Something Twilight... From Guri

Where have I been? I ask myself this question every day, recently. At the risk of sounding unnecessarily dramatic, I have been involved in the longest, most challenging, scariest project I have ever undertaken. I have sacrificed and sweated and agonized - for good reason. Most of the folks involved are above my pay grade. And it's been a secret. Soon, I will return to "TwiMadness' with a vengeance…for now, just another blog post about my nutty Twilight experiences.

I get asked 3 questions all the time. Hard as it may be to believe, I have a few anecdotes in reply:

What's it like working with Stephenie Meyer?

Stephenie's success is just staggering and I am pretty sure many would and probably did feel intimidated around her. Here's the secret about Stephenie that I accidentally discovered, though…she is normal. REALLY normal. And funny. But mostly normal…like the kind of person you'd hang out with. Just to shoot the shit.

At first, I was pretty shy…for me. And nervous - I met Stephenie AFTER I'd been cast when some of us were called down to Baton Rouge for a make-up/wardrobe test before shooting began. So, I didn't know how she felt about me or my choices for Stefan. I mean, I know if she would have HATED my audition tape, I wouldn't be there but you know, maybe she was just like "Eh…Guri…whatever…thank GOD we also got better actors…"

When I finally met her in Baton Rouge, I was already in costume and make-up. I shook her hand and she said, "You are EXACTLY how I pictured Stefan" and smiled. And I relaxed. Like a baby, actually. In fact, I wet my pants…not really. Okay, a little.

So, from that point on, we just clicked. We chatted a lot and some folks that hadn't quite figured out the 'normal' part about her were speculating as to what she had to say and if there was any 'Twilight' secrets she shared. I actually had some folks come up to me asking, "What do you talk about?" So, as a public service, I would like to disclose one of our 'top secret' conversations now. I think the one that sums it up best is this story :

On set, there were different 'video villages' which are areas with monitors displaying different camera angles and chairs huddled around. It was a bit tense on set as we were behind schedule. However, I'm just an actor in a VERY silly mood and so I go find Stephenie…'cause her village was down like that.

"Guuuuurrrrriiiiii….how are ya?"

"Bothered, Stephenie."

"What's wrong?", she asks, all sincerely.

"Where are the Jewish vampires, Stephenie? Not ONE Jewish vampire?!?"

She laughs. "Because it goes against everything Judaism is about, GURI."

"I don't think you're seeing it. See, if there were some Jews in the vamp camp, we could sidestep all battles in favor of negotiation…plus, I think the vamp world needs a good kosher deli…"

Now, I notice Lily Collins there. She's laughing at my stupid Jewish vampire joke, so I immediately like her. And to the fans that are trying to stir up competition between the two Snow White movies, IMHO, they are VERY different films, they BOTH look great and I am a fan of BOTH actresses.

Back to the day. So, Stephenie is telling me about 'The Hunger Games' and what a great book that is and then we discuss the sacrifices we will all be making that night, as shooting is going to go LATE. I mention that I am VERY distressed that I will be missing my new favorite show, 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'. My wife's agitated and colorful commentary after each episode is just nothing short of priceless. But, that night, alas…no RHOBH. Stephenie doesn't even know the show and I'm aghast. Lily is also aghast. I look at Lily, who I now see is an incredibly astute young woman with FINE taste in reality television and we high five. We then describe the show to Stephenie by acting it out. She seems unimpressed by the show yet oddly adamant that we keep discussing our viewpoints about it with her. Oh! Right - and then Stephenie makes fun of me AD NAUSEUM for watching it. Not Lily, she got off scott-free for her allegiance to RHOBH. Just me. Whatever.

So, now everyone knows. Jewish vampires and the The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills are excellent examples of the scintillating, exclusive topics Stephenie and I discussed.

guriweinberg to read the rest (and it is funny in true Guri style)
xoxo
Carrie

Twilight: The Musical Is Hilarious And Criticizes Bella Swan — What’s Not To Love?

