2009: The Year of the Wolf

Cower in fear or writhe in ecstasy, dear readers. For the year of the wolf is upon us. I can't say what your instinct tells you to do, but I think once you get a load of the furry men of 2009, you'll lean towards writhing in ecstasy.

There are 4 flicks opening this year featuring extra hairy men all of which are fodder of female fantasies.

Once of the dreamiest is Lucian, the lovelorn lycan of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. Underworld: Rise kicked off our shaggy stud year on the 23rd of this month. It's currently playing and I'd urge you wolf lovers out there to see it. I saw it opening day and I wasn't disappointed. Set aside the fact that Michael Sheen (Lucian) was mouthwatering, the movie itself was great.

Plot, premise, effects, star power (Bill Nighy as Viktor - lead vamp and Rhonda Mitra as Sonja - Lucian's love) were all magnificent. Followers of the Underworld franchise might just call this one the best of the bunch. If the first two Underworld's Selene was a lure for the fanboys then the third Underworld's Lucian is certainly a major lure for the fangirls. Move over Jacob Black! (Note to dear Taylor Lautner: See picture left: Michael Sheen as Lucian. Notice chest hair, beard, expressive lines around eyes and manly stance? These are characteristics of an adult human male. Take note and see me in 15 years).

Next up we have The Wolf Man starring Benicio Del Toro . I'm looking forward to this film. The more werewolf movies, the better. I'm not so excited by the makeup for Del Toro's wolf man. I would rather the visionaries had strayed a little farther away from the original 1941 Wolf Man's hokey appearance. He reminds me of a button nosed puppy.

I think it would have served the movie's mission better to modernize the wolf man's look. That button nosed, furry human face reminds me more of Fajardo Aceves Jesus Manuel, wolf boy of Mexico than it does a mindless, howling savage animal. My Mom's dog Oscar is scarier than the Wolf Man!

If I were confronted by this wolf man, I'd probably giggle hysterically even as he nibbled me to death with his tiny humanoid mouth.

Of course this joshing is all in good fun. I will be right there on The Wolf Man's opening day, ready to be entertained.

Our next guy is not a werewolf perse, but he gains honorary membership into the furry britches club. This year we are treated to a Wolverine extravaganza sans the rest of the X-Men crew in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. I for one will go see it just because of the hotties joining the cast: Ryan Reynolds will star as Wade Wilson 'Deadpool' and Liev Schreiber checks in as Victor Creed 'Sabretooth'. I saw all the other X-Men movies and they were pretty good. I don't have tons of enthusiasm but I feel it's my duty to go see it just to fully experience the year of the wolf!

Lastly, the culmination of all things wolf of 2009. New Moon is scheduled to open November 21st, exactly one year after the opening of Twilight. Fangirls everywhere are chomping at the bit to devour the next installment in the Twilight saga. Taylor Lautner reprises the role of Jacob Black, this time commanding major screen time as he 'grows' into the role of the studly fur baby. While I'm not happy that the role wasn't relinquished to a bigger, older man who could have realistically portrayed Jacob as the domineering 6'5" (+), 25 - 27 year old (looking) beefcake he became in New Moon, I will concede that Lautner has put forth the effort to fill the shoes. Last I checked, he had put on 29 pounds of pure muscle and was still working on it. I truly believe that if he could bare down real hard and force himself to grow 12 inches, he would do it. Slow down kid, you're going to rupture something.

So an 'A' for effort to Taylor Lautner. I don't dislike him, I just didn't want him in this role. But I'm sure I'll be pleasantly surprised.

There you have it, 4 deliciously devious, handsomely hairy stud puppies to sink your teeth into in 2009. Arooo! Hail the year of the wolf! Now out you go, get out there and start the year right by enjoying the 1st wolfy treat, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans on the silver screen, and mark your calendars for the rest of these nocturnal nibblers.

Lautner Returns as Jacob: CG to Provide Male Enhancement

Well, this is likely to be a pessimistic post. One, because my plans to go see Twilight again in the theater tonight were thwarted by old man winter. Enough already! Bring on spring.

But mainly because it's confirmed that Taylor Lautner will indeed be back as Jacob Black in New Moon. I feel like this was a selfish and stupid decision, in part made by Summit, but also by Chris Weitz. Chris Weitz, in case you don't already know, is the guy who took over the reigns of directing the Twilight saga from Catherine Hardwicke.

This gives me another reason to doubt Summit's ability to make rational decisions. It's like they want future Twilight films to fail. They've repeatedly done stupid things:

1. Fired Catherine Hardwicke
2. Decided to only bump up production moneys for New Moon to $50 million, just barely more than the shoe string budget they allotted for Twilight. Even though New Moon will require extensive CG effects for werewolf transitions, site shoots (in Italy, no less!), cast additions (Volturi, anyone? HELLO.), more spectacular vampire stuff and lastly the freaking cost of digitally turning Taylor Lautner into something he clearly IS NOT; a feasible Jacob Black. Which brings me to the last dumb thing:
3. Brought Taylor Lautner back as Jacob. Fans are familiar with his face already. SO WHAT. If you remember right, A LOT of fans didn't want Robert Pattinson to play Edward. So, fans don't always know best and can be fickle. I mean, the same fans that said Robert had a gargoyle's face are now adoringly sighing his name on message boards.

Since Summit is throwing away most of the budget on uber sizing Taylor to pretend that he has any assemblance with the maturing Jacob Black, they might as well throw some money into making Kristen Stewart's acting believable. Let's face it, it's kind of uncomfortable watching all her twitching, eye rolling and stuttering.

