Twilight Moonlighter

New Moon spoilers galore

2009-10-23T05:19:19Z

Harder. Faster. Day by day leading to the release of New Moon, Summit is tempting us, throwing chunks of eye candy to die-hard fans more and more often.

This week has been climactic, to say the least.

First, the newest spot to hit the telly. Chock full of vampires, half naked men, and werewolf shape-shifting action, this trailer proves that New Moon will not disappoint fans.

Team Jacob fans will love this transformation clip. Straight from the book, Bella slaps Paul. Enjoy the wrath that follows.

And if you haven't been taunted enough, grab your tissue for this Volturi scene, released in Rome today. Though it strays from the book a bit, mustn't every successful action movie have a conflict and physical resolution? Melissa Rosenburg, screen writer for New Moon, chose to take out the Volturi's aggressions on Edward. Violently.

The 'New Moon' trailer has been released, and Chris Weitz does not disappoint

2009-09-16T08:52:08Z

Most people bristle at change. It's comfortable in that little box, and we don't want to have to venture outside of it. Same goes for movies. Twilighters were comfortable with the first movie of the Twilight Saga, Twilight. Sure, there were glitches here and there, the makeup wasn't spot on, but it was easy, familiar, and true to the book.

Enter a change in director. When Chris Weitz was announced as the director, eyes began rolling, and speculation began. Catherine Hardwicke was visibly drawn to the Saga, treating it as her baby. What if Chris didn't read the books? What if he doesn't care how passionate the fans are and skews the vision to his own muse as opposed to that of Stephenie Meyer? These whisperings flittered around the net, much like the idea of "flittering images" that Weitz proposed to fans.

With the release of the third theatrical trailer of New Moon, fans were treated to snippets of nearly every part of undying queries about the flick, including the Volturi, the werewolves, Bella's cliff-diving escapade, the yellow Porsche, Italy, and yes, the much-anticipated "flittering" images of Edward, all true to the style of Chris Weitz.

The trailer alone has exceeded my expectations. Weitz's vision obviously takes into account the passion fans feel for the Saga. November can't come fast enough.

What are the Twilight cast members tweeting these days?

2009-09-04T04:15:57Z

It's been confirmed that some of the heaviest Twilight Saga hitters are, in fact, NOT tweeting. Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner are among the non-Tweeters, as are Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene.

That said, however, Kellan Lutz did ring the bells of many a female Twilight fan when he tweeted from Peter Facinelli's account the other night at dinner:

Hey it's Kellan.Sitting here at dinner with Fach. Thanks for making me a trending topic. Don't know what that is but it sounds cool.luv ya

Edi Gathegi (Laurent) and Christian Serratos (Angela) often banter on their Twitter accounts; in fact, Christian recently twittered about fan favorite, Kellan Lutz:

Poker with Kellan...He called for cards and got them...even with magic powers he lost. ;)

Though I'm not one to become terribly enamored with the celebrity aspect of the filming process, it is a treat to find a celeb randomly tweeting on my account. Here's a comprehensive list of all the Twilight Saga celebs who grace the Twitter scene now and again:

Want to follow other celebs? Check out Hello! Magazine's list of celebrity Tweets!

Have you placed your vote in the sexiest vampire poll?

2009-08-14T06:56:09Z

Vampires are the hottest new thing on the block, and Edward Cullen is top of the pack, so say hellomagazine.com readers.

The newest poll inquires as to which vampire is the sexiest on-screen, and while Twilight 's Robert Pattinson, a.k.a. Edward Cullen currently holds the lead, my plea to Twilight readers is to honor the poll with votes to squelch the others and plummet Robert over the edge, the efforts of which will truly define the loyalty of the Twilight fan.

David Boreanaz, portrayed Angel in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 1999, then in his own spinoff of his characters name until 2004. David is poised to knock Robert Pattinson from his post at first.

Stephen Moyer, Bill of the sensuous, bloodied True Blood, holds a steady place, far behind, at third.

Rounding out last place is chum Wesley Snipes, who is possibly best known for his portrayal as the easily forgettable Blade.

Replacing Rachelle- the gloves come off

2009-07-30T06:19:16Z

No sooner had Summit announced Bryce Dallas Howard as Rachelle LeFevre's replacement as Victoria in the third installment of the Twilight Saga, Eclipse, and the banter began.

"Rachelle brought Victoria to great screen life, and Bryce will bring a new dimension to the character," said Erik Feig, president of worldwide production and acquisitions for Summit Entertainment. "The franchise is lucky to have such a talented actress as Bryce coming in to fill the role."

