Treasured Thursdays: Twilight Style Part 4

Treasured Thursday is a weekly event created by Touya over at The Reader's Garden that is all about our most treasured. I'm hosting it here now, for those of you who are interested in joining me. This month, as you all know by now, we are ALL about the Twilight Saga! So this week our topic is our most treasured couple (excluding Edward, Bella or Jacob). 


This was a hard question for me to answer, honestly. I love Alice and Jasper so much, the way they are so completely in sync with one another is fantastic. BUT, I have to say my most treasured couple would have to be Carlisle & Esme. 

They may be the best parents EVER who've never actually given birth to their children. They are endlessly supportive, loving and kind to everyone. They are a true embodiment of happiness and that's kind of hard to compete with in my opinion. 

If anyone saw “favorite vampire” posted earlier this month you can all probably guess who my favorite couple is (even though Alice and Jasper almost made it on here for me).  It is...

…Rosalie and Emmett.

Because honestly, they’re perfect for each other. Emmett is fully devoted to Rosalie and I have no doubts about that; she’s his entire world, and makes it obvious, more so than any other couple in this entire saga (*cough*Bella/Edward*cough*). And Rosalie is a much better person with Emmett; he brings out the best in her, and after the past she’s been through, she deserves someone to treat her like a queen. 

They are by far my favorite couple; for Twilight and probably just in general, all fandom’s considered! They’re just perfect. :3 

 MY answer is simple! Alice and Jasper! Holding hands in the car in twilight; the airport in New Moon (which didn’t make it into the movie &*&^%); “You never have to be that person again.” In Eclipse……… they are soul mates and it’s evident and I love that! Their dance scene in BD1 was greatness; they compliment each other perfectly in every way in every book. 

Group Book to Movie Review: Breaking Dawn (Part 1) by Stephenie Meyer

When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.

Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life-first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse-seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever?

The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions. (From Amazon.com)

Now that you've all heard our thoughts on Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse it is obviously time to move along to the big old finale, Breaking Dawn. We will be dealing with part 1 and then revisiting the series in November when part 2 hits theaters. We hope you've enjoyed Twilight month! 

Breaking Dawn is the 4th and final book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Let me start by warning everyone that even though I loved this book, there was a LOT I didn't like about it.  Little things and big things. But it was still the 'perfect' ending to a beautiful love story and for that I really HAD to love it. 

I absolutely loved the first part of this book.  The wedding and honeymoon were just perfectly written and I thought it fit so completely with the characters; Edward trying to play it safe, Bella's safety always his first priority and then Bella trying to break down those walls in her Alice-wear lol. I laughed right out loud, couldn't help it.  I also enjoyed getting a more in depth look at how the Cullens lived day to day.  That was something I'd wondered about and seeing it from Jacob's perspective made it that much more enjoyable for me. Getting to know Leah a bit more was fun and Bella & Edward being able to be parents was phenomenal, in my opinion. So Bella really COULD have it all.  And of course we have Charlie, he always provides us with quality scenes.  The awkward goodbye between he and Bella left me teary-eyed and then his 'lost puppy' routine at the wedding was classic. 

My very favorite part of this book, though, was Jacob. And I'm Team Edward all the way. I just loved getting to see inside Jake's head, even if he was wallowing in self pity through the first part of the book. I thought he deserved to wallow a bit. When he left Sam's pack, I did a happy dance, loved every second of it. He FINALLY admitted that he was born to lead, not follow.  I thought Jacob grew SO much in this book, really becoming a man, as totally cliche as that sounds. He grew up, he learned to reign in his temper and think before acting. 

Now for the things I wasn't so crazy about..I'll try to be brief. My very biggest complaint is Jacob imprinting on Nessie. I really felt that he got shafted. Imprint on a baby. Ok. Well, yes, that clears up the whole the other wolves are gonna try and kill her thing. It also kills any hope of a continuation of Jake's story, which I was really hoping for. He deserved more than to be just a means to an end.  And does no one else think it's creepy that he was in love with her MOTHER!? Or is that just me? That's not something I think I would ever get over. And secondly it's the baby's name. Renesmee. Really? I'm NOT trying to be mean or offend anyone, but what the heck kind of name is that? Ick. I know the moment I read it I wrinkled my nose in disgust and thought, "Oh that poor child." 

Overall, I did love this book and I was sobbing and laughing, sometimes at the same time as I read it. 

My Rating:

And now on to the movie! I was soooo very impressed with it! They finally managed to find a good balance for book to movie adaptation.  As always, there were ups and downs but for once, I felt the ups were more numerous than the downs. 

