2010 June

Eclipse Movie Review!

June 30, 2010 By Lori 9 Comments

Well, I got in bed at 4am last night and it’s 8am now, so if this post is in any way incoherent, I’m sorry. I saw Eclipse last night, as you probably already know. We arrived at the theater at 5:30, we were the first ones there. That’s dedication! We got straight in to get our seats and about an hour later Twilight started, then New Moon right after. It was really fun seeing them in the theater again. Then it was time for Eclipse! I had a run in with the ass hole manager again. (We had some trouble with him during the New Moon premier.) And I won’t be seeing any more midnight showings at that theater! Anyway, you want to know about the movie, right?

I just want to start off by saying: When I saw Twilight, I really had no expectations, and looking back I can honestly say that it is not that great of a movie, but when I first saw it, it blew me away! New Moon isn’t my favorite book in the series, not at all, so I was expecting to like it. I figured it would be a nice bridge to Eclipse. I LOVED the movie! Still do! My opinion of it hasn’t changed at all. Here is my raving review of it, if you care to read.What I’m getting at is, my expectations were pretty high for Eclipse. Not only that, but it is my favorite book! So it had a lot to live up to. Did it? I’m still not sure. I think it some ways it blew my expectations away, and it some ways it didn’t even come close to meeting them. I’ll list what I liked and didn’t. Lets start out with the cons, shall we?

My biggest issue is that it felt very very rushed. I know that they don’t have time to set the pace just like the book, but I have watched plenty of movies made from books that needed to get a lot of info in 2 hours, and did it without rushing it. They spent a lot of time on the really important scenes, but everything else was ‘There’s newborn vampires, we are going to Seattle, Jasper knows how to kill them, graduation, party, no no the new borns are coming here, let’s kill them’ That’s honestly how it felt to me. I always loved the pacing in Eclipse. Everything was draw out just right so that we got lots of useless character driven scenes, (I really love useless character driven scenes) instead of just the action. So I guess I just really missed that.

My second con is, the death of the vampires! I didn’t like the way they looked. It almost looked like ice being ripped apart, instead of stone. When Edward kills Victoria (everyone cheered in the theater btw) it looked a little silly, to me.

My third, and final complaint is, they changed a lot. Where New Moon stayed very true to the book for almost the entire movie, the very first scene in Eclipse with Edward & Bella didn’t really happen in the book! They mushed some things together, and totally left other things out. Jacob’s conversation about imprinting is in there but he never mentions that they can imprint with children…and that it’s not as gross as it sounds. It might just be me, but I think that really should have been in there. The movie watchers are going to be shocked in Breaking Dawn! But I guess, when it comes down to it, they didn’t change anything major. I’m just being a little nit picky. On to the pros!

Team Edward fans will rejoice! There is lots and lots of Edward in this movie. All the swoonworthy Edward scenes were there. When I first read the books Edward and Bella’s romance gave me this giddy heart warming feeling that I have been missing the last couple of times I have read them (probably because I read them too much!) but that feeling was in the movie. There romance was portrayed wonderfully in this one. And Robert Pattinson did a fantastic job! He wasn’t broody or depressed looking! He honestly seemed happy the entire time! Rob and Kristen both smiled!!

Jasper fans will also rejoice! His back story was done extremely well and he actually had lines! I thought all the Jasper stuff was perfect! Oh and the vampires actually looked fast! They didn’t use slow motion this time and it looked like I always pictured it!

Some of the scenes were flawless, in my opinion. The most important scene, to me, was the tent scene and I loved it! That’s my favorite scene in the series, so I would have been heartbroken if it wasn’t right, but no worries! I can’t wait to watch it again! The proposal scene was fabulous! The “seducing” happened very quick, but I probably had that built up way too much in my head lol. But the actual proposing was everything I wanted it to be. When Bella said yes the theater went crazy! Jacob and Bella’s kiss was also everything I wanted it to be. I almost wish they would have put the illusion of Bella seeing her life with Jake in there, but the kiss was still great without it.

