The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

(Before you read ahead do know - this review is from a once die-hard fan turned neutral....ME!)

A two-part finale seems to be the new get go for Hollywood movie to whisk extra money out of fan-favorite young adult franchises – and an arguable way to give lengthier final book installments a bit more room to wrap everything up. While audiences were initially skeptical of the idea when it was introduced with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2, the success of the final two Potter films (both commercially and critically) seemingly justified the extra trip to the theater. But does Breaking Dawn Part 1 fit the standard.....definitely a big NO (and thats coming from a person who loved the concept behind the story....aka ME).

At least half of the film is dominated by one melodramatic scene after another – in place of either interesting character interactions or exciting action – essentially laying ground for the (presumably) more stimulating Part 2. The first half of Breaking Dawn is a mishmash of moments that fail to build tension or further develop any of the fan-favorite characters. The basic plot follows the marriage of the ever sparkly Edward Cullen and Bella Swan as they prepare for their nuptials. The wedding is a grand and joyous affair but not everyone is happy; queue in Jacob. As the wedding bells fall silent, the newlyweds unexpectedly threaten the tenuous alliance between Cullens and Jacob’s Werewolf clan – causing former friends, as well as reluctant allies, to choose sides.

Simply put, the events in Breaking Dawn – Part 1 are underwhelming. While die-hard fans may find the extended honeymoon sequence cathartic – since the films and books have often been criticized for being too “tame” when it comes to sexuality – all of the lustful looks and “passionate” make-out sessions entirely derail any momentum and charm the film had coming out of the opening act. While in previous movies, the fan favourite seemed well balanced with a bit of humor and seriousness here and there but at the end it was a mis-mash of scenes, now here the die hard fans would argue that the film-makers just wanted to stay true to the books....all good....but it is also up to the creative crew to take a big book and make it sing in two or most yet two and a half hours, where it fails. 

Instead for a more competent film experience, Breaking Dawn: Part 1 is simply pandering to the existing fan-base (aka teenage girls) with almost nothing of value to anyone who isn’t already in love with the characters. Where most competent directors would have found out a way to make the material interesting for both fan and non-fan bases but they did not and chose to go with smothering the fan-girls with what they want, i.e., more Edward and Bella action and a little bit of Jacob without his shirt and simply glossed over some of the interesting characters with only glances here and there.

The film looks cheap with bland CGI werewolves and vampire effects – and for a series that is raking in plenty of money with each release, it’s surprising to see such flat visuals at this point. Similarly, despite a stable of up-and-coming actors that includes Stewart, Pattinson and Lautner, as well as critical darlings like Anna Kendrick and Michael Sheen, none of the actors are given any room to deliver a stand-out performance. It’s unfortunate, because despite all the anti-Twilight detractors out there, the franchise leads have shown that they’re capable of offering strong performances when a director attempts to get something more interesting out of them (Stewart in Welcome to the Rileys and Pattinson in Water for Elephants). In that sense, it’s disappointing to see that capable performers and intriguing premises haven’t matured the Twilight series from film to film.

Die-hard fans of the book and movie series will no doubt enjoy watching the film – though, it’s still hard to imagine that they won’t, deep down, find a few of the book’s more decisive moments to be overly cheesy, or even downright laughable. Breaking Dawn – Part 1 is not a competent piece of filmmaking and stands as potentially the worst installment in the series to be made out of the most controversial book of the series. 

Hopefully, given the much more intriguing plot points saved for Part 2, the final installment will end the series on a high note.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Off Children’s Top 10 – Blyton eclipsed by vampire books

Young readers today are more impressed with brooding vampire Edward Cullen than with Famous Five and Secret Seven. Which is why Enid Blyton, author of the two adventure series, finds herself out of the Top 10 list of children’s authors for the first time.

Twilight saga by Stephnie Meyer

Blyton has dropped from 8 to 11, because youngsters no longer relate to her language, says the Telegraph.

