15 Movie Prequels We Wish Would Happen

This weekend, the prequel to The Wizard of Oz, Oz the Great and Powerful, opened in theaters. I'm kind of surprised it's taken this long for an Oz origin story to happen because it seems like Hollywood makes a new prequel every week.

 

Taken: Following Liam Neeson's time as a CIA operative before he retired (whatever it takes to see him back kicking some ass!).
Bridesmaids: Maya Rudolph (Lillian) and Kristen Wiig (Annie) as BFFs and roommates in college—imagine all the party and dating high jinks that would ensue.
Mean Girls: Regina George's rise to power and the creation of the Plastics.

 

My Best Friend's Wedding: Before Kimberly. Before George. Just two best friends, who may or may not be in love with each other.
The Karate Kid: How did Mr. Miyagi become a karate master?
Les Mis: Back when they were happy—Les Heureux (?) I don't speak French, so forgive my rough translation.

 

 21 Jump Street: Just a whole movie of Jonah Hill as an Eminem wannabe.
Phantom of the Opera: I always wanted to know how the Phantom became, well, the Phantom. And, yes, I know both the 2004 and 1943 (yes, I've seen it) movies touch on it, but neither really left me satisfied.
Celeste & Jesse Forever: How they met and fell in love—and in this movie there's NO breakup, thank God.

 

The Little Mermaid: Why is Ursula such a, excuse my language, b-tch?
Kill Bill: We got a glimpse of the Bride's origin story, but what about the rest of the members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad?
Breakfast at Tiffany's: Watch how Holly Golightly became so fabulous, use as a guide to life (except for that whole call-girl thing...).

 

Wet Hot American Summer: This one doesn't need a plot. I just want to see all my favorite comedians back for a summer at Camp Firewood.
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion: No, Romy and Michele: In the Beginning doesn't count. Redo.
Magic Mike: Because who doesn't want more stripping?

 

What prequels would you want to see happen?

10 Actresses Who Could Be Real-Life Disney Princesses

So, word on the street is that Emma Watson is in early talks to play Cinderella in a live-action Disney adaptation (with Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother—how perfect is that?). Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo! And just in case the folks at Disney are listening, I've made a few potential princess suggestions of my own.

Snow White

Kristen Stewart played Snow in Snow White and the Huntsman, but Selena Gomez reportedly auditioned for the role too. No offense to Kristen, but if I were making my own Snow White live-action flick, it'd totally go to Selena—she has a sweetness about her that I think matches up well.

Sleeping Beauty

Maleficent—the tale of Sleeping Beauty from the villain's point of view—is already in the works and starring Angelina Jolie as the wicked lady and Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora. And you know what? I think that casting is perfect. No changes here!

The Little Mermaid

For Ariel, we obviously need somebody who can pull off a sassy attitude and fiery-red hair—for me, that's obviously Emma Stone. Somebody get the gal a dinglehopper!

Other suggestions: Isla Fisher, Jennifer Lawrence

Beauty and the Beast

If Watson weren't already in talks for Cinderella, I think she'd make a perfect Belle. But she can't play all the Disney princesses. Because Belle's bookish with a big heart (and my favorite), I think either Alexis Bledel or Leighton Meester would be perf.

Pocahontas

Vanessa Hudgens is of Native American descent, and after seeing her in Spring Breakers, she can definitely play somebody with a, um, wild spirit. And her boyfriend Austin Butler would make a damn good-looking John Smith, no?

Mulan

Brenda Song's recent guest appearance on New Girl has me convinced she needs more screen time, stat.

Aladdin

Princess Jasmine is arguably the hottest of the Disney princesses—I mean, that outift!—and Channing Tatum's wifey Jenna Dewan (who is of Lebanese descent) is well, stunning.

The Princess and the Frog

Tiana, one of the newest princesses, is hardworking, contemporary, and strong-willed: And badass Zoe Saldana comes first to mind.

Tangled

Rapunzel! Amanda Seyfried's already played a beautiful woman hidden away from the outside world (a.k.a. her character Cosette in Les Mis), and she's clearly comfortable in a period costume.

How to Beat Bloat Naturally, With Things You Probably Already Have in the Kitchen

Feeling all puffy--like this puffer fish (which is exceptionally cute, don't you think? I mean, as far as puffer fish go)--is such a bummer. I can always tell when I've had a bit too much salt or too many glasses of wine because my waistband feels more like a rubber band. Not comfortable!

But Holly Lucille, one of the nation's leading naturopathic doctors and host of Veria Living Network's "Myth-Defying With Dr. Holly," has some interesting ways to beat the bloat that makes us all feel occasionally uncomfortable--naturally.

"Believe it or not, the most effective way to reduce bloating naturally starts before food is even consumed with the cephalic phase of digestion," she says. "This is your brain anticipating food. Most people think digestion starts with chewing in your mouth, but it really starts with your eyes and your nose, especially if food is appealing." She says the release of small messaging molecules that is critical for digestion has been found to increase by more than 50 percent--just by the mere sight and smell of food.

"Additionally, research has shown how chewing--as well as the activation of taste receptors in the mouth--can prompt the nervous system to relay information to the gastrointestinal system to expedite the process of digestion," she says.

Because we all end up eating way too quickly--thanks to overbooked calendars--we end up with poor digestion, she says. "If you don't take the time to properly prepare and chew your food, then you run the risk of bloating. Your stomach and the rest of your digestive system must make up for what your eyes, nose and mouth could have contributed."

And that's where these things--some of which you probably already have at home!--come in handy:

• Peppermint tea: eases digestion and soothes the intestines
• Ginger: known for its anti-nausea effects, it's also a powerful digestive stimulant, encouraging healthy digestion
• Pineapple: it has natural digestive enzymes and can aid in breaking down food into digestible elements
• Parsley: improves digestion and the absorption of proteins and fats
• Yogurt: probiotics aid in all areas of digestion and as well as encourage a healthy immune response