Happy Holidays from the Pop Culture Passionistas

 As we wrap up the year, we want to thank all of our loyal readers who have helped make 2011 our best year yet. We wish you and yours the very best for a happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to sharing our pop culture adventures with you in 2012.

Our Favorite Pop Culture Moments from 2011

Photo by Pop Culture Passionistas

Here's our second annual wrap-up of the people, places and shows that made-up the highlights of our year. From celebrity chefs to TV legends it was twelve months full of dreams coming true and unexpected surprises.

10. The PCP Tour of the Great TV Chefs
For us 2011 was the year of the TV chefs. In honesty it started in December of 2010 when we had the opportunity to talk to Guy Fieri. Although the purpose of the call was to discuss his hosting duties on Minute to Win It, we couldn't talk to Guy without mentioning food. This call opened the floodgates for our tour of celebrity chefs. Last spring we spoke with Bobby Flay, Curtis Stone, Marcel Vigneron and Jamie Oliver. Later in the year we chatted with Rocco DiSpirito, Emeril Lagasse and Tom Colicchio. More recently we had one-on-ones with Lucinda Scala Quinn and newcomer Kristina Kuzmic. All of the yummy interviews culminated with a call to the master, Anthony Bordain, before he launched his new show The Layover. A tasty year indeed.

9. Our Lunch with Lisa Ling
We were invited to a press junket at the OWN studios to have lunch with Lisa Ling. After attending many of these kinds of events, we assumed we would dine with a room full of other journalists and then have a brief Q&A with the star of the hour. Little did we know that we would be escorted to the OWN lunchroom (where, we're guessing, Oprah brown bags it) with a handful of other writers. The open seat next to us was soon occupied by none other than Lisa herself. She chatted with us about current events and her new show, Our America, before taking us into the conference room for a sneak peak of the upcoming season. She was charming, down to earth and brilliant. Just one of the girls.

8. Sharing a Whisper with Atticus Shaffer
We're not the most warm and fuzzy folks when it comes to kids, but we were beside ourselves when we found out we were going to get to interview Atticus Shaffer from The Middle (insert head tilt and whispered The Middle here). We thought no one could be more excited about the call until we spoke with the young star, who seemed overjoyed to share behind-the-scenes info on the show like how he landed the role of Brick. Needless to say it was his very unique delivery of that famous whisper that led him to primetime. But the most enjoyable part of our chat was discussing Atticus' love of all things Lego. He even recreates historic battles through stop-motion animations of the colorful plastic pieces.

7. A Few Choice TV Moments
All in all, we have to admit, it was not the best year for television. In our humble opinion not too much of the new fare grabbed our attention or rose above the onslaught of small screen offerings. But two shows jump out to us as moments that blew our TV minds. First, this spring, the master of reality Mark Burnett brought us a new twist to the old tried and true singing competition show. From the second Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine pushed their buttons and turned their giant red chairs around to see what surprise awaited them, we were hooked on the The Voice. And then just when we thought TV couldn't shake us up again, we tuned into something out of our comfort zone — blood and gore. American Horror Story is one of those shows that comes along once in a very rare while and makes you sad when the hour is over and eager to see what is going to happen next.

6. Our Date with a Kennedy
We are not overly political people and for this blog, in particular, we feel that pop culture and politics should not co-mingle. But as Boston girls, we could not pass up a chance to sit down for a chat with Robert Kennedy, Jr. This summer a documentary called The Last Mountain was released, telling the story of an Appalachian region being destroyed by the practices of the big coal companies. Bobby is one of the biggest advocates for the residents of the area, played a large role in the film and toured the country with filmmaker Bill Haney to spread the word. We learned more about history and politics in those 45 minutes then we did in our 32 years of schooling combined.

One Last Kick of Kathy Griffin in 2011

 Photo by Pop Culture Passionistas

One of the low-lights of 2011 was the fact that Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List wasn't on the air. But luckily for K.G. fans, comedy's greatest ginger did an unprecedented four stand-up specials in one year. The latest of which, Tired Hooker, airs tonight on Bravo.

As usual, Kathy will be tackling the important pop culture topics like Kim Kardashian's short-lived marriage. And she'll be once again sharing details about her own personal life like when her dog Larry ate a condom.

If you can't wait until New Year's Eve to see Kathy teamed with Anderson Cooper to ring in the New Year, this should keep you going.

Tune in to Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List tonight at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. Central on Bravo and check out these sneak peak videos.

