"Twilight" Hype Unraveled

Stephenie Meyer's four-book series, The Twilight Saga, has become a worldwide phenomenon on the big screen with the release of "Twilight"(November, 2008) and "New Moon" (November, 2009).

So what's the hype all about? Twihards, the name coined for die hard Twilight fans, don't stop at just the expected teenage girl. In fact, twihards around the globe, men and women, of course mostly women, in their 30s, 40s and even 50s are raving about vampires and werewolves.

First, the obvious is the strikingly good-looking cast of monsters. If you don't like the story, eye candy like Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) or Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene) or Rosalie Hale (Nikki Reed) will make the two hours more bearable. I admit Edward is easy on the eyes, but I'm not one of those obsessed Rob Pattinson fans. I keep my obsession controlled and limited to "Twilight" Edward, a character Meyer describes as "dazzling" and "perfect." Edward is charming and handsome, a modern-day Romeo or as modern as you can get for a century's old vampire posing as a 17-year-old.

Of course looks are only skin deep, so let's talk about the plot. The Twilight Series illustrates the love story of a vampire and a plain Jane high school human named Bella. In every relationship, there are ups and downs--trials and triumphs. The saga captures the essence of a first love, first heartbreak and a love triangle between two monsters fueled by enemy clans--vampires versus werewolves.

Underneath all the love spells and lovey dovey, sentimental moments, there's an entire history of war between vampires and werewolves. This isn't like your everyday love story. There are vampires with super powers and ferocious werewolves deeply rooted in their Native American culture and Bella, who is still a mystery to why vampire powers don't work on her.

I just watched the first "Twilight" movie a few months ago out of curiosity, and to be honest, I wasn't that impressed, but I was intrigued. I like the whole story of vampires and werewolves, and I'm a sucker for romance. I watched it again and again, and a new fan was born. I just finished reading the first book, which I enjoyed more than the movie. Since then, I naturally watched, "New Moon," which was entertaining especially with the multiple intentional cheesy chest shots of Jacob. Despite its oftentimes corny moments, Twilight is a beautiful love story, and the fact that vampires and werewolves are involved, makes the plot a lot more interesting and exciting.

I've never enjoyed watching a movie so many times, but "Twilight" is a light-hearted, feel good drama that I could watch repeatedly. Who doesn't want to be with someone who is loyal, romantic, protective and loves you unconditionally--not to mention he's amazingly gorgeous? As if Edward isn't enough, Bella also captures the heart of her hopelessly devoted werewolf best friend, Jacob.

I just started reading "New Moon," and I can't wait to find out what's in store for Bella and her monster lovers Edward and Jacob. "Eclipse," part three of the series, is set to release on June 30. Stay tuned twihards, and it's not too late to get on board. ;)