Talk about the star of the show "Everyday Italian" who I actually got to meet.

Sitting in a Sundance lounge — in the type of random environment that actually had celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis preparing meals just a few feet away — legendary actor Anthony Hopkins was preparing explanations for his trippy New Frontier-category flick "Slipstream." But first, he was willing to indulge questions about "Beowulf," the big-budget animated blockbuster that will be on everyone's mind in November. "Robert Zemeckis is directing it, and it's in the same format as 'The Polar Express,' " Hopkins said, referencing the groundbreaking visuals that render animated humans and animals as nearly photo-real. "It's that sort of thing with an amazing reality. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure it will look terrific." Based on the classic work of literature, the epic fantasy flick tells the story of a Scandinavian warrior who must do battle with the hideous monster Grendel. "Angelina Jolie is in it, and a whole bunch of people. It took about three years to make it," said Hopkins, who provides the voice of King Hrothgar. "It's going to be amazing."
http://www.vh1.com/movies/news/articles/15...122/story.jhtml

Giada was on the Today Show this morning!!!!!!!

An Article That Mentions Giada's Grandparents.


Will Beckinsale be the new Barbarella?
The latest buzz doing the rounds is that actress Kate Beckinsale 
will be the next ultimate science-fic adventure heroine in the 
contemporary version of Barbarella.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, which touted Sienna Miller 
as the frontrunner for the role a few days ago, the "Underworld" 
babe is being considered to play the "smart, strong, funny and sexy" 
modern Barbarella.

Earlier Drew Barrymore was also reported to be under consideration 
to play Babs in the remake.

Producers Dino and Martha De Laurentiis have concluded a rights deal 
that will permit them to remake 'Barbarella' .

According to the Variety magazine, current James Bond writers Neal 
Purvis and Robert Wade will pen the modern Barbarella.

"Barbarella is the ultimate science-fiction adventure heroine: 
smart, strong funny and sexy. I'm excited to reintroduce Barbarella 
to a new generation of moviegoers," Moviehole quoted De Laurentiis, 
as saying.

In the original film, Jane Fonda played the title character of a 
young woman, who has numerous adventures, often involving sex, while 
journeying around a galaxy.

The remake will show Barbarella as a free, modern girl surviving in 
an ultramodern world on the strength of her intelligence, fighting 
skills and sexual prowess.


Giada De Laurentiis’ Grandparents
Rodriguez To Helm Barbarella
Robert Rodriguez (Grindhouse) has signed on to direct Barbarella, a new film adaptation of the classic SF comic-book series that Universal Pictures is fast-tracking for a 2008 worldwide release, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The character was immortalized in a 1968 movie starring Jane Fonda. Dino De Laurentiis, who produced the original film, will produce the update with Martha De Laurentiis.
Barbarella tells the story of a female mercenary who roams across the universe of a distant future, undertaking missions that require physical fearlessness, ingenuity and sensuality. The character debuted in 1962 in a French graphic magazine written and illustrated by Jean-Claude Forest and was known for her many adventures, often involving sex. There also was a musical produced in 2004.
Rodriguez is working with writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade (Casino Royale), who are developing a completely original adventure for Barbarella.
Rodriguez's coming on board puts to rest questions about what the in-demand director would do next, including The Jetsons at Warner Brothers and Land of the Lost at Universal. (Universal is owned by NBC Universal, which also owns SCIFI.COM.)

Giada De Laurentiis Article/Announcement: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21638692/

Giada De Laurentiis Article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23871865/