Following Kim Kardashian

 

Larry Ate a Used Condom

Tim Gunn's Timtervention Sweepstakes

Photo by ABC/Craig Sjodin

We're not what you'd call super girly girls. We don't spend hours primping, our wardrobes consist of mainly t-shirts and jeans and our only contact with heels is the end of a loaf of bread. But we would allow one style guru to transform us into the feminine Passionistas that lie dormant deep down inside — Tim Gunn.

We've loved Tim since season one of Project Runway when he mentored Austin Scarlett, Jay McCarroll and Wendy Pepper through the ins and outs of fashion design helping them to "make it work." Then the teacher-turned-TV-celeb starred in Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, a makeover show that focused on building esteem rather than poking fun.

Now Tim is turning to daytime. Starting January 16, he will take on talk shows with The Revolution. The series features five lifestyle experts at the ready to transform viewers in all areas. Tim will be joined by Extreme Makeover Home Edition's Ty Pennington, celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, OB-GYN Dr. Jennifer Ashton and therapist Tiffanie Davis Henry.

Tim will host a weekly segment called "Timtervention," giving a makeover to a new subject each week. According to a recent press release he will "help them realize the full potential that already exists within. This fun style therapy session is aimed to help viewers find their individual style and, most importantly, feel beautiful."

And the best part is you can enter to win the "Timtervention Sweepstakes" currently taking place. Go to The Revolution's Facebook page to find out how to enter. The winner will receive a three day/two night trip for two to New York City, a lunch date with Tim Gunn, a style consultation with the guru himself and a $2500 shopping spree. We're going right now to enter. Do you think we could get a two for one?

For related stories check out:
Tim Gunn Discusses Project Runway Season 8
"The Biggest Loser" Pulls out the Big Gunn


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Blessed with so many Christmas Carol Choices

Not that we’re complaining but it seems like Scrooged is playing around the clock as the countdown to Christmas continues. And as much as we love the Bill Murray classic, we have to admit that we like to explore all the versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol over the years in an attempt to keep things fresh. So we’ve made a list of five other adaptations of the holiday classic that we think deserve a look.

   

Rich Little’s Christmas Carol (1978)

You’ve got to give it up for Rich Little. Long before Jim Carrey digitally recreated multiple characters in the creepily animated 2006 adaptation, pop culture’s greatest impressionist did it far better (and without the help of CGI) in his beautifully cheesy HBO special. Of course to maximize his mastery of mimicry, Little’s Dickens characters had an added twist – he imitated famous stars portraying the various roles. So Little actually starred as W.C. Fields playing Ebenezer Scrooge and Paul Lynde as Bob Cratchet. God bless him, every one.

 

Scrooge (1970)

This musical great gets a bit of airtime every year around the holidays, but far from enough in our opinion. Not surprisingly, it has the best tunes of any retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. After all, composer Leslie Bricusse, is also known for the classic songs “What Kind of Fool Am I?” and “The Candy Man.” But it’s Finney’s dazzling performance as Scrooge that makes this one of our all time favorites. So to all involved in creating the ‘70s classic we say, “Thank you, very much.”

 

The Stingiest Man in Town (1978)

How come every year, we manage to overlook the classic retelling of A Christmas Carol starring one of Hollywood’s most beloved Grumpy Old Men? In The Stingiest Man in Town, the title role is voiced by none other than Walter Matthau, with an assist from Happy Days’ Tom Bosley in the new role or narrator/insect, B.A.H. Humbug (get it?). The animated show might not go down in history with the likes of producing team Rankin-Bass’ other stop-motion greats like Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer and The Little Drummer Boy, but if you’re looking for a little remembered version of the tale, this is worth watching.

 

A Sesame Street Christmas Carol (2006)

The Muppets are back on the tip of everyone’s tongues thanks to their recent block bluster flick. But when the Henson’s made A Muppet Christmas Carol in 1992, they cast a human (Michael Caine) in the lead part. Luckily their Sesame Street counterparts got it right. They remade the tale in 2006 for a DVD special and brilliantly utilizing their hood’s crabbiest resident, Oscar the Grouch, in the Scrooge-like role.

 

Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again and again until the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come grabs us by our lapels and drags us struggling into the netherworld. There will never be a better version of A Christmas Carol than the animated special starring Jim Backus as Mr. Magoo. The play within a play asks you suspend your disbelief on so many levels. But at the end of the day it will leave you thank the lord for your bright blessings – even if you are still left craving razzleberry dressing.