One thing you can bet on, since Summit is being stingy with the cash to make New Moon, somewhere quality is going to suffer. Especially since a goodly amount of money will be allotted to correcting the glaring mismatch of Lautner as Jacob. They plan to resize him in every scene (ala Hagrid in the Harry Potter films). Let's remember just what a big part Jacob plays in New Moon. That's a lot of male enhancement!

One thing that will be in the forefront of my mind while I'm watching New Moon is that Taylor is not real. That he's just a little guy trying to fill the shoes of my big old Jacob. I hate it! I want a real man to step into the role.

Perhaps the crappiest thing of all is that when New Moon doesn't do as well, Summit will blame it on Edward not being present through a large part of the story. When the truth is if they'd went about making the movie smartly New Moon would be even greater than Twilight is.

Chris Weitz to Direct New Moon

Well, folks, it's a done deal. Summit Entertainment has signed Chris Weitz to direct New Moon. Those unfamiliar with the name or face should know that he directed American Pie and The Golden Compass. I suppose he's a satisfactory director. But as far as I can tell he holds no special powers in story telling like 3 of my favorites: Sam Raimi, Tim Burton or Guillermo Del Toro. I mean, you know when you are watching a Guillermo Del Toro flick, no question about it! I singled out those 3 directors because they are masters at spinning fanciful, mystical stories. In my mind I can imagine how each of them would leave their distinctive mark on New Moon, or Twilight for that matter. It'd be cool, that's all I'm saying. I suppose that Chris Weitz will do ok. I gotta rag on him a minute because it's hard for me to fathom the delicate budding teenage emotions of New Moon being handled correctly by the guy who directed American Pie. I was really nervous until I read the letter Weitz wrote to the Twilight Saga fans. Apparently many other Twilighters had misgivings for he felt compelled to placate us all with a heart felt letter (posted on Stephenie Meyer's website):

Dear fans of Twilight, New Moon, Bella, Edward and Jacob,

In the past few days I have been involved in a whirlwind romance with Stephenie Meyers’ extraordinary books.
And I am very grateful to have received her permission to protect New Moon in its translation from the page to the screen.
For fans of the books and of the film of Twilight, this may come as an unexpected twist. So I want to write briefly to try to put you at ease, and to give you reason to hope for and expect the best.
For the last decade of my career as a director, I have chosen to make adaptations of complex and involved works of literature. This has always begun with the love of a book and its characters, story, and theme; and it has always involved a respect of and responsiveness to the feelings of other people who loved those books.
When I saw the film of Twilight, I was alternately entranced and left hungry for more. I was also struck by the extraordinary passion for the characters, story and theme that was evident in the people sitting in the seats around me. My job is to live up to that devotion.
Like many of you, I am a fan of Catherine Hardwicke’s work. I can’t really say much about why she is not doing New Moon because I wasn’t involved in those decisions. But I can say that I will devote myself to making the very best and most faithful version of New Moon that can be brought to the screen. To those who doubt that as a male director I can capture Bella’s experience, I can only say that emotion is universal and that my work has often involved working with some of the most talented actresses in the world.
For the rest, the proof will have to be in the pudding. But I promise to remain responsive to your hopes and fears.
I thank you for this opportunity and for your faith.
Very best,
Chris Weitz

I admit, the letter from Weitz did wonders in softening my contrary position. I promise all of you that I won't dwell on whining about what in my opinion is a directorial misstep on the part of Summit. Unless Weitz does something stupid, then all bets are off.

If any one's interested, Chris Weitz starred in a movie once. It's pretty creepy, hope he didn't write it! It's called Chuck & Buck.

Twilight Gross to date: $214,568,151

Hey all!

Just read, according to http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=twilight08.htm Twilight has grossed $214,568,151 worldwide so far. AND it's still playing in some theaters. As a matter of fact, yours truly plans to see it one more time tomorrow afternoon. That's number 4 for me :) So, for any of you other Twilighters going to the 4 o'clock viewing at Colony Square Mall in Zanesville, see you there! Yay, Twilight!!!!!! My fervor for all things Twilight is waning so I suppose as soon as I finish the Christopher Moore novel I'm reading I will get out the saga and once again immerse myself into the wonderful world of Forks, Washington. Look out Edward, here I come!

Entertainment Weekly's Best Movie Cameo of 2008

This weeks edition of Entertainment Weekly had a whole host of best and worst of 2008. Just wanted to let you know that the best movie cameo of 2008 goes to Stephenie Meyer in Twilight! I would have to agree there. It was a surprise and delight to catch a glimpse of Stephenie in the diner scene! Go Stephenie!!

Oh, and in totally unrelated news,

here's a sweet picture of Edward

and Bella lying in the grass.

Just thought I share...

Robert Cut his hair

Robert Cut His Hair!

Just a quick note to all to tell you that Robert cut his hair. Yes, the boy went and done it! Personally I think he's dreamy either way but I agree with probably most of the Twilighters out there. I think he was way sexier with the mussy crop of sex hair on top!

So long as he looks like our mind's eye of Edward once shooting for New Moon starts in February 2009.

R.I.P (hopefully temporarily) Sexy Hair, Hello No-Nonsense Crop Top:

Jacob Black Role

Just a quick update. I read in Entertainment Weekly this week that Summit Entertainment is seriously considering recasting the role of Jacob Black. Taylor Lautner's manager is pressing hard core for them to use CG (computer generated) special effects to enhance Lautner's size and look so that he can continue in the role.

Hopefully Summit is smart enough to figure out it would be a lot cheaper (and wiser) to recast rather than dump a crap load of money into unnecessary special effects to make Lautner fit the part physically. It'd be a shame to keep Lautner and use money to enhance his physical appearance that would otherwise be better spent on legitimate needed special effects, like the werewolf transitions or vampire beautification and talents.

