I know that over the past handful of years you have been compared to the Harry Potter phenomina, which there is nothing wrong with since it was and still is wildly sucessful, but you should not have let that go to your head. Just because HP is splitting the final story into two parts does not mean that you have to as well. Yes Twilight blew up over night just prior to the first film. Yes the books are a great YA (young adult) series that got a ton of teens back into reading after the HP books were completed. Yes you have one of the actors who was in the Goblet of Fire film as the star of your films, but how far are you really going to take this competition?
Now let me begin by preferencing this with the fact that I have been a fan of both book series for many years and the books are fantastic. BUT dearest Twilight, you have saddly disappointed me for a second year in a row with your films, and what I am about to do is not only a little sad, and sligtly embarrassing, but I feel as though I need you to understand just how much you broke my heart with the third installment of the Twilight Saga.
"Yo Twilight, I'm really happy for you, I'm going to let you finish but Harry Potter is one of the best franchises of all time...one of the best of all time!"
Twilight did so well with the adaptation of the first book, and even the second film was palatable outside of the fact that you have made a sex symbol out of a 17 year old boy who some 30-something women have a hard time controlling themselves as they watch the film, and who even twilight-moms make complete fools of themselves by embarrassing their daughters by making such odd requests as asking the buff star to sign their Team Jacob panties. I'm sure it will be a story told anytime Mr. Lautner is asked what is the craziest thing that has ever happened to him, but did you really need to go as far as you did? And with Eclipse I am saddly left speechless.
Eclipse had so much potential but I felt it fell short of what it could have been. The two-hour film was hard enough to sit through with awkward dialog (which I've yet to figure out if that is just because Kristen Stewart still has not come to terms with her new found fame that the role continues to make her one of the most awkward and uncomfortable actress to watch on screen, or if it was just the dialog chosen for the film) and a third of the film being visual effects that moved so quickly that all I could focus on was the blurry CG playing out before my eyes. No matter how much I love Stephanie Meyer's writing, this film did not stand up to the reputation and stands of the two films that came before it. Too much time was spend on visual effects, and not enough was spent on the story itself. Had a viewer not read the books they would have been left in the dust as they would have had no idea who the characters were or what was happening in the story. I felt it was the weakest film of any series I have ever seen.
Although I cannot say that the whole film was a bust. There were a few saving graces during the 2-hour running time. I commend the writer, Melissa Rosenberg, and director David Slade in their flashback sequences as they were the highlights of the film. I loved seeing each of the Cullens' back-stories play out on the big screen. As far as the actors go, it was Billy Burke (Charlie Swan) who saved the film for me. His quick one-liners were the comic-relief that made the film easier to stomach. And of course I just have to mention that my favorite line in the film is Edward saying: "Doesn't he own a shirt?"
I am sad to report that I am no longer a Team Edward or Team Jacob advocate. I will stand beside Jasper any day of the week and turn to Charlie when I need a quick pick-me-up. However the films just are no longer doing it for me. I would rather turn back to the black and white pages of the books and re-read the series to get the original excitment and joy I felt when Stephenie Meyer first introduced me to the Twilight series.
Overall, I give Eclipse a 2.5 out of 5. Judge as you may, but after seeing the film don't say I didn't try to warn you.
When I was younger I used to stay up late and watch the Oscars, with my ballot, and hope that each of the winner's I picked actually received the Oscar. Tonight however is not the Oscars. Tonight networks primarily aired repeats so as not to loose ratings to the People's Choice Awards which aired on CBS. I will admit that I have never before watched this particular award show. I generally stick to watching the Tonys, Oscars, and from time to time I catch the Emmys, but tonight I figured I'd give the People's Choice Awards a shot.
