When I heard the news that The Twilight Lexicon had been hacked, my immediate reaction was anger. I don't have to know the details or why it was hacked, I just know that I have friends who must have spent sleepless nights trying to find solutions to keep their website online.

I'm a movie fan and quite serious about it. If I happen to love a movie, then I'll probably watch it over and over, memorize lines from it and collect anything related to it - from its soundtrack to interviews published in magazines and on the web. If it's been adapted from a book, then I'll probably buy the book too. The same applies to actors. I have my list of all-time favorites: River Phoenix, Ethan Hawke, Jamie Bell, Romain Duris, Ben Whishaw.

- - -

A Few Personal Favorites: When I first saw Stand by Me (starring the late River Phoenix), I was hooked! I probably watched it 14 times, at different sittings. The same thing happened when I learned that Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire has been adapted for the big screen by Neil Jordan. I was so completely absorbed by Rice's vampiric world that I made sure I took the time to read her first three Vampire Chronicles books very slowly until I could not bear the suspense anymore. I was quite young then, and when I think about it now, I'm amused by myself and how 'corny' I acted then.

This obssession with certain movies happened a few more times: Dead Poets' Society, The Illusionist and The Beat That My Heart Skipped.

tMF is Personal: When I started thinking about launching a movie site last year, I put the spotlight on my favorite actors, and no one else. Reluctantly, I tried to feature non-favorites, but it's quite different to write something about someone you deeply admire than to write about someone you feel 'forced' to write about.

I am easily affected when a favorite actor is ridiculed or trashed on popular boards. While I know it's better to just keep one's cool, I find it fulfilling to challenge the critic and put him on the defensive. I'm like a bull dog and I'll do whatever it takes to send a message or to convince someone or rally others to a cause.

The last time I became seriously involved in board dogfights was when Heath Ledger died and some people started insulting him. I made sure I was heard loud and clear. I probably would do the same thing if it involved Natalie Portman...

How far will you go? When I heard the news that The Twilight Lexicon had been hacked, my immediate reaction was anger. I don't have to know the details or why it was hacked, I just know that I have friends who must have spent sleepless nights trying to find solutions to keep their website online. Another related site, the TwilightMOMs forum was also reported to have been hacked (but I can't confirm this yet...). I love this forum, and I can still remember the generous comments and praises about my articles and about tMF. They were probably the first Twilight forum to recognize tMF and to invite us to become part of the community.

What a coincidence that tMF was hacked a few days afterwards! Of course, there are no connections at all.....

I asked myself, if someone launched a hate site about a favorite actor or perhaps a movie, and I had the capabilities and the opportunity, would I hack the site and destroy it? I would probably try, but I'm quite sure I'd think about it very carefully first ... of course, if I can reasonably make sure I would not get caught... a moral dilemma or an easy choice?

On the lighter side, I was impressed with some of Robert Pattinson's fans. While I only knew of three upcoming movies (How to Be, Little Ashes, and Twilight), they are already frantic to know more about a rumoured fourth film apparently in the works...

I have seen how capably Twilight fans can command the attention of a number of film bloggers and make them change their minds about Twilight. They've been most successful, but there will always be these Twilight slashers, those who simply can't be converted... By the way, the Harry Potter fandom is huge as well...

What it takes to be a fan today. A lot. That's a definite. But you need to be loyal. And some say you need to be loyal to the point that you will no longer accept differing or opposing opinions. However, I don't agree with blind loyalty. I think fans should maintain a certain degree of skepticsm and stay focused and know the difference between facts and fiction.

While you might want to put someone or something on a pedestal, the time will come when you will realize that you have outgrown that someone or something and you need to move on. Because you discovered someone more talented? Or perhaps you just watched a much better movie? Well, as we grow, we're supposed to develop and we can change our minds - right?

The Top 50: Finally, we're almost ready to launched the updated Top 50 Hottest Young Actors list and once again I'm quite sure I know who'll command most of the votes in the much-anticipated poll. I only wish we could put aside the negativity and celebrate just how talented and awesome and cool the fifty or more actors we've ranked are, and who make up tMF's most popular and controversial article to date.

I'm also quite sure fans of these actors are more aware of the list now than ever before. So get ready to put your favorite actor at the top of the ranks and remember, it's just a poll, there's nothing personal...

- - -

x

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email This

Hits: 806

Comments (12)

personal faves are best

This reminds me - I need to see The Illusionist again!

Mo , August 15, 2008 | url

...