I am looking for viable contact information for Steven Strait so that we Twilighters (who are pro Steven) can bombard him/his people with requests and suggestions that he try for the part. The only hopeful lead I've found is a website that boasts having celebrity contact info. The catch is that it isn't a free site. However, for $1 you can find information immediately. I plan on looking into it further. If I find any solid information, I'll let you know. The site is 'contact any celebrity' and below is link directly to the Steven Strait page. Let me reiterate that there is no contact info listed on the link, unless you pay the dollar to see it. If I check it out and it seems legit, I'll post it immediately!

http://www.contactanycelebrity.com/trial/do/celebrityView?name=Steven-Strait&id=57881

If anyone else has Steven's contact info or can find it, let me know and I'll post it for everyone else so we can encourage him to audition!

Summit Entertainment Dumps Director Catherine Hardwicke

In a revealing article on Nikki Frinke's Deadline Hollywood Daily website (http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/index.php?s=catherine+hardwicke) Summit Entertainment announced that Catherine Hardwicke will not be asked to direct the second installment in the Twilight saga movies, New Moon. They said basically that there was a schedule clash between her time frame and theirs. But it really sounds like a load of bull to me. Read the article and decide for yourself.

I personally enjoyed the earthy feel Hardwicke's direction gave to Twilight. I imagine whoever they choose will make it a point to give the movie a 'polished' feel. What ever vision the new director has, s/he better live up to what Hardwicke has done so far. I think it's crappy to dump Hardwicke, especially since Twilight has the distinction of grossing more money opening weekend than any other female directed movie in history!

Take heart Twilighters. I'm not completely opposed to seeing someone else at the helm for New Moon. This isn't a totally bad thing. Although I'd rather Catherine be given the chance to direct New Moon, especially with more cash available the second time around. I'm somewhat curious how another director will envision the book in movie form. I have only two requests (and by requests, I mean demands).

1. That they choose a female director. Because, after all, the Twilight saga was written by a woman, mainly for woman, from the viewpoint of a woman. And so it should be directed by a woman!

And 2. the director must be a passionate fan of the saga. No one else can do it justice. It was Catherine's passion for the story that drove her to work so hard when creating a vision true to the book.

Whether that is Summit's intent or not, I hope they have their hearts in the right place when shopping around for a new director. Otherwise, there's no wrath quite like that of a scorned Twilighter!

Follow that Blog!

Hiya, all you diehard Twihards!

Just an FYI, I added the 'Follow This Blog' gadget to my sidebar for your convenience friends! Please click on it to get RSS feeds of my Twilight Saga blog delivered right to your inbox!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Twilight Revisited, a Success!

Peggy and I went to see Twilight again last night. We met for dinner first and discussed in detail our thoughts on the books. I was on cloud nine, no kidding. Someone in the flesh to discuss Twilight and all those wonderful, magical characters with! My only complaint is that the evening went by too fast. Before we knew it, it was time to head over to the theater. My ardour for everything Twilight had settled somewhat, which is a good thing (because it's exhausting being obsessed with something all the time). Yes Twilight and Edward and Jacob are still some of my very favorite things, but daydreaming about them had become secondary to ...living!

As tempted as I am to pick up Twilight and start rereading the saga, I will refrain. Because after seeing the movie again, I feel myself getting pulled right back into the obsession. And if I allow myself to get Twilight out and read it, there will be no looking back. I'll succumb to the magical draw of Forks, Bella, Jacob ...and Edward. Ah, Edward!

Peggy and I went into the second viewing of Twilight with different perspectives. She had seen it the first time with no prior knowledge of the story (more or less). She hadn't read the saga. I think that would've been a cool thing, to have seen the movie before reading the books. I had of course read them (a few times) but they weren't extremely fresh in my mind. That was on purpose, I tried to remove myself from the story so I could have a fresh perspective. It was hard to do the first time I saw the movie. I couldn't make my mind focus on the actual movie. Instead I just noticed what was different from the book, what was the same, and especially how the movie felt like a 'cliff notes' version of the book. The scenes seemed choppy to me.

Last night however, it had been even longer since I'd read the book and I'd already seen the movie so it was a lot easier for me to just go and focus on enjoying the movie itself. I loved it even more the second time! I did not get the sense of a choppy cliff notes version again. The movie flowed and the story seemed consistent and smooth. I'm not exaggerating! The excitement of being in an over crowded theater at the midnight viewing was gone as well. That was great and totally added to the experience the first time but had been maybe a little distracting from really seeing and enjoying the movie itself. My heart still raced with Edward's first grand appearance onscreen, it was all very satisfying. And the things that bothered me the first time didn't so much this time. My only complaint remains (and was even more heightened this time) Kristen Stewart's portrayal of Bella. Hopefully she will tone down the drama and play up Bella's 'goofy in love in the face of danger' attitude for New Moon.
*NEW MOON SPOILER COMMENT BELOW*
Of course, Kristen Stewart may be able to do a really good job in New Moon simply because if you've ever watched anything she's in, including Twilight, you'll notice that she always seems to have pessimistic overtones to her character portrayals. She's very low key; a downer, if you will. And so, since Edward breaks Bella's heart and leaves her in New Moon, Kristen's melodramatic portrayal may actually synch with Bella's frame of mind in New Moon. But I still think she got Bella wrong in Twilight. If you pay close attention (or even if you try to ignore it) you will notice how Kristen almost never delivers any of Bella's lines without stuttering through them (although intentionally) or rolling her eyes dramatically ...and I also have to mention this annoying little head shake thing she does. I'd say 70% of the time she is talking, she minutely shakes her head from side to side. Was this for added emphasis on the import of the words she is speaking? I would bet so. It doesn't help and hopefully someone will point it out to Kristen before filming of New Moon starts.

