NEW MOON’S Ashley Greene has cemented herself as a Twilight sex symbol with a racy cover shoot.

new Moon actress Ashley Greene, who stars as Alice Cullen in the Twilight Saga, sent pulses racing when she made a stylish appearance at a new York bash to celebrate her new magazine cover.

despite frequently being eclipsed by Twi co-stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, the gorgeous 22-year-old has been earning serious fashion points during the promotional tour for new Moon.

Posing on the red carpet, the brunette wowed in a sexy navy-blue mini-dress with a plunging neckline, complete with striped cap sleeves and a slashed racer-back.

Ashley, who was attending the launch of her Maxim December issue, teamed the look with smouldering eyes and nude lips and cheeks.

The actress appears on the lads’ mag cover in a sheer wet vest and unbuttoned denim shorts on a beach.

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With the release of “New Moon” last Friday, the second film in the Twilight saga, the Daily got the chance to chat with Kellan Lutz, who plays big brother vampire Emmett Cullen in the series. Lutz, the object of many a teen girl’s attention, revealed his hobbies, real hair color and crazed fan moments.

Anna Williams: three words to describe Emmett?

Kellan Lutz: Loveable Teddy bear.

AW: three words to describe yourself?

KL: Loveable Teddy bear.

AW: as an insider, how do you explain the “Twilight” phenomenon?

KL: I wish I could. I don’t really see it for what it is, as an outsider would see it. I actually wish I could step away from it like that. But now we all, as a cast, live in this Twilight Zone. It’s a huge part of our lives, and it will continue to be for the next few years until we’re done with all the movies. I think five years from now, when everything is said and done, we’re going to look back and look at all the fan mail and look at all the scrapbooks and look at all the interviews…watch the movies again, and actually watch them as movies, and I’m going to just sit there in awe of this phenomenon that is Twilight.

AW: So it sounds like it’s been a really positive experience for you, but have there been any drawbacks?

KL: I don’t really get to spend time with my loved ones. I miss my dog, and my family and my friends. Thank God they are only taking three months to shoot. We shoot on the West Coast, and I find myself working six day weeks, with only Sundays off to myself. So I book a ticket for that morning, fly home for 12 hours, and book a ticket for that night to get back to work by Sunday morning. All just to see my dog.

AW: So how has this affected your family’s life?

KL: Well my mom, everyone knows her as Kellan’s mom, and she lives in Arizona. She’s so loving, and just awesome. you know, it’s weird having cousins come out that I never knew existed. People are contacting my mother and saying “hey I’m so-and-so, and can I have Kellan’s number?” and my mom has to think of some excuse as to why she doesn’t have my number for some reason- like I’m out of the country or something. But I have had a lot of relatives of relatives of relatives come out of the woodwork. But this has changed my life only for the better. I mean, yeah it’s crazy people knowing my name, but it is so humbling when people want my autograph, or a picture with me, because I am really just Kellan. I really haven’t changed who I am from before Twilight. I still do the same things I’ve done; I mean, maybe I style my hair now, and try to wear matching shoes and socks.

AW: So, going back to your hair…what motivated you to dye it?

KL: This is my normal hair color! I just had the black stripped out, because I get sick of it. It’s not really me, and I want to be myself. I sat in a makeup chair for three and a half hours, and they just stripped the color out — my hair is normally strawberry blonde, and gets very light in the summer. I just think blondes have more fun, and I just wanted to be back to myself.

AW: What kinds of things do you like to do, other than acting?

KL: you know, I have fun doing just about everything. the other day I was at jury duty, and I found this old grandpa dude, who was just sitting there looking really pissed-off, and I folded up a piece of paper and we started playing football. and he was having so much fun! We would sit there and start hitting people and annoying them. I really find fun in anything, even when I am by myself. I love painting and drawing, and just being active outside. Being outdoors, swimming, and just hanging out with my dog are all things I really enjoy.

AW: What kind of music is on your iPod right now?

