‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ 10-Second Teaser

‘Twilight’ Compared to Classic Literature and Mythology During Rutgers-Camden’s Cappuccino Academy

CAMDEN – There’s no denying the popularity of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. But readers might be enjoying the books for more than just their portrayal of teenage angst with a gothic twist.

According to Holly Blackford, an associate professor of English at Rutgers–Camden, where she researches 19th and 20th century American literature and children’s literature, the series calls upon classic literary figures and even classic mythology.

Blackford will offer the free lecture “Persephone in the Twilight Zone of Divorce: Lost Child, Underworld Queen in Stephenie Meyer’s Adaptation of Emily Bronte” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, during Rutgers–Camden’s Cappuccino Academy. The talk will compare Twilight to Wuthering Heights and likens “Bella” to Greek mythology’s original teenager in a dark romance, Persephone. It also will give Twilight fans the opportunity to discuss the popular series with a literary scholar.

Barnes & Noble is located at 200 West Route 70 in Marlton.

Cappuccino Academy is a monthly series of free public lectures delivered by Rutgers–Camden faculty members at Barnes & Noble. For more information, call (856) 225-6627.

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On ‘Abduction,’ Taylor Lautner could be a boy in the hood

EXCLUSIVE: How much clout does Taylor Lautner have right now? So much clout that even the filmmaker behind the urban classic “Boyz ‘n the Hood” may end up working with him.

Sources say that John Singleton, the Oscar-nominated writer and director behind that 1991 hit, is in the lead position to grab the director job on “Abduction,” a story about a teen disconnected from his parents that evolves into a “Bourne”-like man-on-the-run thriller. Singleton, also a producer on “Hustle & Flow,” could bring — how to put this? — an edgy flair that one wouldn’t necessarily expect from a Lautner vehicle.

Singleton tops a list that also includes Gary Fleder, the director of the cult hit “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” and most recently the filmmaker behind the race-tinged sports drama “The Express.” There’s also a veteran (and, frankly, not always critically well-regarded) Hollywood hand in the mix; he’s further back in the race, so we’ll refrain from mentioning him unless he picks up steam.

“Abduction” was recently bought for nearly $1 million by Lionsgate in a rare sale of a spec script (i.e. a script that was written without any upfront studio commitment or commission) from newcomer Shawn Christensen. The story, say people familiar with the project, involves a teenager who comes across his baby picture in a missing-persons database and sets out on a quest to find the truth; government agents, shadowy figures and other thriller staples are involved.

Lautner, who’s lately booked more gigs than the Rolling Stones, has a rare ability to get a studio to pay attention — any project with his name on it moves forward a lot faster than it otherwise would. He’s got momentum for “Stretch Armstrong” at Universal, with a director race heating up on that movie (Rob Letterman is in the lead spot), and “Abduction” could shoot as early as this summer.

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Oscar Preshow Host Sherri Shepherd ‘Couldn’t Ask Taylor Lautner About Twilight or His Body’

The View’s Sherri Shepherd was one of the three hosts of ABC’s pre-Oscar show, during which she (and co-hosts Entertainment Weekly’s Jess Cagle and model turned furniture designer Kathy Ireland) interviewed harried celebrities on their way into the ceremony. We spoke to Shepherd this morning about confusing Helen Mirren with J-Lo, trying to remember how to pronounce “Tolstoy,” and hitting on George Clooney.

How did you get the gig?
[Oscar producer] Adam Shankman’s apparently a fan of mine, and he called and asked if I was available to do it. I love the preshows, so I jumped at the chance.

Who was your favorite interview?
George Clooney — he wasn’t in a bad mood with me! He came over and I came on to him, flirting with him, and he flirted back. And I love Taylor Lautner, but I couldn’t ask him too many questions. We had a lot of red tape and protocol from ABC, and they told me I couldn’t ask Taylor about the Twilight sequel or his body. And I said, “Then what am I going to talk to him about?!” He’s a big boy, he could handle it.