Stephanie Meyer, who wrote the Twilight series with Cullen as its protagonist, took top spot, followed by LJ Smith, who also writes about teen vampires. Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson & the Olympians series) landed the third spot while Jeff Kinney and Jacqueline Wilson were fourth and fifth.

The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

“The way children express themselves in Enid Blyton can be alienating for children today….A lot of words have fallen out of common usage,” said a spokesman for UK bookseller Waterstones.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Another factor going against Blyton is that her books have not been made into blockbuster films, while the Twilight series has made instant stars of its actors. “Current writers have the advantage of movie adaptations and TV series and the celebrity they bring,” the spokesman added.

This year, 464,000 copies of Blyton’s works were sold, a 17.8% drop, said Neilsen BookScan. 

Off Children’s Top 10 – Blyton eclipsed by vampire books

Top 10 movies on the 2011 waiting list

Vampires, werewolves, superheroes, pirates, aliens, the final chapter in the saga of everyone’s favorite boy wizard… and, oh, so much more! The 2011 box office forecast is booming with potential blockbusters.


Let's start from the back shall we:

#10 – “Super 8”
Starring: Elle Fanning, Kyle ChandlerDirected by: J.J. AbramsRelease date: Summer 2011

Why such excitement: A new sci-fi thriller from J.J. Abrams! Need we really say more i don't think so? OK, i’ll give you just a little bit. Written and directed by Abrams, the film follows a group of teens in the 1970s who capture footage of aliens in Area 51 while shooting on their – wait for it – Super 8 camera. And here you thought the film was about those low budget motels of the same name. The Air Force, the government and other various ominous suit-wearing types begin pursuit. Drama, explosions, suspense – and maybe even aliens – follow. Yes, please definitely on the list.

#9 – “Captain America”
Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo WeavingDirected by: Joe JohnstonRelease date: July 22, 2011

Why such excitement: For what will be Marvel’s final superhero installment leading up to 2012’s “The Avengers,” Chris Evans will don the stars and stripes as Steve Rogers/aka Captain America as he suits up for battle against the forces of evil in the WWII era-timed piece. Hugo Weaving (who, by the way, is it just my opinion, or was this guy born to play a movie villain?!?although a slight contradiction here; he played a positive role in LOTR) steps in as Nazi baddie Johann Schmidt/aka Red Skull, commander of HYDRA. While Evans previously joked to Access he’d be “the worst thing that ever happened to Marvel,” we have a feeling the man who once played the Fantastic Four’s Human Torch will do the red, white and blue proud.

                                                                  #8 – “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey RushDirected by: Rob MarshallRelease date: May 20, 2011

Why such excitement: Captain Jack is back (what more do you need?)– this time, with some new faces. Out are Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. In are Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane. There’s an argument to be made that if you’ve seen one “Pirates” film, you’ve seen them all. But with a combined gross of more than $2.6 billion at the worldwide box office, the Bruckheimer/Disney team is doing something right. 

#7 – The Fourth “Mission: Impossible”
Starring: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Josh HollowayDirected by: Brad BirdRelease date: December 16, 2011

Why such excitement: There’s an argument to be made that if you’ve seen one “Mission: Impossible” film… Wait, that’s already been used. Cruise is back as super-spy Ethan Hunt, and while many of the same faces return, joining the fray are newbies Jeremy Renner, Josh Holloway and Paula Patton, and according to some recent information Anil Kapoor of Slumdog Millionaire fame all of whom should inject some exciting new blood into the latest chapter. Brad Bird makes his directorial debut, which means J.J. Abrams is out as director, but sticks around as a producer/writer. Truth be told, if J.J. wasn’t still involved, the clock may have run out on this box office “Mission.” But when it comes down to it, say what you will about Cruise, the man makes one heck of a movie.

