Is Twilight the WORST Thing Ever?

Summary

The Nostalgia Critic delves into the controversial Twilight saga, questioning its status as the worst in entertainment history. He critiques the unrealistic portrayal of vampires, plot inconsistencies, and shallow characters, particularly focusing on the protagonist Bella's lack of depth and agency. Despite acknowledging its flaws, the Critic argues that society's reaction to Twilight is more noteworthy than the franchise itself, suggesting that it will be viewed with nostalgia and amusement in the future, much like other once-controversial media.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The video discusses the controversial 'Twilight' franchise, questioning whether it deserves the negative reputation it has garnered over the years.
• 🧛 The script critiques the portrayal of vampires in 'Twilight', particularly the unrealistic sparkle and the inconsistencies in the lore.
• 🕳 The critique points out numerous plot holes and illogical story elements within the 'Twilight' universe.
• 👎 The special effects of the movies are described as terrible, with a comparison to 'Garbage Pail Kids' to emphasize the poor quality.
• 👚 The video argues that the 'Twilight' series is often labeled as female-oriented smut, but it actually has minimal explicit content.
• 🛌 The script humorously notes the lack of chemistry and emotional depth between the main characters, and the flatness of their personalities.
• 🤔 It questions the ethics and intelligence of the characters, particularly Edward and Jacob, and their relationships with Bella.
• 👶 The controversial aspect of Jacob imprinting on a newborn is mentioned, with the script suggesting it's a poorly understood and potentially problematic plot device.
• 👰 The main character, Bella, is criticized for being a 'blank slate' and a poor role model for young women, being overly dependent and passive.
• 🌐 The video suggests that the hatred towards 'Twilight' may be more about societal reactions and what the popularity of the series says about us as a culture.
• 🔮 Finally, the script proposes that 'Twilight' will likely be viewed in the future as a product of its time, similar to how we now view past controversial media with a sense of nostalgia and humor.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the Nostalgia Critic's discussion in the script?

The main topic is whether the Twilight franchise, including both the books and movies, is deserving of the title 'the worst thing ever' in terms of cinematic and literary quality.

What are some of the criticisms the Nostalgia Critic points out about the Twilight series?

The criticisms include the unrealistic portrayal of vampires, plot holes, poor character development, and the controversial portrayal of relationships and ethics.

Why does the Nostalgia Critic mention 'Garbage Pail Kids' in the script?

The Nostalgia Critic uses 'Garbage Pail Kids' as a comparison to highlight the perceived low quality of the Twilight effects and story elements.

What is the Nostalgia Critic's opinion on the portrayal of the female lead, Bella, in Twilight?

The Nostalgia Critic believes Bella is a problematic character due to her lack of independence, emotional depth, and ethical issues, making her a poor role model.

How does the Nostalgia Critic view the character of Edward in the Twilight series?

The Nostalgia Critic sees Edward as a character with no personality development despite his age, and criticizes his relationship with Bella for its lack of chemistry and his overbearing nature.

What is the controversy surrounding the character Jacob in the Twilight series?

The controversy is Jacob's 'imprinting' on a newborn baby, which is seen as ethically questionable and indicative of poor character judgment.

Why does the Nostalgia Critic argue that Twilight is not the worst thing ever?

The Nostalgia Critic argues that society has a history of evolving beyond initially controversial or disliked media, suggesting that Twilight will be seen as just another example of this in the future.

What historical examples does the Nostalgia Critic use to illustrate society's adaptability to controversial media?

The Nostalgia Critic cites examples such as The Simpsons, Andrew Dice Clay, and Madonna, all of which were once considered shocking or detrimental but are now seen in a different light.

What is the Nostalgia Critic's final stance on the impact of Twilight on society?

The Nostalgia Critic believes that while Twilight has its flaws and is deserving of criticism, it is not the worst thing ever and that society will likely move on and adapt its views over time.

How does the Nostalgia Critic describe the role of Bella in the Twilight series?

The Nostalgia Critic describes Bella as a 'blank slate' character, serving as a vessel for female readers to project themselves into a fantasy world of love and excitement.

What does the Nostalgia Critic suggest about the future perception of Twilight?

The Nostalgia Critic suggests that people will likely look back on Twilight and laugh at its absurdity, similar to how they view other once-controversial media today.

Outlines

00:00

🌙 Twilight: The Worst Cinematic Phenomenon?

The Nostalgia Critic opens with a discussion on whether Twilight is the worst cinematic phenomenon ever. He questions whether the books, movies, and the entire Twilight saga deserve the disdain they receive. The Critic points out common criticisms such as the sparkling vampires, plot holes, and the addition of nonsensical elements to the supernatural world. He also addresses the poor character development, especially the main characters Edward and Jacob, and their questionable ethics. The Critic humorously highlights the unrealistic and self-centered nature of the characters, particularly Bella, who is seen as a blank slate for readers to project their fantasies onto.