I hope that I didn’t come off as too harsh, because I really did love it! I will be seeing it again this weekend, maybe even twice! So I’m going to put my judgments aside and just have fun! I’m still sounding too harsh! Umm OMG!!! I LOVED IT! Is that better? No, really…I really did love it and I think I will love it even more the next time.

Now…..such a long wait until Breaking Dawn If I thought the scenes in Eclipse were swoonworthy, I might just die during the wedding and honeymoon…. *sigh*

Filed Under: Eclipse, movies, Twilight Takeover

Are You Ready?

June 29, 2010 By Lori 13 Comments

Tonight is the BIG night! If you aren’t seeing it it at midnight, ~~what’s wrong with you?~~ then tomorrow is the BIG day!! Are you ready? Are you as giddy as I am? I’ve been particularly bouncy all day. Are you bouncy? If not than maybe by the end of this post you will be. If you are not, than there is no hope for you! Here are some things to get you excited for Eclipse!!

Here are some of the swoon worthy quotes from the book:

Do you really have any idea how important you are to me? Any concept at all of how much I love you? – Edward Cullen

I think I might have been wrong before, you know, about not being able to be friends. Maybe we could manage it, on my side of the line. Come see me.- Jacob Black

I’ll be back so soon you won’t have time to miss me. Look after my heart — I’ve left it with you.- Edward Cullen

But I’ll never see anyone else, Bella. I only see you. Even when I close my eyes and try to see something else. Ask Quil or Embry. It drives them all crazy.- Jacob Black

Bella. Would you please stop trying to take your clothes off?- Edward Cullen

Isabella Swan? I promise to love you forever — every single day of forever. Will you marry me?- Edward Cullen

I think you were just worried that if you really forced her to choose, she might not choose you.- Jacob Black

I’m exactly right for you, Bella. It would have been effortless for us — comfortable, easy as breathing. I was the natural path your life would have taken… If the world was the way it was supposed to be, if there were no monsters and no magic…- Jacob Black

If you aren’t excited yet maybe these will help:

I’m trying not to get carried away and post a million pictures….

Here are two things that I hope will get you excited!

Did you see my post from yesterday? I list the Eclipse scenes I’m looking most forward to! Go here to read it!

Yara from Once Upon a Twilight was actually on the black carpet for the premier, not only did she get to met the stars and Stephenie Meyer, she saw the movie!! She has this to say about the movie, “The fight scene, the Tent scene, The leg hitch will not disappoint.” Read the whole post here!

If that’s not exciting enough, watch this again! Really you should watch it!

If you aren’t excited, I don’t know what else I can do for you! I’ll be at the theater at 6:30 tonight! (I’m seeing all three back-to-back) So, you won’t be hearing from me until tomorrow! I hope you guys love it and I hope I love it! And have FUN!!!

Filed Under: Eclipse, Twilight Takeover

Eclipse Scenes to Look Forward to!

June 28, 2010 By Lori 14 Comments

The time is almost upon us. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you the scenes that I am most excited to see. I’ve studied, I reread the book last week, so I am ready! Here they are in no particular order(except for the last one!):

The Imprinting Conversations:

Really this is two different scenes in the book but I bet they will put them together in the movie. These scenes have to be done a certain way. The subject is going to play a pivotal role in Breaking Dawn. So it has to be explained just right. Here’s hoping they get it right!!

The Bed Scene:

You know the one I’m talking about! When Edward is showing Bella the advantages of a bed…do you think they will keep this in the movie? I really hope so, but they might just mush this together with the proposal scene, but this scene was hotter than the “sex scene” in Breaking Dawn!

Jake Professes His Love:

and gets punched! We’ve saw the confrontation with Edward scene, but I can’t wait to see this one!!

Rosalie’s Story:

I’m so happy that this is making it in the movie. I’m really looking forward to seeing this played out on screen.

Legends:

The campfire storytelling scene with the wolf pack should be awesome to see on screen. I hope they do they stories in little flashbacks!