#6 – “Green Lantern”
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter SarsgaardDirected by: Martin CampbellRelease date: June 17, 2011

Why such excitement: Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Blake Lively. Ryan Reynolds isn’t so bad either. Throw in a fanboy classic superhero tale and with these two beyond good lookin’ folks as the leads, look for the box office to definitely go “Green” in Summer 2011. Plus, who doesn’t love to say “Saaaaaaaaarsgaaaaaaard”?! Exactly.

#5 – “Thor”

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman

Directed by: Kenneth BranaghRelease date: May 6, 2011

Why such excitement: Yet another prequel cog in Marvel’s mighty “The Avengers” machine, easy-on-the-eyes Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth steps into the iconic Norse mythological title character comic book role. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film will follow Thor as he is cast down to earth for being an arrogant fighter, only to find himself battling the dark forces of Asgard and becoming a hero to the humans. Throw in the lovely Natalie Portman as Thor’s lady love Jane Foster, Anthony Hopkins as daddy Odin — oh, and did we mention Thor’s mighty hammer Mjolnir? What can we say, we’re a sucker for a good power tool!

#4 – “The Hangover 2”
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin BarthaDirected by: Todd PhillipsRelease Date: May 26, 2011

Why such excitement: Details are being kept under wraps for the sequel to the side-splitting original — which has forever put to shame every groom-to-be’s bachelor party past, present and future – but as long as those four funny guys are sticking around, so are we! And hey, if they want to bring back Mike Tyson too for another musical interlude, we’re not complaining. Call it comedic masochism if you will, but we’re ready to feel the burn of another “Hangover”!

#3 – “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”

Starring: Rooney Mara, Daniel Crag, Christopher PlummerDirected by: David FincherRelease date: December 21, 2011

Why such excitement: Call it faith i saw the novel of this movie yesterday at a bookshop while browsing though the fiction section for a good novel for a college assignment. Well rising star Rooney Mara has scored one of the most talked-about roles in recent memory, nabbing the part of edgy hacker Lisbeth Salander in the U.S. big screen adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s literary set, The Millennium Trilogy. There has already been a Swedish film version of the trilogy. And, watch out soon for the announcement of a fourth book in the series. In the story, Mara and Daniel Craig (who will bring Mikael Blomkvist to life for American audiences) cross paths as they search for the missing niece of an ailing industrial tycoon. As the first installment in the series, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” sets the table for the drama and suspense to come throughout the much-buzzed about trilogy, the latter two parts of which will be rolled out in 2012.

#2 – “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part I”

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor LautnerDirected by: Bill CondonRelease date: November 18, 2011

Why such excitement: Why aren’t we excited is the better question. What better way to kick off the beginning of the end of “The Twilight Saga” then with a little vampire-human wedding & honeymoon action! Plus, we all know what happens on the honeymoon, right???… Room service! No? Hmm. OK, how ‘bout this — “There will be sex scenes – multiple sex scenes,” screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg previously told Access Hollywood of the romance we’ll see between Edward and Bella. Hey now! Summit has yet to announce exactly where the “Breaking Dawn” storyline will be split, but Part I will begin to put the bow on this pop culture-transcending saga, which has turned vampires and werewolves from cheap Halloween decorations to every kid’s favorite supernatural bestie. Whether you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob or even Team Whatever Happened To That Nice Rachelle LeFevere, grab your lawn chairs and get in line – there’s only 14 months until opening night – knowing the “Twi-Hards,” the good seats are probably already taken!

#1 – “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Part II”

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Bill NighyDirected by: David YatesRelease date: July 15, 2011

Why such excitement: It takes quite a monumental occasion to bump anything “Twilight” from the top of any of our lists, but the final film in the saga of boy wizard Harry Potter is exactly that. With a $5.4 billion haul in its run at the box office (the highest grossing film series of all-time), the Harry Potter films have spanned an entire decade, capturing the imagination of pre-teen boys who can now legally buy booze and little girls who are already old enough to vote in the next election. Even the films’ stars themselves have gone from teenyboppers to twenty-somethings. A pretty impressive run to say the least. Once again, a story which has been cut into two parts – allowing for more excitement and, of course, more cash at the box office, the final chapter of “Deathly Hallows” sees our spellbinding wand-slingers engage in one last battle with the evil Lord Voldemort before Hogwarts’ prized pupils say goodbye to their beloved boarding school as students one last time – at least, those of them that make it through the “Deathly Hallows” alive.