KL: everything, actually. I have yet to listen to all the songs on there. I listen to different songs depending on my mood. when I’m going to the gym I like something that’s pushy, like rap, like J-Z, Z-Trip, Little Wayne, a little Kayne sometimes. I love Kings of Leon and Jack Johnson to mellow out too. Robin Thicke, Paramore, Citizen Cope, Incubus….I could go down the list.

AW: and what can we expect from “Eclipse” (2010)?

KL: A lot more from my character, thank god! I haven’t really done anything in these two movies besides be a presence. But “Eclipse” is such an action movie, and it was so much fun to film. I can’t wait to see the trailer! I’m really excited for that movie. In “Eclipse” I actually have great scenes with Kristen, and it’s really fun making her laugh, because that’s what my character does. I make her laugh when I’m not supposed to, and we end up having to reshoot the scene.

AW: What is the most outrageous thing a fan has ever done to get your attention?

KL: there was this one time when I was running with my dog down the street, and I see this car go past me. All of a sudden, the car comes to a screeching halt, and this woman gets out and screams, “Emmett!” I turn around and start booking it in the other direction. and I hear this flip-flops running after me, and two seconds later this water bottle is skidding right past me. and I was like, “Did you just throw that?” and she was like, “I wanted you to stop and say hi!” and I was just like, “Oh, hey…”

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The critics thought it was tedious, badly directed and generally mediocre. But New Moon and tedious are two phrases that should never be put together in the eyes of the twilight fans, or self-proclaimed ‘Twi-Hards’.

It is easy for me to see the appeal of this film. First and foremost, New Moon contains two of the most lust-worthy male actors in the world in the form of Robert Pattinson (Edward) and Taylor Lautner (Jacob).

Both appear topless at least twice, with werewolf Jacob Black running around without a shirt on at almost every opportunity. the audience are subjected to perfect jaw lines, carved six packs and smouldering stares in practically every scene, and to my mind, this has to be a large chunk of the appeal of this film. Now don’t start booing me, ‘Twi-Hards’, I’m sure this film means something more special than the shallow reasons I’ve just given, so I’ll move on to those next.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon, is essentially an old-fashioned love story, which somehow incorporates attractive vampires and werewolves into the mix. it is ironic how the actors are sexualised to the extreme in this film, when the underlying theme is essentially abstinence. However, I feel that this theme, which openly clashes with today’s society, is part of the allure of New Moon. in any other teen flick, two 17- year-olds who didn’t have sex would be quite a novelty, but for New Moon, it separates itself from its clichd counterparts in its genre. it is for this reason that the audiences of these books and films have such a wide age range. Young girls can watch this film while maintaining their innocence, teenagers can watch this film and allow themselves to feel the pain yet excitement of a first love secondhand, and older women can reminisce about true love.

Although a lot of the focus is on the males in this film, much credit must be given to Kristen Stewart who plays Bella, for her acting is simply out her cast mates’ league.

Bella in the book is very relatable, and this again is another reason for the popularity of the books, but Stewart has managed to capture this incredibly well. She is not cool, or popular, or a cheerleader, she is simply a normal girl, and this is what teenage girls can relate to so easily. so many young girls can project themselves on to her, and her introverted, shy, unassuming character is something I feel was needed in the world of teenage cinema before it was completely taken over by the likes of Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical) and Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), and Stewart has allowed this to happen beautifully.

To many, New Moon is not just a cheesy, teenage love story with vampires and werewolves, but instead something which they can relate to, and really understand. It’s not just another High School Musical, it’s a film that allows the audience to escape the realms of the normal world, while capturing the reality of a powerful first love.