Summit cited scheduling conflicts between Rachelle and her new film Barney's Version, starring opposite Dustin Hoffman. The indie film is set to begin filming Aug. 17, the same day as Eclipse, across Canada in Quebec.

Rachelle followed up the announcement with a statement of her own:

"I was stunned by Summit's decision to recast the role of Victoria for Eclipse, said Lefevre. "I was fully committed to the Twilight saga, and to the portrayal of Victoria. I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules.

Summit responded with a bulleted letter, among which stated:

"Contrary to Ms. Lefevre's statement, it is simply untrue that the Studio dismissed her over a ten day overlap. It is not about a ten day overlap, but instead about the fact that THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story. The fact remains that Ms. Lefevre's commitment to the other project- which she chose to withhold from Summit until the last possible moment - makes her unfortunately unavailable to perform the role of Victoria in THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE."

We've been fortunate thus far; the Cullen family has remained intact. As the franchise mushrooms, however, salacious tiffs such as the one with Rachelle are heartbreaking, though not surprising. Regardless, Rachelle will be mourned by Twilighters worldwide as Eclipse filming commences in August.

A peek into the man behind Twilight's popular song 'Eyes on Fire'

2009-07-14T04:10:13Z

In a candid interview, Tobias Wilner of Blue Foundation reveals to me details about his fans, his band, and the inspiration behind Twilight's underground hit, Eyes on Fire.

Tobias knows his fan base extremely well. "My fans are like me," he says. "Often a little bit to sensitive to the real world." He further describes the significance behind the random project name, Blue Foundation, saying, "It's all about the soundtrack of your life."

Though the lyrics of Eyes on Fire seem to have been written specifically for Twilight, Tobi reveals otherwise, offering up a great deal of insight into the pained tone of the song:

It really seems like the song was written for the movie, but it was not. It was written a year before in a cold, dark December night in Copenhagen in a very old and trashy house where I used to have my studio by Kirstine and me. I think the music and lyrics speak for itself, but I can tell you, I did the music in the hardest period in my life, struggling with relationship and suicidal thoughts. It was all about stand up against your demons and fight back, be strong. I think that's the beauty about this song. It's about anger and strength to fight back. Be strong and be able to continue to walk through the "desert".

How was your band chosen to be on the Twilight soundtrack?
The reason why the song was chosen to be on the Twilight soundtrack was (because of) my partners from Zync Music who played the music for Catherine Hardwicke; she really fell in love with the song "Eyes on Fire". She chose the song because of the way it sounds and Kirstine Stubbe Teglbjaeg's lyrics.
Has it been a benefit or a curse?
Of course more people know about my music because of Twilight so that's good. I didn't do the movie - I just wrote this song with Kirstine, and it ended up in a blockbuster (film). It's that simple. I will continue doing what I do. Compose music and write song because I have to. That's what I do...

Is there any possibility you'll have a song on the New Moon soundtrack?
NO one in the whole world knows! And I mean NO ONE KNOWS!

Describe the feel you try to portray with your music:
I just do the music for myself. I never think about other people. I do it for myself and only for myself. I never think what other people will think about my music when I do it. It's all about my inner struggle. I'm quite sure that music mirror other people's sadness just like "Eyes" does.

Bella's birthday confection maker takes the cake

2009-06-26T07:01:38Z

The birthday party scene in New Moon is a pivotal one, with elaborate embellishments provided by none other than pixie vamp Alice. The pinnacle of the birthday party, aside from the paper cut Bella receives and subsequent attack by Jasper, is the beautiful birthday cake that Alice has so graciously provided for the party despite the fact that Bella is the only one who would partake.

In an exclusive interview, Lisa Haas, wife of the movie cake's creator, Thomas, explains how the iconic cake was born.

Unaware of the Twilight Saga frenzy, Haas was approached to concoct the confection after the set designer's creation, utilizing a mild green color scheme as opposed to the book's pink design, didn't turn out as expected. Haas replicated the design perfectly in one day.

The cake used in the movie is a show cake, meaning the inside is not an edible substance, but the outside is comprised of the sugared fondant. Haas says that, were it an actual cake, it would feed 50 to 55 people, as Bella suggests in the New Moon trailer.

New Moon is not the first production to request the professional touch of Thomas Haas. He's also made confections for the movie License to Wed with Robin Williams and television show The L Word with Jennifer Beals. "We've also done chocolate showpieces and cakes for Stargate's 100th episode and Stargate Atlantis," says Haas.

Thomas Haas Chocolates boasts a plethora of accolades. In fact, Thomas Haas was named one of the top ten pastry chefs in the country by his peers. But the award that they deem most important is the service excellence award provided by their local chamber of commerce. Lisa says, "We really care about good service being provided to our customers by our staff and this award helps us know we are on the right path."

