“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” grossed $72 million at its Friday opening — breaking the $67 million record set last year by “The dark Knight.” Joan Li, a 15-year-old “Twihard” who attends Midwood HS in Brooklyn and saw the flick yesterday in Times Square, shares her thoughts on why teenage girls are sinking their fangs into this vampire phenomenon.

I became a fan of the “Twilight” books in the 8th grade — way before it got popular, because I love reading vampire fantasy romance stories.

Personally, I love it because it’s a modern version of “Romeo and Juliet,” and any girl would want that fantasy coming true in real life.

so when I found out there was going to be the first movie, I was like, OMG! I cannot wait to see it!

I am so obsessed, I will buy anything having to do with “Twilight.”

That’s kinda where I spend all of my money — on the books and journals and stuff.

the first movie was so good that this time around, I set a calendar countdown on my iPod for “New Moon” starting in July. Every day, I watched the numbers tick down, wishing it would go faster.

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My friends Clarissa, Kimberly and I got here at 10:30 a.m. for the noon showing, and the theater was packed with girls–and maybe some boys who came to see the girls.

there were literally five theaters just for “New Moon!” the crowd was all calm when the movie started, but when Jacob (Taylor Laughton, playing the werewolf) took his shirt off, everyone in the theater gasped!

I heard there was 36 minutes of Jacob shirtless in the entire movie.

a lot of girls in their 20s like Edward (Robert Pattinson, the vampire). He has a more mysterious vibe, but is a little too hairy. When Edward first appeared in the movie, it was in slow motion, and you could hear one long sigh from the audience.

Let’s just say that I am definitely with Team Jacob instead of Team Edward.

I saw Jacob on the “Regis and Kelly” show the other day, and I was WOW! I have no words.

I just want to meet him so badly because, he’s really cute and, um, his body is so nice.

He had to pack on 30 pounds of muscle for this movie. plus he’s closer to my age.

During the movie, when Bella (Kristen Stewart) left Jacob, I was so emotional. He was just totally begging her to stay, and I was like, OMG, I felt so bad.

I am sure other people were crying at that scene, because I heard squealing all around me.

but I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen because I was totally awestruck.

Overall, the sequel was definitely much better than the first.

“New Moon” was more like the book than the first movie, had better action, and was more of a love triangle.

the ending is a total cliffhanger. I don’t want to give it away, but it was really sweet.

As soon as I find out exactly when the third movie is coming out, I will be setting my countdown again.

My parents are always like, “it’s not real, give it up.” but I am like, “no way. I love it!”

• BY APRILL BRANDON – abrandon@vicad.com
• Originally published November 19, 2009 at midnight, updated November 19, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.

It’s an issue that is tearing this country apart. People are picking sides and it’s pitting sister against sister, cougar against tween.

Just who is better? Edward Cullen or Jacob Black?

To find out, we took two Twihards, one on Team Jacob and one on Team Edward, and made them answer questions about the characters and what makes their man the best.

May the best man (vampire/werewolf, whatever) win.

Q: describe your character and what makes him awesome.

A: Jacob. Pecs. Six-pack.

Of course, there are a lot of other reasons why Jacob is awesome but considering I’m staring at his picture right now … make … thinking … hard … (drool) …

OK, OK. I put the picture away. Jacob is the ultimate best friend, the guy who loves you unconditionally and would do anything for you. He’s the guy that makes you feel better, not the one that makes you nervous and obsessed. he has a strong sense of family, of duty and of love.

And did I mention his pecs?

Q: why do you think your guy is better than the other?

A: Well, to start with, Edward is … hmm … how to put this delicately? Edward is DEAD! He’s dead, people. Not to mention, he’s roughly 100 years older than Bella. That’s not even robbing the cradle. That’s pretty much robbing the twinkle in Bella’s great-grandparent’s eyes.

