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 Okay, first off, I should warn those of you who haven't read the book that there are some spoilers in this review--it's almost impossible to talk about the movie without them. I should also preface this review with a note that I'm now fairly certain that Rob Pattinson could dress up as Edward and stand on screen in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and recite a shopping list for two hours, and I would be thoroughly entertained. Therefore, I'm going to temper my opinion by including my husband's reaction, as well. I've seen it twice now, and I think I've finally got my head wrapped around my opinion. Overall, I'd say I liked it a lot, even while critical of the story itself. In fact, I'd say the movie's biggest weakness is that it's limited by the actual source material. The good: The overall production quality was a million times better than the original Twilight movie. The make-up was better (as in, Edward did NOT look like a drag queen in this one, and everyone in the theater didn't titter every time Dr. Cullen came onscreen in his pasty white splendor). The effects were also a zillion times better--I thought they did an excellent job with the wolves, and there's even a beautiful scene of vampire/wolves running through the woods. Also gone was the weird blue/green tint that Twilight was filmed in, and the warmer colors somehow that made this film look more 'real'. There were some truly funny moments, too, and there were lots of laughs at appropriate times. Particularly funny were Bella's friends Jessica and Mike. Charlie the dad was, once again, a scene stealer and absolutely brilliant. One surprisingly good aspect of the movie was the Jacob Black character played by Taylor Lautner. I admit, until the train wreck that was Breaking Dawn came along, New Moon was my least favorite of the books. I mostly skimmed/skipped the entire middle section, once Edward left, and then picked back up again at the end. I never much cared for the Jacob character, never bought the supposed 'love triangle' elements, and never felt badly for Jacob, because I felt like he *knew* where Bella's heart lay; he knew exactly what he was getting himself into. But in the movie, I totally warmed up to Jacob's character, and actually felt *really* badly for him by the end of the film (not badly enough to change my stance from Team Edward to Team Jacob, mind you, but still...).  I give huge kudos to Taylor Lautner for pulling it off--I think he showed some real acting chops, and the physical transformation was absolutely amazing (the guy's HUGE!! And he's only 17!). The theater erupted in cat-calls and wolf-whistles every time he took his shirt off (which was a lot). Amazing.  And I much preferred this toned down version of Edward--less weird hair, toned down make-up, and a totally different style wardrobe. RPattz just IS Edward to me, particularly this time around, and I could feel every bit of his anguish. Another good: the Volturi. Very, very creepy. Michael Sheen as Aro was particularly wonderful! I saw him just last week in Frost/Nixon, and I didn't even recognize him. He played the part with relish, and it was fun to watch. Dakota Fanning was particularly creepy as Jane. The bad: Well, again, the film is limited by the source material. It's a slow moving movie. Not a lot happens. If you've got daughters who'll see it, prepare to have a "This is NOT how normal people react when a guy breaks up with them" discussion. Much more so than in the books, I had thoughts of "Wait, why is *every* guy who comes in contact with Bella totally in love with her?" And there's definitely some over-the-top dialogue moments, again, courtesy of the book (along the lines of "Bella, you've given me everything, simply by breathing"). They didn't bother me, but they made my husband laugh.  Also bad was the addition of a fight scene with Edward and the Volturi near the end that wasn't in the book. I thought it was a really bad choice, mostly because it made Edward look weak, and who wants their hero to appear weak? Also, if you've read the books, you know how near impossible it is for anyone to fight Edward successfully--he can read minds; he knows his opponent's every move, and therefore can avoid them. We saw this in Eclipse, when the Cullens all practice fighting with one another. One of the funniest scenes in Eclipse is Edward and Alice fighting--he can read her mind, and she can see the outcome in advance. But it's like they just completely ignored this in New Moon, and I think it really weakened Edward's character, and for no real reason except to add in more "action." The really bad: There's only one scene that I'd categorize as really, truly cringe-worthy. You'll know it when it happens, because the entire theater will titter loudly (at a point that audiences were not intended to laugh). Alice's vision of Bella and Edward in the future--that's all you need to know. Wait for it. I think Chris Weitz (the director) must have been on vacation that day or something. Overall, I really enjoyed it. A lot. I'll probably go see it a third time. My husband--who never read the books and totally surprised me by *really* liking the original movie (he thought the campiness worked in its favor), declared New Moon "the worst movie EVER." Maybe the truth falls somewhere in between?  Anyone else seen it yet? Opinions?
