So I finally finished the partial draft of Stephenie Meyer’s Midnight Sun and I want more. I think it was a brilliant idea to re-write Twilight from Edward’s perspective because 1: who doesn’t want to read it? and 2: there were some portions that weren’t in the original novel–when Edward and Bella were away from each other–that really added to understanding the whole picture. However, because someone decided to illegally leak the draft, we only get to read 264 pages of the novel until Meyer is in a better mood. Keep in mind that she posted the pdf version of the unfinished draft on her website last August. How long does it take to get back in writing mode?? Her readers want the rest! What is funny is that I already know the story and how it ends, but it is so much better to see it through Edwards eyes…and oh what beautiful eyes he would have. Read more

Glitter + Vampires = Box Office Hit

Preteens aren’t the only ones that have the hotts for Edward Cullins; even housewives (desperate or otherwise) can’t put down the books.

Arizonian Stephanie Meyer’s trilogy encompasses all of the traditional stereotypes of a vampire like, afraid of sunlight, extremely pale, etc., while adding a couple of her own-sparkly skin, changing eye color and magnificent speed.

This vampire hit has even made other non-mortal series and movies  more popular, as well, such as, Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s old episodes.

What’s interesting is with Meyer’s Mormon background, her intention with the series was to present a metaphor for abstinence. A vampire fighting his natural urge to bite a human is supposed to resemble the urge to have sex. The only thing is when Robert Pattinson appears on screen, I’m sure abstinence is the last thing on those swooning fans’ minds.

The DVD that came out March 21 sold 3.1 million copies within the first day.

Who knows how far the Twilight craze will go when the new movie (New Moon) comes out in theaters on Novemeber 20, 2009.

[Twi]light my fire

Edward and Bella. How about Edward and [insert your name here]. You know you’ve done it. I too have dreamed of a world of perfection, beauty, power and immortality to be shared by me and Edward. Edward and me. And oh what an affair it would be…dear God I’m rhyming. Read more

The Vampire Movie Formula

After seeing so many adds about Twilight coming out on DVD, it made me think about vampire movies in general and how formulaic and similar they all are. I’ve narrowed it down to three specific things about them that bother me and have created a little equation.
Pathetic Female + The Protector x the “terrible” life of a vampire = a cliché vampire movie that’s bound to make millions.

Same Female Character
From Bella to Mina to Jesse it always seems like the same girl. Smart, shy, beautiful often a brunette that always seems to gaze lovingly at her vampire love interest with those innocent doe eyes. They usually become fascinated with vampires and determined to understand them or be one. I think that it would make a better story if the main character realized that she wasn’t really in love with Edward, Dracula, or Lestat but that she is actually just in love with the notion of becoming a vampire. In fact, maybe she seduces the evil vampire into making her one so that she can overthrow him and become the strongest vampire around, but no instead as one reviewer said they always have “about as much ambition as a Disney Princess.”

The Protector
As I mentioned, the weak female character of vampire movies, the vampire is always protective of the female character, and yet somehow always seems to be putting her in more danger. In Bram Stokers Dracula, Dracula gives Mina some absinthe and tells her that the green fairy that lives in it “wants your soul” and then adds mysteriously “but you are safe with me.” What a ridiculous thing to say! If he really wanted to keep her safe he wouldn’t have given her the absinthe in the first place. You can also see this in Interview With a Vampire, how Louie is very protective of Claudia despite the fact that he is the one responsible for making her into a vampire to begin with. So guys, thanks for offering a “helping hand” but no thanks.

The Woeful Life of a Vampire
Another common theme from vampire movies is the vampire saying how horrible it is to live forever and how terrible it is to be a vampire. Terrible? In Twilight, as a vampire, you can run really fast (which makes baseball look really freaking fun!), you never get old, you never have to sleep, you don’t have to eat (well, not food), your skin is glittery and cool in the sunlight, you get a super-power, you just happen to be stunningly good-looking and if you’re a Cullen you don’t even have to suck the blood of people. Where exactly is the dreadful part?

Now that you’ve read my three parts of the vampire movie formula, let me know what you think or if you have anything to add.

