Here is a throwback from 2013.
A Christmas Cookie I decorated a very long time ago that was a cross-section of that bell from the sequel. I have never been know for my cookie decor game but I had fun.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Here are Ten Titles for Hallmark Christmas movies that would be either inspired by Hunchback or Hallmark Hunchback of Notre Dame versions with Christmas.
If you have no idea what a Hallmark Christmas Movie is, Congrats. Basically Christmas is magic and great, big city bad, rural countryside good, careers bad, family good, and conventionally attractive white people in front of Christmas trees.
So here are just titles they are meant to be not good or at most amusing. To my knowledge these titles don’t exist yet….*
A Christmas Hunch
A Christmas Bell
A Hunchback for Christmas
The Christmas Goat
Our Lady of Christmas
The Feast of the Fool(ish) Christmas
A Broken Christmas Jug
Jingle Cathedral Bells
Deck the Belfry
Christmas at Notre Dame
* Christmas Belle and A Belle for Christmas are real movies. Christmas Goats are a subject of some movies since the Yule Goat is traditional in Scandinavian and Northern European countries. The Broken Jug is a real movie and Christmas at Notre Dame is the name of an album.
Like most people on the internet I make a lot ranked list content. Not here so much but else yes. A few years ago I did a list of Non-Christmas Movies which is not a new concept and how I’m doing again so this a part 2 of the this list except this one is not ranked and there are only four.
Why four? Because. That is a good enough reason. (I had five but one was already on my OG list and I just wanted this out prior to the Holiday so four)
I had a few parameters for these movies. First they had to some kind of winter aesthetic, had to have something to with family and gifts. However none of these film are about Christmas or have scenes Christmas.
Some Spoilers
Anastasia (1997)
I don’t know about you but when I think about Christmas the music from The Nutcracker comes up as peak Christmas music. And that makes me think of the setting of Anastasia. Add in some snowscape, “The Once upon as December” song, the necklace motif and reconnecting with family and you could add this to your holiday watch list.
The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)
Dumb side story, I love Bob’s Burgers and one of my favorite bits is in the second episode where one of the kids says that Narnia was written by Salman Rushdie. I don’t know why I find that so funny but I do.
So back to Narnia. Giving that Narnia is under a constant winter due to Jadis, The White Witch, I think it very much got that winter aesthetic down. The internal drama is about family and Santa a.k.a Father Christmas gives them presents which are very useful.
The Little Princess (1995)
Again we have snow imagery with Sarah spinning as snow blows around her. She gets a locket from her father before he goes off to war. The locket is taken after her father is presumed dead leaving Sarah at the mercy of her boarding School’s Head Mistress. Her friends get the locket back for her. And at the end of the movie she reunites with her father and gains an adopted sister.
La Belle et la Bête (2014) or any version you want
Surrounding the Beast’s domain is snow, much like the Disney version. The Beast gifts her items, like in the Disney version and the 1946 version. In this version it’s dresses. There is also a family dynamic at play since she offers herself to the Beast to save her father. Why did I pick this? Seemed logical however any version of Beauty and the Beast will work for happy Christmas movie watching. Even the 2017 (or the Christmas mid-quel movie) if you want, it’s not the one I would go for but whatever makes you happy.
Shout out to Three Wishes for Cinderella, I forgot you were on the OG list.
Happy Holidays
Nine years ago I did a casting post on Henry Cavill playing Phoebus which you can read HERE. I still think he could play Phoebus BUT I also think that he could play another role. A role that would be an acting challenge for him. A role that most actors seem to want to play.
That’s right, I think Henry Cavill for Quasimodo.
Given the news that Cavill is no longer playing Superman in the DCU and few months ago it was announced that he was no longer playing Geralt in The Witcher Series, everyone on the internet is casting him for everything.
First reason for this casting pick is that it goes WAY against his type. Henry Cavill is very attractive. Geralt did go against his type but still is his wheelhouse especially since he a fan of the series. Quasimodo pushes actors in all the areas of acting which is why actors spearhead productions to play the role. Whether they are success or not is another story.
Also Cavill is the right age to play Quasimodo. And when I say “right” I mean the average age. Quasimodo in the book is 19 BUT the average age of the actors who have played him in the eight “well known’ productions (movies/mini-series) is about 40.
This is not a casting pick that probably anyone wants nor does it make any sense but it would be intresting to see Cavill playing a role like Quasimodo.
