November 20, 2009

‘New Moon’ draws a big crowd
Hundreds line up early for midnight premier of popular vampire movie

By Kathy Ursprung
The Chronicle

     Why would more than 100 people be lined up outside Columbia Cinemas at 4 p.m. for a movie that wouldn’t start until 12:01 a.m.? To see the “Twilight 2: New Moon,” second film in the “Twilight Saga” of course.
     Theater employees said the first person arrived at noon, a full 12 hours ahead of showtime. Many of those in line also bought tickets for a 9 p.m. showing of the original “Twilight” movie, released just a year ago, so they could watch the two back-to-back.
     Not since the Harry Potter phenomenon have movie theaters been so besieged. Why the overwhelming interest?
     “If you read the books you’d know,” said fans Angela Field and Angel James and Tori Holliday. “It’s forbidden love.”
     Here’s a sample of the writing that inspires such devotion:
     “About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him — and I didn’t know how dominant that part of him might be — that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”
     If that sentence from author Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight,” grabs you, you’re not alone. Originally published in hardback in 2005, it tells the story of a teenage girl who moves from sunny Phoenix to rainy Forks, Washington and meets an enigmatic boy in class who turns out to be a vampire and lives with his clan in a magnificent mansion.
     The story of the complications of a vampire-mortal romance has sold more than 17 million copies worldwide, spent more than 91 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list,[10] and been translated into 37 different languages. Three subsequent books in the “Twilight Saga” have enjoyed similar success.
     The movie has some regional appeal as well. While set in Forks, Wash., a good share of the first movie, as well as the second, was filmed in the Columbia Gorge, with a spotlight on the Viewpoint Inn near Corbett and stellar rainy scenic views.
     Fans sank their teeth into the movies as well a the books. “Twilight” was released Nov. 21, 2008, and grossed $35 million on its opening day. It since has grossed $383 million in worldwide box office and $157 million in DVD sales.
     “New Moon” looks to be on pace for an even greater return. Last night it sold out more than 2,150 screens — including The Dalles.