Vampires and popcorn at midnight, oh my!
Last night around 11:15 pm when my daughter, her friend and I took our seats in a soon to be very crowded theater to see Twilight, I leaned over and said, “I’m mother of the year, huh?” My daughter prompted raised her eyebrows and looked around and laughed. Not exactly the reaction I was going for. “Um, sorry,” she said, “But look at all the mothers here.”
My bid for mother of the year thwarted by a teenage vampire.
The crowd was calm until someone said “Twilight.” Then the girls were screaming. Heck, I screamed. It’s hard not to get caught up in the emotion of a fabulous 500-page book coming to life.
And they did a good job. Robert Pattison played a believable tall, pale and handsome Edward Cullen, our hero. When he walked into his very first scene the entire theater cheered. Kristen Stewart played a good sulky and determined Bella, our narrator and heroine. There was some real chemistry between them that really moved the story along.
This was the first time my daughter went to a movie made from a book she loved. She gave me a play-by-play of what scenes were missing (many) and where lines were delivered in towns instead of meadows. The entire first book of the Twilight series, Twilight, is narrated by Bella, therefore when things happened in the movie that happened out of Bella’s sight or knowledge, like violent scene between Edward and the aptly portrayed James, something that was merely eluded to in print, she did not like it. Stephenie Meyer effectively delivers Twilight to her readers with much innuendo — and movies just lay it all out there.
To make a long story short, my daughter said, and I concur, that the movie was an excellent synopsis of the book. The characters were not fully developed aside from Edward and Bella, and even with those, two hours does not afford the time to go into the full scale detail of their lives, their mulitple friendships and family relationships. Nor does it give us any lead-up. In the movie it seems like Edward and Bella fall in love on the second day they meet. In the book, let’s see, how can I put it? It’s much more realistic.
And so it goes, without surprise, the book is better than the movie.
The biggest surprise? I stayed awake through the entire thing. I admit it, I was riveted, clapping and cheering with every other teenager and mother in the theater.
If you read Twilight, don’t miss the movie. If you haven’t read it, I’ll lend you our copy. I’ll even bring you some popcorn to go along with it.
Oh, and author Stephenie Meyers has a cameo in the film — she’s sitting at a counter in a diner doing what else but typing away on a laptop. And if you question the pop-culture phenomenon of the book, not the movie, every one in the theater pointed and said, “There’s Stephenie Meyer!” Including me.
Now talk to me about the dying publishing industry and how people are going to stop reading books. I dare you.
forget the movie AND the book. that experience with your daughter (eyebrow raising and laughter included) will last you both a lifetime.
remember, the fact that other mothers were there is insignificant. the fact that you were one of the ones who decided to go is huge. especially today in school to the girls who hear about it whose mothers chose to be sleeping instead.
You are totally mother of the year! That’s hilarious that you screamed along with the girls – I probably would have too. I saw my first commercial for Twilight last night (so far I’ve only seen trailers online) and even though I haven’t read the books, I really want to see this!
Great review! Too funny everyone recognized Meyers in the diner.
AmyZ, you’re right, and that’s why I did it. (uh huh, righto) I was just too tired to remember to add it to my review!
Melanie, You should see it! And yes! Everyone recognizing Meyer was very fun. Have you ever seen her? When they show her readings or appearances on tv — she’s like a rock star. She packs the house. A big house.
It sounds like you had a blast Amy. You’ve got me curious about the book. Is it anything like Anne Rice? You are spot on about the industry because people are probably going to be reading more than ever now with times being tough.
Didn’t read it or see the movie…but, then, neither did my 19-y.o. daughter. So I’m safe on this one.
Yes you are, Angie. For now…mwah ha ha!!
Cool – that sounds like a great time that you two shared. My son picked up Twilight and then started rolling his eyes and groaning in pain – can’t really blame him. Luckily we share other books – I think that’s a great bond!
There must be no greater satisfaction to an author than seeing their book made into a silver screen success. Your last line really nailed it; I wish the industry execs could read it. (maybe with a little networking? =) )
I remember when my daughter was reading Mathilda (Dahl), and I told her that there’s a movie, and we could rent it after she finished the book if she wants….her response? “OK, but the book will be better, because, you know, IT’S A BOOK.” Love that kid.
She’s totally stoked about seeing this movie, though she won’t go until Sunday because she MUST go with her BFF, and that’s the soonest BFF is available. Priorities, you know.
That is cool! I found the Harry Potter movies to be MUCH better if you read the book first. It’s like an accompanying illustration.
I enjoyed this book; I’ll check out the movie!
Loved your tweets on this. I haven’t made it to the movie yet but I took DD and her friends to buy the last book at midnight. I got a migraine and had to take a nap in the car (how lame is that?) but I did score some points. Will take her to see the movie. And she will raise her eyebrows too. Feelin’ ya!