What do you think? Could Henry Cavill play Quasimodo? Or different role like Phoebus? Which actor would you cast as Quasimodo?
About a year ago, in November 2021 it was announced that Broken Lizard was making a satirical take on Hunchback. The Film was dubbed Quasi.
Now if you are like me and I know you are, you keep up with all things Hunchback. From news of the adaptions and so on. For about the last decade there has been eight or so announcements on new Hunchback Tv/Film projects. The Broken Lizard one was the last one and so far the only one to get a release date.
Quasi hits Hulu (US) on April 20th 2023. It will be on other streaming platforms for other countries so no worries. There are also actors listed but no roles given. Like I can guess who is playing Esmeralda (or a character like Esmeralda) but I don’t know for sure.
So in 5 months I better know what that axe means in the logo because I’m puzzled. Mayhaps I need to read the novel again because axe iconography is not something I recall. Bells, sure, gargoyles, hell yeah, cathedral stuff, yup, gallows, a bit bleak but yes, even fire I get but an axe? No.
Also what is a little maddening, at least for me, is that the last film adaptation of Hunchback to come out a little over 20 years was a parody. In the interim between versions nothing and now two comedic takes back to back even with a 20+ year gap. Kinda odd.
So Quasi will be the next Hunchback film version to get released since the 90s.
Source – https://deadline.com/2022/11/broken-lizard-quasi-film-release-date
Site Update- I’m sorry I haven’t done a Magical Adventure post in a while time just gets away from me but I do mean to finish it I just don’t know when. I’m remorseful that it taking me so long. I have no excuses though.
A Hunchback Reference from Hulu’s new show Reboot.
Apparently this is straight-to-video movie that I wish was real. I love that they use the Gargoyle shot.
So QUESTIONS. Does this take place at the Paris Landmark which would explain the setting? But he has a football? Or is he a transfer student???? I mean that could work….. but I’m very confused. And since this a two second gag I bet no one put too much thought into the fake plot of a fake movie. They just wanted it to be ridiculous and silly and that it is.
Just know that I appreciate this.
SO I’m rather sick…. so Throwback image.
Have a Spooky Autumnal Holiday or Halloween to you all.
I photoshopped this back in 2012…..
One of the differences between DisneyWorld and DisneyLand is that DisneyLand carters more to Locals whereas DisneyWorld carters more for Tourists.
Most of the year this doesn’t mean too many difference in to my knowledge. The exception is Halloween and Christmas. The idea that DisneyWorld has to remain somewhat consistent for all the patrons that visit throughout the year even with the seasonal decor. This isn’t the case for DisneyLand that can really jazz up the decor from year to year and have overlay on certain rides.
This year at DisneyLand’s Halloween Oogie Boogie Bash has the Villains Grove. Which is A REALLY COOL Spooky Walkthrough. It’s a more atmospheric than outright scary with cool lightening, sounds, smells and props. It’s based on Villain inspired vignettes from the movies.
AND THE FIRST ONE IS Frollo’s Sanctuary. Which is actually very pretty. Also it smells like incense.
You can read more about it right here
I just love it when Disney remembers Hunchback and adds it to the park or merch. Though there has been more merch lately and I will write more about that later.
Anyway enjoy this spooky video of the Villains Grove
So you like The Hunchback of Notre Dame enough to dress-up from it for Halloween? However you don’t want to be too on the nose. You also want to be weird, or clever or just not a “character” from the novel.
Well here is a list for you. It is a List of Vaguely Hunchback costume ideas that can be as big and crazy as you want or something more last minute.
Also these don’t have to be strictly for Halloween, any costume party would do.
There are ten costume ideas. There are in no real order.
Enjoy
A Gargoyle
For whatever reason Gargoyles are NOT a popular choice for Halloween and I think that is a darn shame. Not ONLY are the monstrous but they ward off evil spirits. They are also iconic for Hunchback as they a prominent feature of Notre Dame and they are liken to Quasimodo.
A Medieval High Justice
A costume basically inspired by Disney Frollo or the 1939 version. You could also do the scepter Priest which is from the book.
Goat
An Animal costume is classic costume choice. Goats also have scary connotations so it works on that level too. If You WANT to make it Book Djali make the horns gold and add some card that spell Phoebus in a pretty script. Disney version add a hoop earring.