The opening number by Queen Latifah was entertaining, but I do not feel it stood up to Neil Patrick Harris or Hugh Jackman's opening numbers for the Oscars and Tony's over the past few years. The Paranormal Activity parody was a bit shocking but definitely worth a good laugh or two. The only thing better was Mariah struggling to walk to the stage to accept her award for Favorite R&B Artist. She may have thought that dress was going to make her look good, and next time she'll consider the ability to walk over showing off her tatas... Thankfully she thanked her hubby for helping her to walk.
I never realized how entertaining the Emmy's and Tony's actually were until just now. I mean it takes a lot to hold the attention of your viewers for 2+ hours, but for me the writing for the show was just lacking. The jokes just were not that funny, or maybe it was just their choice in presenters. I mean Chevy Chase is getting up there now and watching his read with Jenna Elfman was just sooooo hard to watch.
I was happy to see that The Big Bang Theory won Favorite TV Comedy, however it Kaley Cuoco's dress reminded me a bit of a dominatrics as she stood in what looked like a black leather dress beside her geeky co-stars who I love so much. I will let that slide though because no one does it better than Sheldon or Leonerd. I <3 my geeks. Aside from comedy, there is always the drama. We always go looking for drama, but sometimes it is funny how easily we forget just how great some of the actors truly are. Hugh Laurie is known for his "American Accent", so hearing his "normal" speaking voice with the English accent was a shock even though I knew to expect it. It's great when actors can give you so much depth that they make you forget the "truth".
It took until half-way through the show before things picked up, and actually got any good. The best present of the night was by far George Lopez. With his hilarious comments towards Taylor Lautner, the crack at Tigar Woods, and the reminder that even great actresses make mistakes (Speed 2). Following the great introduction, Sandra Bullock followed suit with her acceptance speech. She's cute, classy, and everything we want in a leading lady. She reminded us that even the stars go through though times. Downfall... Twilight spoof... MAJOR FAIL! Shortly after the turn around, it began to drag again. So a quick wrap up with only 10 minutes left (unless of course they are heavy and run over...) Yes... Kodak was the sponsor, but do we really need the lame attempts with the stalls...? So sad that Vampire Diaries was not there to accept award. Glee wins but left me feeling cheated. If we wanted a "special surprise" sing us a lyric or two... do not serve pizza. But I get it. Yet another sponsor. Banter between LL and the Queen, cute be eh... if thats what we wanted we could just rent Last Holiday. Swift is cute... but I'm almost over her winning EVERYTHING.
Side Note: Children's Safe Drinking Water Quick flashback to Bruno sitting on Eminem's face (MTV Movie Awards)... Baron Cohen reflect's on Johnny Depp's film career. Johnny Depp sighting (god I love the hair)! end of show...
That's it? Really? And they didn't even get through the entire list of nominees... So now we wait for the rest of the winners to be announced online and via other media forums. Well, glad I didn't waste space on my DVR for that show. Fingers crossed the Critic's Choice Movie Awards are better next week. Three Cheers for Kristen Chenoweth!
Winners: Best Comedy Movie: The Proposal
Favorite R&B Artist: Mariah Carey
Favorite TV Comedy Actor: Steve Carell
Favorite TV Comedy Actress: Alyson Hannigan
Favorite TV Comedy: The Big Bang Theory
Favorite Country Artist: Carey Underwood
Favorite TV Drama Actor: Hugh Laurie
Favorite TV Drama: House
Favorite Movie Actress: Sandra Bullock
Favorite Action Star: Hugh Jackman
Favorite Independent Film: Inglourious Basterds
Favorite Breakout Movie Actor: Taylor Lautner
Favorite Male Artist: Keith Urban
Favorite Web Celeb: Ashton Kutcher
Favorite New TV Drama: The Vampire Diaries
Favorite New TV Comedy: Glee
Favorite Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Movie Male :Johnny Depp
Actor of the Decade: Johnny Depp
...
Performances: Mary J. Blige -- I Am
Cobra Starship w/ Nicole from Pussycat Dolls
Sneak Peeks: Robin Hood Looks like it could be good. Always a fan of the story of Robin Hood, but we'll see if the former Gladiator can pull off the role.