Fall Movie Previews

Bolt

In theaters November 21, 2008

Having witnessed firsthand several key animated sequences at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, it’s with unwavering assuredness that we can say Disney Animation Studio’s upcoming feature, Bolt, will have something for everyone. Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) is a young German Shepherd who has lived his whole life on the set of a TV show, oblivious to the real world outside. He believes he possesses superpowers to thwart evil, but must come to terms with his unexpected normalcy when he travels cross-country to reunite with his co-star, Penny (Miley Cyrus). The real highlights of the film are strong, comedic sidekicks Mittens (Susie Essman from Curb Your Enthusiasm), a skeptical stray cat, and Rhino, a psychotic hamster who rolls around in a plastic bubble.

– The Massie Twins

 

The Soloist

In theaters November 21, 2008

Uninspired journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) discovers a schizophrenic, homeless musician from skid row (Jamie Foxx) who dreams of performing once again. Lopez writes a column on the threadbare man, who quickly proves that he is as deranged as he is talented. As their friendship strengthens and their lives are sorted out, Lopez begins to understand what truly matters in the nature of human emotion and empathy, and gains an appreciation for the unpredictability of life. Based on a true story, The Soloist is directed by Joe Wright, the man who brought us last year’s Academy Award-nominated Atonement and Pride and Prejudice. Needless to say, this has Oscar written all over it.

– The Massie Twins

 

Twilight

In theaters November 21, 2008

This is the one that is sure to get the teenage girls’ hearts racing. A huge ensemble cast of picture-perfect guys and gals (including Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Elizabeth Reaser, Nikki Reed, Cam Gigandet and many more) embodies the shockingly popular characters from Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novel. Young Bella (Stewart) risks everything when she falls in love with a handsome vampire, igniting a Montague and Capulet type feud – immortal vampire style. While nothing but praise has been sung over Meyer’s books, the movie adaptation looks like it may be too much Blood and Chocolate and not enough Underworld, which is likely to result in satisfaction for pre-existing fans only. But based on the reaction at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con Twilight panel, in which screaming viewers cheered so loudly that the stars couldn’t hear their own Q&A session questions, there appears to be no shortage of devotees.

– The Massie Twins

 

Australia

In theaters November 26, 2008

Teaming once again with Nicole Kidman, director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) brings his epic romantic drama, Australia, to the big screen this November. The film chronicles the perilous journey and reluctant partnership between English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) and the roguish Drover (Hugh Jackman), as they attempt to move 2,000 head of cattle across the unforgiving Australian terrain. Luhrmann’s flair for theatrics gives this film a mesmerizing fantasy feel, and the adventurous plot set against the Japanese bombing of Darwin should easily complement Australia’s visual grandeur.

– The Massie Twins

 

Four Christmases

In theaters November 26, 2008

Where in the heck has Vince Vaughn been lately? If you saw his stint in the not-so-funny Christmas comedy Fred Claus last year, you may be wondering if his agent is trying to fashion the comedic actor as the next Tim Allen by lining him up for yet another holiday flick.

Luckily, hopeless romantics and comedy fans can rejoice: Four Christmases looks to spread just the holiday cheer you’ve been craving. Vaughn teams up with rom-com queen Reese Witherspoon to play a couple that is forced to see all four of their divorced parents on Christmas, after their flight to an exotic locale is grounded indefinitely. Featuring a supporting cast of Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Jon Voight and Jon Favreau under the direction of Seth Gordon, who made last year’s hilarious surprise documentary hit, The King of Kong, Four Christmases looks like one nicely wrapped present you’ll want to find under your X-mas tree!

– Joe Russo

 

Oh, the “Twilight” craziness…

Paramore’s Decode music video, from Twilight 

Okay, so not to play into the whole “Twilight” movie madness, but in celebration of its opening today I absolutely have to mention the soundtrack, and I have to say that surprisingly, it is pretty darn good.

Iron & Wine, Muse, Paramore and several others are featured on it. Sure, those bands don’t exactly fall into the same genre and the soundtrack might be allover the place, but that’s what makes it so good. Just last week it sold over 165,000 copies, putting it into the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts, bumping AC/DC’s “Black Ice” back to No. 2.

You have to admit Paramore’s “Decode” is catchy. It’s allover the radio right now and getting so much air time that it’s ridiculous. I think Paramore is that band right now that everyone secretly likes but is too ashamed to admit…

Cheers!