Twilight Series

[Jamie]

DH and I are going to see it in a few hours - can't wait!

[Jamie]

I just got back from seeing the movie. Overall, it was really good and I had a great time, but I found the effects to be rather comical (I'm guessing that wasn't the intention). In general, I thought Rob played Edward quite well, but I was a bit uncomfortable watching some of his creepy facial expressions. While reading the book, I didn't imagine Edward to be at all creepy, but he was portrayed that way a little bit in the movie.

[Jackie]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jamie. I had heard the same thing about the effects. People had said that there were parts that came off as unintentially comical, when they weren't like that in the book. I'm thinking about seeing the movie this weekend. I think I might be spared from the girls screaming in the theater if I wait a bit. :-)

[Jamie]

Jackie - When I went to see it, there were no screaming girls - there were a lot of giggling girls, though! Regarding the effects, I do think it would be extremely difficult to portray the supernatural traits of these characters realistically - hence the "supernatural" - but it was dissappointing that they turned out to be amusing (particularly the speed and the sparkle aspects). I wonder how things will work out for the sequels, as there will be some new challenges presented later on.

[Jaime]

I went to see the movie last nite. All in all I thought it was pretty good...The only thing that I had a problem w/ was that I felt that it was kind of slow for a while.

[Paula]

My daughter took me to see the movie yesterday before the kids got out of school. I thought it was well done but I would have done a few things differently like give some personality to some of the other characters for one but overall I liked it.

[Marsha]

Loved it!

I actually thought that the awkward effects added to my sense of "otherness" that the Cullens have, like they are trying to fit in and be in control- and that creates challenges in the way they use their powers. Not only are they apart from humans and trying to be aware of that all the time, they are apart from other vampires as well. They never submit to what they are, because that is not who they are.

I thought that all of the actors were very true to the book- and Rob P. had me completely convinced. I thought he did an incredible job.

I loved seeing this story on the big screen.

[Carrie]

looooved the movie!! I was pleasantly surprised!!

[Carrie]

WOW...I just read that MSN article with Kristen Stewart....I REALLLLLLLLLLLLLY hope that was taken way out of context. If not, she is an ungrateful idiot.

[Robin]

OMG - You sound like me...This book is intersting because the writing is nothing special, the idea is not original, the climax is not very exciting, the bad guy is not very frightning - and yet...I devoured it. Still can't figure out why but I did read it cover to cover with little pause.

I just finished New Moon and did not have the same reaction as Twilight - I found it really boring and dull. Not sure I'm going to go on with the series at this point.

--
Wife of fantasy author: Michael J. Sullivan
The Crown Conspiracy (Oct 2008)
Avempartha (April 2009)

[Jackie]

Hey Robin, I'm almost done with Eclipse (3rd in the series). I feel in this one SM picks up the pace again.

[Malena]

The movie comes out on the 10th of December where I come from. I hate waiting!

I'm glad to hear good things so far. I was terrified they would ruin the movie. You know how book to movies go...

[A]

Re: KS on MSN, It's probably really freaky to be mobbed by fans all the time esp. if you were never an attention whore like some young Hollywood types we know. So I'm actually really happy even if that was taken out of context that she's not afraid of saying what she really truly thinks. I don't think it's ungrateful necessarily, but blunt for sure. I think the world needs less sugarcoating and more truth!

I made myself have really low expectations so they would really have to suck in order to disappoint me; I totally want to enjoy the movie but so few actually live up to the books they are based on! Also I am going to wait until January, because I hope there will be silence in the theater and not me hissing "Shhh! I'm trying to hear Edward!" ^_^

[Robin]

Jackie,
When you finish with Eclipse - can you give me a "no spoiler" opinion. I read Twilight Soooo fast. But as I mentioned New Moon seemed like I was "slogging" thorugh it. I almost feel like "in for a penny in for a pound" but I'm really on the fence about this.
--
Wife of fantasy author: Michael J. Sullivan
The Crown Conspiracy (Oct 2008)
Avempartha (April 2009)

[Robin]

My face2face book club went to see this Sunday at 12:45. I bought tickets ahead of time with Fandago (first time I ever did that - it was really easy I like it) Because I was afraid of it beign sold out because I had heard people were camping out for the Thursday 12:01 premier.