MORE HERE

Comcast announces ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ exclusives

Add this little nugget to your virtual memory of The Twilight Saga: New Moon on home entertainment markets: Comcast has just announced that it, too, will have the film available on demand at midnight on March 20th.

Additionally, the company announces, “only Comcast customers will be able to view never-before-seen commentary from director Chris Weitz on a number of favorite ‘New Moon’ scenes such as: Bella’s birthday party, Bella’s cliff dive, when Bella rescues Edward in Italy and when Bella first meets the Volturi.”

Along with the announcement, Comcast offered a sneak peek at some of their exclusive commentary footage.
In the clip, which is a portion of a much longer piece of commentary, Chris Weitz is discussing the scene pictured here where Bella and Jacob are outside of his home in the pouring rain.

“For about the first few takes, Kristen’s contacts. . . cause you know she has these hazel eyes which are you know quite special color . . . and they’re replaced or re-colored with contacts. So, eventually, the eye color that was put back in was CGI. Yeah, poor Taylor. You can tell from some of these shots that the water’s so cold that steam’s rising off . . .” he says.

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10-seconds is too short but it was a great teaser to the tease! Can’t wait until tomorrow for the full video!!

What did you think of today’s Twilight Saga News Part Two? Join us in the forum to discuss!

Since the New Moon DVD is coming out in just a few days *squee*, we should gear up for the event. This movie was full of hilarious, beautiful unforgettable quotes. So OBS wants to know, in the movie, which was your favorite quote?

“Which is your favorite quote from New Moon: The Movie?”

• “I love you. You’re my only reason to stay alive… if that’s what I am” –Edward Cullen
• “Bella, you’re apologizing for bleeding?” –Jacob Black
• “Do not get me upset.” –Jacob Black
• “Vampires have laws?” –Bella Swan
• “So, you’re an adrenaline junkie now?” –Jessica Stanley
• “You can go to hell.” –Edward Cullen
• “Dating an older woman huh? Hot.” –Emmett Cullen
• “It would be nice to not want to kill you all the time.” –Jasper Hale
• “Don’t worry about the bears Bella. My Kung Fu is strong.”– Harry Clearwater
• “Guess, the wolf’s out of the bag.” –Emby Call
• “I just have one condition. If you want me to do it, then… marry me Bella.” –Edward Cullen

You can VOTE right here on the News Blog, just look to your right >> and under “POLLS” is the question along with the answers, just click one and view the results!!

If you would like to discuss this more, and give your reasons why you choose who you did, please come join the fun debate on the OBS Forums.

Also check back with OBS every Wednesday, and get to answer the “Poll of Week”!!

Want to view the results of our previous polls, like who was named the “Favorite True Blood Character”, “Favorite Wolf-pack member”, or “Who is your favorite Vampire”? You can check them out HERE

Twilight Takes Over Oscars! Kinda!

What’s an awards show these days without some teen vampires and werewolves? Nothing! So that’s why at this year’s Academy Awards, they snuck some in. The Twilight Saga: New Moon had, let’s see, zero Oscar nominations, but somehow here’s Anna Kendrick, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner attending the ritziest party of the year.

So Kendrick didn’t technically sneak in. She totally earned it, being nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Up In The Air and also presenting an award (lucky!) with Zac Efron.

But Taylor and Kristen dodged bodyguards and hid behind props to get into this thing. OK, not exactly—but did the Academy cook up a tribute to horror films just to have an excuse to put these two on stage together?

Also, Robert Pattinson couldn’t make it, but still got mentioned in Neil Patrick Harris’ opening ballad.