The Meadow:
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to add this one to the list, but I think it will be a great scene in the movie. In the book it’s the very last scene with Edward & Bella, and it definitely leaves you warm and fuzzy.

The Fight:

In the book we only get to see the fight between Edward, Victoria, and Riley, but the great thing about movies is the we aren’t stuck with one prospective! We are going to get to see the battle with the newborns! Which, I always thought would be more exciting than the Edward/Victoria fight.

The “conversation” with Jacob:
This was a last minute add in, because this scene is going to be heartbreaking. I may be Team Edward all the way, but I still feel for Jake. I might be boo-hooing through this scene!

Jacob & Bella’s Kiss:

Sure, he’s manipulative, and this scene made me want to throw the book across the room the first time I read it, but since then I have gained a little prospective and grown to love it. This is when Bella realizes that Jake might be more than just a friend. Love it, hate it, it’s a very important scene.

The Proposal:

The one where she actually accepts. Really, this scene isn’t just about the proposal. It’s sets up a lot of events in Breaking Dawn. And in the book it’s a very long chapter, and in my opinion the best part is that Bella is trying to seduce Edward! Not only does not get what she wants, but she ends up agreeing to something she doesn’t want to do by the end of it. Poor Bella! But hey, I think it all worked out in her favor in the end…

The Tent Scene:

You knew this was going to be number 1, right? I was happy to hear Stephenie Meyer say that this scene had to be re-shot because it wasn’t right the first time around. If they don’t get this scene right, I will be heartbroken! They’ve done an excellent job of keeping this scene under wraps too! I haven’t saw any pictures or clips or anything! That makes me even more excited for it! Why do we love it so much? Maybe because we get to see a totally different side of Edward? Why do you like it?
(Lots of ! in this post!)

So that’s the scenes I am looking most forward to! Do you have anything to add to the list? Leave a comment!
Oh and by the way: I woke feeling pretty excited today…..because I will be seeing Eclipse tomorrow night!!! Then I watched Taylor on the Today Show and they were showing clips in the background, and they showed a clip of Edward dropping Bella off at the line, and it really made me too giddy! I don’t even know why, but it made me bounce in my seat a little! Like I said, too giddy!
I’m so excited!!!!

Filed Under: Twilight Takeover

Help Get Books to Pine Ridge!

June 28, 2010 By Lori 2 Comments

Candace from Candace’s Book Blog is doing a really awesome thing. She was inspired a couple of weeks ago to help bring books to places that need them. When she searched online for some place to help she came across the Pine Ridge Reservation and knew instantly that’s who she had to help. Here’s a excerpt from her blog:

Pine Ridge is an Oglala Sioux Native American reservation. It’s the eighth largest reservation (according to Wikipedia though I found other sources that said second largest) in the US. It’s larger then Delaware and Rhode Island combined. It is within the boundaries of Shannon and Jackson counties which are two of the poorest counties in the US. According to a study by Colorado State University it’s estimated the resident population at 28,787.

Pine Ridge is not only the eighth largest reservation in the US but it is the poorest. Unemployment is between 80-85% and 97% are below poverty level. Teen suicide is four times the national average. Many families have no electricity, phone, running water or sewer.

Pine Ridge has the shortest life expectancy out of any group in the Western Hemisphere. That is an average of 47 years for males and 52 years old for females. The infant mortality rate is five times the US national average.

School drop out rate is over 70%. The schools are in the bottom 10% in school funding. Teacher turn over is 800% that of the US national average.

Most live in rural and isolated areas. There are few paved roads and most rural homes are inaccessible during rain or snow. The weather is extreme. Severe winds, and bitter cold that can reach -50*F (I remember one winter was -60*F). Summers temperatures reach over 110*F.

There are no banks, discount stores, movie theaters. There is only one grocery store of moderate size and it is in Pine Ridge. There are NO PUBLIC LIBRARIES except the ONE at Oglala Lakota College.

