Take THAT, Critics!

My words went down in history yesterday.

I was quoted by two news sources. Jen Chaney, the Celebritology blogger from The Washington Post, interviewed me for an article on the fairness of the media towards Twilight fans. Jen herself is a fan of Lost and participated in an online community for fans of the series so she could sympathize with our online fandom and all I can say is "it's about time someone stood up for us!"



She debunks the whole image of the screaming woman/teen Twilight fan who only has eyes for Taylor and Rob and uncovers the truth - that most of us are intelligent women whose lives don't revolve souly around the chance to be able to touch one of the stars, but who just love to LOVE something together.

You can read the article here.

We chatted over the phone for about 30 minutes and it was wonderful! We talked about all the different pieces that make up TwilightMOMS from the Spotlights to the Books of the Month to the Quilter's Coven and our official charity and why we keep coming back for more. Is it because our obsession of the books and movies just won't go away or is it something infinitely more important? The answer is YES! Sure, we will always love picking apart the books and rewatching the movies, but long after the excitement has died down and we've moved onto other books and movies the true reason we keep up our website is because of the friends we've made.

Jen said the bond and connection made with people through popular culture is something very special and strong. She's very right. These are friends we will have for life and beyond.

I posted my review of Eclipse on TwilightMOMS.com Tuesday night right before the midnight showings started playing across the country and a little bird must have been watching because part of my review was quoted in an online MTV article.



The article was a round-up of the first reviews for the movie which included quotes from the LA Times, Entertainment Weekly, Salon.com and Kurt Loder. I am astounded to be quoted amonst these BIGGIES even though they didn't have great things to say about the movie. But really? When do the critics EVER have nice things to say about a pop culture phenomenon (well, when it's not environmentally correct)? With 4 very critical reviews in the body of the article, they let a fan's reaction end it all.

Me.

I love having the last word.

Eclipse Review. Warning: Spoilers!

I had the privilege of attending an advance screening of The Twilight Sage: Eclipse at Groman’s Chinese in Los Angeles with several fans and Twilight fansite administrators. We were not only treated to the movie, but also by a handful of the actors, including the big three who made their appearance via a surprise interruption during our viewing through the big screen and in the theater. They came from the Jimmy Kimmel Eclipse special taping from across the street to treat us to a little wave or two during our movie watching experience. Nothing like a good appetizer! Now for my review. Warning: spoilers below…



Seven months ago I was hugely impressed with the cinematic qualities of The Twilight Saga: New Moon, not to mention it’s many improvements in the acting, hair and make-up, and CGI. I was expecting no less from The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, but I never thought it could end up being the best of the 3 films so far.

Sure, the book itself is a fan favorite. How could it’s visual counterpart not be entertaining with the leg hitch, the tent scene, and all the grandiose displays of outrageous vampire and werewolf skills? I must say, however, that it wasn’t just those scenes that blew me away, it was the film in general. The Cullens are cooler, the wolves wolfier and the acting supreme. This visual experience is not just a fan treat, it’s a full-on dessert potluck of Twilight movie-goodness.

And you will walk away feeling like you just feasted.

First of all, you can lay all your fears to rest about whether or not David Slade was able to capture the romance burning from inside the love triangle. The first scene between Bella and Edward in the meadow alone was softer, slower and hotter than all the romantic scenes from Twilight and New Moon combined! There was great attention to detail. We know from following David on Twitter that he is a beautiful visual artist and we can see that eye for it in the shots of our favorite couple. The meadow is glittering with flowers and rays of sunshine, Edward is sparkling just enough (with no Tinkerbell noises – thank goodness!) and his and Bella’s interaction is intense but not overdramatic. It’s just perfect.

Don’t forget to bring a fan to the theater. Like, an actual blowy fan. You might need it during the leg hitch scene. I have to admit, in the book, that scene was the steamiest scene Stephenie has written for the Twilight saga yet (yes, even hotter than scenes from Breaking Dawn). And the scene from the movie? JUST. AS. HOT. Most of the scene and dialog is the same, however, he doesn’t crush the iron rose from the bed in his hand. The scene was so good though, I didn’t mind that they left that part out. The proposal is just as I imagined from the book, they were even on the same side of the bed as I’d envisioned so I truly felt I was “seeing” that chapter come to life.

Also, the tent scene is perfect. The big three are all positioned in the tent exactly how I envisioned from the book, the tension is extremely delicious and Jacob and Edward’s conversation has just the right amount of sarcasm and honesty. In fact, most of the greatness of the romantic scenes is attributed to the fabulous acting by the big three. There is no awkwardness and no cheese. Only sincere honesty. (3 cheers for great acting!)

I was a little disappointed with Jacob and Bella’s big kiss. With all of the flashbacks in this movie I was fully prepared to see a small flashforward clip of two little mini-Jacobs running with mommy Bella in the background during the kiss, but not so (to my minimal dismay). The kiss itself was very passionate but not exactly like it plays out in the book with Bella’s hesitation at first and Jacob having to whisper in her ear and coax a good reaction out of her. No, it was all about the two of them really wanting it in the moment, which was still awesome to see.