Survivor: Heros vs Villians 20th Season... a decade later and the show is still going. Probably nothing I'm going to watch, but who knows. Maybe there will be some serious drama that will out shine the producer who had sexual relations with one of the women on The Bachelor. But probably not.
Clash of the Titans We have seen a few trailers already for this film, and each time I watch the trailers I get that much more excited for the film. I will never forget the 1981 classic with the Laurence Olivier and Maggie Smith and the ever so entertaining stop motion animation, but the updated remake looks like it will be a serious winner and a potential blockbuster hit with an amazing casting. I will say this though, I was disappointed with the so called "World Exclusive" since the footage we were shown has been out since Avatar hit theaters and it was placed as one of the trailers shown prior to the start of the film.
Slips/Falls/Mishaps:
Mariah Carey -- almost unable to walk in dress. Needing help from her hubby to walk up stairs to accept award.
Carey Underwood -- almost slips and falls while rushing to the stage to accept award
"Seat filler" -- ouch... enough said (btw people... get over Taylor Lautner... he may have abs of steel, but remember he is 17 so Twilight Mom's... please act appropriately and behave yourselves.)
New Moon Parody
Favorite MOVIE ACTOR
Johnny Depp Brad Pitt
Hugh Jackman
Robert Pattinson
Ryan Reynolds
Favorite MOVIE ACTRESS
Sandra Bullock Anne Hathaway
Drew Barrymore
Jennifer Aniston
Kristen Stewart
Favorite ACTION STAR
Hugh Jackman Christian Bale
Gerard Butler
Shia LaBeouf
Vin Diesel
Favorite COMEDIC STAR Jim Carrey Adam Sandler
Ben Stiller
Ryan Reynolds
Vince Vaughn
Favorite BREAKOUT MOVIE ACTRESS
Miley Cyrus Anna Kendrick
Emily Osment
Ginnifer Goodwin
Zoe Saldana
Favorite BREAKOUT MOVIE ACTOR
Taylor Lautner Chris Pine
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Sam Worthington
Zachary Quinto
Favorite ON-SCREEN TEAM
The Twilight Saga Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Proposal
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Favorite INDEPENDENT MOVIE
Inglourious Basterds (500) Days of Summer
District 9
Paranormal Activity
Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail
Favorite COMEDY MOVIE
The Proposal 17 Again
Bride Wars
The Hangover
He's Just Not That Into You
Favorite MOVIE
Twilight The Hangover
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Proposal
Star Trek
Favorite TV DRAMA
House CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Grey's Anatomy
Lost
NCIS
Favorite TV COMEDY
The Big Bang Theory Desperate Housewives
How I Met Your Mother
The Office
Two and a Half Men
Favorite TV DRAMA ACTOR
Hugh Laurie Kiefer Sutherland
Mark Harmon
Matthew Fox
Patrick Dempsey
Favorite TV DRAMA ACTRESS
Katherine Heigl Anna Paquin
Blake Lively
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Mariska Hargitay
Favorite TV COMEDY ACTOR
Steve Carell Alec Baldwin
Charlie Sheen
Jim Parsons
Neil Patrick Harris
Favorite TV COMEDY ACTRESS
Alyson Hannigan America Ferrera
Amy Poehler
Eva Longoria Parker
Tina Fey
Favorite TV OBSESSION
True Blood Dexter
Gossip Girl
The Hills
The Secret Life of the American Teenager
Favorite COMPETITION SHOW
American Idol Dancing with the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Survivor: Samoa
Favorite MALE ARTIST
Keith Urban Eminem
Jason Mraz
John Mayer
Tim McGraw
Favorite FEMALE ARTIST Taylor Swift Beyonce
Britney Spears
Carrie Underwood
P!NK
Favorite COUNTRY ARTIST
Carrie Underwood Brad Paisley
Keith Urban
Rascal Flatts
Taylor Swift
Favorite BREAKOUT MUSIC ARTIST
Lady Gaga Adam Lambert
Demi Lovato
Kris Allen
Susan Boyle
Favorite ROCK BAND
Paramore Daughtry
Green Day
Kings of Leon
Muse
Favorite MUSIC COLLABORATION
Run This Town Good Girls Go Bad
I'm On a Boat
Live Your Life
Lucky
Favorite R&B ARTIST
Mariah Carey Alicia Keys
Beyonce
Jennifer Hudson
Usher