The wedding and all the preparation for it was all beautifully done, in my opinion. The dress was absolutely perfect, the scene with Charlie and Renee while she was getting ready started me crying and I don't think I stopped until they were in South America on their honeymoon.   When Flightless Bird, American Mouth started playing and the rest of the wedding party went away, I literally gasped out loud. It was just so moving. Really and truly beautiful. I loved the wedding toasts, with the exception of Jessica's. Honestly, I can't stand that girl and it bothered me that they would even let her get up there knowing she wasn't going to say anything nice. And yes, Renee's singing was sweet but it kinda set my teeth on edge. Charlie's by far, was the best, "I know things." I was cracking up in the theater.  Isle Esme was so perfect! I mean, down to the last detail, they got it right. I thought the wedding night was very tastefully done. When Bella wakes up in the morning to the wreckage of the bedroom I was laughing almost hysterically. It was PERFECT! And when she's in the bathroom picking feathers out of her hair and remembering everything from the night before, the music was amazing and it was just thoroughly well done. 

When Jacob runs to tell the rest of the pack about Bella, I LOVED that! The chaos he was feeling and then hearing all  the wolves through his mind. It was intense and fantastically done, exactly as I pictured it in my head when reading. And when he stood up to Sam and left his pack, I was kinda jumping up and down in my chair. Just a little, I know, I'm weird. The makeup people need to be given a HUGE hand. Bella looked absolutely grotesque when she was pregnant. It was chilling and again, exactly as I had pictured it. The birthing scene was probably my favorite part of the movie. I was SO glad they kept the horror of what happened there. Now, don't misunderstand me, I do NOT like gore, at all, BUT, I think in order to be true to the story, you had to witness what they all went through in those moments to grasp the enormity of the situation.  The way they portrayed the birth and then Edward's venom working it's way through her system while she was held still by the morphine was terrible in it's perfection.  I knew what was going to happen and I was crying! I was very happy with where they chose to end this movie. Honestly, it was the natural place to pause in the story. Bella's human life is over and it's time for her new beginning. 

Now, I only have two complaints with this movie. First and foremost, WHY did they feel the need to add the scuffle with the wolves and the Cullens?? It wasn't in the book, more drama and action were NOT needed. WHY? What good reason can they give for messing with the story like that? I was mad. But it didn't last long because then they moved back to Bella's transformation. The second was Edward's story the night before the wedding. Maybe if Catherine Hardwicke hadn't butchered Twilight, that would have made it into the first movie where it BELONGED. So really, my gripe is not with Bill Condon, but that woman who destroyed one of my favorite books. Ahem, sorry, I'm done now.  

Overall, this movie was amazing, seriously, the best yet. I only hope they show the same dedication to the book in part 2! 

My Rating: 

Finally we reach book four, Breaking Dawn, the BEST book in this entire saga. And no one can argue that with me—It’s 100% truth.

Breaking Dawn is the fourth novel in the Twilight Saga and even I will admit—This is really where Jake needed to give it a rest. Mind you, I think their friendship was adorable, and I love how Edward finally got his head out of his @$ and asked for help, but really. Take a chill pill, put a shirt on, and accept that Bella is too stupid to think up a life without Edward, okay, Jake? Especially when she’s walking around with that honking ring on her finger.

Alice was adorable here, I have to say. She was just so hyped up about Bella’s wedding I can almost see her buzzing around and chirping throughout the entire thing. And Charlie and Renee made me cry a couple times.

And the honeymoon? Oh, hot dayum… I don’t even like Edward and Bella, but I loved how she was so persistent about you-know-what, and how Edward finally acted like a teenager, not a 100-year-old. Lemme summarize—he broke a headboard and ruined some fantastic pillows. I think it’s obvious he likes Bella… A lot.

Now, not to sound totally insensitive, but I was actually amused by how Bella figured out she’s pregnant—eating a whole chicken only to vomit it back up… All right! Nice.

Jacob was great here, I think. He had the right reaction, and even though Edward and he were non-stop arguing (it’s them…) they actually felt the same way about this kid; like it was the devil tearing up the woman they both loved. Which is actually kind of sad, when you think about it…

Speaking of Jake, I liked how we got to go in HIS perspective for a while. I don’t really like when POV’s switch (don’t get me started on the book that did that for me…) but it was nice to see how he felt about everything going on.

My favorite part? Renesmee Carlie Cullen. I absolutely loved her, and how much drama and torment happened because she existed. I loved how insane the Volturi got over and this, ladies and gentlemen, this was a real war. It was terrifying and wonderful and I was flipping through page after page, needing to find out what was going to happen to little Nessie.

And honestly? I don’t really find Jacob imprinting on her THAT creepy. I do think it was a cop-out, because how else can we NOT kill the little girl right off the bat, but I don’t think it was so pedo-esque (which I see online when looking for spoilers a LOT)… I mean, they showed that someone else in the wolf pack imprinted on a little girl, and they were like big-brother/little-sister there.. Just my opinion, I know no one will agree, but I like Jake/Nessie. I wouldn’t mind reading a story about those two, once Renesmee is older.

All in all, I loved Breaking Dawn. It was my favorite book out of the whole series!

My Rating: 

For Part 1 of the movie, I think THIS was the best adaption of them all.

