Sun never sets on 'Twilight' adoration as fans rush to movie opening

As the Platters once crooned, "Heavenly shades of night are falling, It’s Twilight time.”

And millions of fans fell this weekend for Edward, or Jacob, or possibly both, swarming to cinemas to see their favorite vampire and werewolf and their human love interest in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” which opened Friday.

Joanne Smith, of Billerica, was waiting to see the film Sunday at the AMC Cinema in Burlington, after seeing it for the first time when it opened Friday. “I just needed to know what happens next.”

Smith, a longtime fan of the series, said, she became intrigued when “The weather girl on Channel 7 said, ‘It’s not just for kids.’”

She soon became entranced by the book series by Stephenie Meyer, which revolves around a high school student, Bella Swan, and her beloved Edward Cullen, a vampire. A conflict ensues between Edward and Bella’s friend, Jacob Black, who is also in love with Bella.

Edward may be a blood-drinking immortal, but Jacob is no slouch – he is a werewolf after all.

Bella is soon caught between them, as a less-than-benevolent cartel of vampires watches and ponders its next move.

Edward hails from a vampire clan, the Cullens, sworn to avoid preying on humans, taking the blood of animals for their sustenance.

But not all vampires adhere to this philosophy. Several powerful dangerous vampires feel differently and see the human race as their food source.

Smith said, “New Moon” is “better than I expected,” adding that it is better produced than the first film, “Twilight,” released last year.

Smith’s co-worker, Christine Fuller, of Tewksbury, who attended Sunday, said, “A co-worker started it.”

Now, they are all under the series’ spell, she said.

So far, she thinks the film interpretations are better, and she especially appreciates Bella, whom she said “was sort of clumsy” in the books but emerges as a stronger character on film.

They said the characters are the source of the series’ magic, and secondarily, the epic struggle unfolding and threatens mortal and immortal alike.

According to several sources, the film, distributed by Summit Entertainment, grossed about $259 million worldwide on the first weekend, breaking box office records and according to some figures, poised to surpass the first film, “Twilight,” released around the same time last year.

The series is not without critics. Many admirers of traditional vampires in books, television and film decry what they see as a sentimental treatment of the vampire archetype.

Others express concern that, for the series’ legion following of female high school students and young women, the story conveys a grossly unrealistic picture of love.

Some complain that Bella is too passive and in constant need of rescue, and appears to have no interests or purpose in life beyond sorting out her relationship problems with Edward and Jacob.

Some are alarmed that a young girl would seek the attentions of mythical creatures generally regarded as dangerous predators.

Whatever detractors say, fans have embraced the tale for reasons of their own, not the least of which is the suspense and uncertainty – it’s not clear until the end who has Bella’s heart, and whether she chooses Jacob or Edward, her choice will require a supreme sacrifice.

As with the “Harry Potter” series, many fans form personal allegiances to various characters.

“I think, as far as the movie, I’ve been ‘Team Edward’ person, but now I’m thinking of switching,” said Samantha Houghton, 22, of Methuen, after seeing “New Moon” on Sunday in Burlington.

She said she was taken by the portrayal of Jacob as a werewolf and the werewolf culture, which has prompted her to rethink her loyalties.

Asked about the criticisms hurled at the Bella character, Houghton said, “I really like her because she is just an average person. She is not blond and blue-eyed and beautiful. The characters are very relateable.”

Margaret Smith is Arts and Calendar editor at Gate House Media New England’s Northwest Unit.