Candace is looking for books that are new or in very gently used condition and less then five years old. Not soiled or torn. I’m getting some books together to send. Candace has a lot of options if you are interested in helping. Please consider helping. Even if you can only donate one book, every little bit helps. For all the information go to Candace’s Post.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

In My Mailbox!!

June 27, 2010 By Lori 19 Comments

In My Mailbox was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie and created by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Review:

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Other by Karen Kincy

Bought:

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

I had a kinda sorta slow week. I got a ton of books to giveaway during the read-a-thon, just not a ton of books for me. But that’s okay, because I have a ton already lol.

Filed Under: In my Mailbox

Review: Glass by Ellen Hopkins

June 26, 2010 By Lori 4 Comments

Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Publisher
Other Books by This Author: Impulse, Burned, Identical, Tricks
IBSN: 9781416940906
Blurb:
“Crank. Glass. Ice. Crystal. Whatever you call it, it’s all the same: a monster. And once it’s got hold of you, this monster will never let you go.”

A sequel to Crank, this harrowing and disturbing look at addiction finds protagonist Kristina Snow thinking she can use drugs yet control the consequences. Now with a baby to care for, she’s determined to be the one deciding when and how much, the one calling the shots. But the monster is too strong and, before she knows it, Kristina is back in its grips. She needs the monster to keep going, to face the pressures of day-to-day life. She will do anything for it, including giving up the only thing that makes her truly happy.

My Thoughts:

In Crank, Kristina was introduced to the monster. In Crank I still felt some sympathy for her. Her life was spiraling out of control. She was young and made some mistakes, but she definitely wasn’t past the point of no return. In Glass, my sympathy was gone. Kristina knew exactly what she was getting herself into. She knew exactly what kind of pain she would cause everyone, including her child. She knew what the monster was doing to her body, yet she did it again and again..and again. Her self destructive and self centered behavior take center stage in this book.

I was going to say that I still enjoyed this book immensely, even with Kristina’s stupidity, but enjoy is the wrong word to use for this book. It’s hard to enjoy a book about drug addiction. Although, I can’t think of another word to use. It’s like a train crash. You know that something awful is eventually going to happen, but what can you do to stop it? I can’t wait to read Fallout, and get to the end of Kristina’s story. I honestly hope that it is a happy ending, but I’m not sure if it can be.

Once again I must say that, Ellen Hopkins writing is incredible. I’ve never read a verse novel quite like this. It’s beautiful, and powerful, and terrifying all at the same time. This book is an anti-drug. It should be required reading for teens. I beg you, teen or adult, to read Crank. You won’t be disappointed.

5 Stars

Filed Under: Crank Series, Ellen Hopkins, Verse, Young Adult

Friday Fix(4)

June 25, 2010 By Lori 6 Comments

Friday Fix is going to be a weekly feature during Twilight Takeover. You can come here and get you fix with Twilight news, pictures and videos!

I don’t know if you keep up with Stephenie’s site but last month she announced what kind of publicity she was doing for the Eclipse movie release. This would be a dream come true, she randomly picked 4 Twilight Fansites to go to a special press junket. The whole interviews haven’t been released yet but you can visit Twilightseriestheories.com to hear what Stephenie had to say about Midnight Sun. I can’t wait to hear the rest!!

New Robert pics!! I’m not sure what these are from, but they are pretty!

I came across this really cute “How to Date a Vampire” spoof on Twilight Guide. Watch it!

Rumor has it that the full Deathly Hallows trailer is going to premier before Eclipse. What an awesome added bonus! I’ve been going through some serious Harry Potter withdrawals lately, so I can’t wait to see the full trailer!

I hope you all got to watch the Jimmy Kimmel special Wednesday night, Total Eclipse of the Heart. It was a lot of fun! If you didn’t get to watch, the full episode is here

The Eclipse Premier was last night and here is a small interview that MTV did with Stephenie Meyer that makes me excited about my most anticipated scene in the movie!!

Movie Trailers – Movies Blog

Here’s a picture from last night’s premier, doesn’t Rob look dashing in his red suit?