Esme Isle was exactly how I imagined it, Bella’s attempt to be “sexy” so Edward would stop being all cautious (it’s your honeymoon, vampire, do something!!) and feeling somewhat awkward about it seemed so perfect (she’s a teenager, after all), they showed you how terrible the bed looked in the morning and even though you couldn’t see Bella looking at herself stark in the mirror (PG-13) you got to see how bad Edward felt about “hurting” her… Bella didn’t seem to care though, just sayin’.

Another thing I loved was how actively protective Rosalie was over Nessie, no matter what, and Nikki Reed portrayed it beautifully! Her desire to be a mother came through loud and clear and slapped you (or Jake) in the face. She was the only one TRULY on Bella’s side here, with not wanting to kill “It” and save Bella. Mind you, I think her mindset was “baby-baby-baby” and had nothing to do with Bella’s wellbeing, but still.

And Taylor Lautner captured Jacob BEST OF ALL here, I think. Angry, scared, defeated. It all fit! This was BOSS.

And finally I can say, GOOD JOB to the make-up crew. Bella looked like death warmed over throughout the entire pregnancy and I was forcing myself not to clap in the theater. It was MARVELOUS and I am anxiously awaiting part two, where the action shall begin ;)

My Rating:

LOVED this book, cover to cover, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it. I finished Eclipse at 11 PM on a Friday night and thought; I’ll just read the first few chapters of BD; well.. 4AM I had to make myself go to bed, slept 2 hours and was buried back in my book again. This is the most interactive book I’ve ever read! I was laughing and crying and screaming; at one point I was literally standing up in the middle of my bed cussing at a particular character, I then threw the book out my bedroom door bouncing it off the hall wall with such force I took out a couple of pictures in the process. I then ran out into the hall and grabbed said book, retreating back to my bedroom. My mother appeared in my doorway with one eyebrow arched asking what that poor book had done to me to deserve such a beating. She has since read the book 9 times!

The depth of these characters grows tremendously in this book; we really have watched these characters grow from awkward teens into accomplished adults throughout this series. For me it’s one of the things I loved most not only about BD but, about all the books in the Saga. Let’s address the haters “Meyer you should be ashamed promoting teen sex” F**k you, they are married! “Bella Swan is the most unlikeable, whiney, weak characters ever written” say that to my face and I will slap you! She becomes one of the strongest written female characters to ever grace the pages of a novel. THAT is the intrigue with Bella’s character; that she starts out Awkward and unsure in Twilight then hits rock bottom in New Moon then becomes a young women in Eclipse and ultimately an adoring wife, protective mother and fiercely loyal sister/friend in BD.

Meyer was genius with this last installment, the way she showed the events leading up to the wedding and Bella’s reluctance just before and how she was immediately and completely certain the second she laid eyes on Edward. In the book though, Isle Esmee was one of my favorite parts. It was very well written with descriptions that take you to this magical island. The growth between Edward and Bella, watching their relationship bloom even more so as they spend this time alone; and yes, the sex was a welcome addition! The headboard, The feathers and the Eggs for breakfast were all so realistic and believable; the headboard.. WOW! I was wondering how Meyer was going to evoke their first time; Edward is a vampire with super human strength and a virgin so he is experiencing this for the first time right along with Bella, it was a perfect way for Meyer to express what Edward was feeling and his almost inability to control it. When he bit that pillow and growled, oh my god, I needed a cigarette!!

“We’re going to get that thing out before it can hurt any part of you. Don’t be scared. I won’t let it hurt you.” “That thing?” My heart broke a little right here, really Edward, a bit more insensitive jackass. Immediately I was yelling at Bella (as if she could hear me!) CALL ROSE, CALL ROSE NOW! You can’t imagine the elation when I turned a few pages … “Hello” “Rosalie? It’s Bella. Please. You have to help me.” YES!!! And then at the airport when she ran into her arms and the family was watching, quizzically, I was laughing through the tears. Of course, I’m bias, I adore Rose.. the bitchier the better! It made perfect sense for these two to come together with what Meyer had already written; any other way wouldn’t have made sense or been believable.

My favorite part of BD1 is Book Two/Jacob. Oh my god, the chapter titles alone are hysterical! Chapter 10 – Why didn’t I just walk away? Oh Right, because I’m an idiot! LMAO.. The internal struggle for Jacob during these chapters is gut wrenchingly fantastic. “Tell me what the point was then, Bella! What was the point of me loving you? What was the point of you loving him? When you die?!” And that about sums it up; he doesn’t understand, he cannot comprehend her need to give life to this child when it will probably kill her. It isn’t until he imprints with Renesmee that he finally comprehends, until then he is just treading water hoping and praying that the women he THINKS he loves survives. Another thing I liked about BD1 was the conversation between Jacob and Alice and Carlisle’s realization about the similarities between Jacob and Renesmee and his theory on why Alice can’t see them. And oh my, the comic relief with the doggie bowl; I could close my eyes and see Rose in the kitchen ripping and tearing the bowl into submission to etch FIDO into it. And then Jacob zinging it at her head “You.Got.Food.In.My.Hair!” oh wow; it was perfectly written into an otherwise tense scene bringing us back down to earth.