Ten Things You May Not Know About Meryl Streep

By Andreas Tai via Wikimedia Commons

This month Meryl Streep's new movie Iron Lady debuts. In the film she plays former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The portrayal has drawn criticism from Thatcher's colleagues and praise from film critics. The latter is no surprise for the woman some claim is the greatest actress of her generation. And yet despite her fame, she manages to stay out of the spotlight. Here are some things you may not know about the Oscar-winning actress.

1. She's a Jersey Girl

Although she can put on any accent ever heard, Meryl is a tried and true Jersey girl. She was born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949 in Summit, New Jersey. Before becoming a successful actress, she waited tables at The Hotel Somerset in Somerville, New Jersey.

2. She's a College Graduate

Meryl studied drama at Yale University where she was classmates with Sigourney Weaver. She graduated from Vassar College in 1971 and also spent a year as a transfer student at Dartmouth College. She reportedly had originally planned to continue on to Law School but after sleeping through the interview, decided fate had another path in store for her.

3. John Willis Saw Her Future

In 1977, after her first major film, Julia, was released, beloved theater and book editor John Willis' predicted Meryl's fate. He listed her as one of twelve "Promising New Actors" in his publication Screen World. Looks like John got that one right.

4. She's a One Man Woman

Meryl has been married to the same man, a sculptor named Don Gummer, since 1978. They have four children. Henry was born in 1979, Mary in 1983, Grace in 1986 and Louisa in 1991. Two of her children are in show business. Henry is an actor, filmmaker and also plays in a band, while Mary is an actress who goes by the stage name Mamie Gummer.

5. She is a Two-Time Academy Award Winner

Although Streep has been nominated for 16 Oscars (more than any other actress), she has taken home only two. Her first was for her supporting role for Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980. The second was as leading lady in Sophie's Choice. This means that the greatest actress of this era has not taken home an Academy Award since 1983. But don't feel too badly for Meryl. Her career has garnered 86 other awards including a BAFTA for The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981), two Emmys for Holocaust (1978) and Angels in America (2003) and seven Golden Globes including one for 2009's Julie & Julia.

Man Up Star Terri Polo Talks About the Plight of the Modern Male

  Photo by Pop Culture Passionistas 

On the ABC sitcom Man Up, Teri Polo once again plays the down-to-earth woman reacting to the testosterone fueled antics of a bunch of guys. This isn’t foreign territory to the actress, who perfected the gig in all of the Focker movies alongside Ben Stiller. At a recent press event Teri talked about the women’s movement and why she thinks men have lost their way.

She discusses the roles that she and Amanda Detmer, her female co-star in Man Up, play on and off set. “The guys are our main characters but I feel like, especially my character, she was the eye of the storm where these people just come into her kitchen and they [swirl around] and then they go out again. And she’s just like, ‘Oh dear God, help me.’ But Amanda and I make sure that it’s not a male dominated set. We are the loud ones and the men are often times very taken aback and we make sure that there’s no inequality here.”

Our Holiday Reading Wish List

There's one drawback to being a TV addict. Spending a lot of time in front of the tube doesn't leave a lot of time for reading. That's why we love the holidays so much. This time of year many fall shows have wrapped up, most current shows are in reruns and mid-season replacements don't start until January. And so we can can curl up on the couch with a blanket and some cocoa and read... about TV, of course. Here's our holiday reading list of all the TV-related books we want to catch up on.

1. Happy Accidents by Jane Lynch
The Emmy-winning star of Glee has written her memoirs about the happy accidents that occurred on her road to success. It also covers the personal issues she dealt with along that way that at one time turned her into a real life Sue Slyvester. We've loved Jane since her days in the Christopher Guest movies like A Mighty Wind and Best in Show, and look forward to reading about her journey.

2. The Importance of Being Ernie: From My Three Sons to Mad Men, a Hollywood Survivor Tells All by Barry Livingston
We want to peruse this one just for the title alone. Who doesn't love a good literary pun? And when it's written by Barry Livingston, more commonly remembered as the bespectacled youngest brother from My Three Sons, how can you go wrong? Barry recounts his memories of his rivalry with Ron "Opie" Howard, working with Fred MacMurray and meeting Elvis.