Top 10 movies on the 2011 waiting list

Breaking Dawn Vampire Covens Cast Revealed

Breaking Dawn Vampire Covens Cast Revealed

Has Robert Pattinson Lost His Touch!!!!

Twilight star Robert Pattinson has already risen to stardom and has stolen the heart of women around the world but there is a new vampire on the block named Ian Somerhalder. Somerhalder stars in the new TV series Vampire Diaries and is stealing some of the vampire stardom from Pattinson!

Has Robert Pattinson really lost his edge??? 

Former “Lost” star Ian Somerhalder’s vampire character in “The Vampire Diaries” has beaten “Twilight” ‘s Edward Cullen to be crowned America’s Sexiest Beast.

The actor’s Damon Salvatore finished just ahead of Robert Pattinson’s movie bloodsucker in Entertainment Weekly magazine’s new poll for the sexiest beast.

Bite me, Edward Cullen. Damon Salvatore of “Vampire Diaries”–played to smirking perfection by Ian Somerhalder–has officially been declared the ultimate Sexiest Beast, beating out not only the ‘Twilight’ boys but the “True Blood” vamps, as well, in an extensive online tournament held byEntertainment Weekly following several internet campaigns and nearly 2 million total votes.

Somerhalder had previously tweeted his expectations that Pattinson would win out, saying, “That Pattinson guy will end up kicking my butt, however thanks for taking the time, that’s really cool : )” Following his victory, however, he reported from the “Vampire Diaries” set that all of his co-stars had taken to calling him by his rightful title.

Who is the better or should i say hotter of the two?

Damon, as the winner, is featured on the cover of this week’s Entertainment Weekly (along with several of the runner-ups, Edward included), and has his hotness further validated in a few steamy just-released “Vampire Diaries” Season 2 promotional pics.

Some of the promotional picture for season 2 of THE VAMPIRE DAIRIES  starting this september 9th!

Well I for one have been counting the days (3 more days left)!!!

Has Robert Pattinson Lost His Touch!!!!

The Wonderland of Books

Hey all!!!!!!

I'm fairly new to the blog world so bear with me as i think of something for you all to enjoy...............

hmmm.......i got it we'll talk about my favorite companion in the whole of the Universe - BOOKS!!!!

Ya!Ya!Ya! I know I sound like a bookworm but well i do need to pass the time being the only child and friends living on other sides of the city.......yes well it gets boring with only four members of the family.

So today i'll take u all on the journey of a life time.

"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.

                                                                      ~Chinese Proverb"

A book is a set or collection of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets, made of paper, parchment, or other various material, usually fastened together to hinge at one side. A single sheet within a book is called a leaf, and each side of a leaf is called a page. A book produced in electronic format is known as an electronic book (e-book).

Books may also refer to works of literature, or a main division of such a work. In library and information science, a book is called a monograph, to distinguish it from serial periodicals such as magazines, journals or newspapers. The body of all written works including books is literature. In novels and sometimes other types of books (e.g. biographies), a book may be divided into several large sections, also called books (Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, etc.). A lover of books is usually referred to as a bibliophile, a bibliophilist, or a philobiblist, or, more informally, a bookworm.

In 2010, Google estimated that there were approximately 130 million unique books in the world.

^{"Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own.}

                                                                                       ^{~William Hazlitt"}

The word book comes from Old English "bōc" which itself comes from the Germanic root "*bōk-", cognate to beech. Similarly, in Slavic languages (e.g. Russian, Bulgarian and Macedonian) "буква" (bukva—"letter") is cognate to "beech". It is thus conjectured that the earliestIndo-European writings may have been carved on beech wood. Similarly, the Latin word codex, meaning a book in the modern sense (bound and with separate leaves), originally meant "block of wood."