Poet Juggler
This one is open to interpretation. Basically inspired by Gringoire. You could opt to make a prop chair to balance in your teeth too. A prop chair would be great at parties.
Printing Press
A weird and out there pick but also very creative. You will be the only one.
Hennin Princess
Inspired by Fleur de Lys. You would be free to choose any color and decoration you want so long as you have the headgear. Though you are free to add Fleur de Lys in you want.
A Knight
Inspired by Phoebus. A basic staple idea although you go with the Burgundian in style. That would require research. Or you a do a Medieval take on a Roman look which is sort of what Disney did. Or you could just be a very shiny Knight as handsome as the sun.
An Alchemist
Frollo did practice Alchemy in the book. What would an Alchemist wear????? Up to you. Some wear red jackets with the Flamel cross on the back.
A Stained Glass Window
Yet another Creative weird pick. This one could be very striking and crazy. You could take inspiration from the Notre Dame Rose Windows or some other motif. This is the one I’d most liked to see done.
A Bell
And last but not least, A Bell. You can’t have Hunchback without a Bell. You could go ONE STEP further and be Belle Bell. Do with that as you will.
Which of these ideas would you pick???? I’m Curious.
It’s Halloween time and that means costumes. Now we all know that Disney’s Esmeralda makes for a great Halloween costume as the components are easy to attain and on their own are very wearable for everyday use. It’s also very recognizable and warm enough for late autumn.
BUT is it the best version of Esmeralda to wear for the spooky season?
Is there a better Esmeralda Costume to wear while you acquire candy?
This is a ranked list of movie versions of Esmeralda’s primary costume that would work as a Halloween costume. It’s not a ranked list of the best costumes of Esmeralda from the Hunchback movie adaptations but rather how it works for an average person to go out into the world and get noticed as person dressed like the character Esmeralda.
I will also included tier levels from F-S just for fun. Sorry about not have the graphic but that is more fun in a video format anyway.
There are 8 major movie versions so it’s a list of 8. And this all for fun!
Number #8
The 1999 version Quasimodo d’El Paris
It’s a red dress. It’s a pretty red dress but unless you are wearing a wig – no one is going to notice this one as a costume. It will just be assumed you are not wearing a costume which not good for a costume party. Also only a super-die-hard fan of Hunchback version might notice or a die-hard fan of French comedy movies MIGHT notice but probably not, it’s a red dress.
F Tier
Number #7
The 1982 Version
It’s not nothing. It does read as a costume but it’s more akin to a random person who doesn’t go to Ren-Faires’ last minute costume to a Ren-Faire. They tried and want have fun but they are not super into it and then they wore the same thing to a Halloween party.
D Tier
Number #6
The 1977 Version
You’re going to be confused as Juliet all evening.
D Tier
Number #5
The 1939 Version
You could see that this is more of an “Esmeralda” but only if you were told. Otherwise Ren-faire plus some pointed jewelry that indicates the character. Side note one COULD make it more of “costume” by going grayscale with the colors or you could pick your own colors but I just will say that the original design was red corset and blue skirt.
C Tier
Number #4
The 1923 Version
Because of the whole 1920s interpretation with the look, it skews less Ren-Faire and more “fancy dress party” which is basically Halloween. Would people look at this costume and say “Esmeralda?” Probably not but it works for a Halloween event. Plus you can do whatever you want for the colors or lean into the grayscale angle, like with the 1939 version.
B Tier
Number #3
The 1997 Version
I know I have been dismissive of “Ren-Faire” costumes but this one is just enough where it looks like you didn’t just throw on a costume you had that you got randomly. It looks like some thought went into it. It could be the colors or the dye job on the fabric but something more went into it.
B Tier
Number #2
The 1956 Version
Like the 1923 version, the period specific interpretation, 1950s in this case, helps adds to the costume concept. Does it fully say Esmeralda? Maybe not but it’s fun and would serve you well at Halloween party plus the Sexy vibe does help.
A Tier
Number #1
Disney
Yeah don’t pretend you didn’t see this coming either. It just works the best. It’s the Esmeralda we all know and the one that comes into our minds first. Helps that it’s Disney. Everyone will know right away who you are. No need to ask. They know.
S Tier
Which Esmeralda would you wear as a costume?
Now for some shameless self promotion. If you are planning on doing A Disney Esmeralda Costume for Halloween you can click here for some help on what you can get off of Amazon or maybe you’re going for the 1956 version you can click here to see what you can get off amazon