So now that the stars have gained access to the planet’s most exclusive party, all that’s left is to make a Twilight movie worthy of Oscar night…
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See costumes and props from Oscar nominees at the Hollywood Museum

If you’re in the neighborhood of the Kodak Theatre and can’t get into the Oscars this weekend, try the next best thing. Drop by the Hollywood Museum one block away – it’s located in the Max Factor Building at 1660 N. Highland Ave., where you can see costumes and artifacts from leading nominees like “The Hurt Locker,” “The Blind Side,” “Inglourious Basterds,” “Julie & Julia,” “The Young Victoria,” “Bright Star,” “(500) Days of Summer” and “Star Trek” mixed in with treasures from Oscars past, like “Gone With the Wind,” “Ben-Hur,” “Gladiator” and even the first film to win best picture, “Wings.”

I serve as guest curator every year to organize this exhibition titled “And the Winner Is …,” which celebrates all films up for kudos throughout the award season. We even feature items from such popular films as “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” “Twilight: New Moon” (yes, yes, we have a Taylor Lautner costume in addition ones worn by Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart) and Miley Cyrus’ concert film. Some of them were up for guild awards or even — yikes — Razzies.

PICTURES AND MORE HERE

No Razzies for ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon,’ Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner

A couple of weeks ago, the nominees for this year’s satirical Razzie Awards came down and showed The Twilight Saga: New Moon and its cast to be nominated in several categories.

The Razzies – of the Golden Raspberry Award Foundation – are purposed at “saluting the worst that Hollywood has to offer each year.”
The Twilight Saga: New Moon was nominated for several Razzies, including “WORST REMAKE, RIP-OFF or SEQUEL,” “WORST SCREEN COUPLE of 2009″ for “Kristen Stewart & Either Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner, Twilight Saga: New Moon,” “WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR OF 2009″ for Robert Pattinson, and “WORST SCREENPLAY OF 2009.”

New Moon, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner all escaped winning in these categories (one award series that Twilight fans might not be sad to see the franchise lose at), but one person who did win a Razzie was Sandra Bullock (for The Blind Side), and, classy lady that she happens to be, she showed up to accept it herself. SOURCE

Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner Presenting at the Oscar’s 2010

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RED CARPET EXCLUSIVE: Anna Kendrick says Oscar red carpet is nothing compared to ‘Twilight’

Oscar-nominated actress Anna Kendrick told FoxNews.com where she was when the Academy Award nominations were announced.

“I was actually running. I was too nervous to watch the nominations come up,” said the “Up in the Air” star. “I waited for my roommate to text me and then I sprinted home.”

When she heard she was nominated she “celebrated with a lot of food and champagne – at 5 in the morning, it was still dark out!”

“This film has been a whole different ball game,” said Anna, who also stars in the ‘Twilight’ saga. “It was the only film I’ve done that i was the youngest person on set.”

And it turns out the young star was one of the old pros when it comes to red carpets.
“It’s a little crazy,” she said. “But once you’ve been to a ‘Twighlight’ red carpet, you’re a pro.” SOURCE

Writing the Twilight Saga: An Exclusive Interview with Melissa Rosenberg

The challenge of adapting Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga to the big screen has fallen to writer Melissa Rosenberg, who, by the end of it, will have provided the scripts for each novel. Earths Mightiest editor Edward Gross sat down for a one-on-one interview with Rosenberg, who is also co-executive producer of Dexter.

This interview, which was conducted at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles back in November, looks at the making of New Moon, Rosenberg’s collaboration with David Slade on Eclipse and what she feels she’s learned from working with Slade, Chris Weitz and Catherine Hardwicke during the making of these films.

VIDEO HERE

Chris Weitz turns down Twilight Breaking Dawn?

Now that we pretty much know that the final book in the Twilight saga, Breaking Dawn, is being broken into two movies (it’s not been confirmed, but there are few who don’t expect it to happen), arguably the big question remaining is just who Summit Entertainment is going to rope in to direct them.

It’s easy enough to rule out Catherine Hardwicke, who helmed the first movie, as she’s now looking to do The Girl With The Red Riding Hood with Amanda Seyfried (also, it does seem that she and Summit aren’t best of chums). David Slade, who’s putting the finishing touches to Twilight: Eclipse, is not someone Summit appears keen to re-recruit either.