Rob's mere presence stirs up commotion while filming Remember Me

2009-06-22T05:21:41Z

Now that Robert Pattinson has wrapped up New Moon filming, he's moved on to a new set and a new leading lady, but not without an entourage and continued drama.

This past week, while filming Remember Me in New York City, Rob found himself still enveloped by a slew of Twilight fan girls. A group of mature women even had the gall to brute their way past crowds in order to manhandle Rob and catch a quick photo before being pulled off by bodyguards.

Thursday, Rob was clipped by a cab as he left NYC's Strand Bookstore after having filmed scenes all morning. Rob's bodyguard ensured his health and safety, and then screamed at the fans: "You see what you did, you almost killed him!"

Summit responded to spiraling allegations that Rob was hurt and hospitalized. "Rob Pattinson is fine, the reports are exaggerated and it was not caused by fans. Production continues," according to a Summit spokesperson.

What's next for Rob as he muddles through the next few months before Eclipse filming begins?

Internet band Oh, Hush! pays tribute to 'New Moon' with 'Irresistible' song

2009-06-18T06:41:51Z

Inspired by the New Moon trailer the viral band Oh, Hush! have paid tribute to Bella via Jacob with their catchy song Irresistible.

I spoke to the band about their new track:

What's your ultimate goal with the New Moon song- to get it on the soundtrack?

"The Twilight books were very inspiring and I remember jotting down little phrases and ideas from the book as I was reading. One day I decided to turn one of those ideas into a full song which became Irresistible. I wanted to capture the feelings that Jacob has for Bella in a three-minute song and that's what I came up with!

"We don't have any ultimate goal of getting the song on the soundtrack. I mean, we'd love it if they wanted to put it on the soundtrack!! And I really think they do need a few upbeat songs for a few of the scenes in the movie (the motorcycle scene or ending credits). But I think we just wanted to share this song with Twilight fans because we think they'll get it and enjoy it!! It's a lot of fun to tie different art forms together (in this case, music with literature) and we think Twilight fans will be able to appreciate it!

Oh, Hush! has released one 12-song album, titled The Yellow Album, and two five-song digital covers, Don't Judge a Record by It's Covers and the Christmas EP, Hush! The Herald Angels Sing.

An exclusive chat with Billy Black actor Gil Birmingham

2009-06-10T06:45:59Z

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Gil Birmingham, who plays wheelchair-bound patriarch Billy Black in Twilight and in New Moon. Read on to learn a few things you probably don't know about Gil...

You may be surprised to learn that Gil's background includes the polar opposites of bodybuilding and - after he earned an administration degree from USC - a stint in petrochemical engineering. "I actually fell into acting during my bodybuilding days," he explains. "I was asked to appear in a Diana Ross music video for her song Muscles. It was my first acting experience in front of a camera, and I was hooked."

To date Twilight is his most memorable film, and a combination of youthful energy, director Catherine Hardwicke's vision, and the sheer scope of the film made Twilight a unique project, he says.

Gil admits to enjoying the diversity of roles that now come his way and looks for those which will challenge him as an actor. An appearance on the comedy 10 Items Or Less gave him the chance to experience a different pace and spontaneity to that of traditional drama.

He's also got a new movie coming out - Love Ranch, in which he plays corrupt sheriff Johnny Cortez, right-hand man to Joe Pesci's character Charlie Bontempe. Based on a true story, the film, which is currently in post production, is about the couple who founded Nevada's first legal brothel, the Mustang Ranch.

"I had the opportunity to work with award-winning actress Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci, who both are extremely talented," says Gil. "I was able to watch them and how they approached their roles; it was an honour to work with them."

Hunky Taylor Lautner in Most Attractive Man poll

2009-06-02T18:27:36Z

New Moon puppy turned muscle-packed-wolf Taylor Lautner has made it into this week's Most Attractive Man poll.

The only youth in the lineup, hunky Taylor recently debuted in the New Moon trailer where he is revealed as having a newly beefy body, with 30lb of muscle packed onto his 5ft 10in frame.

In the book Jacob Black transforms almost overnight into a menacing werewolf. Taylor has done virtually the same, and his hard work shows.

Team Jacob fans, time to flex your muscles and reward Taylor for his efforts by casting your vote for him in this week's poll!

And while you're in the voting mood head over to the Most Attractive Woman poll and cast your vote for Kristen Stewart, aka Bella Swan, Jacob's love interest in New Moon.

