Took Caroline to see her first movie yesterday: “Chicago.” Actually, I’d already seen it, but Kathleen and Ariel hadn’t. So we all went with the understanding that, if the baby started to fuss, I’d take her out. As it happened, she fell asleep ten minutes in and napped through the whole thing.

I come away from seeing it a second time with my opinion even more solidified than ever. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Rene Zellwegger act the roles great, but the success of their dancing is a tribute to direction and editing rather than talent. They move very well…but there’s a difference between being a great mover and a great dancer. I’m not sure what it is. A confidence, a sharpness, a focus. Any or all of those. All I know is that Bebe Neuwirth as Velma on film would have amazing. On the other hand, she would have left Zellwegger so far in the dust that you would’ve had to use someone else for Roxie as well.

On the other hand, perhaps it’s appropriate to the film to have used two women whose singing and dancing was good, but not great. It plays to the notion that their success stems from their notoriety rather than their talent.

PAD

Beacon Pictures, the producers of such films as “Air Force 1” and “The Commitments,” has signed a six figure deal to option my novel “HOWLING MAD.” A screenplay written by Steven Kriozere is already well underway. The deal was negotiated by my agent, Frank Balkin, of the Paradigm Agency in Los Angeles.

“HOWLING MAD,” originally published by Ace Books in 1989, is an inversion of the werewolf legend. Rather than a human being bitten by a werewolf and transformed into the beast, “HOWLING MAD” tells the story of a wolf–eventually known as Josh–who is bitten by a werewolf and transformed into a human being. It’s been optioned before, but never by a company of the size and reputation of Beacon. And no, I’m not at all disappointed that I’m not writing the screenplay. Kriozere is the one who got Beacon interested in the project in the first place and a huge fan of the book, so more power to him. He and the fine folks at Beacon are determined to produce a movie as true to the characters, story and spirit of the original as possible, and I have every confidence in them.

There’s many steps and many pitfalls from option to actual film, but I consider this a very positive and exciting start.

PAD

The amazing Spider-Man will be guest starring in CAPTAIN MARVEL #10. I figured guest starring Spider-Man would help continue to boost sales. However I’m being told by fans that Previews makes no mention of Spidey’s appearance in that issue, nor does the cover feature him.

So any retailers reading this, please adjust your orders accordingly. Fans who are not presently reading the title but would want to pick up the Spidey appearance, please inform your retailers now. Because there’s every chance that, if you change your mind, you won’t be able to get the issue.

PAD

Yes, that’s right kids. America’s new dream team of Faith the Vampire Slayer and Wesley W-Price, the sidekick who’s more over the top than she is.

Further spoiler-esque comments attached.

Continue Reading “IT’S THE FAITH AND WES SHOW!” →

So I tried to introduce three month old Caroline to the joys of “Peek a Boo.” I happened to be holding one of her small blankets, and I dangled it in front of her face, obscuring her view, and then pulled it away and said “Peek a Boo!”

The result? Smiles? Giggles? Cooing?

No. Stark terror.

Her eyes like saucers, her hands trembling, too horrified even to cry, it was clear she was thinking, “OH MY GOD?!? WHERE DID THE WORLD GO?!? HOLY CRAP!!!” I quickly tossed the blanket aside and held her for five minutes until she calmed down.

I think I’ll hold off on “Got your nose!” for a while. Like, until her high school prom.

Two more days until the announcement, by the way.

PAD