The build-up to New Moon, the much anticipated follow-up Twilight, the first film adapted from Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight Saga,” is palpable. We’re nearing the breaking point of over-saturation and even for a fan, it’s getting a little out of hand. I’ve managed to steer clear of most of the media blitz but you can almost taste the estrogen in the air; the women are about to explode.
But what of the men? The studio has done a fairly good job of promoting the fact that this film has more action, better effects and an all around a more polished look, but is that enough to draw in the male crowds? We’ll have to see when the film opens on Thursday night (midnight screenings are sold out across the US and Canada) but here’s a hint: if you’ve got a girlfriend who is a fan, you may want to consider sucking it up and going with her to the movies. There are worse ways to earn major brownie points.
So for you, the lovable twi-dunces in the audience, here are a few tidbits, a cheat sheet if you will, of information that you should know before heading to out to brave the line-ups:
The Players:
Edward Cullen – The sex-haired vampire who makes millions of women break into cold sweats. He’s a little creepy (likes to watch women sleep – not to mention a bit stalker-ish), very handsome, gallant and completely in love with Bella. Special power: can read people’s minds.
Bella Swan – The damsel. She’s accident prone, hates blood, all things cold and wet but loves Edward with all of her heart. Special power: her mind can’t be read.
Jacob Black – Bella’s best friend who, in this instalment of the story, we also discover is a wolf (not to be confused with werewolf) and in love with Bella. Special power: can control his wolf transformations better than the others.
Alice Cullen – Edward’s sister. She has a wicked sense of style and loves Bella like a sister. Special power: can see the future.
The Wolf Pack – Sam (the leader), Paul (the volatile one), Embry (Jacob’s right hand guy), Jared (the joker) and Jacob. They all transform into wolves. Special power: the group can communicate telepathically when in wolf form.
The Volturi – Aro, Caius, Marcus (all three are leaders), Jane and Alec (guard), Demetri, Felix (enforcers). The Volturi live in Italy and are sort of “rulers” of the undead. They guard the secret of Vampirism from humans and ensure no one strays too far out of line.
Twilight in 250 words (or less):
Bella moves to Forks, Washington (the wettest place in the continental US) to live with her dad so that her mother can travel with her new husband. Bella is re-introduced and strikes up a new friendship with Jacob who she used to play with when the two were little.
On the first day of school, Bella sees the Cullens in a dramatic entrance into the cafeteria and is immediately drawn to Edward (it’s all in the hair). After a rocky start (he looks constipated the first time they meet), Edward and Bella strike up an awkward friendship that is always tinged with sexual tension that eventually transforms into a relationship that mostly sees Edward protecting Bella from a group of wondering Vampires one of which becomes obsessed with munching on Bella. After a heated battle in a ballet studio Bella, Edward and the rest of the gang return to Forks to live happily ever after. That is, until a little event at Bella’s birthday party throws their world out of whack.
Other tidbits to note:
- Edward does not want to turn Bella into a vampire in fear that she will regret losing her humanity.
- Jacob sees Edward as the opponent – the two can’t stand each other.
- The Cullens don’t drink human blood. The vampires that do have red eyes.
- In this universe, vampires don’t die in the sun, their skin sparkles in daylight.
You are now up to date. These little tidbits will help you maneuver through the events that will unfold in New Moon without feeling too lost. Enjoy the film and be sure to check in soon. Review is forthcoming!
this is just what I needed.
I can’t be sure…is that a tinge of sarcasm?
my wife Lina read all of the books over the summer and is going with her friends to see New Moon. I didn’t mind the first one but I will not be seeing this until maybe on DVD if forced.
I will be joining your wife in spirit.
Great catch up for the uninitiated Marina!
2 more sleeps to go….
Hi Marina,
Here’s the info for the Autographed New Moon book in the silent auction to raise funds for the Cinematheque tomorrow night.
Cinémathèque SCENE Fundraiser
Red Carpet event for the local film community, with silent auction for the Pacific Cinematheque, featuring a copy of the New Moon book, signed by stars Pattinson and Stewart, and author Stephanie Meyer. November 19 at 6:30 pm, at Canvas Lounge (91 Powell Street). Tickets: 604.688.8202. Information: http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca
Thank you.
Great guide for both fanatics and outsiders.
I really expect Chris Weitz to do lots of improvements, compared to the first movie. I dunno about the chemistry between Lautner and Kristen, but with Rob, they look really good together.
Can it draw the male crowd? Not sure…
TOP THING YOU NEED TO KNOW: A Serious Man is also in theaters
Hat tip to Goon on that pithy remark. Well said.
it could have been anything.
NEXT TOP THING YOU NEED TO KNOW: Thirst is now on DVD
HELL, KNOW THIS: You won’t get yelled at by every girl you know if you go see 2012 and hate that instead.
Well, Twilight didn’t see much boost in LET THE RIGHT ONE IN’s theatrical release, I doubt the current Twlight Vampire craze will help THIRST’s DVD sales either. This has nothing to do with the popularity of vampires (Didn’t Cirque Du Freak bomb as well), this has to do with the popularity of romance/wish-fulfillment/Girl-Boxoffice-Zeitgeist.
its just a mild plea for people who know better… to know better
You are not exactly right on that Goon, as with something like Bad Lieutenant 2 or 2012 or what-haveyou become guilty pleasures to many, I think for a number of film lovers, the Twilight series is a total goo-ey indulgence.
I believe this is the case for Marina and Shannon (Moxie), although I cannot explain that it extends all the way out to a regular podcast….
I saw Twilight (Yes, I thought it was junk) and I didn’t get it, but given the choice I’d have watched Twilight over G.I. Joe or Transformers . A hairline distinction, but hey as thin as it is, Twilight is at least about characters rather than CGI spectacle.
“Twilight series is a total goo-ey indulgence.”
As for the podcast, it’s simply an extent of the fact that all the others out there are giggly, teen affairs that don’t say much of anything. We try to bring something a little more polished and, dare I say it, insightful into the mix.
I think I specifically pick on Twilight because the movies continue to succeed in the face of its own fans admitting the movie is not even good. Just imagine if the Da Vinci Code movie had been treated by its fans the way Twilight has been received. Unlike 2012 or GI Joe, the hype machine doesn’t even end on its release, it seems like its been a constant barrage of Twilight for a good while now.
When an Indiana Jones movie doesnt meet expectations, people riot in the streets and throw chairs, but the girls who saw Twilight and admit it wasnt that great, and actually exist among those reviewers who are panning this one as well… you don’t see any of them throwing the disappointment tantrums the way other franchises do.
And I’m not sure that’s a better thing or a worse thing. I kind of feel about Twilight like I do about Sarah Palin. People say you don’t get it or that you just have a problem with its exterior or something, but as Jon Stewart said last night, the problem is when you peel back the layers of the onion…
there’s no onion.
devin lol
“Speaking of Jacob – he’s the one redeeming factor in this film. Especially if you’re a pedophile”
Girls who like twilight are adorable.
since I mentioned Thirst, I watched it this afternoon. It’s okay. Just okay.
The cinematography is quite terrific and the lead female performance is very very good, but otherwise as a whole it’s frequently annoying/confusing/boring, one of those movies where there are very memorable scenes but the whole thing doesn’t quite gel together like it should. I wouldn’t watch it again, but its a mild thumbs up.