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Over the weekend, I put out a shout on Twitter for you to share your “New Moon” reviews with us. I saw it myself in a Saturday morning matinee. which, I might add, was the most crowded I’ve ever seen a movie theater at 10am on a Saturday. And I go to lots of matinees. I’ll have some thoughts to share on that later, but for now I’d like to let you all speak your mind (with minimal edits, for length and readability). so without further ado, here’s what you readers thought of “New Moon”…

From reader “S”: “New Moon” was fantastic. It was a hundred times better than Twilight in every way. Chris Weitz did a fantastic job bringing the book to life. Even my mother, who isnt exactly a twilight fan, admitted that the movie was pretty good. she was also impressed with all of the muscles that Taylor Lautner had put on

From reader “Lucian”: “New Moon” was great, and it followed the novel pretty accurately also. I was super stoked to finally get to see it and I’m going to go see it again next week. And seriously, why would someone get on the Internet just to bash on stuff, I never understood that. These movies and books are going to be successful whether you like it or not, because they appeal to all people on a plane that is easy to relate to. I went to the four o’ clock showing at my local movie theater on opening day and there were more adults than kids in line. so you also can’t say it’s just teenagers that are entranced by Taylor and Rob’s hotness. And when I say adults, I mean thirty year olds and grandmas. “New Moon” gets a 15 out of 10 from me. You’re a genius Chris [Weitz]… ["Twilight" director] Catherine Hardwicke laid the foundation and you Built a G_d damned mansion…Great work!!!

Reader “Brianna” says: I did my part, saw it 2 times this weekend, Friday and Saturday. I loved this movie, every inch of it. CHRIS W. did am amazing job. Unbelievable job. Hope he does “Breaking Dawn”!

Reader “Renee” said: Saw the movie twice. loved loved LOVED it. far, far better than the first movie. Everything has improved: the acting, direction, cinematography, screenplay, costumes, action, romance… I’m not at all surprised by the results. Although there are many who hate the “Twilight” saga, the fans are certainly not messing around! The midnight show here was sold out three weeks before release. I’m going to see it next week with my mother, who is also a “Twilight” fan (she is 62 and I am 37.. and I have a 17 yr old son named Edward.)

From reader Emily B., who was kind enough to send us her review in an e-mail. thanks so much, Emily!

I am a complete ‘Twilighter’ so I had very high expectations for the film; I’d been counting down since the release date was announced. so my first opinion was that I was disappointed – It didn’t do the book justice. I think this was just because I was expecting it to be too good; I set myself up for a fall. However, I loved all the acting and directing. I wish there had been less Edward; I love him but we didn’t get chance to miss him in the film, whereas in the book it’s torture! I am a big fan of the Wolf Pack, Alex Meraz (Paul) in particular so I was disappointed when he was barely in it. The same goes for Kellan Lutz. However, I think Taylor completely dazzled us all; he deserves all the love he gets for his breathtaking performance. I also think Mike Welch, Edi Gathegi and Billy Burke were very strong, however small their parts may have been.
Overall, I had mixed opinions. I loved the actors and directing, but was disappointed that some of it just seemed to drag…when there was lots more they could have added. I think the more I watch it, the more I will love it. I think it’ll just have to grow on me. One last thing, at the moment I preferred the Twilight film; so I don’t think we should forget Catherine Hardwicke who gave us a great film before Chris Weitz, although I think Chris did a very good job.
Oh, and Rachelle [Lefevre] will always be Victoria.

ON TWITTER:

@majin_melmo: New Moon is my favorite book in the series–all I hoped for was a movie that wasn’t screwed up. It wasn’t. It was glorious.

@stefanieRibarra: New Moon Couldnt have been more faithful to the book I loved it I felt like I was reading the Book Literally which is amazing

@ophelieCo: +faithful2 the book,deep,intense,+adult,dark,bewitching&EdwardOMG!his relationship with Bella!their kisses’re more sex!

@VictoriaResende: ok here is what i thought: loved it! I laughed, cried, and couldnt believe how good Taylor was, everything was smushed close

@gemmacurriee: amazing! 100 times better than twilight!

@beckylovesjonas: it was amazing! Team Jacob! it was way more amazing that twilight was too!

@xlivingthedream: NEW MOON TOTALLY ROCKED!

It used to be that vampire movies left us quivering in our seats. But Stephanie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, has brought a whole new appeal to the table, one far from the bloodsucking Dracula of old.

The downside: midnight showing tickets have been sold out for over a week.

“One girl almost cried, one did cry and a lot of people were just upset,” said Jasmine Smith, ticket seller at the Lincoln Grand Cinema.

