The Post Critic

The Twilight series, created by author Stephanie Meyers, includes four novels, two movies (so far) and countless media tie-ins. The latest film, New Moon, made $26 million on its opening night, in midnight screenings only. The opening weekend total was $258.8 million, worldwide and the numbers are only expected to grow, making the series one of the most successful franchises ever. I hope everyone is paying attention, because this isn’t something I do often. To all the Twilight fans out there, I apologize. I was wrong.

Not about the quality of the series. I stand by that. I think the plot is cliché-ridden and trite. I think the acting is sub-par (although that has a lot to do with the dialogue.) I think the special effects are laughable. Simply put, I just don’t think the Twilight series is very good.

But you know what, it doesn’t matter what I think. Regardless of my opinion, Twilight is a world-wide phenomenon; and I, nor anyone else, has the right to complain about that. After all, I loved GI Joe and most people would make all the same arguments against it.

Edward, Jacob and Bella played by Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart respectively. Fandom is a funny thing. Sometimes, there is something that grabs hold of your imagination and draws you so completely into its world that you overlook all of its failings. For millions of people around the world, Twilight is such a story.

Recently, I watched the most recent film, New Moon, for the second time. The first time, it was for this review. Needless to say, I wasn’t pleased. I fully intended to defy own mandate and utterly eviscerate the movie. Before I could, I went with some friends to see it again. They adore the franchise and I was excited about the opportunity to sit in the theater and make snarky comments the whole time, totally ruining the experience for them (I have a cruel streak. What can I say?).

But you know what? I couldn’t do it. Sure there were a few jokes at some of the more ridiculous moments, but whenever I was ready to really cut loose, I saw how much they were enjoying it and I shut my mouth. Imagine my surprise when I started to enjoy it as well.

I don’t think I have to explain the plot. It’s so engrained into popular culture now, that people who have never read the books or seen the movies probably know it. Just in case though, here we go: Bella Swan is a high school girl who moves to the Pacific Northwest to live with her father, a small-town sheriff. Not long after she arrives, she meets the mysterious Edward Cullen and is immediately smitten. Soon, the two fall in love, despite the revelation that Edward is a vampire. Also hanging around is Jacob Black, another potential suitor for Bella’s heart who has a supernatural side all his own. In New Moon, Edward leaves town for Bella’s safety. As a result, she and Jacob grow closer and his other side is revealed (spoiler for absolutely no one: he’s a werewolf.) The audience is also introduced to the Volturi, a ruling class of vampires who will, I assume since they are played in part by Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning, have a much larger role in the next two films. Meanwhile, the surviving villains from the first movie are taking steps towards vengeance. And if you’re not impressed that I managed to get through that description without any sarcasm whatsoever, you obviously don’t know me.

Again, my opinion hasn’t changed. I am not now, nor ever will be, a fan of Twilight. No, I enjoyed the movie because I was surrounded by people who were enjoying it. It was contagious. As they thrilled at every twist and turn of the story, every longing look from the lead, every snarl and glare from the werewolf and vampire who are both in love with her, I couldn’t help but get sucked in as well. And that’s what entertainment is supposed to do. It allows us to escape from our worries and our concerns, if only for a few hours. It brings us together in a way little else can. As naïve as it sounds, lifelong enemies with completely opposing world views can find common ground in a mutual love for a story. Someone once told me that a good story has the power to change the world. I believe this to be true.

I am not a fan of Twilight, but I am a fan of stories. And any story that can unite so many people in a common love is a good one. I’m sorry that I forgot that. I promise it won’t happen again.

So what stories do you love? Is there some movie or series that you adore, despite the nay-saying of friends and family? Let me know what it is at nick.spinelli@us.army.mil.

FYI: If anyone likes Twilight and is interested in a list of really great vampire movies, drop me a line.