Good morrow, everyone! I have a few things to chat to you about. First, though, the winner of a signed copy of A Highlander Christmas is (chosen at random, from a hat!) is..........................Patti! Congratulations Patti! Please send your snail mail addy to molson@ciaccess.com And thanks to all who gave me a nice, indepth look at what they like in their Highlanders!  So, this weekend, I've been doing research for my Sins and Vitues series for Harlequin Spice. It's set in the late 18th century, when men wore frock coats and a bit of lace cuff, but thankfully, wigs were out by then for both men and women! (men in wigs=not sexy!) So, I've come across some really wonderful resources. I use them all the time. So, I thought I'd share them. I don't know how many authors, published or aspiring we have visting LIT. And since we're a historical site, I figured our visitors all like historical stuff...so, I've given a few links out to sites that I always visit whenever I begin reseach. the National Trust is fabulous for researching castles, manor homes, inns etc...and there are many of these old sites that you can stay overnight in. I swear, I'm going to spend a night in a castle! I swear it! This site is great for naming places, finding small villages, and for visual inspiration for your next rakish lord, or hunky highlander's dwelling! It's also nice to visit if you're planning a trip abroad, and want to include some historical homes on your tour. STourhead gardens (if you visit the site) is the inspiration for Sinful's Lord Wallingford's garden. Next stop for me, is always the Victorian and Albert Museum. Although, on the three occasions I've been to London, I've never made it there. Next time I will!!! I've recently purchased two fabulous research books (pictures shown) from them. You can buy on-line. Wonderful resources for the writer, and a fun place to virtual visit and shop for those Anglophiles amongst us. The on-line collection of fashions and furniture is die for.  And Kristi...I see they have a 20th century fashion book as well, unfortunately, it's temporaily out of stock. So, that's it for Research Monday. Enjoy purusing the links. And just out of curiosity, does anyone have a favorite era, and why?
 Come now, ladies, do tell me you're not serious about this...Highlanders? Upon my word, I've been surfing the net and blogging with Sophie, and I cannot believe the utter adoration for these...beastly men. The sheer want, desire, and heaving bosoms for these fellows makes a full blooded-- titled-- English gentleman rather morose. I ask you, what of the suave, rakish ENGLISH aristocrat? What of him? Is there no longer any bosoms heaving, and breathless flutterings for him? What is the allure of a Highland Hunk? Is it the mystery beneath the kilt? I am wounded--deeply, for I acutally caught Sophie not only writing a book about a Highlander, but READING one as well. I vow, I had to run straight for Amanda and Kristi's arms! Of course, they welcomed me! Highlanders! Pish Posh. So, in retribution against Sophie's heartwrenching betrayal, I've stolen a signed copy of A Highlander Christmas, and am giving it away to a lucky commentor, who tells me just exactly how they like their Higlanders. OH, by the by, Charlotte has yet to pick winners from the Winter's Desire release. She will be by Monday to announce the winners, and so will I. Adieu, Mon Petite Anges! Craven-Moore XX
 It's Veterans' Day here in the U.S., so I just wanted to thank everyone out there who has served our country! Also, to everyone who won water bottles from our WINTER'S DESIRE launch party, sorry it's taking me so long to get them mailed out to you, but it's been a little tricky finding *something* in which to mail the bottles so that you don't received a package full of cracked, broken plastic. I promise, they're coming soon! In the meantime, I hope those of you who've read WINTER'S DESIRE have enjoyed it! We're really looking forward to our next Celtic Spice anthology, BELTANE FIRES, coming April 2011! And lastly, if you're into audio books, WINTER'S DESIRE in now available through Audible.com, Amazon, and iTunes! I've listened to it already, and the actresses reading the novellas are fabulous! To me, it was about the next best thing to seeing one of my books made into a movie. I loved it! And just as a teaser, if you read my novella in WINTER' DESIRE, "Lover's Dawn," you might remember Aisling's brother, Jack Wainscott. Jack, home from fighting in the Great War, is the "hero" of my BELTANE FIRES novella!
 Just had to share, 'cause it's SO pretty....the French language version of TO LOVE A SCOUNDREL, which comes out Nov. 18th. This makes my 11th foreign release so far (and there's still more to come!). But this might be my favorite--or second favorite--of my foreign covers. I really love the French version of UNVEILED--Traitresse Tentation-- too (you can see them all here).
A little more fun...
write a two line blurb for each picture below.
We've talked briefs, we've talked tatts...have we talked about hair? Oh, probably..Charlotte likes her bad boys with long hair...Kristi, likes those English boys and me...ecletic, as always, in my tastes ;) But we all like (or shouuld) keep out options open, right? You never know what character you might find as you surf the net, watch a movie, or walk through a museum. Your quintessential heroe--be it brooding, intellectual, tender, brazen, alpha, beta, or any combination thereof...may suddenly meet your eyes across the miles, and in an instant...you are smitten! It happens to me all of the time!! Doesn't it you?
Intellectual & Groomed?
Shoulder-length Brooding?
Ooozing with refined style?
Does it matter?
The English gent?
Scruffy vamp?
Shaved?
Classic warrior?
Sexy Shakespearian?
Biker dude?
Full on ARRRGH?
Aging well?
Wandering locks?
OKAY.
Now for some fun...lets see how many of you can guess the picture that I have chosen to inspire the hero of my next book from Spice (after The Master & the Muses) The character's name is Randoph Mansfield -"Rand" for short.(no thats not a clue) and he is a detective in the Whitechapel district of London.
The name of the book (first named in public right here is...THE DARK SEDUCTION OF MISS JANE.
To the first one who guesses correctly, I'm going to ship off a copy of my debut novel from Spice -Diary of Cozette and a few yummy goodies! A great gift idea if you already have the book!
(and my humble thanks if you do;)
Let's see how well you think you know me! Enjoy the hunk hunt!
(*Kristi and Charlotte are disqualified)
Amanda
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