Earlier this week, we got to attend the staged reading of Twilight: The Musical, a fan-run parody ofStephenie Meyer‘s worldwide phenomenon. The project, which has been several years in the making, doesn’t just poke fun at the Edward/Bella/Jacob love triangle, but it also brings in Harry Potter characters for a commentary on popular YA books and what makes a compelling heroine.

Let me start by saying that this is a sharp, funny show populated with talented singers and dancers. WriterAshley Griffin and her collaborators obviously know the series backwards and forwards, as the dialogue and songs especially are peppered with sly puns and references to obscure moments from the books. Yet it strikes the right balance by not alienating newbies… although let’s face it, nearly everyone at the reading must have been a genuine fan.

The musical was a success financially, as well: The one-night performance — plus the after party at Bar West End Grille with DJ Twist overseeing music – managed to raise over $3,000 for the charity Blessings In A Backpack!

We learned that while this musical has been in the works for several years, some of what we were seeing was completely new material thought up in the prior 24 hours of rehearsal. In addition to the eight actors — who winningly endured costume and wig changes to portray three times as many characters — there were five dancers showing samples of future choreography.

Twilight: The Musical blows through all four books in less than two hours, smartly spending the most time on Edward and Bella’s burgeoning romance from Twilight and the cracktastic plot of Breaking Dawn. Not surprisingly, the three leads were snappy and charismatic, yet they could also play the awkwardness of their characters for laughs. It’s exciting to see an actually strong Bella (played by Meghann Fahy, who made her Broadway debut in Next to Normal); Colin Hanlon (Rent, Wicked) and Jared Zirilli (Aida, Rent) upped the kitschiness to mock Edward and Jacob’s snarling feud over Bella.

The songs are strong; I’d say that I basically liked every other song, with some of my favorites being “Dancing Around the Subject” (Bella confronting Edward about being a vampire), “Personal Brand of Heroine” (Edward’s love song), “It’s A Pack Thing” (the hilarious rap from the Quileutes), and “I Imprinted On an Infant” (no explanation necessary).

Some of the musical’s funniest moments were the meta ones, that might get erased in a more complete production: If someone flubbed a line or an effect was delayed, the actors would glance at the audience as if to say “Bear with us,” and it always prompted laughter. The actors were laid-back enough to laugh at themselves too, like when Edward blurted out, “NO! She’s not!” in relation to some line about Bella, and even Hanlon laughed at how dramatic he sounded.

Similarly, there were several moments that obviously came out of the musical’s tight budget, but I wouldn’t want to lose in a larger production, like when an actor comes up behind Hanlon and Fahy with a poster board covered in flowers, to simulate the meadow where Edward and Bella famously declare their love.

It’s difficult to remember all of the funny moments because there were so many inserted so casually into the show. The writers smartly deviate from Stephenie Meyer’s story early on, by replacing evil vampire Victoria (the villain of the first two books) with Harry Potter, Hermione, and Ron.

An unexpected standout was Jenna Leigh Green, who endured sixteen wig changes in Act 1 alone to play snarky Leah, bitter Rosalie, and most importantly, vengeful Hermione. I almost don’t want to see the cast expand in future productions; watching Green and others race on- and off-stage was part of the fun.

We thought that the inclusion of the Harry Potter wizards was meant to pit YA novels against each other, but it was much more about pitting strong female heroines against one another. While Bella hems and haws over whether she’ll get to sleep with Edward, Hermione is bringing together past and present vampires to destroy this pesky weakling. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them update the musical in a few years to replace Hermione with The Hunger Games‘ Katniss Everdeen!

This is where the musical got serious, a risky but excellent move to elevate it above simple mockery. After Bella is transformed into a vampire, she encounters Harry in the white void that he inhabits when he sacrifices himself in Deathly Hallows. And suddenly, this tongue-in-cheek musical has a moral as Harry scolds Bella, “You sold your soul for a romance novel.”

We have to remember that this is written by the generation who grew up with the Potter kids and will always value that series over Twilight. Thank God, because that’s the kind of perspective we need for a parody: The ability to poke and mold into something different, while criticizing the original work’s drawbacks.

