A Family Outing to the Movies

Well, the long-anticipated family outing to Twilight took place today. As I mentioned in my post earlier this week, my girls have been fans of the books for years, and Sterling and I joined the crowd when we read the book last week in Hawaii. So we were all looking forward to the movie!

We made a day of it. It was Megan’s birthday earlier this week, and her whole family came to town—her to see the movie and then they all went to THE FOOTBALL GAME (University of Utah vs. Brigham Young University, a decades-old interstate rivalry)—so we had a birthday breakfast this morning. We enjoyed the ham, eggs, and French toast (as the birthday girl, Megan got to pick the menu), then she opened her presents. But I have to admit that most of the conversation centered on the movie and game.

After breakfast, we headed off to the movie. There was Sterling and me, Megan (Nate wasn’t invited because he thinks the whole Twilight fervor is silly), Shalae and Jon, and Sage and Jason. (Sara went with friends in Washington, and she’s planning on going again with Sean next week.)

As with most books made into movies, the movie didn’t do the book justice. But really, how could it? When you read a book, your imagination makes it come alive, and it’s almost impossible to cram hundreds of pages of details and images and history and information into only a two-hour movie. While we were a bit disappointed in the movie itself, it was a very fun family outing.

There was certainly plenty of excitement in the theater—thanks in large part to the very enthusiastic, teenaged audience. (Almost all female, by the way; there were only eight men, and three were mine.) The age of many of those in the audience made me think a bit, and I realized some of the subject matter in the book and movie might be more appropriate for adults rather than teenagers.

While I don’t agree with some of the ideas in this work of fiction, the book is very clean—I mean, all they do is kiss! (They don’t even make out!) By the world’s standards, it doesn’t get much cleaner! But the depth of their love and the passion expressed is something that, for me, feels more appropriate in adult relationships, even though teenagers think that love doesn’t get any better than what they’re experiencing.

Anyway, it was a good day—especially if you’re a Twilight fan and/or a Ute. (I don’t get into football at all, but Megan’s family is happy tonight because the score of THE GAME was 48-24, with the U on the winning end.)

Comments

[Sue Kment]

Sounds like a wonderful day! I was clueless to the whole Twilight "thing" until I read about it on your blog...but guess what??? It was filmed right in my home state about 45 minutes from my back door! How clueless can I get... LOL!???

[Lydia Fiedler]

That's it - I give up!!! I'm bringing the first book to Santa Fe for Thanksgiving!!!

:)

Have a happy Thanksgiving by the way.

[Tiffany Bauer]

Sounds like you guys had a great time!!! I can't wait to see the movie myself!!

[Cathy Waskewicz]

Shelli....sounds like a wonderful family day!!! Isn't that what it's all about....I was just pondering my wonderful family...and was really happy when my nephew...who is 25, just stopped off to say hi....He made my husband, Steven and my day,.....but then, I'm so thankful that he and the rest of our kids, feel comfortable enough to ...just stop by to say hi!!!! Blessings this Thanksgiving...We will be having a houseful...I know you will be too...ENJOY!!!!

[Jenn]

That's so true about movies based on books...a movie can't do a book justice...your imagination is always the best way to picture things :) Although, I'm still interested enough to probably still see the movie since I've read the book just to look for differences. Happy Thanksgiving...hopefully, you'll get lots more family time this week.

[Stacy]

Sounds like a great day. Like you said no movie can ever do a book justice. I saw the movie myself after reading all of the books and I found myself criticizing everything. My husband was a good sport and went and he said it was a decent movie and that comes from somenone who did not read the book. All in all it was okay but I think I have to read the books again because I just can't get enough. Take care and have a great thanksgiving! stacy

[SHH]

Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks for your comments on Twilight. I appreciate that you mentioned that it really is more for adults. While I haven't read the book or seen the movie, I have heard many comments that Twilight is really not for tweens. Thanks!

[SHH]

Oh and Happy Belated Birthday, Megan!

[Angela Lemmons]

I'm so glad that someone agrees with me that the movie was only so-so. I was beginning to think my standards for movies are entirely too high. I did get to see it with my sweet hubby, so that made it worth the trip! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

[Shelly]

Shelli, i'm so glad that you wrote about the 'passion' and appropriateness of this work to younger readers. My daughter (age 9) has friends that are reading it!? I agree that it is clean but at the same time VERY passionate and Bella does a lot of deceptive things 'in the name of love'...something I'd like to steer my daughter clear of for as long as possible (sneaking around, keeping secrets, etc.) at least well into her teens...HA!.

i read the books a while ago and still haven't seen the movie yet - but i don't think i'll take my husband, he thinks it's all silly too.

[Barbara Jean Smith]

So, Twilight has finally gotten the best of me and I purchased my copy today. Although I promised my girls I would make cookies with them first, I am eagerly awaiting the start of the book. (I also have my caffine on standby.) I have been wondering what, or how, you pack your stamping supplies when you travel. I have had such a hard time trying to figure out what to pack and then what to pack it in. Do you have a variety of bags, different ones for flying vs.driving? ohh, the questions could be endless. I don't know if you will even be able to answer this but I thought that I would ask. Thank you for sharing your life and family with us.

