Hollywood Ever After

Happy Endings are for fairy tales. Or the movies. Not for real life. At least, not in Claire's life. Even though she's starting over, she knows better than to want too much this time. But when she falls, literally, into the strong arms of Hollywood's 'it' boy Josh Wiley, Claire's in for some surprises. Her plans for rest and relaxation are forgotten as one incredible night with Josh becomes two... And her heart begins to want him as much as her body. Will two kids, one bastard ex-husband, and Josh's juggernaut career mean the end of their affair? Or can Claire find her happy ending after all?

Explores romantic comedy’s revitalizing response to shifting sexual and social mores of the past decade.

"e;Hollywood 'happy ending' has long been considered among the most famous and standardised features in the whole of narrative filmmaking. Yet, while ceaselessly invoked, this notorious device has received barely any detailed attention from the field of film studies. This book is thus the first in-depth examination of one of the most overused and under-analysed concepts in discussions of popular cinema. What exactly is the 'happy ending'? Is it simply a cliche, as commonly supposed? Why has it earned such an unenviable reputation? What does it, or can it, mean? Concentrating especially on conclusions featuring an ultimate romantic union - the final couple - this wide-ranging investigation probes traditional associations between the 'happy ending' and homogeneity, closure, 'unrealism', and ideological conservatism, testing widespread assumptions against the evidence offered by a range of classical and contemporary films. "e;

First Published in 1997. Happily Ever After is Jack Zipes's latest work on the fairy tale. Moving from the Renaissance to the present, and between different cultures this book addresses Zipes's ongoing concern with the fairy tale- its impact on children and adults, its role in the socialisation of children- as well as the future of the fairy tale on the big(and little) screen. Here are Straparola's sixteenth-century 'Puss in Boots' and a 1922 film of the story; Hansel and Gretel and child abuse; the Pinocchio of Colladi and of Walt Disney. AN ardent champion of children's literature and children's culture, Zipes writes also about oral tradition and the rise of storytelling throughout the world. But behind each of his essays lies the key question that all fairy tales will raise: what does it tale to bring about happiness? And is happiness only to be found in fairy tales?

Is happy-ever-after only in the movies? When Courtney Robbins moves to California, she isn’t looking for love, fame, or fortune. She’s focused on earning her law degree and advocating for victims of domestic violence. After a chance encounter with actor Justin Erikson, Courtney decides to spice up her life with a steamy fling. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Courtney quickly learns there is more to Justin than his perfectly chiseled body, piercing blue eyes and adorable dimples. He’s sensitive, thoughtful, and generous. Still, Courtney is hesitant to ponder a future with a Hollywood heartthrob. As Courtney graduates law school and begins her dream job, Justin’s career thrives. But as the passion between Justin and Courtney intensifies, Justin struggles to shelter Courtney from the paparazzi and is haunted by his own reputation as a womanizer. Just when Courtney starts to think that she can have it all—an idyllic romance and the perfect job—a tabloid rumor threatens both of their careers. As their two worlds continue to clash, they must decide what price they are willing to pay to stay together.

Happy Endings are for fairy tales. Or the movies. Not for real life. At least, not in Claire's life. Even though she's starting over, she knows better than to want too much this time. But when she falls, literally, into the strong arms of Hollywood's 'it' boy Josh Wiley, Claire's in for some surprises. Her plans for rest and relaxation are forgotten as one incredible night with Josh becomes two... And her heart begins to want him as much as her body. Will two kids, one bastard ex-husband, and Josh's juggernaut career mean the end of their affair? Or can Claire find her happy ending after all?

The fascinating and inspiring true story of the rise and fall of the celebrated child star who beat drugs--and the odds--to become a successful adult actress. Coincides with Barrymore's feature role in the upcoming film "Charlie's Angels". 8 pages of color photos.