Yet, Chris Weitz, the man who steered the ship on Twilight: New Moon, has been near the top of most people’s list to at least take on one of the Breaking Dawn movies. However, that idea now appears dead, as the director himself has ruled himself out of the running.

“Of course I’m interested,” he told MTV. “But I think I’m on record saying I have a 2-and-a-half-year-old son.”

“Because it’d be such a long shoot for ‘Breaking Dawn’, it kind of brings me to the edge of my physical and mental endurance. And I just don’t believe I have it in me, and I think that it’s appropriate that someone else go ahead and do it.”

Summit’s search, therefore, continues. We’d like it to take the kind of gambles that Warner Bros eventually started taking with its Harry Potter movies, ideally, but given how crucial the Twilight saga is to the fabric of Summit Entertainment, don’t be surprised if it goes for a safe choice.

We wonder what Mr Ratner is doing?

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What did you think of today’s Twilight Saga News? Join us in the forum to discuss!!

‘Big Bang Theory’ Cast Presents: 2009!

Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco and Co. reenact four of the most memorable pop-culture scenes of the year: ”New Moon,” Susan Boyle, Jon and Kate, and the MTV Video Music Awards. SOURCE

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And the iVillage Entertainment Awards Winners Are…

And the Winner Is… New Moon’s Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson)

New Moon’s hard-bodied, chivalrous vampire, Edward Cullen, won your hearts by a landslide with 87 percent of votes. The other contestants — I Love You Man’s Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd), The Office’s Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Glee’s Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) — didn’t stand a chance. Edward’s loyalty, mystery and good looks make it clear why you’d want to get cozy with this brooding bad boy. Now if only he’d trade Bella for you! MORE HERE

‘Twilight’s’ Kellan Lutz: ‘Eclipse’ is an action a movie for guys

Kellan Lutz doesn’t want guys to be scared off by the “Twilight” love story.

In fact, he assures guys that the upcoming sequel “Eclipse” is “badass.”

“The action really drew me in and I think the guys are really going to like this movie,” he told MTV News, suggesting that both the romantic and action elements would make a great date-night movie.

Without spoiling too much of the plot for those who haven’t read the books, “Eclipse” will mobilize the vampires and the werewolves in a battle that involves Bella (Kristen Stewart) of course.

“I enjoy doing action movies,” said Lutz. “I enjoy being, you know, fighting and stuff like there, but there’s a lot of action [this time around]. A lot more than the love story.”

You can get a sneak preview of the action in the “Eclipse” trailer that will play before Robert Pattinson’s “Remember Me,” which hits theaters on Friday, March 12. “Eclipse” will premiere on June 30. SOURCE

Chris Weitz Wishes He Could Cut the Frolicking Vampire Scene From New Moon

Twilight fans still have a few months to go before Eclipse hits theaters this Summer, but they’ll flock to the stores in a few weeks to pick up copies of New Moon on DVD on March 21. There are a few editions featuring all kinds of bonus features, and I was lucky enough to chat with director Chris Weitz on everything from his favorite scene, to Rob and Kristen’s relationship, to what he wishes had ended up on the cutting room floor.

There are lots of different editions of the New Moon DVD. Which bonus features are you particularly excited about? I’m excited that my voice will finally be heard! For me, the fun thing was doing the commentary with Peter Lambert, my editor, because it kind of re-created the atmosphere in the cutting room. Peter’s a really funny guy, and we were able to delve into not only the behind-the-scenes moments, but to explain why certain things were shot or cut together in certain ways. So that, for me, was the most fun.

When you go back and watch it again, are there things you’d like to change if you could? I would like to never have shot Rob and Kristen running through the forest and Kristen’s just turned into a vampire. Because everybody always laughs and it makes me feel terrible. [Laughs] I would have shot it a different way so it wouldn’t get that response. But otherwise, I’m very happy with things.

