheriff Sledge

Paul F. Tompkins as Clarence Macleod and Mr. Walsh

Jessica McKenna as Buck

Kimmy Gatewood as Betty

Mark Gagliardi as Big Red

Justin Michael as Pip

With James Urbaniak as President Jimmy Carter and Jeremiah King

Guest starring Andy Richter as Orville Max and Phillip Baker Hall as the Big Man!

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