05:02

💔 The Ethical Dilemma of Bella and Twilight's Impact

In the second paragraph, the Critic delves deeper into the character of Bella and the ethical issues surrounding her portrayal. He argues that Bella's character taps into a fantasy of being taken care of by a handsome male while still being troubled, which appeals to many female readers. The Critic compares this to the evolution of characters in pop culture, noting that being a blank slate is now seen as a negative trait. He acknowledges that Bella is often seen as a poor role model, but counters by saying that many things from the past were also not the best influences. He concludes by suggesting that society's reaction to Twilight is more concerning than the content itself, and that people will likely look back on it with amusement, similar to how they view past cultural phenomena.

Keywords

💡Twilight

Twilight is a series of vampire-themed romance novels by Stephenie Meyer, later adapted into a successful film franchise. The story revolves around Bella Swan, a human girl, and her love triangle with Edward Cullen, a vampire, and Jacob Black, a werewolf. In the video, Twilight is discussed as a cultural phenomenon that elicits strong opinions, often criticized for its portrayal of relationships and supernatural lore.

💡Vampires don't sparkle

This phrase highlights a significant departure from traditional vampire mythology, where vampires are depicted as dangerous and mysterious creatures of the night. In Twilight, however, vampires sparkle in sunlight, a creative choice that is often mocked by critics for its perceived silliness and lack of alignment with established vampire lore. The video mentions this as a point of contention among fans and critics alike, illustrating how it symbolizes the series' divergence from classic vampire tales.

💡Blank slate

The term 'blank slate' refers to a character without distinct traits, allowing audiences to project their own identities onto them. In the video, Bella Swan is criticized for being a 'blank slate,' lacking depth and agency. This characterization is argued to cater to female readers' fantasies, enabling them to imagine themselves in her place, which the critic believes contributes to her appeal despite being considered a poor role model.

💡Imprinting

Imprinting is a concept introduced in the Twilight series, where a werewolf forms an unbreakable bond with another person, destined to be their soulmate. In the video, this concept is critiqued for its bizarre implications, especially when Jacob Black imprints on a newborn. This aspect is seen as controversial and highlights the convoluted supernatural rules within Twilight's universe, which many find confusing or unsettling.

💡Cinematic disgust

Cinematic disgust refers to the negative reactions and criticisms directed at a film or series due to perceived flaws in storytelling, character development, or production quality. In the video, the critic questions whether Twilight deserves its reputation as one of the worst cinematic works, exploring why it provokes such strong negative responses from both audiences and critics who find its narrative and characters lacking in substance.

💡Female-oriented smut

This term describes content primarily targeting a female audience, often focusing on romantic or sexual themes. In the video, Twilight is derisively labeled as 'female-oriented smut,' suggesting that it prioritizes shallow romantic fantasy over meaningful storytelling. The critic addresses this perception, noting that despite its sensual elements, the series lacks explicit content, instead centering on emotional drama that appeals to its target demographic.

💡Ethical problems

Ethical problems in the video refer to the moral issues surrounding the behavior and values of the Twilight characters, particularly their relationships and decision-making. Bella's dependency and lack of agency, along with Edward and Jacob's possessive behavior, are highlighted as problematic examples. These elements raise concerns about the impact on young audiences, who may view these characters as role models despite their questionable ethics.

💡Supernatural world-building

Supernatural world-building involves creating a fictional universe with its own set of rules and elements that transcend reality, such as vampires, werewolves, and magic. The video critiques Twilight's world-building for inconsistencies and plot holes, arguing that the series introduces elements like sparkling vampires and imprinting without adequately explaining them, which undermines the credibility and engagement of the story.

💡Cultural phenomenon

A cultural phenomenon refers to a trend or movement that gains significant attention and impact within society, often sparking widespread discussion and varying opinions. Twilight is described as such a phenomenon due to its massive popularity and the passionate responses it evokes, both positive and negative. The video examines how Twilight's success reflects societal tastes and how it influences perceptions of media and storytelling.

💡Role model

A role model is a person or character admired and emulated for their qualities and actions. In the video, Bella Swan's portrayal is criticized for being a poor role model due to her lack of independence and agency. The critic argues that her character does not inspire strength or self-reliance, contrasting with evolving expectations of female characters who serve as positive influences on young audiences by demonstrating resilience and empowerment.

Highlights

Twilight is often considered one of the worst franchises in entertainment history, both cinematically and literarily.

People criticize Twilight for its unrealistic portrayal of vampires, such as sparkling in the sun.

The series is noted for its numerous plot holes and inconsistencies within its supernatural world.

Critics argue that the effects in Twilight are terrible, comparing them to Garbage Pail Kids.