I definitely recommend that you keep up withTwilight: The Musical and make it out to future readings if you live in New York City. This show about fans deserves more fans of its own.

crushable
xoxo
Carrie

Doritos Commercial Based on Twilight

Doritos® What are you doing? (Commercial 2012) from Jeremy Phillip Floral on Vimeo.
via spunk-ransom
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Carrie

Italian 'Breaking Dawn Part 1' Parody

source
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Carrie

Breaking Dawn parody by WildMemeAppeared

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Carrie

The Romanians Go To Hollywood

I laughed so hard reading this...Guri is a master at humor.

So, I get an invite for the Breaking Dawn 1 premiere and a few thoughts immediately jumped into my mind:

"Why in the name of all that is holy would anyone care that some actor from Breaking Dawn Part 2 is there?"

"Did I piss Summit off?"

"Can I wear the suit I wore to the last funeral?"

"Cool. Free alcohol."

I am on my way to Germany when this premiere invite comes in. I'm at the airport while I am on the phone to my wife and she tells me that my manager is all aflutter with anticipation of the red carpet. I ask the question that seems to have escaped all my representatives,

"What exactly am I promoting? The fact that I do, in fact, still breathe?"

"I dunno, angel.", she says. My wife calls me "angel". I can hear the taunts from Twifans already. Shut up.

"Well, that makes me feel HIGHLY uncomfortable. It's feels like I'm just press whoring around an event that is REALLY about Rob, Kristen, Taylor and broken headboards."

"Well, you don't HAVE to have your reps there. You COULD just go, see the movie, have a few cocktails and leave. It wouldn't be unheard of, you know, to just be a normal person."

So, I let my mangers know that there will be no big broo-ha-ha over this event and I would not be using a P.R agent for the BD1 premiere. In fact, I didn't think I wanted any reps there. I would, however, let them all "do their thing" at the premieres for Breaking Dawn 2. BIG argument ensues. I win with this simple logic.

"There are no less than 34,507 new vampires in BD2 and many will be vying for attention. The press, the fans, the reviewers, NO ONE knows who will be doing what and how large their characters may or may not be in the in the final cut for BD2. AND I am sure that, as BD2 is still A YEAR away, they could all care less at this point."

Don't get me wrong. I am VERY proud of my role in BD2. I am very proud to be a part of the Twilight Saga. I am very excited to see how fans react to the Romanians. I am also cheap. P.R. agents are EXPENSIVE. And, kinda…weird at red carpet events. I dunno…to me, it feels SUPER weird and egotistical to parade around in front of people that don't care all that much, insisting that they SHOULD care. I call a few actors from the cast to see what everyone else's plans are for the evening and apparently, I wasn't the only one to feel that way. So, I make a mental note to travel the Twilight black carpet with equally cheap cast mates that are also going the P.R.-less route. You know. Make it easier for the press if we're all just a group shot. Sort of a 'Those Nutty New Vampires' thing.

guriweinberg to read the rest
xoxo
Carrie

TWILIGHT BOYS: ROBERT AND KRISTEN IMPERSONATIONS

Warning about Language at the end

source
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Carrie

Kellan Meets Joe Nation

source
Thanks for sending this to us Stephanie
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Carrie

First "Beavis and Butt-Head" episode pokes fun at "Twilight"

Get More:
Beavis and Butt-Head, Full Episodes

MTV
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Carrie

Sweet Halloween Costume Suggestions for the Characters of 'Twilight'

With "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" arriving so close to Halloween, I imagine we'll be seeing plenty of "Twilight" costumes again this year. A popular one for couples with a young daughter -- or, you know, one of those sons who looks like a daughter -- should be Edward, Bella and Renesmee.

What about on the other side of the looking glass though? Just because the "The Twilight Saga" characters live in a world of vampires and werewolves doesn't mean they don't still like to get their dress-up on for Halloween. In fact, I imagine the Cullens make a point to go all out with costumes as way to fit in as your typical (irrationally beautiful) American family. After all, they have lots of extra time to fashion perfect outfits -- not having to sleep and being immortal and all.