Filming of New Moon! Yay! In case you didn't notice, I'm changing direction here, readers. I didn't intend on ragging on Kristen Stewart today. My intent was to tell you how much I really enjoyed myself last night, and I DID. 100%! I very often digress, of which you all are aware. I will do some research and let you know just when filming will begin! Now, back to my night with Peggy.

After Peggy saw Twilight the first time, she went home and ordered the whole saga online.(Another Twilighter convert!) And she's read all but Breaking Dawn. Going into the theater last night she'd become a savvy Twilight lover. Her perspective had changed majorly. She was way more excited this time. Now that she knows the details of the story, she was chomping at the bit to see the movie again. And she loved it even more! It was great!

So I'd say our evening was a great success. I told her last night and I'll say it again: Peggy if you want to go back, just give me a holler! I'll be there in a second :D

Twilight Revisited!

I was on call for my job all of last week so I didn't get to go see Twilight again. But I am planning on going again this Friday. I know compared to all you other Twilighters out there I'm a lightweight! But I always had intentions of seeing it again. I wanted to let the first viewing stew for a while. Let it simmer and fade. THEN head back out and see what I glean from a second viewing. I want to know if my opinion will change.

I was planning on going alone to see it this time. But I got a happy surprise when I read my email today. My best friend Peggy wants to go see it again too. This is major news to me. I've created a Twiligher! I am the only one of my small group of friends who was obsessed over the Twilight saga. The only one to even read them actually. But my friends were so enticed by the hype surrounding the movie and the lure of a midnight showing that they accompanied me to see Twilight. I must tell you that after seeing it, Peggy went home and bought all four books.

I think that my friends may have thought that these books were your typical vampire stories. You know; blood, fangs, long black cloaks and scary glowing eyes in the dark. But after seeing Twilight, they realized that it is as far from the vampire cliché as you can get. (Not that I mind the cliché, I rather enjoy any vampire story!) The Twilight saga doesn't fit into the mold of the typical vampire story, it's a romance, plain and simple. BUT, there's the alluring part. Neither is the Twilight saga a typical romantic story. It fits into both the category of vampire story and romantic story, but in an atypical way. It breaks the mold. And that is one of the things that makes it so special. There is nothing in the story that seems familiar and so you are compelled to keep reading (usually in an obsessive sort of way that all us Twilighters comprehend). That appeal is something very hard to explain and therefore, very hard to convince someone of. I know I just gushed about how wonderful these books are to everyone I ran in to, but until a person can experience for themselves, it doesn't quite grip you how addictive Twilight is! Come on, how can 17 MILLION of us be wrong? :)

So I think that we'll see a grand spike in the Twilight saga's book sales. Because not only does the Twilight movie fulfill something that all us original Twilighters were waiting on, it also serves as a catalyst for new Twilighters. If you are like me, you'll jump in feet first and reread that saga again like it's the first time! Enjoy the amazing journey all over again, with all the new fanatics in tow.

Twilight pulls in $70.6 Million!

Hi there you crazy Twilight fans, you! Just wanted to put this out there so you'll be aware. Twilight made $70.6 million dollars opening weekend! That's quite a haul! AND Twilight's director Catherine Hardwicke snagged the distinction of highest grossing opening weekend for a female directed movie! She blew away the last person to hold that spot, Mimi Leder who directed Deep Impact in 1998 (it made $41 million). Go Catherine!

Summit Entertainment has already announced the green-light for New Moon. So, expect to see it in 2010 (hopefully early 2010). They have pretty much committed to adapting the who saga for the silver screen!

I'm really stoked about all this. The only down side is that I've read in several different articles that Taylor Lautner will reprise the role of Jacob Black. I can't deny that I'm bummed by this. I've read that maybe they'll just ignore the fact that Jacob sprouted up so quickly into a big ole boy. That would suck. His unintentionally imposing stature played a major part in his description in New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Guess they'll just work around it (to my consternation!)

New Moon is almost my favorite in the saga. I can't put it above Twilight, so I'll call it a draw. But the book is largely a dialog between Bella and Jacob. It's going to be imperative that Kristen Stewart not be so dramatic. And Taylor Lautner will just have to grow a whole foot and ...be more engaging! Yeah he was cute and nice in Twilight. But that was because he was there in small doses, just as a supportive character. In New Moon he'll be front and center, main character all the way. I just don't know if he will pull it off. I guess we'll see, we have no choice. :)

I will expound on this subject another time friends! I only intended to give you the straight (subtle reference to my wishes that Steven Strait would be cast as Jacob? Yep.) facts on how Twilight did over the opening weekend. But in true form, I blathered on! Believe me, I'll have more on this topic later.

Oh, by the way, Happy Thanksgiving!!

Twilight MOVIE REVIEW!!

My friends and I arrived at the movie theater at 11 pm last night, giving us an hour to get inside and claim our seats.

The parking lot was full.

We got inside the mall and there was a line outside the theater doors that span halfway through the mall. There were 200 or 300 people in the presale ticket line. (Sorry, no pictures allowed or I'd have gotten some). Luckily the theater staff had prepared and the line moved quickly.

There was a 30 minute wait for the concession stand. Inside each theater 2 or 3 ushers worked together to seat everyone. Kudos to the staff for their efforts. They really kept everything efficient, insuring everyone got a seat and got seated together.

There was a happy buzz in the theater and that hour passed quickly. Finally when the Summit Entertainment logo came onto the screen there were a few "Shhh!"s and then people clapped as the movie started. We all watched quietly and anxiously. My heart was literally racing.

...Then Edward made his on screen debut and everyone clapped. It was so much fun to share this special midnight showing with others who love the Saga as much as I do.

After that it was quiet except for lots of giggles (when Edward was onscreen) interspersed with 'ooohs' and 'ahhh's. And a couple of "I love you, Edward!!"s. It was a surreal experience.