But Jacob, ah yes, Jacob. He’s warm, loyal, funny, brave, good-looking, oh, and um, alive. He’s there to pick up the pieces after Edward shatters Bella’s heart. He’s the best of both worlds: a big, strong wolf ready to lay his life down to protect you and a big strong guy (with incredible pecs) willing to lay his life down to protect you.

Q: Who would win in a fight, Edward or Jacob? why?

A: Jacob, hands down. Have you seen those pecs?

Q: Who would win in a fight, Team Jacob fans or Team Edward fans? why?

A: I’m going to go with Team Jacob fans. Wait, are we allowed to use weapons? No? Bummer.

Well, I’m still going to go with Team Jacob fans. Girls may love them some Edward, but women love Jacob, and if it came down to it, we could twist you vampire lovin’ chicks into pretzels.

Q: to defend your guy’s honor, list five insults against the other guy.

A: 1. You know the only thing worse than someone who is emo? someone who is an emo-vamp. “Oh, I’m so brooding and whiny cause I ate some people back in the day. Woe is me.” get over it, wussy.

2. No one wants to cuddle with a glacier.

3. If I wanted to spend time with a man with Victorian-era values, I could just hang out with my grandpa. Plus, my grandpa doesn’t want to eat me.

4. Hey, Edward, the coroner called. You’re still dead, champ.

5. How about dating someone your own age? Like the Queen of England (although even she’s a little young for you, dude).

Q: Who should Bella choose and why?

A: Edward. Momma wants Jacob all to herself.

Q: describe your character and what makes him awesome.

A: Edward is what every woman fantasizes about. He’s got it all. He’s mysterious, attractive, charming, smart, a gentleman and completely loyal to the woman he loves. What’s not to love?

Q: why do you think your guy is better than the other?

A: Aside from what I just described above? He’s more experienced and knows what he wants. He’s cautious and more calculated with his decisions, unlike Jacob who is still young and has problems controlling his temper.

Q: Who would win in a fight, Edward or Jacob? why?

A: Physically, I think they can both take each other on pretty well, but Edward definitely has the advantage because of his experience and ability to read Jacob’s mind, so he can anticipate his every move.

Q: Who would win in a fight, Team Jacob fans or Team Edward fans? why?

A: Not entirely sure on that one, but I do believe there are more Team Edward fans out there. most of these girls are staying loyal to their first love: Edward. so Team Jacob might be out numbered there.

Q: to defend your guy’s honor, list five insults against the other guy.

A: 1. You want a real man, not a pup.

2. Edward sparkles like diamonds, and diamonds are a girl’s best friend. a pup is just a pet.

3. Edward won’t fall asleep and drool all over you.

4. Edward doesn’t abandon you to hang out with the “guys” like Jacob does.

5. are men supposed to have fleas?

Q: Who should Bella choose and why?

A: Edward is definitely the choice! They found each other irresistible from the very beginning and can’t stay away from each other, no matter how hard they try. Like Edward said to Bella, “You are my life now.” that is a thousand times more romantic than worrying if your man might “imprint” on someone else. Bummer.

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The Twilight Sequel, New Moon, has already brought in $72.7 million dollars in sales throughout the United States and Canada since it’s opening on November 20th at midnight. the movie premier has made its way to the top of the list beating the previous record holder, the Batman Sequel “Dark Knight” which raked in $62.2 million in it’s world premier last year.

So what’s the big fuss over the vampire love story? Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) seem to have an undeniable love for one another both on and off screen. Their chemistry is pretty hot and they definitely draw both readers and viewers into their complicated lives. but when Edward breaks up with Bella in New Moon, she develops a close relationship with her new friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and a love triangle begins to form. Fans seem to be taking sides, whether it be Team Edward or Team Jacob. Both Edward and Jacob deliver a delicious performance where viewers find themselves ogling over their stellar looks and super toned bodies. Personally, I vote for Team Edward. Something about that English accent and dreamy face makes me blush like a teenage girl.

