Love it & Laugh at It

The Low Down

We all know it, we secretly read it, sometimes laugh at it, but overall the hopeless romantic in us just can’t resist. You know what I am talking about-- the Twilight Saga. Back in the early 2000s, -> Stephanie Meyer <- wrote Twilight in a series of four books. The fan base quickly grew and the demand for the movies exploded, eventually the demand was met. The love story between vampire and teen girl has developed into a pop culture phenomenon. Young girls loved it and even older women fell into the fad, it’s just like one of those romantic novels you can’t put down. Though the audience may not be limited to just females, The New York Times thinks Twilight, “is broadening the audience beyond teenage girls and their mothers. Box office tracking companies say interest among men is increasing, but still tepid”-> (Barnes NY times) <-.There is quite a reach to folks, the second installment of the Saga, Twilight: New Moon, made a total of $296.6 million dollars at the box office according to -> Rotten Tomatoes <- . This is certainly quite the franchise that has made quite a bit of money from the books, films, and merchandise. I even found a Barbie Edward Cullen (picture below) at a Target! What is the story here that captivated the audience?

The Story

The Twilight Saga is about a teen girl Bella, who is a bit of a loner and moves to a new town, Forks. She meets Edward Cullen, who is painstakingly good looking, and secretly a vampire. The two fall in love in this toxic yet alluring relationship. Over the course of the story, they have problems being together. It is a push and pull relationship that is “dangerous” because he is a vampire and she is human. Edward is good looking, smart, sensitive, and sweet. Overall, he is the knight in shining armor girls dream of. Though the two love birds encounter problems, ultimately (spoiler) they will be together, happily ever after.

My take

I read the books before I watched the movie during my junior year of high school. I couldn’t get enough and I loved it, it was all just so romantic. The movies started funneling out and you bet I was there to see each one. It was even more fun to watch Robert Pattison, as he is a very good looking chap.

Comedic Elements

It is one of those phenomenons that you love to hate on the outside, but you are gushing when you get to see the next film. I was once a devout fan and now I realize the absurdities and the comical aspects of it. There are a number of films and other outlets that poke fun at the Saga, including the hilarious yet over the top film, Vampires Suck. Even I, a Twilight fan, could laugh at. Different spin offs of jokes spawned. Below is a video I found particularly funny, it does keep true to the story line though…in puppet form.

I will admit it, I fell into this pop culture fad and will be there to see the next two films. I also recognize that some of the elements of the story are absurd, so that’s why I will continue to love it & laugh at it.

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