Or perhaps that should be "to glow in the moonlight." The protagonist is, after all, a human in love with a vampire. For those of you not familiar with the series, Twilight will follow in the footsteps of the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia franchises in attempting to turn a bestselling young adult fantasy series into a multimillion-dollar cinematic spectacle. Kristen Stewart will star as Bella Swan, one half of the starstruck lovers.

She's done some growing up since playing Jodie Foster's daughter in Panic Room.

I've never read the Twilight series, which is a recent phenomenon (the first book came out in 2005), but here's the premise, according to MTV.com. Teenage girl Bella falls for what she thinks is a normal boy, but finds herself in an abnormal situation: The object of her affections is a vampire. But not just any vampire, according to Stewart:

“He's so good and he's so soulful and he's just not a liar — you can feel pain from him. The cool thing about the story is that it's a seemingly wonderful fantasy — let's fall in love with vampires and live forever — but it's so much harder than that. Imagine living forever. Living one life is hard enough.”

If you were paying attention to TV in the 1990s, you've got to be thinking the same thing I am. Is the author of this series paying royalties to Joss Whedon? … continue reading

It's been nearly seven years since the final episode of Xena graced the airwaves. Apparently, Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert have experienced what one might consider to be a seven-year itch. Raimi recently inked a deal with Dinsey and ABC Studios to produce 22 episodes of a new fantasy series for syndication called Wizard's First Rule. The TV series will be based on Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series of novels.

When Xena and Gabrielle faded to black in 2001, so did the heyday of first-run fantasy shows in syndication. And since my favorite warrior took her leave, I've been not-so-patiently waiting for my next chance to see such exploits each and every week. Naturally, upon hearing of this series and the two men who will produce it, I began having flashbacks to happier TV times.

I know absolutely nothing about Terry Goodkind and his little book series, so I did some surfing to learn about what I might get to see when this new endeavor reaches the air. Naturally, I was hoping for a warrior woman with a fiesty female sidekick, but I was not deluded enough to believe that I would be that lucky. … 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

With less than a week to go until Christmas, Santa has come through with at least one thing on AfterEllen.com blogger Jamie Lynn's list.

The trailer for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian has been released and, to the delight of Tilda Swinton fans everywhere, the White Witch is as terrifying as ever. … continue reading

Considering it's the season of goblins, ghouls and other assorted creatures of the night, I thought I might hop online to see if any new vampire movies are set to debut in the near future. (I would go see 30 Days of Night, but Josh Hartnett bugs me for some reason.) And what to my wondering eye should appear but news of a third Underworld film.

Naturally, my heart leapt with joy at the prospect of more time spent ogling Kate Beckinsale in that tight little number she wears so well.

But alas, while a filming schedule has been announced, word has it that the lovely Ms. Beckinsale is not involved in the project. Apparently, the writer/director of the Underworld franchise, Len Wiseman (who just happens to be married to the lovely Beckinsale), has chosen to do a prequel rather than a sequel. Yes, it is the movie kiss of death. … continue reading