I was really shocked that it was not packed. There were tons of extra seats and at the showing I was at there were no "teenie boppers" they were all women and a few men here and there.

For those that saw the movie...Is it just me or did the lack of background music in much of the movie bug you? There was something abouth "the feel" of the movie that really bothered me - the lighting and the no background noise made it seem like a 70's "after school special"...is it just me?
--
Wife of fantasy author: Michael J. Sullivan
The Crown Conspiracy (Oct 2008)
Avempartha (April 2009)

[Chandani]

I hated The Twilight Series

[Jane]

I'm not sure what all the hype about this is...It is not very well written and vampires have been "done" so much better by other authors.

Heck I even prefer Buffy the Vampire slayer over this - but I'm going to see it to the end and decide on the next after that.

[Donna]

As said eariler that U wasn't a big fan of it but I have to finish it out. It was very quick and easy to read so it never takes me a longer than 3-4 days IF THAT!!!

I am going to try the Sookie books. I hear they are more fascinating.

Did anyone ever read the Kerreyln Sparks vampire book series?

[April]

Robin, I just read all four books, and I really liked Twilight...thought New Moon was a little slow...and had to FORCE myself to finish Eclipse. I just had a hard time with it, probably because I'm not so much a fan of Jacob. Also, at times I felt like I was reading a textbook for school (you know, something that is interesting to some people, but you have to get enough information out of it to pass the test). However, I LOVED Breaking Dawn. You really need to read all four to keep the storyline straight, but I felt that it paid off for me with BD.

[Donna]

I heard that too, April, that is why I am still going.

[Jaime]

Donna: I read the first Sookie book and really liked it...will definitely be reading the rest

[Kathryn]

I agree with you about breaking dawn, Lisa.
I can understand why people get obsessed with the book. I was too once. But I honestly feel bad for them. Why not pick up a good old Jane Austen or Dumas book to fall in love with? The Twilight books were good page turners but completely devoid of literary merit. None. The author is creative and a good story teller. But she will be forgotten in a hundred years when all the REAL writing is getting accredited. Don't get me wrong. I like the books but I don't think that they should be as recognised and acclaimed for all that they are really worth.

[Robin]

Wow Dawn and Kathryn, You are giving me hope about Breaking Dawn - I've heard ALOT of negativity about this one. As for them "not standing the test of time" I agree - but sometimes a book is just meant to be pure enjoyment. There is nothing wrong with a good page turner that leaves you feeling better when you are done then you did before starting. Not all books have to change your life - sometimes a good laugh or a well remembered memory is enough.
--
Wife of fantasy author: Michael J. Sullivan
The Crown Conspiracy (Oct 2008) - Fantasy Book Critic Review
Avempartha (April 2009)

[Pamela]

OK....granted I am just beginning SO...I am going to only give my initial impression and the angle I am critically reading these books at:

I am 1/3rd of the way through Twilight.

My favorite age group is the teenage years. I was a youth group leader for years and LOVE to mentor and pick the minds of young people. They fascinate me. They frustrate me. They terrify me. They surprise me. They give me hope for the future.

They are also HIGHLY impressionable and affected by the society around them. Their friends, the trends, the pressures, the angst.

They are chameleons....they LOVE to feel like, dress like, look like, talk like, act like, BE the heroes they worship. Girls pick up quips from each other, they use the same perfumes, they get their eyebrows shaped, they listen to strange music....just because one of their heroes or peers does and is popular or well-liked for it.

Boys are the same only in more subtle ways. They also tend to do the opposite in that they want to be the unique one. The one with the weird hair cut. The one who drives a car covered in political bumper stickers to school. The one who is not afraid to kiss his cool mom in public because everyone likes her. To be just a little different......yet the same.

I love them all.

That being said. I am having trouble getting into the first book but I am hopeful it will get more interesting. SO FAR though....I like the way the author is creating the characters. Of course there must be a bizarre feel to Edward and the rest of the Cullins. I'm getting that.

My only concern so far is....the teens just aren't acting like....well....teens. (first impression only so bear with me...) I don't know of any young man in school who would carry a girl's books to class and not suffer the wrath of taunting from his dude friends. As stand-offish as Bella is, she is awfully responsible at home.....probably because of her experiences with her parents' divorce and her mother's remarriage....(of yet I need to learn more...) but....UNUSUALLY responsible nonetheless.

