Photo (of Bella with Edward) by Kimberley French/Summit Entertainment appeared June 30, 2010 in "The New York Times"
Ever find yourself laughing at inappropriate moments? I nearly let loose a few howls of my own while watching the first two films in “The Twlight Saga.” Too maudlin. Too morose. Too melodramatic.
But I’m closer to conversion with the newest film in what looks to be a series of five films about all thing fangs, fur and friendship. (I may even have to revisit the first two….)
Still, I came dangerously close to releasing a gaggle of giggles when watching the movie with my 17-year-old daughter, Lizabeth. As the credits rolled, I found myself thinking “this is clearly the most believable of the three.”
What’s so believable about a love triangle involving humans, vampires and werewolves? The depths of teen emotions that each portrays. 
Their struggles with identity. Their bids for independence. Their search for meaning amidst lives fraught with emotional mayhem.
For “The Twilight Saga,” the third time is definitely a charm (a wolf charm, to be exact.)
We saw the film with fellow RAK staffers whose children were all old enough for things like teenage trysts and flying limbs, though I have to compliment filmmakers for opting to go mild in the sex and violence department.
“Eclipse” is actually quite tame compared to prime-time television standards. Of course, the fact that I’ve written my posts of late tuned to reruns of Showtime’s “Dexter” (which features more alarming fire and ice characters) may have skewed my perceptions.
I invited RAK’s calendar and directories editor, a woman I admire for her infinite patience, persistence and attention to detail, to offer a brief review of “Eclipse”–thinking it might be fun to assemble a few “Twilight in 20 words or less” type reviews.
Here’s the scoop from Mala and her two daughters (both of whom wore their “Twilight” shirts with pride while watching Edward engage Jacob in a food fight of sorts). To their credit, they exercised extraordinary self-control during scenes full of sizzle (and sparkle).
One word—Jacob! My favorite line: “I’m hotter.” Watch for it! (Mylan, 16). This movie was scarier than the last two—I covered my eyes a couple of times. (Solvay, 11). This was definitely my favorite of the three! Very suspenseful with awesome effects! (Mala, who lists her age as “undisclosed”).
Way to go, girls. You picked up on the very same line that caught the attention of “The New York Times” writer A.O. Scott, whose Wednesday review titled “Global Warming Among the Undead” noted the movie’s opening homage of sorts to actual “Fire and Ice” poet Robert Frost.
“I’m hotter” is one of several one-liners I enjoyed during this film—although my own personal favorite was “Stay, Jacob.” What’s next? Sit? Beg? Fetch? Jacob is a werewolf, after all, so he has more than a few dog tricks up his sleeve (on those rare occasions when he’s actually wearing one).
The movie did leave me with several burning questions—which is appropriate, I suppose, given the story’s ‘fire and ice’ motif.
Why no babies in a movie full of ‘newborns?’ If a wolf isn’t wearing a sheep’s clothing, shouldn’t he at least wear some of his own? Where are the Ewoks of “Star Wars” forest fight fame when you really need them?
What gives with the werewolf telepathy? Why is there so much spooning in Forks? Since when do white tents make for effective camouflage?
And, the most important question of all for me: Doesn’t Bella ever wonder what’s behind door #3?
I’ll save my questions about the biology of the undead for the next film, lest I give anything away to those who have yet to read the entire “Twilight” series.
Movie-going should be fun, and I had a great time watching the latest film version of Arizona author Stephenie Meyer’s work. I plan to see it again with my 19-year-old daughter Jennifer–and I’m looking forward to it.
The nature scenes featuring vast fields of wildflowers, expansive mountain ranges and lush green forests are stunning. The writing is well-paced and genuinely humorous (in a good way). The music is powerful without being overwhelming. The storyline is compelling–and growing in complexity and intrigue.
With that, it appears I’ve gone over my own 20-word limit…
If you, or any of the tweens and teens you know and love, want to take a stab at “Twilight” in twenty words or less, I’d love to read your thoughts.
Of course, you’ll have to compete with the likes of Ariel Shelton (13) of Peoria, whose aunt sent me this review soon after they enjoyed the trilogy together: Eclipse was the funniest and most romantic of the three. It made the love triangle stronger and had the most action.
Just comment below, and we’ll have some fun seeing what various RAK readers think of the latest big-screen “Twilight” adventure.
–Lynn
Note: If your children are too young for “Twilight” tales, take them to see “The Big Bad Musical” at 3pm or 7pm today (Thursday, July 1). The theater production by summer campers with Arizona Jewish Theatre Company features the trial of the “Big Bad Wolf,” famously accused of eating both “Little Red Riding Hood” and her grandmothers. It’s free (though donations to their camp scholarship program are welcome) and taking place today only at Greasepaint Youtheatre (formerly Stagebrush Theatre) in Scottsdale.
Coming up: Weekend arts adventures devoid of blood and brooding
Also “Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness” — an intriguing documentary with special appeal for folks interested in the lives of writers, immigration history, modern Jewish identity or a work of musical theater called “Fiddler on the Roof.” 
Legendary storyteller and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, once a student at Arcadia High School in Phoenix, has two films being released this fall — the ”The Adventures of Tintin“ (coming Dec. 21) and “War Horse” (coming Dec. 25). Both promise to be visual feasts that bring some of the world’s best storytelling to life.
