Clueless About Twilight? This Is All You Need to Know
You know that the whole "vampire thing" is huge, but you're too embarrassed to admit you don't know why. Don't worry, we were too. That's why we secretly asked our friends at Seventeen.com (repository of all things Twilight) if they could give the clueless (ahem) among us a tutorial so we can catch up. The third movie in the Twilight Saga, Eclipse, was released this week. If you want to see it, here's what you need to know before going in:
What You Need to Know About the Plot:
Twilight, the first film in the Twilight Saga film series, chronicles the burgeoning relationship between shy, awkward teenager Bella Swan and mysterious yet beautiful vampire Edward Cullen. Edward's adopted (and rather unorthodox) family is unique to their kind, opting to drink only the blood of animals over that of humans. But when a string of puzzling murders plagues their tiny town of Forks, Washington, it's up to Edward to save Bella from what would be a certain death. In the sequel, New Moon, an unfortunate incident in his family's home spurs Edward to see for the first time just how challenging his life with Bella would be. After Edward ends their relationship and flees town with his family, Bella's best friend, Jacob Black, quickly steps up to fill his shoes. Just as Bella begins to envision her future with Jacob, he begins acting strangely and eventually Bella learns that he too is attempting to hide a mythical identity. After a near-death experience, Alice Cullen (Edward's "sister") returns to inform Bella that Edward believes her to be dead, and accordingly has set off for Italy to petition the Volturi (the vampiric Royal Family) to end his life. Though Bella reaches him in time, the Volturi have nevertheless gotten wind of their love and Edward and Bella are told that in order for their relationship to continue, Edward must turn Bella into a vampire. The film ends with Bella propositioning Edward to grant her immortality and Edward countering with a proposal of his own.
What You Need to Know About the Actors:
Kristen Stewart stars as Bella Swan opposite Robert Pattinson's Edward Cullen. The two have faced much media scrutiny due to their well-documented awkwardness during press conferences and red carpet appearances. While Kristen's behavior is often construed as her being ungrateful for the recognition now surrounding both her and the series, Pattinson's nervous babbling receives a far different reception, with many finding his nervous chatter endearing. The two are currently rumored to be dating but generally remain mum on their relationship status. Werewolf Jacob Black is played by 18-year-old breakout star Taylor Lautner, best known for the physical transformation required to ensure his role as a buff shape-shifter in New Moon. Taylor is also rumored to be dating his way through young Hollywood, after being spotted out with the likes of country superstar Taylor Swift and Disney's Selena Gomez.
What You Need to Know About the Phenomenon:
Beginning with the best-selling book series, penned by Stephanie Meyer, the first of the young adult vampire-romance novels, Twilight, has sold over 17 million copies. The film adaptation was a similar commercial success, grossing more than $382 million worldwide. The Twilight Saga: New Moon set records for advanced ticket sales as well as for the biggest midnight opening in domestic box office history. Critical reception has been mixed for both films however, in particular, inviting feminist criticism for its highly traditional gender role portrayals.
Are you a Twi-hard or over the hype? Will you be seeing the newest movie?
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