I have to tell you, I really thought we’d lost Bella. Until book 2 ends and Jacob can hear the heartbeat I was balling like a baby, I couldn’t see through all the snot. Again I liked that Meyer kept the realism during the birthing scene with Edward “biting” her to get the baby out and Rosalee almost losing it with the sight and smell of all that blood. Again, Meyer was genius adding in Jacob’s dry sense of humor to ease an otherwise horrifically horrible moment in the story “Jacob, take her.” “I don’t want that, throw it out the window!” It allowed us just a moment to smile, which was needed, at that moment.

My Rating:

And now on to Breaking Dawn part 1 the movie. We certainly hit the ground running! Bella wants to go barefoot “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” oh Alice. The night before when Edward visits her bedroom for the last time to check for cold feet and Bella asks about strippers, you can just barely hear Emmett “BORING!” too funny. “Go before they break my house.” Too cute. Then it’s the wedding day, probably one of the most anticipated movie moments of the past decade! When Charlie and Renee give her the hair piece and Renee mentions her children’s children; Niki Reed nailed that scene, the look on her face was unforgettable! “Just don’t let me fall Dad.” “Never” OMG the waterworks have commenced! That dress was exquisite; I absolutely adored it and think it was absolutely perfect. The first person we see when they round the corner is Stephenie Meyer, that was fantastic. You could tell by her face she was having a hard time keeping it together; I can only imagine the feeling of satisfaction to have written this story and basically handed your children off to the masses and to know have come full circle and literally watch her baby walk down the aisle. It was probably one of the most satisfying, humbling moments in Meyer’s life and I was crying like a baby! (take that all you haters!!)

My absolute favorite part of this movie is probably going to shock most of you. When they are exchanging their vows and everyone else disappears and Flightless Bird, American Mouth starts playing; THAT is my favorite part! It encompasses everything! When Bella first asks him for forever at the prom; and here we are having witnessed such growth and so many struggles for these two young lovers and they are finally getting their happy ending. Then the speech Edward gives at the reception “No amount of time would be enough with you, so let’s start with forever.” GAH!!! Then that blonde hose beast disrespects not only the Wolves (our precious little Seth) but Bella as well, on her goddamn wedding day. I can’t wait to watch her die! Most of the speeches were hysterical; and then we have Jacob “The best man didn’t have time to get a tux.”

Honeymoon, Headboard, Feathers! FABULOUS! I think that they relayed this part of the book on screen as accurately as possible without making it an Rated R movie, they left in the coyness Bella develops while attempting to seduce her husband prancing around in all those outfits compliments of Alice. I was upset that they didn’t leave in the airport scene, when she rushes into Rose’s arms but, we can’t have it all. I was also upset that they cut my FIDO scene, that wouldn’t have been difficult to include. I loved that the way they showed Jacob’s emotions when he left and kicked the motorcycle and then morphed, the wolf pack coming to him immediately and him shaking off the bonds of Sam!

The minutes leading up to the birthing scene were very well delivered and they left in Jacob’s rant “What was the point, of me loving you and you loving him.” Thankfully. Our characters don’t even realize that they are building a bond at this point and it plays out perfectly on screen. When we come to the actual birth, whoever came up with the idea to use a life size robotic doll of Bella was genius; with this they were able to show certain things that would have been otherwise impossible using just Kristen Stewart, she is breakable you know. And the way they shot it, from her POV and her insides as the venom was flowing through her, again spot on. And the buckets of blood, perfect, had they cleaned that up it wouldn’t have been as good; it was a bloody yet necessary part of the story. It was so well played that I almost forgot what happens next momentarily as Jacob runs outside and breaks down, then concludes what he must do. Oh and Seth, our dear sweet Seth “She didn’t make it” *more tears*. When they show the imprinting it was very similar to what I’d envisioned in my mind while I was reading it, what Renesmee would become.

To conclude, I think they did an excellent job making this book into a movie, probably the most in line with the books actually. Twilight is still my favorite of the movies, but don’t get me wrong I adore them all and cannot wait until November for the exciting conclusion! But that’s just my two cents.

My Rating: 

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Treasured Thursdays: Twilight Style Part 3: An Ode to Charlie Swan

Treasured Thursday is a weekly event created by Touya over at The Reader's Garden that is all about our most treasured. I'm hosting it here now, for those of you who are interested in joining me. This month, as you all know by now, we are ALL about the Twilight Saga! So this week our topic is our most treasured human from the Twilight Saga. 


We girls talked about it and realized we all had the same answer: 

Charlie Swan

So now without further ado, here is why we each treasure Charlie. 

