It's hard for me not to get excited when Salma Hayek's name gets connected to a project. The reasons are too numerous to count, but like many AfterEllen.com readers, I can resist neither her business savvy (lately earning Ugly Betty a new batch of nominations) nor her stunning presence (lately earning us photos like the one below).

For these reasons, I'm trying to imagine how this casting news will turn out to be good casting news: Hayek is set to play a bearded lady alongside vampire John C. Reilly in Cirque du Freak, a movie adaptation of the children's book series by Darren Shan. Paul Weitz will direct, which indicates it could go in the direction of American Pie (yikes!) or About a Boy (cheers!). That said, I don't know how Cirque's plot — centered on a battle between bloodsuckers and their rivals, the "Vampanese" — will fit the model of understated humor set by the latter Weitz picture. … continue reading

I remember watching Ashley Judd's first indie film, Ruby in Paradise, and being bored to tears. Don't get me wrong: It was a decent film, and she was decent in it. But the plot moved along at the pace of molasses in January in Minnesota. Molasses doesn't go anywhere in January in Minnesota. Since that time, Judd has spread her wings in everything from episodic television to big-budget Hollywood epics, and I have certainly enjoyed going along for the ride.

In October, Judd will be in Vancouver to begin filming her next project, another indie affair called Helen. Judd is set to play the title character in the new offering from writer/director Sandra Nettelbeck. Some of you might recognize Nettelbeck's name. She wrote the screenplay for No Reservations, which starred Catherine Zeta-Jones and was a remake of Nettelbeck's award-winning film Mostly Martha.

The new film focuses on music professor Helen's struggle with debilitating depression. Despite her family's attempts to reach her, the only connection Helen is able to make in her depressed state is with one of her young female music students. I can think of a Judd musical connection that would certainly cheer me up.

Just what kind of connection Helen finds with her student isn't exactly spelled out yet. But clearly Judd isn't afraid to invoke a little subtextual innuendo, judging by her Frida tango and some of the longing looks she gave Lynn Collins in Bug. … continue reading

Salma Hayek is sort of amazing. Not amazing as in the most talented actress in the business, and not amazing solely for her looks — though just two days ago she won a Hottest Celebrity in the World e-poll.

No, she’s amazing because the woman knows how to get things done, and that’s not easy, especially for a woman. A 5'2", 40-year-old Mexican woman? In the entertainment industry? Industry implies money, big money, and she’s a player. ¡Excelente! … continue reading