3. Arrested Development and Philosophy: They've Made a Huge Mistake (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series) by J. Jeremy Wisnewski and Kristopher G. Phillips
Fans of the prematurely canceled TV series got good news recently that Arrested Development is coming back. Apparently Netflix has signed a deal to revive the show in 2013. The on-again, off-again movie plans are still uncertain. But while we wait for the Bluth's to re-conquer the small screen, we're going to take a philosophical journey into what makes them tick when this book is released on December 20.

4. The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook: Inside the Kitchens, Bars and Restaurants of Mad Men by Judy Gelman and Peter Zheutlin
Speaking of shows we're eagerly waiting to see again, it feels like it's been decades since Mad Men graced our living rooms. To ease the withdrawals, we might just not cook up some tasty treats (liquid and solid) from the Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook. It includes recipes for  Oysters Rockefeller and the prefect crown roast and other culinary delights from the 1960s New York restaurant scene.

The Ambush Cook Kristina Kuzmic Makes Her OWN Debut

 Photo by Devin Pense/Courtesy of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

When OWN debuted earlier this year, we were instantly sucked into the competition series Your Own Show: Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star. And in true Oprah Winfrey style, they surprised us by announcing not one but two winners — Kristina Kuzmic and Zach Anner. Kuzmic is a working mom with a passion for cooking and her new series, The Ambush Cook, debuted recently. In an exclusive interview she told us about the gifts that Oprah has given her and her relationship with Zach.

Kristina reflected on her time on Your Own Show, telling us that the highlight of the entire experience was simply “having time with Oprah.” She recounted an exciting, but intimidating interview that Op did with each finalist before the winning decisions were made. “We didn’t know she was coming. So it wasn’t like I could mentally prepare myself. I remember thinking, ‘Don’t cry,’ because I was so emotional through that whole process, it was such a big deal for me to make it to the top ten. So I just kept thinking, ‘Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Try and form sentences like a normal person.’”

Denis O'Hare Transforms Himself Again on American Horror Story

 Photo by Ray Mickshaw / FX

If you watch American Horror Story, you might not recognize Denis O’Hare. That’s partially due to the extensive make-up he dons to play Larry the Burn Guy. But it’s also because the brilliant actor is entertainment’s greatest chameleon.

From his twisted turn as Russell Edgington on True Blood to roles in rom-com’s like The Proposal, Denis always becomes the character he portrays. In a recent conference call interview he talked about Larry Harvey and how he steps into his shoes – literally and figuratively.

Denis described the physical transformation he undergoes to become Larry. “Makeup takes about three and a half hours. And it’s this great company that works with American Horror Story… And it’s a long process, obviously.  It’s multi-layered appliances, and then there’s a lot of hand painting. And then there’s a wig involved and then that goes on.  And then the hand has to be cinched in and the hand gets makeup-ed.  And it’s exhausting. But it’s really great, because it allows me to step down into the character gradually.  I don’t ever get chopped into shooting.  By the time I am shooting I am very well ready.” 

As a result of all of the physical preparation, Denis find that it’s quite an emotional metamorphosis. He confessed, “When you first put it on I was walking around the lot at Paramount in California, and I went to the cafeteria.  And it was very uncomfortable, because the makeup is so good, and it looks so real that people assumed I wasn’t an actor.  They assumed that is was, ‘Oh, look at that poor guy.’  So people would avert their eyes, or they would nod politely. And it’s a great exercise in exploring what the character’s daily reality must be like.”

Because of this, Denis admitted that he’s become a bit of a recluse on set. “I found myself, and I find myself, not wanting to be in public. So when I’m shooting I tend to sit in my trailer alone… I don’t want to walk around. I don’t want to be gawked at.  It’s really weird. I just find myself in the position… Not that I’m ashamed — I don’t want to be the freak show. That’s a really interesting experience I didn’t expect to have.  It’s an intense thing. ” 

That’s fitting for the character that Denis plays. Larry the Burn guy is complex to say the least. And, frankly, he isn’t the most likeable person on TV. But O’Hare explained that he feels a very strong connection to Harvey. “I love this character and I love him because I feel like he is engaged in a sort of timeless epic struggle.  And I see him as a Dante-esque figure.  He’s somebody who is trapped in a circle of hell and he’s trying to work his way out.  And he’s a human being who’s flawed and he’s obviously weak, and he’s given into temptation and made bad choices.” 

He compared Larry to a few other iconic characters, “I have an innate sense of who he is, and when I’m playing him it’s all very instinctual.  But to describe it I find myself running to literature, and so it’s like Igor in the Frankenstein mythology or an amanuensis in some other mythologies or a psychopomp as they call them sometimes — somebody who traffics between worlds.  And it’s a really odd, beautiful character.”