Honestly it's so easy to love Charlie Swan. He is, first and foremost, a DAD. Then the sheriff, then a friend..you get the idea. Bella comes first for him, always. It doesn't matter that she didn't live with him for most of her life or that she didn't get to spend much time with him. She is very obviously the center of his universe. It warms my heart to see that kind of relationship. Even when those involved would rather pull their own teeth out than actually admit it.  Beyond that, he's hilarious; in the books and the movies. I think Billy Burke is simply amazing as Charlie in the movies, they could not have found anyone who could do it better.  My favorite Charlie moment, though, had to be 'the talk' in Eclipse. Movie & book, it was superb and hilarious and real, (because you know dads and daughters HAVE those conversations all the time).

Without even seeing Mel and Tammy’s posts I already know I can’t be alone here, I honestly cannot. My most treasured human from Twilight is…

…Charlie Swan.

Without a doubt. I mean, really. This book is swarmed with supernatural creatures, left and right; if they’re not a vampire, they’re a werewolf, and if they do happen to be human, they’re not exactly addictive, I’d say. Just my opinion though.

Anyway, onto Charlie. I loved him, in both the books, and the movies (HONESTLY, who better could’ve been cast here?!). He is always so awkward around Bella and they almost never have a proper conversation, but it’s obvious they love each other. I love how protective Charlie is, and how he is only looking out for Bella’s best interest (even if she doesn’t agree with it some of the time). I might be biased, because my favorite thing EVER is Dad/Daughter interaction, but I just find them amazing, and Charlie… So blissfully oblivious… It’s such a breath of fresh air. I love it. I love Charlie, I love Charlie and Bella, I love it all. He is most definitely my most treasured!

Charlie; he is such a guy and trying so hard to make up for lost time with Bella. One of my fav scenes in Twilight is when he’s cleaning his gun and he cocks it “Bring him in” LOLOLOLOL , and he draws the Halo over his head… hysterical! The whole “talk” with him and Bella… “Virgin, ha... liking Edward a little bit more now.” He just cracks me up! I’m glad that they kept true to the books in the movies and showed the struggle he and Bella have to form and maintain that Father/Daughter relationship.

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer: Group Book to Movie Review & Giveaway

Readers captivated by Twilight and New Moon will eagerly devour Eclipse, the much anticipated third book in Stephenie Meyer's riveting vampire love saga. As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob --- knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which? (from Goodreads)

Well, now that you've read about our feelings on Twilight and New Moon, it's time once again to move along in the series to one of my personal favorites, Eclipse. This book, for me, was where ALL the action was in the series.  This is the 3rd book in the Saga and it's my second favorite out of them all. I loved the suspense and the romance.  However, there were things I didn't care for. 

I didn't enjoy Edward's attitude in this book at all. Honestly, why don't you just put a leash on Bella and get it over with? You understand that he's only trying to keep her safe, but, at the same time he knows how Jacob feels about her and it scares him to think he could lose her.  In my opinion, Edward lost some of his 'white knight' allure in this book because of his controlling behavior.  Also, Jacob got on my last nerve in this book! How many times does Bella have to say, "I'm with Edward"? I felt bad for him for a little while but after the "I'd rather you were dead" comment I have to say I was pretty pissed off. How can you claim to love someone, even as a friend and make a statement like that to them? 


 I loved the suspense in this book. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat as the story progresses.  Not knowing who is stalking Bella is a little nerve-racking, to say the least. I loved the banter between Edward and Bella as they discuss the ahem "terms" of their deal. I will say, I never thought Jacob had a chance of winning Bella, honestly. It is just so obvious to me that she and Edward were meant to be. It didn't seem like much of a triangle to me. Even when she admits to herself that she loves Jacob, she doesn't even consider staying human and being with him. She feels like she knows that she cannot live without Edward. To her, there was never a choice. 


Taking the good with the bad, I have to say I still LOVED this book. You learn SO much about the wolves, Rose and Jasper. I loved the talk between Charlie and Bella, and Alice begging Bella to let her plan a wedding . Overall, this was a must read in my opinion.

My Rating:

Now onto the movie. Honestly, I thought they did a much better job with this than they did with New Moon and Twilight. There were still low points, but they weren't as numerous in my opinion. I loved so many things about it, it's hard to know where to start. 


I loved the opening scene in the meadow. It was absolutely perfect, much better than the sham of a meadow they gave us in Twilight. With all the colors and Edward sparkling, it was visually beautiful. And then we have their conversation. It was fantastic. For once, I didn't want to throttle the screenwriter..at least not at that particular moment. The training for the fight with the newborns, was so well done, probably my favorite part of the whole movie, aside from the 'talk' with Charlie & Bella and the scene where Bella accepts Edward's proposal. 


