I should state up-front that I’m not a Harry Potter expert. I’ve seen all of the films, and I’ve read one of the books, which I enjoyed — but I’m not the person to go to if you want a detailed exposition as to what makes a Slytherin different from a Hufflepuff. (Are those the right names?)

Consequently, I’ve never been an expert on J. K. Rowling. I mean, I know what she looks like, and I vaguely knew the parts of her story that have filtered through to the general public consciousness — the fact that she wrote the first Harry Potter book as a single mother living in Scotland, the fact that she’s now married and has more children. If you’d asked me to describe her, though, the first thing that would have sprung to my mind would probably have been this funny, but as it turns out very unfair, parody that Brit comedian Jennifer Saunders did of her for a French and Saunders Potter parody in 2003 (Jennifer first appears in Rowling-drag at 0:44): … continue reading

When Phillip Pullman thinks a fantasy story is well written, I pay attention. So, when I read his review of Neil Gaiman's young adult novel Coraline several years ago, I promptly added the book to my reading list. I'm glad I did.

Here's the story, in brief. Coraline Jones and her too-busy parents move into a flat that is part of a huge old house shared by a "crazy old man," Mr. Bobo, and two retired thespians, Miss Pink and Miss Forcible. During her explorations of the house, Coraline finds a door leading to a world that mirrors her own, but with toys that are alive, cats that talk and an Other Mother who is attentive and adoring. This world is no Narnia, though, and its sinister side comes to light fairly quickly. The book is short, but I think it's one of Gaiman's best — weird, twisted and just plain creepy. No surprise, then, that an animated film version of Coraline is in production. … continue reading

Ever wondered what Doctor Who would be like as a woman? Me too. But even if you have pondered that prospect, Patsy and Edina probably aren't the first images that come to mind.

Nonetheless, recent reports indicate that Ab Fab alum Jennifer Saunders may be tapped to play the first ever female Doctor for a special one-shot episode. … continue reading

One of the most common traits people list in the "about me" section of their online profiles is "I like to laugh." Really? Gee, you're special!

Well, if you like to laugh, you'll want to catch Oxygen's 50 Funniest Women Alive countdown show, which premieres this Saturday night. The special will feature never-before-seen interviews and clips of hilarity from sitcom players, stand-ups, movie stars and sketch comedians such as Ellen Degeneres, Whoopi Goldberg, Mo'nique and Teri Hatcher.

Teri Hatcher? Uh, what? Was Kathy Lee Gifford not available?

Okay, Teri Hatcher is a fine actress - Desperate Housewives fans please stand down. But if we're talking about the top, the best of the best, I have to object. Other "funniest women" on the show (according to the website): Amanda Bynes, Regina King, Chelsea Handler. What? No Carol Burnett, Roseanne Barr, Kathy Najimy or Wanda Sykes?

Comedy has historically been the playground of men- any list of top comics (usually compiled by a man) is usually so bereft of women, you can count their names on one hand. I'd expect a better list from a women's network.

It's not clear whether Carol and Wanda made the cut-all 50 names aren't shown on the website. We can only hope.

Meanwhile, here are some of my picks, were it up to me.

An AfterEllen reader (thanks, krock!) sent me this fabulous French and Saunders parody of Tipping the Velvet. It's called "Tippin O' the Velveteen" and was featured in their Christmas Puddings special in 2002. (The clip is at the end of this post.)

I don't know what I love more — the parody itself, of "lascivious lesbiana," or the fact that the U.K. is so awesome. I mean, clearly French and Saunders assumed that the average viewer had seen the BBC adaptation of Tipping the Velvet. And that was probably a fair assumption, because Brits are that awesomely broad-minded in their TV viewing.

Never mind, here's what I really like best: Jennifer Saunders in a top hat and tails. Now that's hot. (Even if she is looking a little Clockwork Orange-ish in this photo.)

… continue reading