You must get lots of questions abut Rob and Kristen. Do you laugh it off or are you totally sick of hearing about it? I’m somewhat clueless — when you’re the director, you’re kind of like the school principal. Nobody really tells you anything. You really have no idea what’s going on. I’m the last person who would know about this kinda stuff. I’m sure you could get more from reading the paper. MORE HERE

‘Eclipse’ Will Be Steamy, Says ‘New Moon’ Director

Although Weitz is not directing ‘Eclipse’ — director David Slade is taking over — he has read the script.

Spoiler alert: The scene includes Bella, who is on the run from evil vampire Victoria. To keep from freezing in the cold, she snuggles close to werewolf Jacob. Of course, a jealous Edward looks on and isn’t too happy about it.

Weitz also revealed the other scenes he’s excited for fans to see, including an intense action sequence featuring Edward Cullen’s vampire “parents,” played by Elizabeth Reaser and Peter Facinelli.

“I have a special interest in seeing Peter and Elizabeth tear people’s heads off,” he says with a laugh.

“Knowing them, and how kind of kooky and delightful they are, I’m going to find seeing them being ultra-violent very interesting indeed.” SOURCE

Chris Weitz Bails on ‘Breaking Dawn’; Twi-Hard Nation Sheds Sparkly Tear, Wonders What’s Next

Sorry, Twi-hards; Chris Weitz has some bad news for you.

After months of feverish speculation, the New Moon director’s rep has confirmed that Weitz won’t be on board for Breaking Dawn, the final installment (or is that installments?) of The Twilight Saga. According to the rep, it was Weitz’s decision not to carry on with the series.

But even though he won’t be ordering sexy vamps and werewolves around anymore, Weitz will be keeping busy over the next year or so; despite his earlier suggestions that he might quit the movie biz, the Golden Compass helmsman has several new projects in the works, including the pick-up comedy The Game (based on the Neil Strauss novel), American Pie 4 and the intriguingly titled Another Bullsh*t Night in Suck City (which is probably the exact sentiment that many Twi-hards are experiencing upon reading this news).

But let’s wipe away those tears and turn our attention to the pressing topic at hand: If Weitz is out, who should direct Breaking Dawn? Eclipse director David Slade? Woody Allen? (Please, let it be Woody Allen!)  SOURCE

Oh I would love to leave my husband for Edward!!

I admit that I did laugh when I first saw the frolicking scene in ‘New Moon’. It just seemed so out of place in the dark setting of the Volturi, but the other times I saw it, I understood what Weitz was trying to portray but I wish they would have changed the wardrobe. ::giggles::

With all this speculation over the director for ‘Breaking Dawn’, who would your choice be?

What did you think of today’s Twilight Saga News? Join us in the forum to discuss!!

Remember Me Saturday Needs Your Help! Will You Please Join In Promoting This Fan Supported Event?

Do you own or run a Robert or Twilight site and/or a related blog? Do you run a Twitter or a Facebook fan page or group? Do you want to see the movie Remember Me open as big as possible the weekend of March 12 and you’d like to do something to help that happen?

We need your help!
And we need it TODAY!

As some of you might already know, we started a campaign to help the film Remember Me called Remember Me Saturday. The basic plan is to push for this National Fan Event on Saturday, March 13th due to the fact that Friday and Saturday are the days weekend box office estimates are based on. Sunday still counts, of course, but for perception and reporting, Friday and Saturday are the golden days. Seeing as every fan will already be seeing Remember Me on Friday, Saturday became the day chosen to hold this fan campaign and try to make a difference with the box office receipts.
MORE HERE

Starr report

First things 1st
Yes, Jay Leno reclaims “The Tonight Show” tonight. But it’s also a banner night for Jimmy Fallon, who follows Leno at 12:35 and is celebrat ing his one- year anni versary as host of “Late Night,” with a show featuring “Twilight” star Robert Pattinson, Judah Friedlander (“30 Rock”) and musical guests Daryl Hall and John Oates (they’ll perform with The Roots).