Twilight was made on a small budget because Summit Entertainment took a chance. They saw making Twilight as a possible risk. Little did they know how very devoted the fans are. They took the chance because they wanted Twilight to succeed and had no idea if it would. They stayed true to Stephenie Meyer's vision and so, they deserve for it to succeed. And succeed it will. If Twilight lacks anything it's because production was strapped for cash. You can be assured though that New Moon won't be. When the money is counted after this opening weekend, there will be no doubt about the rest of the Saga being made into movies. Summit will be able to throw hoards of cash at the remaining three.

Now, on to the action! I am going to give you my opinions and conjectures. But I am going to try very hard to not reveal anything that would spoil the experience for those who haven't seen it yet.

This movie was good. Catherine Hardwicke is a fan of the saga and you can tell because she did a phenomenal job making Twilight. The movie has the feel of a stage production. It didn't feel like a big Hollywood movie. It had an aura of realism, it was kind of 'gritty'. The acting was good with a shining performance by Billy Burke as Charlie Swan. He's obviously an acting veteran, very natural and charming. Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan) gave an okay performance, over embellishing at times. Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen) was wonderful, if at times awkward (intentional? Maybe). Peter Facinelli (Dr. Carlisle Cullen) did a very good job. For me he was not physically what I imagined for Dr. Cullen. But his acting was convincing and I found I believed him as the good doc very soon into it. Taylor Lautner was surprisingly believable as Jacob Black. For those of you who read my previous post, you'll know I was not in favor of Lautner playing Jacob (my Jacob!). Also I have to mention that still photos do not do Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Cullen) justice. He truly is a strikingly beautiful individual and pulls off Jasper wonderfully. He was intimidating and alluring. All the other actors I've not mentioned by name were fine, but I do not want to run on about every single performance. Just believe that no one sucked!

My favorite scene in the movie was the baseball scene. It was exciting and fun. It also did a great job of familiarizing the audience with the Cullen family. You should know that my favorite scene in the book is the meadow scene. The reason it wasn't my favorite scene in the movie is because, well, it really didn't exist. It was kind of represented but I'm disappointed that more emphasis wasn't put on it because it's a pivotal point in the book. The movie's 'meadow' scene happened quickly and like, right behind the Forks High School (???). That ruined the 'enchanted private Edward place' feel for me. I guess he did take her up the mountain first but it just didn't feel right. I have to mention the 'sparkly Edward' scene. When he stepped into the sun with his shirt open, he looked exactly how I'd imagined. His skin looked like diamond encrusted vinyl. He didn't refract rainbows of light though, but that's ok. And I'm surprised and completely happy that they opted not to wax Robert Pattinson's chest for the scene! Although I doubt many teen Twilighters will feel the same.

I also enjoyed the heated first kiss scene between Bella and Edward (duh). Although, the danger of being that close to Edward didn't translate well, which subtracted slightly from the intensity. It could've been done a little better. Even so, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson's on screen chemistry was palpable. Every scene was great, don't get me wrong. I'm just keeping it real :) You'll love every minute of it! I just wanted to point out some ups and downs so you'll know what to expect.

The scenery was breathtaking. Rainy spanses of woods and mountain ranges and stormy seas abound. I had to mention that because like I've said in the past, the surly climate of Forks, WA was every bit as prominent a character as the humans were.

Now I'm going to give you the 411 for the overall feel and intentions of Twilight the movie. There is some incongruity to the scenes and some things completely changed. But not enough to detract from the quality of the story. A lot of scenes felt rushed. I think it was like that so Catherine Hardwicke could get as many things from the book into the movie as possible. It kind of feels like a Cliff's Notes version of a much longer movie. Things that were revealed slowly over time in the book had to be hurried to be succinct. Otherwise, the movie would have been three or four hours long. Which, lets face it, would have been absolutely wonderful for all of us but impossible on the budget of $40 million. You have to overlook that and enjoy the movie for what it is: the physical incarnation of our beloved, special world created by Stephenie Meyer. Who by the way shows up briefly in one scene, so keep your eyes peeled!

In conclusion, Twilight is a great movie that lives up to my expectations. And my recommendation is that if you've enjoyed the books, any of the hype surrounding the movie or anything remotely connected to the Twilight Saga, do not deprive yourself of the opportunity to get out there and be a part of something big and special. Go! Revel in the camaraderie surrounding the release of the biggest thing since Harry Potter. Be a part of it! Do us Twilighters/Twi-Hards proud! I'm really glad I did.

My movie rating for Twilight as a Twilight fan: A+
My movie rating for Twilight as a discernible movie goer: A

Casting Jacob Black: What Went Wrong?

I have consistently said good things about the Twilight movie, sometimes acting on good faith. I believe in the movie. I know I'll love it. Stephenie Meyer's herself was involved every step of the way. She rejected the initial screen play. Did you know the first screenplay completely edited out the entire Cullen family except Edward? How weird would that have been? Stephenie put her foot down and said 'No thank you.' Then she made casting suggestions, good ones too. She loved Rob Pattinson for Edward right away and stuck to it. Even though a lot of people pushed for Edward to be played by Tom Welling from Smallville (Yuk, heaven forbid!) Thank goodness she stuck to her guns on that one, he's too white bread, average okay looking for the mesmerizing Edward Cullen.

Below: Tom Welling


There were other characters whose casting for the movie were pivotal. They are (in my opinion) Bella, Jacob, Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Carlisle, Esme, Charlie and Renee. The casting is important for those characters because they had strong presences in the books. They were so prominent in the story that the reader really invests in a mental image of how they look. So it was imperative for those doing the casting of Twilight to really find actors that fit the bill. It was hit and miss for the actors chosen to play these characters. I won't go into the details of them all right now. Now, for the characters that I didn't mention above, the casting fit into one of the following:

1. actor fit the character
2. actor has grown on me and come to fit the character or
3. actor doesn't have a strong enough presence in the movie so I don't care

I have some minor beefs about some of the important character's casting. But my major complaint is with the casting of Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black. Jacob is an important character. Whether you are Team Edward or Team Jacob, you have to concede that Jacob is a major player in the Twilight Saga.