Unusual roles aren’t foreign to Denis. He constantly is able to get lost in a wide variety of parts — some darker than others. He reflected on why he is able to disappear into each performance. “Part of it is the richness of the character.  A part of the reason I’m drawn to characters like this guy or like Russell Edgington or like even the guys like John Briggs in Milk, is that they’re sharply etched, and they’re clearly defined.  And so I, as an actor, have an easier task.” 

He continued, “I know where I’m going. And if you add to it an aspect that’s larger than life like someone like Russell Edgington, who’s 2800 years old or someone like Larry who’s got a very severe physical deformity, it takes away part of your resistance as an actor. And you simply give over to the character’s features and the character’s characteristics. Ryan [Murphy] wanted me to have a wooded arm and a limp.  So the minute you start putting these things on you feel different and you feel like someone else and that then forms everything.”

Watch Denis’ brilliant performance on American Horror Story on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. Central on FX.

Sunny Sinclair Talks About Her Biggest Loser Makeover

Photo by Trae Patton/NBC 

During week eleven of The Biggest Loser Sunny Sinclair became the latest eliminated contestant. And while it was hard to be the fifth to last player sent home, therefore just missing being in the final four, Sinclair did get to partake in Makeover Week, a highly anticipated Biggest Loser epsidoe.

Sunny, Vinny, Becky, Antone and John were all given the Hollywood treatment including a $5,000 check, a shopping spree with fashion expert Jeannie Mai and a visit with hairstylist to the stars Ken Paves. The entire extravaganza was sponsored by a well known soup company. In a recent conference call interview Sunny declared, "I tell you what. Progresso is a delicious soup. And like I said [on the show], I certainly love soup and money."

She said dhe got some great tips from Jeannie, including "how to select clothes for my body type." She continued, "She brought out the shopper in me because I love shopping now. My husband doesn’t love it quite as much as I do. He wishes I’d quit. But I love going clothes shopping."

She added, "When you're out there at the ranch, you're wearing The Biggest Loser t-shirt and those stretchy pants and you don’t think about fashion. And then here comes Makeover Week and you're like, 'Okay. I think I like fashion now that I’ve got a new body.' So seeing myself in a different way and a more feminine way was exciting and fun. [And] obviously to get to see your family was as big of a prize for me as anything else on Makeover Week, so it was nice to see my husband."

She discussed the kinds of clothes that she now wears that were not in her wardrobe before the show. "I love wearing a cute pair of jeans and some wedges that are a little higher heel. I’m amazed whenever I go try on clothes and I put in a medium shirt and it’s a little too big… It’s nice to be able to go out and shop at any place I want to shop and find things that fit me and just get it off the rack and I don’t even have to try it on."

Jane Kaczmarek and Peter Gallagher Play Whitney’s Dysfunctional Folks

  Photo by Chris Haston/NBC 

On December 8 Jane Kaczmarek and Peter Gallagher will guest star on Whitney as the title character’s divorced parents Candy and Vince. In a recent conference call interview they talked about appearing on the Whitney Cummings’ comedy and the cast’s chemistry on set.

The seasoned television pros talked about working with the show’s younger stars — Cummings and her leading man Chris D’Elia. Jane remarked, “Whitney and Chris had tremendous confidence for being that young. That relationship they have is so wonderful. Those two are so believable as being a couple in love and so delightful to watch. They can get goofy and silly but then when they have tender moments together, they’re really, really lovely.”

This Week's Inspirational Pop Culture Moments

Photo by Lewis Jacobs/NBC 

Some a cappella singers give back, a president and a rock star speak out and a working mom realizes her dreams. Here are this week's most inspirational moments in pop culture.

'The Sing-Off' Acts Give Back to Charities

Season three of The Sing-Off ended this week with the quintet Pentatonix taking the top prize. But all three final groups felt like winners when they got to give back during the last episode. The remaining acts visited local charities, shared their stories and the gift of song at a variety of organizations close to their hearts.

Pentatonix stopped by The Trevor Project, a group that provides crisis intervention and has made a name for themselves with their "It Gets Better" campaign against teen bullying. The singers created a PSA and met with kids who were feeling isolated.

