MOVIES: Twilight

[AmyS]

AmyS Wow, you are amazing! I love your post about the struggle between good and evil

My husband said that the vatican site doesn’t have a “teaching on vampires” because VAMPIRES ARE NOT REAL! Same reason they don’t have one on unicorns or other fictional creations.
I was like, yeah if someone in real life claimed to be a vampire (and meant it) asked for my blood I’d laugh and call the cops.

Yes I know there are crazy people out there who do blood rituals But vampires are FICTIONAL and those people need therapy.

Thanks Amber, I really love the books, and I have found a good message in them. I know, as you know, what vampires are (fictionally) but I loved how Stephenie Meyer gave a creature with no hope, hope, isn’t that what God does (in no way am I saying Stephenie is God, I am saying it is homage to God)… Anyways, it is my interpretation. But, I have watched interviews with her, and she is clear about her message. She also never was into vampires, this was all from a dream (as I am sure you know) so her mythology is going to be tweaked a bit. She admits that. I love Bella, because she is really the true strength in the books, self sacrificing, unconditional, forgiving, and non-judgemental (kinda like we are supposed to be)…

 

[AmyS]

I haven’t really been able to get into The Host. It is very different than the Twilight series. I’ve put it aside for now and will try again later.

FYI: New Moon begins shooting in March!!!

I have been reading Host off and on for a few months now. I had to read some of the other books again, and would get distracted. But, over the last week I have dug into it. It is a great book. Very different from the other books it is taking me time to read it. I say keep at whenever you have time. You will love it, I am sure!

 

[AmyS]

Just wanted to put my :twocents: in. I LOVED the books and the movie! I’ve seen the movie twice with two of my girlfriends and we’ll probably go again once they finish reading book 4. Absolutely loved the books!
On a side note, has anyone read her other book “The Host”? Just wondering if it’s as good as the Twilight series. I know it’s not about vampires, but just wondering if it’s any good.

I really like The Host. I am still reading it though. 200 pages to go.

 

[adstrinity]

Someone help me here, if I’m wrong. But, the Church CONDONES drinking blood??? Are you actually saying that the Church condones her people drinking blood?? Please, please, do not tell me that you are referring to the Eucharist!

No, of course not. I am talking regular human and animal blood. That’s part of the tablecloth part of Acts Peter saw. We can now, with God’s blessing, have the blood of animals and, willing doner humans. Those who follow the Old Testament do not have this blessing. …And, no, I don’t mean tasting one’s own blood. Autohemophagia, is regarded as counter-productive, and, does more damage.

Yes, the Church condones drinking blood.

 

[AmyS]

Many vampires (fiction) do not have a choice. As a matter of fact, all of them don’t. I know the big thing now is to romanticize and philosophize the vampire, but, when a vampire was turned in fiction or folklore, it was akin to a rape. Dracula held mina to him to drink his blood as a bad child forces a kitten’s head down to drink milk (book). We’ve seen this again recently, the brooding vampire in Louis in “Interview with the Vampire”, the vampire in “Moonlight,” and Bill in “True Blood.” None of them had a choice. …Neither did Lucy in Dracula ('92 movie) to think about it. Dracula went after her because (I think) he was losing the love of his life…again, but, now he could do something pro-actively. Spoilers involved about Dracula '92:
It is perverse, what Dracula did to Lucy in the '92 version because, the movie IS SO very Christocentric and Copolla really captures so many things perfectly, about a man rejecting God and God’s forgiveness. Anyway, yes, Dracula being pro-active in biting Lucy; he was renewing the vows he took initially to reject God. It was such a perversion of baptism and the Eucharist and the Priesthood what he did to Lucy that night. Instead of waiting until he couldn’t have the love of his life anymore, and rejecting God afterwards, he now has the ability to reject God and punnish humanity and make the woman he love suffer on what should be the happiest time of her life simultaneously as she rejects him.
**End **

…Incidentally, I saw Matrix Reloaded over the weekend. There’s a scene shared with Keanu Reeves and Monica Bellucci. In the background, either a '70s Dracula movie is playing or ‘Brides of Dracula’ or something (though, I’m pretty sure there’s a close up on the Mina character). I thought this was cute, if not intentional, because in the '92 Dracula movie, there’s a few scenes shared between Reeves & Bellucci (he was Harker, she was a Bride, you see). …Just some trivia in case you’re ever on Jeopardy or playing Trivial Pursuit or something.

While it’s all well and good that Bella’s advances are constantly rejected by Edward to turn her, this is the exception, not the rule.

I understand what you are saying about the mythology of vampires, some of those things exist in these books too, like i said the good and evil is there. The Cullens are the exception to the rule (well other fans know there is one other family like them, but we don’t need to go into that). You are right to say that becoming a vampire in these stories is never a choice, Bellas isthe exception, not the rule, and I have my feelings on her. I am saying the Cullens didn’t have a choice and every instinct they have drives them to be monsters, but they choose to try and be better. They are, by make, monsters… But, they don’t live like monsters. It is important to note that Dr. Cullen never changed any of them unless they were dying in the first place. Some of the characters came to the coven/family already changed. Many of them had pasts that they made bad choices. But, they are living there life the best they can. Dr. Cullen’s father was a minister, he has a foundation of faith that guides him. Edward is living is life as a “good” vampire but sees that even if his actions are good, he doesn’t know how God forgive the soul of the ultimate evil. It is an thought provoking struggle.