[Sue Scheets (Sushi)]

Shelli,
As a retired teacher I have made it my practice to read books that the kids or others have always talked about. I like to read the book before seeing a movie, so I have read Twilight. I am not really into vampire books at all, but found I could hardly put the book down. How could a movie get into all of Bella's thoughts that are depicted in the book or the depth of the passion the two felt for each other. I still want to see the movie though.
There is a lot of quality literature out there for teens and preteens. It seems they want to grow up too fast, or their parents push them that way. I agree that this is not a teenage book. Or perhaps they do not get the same sense that adults get out of the book.
How great it is that this was able to be a family outing. Family is what it is all about for me so I treasure every minute I get to spend with mine. This is the year all the kids come home at Christmas so it will be a very quiet year at my house. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and treasure every minute as I know you will.
Sushi

[Cris Marsh]

I went to see Twilight Friday night with my sister, niece, and daughter-in-law. We had all read the books and were very excited for the movie as well. We all thought the movie was great. And the "buzz" in the theater was fun too.

[Maureen Stivala]

Shelli- I always love your stories and your family photos, and your movie night was no exception! Here is wishing you and yours a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving...oh...and I loved the Hawaii pics and story too!!
((()))reen

[Ruth]

I agree with you about the movie- a little disappointed. I think the actors all did great portraying their characters, but the screenwriters and director did not capture the relationship at all. The longing, the passion- I didn't feel any of it in the movie, but it is what the book is ALL about! I'll be going again in two days and I hope I like it better the second time, now that I know what to expect.

Shelli, have you heard that Summit Entertainment has announced they are going forward with making New Moon into a movie?! I hope they do a better job portraying the relationships in that one.

[Sam]

I Ditto that...though it was more of an adult book. But like you said in today's world standards. It was tame. But don't you think Edward is soooo cute? There's the teenager in me coming out!!!
Forever Young Sam

[Linda Page]

You are so fortunate to have a large close-knit family and a close extended family to share your days and holidays with. Although my mother comes from a family of 6 siblings, I am an only child and my son is an only child and as we get older, our family is dwindling. We used to have 30-35 relatives gather for Thanksgiving but now we struggle to get 15. My mother is 92 and my father passed away 11 yrs ago and most of his family is gone so our group is slowly narrowing down. But those of us that can gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving season and catching up on what's been happening in our lives. Most of the members of our family are big football fans but, like you, sports just "ain't my thing" but all of the Carlisle (my mother's maiden name) girls are big book readers so there is always a lively book review going on. Thanks so much for sharing your family with us, your SU family. I hope that everyone in your family has a wonderful Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for.

[Stacy]

I have to say... loved all of the books and loved the movie. As with any book-to-movie project you feel like you know the characters before walking into the theater, so picking all of the parts of the book that were crutial to each reader would be impossible. I did expect the meadow scene to be a little more.... DAZZLING, but all in all loved it. I have made all my sisters and nieces read it so we can have an all girl adventure in a week or so. My 21 year old niece and 15 year old god daughter are done in just 2 days!!! Gotta love those fast readers!

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Stacy

[Jamie]

I LOVED the movie too, how fun that you all made a day out of it :-) I'm only half way through the Twilight book but already have New Moon and it's just waiting for me, hehe. Although I need to get my Christmas cards and crafts made so...decisions, decisions!! Glad you had a nice trip to Hawaii, it looks beautiful there & I can't wait to be able to go myself! Have a great day!

[Vada]

This has nothing to do with Twilight or the game, but I just wanted you to know that I made the Texas sheetcake this weekend when we had a family gathering, and my family couldn't wait for me to make another. Thank you for the receipe.

[Veda]

Hi Shelli, I have had this idea on my mind for a couple months... and it "sort of" fits in this catagory of books :) Have you thought about having a Recommended Book Corner on the SU demo web site listing books that SU provides at various leadership functions? I was able to see Party with a Purpose in a blog picture. One can gain a lot of insight into a company by the literature it promotes. SO... I bought a copy of the book with the CD. So far the CD has been very good (I'm having to take a break because of Thanksgiving company!) We would have to purchase our own books, of course, but it might make us better demonstrators :)

[Kendra]

My teenage daughter is a christian and I was so proud of her for standing on her convictions and not going to this movie. Definitely not for teens and some serious content issue if you look at it in the light of Jesus.

[Teresa Brown]

Hi Shelli
I think we are missing out over here.
I have not read the book or been to the movie.
Shilli I like to wish you and your family all the best for christmas and the New year
Teresa

[Angela]

Hi Shelli,

How about watching Twilight on the big screen on a Convention evening when you're in Sydney? We bring the DVD & popcorn, the Convention Centre supplies the big screen!

At the very least can we have the baseball scene playing the background when the doors open?

The Elite Twilight Girls (Australia)

[Vanessa Webb]

Love that idea Angela! Is that the Super Massive Black Hole track (No 1 on the CD?)..... that's so cool!!
Seriously, I'm really looking forward to Convention in Oz in a couple of weeks time.....it will be great to catch up with you Shelli and all the other demos from around Australia and New Zealand.....always the hilight of the SU! year for me :)