Thats all about the technicalities behind books. Lets now delve into some something else - type of books.....the best part is about to begin!!

A common separation by content are fiction and non-fictional books. By no means are books limited to this classification, but it is a separation that can be found in most collections, libraries, and bookstores.

So lets now see what FICTION about ~

Many of the books published today are fictitious stories. They are in-part or completely untrue or fantasy. Historically, paper production was considered too expensive to be used for entertainment. An increase in global literacy and print technology led to the increased publication of books for the purpose of entertainment, and allegorical social commentary. Most fiction is additionally categorized by genre.

The novel is the most common form of fictional book. Novels are stories that typically feature a plot,setting, themes and characters. Stories and narrative are not restricted to any topic; a novel can be whimsical, serious or controversial. The novel has had a tremendous impact on entertainment andpublishing markets. A novella is a term sometimes used for fictional prose typically between 17,500 and 40,000 words, and a novelette between 7,500 and 17,500. A Short story may be any length up to 10,000 words, but these word lengths are not universally established.

Now in FICTION another we see another type of distinction COMIC BOOKS or GRAPHIC NOVELS.....well they don't hold true for being wholly written but they are ILLUSTRATED.

Now comes the next part NON-FICTION ~

In a library, a reference book is a general type of non-fiction book which provides information as opposed to telling a story, essay, commentary, or otherwise supporting a point of view. An almanac is a very general reference book, usually one-volume, with lists of data and information on many topics. Anencyclopedia is a book or set of books designed to have more in-depth articles on many topics. A book listing words, their etymology, meanings, and other information is called a dictionary. A book which is a collection of maps is an atlas. A more specific reference book with tables or lists of data and information about a certain topic, often intended for professional use, is often called a handbook. Books which try to list references and abstracts in a certain broad area may be called an index, such as Engineering Index, or abstracts such as chemical abstracts and biological abstracts.

 

Books with technical information on how to do something or how to use some equipment are called instruction manuals. Other popular how-to books include cookbooks and home improvement books.

Students typically store and carry textbooks and schoolbooks for study purposes. Elementary school pupils often use workbooks, which are published with spaces or blanks to be filled by them for study or homework. In US higher education, it is common for a student to take an exam using a blue book.

"As a rule reading fiction is as hard to me as trying to hit a target by hurling feathers at it. I need resistance to celebrate!

~William James"

There is a large set of books that are made only to write private ideas, notes, and accounts. These books are rarely published and are typically destroyed or remain private. Notebooks are blank papers to be written in by the user. Students and writers commonly use them for taking notes. Scientists and other researchers use lab notebooks to record their notes. They often feature spiral coil bindings at the edge so that pages may easily be torn out.

Address books, phone books, and calendar/appointmentbooks are commonly used on a daily basis for recording appointments, meetings and personal contact information.

Books for recording periodic entries by the user, such as daily information about a journey, are called logbooks or simply logs. A similar book for writing the owner's daily private personal events, information, and ideas is called a diary or personal journal.

Businesses use accounting books such as journals and ledgers to record financial data in a practice called bookkeeping.

Books are also termed as HARDBOUND or PAPERBACK.

"It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.

~Oscar Wilde"

Well this is all about my take on the popular distinction that books fall in. Lets talk something in the popular category.

Personally i like fantasy and detective and thriller novels....they always make exciting companions, even graphic novels sometimes serve the purpose. A recent graphic novel i bought "TWILIGHT:THE GRAPHIC NOVEL VOL I".

Before i forget to add the keywords of the 21st century ~ AUDIOBOOKS & ELECTRONIC BOOKS better known as E-Books. In this fast life where people don't even have the time for one another and to not carry 5-6 books everywhere(man i used to do that a lot)....everything i now concise u can carry all the books you want anywhere with u in your phones or e-book readers.

Latest technologies make our life so much easier don't u all think!!!

The Wonderland of Books