If the "Twilight" characters lived amongst us, here's how I imagine they'd be dressing this year.

The Cullens: The Avengers

To be a Cullen is to overachieve. And the most difficult costumes to pull off well are large group costumes. With "The Avengers" movie due out next summer and the trailer dropping so close to Halloween, I bet this vampire family would jump at the chance to dress up as this iconic superhero collective. I mean, they're practically superheroes already.

Edward Cullen: Captain America; Bella Swan: Black Widow

Who better to pull of the All-American hero- type than Edward (ssshhh, let's pretend for a second he's not actually British)? With his cut body and chiseled chin, he makes the perfect Captain America. Hmm, am I spending too long speculating on his "cut body" in a skintight jumpsuit? Yes, so before I start to question my own sexuality again, let's move on to Bella.

Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow will be the only female superhero in "The Avengers" movie. Sure, the old Bella would have been too uncomfortable with her teen body to pull off the tight black leather costume. But she's a confident vampire mother now (I mean, just see above!).

Emmett Cullen: Hulk; Jasper Hale: Thor; Carlisle Cullen: Iron Man

Emmett as Hulk goes without saying. In fact, instead of a CGI Hulk when Bruce Banner changes in "The Avengers," director Joss Whedon should cut from Mark Ruffalo to a green, shirtless Kellan Lutz -– just like the old TV show would cut to a green Lou Ferrigno.

Still the newest "vegetarian" convert, Jasper is the most detached of the Cullens. That, along with his flowing blond hair, makes him a great Norse god-type. Since Thor's not only a superhero but a deity, he doesn't always quite fit in. And while I'm sure the ladies would hate to see Carlisle's face covered by any costume, he has to be Iron Man. Like Tony Stark, he's the "mature" brains behind the group. Plus, I'm sure his centuries of knowledge will help him build (or sew) a really kick-ass Iron Man suit.

Alice Culllen: Hawkeye; Esme Cullen: Ms. Marvel; Rosalie Hale: She Hulk

The rest of the Cullen ladies can't be left out just because Black Widow is the only female member of "The Avengers" in the movie. First, we have to account for Jeremy Renner's character Hawkeye. While it's not a sexy costume, I can see Alice sucking it up and being a man for Halloween. She's the best sport, anyway.

Over the years in the comic books, there have been multiple female superheroes to join The Avengers. Ms. Marvel, in fact, plays a major role in multiple storylines. Despite being the "oldest," Esme's figure can still pull off a Ms. Marvel costume. And in the '80s, She Hulk joined the superhero coalition. With Rosalie's confrontational attitude and her man already dressing as Hulk … I think you know where I'm going …

Renesmee Cullen: Angry Birds

Children never want to go along with the group costume. They want to do their own thing. So stubborn. Now, I don't remember video games ever really being addressed in "Twilight," but with all the time on their hands, I bet the Cullens love to kill some of it playing Angry Birds. And what kid doesn't become obsessed with that game? Of course Renesmee would insist on being one for Halloween.

Wolf Pack: Zombies

Can't you see Jacob Black saying with a smirk, "Haven't you heard, zombies are the new vampires?"

As his one little slight against the Cullens, Jacob would convince his wolf pack brethren to go dress as a herd of zombies, like those in "The Walking Dead." It's really a convenient costume choice for all of them since their clothing can be ripped up anyway.

And just like every man must dress like a woman at least once in his life to find out what it feels like (am I right, fellas? What?), you can bet all these big bad werewolves would love to slow their roll and live the chilled-out lifestyle of the undead for a day.

Humans

Charlie Swan: Charlie Sheen; Renée Dwyer: Jo Calderone

Let me start by saying that I really wanted to make Charlie dress as Lieutenant Dangle from "Reno 911!" How awesome would that be for a small town cop? However, I jut can't see him wearing the short shorts, plus, it'd be too cold in Forks in October. If Charlie dressed up at all, I imagine it'd be very simple. With Charlie Sheenbeing one of the year's top stories, I bet Charlie would just buy a Sheen-approved bowling shirt and call it his costume.