Now onto the negatives. Even though I loved this movie, there were still quite a few moments where I just cringed. The end in the meadow where Bella gives her little speech. Ick. That is all I can say, ICK. It was just BAD. Then we have her horrible wig, I mean, come on, it was very obviously NOT her hair. Ick. And poor Alice, why do they give her grandma hair? Aside from that, I didn't love the tent scene. I thought that scene in the book was so perfect, they didn't do it justice.  And lastly, there was the scene at the end where Bella tells Jacob that she's choosing Edward even though she loves him. I really was hoping to see her heart break here; in the book, she has to pull over on the side of the road and Edward comes and brings her home.  He really redeems himself a lot, in my eyes in that part of the book and leaving it out was just wrong, in my opinion. I think it's important to show that she did love Jacob, too. And that choosing Edward did hurt her. 


One last complaint, and it's a BIG one. Why oh why did they recast Victoria?? I did not like Bryce in this role AT ALL. I'm sorry but Rachelle Lafevere was perfect! I hate when they change the actors in the middle of a series! I don't care what the reasons are, honestly. I just do not like it. 


Overall, I have to say this movie was well done. I liked David Slade's vision, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking and overall, I thought he stuck close to the book. So thank you, sir, for making Eclipse a great movie! 

My Rating:

Eclipse is the third novel in The Twilight Saga, and my least favorite of them all.

I know, I’m probably alone, but really. I loved the part where the Volturi came in, and I loved when Jasper was teaching the Cullen’s their fighting, but the rest? I was bored. Honestly? I found myself skimming paragraphs just to end a chapter, so I could go do something else. I was drifting off in my head for most of the scenes with the wolf pack, and any time Edward and Jacob found themselves in the same room on the same page I wanted to strangle myself.

Because really, that’s what this book is about. It’s Bella being in love with Edward, but not wanting to let Jacob go and therefore leading him on further by giving him a false hope that everything would be okay between them, and then rushing back to Edward when he got grouchy. It just frustrated me, because there was so much hope there, but Bella is on a deadline and doesn’t know how to see that Jacob is a better choice for her.

Sorry, I’m being harsh, but I just didn’t like this one novel.

Allow me to discuss what I did enjoy from Eclipse—The spinoff we got of it! The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is the best thing we ever got. I loved Bree in Eclipse, even if she was only there for about 30 seconds, I wanted to jump into the book and beat Jane to death when she used her oh-so-wonderful gift. @#$%^… Ahem.

All in all, I didn’t really like Eclipse at all… But I love Bree.

My Rating: 

As for the movie, I liked it much more than I liked the book. Surprisingly. Though I was still wincing at the make-up. But I think Bella’s sexual tension and hesitation about Edward was brought into the light, and Jacob practically screaming that she had another choice was bluntly obvious.

I also loved how Rosalie’s story was depicted, and how we got to go see what happened in her head. I was sitting there trying not to vomit actually it gave me that many chills. This is where I fell in love with Rosalie, where she proved to me she has a story too and it would’ve been nice to see more of it.

But I have to say, a props to the casting directors for the newborns, but what in the world is this new redhead doing as my Victoria? She was far too docile and sweetie-pie and not nearly vicious enough. She looked SCARED when Edward was talking to Riley, like she thought this would ruin what she had…No. No, no, no, just NO. I understand the original Victoria (a MUCH better one, in my opinion) wasn’t able to film but… But why this chick? Why? I do not approve.

I’m nitpicking. I know. But it annoyed me. A lot.

Other than Victoria, I enjoyed the movie, much more than the book. So.

My Rating: 

Second best book of the series; Meyer has a knack for getting better as she goes.. Breaking Dawn, I rest my case! My favorite part in this book was the time Bella spent with the wolf pack and how the wolves and the vampires came together to protect the one thing these sworn, born enemies have in common; Bella. So much good stuff happens in this book; Jasper’s story, Rose’s story, wolf history and we finally meet the Clearwaters!

Another good thing with this book is that both Edward and Jacob are present. Although quite different, both add interesting elements to the story as we delve deeper into this fantastic love triangle Meyer has created.

So, the whole Newborn Army aspect played out more intensely on paper than in the movie. I was sitting on the edge of my bed, bug eyed, flipping pages, anxiously awaiting what would come to life on the next page. It is sometimes difficult to translate such things onto the screen. It’s funny to me that in book 1 & 2 Edward is trying to make Bella realize that she has something to LIVE for, he’s trying to help her grow up and realize there is more to life than just Bella/Edward… it’s actually Jacob in Eclipse that helps Bella realize this. Isn’t it ironic, don’t ya think?!

Alice and Bella, OhMyGod, I LOVE Alice in this book. “Don’t you love me Bella?” as I was reading this I could just SEE Alice whimpering, batting her eyelashes at Bella and I was laughing so hard I was crying. This whole chapter in Eclipse is one of my favs in the book; Edward whispering in Bella’s ear “Vegas” hysterical. Again, I could just SEE Alice rolling her eyes at Edward and giving him an exasperated sigh, with her little hand placed perfectly on that hip, eyes rolling. I’m rolling on the bed laughing my ass off now just remembering.