BEVERLY HILLS, California — It’s a question that ranks right up there with classics like “Nature or nurture?” “Elvis or the Beatles?” and “Boxers or briefs?” And now, with “New Moon” reversing the screen time on Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner to set up the latter as a beefcake-tastic leading man, it’s one that Kristen Stewart herself can no longer escape.

So recently, when we caught up with the actress who portrays the white filling within Stephenie Meyer’s torn-between-two-lovers Oreo cookie, we had to ask: Team Edward or Team Jacob?

“I think the whole point of the story is that there isn’t a wrong choice,” insisted the diplomatic actress, reversing past claims that she preferred the sweet-but-overeager pursuer to the mysterious, anguished one. “I go back and forth from being Team Edward and Team Jacob all the time.”

Over the course of four carefully crafted novels, the best-selling author built up tremendous tension around her central love triangle, dividing fans into the two camps. of course, once “Breaking Dawn” was published last year, her readers learned which hunk won Bella’s heart. but that isn’t stopping the “New Moon” movie from similarly escalating the boy battle.

“That’s the story,” KStew said of why fans get so passionate over the debate. “The story wouldn’t exist if there wasn’t, like, a genuine argument for why she should be with both sides.”

Sounding a bit like a Vegas bookie, the actress was eager to explore the advantages of both sides. “On paper, I think Jacob’s probably better for her. There’s ease. He’s her best friend. She’s always smiling around him. She’s safe with him,” Stewart observed. “But there’s just something about Edward. It’s just that sort of indescribable thing that she can’t live without. I think, put in that position, I would have to go with Edward because that’s [undeniable].”

Pleasing the majority of fans worldwide, Kristen said that Rob’s character is her man. “I really appreciate following your gut instinct,” she said of Bella’s inevitable choice, adding, “Even though it’s not necessarily the right thing to do.”

MTV delves deep into the “Twilight” universe with two can’t-miss specials: “Love Bites” chronicles the budding rumored romance between Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT, while “New Moon Revealed” will feature die-hard fans as they gather to meet the saga’s stars Monday at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

KENT, Wash. – if you listen hard enough, you can hear the screams of thousands of teenage girls tonight.

They gathered at movie theaters all over Western Washington to see the newest “Twilight” movie that premieres at midnight.

Tonight the Kent AMC sold out ten theatres for their midnight showing of “New Moon.” And teenage girls weren’t the only ones in line to see it.

Seventeen-year-old Megan Evans of Auburn lined up right after school for the midnight showing.

“We planned on being here right after school, so it’s pretty cool,” Evans said.

Nineteen-year-old Dallin Grover of Covington admits he’s a fan too.

“There’s vampires and werewolves, what isn’t to like about it, it’s the best,” he said.

“New Moon” continues the story of forbidden love between vampire Edward Cullen and his human girlfriend Bella Swan, adding a love triangle twist with a Werewolf named Jacob.

Like its predecessor, most of the “New Moon” story is set on the Olympic Peninsula. the franchise has brought throngs of tourists to Forks and everyone wants to capitalize on the craze.

Even Seattle’s upper-crust diners at Canlis can feast on the Twilight cocktail called “The Temptation of Edward Cullen.”

Think the cocktail is too mature for fans? 52-year-old Joan Johnsen brought nine friends to see the premiere tonight. What does she like about it?

“The setting, the fact that it is here in Washington, a lot of it. But definitely the characters drew me in,” said Johnson.

“Oh, the romance, definitely,” said her friend, Liz Wagoner.

Whether you’re team Edward or team Jacob, there is plenty in the movie for girls of all ages to ga-ga over.

“I’m in love with Taylor Lautner, so the fact that he plays Jacob is kind of heartbreaking,” said 16-year-old Sarah Bennet of Auburn.

“Robert Pattinson is really, really hot. I’m not going to lie,” said Megan Evans.

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