Both Jasper and Rosalie’s flashbacks are extremely entertaining and very moving. Rosalie’s is very cliché with the whole “bride from hell” entrance as she haunts Royce. Everyone in the audience thoroughly enjoyed that bit. I also was totally pleased by her make-up this time. Nikki is always beautiful as herself but I must say her Rosalie this time around was the breathtakingly gorgeous model we imagine from the books. Kudos to the makeup artists! Jasper’s hair was still kind of annoying but I’m dead serious when I say that you won’t notice AT ALL once you see him in his confederate get-up as he dismounts his horse by the pale moonlight. He is absolutely AMAZING and the Jasper fans are going to be very pleased. The scene near the end of his flashback when he realizes he has to kill one of his favorite newborns is so poignant and painful and beautifully acted by Jackson. I truly had no words after that scene passed.

His interaction with Alice is playful and intense, especially during their fight training. I think I was quoted as to saying it dripped with awesome sauce. It soooo did. It’s only shown briefly, but it’s perfect. Jasper’s interaction with Bella has just the right amount of tension and familiarity as he gets more use to having her around but still has to majorly keep himself from losing control. I was extremely happy to finally be able to see more of Jackson’s acting ability. He truly is a rising star.

Charlie is always a favorite and Billy Burke really stole the show for me. He has very few scenes but those he is in are genuine and subtle as always. My favorite was the scene in the kitchen with Bella when they are talking about her virginity. The whole audience was ROARING during that scene. The awkwardness was SPOT ON and you as an audience member suddenly remember with horrifying clarity the embarrassment you felt when you were Bella’s age about that subject mixed with your parents’ concern.

The wolf pack had more scenes as wolves than humans so the CGI team had to get the facial expressions even more expressive to really convey their thoughts and emotion in wolf form. I appreciated this and could even see a little more of the actor in the wolf than in the previous movie. Seth as a wolf is cuter than a bug’s ear and really has some great facial expressions near the end of the film.

The CGI also impressed me from the fights scenes, which seemed more real, and the effects of the vampires hitting and breaking. It reminded me of granite and marble mannequins pounding into each other and limbs and heads breaking off like giant pieces of chalk. It was a really impressive visual.

(Edit) As for the villians, Xavier Samuel is an excellent addition to the series and I was actually very sad to see his character, Riley, die at the end, even though I knew it was coming. The horrible way that Victoria treats him, you really start to feel sorry for the guy. Now I wish Stephenie could go back and rewrite his character's ending, have him live, be adopted into the Cullen family and learn to be a veggie vamp. It would make up for Bree's tragic end (okay, readers...who really LOVES to hate Jane after that scene? That little girl is the very FRUITS of the DEVIL!) I have to say that, although I love Bryce Dallas Howard and her grace throughout this whole Victoria/Rachelle thing, she just didn't do it for me as Victoria. Rachelle WAS Victoria for me. Bryce still did a good job acting , she just seemed like a whole different villian altogether. My mind just couldn't suspend my disbelief enough to see her as Victoria. But to be honest, it the grand scheme of the film upon first viewing, this mattered very little. During follow-up viewings it might start to annoy me. We'll see.

Last but not least, the two most moving scenes for me were once again, because of great acting mixed with the beautiful strains of Howard Shore’s moving score. The scene where Bella goes back to visit her mother in Florida was nice in the book but elaborated on a bit more for the movie. The gift Rene gives Bella of the T-shirt blanket was especially significant to me because my own mother gave me a similar blanket made from memorable T-shirts from my childhood when I was in college, and the long hug between them really left me with the same feeling I get every time I hug my mom ‘goodbye’ and feel that bittersweet severing between mother and child. The other scene was between Jacob and Bella and I believe Kimmy from His Golden Eyes said this scene would have even the most loyal Team Edward fan in tears and she was correct. Not a dry eye in the house when Jacob lies on his bed with a broken body and a broken heart as he realizes his chance with Bella is truly gone forever. It feels as if there are not enough tears in the human body when you finally succumb to losing the one you believe should be yours forever. The pain of that never goes away and you can see it written all over Taylor’s young, wet face. His portrayal of Jacob in this scene is one for the record books.

I promise you will be so overwhelmed by this movie’s greatness you really can’t take it all in at once and will want to return to this Twilight feast again and again. Many thanks to David Slade, Melissa Rosenburg and Stephenie Meyer for a truly remarkable ride of a movie – the one we fans have been waiting for.

Eclipse is epic epicness.

Recent Art Meanderings

Okay, so I don't speak or read French (yet), but I thought this blog worth mentioning. Adolie Day Illustrations. =) I just added it to my Inspiring/Artful Blog List. I can't understand a word on it, but the visuals speak for themselves.

Found it through an article called Sun Kisses in Small Magazine.

Her art is adorable, dreamy and whimsical and depicts precious faces of child-like characters.

Plus, she has great taste in music. Her playlist is excellent!

Also, my hero, Emily Martin over at The Black Apple, has posted all of her most recent work for an art show that opens today in Portland.