And, no, I wasn’t saying that only ugly people can be chaste. Far from that. What I’m saying is that if one wants to promote chastity, don’t have a guy that makes tween girls squee and fantasize about and wait in line at 4 in the morning for 5 hours so that said good looking guy can sign a shirt with his face on it, that the girl can hug in bed every night. Don’t have a book where it’s a romance novel for the daughters of the women who read romance novels.

I knew you weren’t really saying that, but I had to give you a hard time (sorry, I am a bit of a brat). The book brings into light something society chastises, and to make the guy beautiful puts and extra emphasis on who is willing to wait for a girl (because we always hear the good looking guys can have any girl they want). I read these books with my daughter, and I have NEVER read a romance novel in my life (I like mysteries and thrillers)… I also discussed every aspect of this book with my daughter as I read it. But… I like the fact that there are girls be exposed to abstinence even if their parents don’t discuss it with them. We also need to look at us as parents and how we raise our boys. Why do girls have to read a book like this to understand that they are worth abstaining for, and there are guys (even good looking ones) that would be willing to wait for them.

It’s a re-definition. As much as the jacket covers are redifining what is black and white and red all over.

The Collin’s family isn’t the first to do such a thing as of late. I don’t want anything garnering this is a novel idea.

Okay, it isn’t a novel idea, I didn’t realize it was or wasn’t. I never heard of it before. I don’t think there is anything wrong with the author playing it up either. Not that you do…

That’s the third book, right? May the movie be more enlightening on this, then.

It comes in on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th books. The author never had interest in vampire folklore before the books, but did some homework after she started writing them. She brings ALL the folklore into the other books. It is interesting…

Is this an elect/eletist thing, then?

Oh my, no! It is a fact. To each there own. People will like it, people won’t like it. We are good people here right? We just have opinions. Nothing is wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with your opinion either.

 

[AmyS]

Someone help me here, if I’m wrong. But, the Church CONDONES drinking blood??? Are you actually saying that the Church condones her people drinking blood?? Please, please, do not tell me that you are referring to the Eucharist! Christ did not command His followers to drink the blood flowing from His wounds on the cross. He commands us to eat and drink His very Presence: Body, Blood, Soul, & Divinity, which is mysteriously united to His sacrifice upon the cross … but this is no cannibalistic or vampirish blood-drinking rite.

Of course the Vatican doesn’t address the issue of vampires any more than … well you’ve already heard it. It’s because they are FICTIONAL.

A little known fact about the time when the Christians were thrown to the lions. Many people now think it was because they were Christian, but the issue was the Romans heard about them eating the body and blood and thought they were cannibals. It puts a big stamp on Catholic theology which is probably why that part is left out.

We don’t drink each others blood though. ewe

That being said… even fictional characters need to abide by some rules. I would have been much more impressed with the movie had the characters been struggling with possessing “redemptive qualities” in spite of following the mirror and sunlight rules. (Oh, wait a minute… that’s the premise of a story that I’m currently working on.)

They do, in the books! That is the point I have been trying to make. I know the movie was not the book. But, that is the major theme. That is one reason why I loved the books so much. That is why Carlisle is a doctor, he is bringing life and helping life, when he is programmed to take life.

 

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[tracywhite]

We provide large range of DVDs, TV series in competitive price! You can find any dvds you want and enjoy good quality and low price from here ! dvdseller.mybisi.com/.

Also If you have any titles want, please inform us, too. We will try to find them for you.pls send email to :qjgjdvd@hotmail.com.

contact information :
DVDS ZONE
contact person:tracywhite.
email: qjgjdvd@hotmail.com.
store website: dvdseller.mybisi.com/.
company website:www.dvdszone.net

 

[Contarini]

Bolded is what I tell people. It’s NOT something like Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings, I read it because it entertained me. I love the great literature, but it takes awhile to read it.

It takes a while to read the Chronicles of Narnia?

LOTR I can see.

Edwin

 

[Contarini]

If the books/movie is really concerned about chastity, why have a vampire setting?

Because vampirism is a metaphor for predatory sexuality, and so a male vampire who restrains his desires is a model of chastity.

How does this fail, if one wants to argue pro abstinence? They cast/wrote in a good looking protaganist. I’d be a lot more inclined to think this was pro abstinance if the lead looked like the love child of Quasimodo and Count Orlock.

This is a truly bizarre argument. It seems to me that exactly the opposite is true. If someone is irresistibly attractive but chooses not to use his power to seduce, isn’t that a powerful pro-chastity message?

Edwin

 

[AmberDale]

It takes a while to read the Chronicles of Narnia?

LOTR I can see.