Thanks for another interesting read. I actually fall into a band of Pattinson fans who can take or leave Twilight (maybe we are small in number I dont know, maybe there's just me) but know the film will help his career hugely. I'm far more interested in Rob's other work like Little Ashes. Parts per Billion with Olivia Thirlby also sounds fascinating too. Hopefully the success of Twilight will get more people to go see Rob's other work and it will offer him a greater variety of interesting roles. I'd rather not see him saddled with years of Twilight films. I hope if fans vote for Rob they are voting for the actor and not Edward Cullen.

Holly , August 16, 2008

...

Looking forward to the poll, Jed. But then, I look forward to anything that tMF has to say and report on.

I really like what you had to say about blind loyalty. There's definitely a fine line. 'Stay focused and know the difference between facts and fiction.' That is where you can separate fans of the actors versus fans of the character they are playing.

I know I appreciate the mention of us 'Rob fans'...the admiration we have for Robert Pattinson definitely keeps us in the pursuit of any info we can get our hands on regarding his work and upcoming projects. I can't wait to hear more on How To Be, Little Ashes, Twilight, and hopefully Parts Per Billion, from you at tMF! Thanks again!

blearyeyedmesgirl , August 17, 2008 | url

...

I see us Rob fans had an impression on you!
Interesting article, I agree that it takes alot to be a fan and that you do not need to be totally blinding loyal. Healthy constructive criticism or active conversations between differing viewpoints only make things all the more interesting, and should help you if you truly believe you're on the right side. Like you mentioned fans should maintain a certain degree of skepticsm, stay focused, and know the difference between facts and fiction! I'll definitely be on the lookout for that poll, I think it should be interesting to see who comes out on top... Well my pick would be Robert but I have a feeling I will be agreeing with some other talent on the list also.

lifeisfast , August 17, 2008

...

I agree, lifeisfast, my loyalty always lies with Robert...but in the interest of not just following blindly, I too will struggle with choosing just one of the actors that are sure to appear on that list.

blearyeyedmesgirl , August 17, 2008 | url

...

Wow, your first paragraph describes me perfectly. My family and friends think I am a little nuts for getting so wrapped up in the movies I love. For me, it’s just great fun. The Twilight movie is my latest obsession, so I have enjoyed reading everything you have on tMF about the upcoming film. I have spent a lot of time on line over the last few months championing Robert Pattinson in the role of Edward Cullen. While I wouldn't (and wouldn’t even know how to) hack a site, I felt compelled to do something each time I read a negative comment about Rob's casting. I guess that is how to be a supportive movie fan today, get on line and express your opinion – attempt to provide some balance to the negativity out there.

cullengirl , August 17, 2008

He's going places!

I enjoyed the read. I am one of the Robert Pattinson fans who is very interested on his upcoming work. Even more so than Twilight. If you've seen the latest "How To Be" trailer, you'll know why. He's a talented and a beautiful actor, inside and out. People are starting to notice it very quickly. But the breakthrough will come after Twilight is released. All those still oblivious to his talents will soon be very aware. Please continue to post any Robert Pattinson coverage. It's greatly appreciated. He deserves every bit of the attention and buzz surrounding him right now.

Priscilla , August 17, 2008

...

Thank you for this article. I like the shout out to the Robert Pattinson fans. I'm really glad people are paying attention. His fan base is growing quickly. He's going to explode in a few months. I don't think he's aware of it. That's part of the appeal. He's different than the Hollywood hacks out there now. He's talented and gorgeous. But he isn't trying to get to the top with his looks. He's letting the work speak for him. I appreciate that about him.

Diana , August 17, 2008

Yes please!

Yes I'm one of those really interested about the forth movie Robert is working on. I've only heard small tib bits about it. But I would really love it if you found out more information about that.

Sandra , August 17, 2008

...

Well, I wll make sure personally to put Robert Pattinson on top on the poll comming soon. You can bet on that!

Rosie , August 17, 2008

...

I'm a big fan of the movie's lost boy's and V for vendetta. I know most of the lines and have seen them too many times to count.

TWILIGHT how much do i love thee? lol

sophie , August 18, 2008

absolutely amazing

I'm right there with you on the River Phoenix & Stand By Me obsession. Even now, every Halloween - because he died Oct. 31,1993 - I watch a River movie. OMG,he was otherworldly! He & Lil Taylor are heartbreaking in Dogfight.

I'm definitely, definitely feeling the same thing about Rob Pattinson right now! Finally! Rob seems very unpretentious and driven. I can't wait for all his movies in post-production to come out in the next few months. I just hope he doesn't have to pass up any juicy/gritty roles to stay in a Twilight franchise though. He's the perfect Edward, but I want to see more!

Okay - I'm kind of giving myself goosebumps thinking about him

Suz , August 20, 2008

Write comment

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

Add Comment Preview