The Twilight: New Moon sequel has sold more tickets in advance than any film ever, according to Fandango, the cinema booking website. More fans have pre-booked tickets to New Moon than earlier sequels, including Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and the dark Knight.

“I was kind of sad the midnight showing has been sold out for a week, I just didn’t know,” said Yasmine Khachab leaving Lincoln Grand ticket booth today. “But I did just buy tickets for four o’clock on Friday so right after class I’ll be there.”

Smith says that many of the customers who came in to buy tickets before they were sold out were mothers going to buy them for their teenage daughters or college girls. This craze, however, has been stirring the blood of many generations.

Thirty-four-year-old Cassie Taggart, for instance, will leave her son at home to attend the midnight premier.

“Because of my busy schedule, it’s like the only time I can see it,” said Taggart. “But I’m really excited to see the different types of people that will be there. since there is such a wide age gap, there are bound to be different reactions to the movie.”

Though she is not planning on dressing up, Taggart says a few of her friends plan on buying fangs to wear to the film which “might be dangerous!” said Taggart.

Due to its popularity, Marcus theatres across town are hosting various activities leading up to the midnight showing of the film. the Grand will be asking “Twilight” trivia (Twivia?) all night. East Park will also host a 7 p.m. character lookalike contest and will display a “Twilight” backdrop so people can take pictures in front of it. All four theatres, Lincoln Grand, East Park, Edgewood and South Pointe Cinema will hold a 9 p.m. screening of the first “Twilight” film that was released last fall.

The movie is hugely popularity among women, but may not play as well to guys. “I have no interest in it whatsoever,” said junior Kriston Burroughs, “although… the New Moon preview did look kind of interesting just because of the fight scenes.”

Burroughs says that many men like him feel the same way.

“I can deal without the romantic aspect just because I don’t really care who Bella (main character) ends up with,” said Burroughs.

Besides the movie phenomenon, Twilight has taken over many spots across UNL campus. for example, the University Bookstore has set up a special sales display devoted to Twilight, complete with the book series, soundtrack, 2-disc DVD, calendar and even books about lead actor Robert Pattinson.

So what is it that makes Twilight alluring enough to be chosen as one of the top staff picks at the University bookstore? Just read the display:

“Twilight – by Stephanie Meyer. a great book if you love romance and mystical creatures. Meyer is a fantastic writer that makes you feel like you are Bella.”

“Twilight – by Stephanie Meyer. Fun interesting read that makes the supernatural seem possible, even likely. You’ll fall in love with the series.”

Maria Walker, avid Twilight fan, was also “devastated” that she was not able to get tickets to the New Moon premiere before they sold out. Walker described the Twilight actors as being people everyone can relate to. everyone wants to be loved, whether you are watching the relationship between Edward and Bella, Jacob, Alice, or whomever.

“A lot of people love vampires,” said Walker. “I love vampire books, movies, everything about them. I think I should be one but hey, it’s whatever.”

Walker, who has read the series once already and has just begun reading it again, will also be attending on Friday.

However, New Moon is only the second of four books to hit the big-screen, which may leave fans thirsting for more.

Videographer: Mike Schaefer

Photographer: Kris Knowlton

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LOS ANGELES — for Kellan Lutz, co-starring in the phenomenally popular “Twilight” films has given his career a brightly dawning future.

