Twilight is getting attacked from all sides, but that hasn't stopped vampire-loving teenage girls from devouring the book and movie.
Some praise the book and movie as a morality tale. Author Stephanie Meyers is Mormon and brought her faith into the story by having the couple–human Bella and vampire Edward–refrain from sex before marriage.
Some Catholics, however, haven't agreed that the movie is simply a lesson in chastity. "I mean just because Edward and Bella don't do anything but kiss and clutch, they still share the same bed night after night, all the while keeping her father in the dark. Some have told me, 'It's completely innocent.' How can that be true when Bella herself says she loses control every time their lips touch?" writes Catholic Mom on the Catholic Media Review. Comments on the blog post either strongly agree or strongly disagree with Catholic Mom.
MovieGuide.org says parents should approach the movie with "extreme caution," but does note some positive parts of the movie in its comprehensive review.
While Christians are split over the issue, so are feminists. Some say the book and movie gives young girls a strong protagonist to look up to–a Harry Potter for girls. Others say that this "heroine" is a rather weak one, always needing a strong undead male to rescue her from danger. Edward's behavior is likened to that of an abusive boyfriend–controlling and protective. And the feminist side doesn't win the debates on reproduction, abortion, and marriage versus college in the fourth book. Here's a blog post from a feminist who understands the appeal of the story but nevertheless doesn't like its message.
I am simply reporting the positions I've read, as I have not seen nor do I care to see the movie. I'd be interested to hear from parents on teens. Are the books and movie just fun fiction and nothing to worry about? Do they offend your sensibilities as a Catholic? Or would you rather your girls have a stronger heroine to look up to?