I know that Jacob Black is only 15 in Twilight. But even so, he is already showing signs that he's going to be manly early. This Lautner kid is wrong for a lot of reasons. I don't think his looks match at all what Jacob should look like. I pictured Jacob with an open, sincere face. And this guy is all scrunchy looking. Also, Jacob is supposed to have a deep, manly timber to his voice, even at 15. I've watched Taylor Lautner interviews and when he talks he has a very effeminate voice, NOT right for Jacob at all. The elocution of his dialog is all wrong. Taylor sounds prissy. I imagined Jacob's elocution to be very rhythmic and paced, calming and slow. Jacob should sound laid back. I got the impression from the books that Jacob was a pretty introspective guy. Taylor reminds me of those 'Oh MY God, no way!' types of kids that hang out at the mall. Maybe a little too peppy for his own good. And, I don't want to get too nit picky here but while I'm at it, I might as well mention that I just don't like his smile. He has girl's lips. Okay, enough verbal beating up on Taylor, I'm sure he's a good egg.

No more hits below the belt for Taylor, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention his height (or lack there of). From pictures taken of the cast, you'll notice that Taylor is hardly taller than Bella. Again, I know Jacob is supposed to be young and hasn't had his 'growth spurt' yet. But in Twilight he was at least taller than Bella. One thing for sure, Taylor may be able to pull off the physical characteristics of Jacob in Twilight, but there's no way he'll be able to reprise the role for New Moon. That alone gives me hope that my dream Jacob guy will be casted. I really wanted Steven Strait to play Jacob. (More on that later.)

Below: Taylor Lautner cast as Jacob Black in Twilight


I don't have anyone in mind to play the young Jacob, mostly because I'm in my thirties and have no idea who the available teeny bopper actors are. They could have cast probably anyone else and that would've been a better choice for me. But I'll deal, just so long as Taylor isn't back for New Moon.

Lautner: Long hair not flattering


As for an older (at least physically) Jacob, I have ideas... Steven Strait is exactly how I pictured Jacob. He has beautiful eyes and an incredible (manly) smile that makes a girl weak in the knees. PLUS, he's a big guy. At 6'2" he could really do Jacob justice. Even though Jacob becomes taller than 6'2", it would be easier to work with an actor that height to make them appear taller than to try it with a guy of smaller stature. He's beautiful and he looks great with long hair. No offense but long hair on Taylor Lautner is not flattering.

MY Jacob: Steven Strait


Strait: That gorgeous smile


Another convincing argument for Steven


I had to get this blog posted before seeing the movie because I want to be able to come back and either:

1. confirm that I was absolutely right. Taylor Lautner was a wrong fit or
2. come back and say 'He didn't work out too bad at all...'

I want you all to know that I'll stay open minded when I see the movie. I don't think I'm going to like Taylor portraying my lovely Jacob. But he may be a master thespian and totally blow me away. That'd be okay.

So there you have my long winded rant about the casting of Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black and my future hopes for casting. May the best man win!

After Seeing Twilight
After seeing the movie, I had to come back here and update this particular post. I want to tell you readers that Taylor Lautner did okay as Jacob Black. Although I would never accuse him of being a master thespian. But I'll give him a break, he's young and we can't all be Dakota Fanning. That said, you should know that Taylor has a charm that can't be detected in still pictures. On screen he was cute and a little backwards, very alluring qualities. And I was way off on his smile, it's great; wide and inviting with the whitest teeth I've ever seen! I would imagine in 10 years he'll be a heart breaker.

Now, that I've settled the score on that, let it be known that I still want Steven Strait to play Jacob in the rest of the Twilight movies. Steven is in his mid to late twenties which will suit the role of Jacob Black from here on out because in New Moon it's mentioned that with Jacob's growth spurt and ...'life experiences' he has matured physically way beyond his years. He should look like an adult man.

I love Steven's open and happy face. He really looks like a ray of sunshine when he smiles and it makes you want to smile back. THAT's Jacob right there. He is so attractive and friendly looking! But he is manly too. I can totally imagine him crushing on Bella. Or being intimidating when Edward comes back around as well.

3 DAYS, people!!

Let me just take this opportunity to say ARGGGGGGG!!!! YAY, WOO HOO!!!

Ok, that is basically it. Just to let you Twilight lovers out there know, my friends and I are going to see the 12:01 showing of Twilight. I've never been to a midnight showing of a movie before and I'm extremely excited about it.

I know that Twilight is going to live up to my expectations. I can hardly wait to see it and fill in all the gaps in my mind created by the teaser trailers. I love Catherine Hardwicke (director of Twilight) by now. She is just so amped and excited about the Twilight saga as the rest of us and I believe that she put her heart and soul into creating a vision true to all of our imaginations. I hope that she is signed to direct the rest of them, as I am sure the sequels will be made. I read that Summit Entertainment claimed that in order to merit making New Moon, Twilight would have to make at least $20 million the opening weekend and at least $160 million all together.

Well, let me be the first to go out on a limb here and say I'd be surprised if Twilight doesn't haul in $60 million this coming weekend, and that's my conservative estimation. They just don't want to underestimate us Twilighters, Twi-hards - whatever you want to call the masses out here who clung to every written word spoken by Bella, Edward, Alice and the rest of the gang. I can foresee us out in hoards seeing the movie 2, 3, 4+ times in theaters.