We'll see. Like I said, I am hopeful. I have not read many comments because I want to get a clear picture in my head of what I am reading and my impressions I want to be my own.

SO........onward and upward!!!

[Robin]

Hey Pamela - I agree whole heartidly with your statement about teenage girls acting "en mass". But...I'm not exposed to that demographic. I'm a 47 year old married women who goes to a number of book reading groups - and the women are behaving just like the teenagers. I tore through Twilight - read it every spare hour - so there is definitely something compelling about it. For me - its not nostologic (as some of the women have mentioned). But if taken "intellectually" not "emotionally" -- and I know that is hard with a book because they tend to effect us emotionally - it really is not very good on my levels.
--
Wife of fantasy author: Michael J. Sullivan
The Crown Conspiracy (Oct 2008) - Fantasy Book Critic Review
Avempartha (April 2009)

[Pamela]

Robin~~~I see what you are saying. Very true. It is not nostolgic for me at all on any level of my high school memories...LOL!!! I enjoy reading young adult books and also to read what the girls are reading in my youth groups and hear what they are saying about it. Amazingly enough, THEY are more intellectually charged by discussing the Elizabeth/Mr. Darcy relationship and the Romeo/Juliet tragedy than I would have EVER expected. THOSE THAT READ...of course. I am quite charmed by that as they are ACTUALLY enjoying their assignments for school. Those who are book worms also have their own reads on the side. THESE books are the ones I am most interested in and try to insert myself into the conversations for. I wish parents would be more vigilant about what the kids are reading on the side....what is getting passed around the class...so-to-speak.

I will be VERY interested to see how the teenage relationship is handled and cultivated in this story. The general sexual attraction leading to...kissing, petting...sex? Or is this series offering an opportunity for abstinance before marriage? THESE are issues bubbling in the the minds of the girls especially and if handled well in these books....will be a PERFECT opportunity to broach the subject with them.

I won't even get into the fiasco that "Forever" by Judy Blume....which was passed around....created. EXCELLENT conversation with them but.......gee whiz....toenail curling comments and eye-opening conversations about what is going on in school....PHEW!!!

I hope the Twilight series handles this well.

As for REALLY good portrayals of teens in modern day situations right now........Jodi Picoult. She is a great author who does her research......"The Pact", "Tenth Circle", and "Nineteen Minutes" are excellent reads for teenagers and their parents to discuss difficult subjects.

I am 36 and these kids keep me young!!!

[Robin]

Pamela,
As to sex in Twilight-I've only read the first two so I can't say 100% - but I thought I heard that Stephanie's Mormon background was such that she totally would not let them have sex before marriage. But in the end of Book 2 they speak about marriage (hope that's not too much of a spoiler) so my guess is it will play a part later on.
--
Wife of fantasy author: Michael J. Sullivan
The Crown Conspiracy (Oct 2008) - Fantasy Book Critic Review
Avempartha (April 2009)

[Jackie]

Marriage before sex and Stephanie's Mormon background does play into the story, which is why I think this series appeals to many moms as well as their daughters. There is an old fashion quality to Edward and Bella's relationship that you don't see in other books or movies these days.

I just finish Eclipse and started reading Breaking Dawn. I was glad to hear that people here liked Breaking Dawn, because as someone else had posted I've only heard negative reviews. So far I'm only a couple of pages in and I'm enjoying it.

Robin, I had said I would give you a review of Eclipse. I had to mull it over in my head after I read it to think of what exactly I was going to say since I had mixed feelings when I was done. I did enjoy it way more than New Moon. I felt the same way as you when I was reading New Moon, that I was "slogging" through it. However, Eclipse does pick up the pace and I was engrossed once again. Towards the end I reached maybe one or two chapters where I was a little sick of Bella and her indecisiveness. I just thought it was a bit much and I was so over it. I kept reading though and ended up enjoying the rest of the book. The ending in this one is a bit different, which was refreshing and gave me hope for Breaking Dawn. I think if you want to continue to read Breaking Dawn you're going to need to read Eclipse first. There are characters that appear in the 3rd book that appear in Breaking Dawn. Also Eclipse gives you the background on Jacob and his ancestors, which I enjoyed. Overall for me it was a good read with the exception of one or two chapters.