“I’m just so blessed to be a part of this amazing experience. It’s such a magic carpet ride. And it’s opened up doors for all of us within our careers to frontline other movies and be a part of bigger and better things,” Lutz said in a phone interview earlier this fall from Vancouver, British Columbia.”It’s just so amazing to have forged these relationships with these other actors who are just as humble and down-to-earth and have their heads on solid shoulders.”"The Twilight Saga: new Moon,” opening Friday, is the second “Twilight” film. Lutz reprises his role as vampire Emmett Cullen, the adopted big brother to the series’ brooding hero, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).in the sequel, Edward decides to leave his human girlfriend Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) after a minor accident puts her in mortal danger. in his absence, Bella tumbles into a deep depression, which is only lightened through her friendship with sunny Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). but Bella again finds herself in supernatural peril when Jacob becomes a werewolf.the films are based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling four-book series, though Lutz didn’t realize that when he got the role in “Twilight.” Like the novels, the movies boast legions of passionate female fans.”We didn’t know what this would become, in a way. we were just actors who fell in love with a script, and within doing that, it’s not like a Marvel hero where you know Green Lantern or Captain America, whoever is that is gonna be famous right off the block. we fell in love with our characters and kind of looked at this as just another job,” Lutz said during a recent news conference with co-stars Ashley Greene, Elizabeth Reaser and Nikki Reed at the four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.the North Dakota native is thrilled fans have accepted him as Emmett. “Twilight” was a 2008 blockbuster, and “New Moon” is one of the most hotly anticipated movies of the year.When Edward leaves Bella in “New Moon,” the rest of the Cullen coven also cuts ties with her. that meant Lutz, 24, and his Cullen co-stars had to make the most of short screen time in the sequel. Lutz tried to show his character’s protective side, especially his big-brotherly manner toward Bella.”The more you can still be in the scene and react … and really be in the scene without dialogue, the more you can add to the scene and fulfill it and just make it a full scene. That’s definitely the hardest part, but in a way it’s where the best acting comes out,” Lutz said from Vancouver, after a day of fight training for “Eclipse,” which wrapped filming in October.Lutz is confident his patience will pay off in future installments of the franchise: Emmett has a beefed up role in “Eclipse” and in the fourth book, “Breaking Dawn.” during a separate L.A. news conference, Pattinson said filming for “Breaking Dawn” is tentatively set for fall 2010.”We’re doing such intense fight training that we’re gonna look like trained killers by the time the fans and the audience sees it onscreen,” Lutz said of “Eclipse.”Outside the “Twilight” series, Lutz next will be seen in the remake of “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Growing up, horror villains such as Chucky and Jason Voorhees didn’t scare him, but “Elm Street’s” Freddy Krueger did, he said.”It’s such a blessing to be a part of something that for me, I grew up with,” he said. “It’s this psychological thriller that can take you in your dreams.”Though fame can be a double-edged sword, Lutz again counts his blessings when he considers the “Twilight” phenomenon.”We’re blessed to be actors and have such a loving fan base. And the fans are always so great, and they’re giving us presents, which is so crazy ’cause we’re allowed to work because of them. And the time they put into making dolls or buying Gummi bears or anything like that, it’s very humbling.”Travel and accommodations provided by Summit Entertainment. Share with a friend your Email address:Enter multiple comma-separated email recipients. Friends Email address many: Leave a Comment

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A&E Photo Galleriesview all OU men vs. Louisiana-Monroe: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009

Men’s college basketball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Louisiana-Monroe at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, the Oklahoman

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“The Twilight Saga: new Moon” premiere: Nov. 16, 2009

View photos from the movie’s premiere.

Daily Published Photos: November 17, 2009

View pictures from the Oklahoman.

Published: 7:00AM GMT 18 Nov 2009

More film fans have pre-booked tickets to New Moon than ordered advance seats for Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or The Dark Knight, according to Fandango, the cinema booking website.

With three days to go before the sequel goes on general release in the US on Nov 20, it has already sold more advance seats than the original Twilight film in 2008.

“For many fans, it’s the year’s most anticipated film event,” a Fandango spokesman told the Deadline Hollywood website.

“Ever since tickets went on sale in September, it’s been among our top five weekly ticket-sellers, as New Moon has a strong pull on audiences.

“We’re seeing a higher-than-usual number of tickets per transaction for this film, suggesting that moviegoers will show up en masse at theaters this weekend with their friends and family.”

Thousands of fans flocked to see New Moon stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart at the film’s Los Angeles premiere on Monday.

Pattinson, 23, who plays vampire Edward Cullen in this latest adaptation of the popular series, said this year’s crowd of thousands of screaming fans was larger than last year’s turnout.

“And it seems different to me because we have done this world tour in the last week and it has just been unbelievable in every single city,” he said. “It is about 10 times bigger than any other city in the world.”