On the show Mitch Grassi from the group admitted he had personal experience with bullying stating, "I was teased in middle school because of my voice." Now that voice has led him to the national spotlight, winning a major reality TV show. As he put it, "Things really do get better in big ways and you can't give up because someone tries to tear you down."

Urban Method visited The Sickle Cell Foundation to help get food for families affected by the disease and to create some crafts with the kids. The foundation is especially important to singer Kim Dawson, whose younger sister Amber has the illness. She acknowledged, "She has been through so much, more than I ever will in my life and she's still a very joyful person and so full of hope. I work hard so that she's proud of me."

Urban Method's Myke Charles is also affected by the disorder — he has a cousin with Sickle Cell Anemia. He professed, "To be able to work with an organization that hits particularly close to home makes it that much more heartfelt."

The Dartmouth Aires spent a day with Savings Strokes, a rehabilitation through golf program for stroke victims. Lead singer Michael Odokara-Okigbo's mother had a stroke this past spring so this charity was very personal for him.

He urged the participants, "I know that rehabilitation can be difficult at times but if you keep at it you'll regain a new vigorous self that you've never known before."

For more inspiring pop culture moments visit Beliefnet.com.


For related stories check out:
The TV Academy Offers Up Some Holiday Gift Ideas
Two Country Stars Build Habitat Houses


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An Interview with the Cast and Creator of Neverland

Photo by Patrick Redmond/Syfy 

Syfy's Neverland is Peter Pan meets Oliver Twist with a touch of Pirates of the Caribbean thrown in for good measure. Writer/director Nick Willing has created the world leading up to the story we all know of the young boy who refused to grow up and the pirate he battled along the way. In the prequel, premiering Sunday, December 4 and Monday, December 5, Rhys Ifans (Nottinghill) plays Jimmy Hook, Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies) is the pirate captain Elizabeth Bonny and Charlie Rowe (Pirate Radio) takes on the role of Peter Pan. In a recent conference call interview, the three actors, along with Willing, discussed the challenges of reimagining a classic tale.

In Nick's Dickensian world Peter Pan is the Artful Dodger to Hook's Fagin. Rhys plays a fencing teacher who leads a band of young orphans in a pickpocketing ring. During one thieving expedition they happen upon a magical orb that transports them to Neverland. This is where they encounter the native tribe and a bunch of fairies including Tinkerbell, who is voiced by Keira Knightley. They also find a pirate ship helmed by Captain Bonny with the help of her sidekick Smee, played by Bob Hoskins.

It is no easy task for the actors to put their mark on such beloved characters. Rhys stated, "In Hook's case the boots that you have to fill are literally big because there have been so many Hooks and each and every one of them has worn big boots." But he proclaimed, "It wasn’t intimidating, because it was a back story… Every other Hook throughout history had been thinking of subtextually. So I just played everyone’s subtext and so and I hope they’re grateful for that. It was really hard work."

Charlie confessed that recreating the role of Peter Pan was a challenge for him. "I was hugely nervous of the fact that every single boy and girl around the world had grown up with this magical story and every boy has played with their wooden swords in the playground with their best friend being Peter Pan and Captain Hook. And so, like Rhys, we both had huge boots to fill and I was very nervous about it."

In some respects Anna was the lucky one. Hers was the only character created originally for this story. Nick explained her role in the story. "Captain Bonny is an incredibly beautiful, vivacious rather nasty, slightly twisted and irresistible captain of the Jolly Roger. You probably think that the captain of the Jolly Roger was Michael James Hook but no, it is actually this rather extraordinary woman. And to find out why it is that she is the captain of the Jolly Roger and how it is that Hook becomes eventually its captain, you have to watch our movie. Because our movie is about how it is that all these people became the people we know and love."

The Stars of Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas Prepare for the Holidays

 

Photo by Disney Channel/Craig Sjodin

Every year we watch the same holiday movies — Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, It’s a Wonderful Life and Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol. So we’re always happy to see a new option hit the scene. If you’re like us and you’re looking for a good, clean holiday family romp check out Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas! The movie follows the TV family from the Good Luck Charlie series as they travel to Arizona for Xmas. At a recent press event we talked to stars Bridgit Mendler, Bradley Steven Perry, Eric Allan Kramer and Leigh Allyn Baker about how they celebrate the yuletide in real life.

Bridgit, who plays teen daughter Teddy, shared one of her family’s holiday traditions, saying, “Every Christmas my dad reads The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. So it gets all of us ready for the spirit of Christmas. We leave out our cookies and it's all the traditional, magical experience.”