Given the choice between watching any of the three “Twilight” films again or suffering through a reality dating show, I’d probably pick the latter.
Even if it meant spending even more time with Bret Michaels or Vienna.
That doesn’t mean I’m not grateful for the vampire franchise.
It’s easy to love everything that “Twilight” stands for without actually embracing any of the movies themselves.
Let me explain.
I recently caught a screening of “The Last Airbender” and had to step around a gaggle of teens camped outside the theater waiting for the midnight screening of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” to begin.
The sight made me giddy. Here was a group of people, some flipping through teen ‘zines, others discussing the film with their pals, making a personal sacrifice for the sake of a simple film.
What movie lover isn’t touched by that?
The franchise is helping indoctrinate a new generation of film goers. Years from now, they’ll talk about the experience with their own children, and their wee ones will someday wait in line for the blockbuster du jour.
And the “Twilight” films offer an alternative to the hookup culture. Teens today can watch a love story that doesn’t involve hormonally obsessed teens or copious nudity.
Not that there’s anything wrong with those two cinematic qualities, but “Twilight’s” restraint is noble all the same.
Bella and Edward love each other deeply, and they’re willing to make sacrifices in order to make their relationship work.
My critical side can’t help but notice the indifferent acting and soapy dramatics which are the franchise’s unenviable calling card.
But the movie fan inside me couldn’t be happier that another “Twilight” installment is ready for mass consumption.
(Photo: Taylor Lautner squares off with Robert Pattinson in “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” opening in theaters everywhere June 30./Summit Entertainment – Photo credit Kimberly French)
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
You know what would’ve been awesomer? If Triumph the Insult Comic Dog was out there with them:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x115u4_triumph-the-insult-comic-dog-star-w_fun
OMG! if only, Jason …
I’m curious about another phenomenon. M. Night Shyamalan getting another chance to make a big budget movie. There should be a Triumph the Insult Comic Dog interview with him.
As a fan of most things vampire, I’m also not into Twilight, but Eroc and I did watch the first movie just to see what the hype was about. I give it an ‘OK’. I’m obviously not in the demo but I can appreciate certain parts. I’m hooked on True Blood right now.
I completely agree – such a nice break from all of the gross-out humor in so many teen movies, or the oh-so-tiresome movies about one teen’s quest to lose his or her virginity.
While I could only watch the first ten minutes of the first film (seriously, vampires walking in sunlight?), I appreciate it for the reasons Christian listed.