[Robin]

Thanks for the information Jackie...I'm still on the fence but I think I will eventually do eclipse which basically commits me to Breaking Dawn. I have them both on a wait list (a very long wait list) at the library and maybe by the time I get to them it will be good timing again.

--
Wife of fantasy author: Michael J. Sullivan
The Crown Conspiracy (Oct 2008) - Fantasy Book Critic Review
Avempartha (April 2009)

[IUHoosier]

I just read all four books back to back for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I'd refused to read them for a long time because of the bickering reviews on Amazon's website. I finally decided I might as well see what the fuss was about when I heard the movie was coming out.

I'm glad I read them. They are definitely 'feel good' reads that mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things, but they're fun. I found myself immersed in the storyline enough to stay up 'til four in the morning to finish BD.

And I LIKED BD!! I don't understand these views that the characters changed so much from Eclipse to BD. All of the things I wanted to see happen, happened and they still seemed the same characters to me, just a little more mature in their choices and ideals.

I'm not sure how many of you will remember, but Stephen King was also crucified and critiqued when he first began 'vomiting' fiction in the 70s. And look at him now. Who's to say Steph Meyer won't deserve the same kind of reputation as he has garnered 30 years from now? Or even one similar to J K Rowlings? Of course, she may flash and burn in ten years and never write again. Only time will tell.

Donna - you should definitely pick up the Sookie Stackhouse series. They are also 'fun' reads, but the vampires are actually scary. Another great series is MaryJanice Davidson's vampires - the Undead & series. Very, very funny - a blonde model with no brains but tons of fashion sense finds herself the queen of the damned.

Happy reading!

[Robin]

I read Twilight Voraciously - though from an intellectal standpoind I find it lacking - I thought New Moon was definitely alot slower and I was a bit bored - I'm on the fence for the last two - I've heard Eclipse picks up again and breaking dawn - well as you alluded to seems to envoke controversy. I know if I read Eclipse I'll have to read the last - in for a penny in for a pound.

I read Stephen King during the 70's I personally liked much of what he produced though I could have skipped Cujo, Thinner, and Pet Semitary.

Robin
Wife of Fantasy Author Michael Sullivan: Website | Buy | Upcoming Book Signings | Fantasy Book Critic Review
Sample Chapters: The Crown Conspiracy: (Oct 2008) | Avempartha (April 2009)

[Laura]

I agree with others that the 2nd book lags a bit but then things pick up again with the 3rd book. While not the most fabulous writing ever they are fun, entertaining reads.

I saw the movie today. It was enjoyable but not one I would watch over again (like I do with the Harry Potter movies). Its pretty true to the book and I ended up being pleasantly surprised by the actors - I had been a little leary of some of the casting choices.

[Jackie]

I finally saw the movie this weekend. I thought it was okay. I didn't care for the special effects, but they did provide some comedic relief. Jasper looked constipated, so I couldn't take him seriously everytime he came on screen. I thought Robert did a good job with Edward, but I agree that he came off a bit more creepy than I had expected.

[Kathryn]

I agree with yo Jackie, I LOVED the comic releif that they added to the movie. I was dying with laughter when Bella saw edward for the first time in Biology. I can't tell if that was intentional. A lot of it was really cheesy and Robert looks like Edward, but he was so awkward. Edward is NOT awkward. he is supposed to be all smooth and smart.

[Jackie]

LMAO...that biology scene was ridiculous! I had read somewhere that Robert and Stephanie Meyer had a argument about how he wanted to play Edward. He thought Edward shouldn't be so perfect and he wanted him to be more vulnerable. But Stephanie wanted him to stick to how he was written in the book: perfect and god-like. I thought he played him well. I didn't like that they were throwing the love word around so quickly. It seemed like there wasn't much time for the relationship to develop, but I guess that how it goes when you're trying to fit a 500 page book into 2 hours.

I'm currently a little more than half way through Breaking Dawn. I've been reading these books for the past month and I can't wait to be done with them. I really like the series, but I'm just ready to move on.

