Every story needs a hook. Unless, of course, the hook is Captain Hook because Peter Pan's a bit of a downer. Then again, negging on a Disney classic is no way to win friends and influence people. Or promote jewelry.
So it's a good thing I have these heart hooks. They'll hang in my craft room and be a nice home for my new necklaces. As for the earrings, they're hooks unto themselves -- minus the dismemberment.
One fairy tale where I can hang my hat is the Amazon original Cinderella starring Camila Cabello. A joyfully modern version of the classic, it reimagines the kingdom as a culturally diverse, albeit still economically disparate, universe in which its title heroine is an aspiring fashion designer with moxie and a sense of humor to match. This Cinderella -- or, rather, Ella -- rejects the idea that peasants -- and women -- should know their place, eventually inspiring those around her to open their minds. Even her evil stepmother (Idina Menzel), who utters the loathsome line "Every girl is worth more when she smiles," momentarily melts her ice queen armor to reveal her humanity. But this retelling isn't just about breaking the glass ceiling -- or should I say slipper? Amazon's Cinderella is also just plain fun, exploding with exuberant musical numbers including a tribute to the prince (Nicholas Galitzine) featuring Salt-N-Pepa's "Whatta Man," and costumes so colorful that they eclipse even the digitally remastered incarnation of the 1950 cartoon. Indeed, Billy Porter, who plays Cinderella's Fabulous Godmother, is miles more stylish than that old biddy in the blue poncho.
Another thing I like about this version is that Cinderella and the prince really connect instead of meeting for a single, silent dance. Oh sure, their romance is still speedy (there's only so much bonding that can go on in two hours), but even Ella pokes fun at that. Most importantly, they talk to each other like people instead of caricatures and discover that they're more alike than different.
And when it comes to love, that's what every woman -- princess or peasant --wants.
No wonder Captain Hook was single.