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A MovieFone Perspective: 5 Reasons Why ‘Beautiful Creatures’ Might Be Better Than ‘Twilight’

Look, I love the Twilight books.  As for the movies, there are times when it was hard for me to take, so when it comes to translating books to film, the fandoms can get pretty feisty.  I’m posting this article not to hate on Twilight, but to see how one poster on MovieFone is stating her preference between the two:

1. Prestigious Cast: The cast of “Beautiful Creatures” boasts two Academy Award winners (Irons and Emma Thompson), a two-time Oscar nominee (Viola Davis), a Golden Globe nominee (Emmy Rossum) and an Emmy winner (“Justified” star Margo Martindale). In fact, Irons was exactly who author Garcia envisioned as the elegant Macon Ravenswood when she and Stohl wrote the series: “I thought people were playing a joke on me,” she said of finding out he had accepted the role. “He’s who I always pictured in my mind as Macon.”

No doubt, the actors involved are highly admirable here.  Still, the main two characters are played by two unknowns.  That can be a good thing, or it can be something else.  However, from what I’ve seen in the trailers, it all looks good!

2. Real Teenagers: As much as the Cullen clan pretended to be teens, they were all decades (if not more than a century) old immortal vampires (making Edward 107 years old). But the teens in “Beautiful Creatures” are just that — actual adolescents. A major plot point in the story is that Lena will be claimed as either a Dark or a Light Caster on her 16th birthday. Despite being 16, Ethan — who Garcia jokes is so sweet, because he’s “the exact opposite of every guy Margie and I dated” — is just as gentlemanly, self-sacrificing and swoon-worthy (in his sensitive, intelligent way) as Edward.

This is argumentative, because even though they may be “real teens,” Lena and her family were far from normal, such as the Cullens.

3. Fascinating Setting: “Beautiful Creatures” is a Southern Gothic yarn that takes place north of Charleston in the fictional town of Gatlin, where the pie is always made from scratch, the porch gossip spreads like wildfire and the secrets are heavier than the accents. Like Hogwarts and District 12, Gatlin is as much a character as the people who live in it. Tightly controlled by sons and daughters of the Confederacy, Gatlin isn’t open to outsiders, especially those with secret powers like Lena Duchannes. Forks served a purpose (it was rainy and dark, so the Cullens could remain hidden from sunlight), but Gatlin — and the land it inhabits — is an integral part of Ethan and Lena’s story.

No argument there about Gatlin being much more beautiful than dreary Forks, however, don’t know if I’d actually want to live in a sheltered, stuck-in-the-past place like that.  At least in Hogwarts, they’ll always welcome you home.  But I guess I’d prefer Gatlin over District 12.

4. Important Themes: One of the biggest complaints about the “Twilight” saga was the mixed messages the central relationship sent to young readers and audiences. In “Beautiful Creatures,” there are many substantive themes that go beyond young love. If it’s as true to the book’s spirit as the authors believe it is, the film should explore the dangers of bigotry and prejudice, as well as closed-mindedness and conformity, while advocating for the importance of seeking knowledge and experiencing unconditional love (within family, not just romantically).

I loved that Twilight was basically a romance novel, that’s what made it enjoyable.  Obviously, Beautiful Creatures has a much darker tone, and it does explore some other ideals, so that’s good.

5. Broader Appeal: The book is written from the point of view of Ethan, and it’s just as much about Ethan and Lena discovering the centuries-old secrets of both their town and their powers as it is about their blossoming relationship. Because it’s not all about the kissing scenes, there’s a greater chance for, you know, guys, to actually enjoy the paranormal adventure. Even adults who’ve never even heard of the books will want to see something directed by Richard LaGravanese (who also wrote the script) and stars such a distinguished ensemble. “Richard really got our story, so we trusted his vision for the movie,” Stohl told us.

No argument there.  There should be a broader appeal.  Let’s hope so!

(Source: MovieFone)

By Nat, the Geek Girl

Southern California native who likes movies, books (Shadowhunter Chronicles, NA, YA fantasy, Red Rising series), TV shows (The Sandman), and San Diego Comic-Con. I also like to write, but don't get to do much of that aside from on here. I fell into the BTS rabbit hole, and I refuse to leave.