Why do I have to be wrong for you to be right?
I’ll tell you why. At our core, we are all judgers. That’s judgers, judgers, judgers.
From the first moment we see someone — whether in person, in a photo, or in a Youtube video — we dissect their looks, voice, dress and actions, and in a matter of seconds, decide whether they are worthy of our time.
It’s a wonder we have any friends at all.
Now, obviously, there are some people who pass our test. The men featured in the 2009 Sexiest Man Alive issue of People magazine were judged exceptionally attractive by a national panel of editors. There has also been an obsessive frenzy surrounding the stars of the “Twilight” movie franchise. Those actors have been judged worthy of their fans’ time, attention and somewhat scary mania.
But probably most fascinating to me is how quick people are to judge other people who like something that they don’t.
The “Twilight” movies are a great example. The fans of this franchise have been practically demonized by those who haven’t read the books or seen the movies. The Comments page of this week’s New York magazine was brutal. One reader said of the Twilight moms: “Their poor children, and their poor husbands! I wish they’d get some perspective and see how sad they really look.”
Wow. There’s some judging going on there.
Why can’t people just be different? Or think differently? Or, god forbid, like different things?
Why do they have to be inherently wrong?
We say ‘live and let live,’ but as a society, we don’t practice what we preach. What we really mean to say is, ‘let me live the way I want, and you live my way, too…’cause if you live or think differently or enjoy different things, that’s wrong.’
Now, “Twilight” isn’t the most important issue in the world — believe me, I know. But it’s also not the most deadly, god-awful, dangerous book ever written. Teenage girls and their families are exposed to more controversial things on episodes of “Gossip Girl” — can you say three-way? — so I find it interesting that people are trash-talking a very old-fashioned romance with vampires.
If you don’t like the series, that’s fine. That’s your choice. But other people liking it isn’t wrong…it’s simply their choice.
So, stop your judging. That’s right. I’m looking at you. Judger.
That’s judger, judger, judger.
Say it isn’t so
This is my final Twilight saga movie review. No doubt my friend Tina is already poised to type the words “Barf.”
I wonder if she is feeling sentimental, too.
I saw Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 last night at a special early screening. I was curious if director Bill Condon could pull together a fitting end to the series, since he had already used in my estimation all the ‘good stuff’ from the final book in Part 1.
The audience at the early show was pumped, but there was none of the mania of years past. I’d like to think we’ve all matured a little.
The film has, too.
The screenplay has a sense of humor. It was funny…on purpose. And at times also sweet and sad.
Part 2 also features vampire Bella. For all the critics who have slammed her character for being weak and codependent, come see her being seriously bad-ass. To everyone. All she needs is a bow-and-arrow and ‘luck forever in her favor.’
Most importantly, Part 2 is action-packed and full of surprises. I haven’t made this much noise watching a movie in ages — the vampire battle is shocking and strewn with death.
Even if you’re not a big Twilight fan, I strongly recommend you come see how it all ends.
Epic? Indeed.
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Posted in Books, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Life, Movies
Tagged action movie, Bella Swan, Bill Condon, commentary, entertainment, Humor, life, may luck be forever in your favor, movie critics, movie director, movie review, movie screening, Movies, screenplay, sense of humor, Twihard, Twilight fan, Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2, vampire battle, vampires