This series of paintings is called Lost on the Midway (title inspired by a Tom Waits song) and depicts various carnival oddities and side show wonders. I'm in love!! My favorites are Cotton Candy Kids, Portrait with Prize Toys, and The Figi Mermaid.

And I would like this lamp from SweetWilliamltd.com, please.

~B

Wonderland

For those of you WONDERING where I've been, see this post entitled "Back from the Dead and Feeling Inspired" on my shop blog.

Now on to the wonder that was this weekend...

I found this perspicacious, little mushroom today.

I didn't see him at first but he certainly noticed me and seemed to be calling to me, urging me to come hither and adore him.

Which I did, of course, with a few tasty pictures.

Wouldn't it be WONDERFUL to get lost in a forest of mushrooms just like this one?

Tall necks stretching up to the sky, blooming into warm, golden, illuminated flesh.

Soft, protective yet curious giants...

Speaking of forests, I recently discovered the Twilight graphic novel.

I guess I wasn't paying much attention when Stephenie mentioned this project (remember, I have been hibernating for the past couple months) so I didn't jump up and buy it when it finally got on the shelves.

However, once my friend ranted and raved about it, my interest was peeked and then when I saw the graphics, not only was I completely SOLD but totally floored by the images!!

No, seriously.... the scenes in the meadow brought me to my knees.

There I was

on the ground

chanting "Oh, MY GOSH!

It's too pretty and real!!!"

You see, not only are these images completely STUNNING, the illustrator, Young Kim, has captured EXACTLY the images I had in my head while reading Twilight, from the characters to the settings to the most detailed facial expressions.

I'm telling you - THIS IS BETTER THAN THE MOVIE!!!

Everything about it is wonderful but a few highlights for me are:

1) The Cullens are SPOT ON and they all actually look like they could be related. Alice is truly a tiny pixie with shorter hair, Jasper is actually really tall and has THE CORRECT JASPER HAIR (unlike the movie's sad, sad version), Rosalie is a breathtaking model that makes you hurt a little just looking at her, Emmett has curly locks and Edward, well he is PERFECT - dark, mysterious, dangerous with a bit of ancient sadness, handsome in a god-like manner, regal, pure, charming, protective, extremely polite and attentive, romantic, a little bit of a tease to Bella yet still regards her softly like his own brand of heroine - rare, precious, beautiful, his.

Robert and Henry are impostors, folks. THIS is the real Edward.

Enough said. Go buy the book.

But I will go on anyway...

2) Most of the graphics were done in black and white with the exception of a few choice scenes: The dream of Jacob and Edward Bella has after Jake's scary stories

and

the Meadow scene.

There are also a few splashes of color here and there for emphasis in particular parts.

Other aspects of the art that are noteworthy are the crystalized branches that seem to crawl across the pages every so often, the layering of pencil sketches on top of real photographs, and the depth of emotion and movement in the images and expressions.

3) The meadow scene and kissing scene that follow are HOT!

Looking at them is like a visual assault on your heart and mind - much like the butterflies that flutter in your stomach the first time you read those scenes in Twilight the novel.

So.... GO BUY THIS BOOK!! You will not be disappointed.

It will be your new favorite Twilight treasure.

And guess what? This is just volume 1 up through the meadow scene so there are more to come!!

I'm hoping the whole series will be transformed into graphic novels.

We had Kaiya's friend birthday party this weekend as well. I took Kaiya and two friends + Trooper to see Alice in Wonderland.

The kids throughly enjoyed this zanny, strange, and mad yet WONDERFULLY beautiful version of the classic "Through the Looking Glass".

The one part I could have done without was the Mad Hatter's Futterwacking at the end - it was a little too cheesy and over-the-top but happened to be 8 year old Trooper's favorite part.

My only other complaint was that some of the special effects they did on the actors to exaggerate their features didn't jive to a discerning eye and seemed unnecessary in the end when I found myself connecting better with the normal looking humans.

But overall, the movie whisked me away to another place and time - to my own adventure vicariously experienced through Alice.

Mission accomplished.

To top off the evening with a sweet ending, we made our way over to Maggie Moo's where the girls picked out ice cream cupcakes with little Mad Hats on them.

They savored their sweet confections, then ran around the grass and fountains

reenacting their own version of

WONDERLAND.

And I basked in the WONDER of it all...

A New Look for a New Year

I admit, my new blog background may be crazy psychedelic, but I've always loved the colorful, alien beauty of Nebulas so I just couldn't resist. Once I customized all the colors for the blog text, I then needed a newer, simpler banner and I think it suits me and my new endeavors just right. Plus, I wanted to learn how to do my own background and this was a good lesson.

It may be a little harder to read, but it's pretty so live with it. ♥

The symbolism, to me, reeks Star Wars, other worlds, mysticalness, wonders of the universe and my weird nature all in one. Maybe even a sort of "Twilight" in the sky. It speaks to me as well - "the sky is the limit, and the sky is limitless." This gives me hope that 2010 is going to be beyond amazing.