The cookout on the reservation with the wolfpack; I LOVED IT! Again, I was on the edge of my seat. So well written, so descriptive, Chapter 11.. Legends. Best damn chapter in the entire book! Tahi Aki and the third wife, cried like a baby. It was the perfect set up for this chapter, the cookout, sitting by the fire while Billy Black shares this prolific piece of the Quileutes history. You can tell at this part of the book that he still loathes the Cullens and probably always will, you almost hate them along with him this chapter is so well written!



Fav quotes: “What do you mean by ‘keep an eye on things’?” “I mean that if you see a wolf running around your house, don’t shoot at it.” Don’t know why exactly but maybe just a vision of Jacob as a wolf running circles in Bella’s backyard while Charlie is cleaning his gun had me about to pee my pants!

“That’s it, isn’t it? You’re trying to protect your virtue!” “No, silly girl. I’m trying to protect yours. And you’re making it quite shockingly difficult.” “Of all the ridiculous…………….” I can’t tell you how disappointed I was when Edward didn’t break a damn headboard in this chapter!

“You said you needed a space heater, and here I am!” Holy crapsicles! Again, I was laughing so hard I was crying; all I could see in my mind whilst reading this was a 7 foot tall Taylor Lautner standing at the entry of the tent with his arms spread wide and a shit eating grin on his face! This was an excellent chapter in the book as well, I think this is where Edward and Jacob actually bond; or as close as these two can get to bonding. The surprise for me at the end of this chapter is realizing Bella has been awake the entire time; I loved that part.. well done Meyer!

Jacob,

I’m breaking the rules by sending you this. She was afraid of hurting you, and she didn’t want to make you feel obligated in any way. But I know that if things had gone the other way, I would have wanted the choice.

I promise I will take care of her, Jacob, Thank you – for her – for everything.

Edward

Yeah, bawling like a baby again! This book ended harsh with Jacob trying to run away from himself.. I did, however, like that all his pack mates were right there “So sorry” Embry whispered “Wait for us” Quil complained. I’m tearing up again just thinking about it.

My Rating:

“Some say the world will end in fire, some say with ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire, I hold with those that favor fire”………. My favorite opening of all the movies; loved the actual Eclipse action and this opening line from Bella. Here we have our young lovers in their meadow as Edward is still begging Bella to marry him “Well, where I come from, at my age, it means I just got knocked up!” Charlie and Bella, once again going over the top to have this elusive Father/Daughter relationship and it’s so awkwardly fabulous you can’t help but be drawn into it. Holy shit, the scene in the kitchen “Dad, I’m a virgin” “Aahahahaha okay glad we covered that.” “Me too!” “Virgin, liking Edward a little bit more now.” I was laughing so hard in the theater people were staring at me! At the police station when they are talking about Bella going to Jacksonville. “That makes me so happy!” LOVE Charlie, he is just written and acted in both the books and movies as a very stereo typical father; absolutely clueless yet painstakingly trying with every fiber of his being to be a good father. Meyer really nailed this one, and thank god the directors and screen writer kept that going in the movies.

Bella’s visit with her mom; CRYING! Congraduation! OMG the blanket with the tshirts, wow another epic moment in our wonderful Twilight series J Renee has one of the best lines “You’re like magnets, he moves, you move” friggin loved this line. It is spot on of their relationship! Moms see more than you think they do, like it or not, we carried you for 9 months we have a connection and this is one of the rare moments we get to see this connection between Renee and Bella, I loved it! “Alright, enough with the heavy” showing her young spirited side, showing that oh so very brief glimpse of the part of her that Bella took with her, so much alike in this moment.

From here on out, it seems like 5 minutes pass and the movie is over, the train ride begins! The wolfpack and the Cullens aren’t just quite yet ready to play nice and you see that with Emmet and Paul (hate Paul, sorry but I really do!). He’s just trying to kill the bitch you stupid jackass wolf, stow your pride and step aside! Anyway………… the scene between Bella and Jacob “rather you really be dead than become one of them” WOW, my heart hurt when he said this, I can only imagine what Bella felt! And the banter between the wolves “I’m glad you’re here Bella, I wish Bella would call, I wish Bella wouldn’t call, maybe I should call Bella, maybe I should call Bella and hang up!” Comic relief. So, was it just me or, as Jacob is describing the imprinting (since I’d already read Breaking Dawn) I was actually seeing him imprint with Renesmee. Enter Riley, in Bella’s room, hovering over Charlie, I think I actually stopped breathing during this scene. Oh, Carlisle “who is it, someone we know?” ROSE “a passerby wouldn’t have left Bella’s father alive” and so it begins; the obviously strained “working” relationship between the wolves and the Cullens; YES!

“Something terrible is coming.. and we must all be ready, all of us.” Never taking his eyes off Bella. Poor unfortunate soul is all I can think about Billy Black at this moment!

