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!
