Wondering why TV channels are going nuts over the launch of New Moon? Mostly interested in the Non fiction rack in the bookstore? Stuck in a room full of giggly girls gushing abour Edward's eyes? At a multiplex, considering whether you should get in the line for tickets to New Moon? Here's the least you need to know about the Twilight....
What's it about?
Its a teenage romance. Only one hero is a vampire, the other a warewolf.
Why the frenzy?
The seemingly doomed love story appeals to the hormonal and angst driven sensibilities of girls between the ages 8-20. Both Edward (vampire) and Jacob (warewolf) are insanely good looking, this appeals to women outside this age group as well ( ahem...) .
Should I read the books?
Yes, the brooding angst comes out better in the books. As with all stories with an element of fantasy in them, they play out better in your own imagination, than a bog standard Hollywood version. In the case of the Twilight series, watching the films cold turkey might actually turn you off, especially the first part, since the storyline's major concern is establishing a dreamy romance between the two leads.
Who are the main characters?
Edward Cullen (resident vampire) and Bella Swan (awkward teenager) are the main leads. Jacob Black emerges as a main character in New Moon, as the newgrown resident warewolf. Side characters include Edward's family (Alice, Carlisle, Esme, Emmet and Rosalie - all vampires), Bella's dad (Charlie), and Jacob's fellow wolfpack buddies (Sam Ulay, Quill and Jared.) The vampires also have Xmen style special powers. The real bad guys are the Volturri family, who is introduced in the New Moon.
Is it better than Harry Potter?
No. Apart from establishing an entire mythology and world of magical characters, the Potter series gives you a rich subtext through stories and metaphors. It's in a different league.
Why bother?
Let's face it, the older you get, the more you need to make sure you are part of the latest "cool" media phenomenon to prove you are still with it.
Can I fake it?
Yes you can. Try the following in a conversation
" So do you think Bella will change? "
" I think Bella and Jacob are more real, don't you?"
The response to any of the above sentences should give you enough material to muddle through. I leave you with the trailer for New Moon, created by Team Switzerland.
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