We romantics at heart aren't going to be able to get enough of our star crossed lovers, Edward & Bella. I feel like they are old friends and it'll be wonderful to hear (and see) the words that are so dear to me spoken aloud on the big screen.

And just to think, Rob Pattinson said in an interview that when he read Twilight, he knew a few pages in that he'd never get casted as Edward Cullen after reading how heavenly beautiful he was describe. Silly boy. We can't wait to pine for your softly brooding angel's face. You'll do Edward justice, I just know it.

Sexy Fright Night Chris Sarandon Dance Scene

Hello fellow vamp lovers! I got to thinking about it and figured it couldn't be too hard to find the sexy Fright Night dance scene. Low and behold, youtube to the rescue!

Check it out:



That's what I was talking about. Yeah, it has a corniness factor, but it's HOT too!

HOT Memorable Vampire List!!

Here's an interesting list of movie and TV vamps as compiled by the folks at EW. Some of them are really hokey (Blackula? Lost Boys?). But I suppose because they are so recognizable, even as being hokey, proves that they deserve to make the list.

Edward's on it so that's basically the most important thing.

Here's their list:

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20234559_20234565_20153015,00.html234559_20234565_20153015,00.html

But for your viewing pleasure, I'm going to compile MY list of favorite vampires of all time. The one's who may my heart flutter and set my blood on fire!

Here goes:

1. Edward Cullen - Twilight

Edward Cullen, the fastest and definitely the most intriguing of all the Cullens. Dark and brooding, subtle and introspective, attentive and intellectual= 'sigh'... How can you not fall for a guy whose only goal of existence it to protect you. And nothing else matters more than being with you, even if that entails just watching you sleep. I think most romantic girls in their heart of hearts want that level of devotion, true devotion. And it's not crazy for us to want that because if ever an Edward Cullen really existed and put forth such effort, it would eagerly be reciprocated by any lucky girl. So, human guys; what's so frinkin' hard to figure out here?


3. Emmett Cullen - Twilight

Emmett Cullen, the beefy protector. All brawn, almost. He's happy go lucky and quick to fight. But he is also quick to love. A passionate character all around. No doubt about it, he'd be a fun date and always a treat to look at. He'd be a hit with the jock-lover types.

3. Jasper Cullen - Twilight

Ahh, Jasper. Jasper Cullen has that way about him that causes a slow burn within a girl. A southern gentleman with whom no bad guy would want to tangle. He seems the quiet strong type whose mother probably taught him to put a lady's needs before his own. Yes, Jasper is A-Okay with me. This guy is all kinds of mysterious. But I'll bet behind closed doors there's a depth of character so rich that any gal would blush to know. He seems like he is all about making a connection to his special someone. He wouldn't have to tell you he'll always protect you, he just would. Actions, not words. *SWOON*

4. Mick St. John - Moonlight

Mick would have placed numero uno on this list if the Cullen Boys hadn't nudged him out. But hey, placing right after the Cullen's isn't a bad spot. Okay, Mick is definitely a heart stopper for us *ahem* more seasoned vampire lovers. He's 30-ish and crazy handsome. He was the main character in the short lived CBS series 'Moonlight'. And from what I gathered, pretty much every person who watched the show LOVED it. But CBS had a hair up their arse (pardon my French) and canceled it after one season. Dumb move on CBS's part I think. It's like they had a personal vendetta against this show. Anyhow, I digress... My point is, Mick St. John had charisma, he was manly, gorgeous and interesting. A hot vamp who sleeps in the freezer. What's not to love?

5. Eric Northman - A Southern Vampire Series

Eric Northman is the hunky vampire bar owner in the Sookie Stackhouse series of books by Charlaine Harris. It was adapted for an HBO series called True Blood. Let me say that HBO has wholey ruined the book series by turning it into a lurid, campy debacle that resembles almost nothing of the books. But, before I knew that I was ticked at how poorly the show was cast. I'm not going to bore you with the details of how bad HBO screwed up the casting, but just wanted to warn you that they did so you'd understand why I'm going to post a picture of the guy they actually cast as Eric and the guy I would have liked seen cast.

Alright, Eric is a huge blond viking vampire centuries old. He's very manly, stands 6'4" and is subconsciously smitten with the book's heroine Sookie. He was made amnesiac by a witch once and stayed with Sookie for a while but now remembers none of that. It's a long story. But just let me say that the steamy scenes between Sookie and Eric were memorable to say the least. Bottom line: he's a powerful, virile tower of sexy. Rrrr.

HBO Casted:

This ugly guy

HBO SHOULD HAVE Cast:

Dolph Lundgren

6. Jerry Dandridge - Fright Night

Any vampire lovers old enough to remember the 1980's will place Jerry Dandridge on their favorite vamp list. He was a very proper, neat looking guy. His appeal wasn't immediately appreciated, it sort of crept up on you. But let me tell you, there is a dance scene between Jerry and Charlie Brewster's teenage girly-friend that takes place in a disco-tech (I know, I know. But it was the 80's!) that was nothing short of STEAMY. Charlie Brewster is Fright Night's protagonist who's trying to get rid of the vamp who lives next door to him (Jerry). But Jerry falls in love with Charlie's girl Amy and will do anything to have her. Fright Night is the perfect mix of scary, funny and fun so the hot-assed dance scene was out of the blue! Think sensual. If you've never seen Fright Night and/or can't imagine Jerry (Chris Sarandon) as crazy-sexy, rent it, you'll see!

7. Gary Oldman's Count Dracula - Dracula

I think Gary Oldman is sexy whatever he does but as Count Dracula? Forget about it! He is the best Dracula EVER, hands down. Bela Lugosi might as well step out into the sunlight, he was an egg headed nerd compared to Gary. And Gary's accent was accurate too. Bela sounded like he was hearing impaired instead of Transylvanian.