As for Bella's mom, Renée, I can see her dressing as a different version of Lady Gaga every year in a desperate attempt to "stay young and hip." Last year, she wore a meat dress … which really embarrassed Bella (not to mention made all the supernaturals around her hungry). This year Renée would wear Gaga's male alter-ego Jo Calderone. No one can tell her she should "act like a grandma."

Mike Newton and Jessica Stanley: The Royal Couple

Mike and Jessica attend Edward and Bella's wedding together, right? So I'm not really sure if they're still a couple in this alternant "Twilight" reality that I'm writing in, but I'm going with yes. With Jessica being an another overachiever (what is it with you guys?), I can see her going crazy with the details of Prince William and Kate Middleton costumes.

Eric Yorkie: iPhone; Angela Weber: Yoko Littner

Being a nerd, and I'm sure very depressed about the death of Northwest techie god Steve Jobs, Eric would want to be an iPhone. "But Eric," his friends would say. "You dressed as an iPhone last year." And he'd reply, "No, last year I was an iPhone 4. This year I'm a iPhone 4S. Totally different, dudes."

For some reason, I imagine Angela Weber being into anime. Maybe she's kind of nerdy or just because I'm attracted to the actress who player her, Christian Serratos, and would like to see her in a sexy anime costume. Whatever the reason, I'm going to say she'd dress as this year's popular anime character Yoko Littner. And, I'm sticking with it. Well, unless she chooses to just go nude, like she did for PETA, which I'm also perfectly fine with.

nextmovie
xoxo
Carrie

Episode 3 From 'Twilight Mash-Ups' With Rob,Kristen & Taylor

source
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Carrie

Funny Parody Video: Jacob Black Sings Adele's 'Someone Like You'

Source via twilightish
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Carrie

New Justin Chon Video

JustinChon
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Carrie

Movie Icons Re-Imagined as 'South Park' Characters

Comedy Central's "South Park" returns for its 15th season this week ... with, of course, an episode making fun of Asperger's Syndrome. (It's entitled "Ass Burgers.")

The show's cutout animation may be simple, but Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny have become some of the most indelible characters in cartoon history.

So, naturally, we've always wondered how "South Park" creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker would have applied their signature style to some of our favorite movie icons. Our old mate Old Red Jalopy was up to the task

'Twilight'

'TRON'

nextmovie for the rest
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Carrie

Phineas and Ferb Spoof Twilight

Disney
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Carrie

'Winky Dink' Makes 'The Twilight Saga' Spoof

winkydink via gossip-dance
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Carrie

Videos of Charlie Bewley

shuffleonthemoon
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Carrie

Justin Chon in Wingman

source
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Carrie

More From The Wonder Twins

collegehumor
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Carrie

Nikki and Peter Make a Super Hero Spoof

‘Twilight’ Star Peter Facinelli Talks Slipping Into Spandex for Superhero Spoof

From Green Lantern to Captain America, the movie theaters were swarmed with superhero movies this summer, which led to this hilarious spoof titled Super Hero Auditions directed by Twilight star Peter Facinelli and put together by College Humor and Facinelli Films. 

As Peter explained to Celebuzz, the sketch has comic book characters auditioning to be the next big thing on the big screen, though these “heroes” may not be blockbuster material. From Mimi Rogers as the Bionic Woman to Chris Masterson as the Whizzer to Brittany Snow as a Powerpuff girl, the sketch boasts a slew of Peter’s famous friends playing comic book characters in full costume. 

But it’s Peter and his Twilight costar Nikki Reed‘s roles in the spoof that will have Twi-hards talking!

Dressed in head-to-toe spandex, the costars step out as the Wonder Twins Zan and Jayna! Peter joked withCelebuzz that he and Nikki thought their spandex suits may “end our careers” once the public got a glimpse. If you find this spoof as hilarious as we do, there’s sure to be more where that came from! Peter reveals that he had a “blast” directing and plans to be “dipping my toes in the director realm” more often!

collegehumor, celebuzz
xoxo
Carrie