Favorite POP ARTIST
Lady Gaga The Black Eyed Peas
Britney Spears
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift
Favorite NEW TV DRAMA
The Vampire Diaries Flash Forward
The Good Wife
NCIS: Los Angeles
V
Favorite NEW TV COMEDY Glee Accidentally On Purpose
The Cleveland Show
Cougar Town
Modern Family
Favorite ANIMAL SHOW Dog Whisperer Animal Cops
DOGTOWN
It's Me or the Dog
Rescue Ink Unleashed
Favorite WEB CELEB
Ashton Kutcher Andy Samberg
Miley Cyrus
P. Diddy
Will Ferrell
Favorite FAMILY MOVIE Up Hannah Montana: The Movie
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Where the Wild Things Are
Favorite FRANCHISE The Twilight Saga Harry Potter
Star Trek
Transformers
X-Men
Favorite TALK SHOW The Ellen DeGeneres Show Chelsea Lately
Live with Regis & Kelly
The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Tyra Banks Show
Favorite SCI-FI/FANTASY SHOW Supernatural Heroes
Lost
True Blood
The Vampire Diaries
Favorite HIP-HOP ARTIST Eminem Flo Rida
Jay-Z
Lil' Wayne
T.I.
NEXT UP: 2010 Critic's Choice Movie Awards on Friday, January 15
Twihards went out in full force last night and filled midnight screenings all over Manhattan. This time late year I attended the midnight screening of twilight on 34th st, but choose to catch the second installment at a theater in queens, and the thing I noticed is that those who attended the screening all seemed to be much older then the fans that attended the first film. Was it the area? Is it just the the fans have grown up that much in the past year? Or is the Twilight series beginning to become so different that in comparison to the harry potter series it actually is a series for "older people"? Those are all questions you will have to answer for yourself. New Moon not only brought an older crowd to the theater, but it also appealed on a lot of levels to the series' older fans. Like in the books, the characters have grown up a little. It is nice to see the change in some of the characters but with purrs you almost do not even recognize them. Mike's weak stomach is by far the best source of comic relief, but having to spend just over 2 hours in a theater of shrieking women (emphasis on women - these ladies are not teens, tweens, or even in their early twenties) sounding as though they were about to faint and talking the entire time as though they were sitting at a chip n' dales club, I found it a little hard to enjoy the film to the extent I was hoping for. Yes everything swoons for R-Patz, but only now after the 30 pounds of muscle is the ever so talented (and now heavily ripped) Taylor Lautner is getting the attention of people who in any other situation may never have thought twice about the actor. I do not even believe this to be a "team Jacob" or "team Edward" thing, and as the movie progressed and Jacobs spent the last two thirds of the film with out a shirt on the only words I could hear were not those from the film, but instead the group of women talkin about jacob.
Aside from the audience yelling to each other to try and get people to stop talking during the film, everything else was pretty good. If you have seen other films directed by Chris Weitz I assure you that you will enjoy this film. The story is well told and follows the book pretty well. The CGI used for the werewolves is tastefully done. However, I do wish that more time could have been spent telling the wolves' story, as well as more of the film spent with the Volturi. If you have never read the books you will have no problem following the story as it does very well as a stand alone sequel to the Twilight film. I will just give this piece of advice... unless you don't mind crows of screaming and cheering tween and adult women, I would recommend waiting a week to see the film as I'm sure the crowds will be insane with Twilight Fever.
Check out the maddness that happened in Boston http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkN5FH9W-UY