[Donna]

I just saw the movie too and I felt that the acting was terrible!! Jasper was very constipated and Edward was akqward as well and I couldn't take any of them seariously. OH WELL!!!!

[Marsha]

I actually just re-read these after seeing the movie.

I liked BD better on the second reading as well. I think at first I felt like SM sold out. But now I think she is just being true to who she is and the world she wants to create- even though I prefer JK Rowling's style of killing off characters I love and ripping my heart out. :)

[Kate]

I despised the movie. It was slightly better the second time because I was prepared for how bad it would be. I thought the acting was horrible. Bella didn't have me convinced of anything. And i totally couldn't buy there romance the way that it was portrayed in the movie!

[alicia]

I really enjoyed the series and my oldest dd who stopped reading once she hit 7th grade and discovered my space and facebook.Has devored the books.She decided to read Twilight since she was invited to the midnight screening of the movie.Sh currently started Eclipse.They were very quick reading books.They are definetly for the young adult crowd.But i did love the story and I actually enjoyed New Moon i liked the development of Jacob's character and they pull he also had with Bella.I am also one of the few who actually was glad he imprinted with Bella's dd I know it's weird but totally fit in with a happy ending for him.

[Paula]

I actually liked the movie. Not great but I did enjoy it. I thought Jasper looked like a deer in the headlights most of the time and most of the Cullen "children" didn't have much in the way of personality. I did like the way the relationship between Edward and Bella developed and thought the times it was just them with no dialogue was good. I didn't go in with high expectations so wasn't disappointed. : )

[Donna]

I was really happy with James tho. He was very Yummy too bad tho...

[Brooke]

I read the series and I loved it. It's actually what got me reading again. I think because it was so simple and I didn't have to think while I read it - just enjoy myself. I like to get lost in a book and I was able to do that with how Meyer's wrote. I was on the fence about the movie; it felt "choppy" to me. Maybe if I saw it again it would be better. :)

[Amber]

I went and saw the movie the day it came out and although it didn't completely follow closely to some parts in the book I thought the actors did a good job.Especially considering the fact that they probably had to learn how to be "vampires" as they went along. Besides I love Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. A lot of people did not want Robert to play Edward but honestly I think he was perfect for the part. He really tried to make Edward as realistic as possible, which certainly couldn't of been easy. I'm going to go see the movie again this Saturday with a bunch of friends :).I can't wait! I have re-read the Twilight series at least 7 times since I found out about the movie and love the books more each time I pick them up.

[Paula]

Donna, I thought James was very good also and Victoria too.

[Paula]

Amber I wasn't crazy about Robert being Edward, he just isn't handsome to me but I did like him after seeing the movie, he did a good job.

[Shelbi]

Really? Paula I totally agree with you, but I can't say my mind was changed after seeing the movie. I much prefer the son in the new Counte of Monte Christo. Reread Midnight Sun online

[Kate]

I don't think that much of Kristen Stewart as an actress... and I thought her acting in this movie was even worse then normal. She is too twitchy. I wanted to grab her and make her still... and she moves her face too much when she is talking. Just all-together annoying. I also wasn't fond of Robert Pattison as Edward. I agree with you, Paula...he just wasn't as hot as I thought that Edward should be. Plus, sometimes the way he said things, you could tell that he was forcing an American Accent and that affected the delivery. The part in the movie when he reacts to the fan blowing her hair... it was just too much for me. It was so horrible.

[Robin]

Can anyone else comment on something for me about the movie....

I felt the "production values" were terrible - I was very "struck" by the fact there were many scenes with no background music at all and the lighting seemed "amaturish" as if they didn't have a good cinematrogrpher etc. All in all I kept thinking -- man this seems like a '70's after school special -- did anyone else get this feeling or am I just nuts?

Wife of GR author: Michael J. Sullivan | The Crown Conspiracy (10/08) | Avempartha (04/09)

[Jackie]

Robin, I found the background music annoying. I didn't like the song picked to be Bella's Lullaby...I just don't think it fits. I was annoyed everytime it played in the background. I liked Yiruma's song better.

As for the production I think it was more due to the budget. I think the costumes bothered me more. The bad wigs and makeup made it more comedic for me.

[Donna]

Those three "villians" seemed to be the best actors too compared to the rest of them.