Fallon’s NBC stab lemate, Craig Rob inson (“The Of fice”), will host “Last Comic Standing,” which re turns this summer. The show is casting here March 21 at Gotham Comedy Club (West 23rd).

Robinson also co-stars with John Cusack, Clark Duke and Rob Corddry in the up coming movie, “Hot Tub Time Machine,” which opens March 26.
And back to . . . Pattinson, who’s part of Comcast’s “The Twilight Saga: New Moon On Demand,” beginning 12:01 on Saturday, March 20 — the same day “The Twi light Saga” is released on DVD. The On Demand tele cast features 13 minutes of commentary from director Chris Weisz walking viewers through certain “New Moon” scenes.  SOURCE

Tonight on TV: Jimmy Fallon celebrates his one-year anniversary

A lot has happened to late-night TV in the last year. Though many headlines have focused on gossip and scandal, at least one positive development has come from it all: Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night hosting gig.

Some viewers may have been doubtful at first, but Late Night with Jimmy Fallon has emerged as a spot for fresh comedy bits, cool musical guests and nightly surprises. Tonight Fallon celebrates his one-year anniversary with a few big-name guests.

First up is Robert Pattinson, who Fallon has parodied several times in the funny Late Night series “Robert is Bothered.” Here’s what Jimmy-Robert had to say about Valentine’s Day:

Fallon will also chat with 30 Rock’s Judah Friedlander and premiere the second installment of Late, the show’s Lost parody.

As for tonight’s musical guest, that might be the best part: It’s Hall and Oates. Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs at 12:35 a.m. Congrats to all on a successful (and scandal-free) year.

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Are you going to participate in Remember Me Saturday?

Set your DVRs for lots of Rob this week!!

What did you think of today’s Twilight Saga News? Join us in the forum to discuss!!

The Twilight Saga News Wrap-up:

Dozens of ‘Twilight: Eclipse’ Set Pictures

SNEAK PEEK OF “ECLIPSE” AVAILABLE ON UK VERSION OF “NEW MOON” DVD

‘New Moon’ Board Game First Look
‘New Moon’ Toys: Get Your First Look At Edward Sparkling And Jacob All Shirtless

“THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE” TRAILER TO HIT THEATERS ON MARCH 12

KRISTEN STEWART ADDRESSES “BREAKING DAWN” 3-D RUMORS AND SAYS THAT THE BOOK WARRANTS TWO FILMS

Movie News Wrap-up:

10 Things Parents Should Know About The Lightning Thief

Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein Heads to the Big Screen

CLASH OF THE TITANS ON SET

How Old-Fashioned Makeup Effects Created The Wolfman

Author & Book News Wrap-up:

‘Harry Potter’ author hit with plagiarism lawsuit

TV Show News Wrap-up:

‘True Blood’: An interview with a vampire

50 BEST LOST THEORIES

OBS Fun News Wrap-up:

WHICH CULLEN FAMILY MEMBER ARE YOU? QUIZ

OBS PRESENTS BOOK COVER CLUSTERS: FLOWERS

BOOK REVIEWS: CASSANDRA CLARE – CITY OF ASHES

MOVIE REVIEWS: DEAD SNOW

MOVIE REVIEWS: BATMAN BEGINS

OBS TOP 5/10: GREEK MYTH EDITION

OBS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: JEN NADOL

FAN ART MADNESS – PERCY JACKSON EDITION

OBS RECAPS & REVIEWS: MERLIN S1 – EPISODE 10

MOVIE REVIEWS: THE DESCENT

BOOK REVIEWS: NEIL GAIMAN – NEVERWHERE

OBS PRESENTS: MOVIE POSTERS FOR ‘PERCY JACKSON’S THE LIGHTNING THIEF’

OBS DIRECTOR PROFILES: M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN

MYTHICAL CREATURES THROUGHOUT HISTORY: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT ‘GREEK GODS & GODDESSES’

We are currently doing two book clubs:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

and

Intertwined

Have a great new week!