stephaniedraven.com » Movies

Does the Sword & Sandal Genre Have Staying Power?

Stephanie Draven — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:42:42 +0000

I hope the Clash of the Titans people aren't getting ahead of themselves in chatting up "trilogy potential" for their new movie. I have to say that as the author of MIDNIGHT MEDUSA I am predisposed not to like Perseus very much--especially in this picture! The director said:

It's like James Cameron with 'Avatar,' he can explore different planets. Well, I can explore Greek mythology. You've got so many creatures, so many heroes, so many gods. You have Daedalus, Icarus, Percivel. Amazing stuff. You've got several worlds. I could spend the rest of my life directing Greek mythology movies and I would still not finish everything." "If 'Clash' does well and we're lucky enough to make it into a franchise, that's what I'd love to do," he said. He even offered some hints as to where things could go next! "Before the gods, there were the titans, there were even bigger creatures and monsters. That could be something. It's ancient superheroes."

Grepolis: Online Strategy Game With Gods of the Greek Mythology

Stephanie Draven — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:39:38 +0000

Okay, so this game looks pretty neat. It appears to be a free browser game in which you can play against the backdrop of Greek mythology. If only I had the time to play...

Getting Ridiculously Excited to See Percy Jackson & The Olympians

Stephanie Draven — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:58:34 +0000

I know Clash of the Titans is a film from my youth. It should be the odds-on-favorite to win my heart in the upcoming battle of Sword & Sandal epics this year. But Clash of the Titans was always a bit cartoony and Percy Jackson is looking to be remarkably mature for a kid's film. This article talks about the match-up between the two movies and it has me squirming with anticipation. Plus, okay, come on. Not only Kevin McKidd but Pierce Brosnan. That kinda seals the deal for me.

Uma Thurmond to Play Sexy Medusa

Stephanie Draven — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:33:58 +0000

See? I'm not the only one to have envisioned Medusa as a seductress. It looks like Uma Thurmond got the role of the Gorgon in the new Percy Jackson movie. My favorite quote of the article was this one:

How alluring is Uma Thurman? "She's someone who's so sensual and seductive," filmmaker Chris Columbus says, "that you'll look into her eyes and forget that she has 75 snakes on her head."

If the gorgon on my cover for MIDNIGHT MEDUSA can look like a freckled Irishwoman, then why can't Medusa be all Nordic blond like Uma?

Oh, Clash of the Titans, Please Be Awesome

Stephanie Draven — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:08:03 +0000

2010 is looking at a resurgence of the Sword & Sandal Genre. As an author of myth-inspired and historical fiction, I couldn't be happier. But I want this movie to be good. Dear Clash of the Titans, be better than 300, please!

New Movie based on HBO’s Rome?

Stephanie Draven — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:49:44 +0000

OMG, how did I miss this rumor? Apparently, Ray Stevenson (aka Pullo from HBO's Rome) has confirmed that a movie is in the works to bring the awesome show to the big screen. Oh, writers of Rome, I will overlook the travesty you made of Cleopatra. I will pretend you did not get many things wrong about Egypt. And I will even forgive you for presenting the Battle of Actium as a plume of smoke in the background of Mark Antony's rowboat. Come back to me, my love. I have missed you so...

Kevin McKidd to Play a Greek God

Stephanie Draven — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:43:08 +0000

Oh swoon! You know that HBO's Rome was my very favorite series evah! And I never doubted for a minute that a guy like Kevin McKidd was a minor sex god of some sort, but as it turns out, he's switching from the Latin team to the Hellenes. He's signed on to play Poseidon in the forthcoming Percy Jackson and the Olympians movie, and this gives me even bigger incentive to be excited about this movie. It's a kid's film, but I assure you, some part of me will only be going to see Kevin McKidd's big shiny trident...

Percy Jackson & the Olympians Movie

Stephanie Draven — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:38:30 +0000

Oh my. It looks like they are making Rick Riordan's young adult fantasy series into a movie, coming out this February. Percy is a twelve year old with ADHD who just happens to also be the son of Poseidon. Think Harry Potter but with more ancient mojo! I have to say, I was totally sold by the cover of THE LIGHTNING THIEF. The sneaker with bird wings is just a genius touch. Now I just have to hope that the movie doesn't suck. It'll be out in February 2010. (I've included the trailer below, and it looks promising!)