Did anyone aside from me catch the 2 second look of pure hatred on Jasper’s face when Edward is talking about the Volturi wanting him and Alice but knowing they’ll never choose them as long as their family is alive. And now we come to it.. Jacob kisses Bella, and she breaks her hand, hitting his face, total misunderstanding. Charlie a/k/a Billy Burke didn’t even need any dialogue, his facial expressions said it ALL in this scene.

My beautiful bitch on wheels, Rose! Of course I’d love her part, where she tells her story “I was a bit more theatrical back then” she storms in on him in her wedding dress with her eyes glowing red. “That’s what I will miss the most, the possibilities. Sitting on a front porch somewhere, Emmet’s laughter, surrounded by our grandchildren.” Goddamn, I’m crying again! Did you catch it? Right before she says she was a bit more theatrical there is this crooked smile, evil grin thing… later on in the tent, when Edward momentarily contemplates the thought of killing Jacob, he has the exact same evil grin! Cinematic genius!!!

Graduation is significantly shorter and less engrossing in the movie; it’s still cute though “This isn’t the time to make hard and fast decisions, this is the time to make mistakes. Change your mind, then change it again, that way when somebody asks who we want to be; we won’t have to guess.. we’ll know.” Well, we are forced to like Jessica for 5 seconds!

Jasper is hosting our first annual “newborn” killing training expo! WooHoo!! The look on Jasper’s face “oh, one more thing. Never turn your back on your enemy.” Holy Christ, priceless! And then he tells his story to Bella “I didn’t know there was another way, until I found Alice. Oh, she seen me coming of course.” “You kept me waiting long enough.” “My apologies ma’am, I don’t know what I’d have become without you.” “Shhhh, you never have to be that again.” Such a private moment that Bella has to look away, we have one of these in every book and thank you god; they left these private moments in the movies!

“Isabella Swan, I promise to love you every moment of forever, will you do me the extraordinary honor of marrying me?” GASP, JesusMary&Joseph, squeeee, swoon, eeck! The tent scene, too funny! “I can’t sleep with all that teeth chattering going on.” “Forget it” “She may need her toe’s someday, and let’s face it, I am hotter than you.” So, with Taylor Lautner not being 7 feet tall this scene was bound to be difficult to film; they nailed it anyways! I did not, however, like how the “kiss” scene played out entirely differently in the movie than in the book.

Well, now we come to the end………….. “Jacob, I love you, you know I love you so… don’t make me choose. It will be him, it’s always been him.” Taylor Lautner should have gotten an Oscar for the look in his eyes, the pain and suffering he conveyed without even saying one word. Wow. Of course, we end with our young lovers and Bella’s speech about how she wasn’t ever really alive until she met Edward. “I’m gonna need that ring now; good thing your bullet proof.” Hahahahhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

My Rating: 

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Treasured Thursdays: Twilight Style Part 2

Treasured Thursday is a weekly event created by Touya over at The Reader's Garden that is all about our most treasured. I'm hosting it here now, for those of you who are interested in joining me. This month, as you all know by now, we are ALL about the Twilight Saga! So this week our topic is our most treasured member of the wolf pack (excepting Jacob, of course). 

I would have to say mine is a toss up between two siblings and seeing as how Tammy stole the other on me (j/k) than I guess I'd have to go with Leah. She's just such a strong character. She may not always be the nicest person, but she's honest and she tells it like it is, both are traits I think are important.  Also, she's angry at Bella on Jacob's behalf and I kinda can't help but like that about her. And I'm not saying I think Bella did anything wrong where Jacob is concerned on purpose. BUT she did hurt him. And I think it's good that Leah has his back. (Also, did anyone else think that Jacob and Leah should have ended up together?? Or was that just me?) 

Now, for me, who read the books as a total vampire lover, it’s almost difficult to pick a werewolf for me (I’m biased I’m sorry). However! Despite the fact I agree with Alice’s opinion on these certain mutts- Er, werewolves, there is one who I cannot help but love. She is…

Leah Clearwater. 

I love Leah. She’s so brutal to start, but as you continue on in the series, you see she has a wonderful story up there. If Stephenie Meyer said she was going to write a side story about Leah, it would be the first pre-order I have ever done. Her love story is heartbreaking and the fact she is the first and possibly only female Quileute leaves a lot of degrading put on her, and she braves through it. Her relationship with Jake is adorable, too, as it grows to almost sibling-like. 

She is my favorite and most treasured! No contest. :3

Well mine is easy! 

SETH! What is it Edward says about him, that he has the purest mind he’s ever been in.. he’s our little Angel Wolf and just so darn cute! I loved that he was the one who got to take out that prick Riley. You know, I knew what was coming in BD1 but when Seth says “Bella’s dead” it’s the conviction in his voice; that’s when I started bawling. He really is young, innocent and pure and it’s very refreshing.

These are our most treasured; tell us about yours.