Gary's wardrobe was sexy and he had this deliberate slowness to his actions that made him seem very dangerous. Easy to see why Mina was so compelled.

8. Gerard Butler - Dracula 2000

Last but certainly not least is Gerard Butler as Dracula 2000. Personally I think Gerard Butler is one of the most inhumanly HOTTEST men on the face of the planet but ironically one of his least sexy roles was that of Dracula. I don't know, for me, he requires some sort of facial hair to reach his full hotty potential; be it chin and lip stubble, a mustache or goatee. It doesn't matter, just as long as he's not clean shaved (as he was in Dracula 2000). I mean, if he'd have been a vampire in 300, he probably would have topped this list (LOVED the pointy beard!). But even though he wasn't at his dreamy best in Dracula 2000, his overall manly juiciness earned him a spot on my fantasy fodder vampire list. Here's to you, you delicious Scottish rogue!

Remember, this & this is why we LOVE Gerard (see what I mean about the facial hair?!):

Midnight Sun

Image borrowed from www.damnimcute.com

You know how I've been putting off finishing the partial Midnight Sun draft? Well, I've felt particularly self indulgent today. It is exquisite being in Edward's mind, I gotta say.

I mean, the most striking thing about Midnight Sun is the total consuming love Edward feels for Bella from pretty much the beginning. He knew before she did. It's so delicious learning that he was a gooey ball of love inside while having such a cool and aloof exterior. He really kept it hidden well in Twilight. Had Bella known Edward's feelings, imagine how much faster she'd have realized how completely and irrevocably she loved him.

I also really like hearing the normalcy of Edward's family life through his conversations with Emmett, Alice and Carlisle. It's so neat eavesdropping on their private world.

I really hope that Stephenie Meyer's reconsiders finishing Midnight Sun and I hope it's 1000 pages long. I know I've probably said that before but it's true. I want some new material on Edward and Bella.

Just when I think I'm over them, it creeps back up on me again. ~sigh~ I guess I'll just start reading the saga yet again.

New Picture of Rob as Edward

I wanted to share this picture of Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen. It's the first image of him really looking like the undead (beautiful as he may be). I love the purple lips and chalk white skin. AWESOME!!

Why I LOVE (not just like) Robert Pattinson as Edward

I watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I saw Rob Pattinson (RPattz to his fans) as Cedric Diggory. In passing I thought 'Nice looking guy...' and that's about it. Didn't give him too much more thought than that.

That was then, as they say. Now Rob has slipped nicely into the role of the object of my infatuation. Not his fault really, I just love me some Edward. That's not to say that just anyone could fill Edwards shoes. Quite the opposite in fact. I think Rob is the perfect choice. Which is startling when I think about it. Out of all the Twilight reader's imaginations, which undoubtedly run rampant with a million different versions of what Edward looks like, the casting director picked a guy who could've been plucked right out of my fevered mind.

For me, Rob totally embodies what I imagined of Edward. He's got that moody, obstinate thing going on. He looks brooding, and he has a very cute crooked smile. I can easily imagine Rob's Edward dazzling Kristen Stewart's Bella. Frequently.

He also is either a private person or he just hasn't been well known enough (before Twilight) to have his personal life splattered all over the tabloids. Either way, this adds an air of mystery about him. He's a clean slate. I don't have any preconceived notions of what he's like. That makes it a lot easier to attach Edwards attributes to him.

And you can dissect why Rob is a excellent choice for Edward logically by referring to Stephenie Meyer's own physical description of him in Eclipse. There is a passage that describes Edward as having a long straight nose, full lips and a very square jaw line. When I read Eclipse the second time, that description really struck me. It was like she was looking at Rob when she wrote it. I read that Stephenie herself said that Rob was the perfect choice.

Some fans baulked at the fact that Robert doesn't have a six pack or any other rippling muscles. Shame on you guys, I say. Yes, I know the books mention his yummy form and I'm all for continuity, but come on! I don't think it matters one fig about the six pack. For one reason, Edward's shirt is going to be on (unfortunately) for most of the flick. Secondly, RPattz is just plain sexy. I truly believe when you are looking at his face, you aren't going to be thinking about his lack of bulging biceps. Thirdly, his body fits the idea of a runner's body which is how I sort of picture Edward, since he's the fastest Cullen. His long, lean frame to me has an understated raw appeal that I just wouldn't feel if he was some fine tuned beefcake. Lastly, Edward as a vampire would look pretty much (physically) like he did when he was human. And his last human days were spent dying from a somewhat prolonged illness that may have made him emaciated.

Raw Materials: Shaping Robert Into an Agreeable Edward
Robert Pattinson may not have come into the Twilight gig looking the part of Edward:

But in preparation for his role as Edward, he was groomed to become the vampire that every girl wants to cuddle. How do they take a normal handsome guy and make him into Edward Cullen? Well, I have my theory. First of all, Robert is a very hairy little monkey. If you view a close up of this picture (please click and view the original size to truly appreciate it):

you will see he's working a pretty serious unibrow. But (and Rob, if you're reading this, please note the following) it's not anything to feel bad about. Because along with that thin line of forehead hair he also has some impossibly long eyelashes (sigh), totally manly sideburns (sigh, sigh) and a thick crop of gorgeous hair that any girl would adore running her hands through. Point is, he looks awesome. All that extra hair makes for a perfect canvas to work with. Wax and pluck to reveal the Edward within! I don't mind hair like that on a man, I mean, after all, we are mammals. We have hair! Get used to it everyone! What I'm saying here is that with all that extra hair growing around/out of everything, the Twilight people have a lot to work with in Rob. They can sculpt and shape that boy into just about anything, including a very believable Edward Cullen. ~Sigh~.

Robert as Edward: