I’ve been fascinated by the success of the Twilight series. I, too, have been trying to deconstruct what about the story has resonated with so many females (young and old).

It’s interesting to see that some think Bella is empowered and in the driver’s seat having a choice between two hot guys, while others think she is a victim of overcontrolling men. I can see both points.

But for so many women, it’s all about Edward. Why? Some of the themes I’ve seen from talking to female fans are:

- He is the protector – he watches over Bella sleeping, he keeps bad things from happening to her. In a world where so many women feel vulneraable, the idea of having a protector always watching you is very appealing.

- He is a super hot guy who goes for a supposedly ordinary girl. Hollywood is full of stories of loser guys getting hot girls. You never see the reverse. Since so many women consider themselves “ordinary”, especially in the looks department, Here’s a hunk who goes for “someone like them.”

- He respects her/loves her enough to abstain from sex. Now I know this is a super charged subject. And I know many would say he does not respect her. I’m just sharing what other women have told me. In a world where lots of young girls are feeling pressure to have sex, here’s a guy who is the one saying no. In a culture where it’s all about sex, here comes a story where the focus is on kissing – that a kiss is so unbelievably sensual. When was the last time you saw – anywhere – that a kiss, alone, could be an amazing life-altering experience? (Yes, in later books it goes further, but only after a long period of time)

Personally – I’m a little ambivilant about the whole series. But there is a reason why it’s connecting with so many females.

A girl being seduced by an older man, marriage or no, is statutory rape.

Having children sure as hell reduces the amount of education you’re eligible for — just ask any person who takes time off during high school how that affects the application and scholarship eligibility process. Having children while young reduces the funds available for one’s own education; that’s common sense.

Good to know that someone, in either NEW MOON’s fantasy or realistic aspects, is taking a firm stand on the side of the predation of girls.

Has Hollywood given up on adult dramas?

Hollywood has figured out what makes money and now excludes many films that used to get made. Adults don’t go to movies; they rent then and generally want to see them, but they don’t go on opening weekend. That’s just the economics of it.
“Julie & Julia” is the exception this year. It got made on the strength of Meryl Streep and Nora Ephron, but that’s quickly becoming an endangered species. This film is in that same category—it’s “execution dependent,” meaning that it has to be good to make your money back, because it’s not something you can pre-sell like the “Transformers” sequel. Anything less than really good means it doesn’t even have a chance. The bar has become very high—it’s a weird time, but this is where we’re at.

I actually hope NEW MOON will be a huge hit, even though I think Twilight sucks.

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/entertainment/movie_fan_strips_down_for_%27full_moon%27