'Twilight' snags five of seven awards as 'New Moon' trailer debuts

2009-06-01T08:39:53Z

Twilight scored five Golden Popcorn awards at the US' MTV Movie Awards on Sunday evening thanks to the enthusiastic voting of Twilight Saga fans.

Although it wasn't quite a clean sweep, the only misses of the evening were Best Song and Biggest Breakthrough Actor title - Taylor's loss, albeit to Rob. Technically a win-win situation depending on whether you were rooting to see either Team Edward or Team Jacob take the title.

Rob made a point of thanking his stunt double for helping secure the award for Best Fight Scene. Kristen pulled a "Bella" when she charmingly fumbled and dropped her Outstanding Actress award. And Rob and Kristen teased fans with a tentative, faux kiss upon accepting their award for Best Kiss.

Though host Andy Samburg provoked the audience with a clever New Moon spoof, the highlight of the evening was the debut of the official New Moon trailer.

Hang on tight, fans. The ride is just beginning!

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON trailer in HD

To peek or not to peek?

2009-05-29T06:49:16Z

As you'll have seen from a hellomagazine.com story this week, Italian fans of Twilight were given a glimpse of the action in the sequel to the saga as Robert and his co-stars began lensing more scenes for New Moon. Just as all seemed to be going smoothly in Italy, though, photos from the most popular scene in the book were leaked.

Bella's frenzied dash to the pool to reach Edward before he exposes his glisteningly pale skin, as well as the tryst that followed, were plastered all over the net, oozing from viral sites to mainstream headlines in a matter of minutes.

This has spurred heated debate among Twilighters over whether to peek or not to peek.

Many fans, moi included, clamour for anything related to Twilight. Knowing exact filming locations, glimpses of Edward's chalky makeup, and video clips of the infamous yellow Porsche all give me butterflies. Seeing my favourite book come to life bit by bit, and the flick unfolding before my eyes is exciting.

But a select group of Twilighters scoff at anything that could possibly fall into the "spoiler" category. They know that a yellow Porsche will make its way into the movie, but seeing the proof detracts from the end experience. Instead of watching small snippets of filming, they prefer to take a backseat approach and wait until the movie debuts in its entirety. Only under those conditions do they want to feast their eyes on Edward's sexy six-pack.

So which category do you fall into?

Twilight paraphernalia designed for the mature fan

2009-05-27T07:27:33Z

With a new cast of characters on board and filming on New Moon due to be completed by week's end in Montepulciano, Italy, we begin the countdown towards the movie premiere on November 20.

With its approach comes the inevitable franchising. The fact that most Twilight merchandise comes in the form of small buttons and t-shirts plastered with a large head shot of Edward Cullen is disheartening, though. This weekend I even saw a large floor puzzle bearing Edward's frosty face. I'd fancy it for my four year old, but it's not exactly my idea of the perfect Twilight paraphernalia.

The work of Sandira Reddy (pictured), a Kingston University graduate with a degree in graphic design, however, is more likely to satisfy the mature Twilighter. Her exquisite Twilight artwork in jewellery form runs from a detailed Lion and Lamb necklace to the piece I have my sights set upon, the Twilight Charm Bracelet featuring over 17 Twilight saga-inspired charms.

Half the fun in attending the New Moon premiere includes donning a custom piece of clothing or jewellery designed to set the more sophisticated Twilighter apart from teenage fans. So with a mere six months to go before the premiere, I figure it's time to start calculating wardrobe details.

That said, I admit I'm not above using my tween daughter to help transform me into stealth mode by forking out for a Cullen crest keychain designed for the Twilight teeny bopper!

Why settle on a new car when you can snag a kiss from Rob?

2009-05-22T15:28:42Z

Let me ponder for a moment. What could I do with £12,800? Indulge in a lavish shopping spree? Use it as a down payment for that sleek black Mercedes I've had my eye on? Resurface my floors?

I've got it. A smooch on the cheek from my favorite new A-lister, Robert Pattinson.

Two lucky young lasses were the recipients of just such a treat. At the Amfar benefit in Cannes Rob mingled with the likes of Bill Clinton, Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone, and French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, then charmed guests by agreeing to auction off a smooch.

Attendees were stunned when two guests of the event agreed to pay the hefty price for their daughters to receive a kiss on the cheek from stubble-faced Rob. But it's all in the name of charity, right?

To be honest, as much as I adore him even I was shocked.

Not so shocking is the fact that Rob has climbed the ranks in the Most Attractive Man poll, from nearly last to the top of the pack thanks to dedicated Twilighters. After all a man who can garner a price tag like he did in Cannes deserves the top spot, don't you think?