Edwin

For me it seems to be

 

[AmyS]

For me it seems to be

I admit it took me a while too Amber. I was also reading it between New Moon and Eclipse which made it very hard to concentrate, but I promised myself I would read Prince Caspian before the movie came out. Another great thing for me is the Meyer books have made me want to read more, and I have read faster, I am a slow reader usually.

 

[jlr247]

I wasn’t going to read the books, and then I saw the movie: after that I had to read 'em. I’ve only got the last one left to go, but I haven’t made it to the bookstore lately so thats why I’ve been waiting. It’s kind of addictive (I’m easily pulled into stories though. I was totally at the final Harry Potter book midnight party dressed up!).

Maybe I shouldn’t read romance-ish stories though. Pretty soon I’m going to have such high expectations that I’ll never find a husband! (*Note: I do not want to marry a vampire. Or anyone who sparkles in the sunlight. Just to keep it clear.)

 

[AmberDale]

Maybe I shouldn’t read romance-ish stories though. Pretty soon I’m going to have such high expectations that I’ll never find a husband! (*Note: I do not want to marry a vampire. Or anyone who sparkles in the sunlight. Just to keep it clear.)

I don’t think this is true You should keep your expectations high! I honestly read that book and kept thinking “Wow, I have found my Edward!”. My husband would do anything in the world for me, treats me wonderfully, and is a good father! So I read the books realizing that what I have in my husband is wonderful, no he doesn’t sparkle in the sun, is not a vampire, and doesn’t dazzle anyone but me but he is mine and no one can take him from me.

 

[Jennyanydots]

Just an update on the directorship of the next movies since they are supposed to film New Moon and Eclipse back to back:

Big Change Announced for ‘Twilight’ Sequel

 

[AmberDale]

I saw that. I’m kind of and about it. I liked Catherine, I’ve never seen any of her other work though. I liked how passionate she was about the series.
I also know that other directors could also be passionate and bring the books to life. Harry Potter has changed directors like 3 or 4 times now, and it seems to be okay.

 

[vince2paul]

a few months ago, I read somewhere in this forum that Stephanie Meyer’s books aren’t ‘safe’ to read. Thus, I avoid it.

Last Friday, I came back here to check about the movie as my Catholic student asked about it.
From the review I got in this thread, I was curious. I was surprised to see the positive comments. I watched it on Friday, got the first book (Twilight) on Saturday, finished it on Monday and watched the movie again yesterday with my sister.

And I’m gonna start with book 2 soon. And it reminded me that a long time ago, I wanted to be a writer…

Such a life changing experience haha…
Thanks all…

 

[AmberDale]

Glad you gave it a try

from the USCCB.org site

Twilight —Gothic romance about a self-possessed high school student (Kristen Stewart) who moves to Washington state to live with her divorced father (Billy Burke) and falls for a mysterious classmate (Robert Pattinson) who turns out to be a vampire. Though set against a lush, misty background, director Catherine Hardwicke’s stylish screen version of Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling 2005 novel for young adults never takes itself too seriously, as the conflicted central relationship – restrained by the gentlemanly bloodsucker’s scruples – parodies both adolescent awkwardness and teenage yearning. Brief but intense action violence, a scene of mild sensuality, a few sexual references; acceptable for older teens. A-II – adults and adolescents. (PG-13) 2008
Full Review

 

[AmyS]

a few months ago, I read somewhere in this forum that Stephanie Meyer’s books aren’t ‘safe’ to read. Thus, I avoid it.

Last Friday, I came back here to check about the movie as my Catholic student asked about it.
From the review I got in this thread, I was curious. I was surprised to see the positive comments. I watched it on Friday, got the first book (Twilight) on Saturday, finished it on Monday and watched the movie again yesterday with my sister.

And I’m gonna start with book 2 soon. And it reminded me that a long time ago, I wanted to be a writer…

Such a life changing experience haha…
Thanks all…

I am glad you liked it! They have been such a great escape for me.

 

[3GirlsRUs]

a few months ago, I read somewhere in this forum that Stephanie Meyer’s books aren’t ‘safe’ to read. Thus, I avoid it.

Last Friday, I came back here to check about the movie as my Catholic student asked about it.
From the review I got in this thread, I was curious. I was surprised to see the positive comments. I watched it on Friday, got the first book (Twilight) on Saturday, finished it on Monday and watched the movie again yesterday with my sister.

And I’m gonna start with book 2 soon. And it reminded me that a long time ago, I wanted to be a writer…

Such a life changing experience haha…
Thanks all…

Gla dyou gave the book a try and liked it. Me, too! I was a little concerned going in that i might be reading something “unsafe” as you put it…but as I read it (and now have read the entire Saga twice!) I loved the story and am glad i am on top of it whenever my daughters get to the age they might be ready to read these books.

I saw an interesting blogger comment about how the books can be taken as a lesson in how to court a young woman. I thought that was a nice analogy really…As the vampire tries to be so proper with the girl from the moment their relationship begins and he always puts her needs/safety above his own desires.

Anyway, I just can’t say enough good tihngs about the books…I love them!

Amy - a GREAT escape for me, as well. My DH laughs whenever I grab one of the books and he’ll say, “On your way to Forks?”