Twilight has been accused of being female-oriented smut, though the author defends it as sparking female-oriented literature.

The characters in Twilight are criticized for being flat and lacking chemistry, particularly the main couple.

Edward, a vampire, is criticized for his lack of personality and his overbearing love for Bella.

Jacob, a werewolf, is criticized for his attraction to Bella and his controversial imprinting on a newborn.

Imprinting in Twilight is a made-up concept that confuses many, but some theorize it as a protective mechanism.

Bella, the main character, is seen as overly dependent and a poor role model for young girls.

Bella is described as a blank slate, allowing female readers to project themselves into her character.

The Nostalgia Critic argues that Twilight's characters and themes are not unique in their negative aspects compared to other popular media.

The Critic suggests that society's reaction to Twilight is more concerning than the franchise itself.

Twilight is compared to other controversial media that were once thought to be destructive but are now seen as merely silly or outdated.

The Critic predicts that future generations will look back on Twilight and laugh, similar to how we view Saved by the Bell.

The Critic concludes that Twilight is not the worst thing ever, but rather a product of societal trends and reactions.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of evolution in societal tastes and the need to not be overly paranoid about the impact of popular media.

Transcripts

hello I'm the Nostalgia Critic guy

remember it so you don't have to well

seeing how we are still in the month of

love I figure it's time to ask a

cinematic question about love that seems

to be plaguing a lot of people's minds

is Twilight the worst thing ever the

books the movies the all-around

phenomenon

nothing generates more brainless love or

cynical hate than Twilight but is it

really worthy of as much cinematic

disgust as it gets

of course it is it's the worst cinematic

Brennan don't you never have to what I'm

getting at is people seem to regard this

franchise about a drama addicted twit

torn between an emo tastic vampire and

an ice tray stomach werewolf as one of

the worst in entertainment history

both cinematic and literary and given

the lineup of bad movies we've gotten

over the years is Twilight for lack of a

better term deserving of that title well

let's get down to what people really

hate about it and this is what the

classic war most famously vampires don't

Sparkle people have made up their own

rules about vampires before but this one

seems to be the most not vampire there's

also plenty of plot holes and

established story elements that never

seem to truly add up even within the

silly additions they make to the

supernatural world book and while these

additions are phenomenally stupid I've

seen Garbage Pail Kids so what else you

got the effects are terrible

again Garbage Pail Kids next it's

nothing but female-oriented smut well

your clothes it sparked the authors of

female-oriented smut but these two don't

even hit the bed sheets until part 4

part 1 and to its credit I do think the

bed gave the best performance it did not

look happy to be a flat surface for flat

characters this was actually a suicide

not too many people know that but I

digress

the story is focused albeit poorly on

the emotions of the characters you know

when they actually decide to show

emotion well don't get me wrong it's

horrible at it but that doesn't make

it's mud until apart for and even then

the rewards of such an act or not

reward II so that leaves us with one

last major aspect that people seem to

hate the most the characters and their

complete fucked-up ethics the fact that

these people are some of the stupidest

and most selfish creations that any

financially successful series has ever

produced and yeah they are first you got

Edward who has been around for more than

a hundred years and yet still managed to

not grow a personality which figures

because he falls in love with another

personality stricken bland job but we'll

get to her in a bit they sure little to

no chemistry yet he constantly wants to

throw himself at her feet so much so

that even dollar store romance novels

are telling him to grow a pair he also

likes to break up with her yell at her

getting contrived cockfights calls a

literal miracle of birth and evil

abomination

but that's okay because women like a bad

bet Jacob is the other idiot who seems

to have the hots for Bella he seems to

be a little smarter than Edward and even

supportive of those he cares about but

he is still attracted to Bella which is

why I used the term little smarter than

Edward his big controversy outside being

allergic to shirts as he imprints on a

newborn baby which in Twilight land

means he has marked her to be his future

mate making him a deado wolf

I guess this part never bothered me too

much because nobody fully knows how

imprinting words because they just made

the [ __ ] up I always thought he was just

doing it to protect Bella's kids so the

other wolves wouldn't kill her or even

some made-up wolf [ __ ] sense could

see the future and see that they would

one day be a couple I don't know they

made it up and it doesn't make a whole

lot of sense so how am I supposed to get

angry with if I don't even understand it

that's it it is pretty weird to watch a

kid grow and I guess be thinking yeah

I'm gonna bang that some day but then

again vampires and lore are usually

hundreds of years old and have most

likely watched their future loved ones

grow up so I don't know if anything in

this setup is really that new no no I

just my hard to believe that Stephenie

Meyer as batshit crazy as a writer she

is will be able to work in a pet

file wolf it just doesn't seem likely

whatever the reasoning is and whatever

imprinting is I'm sure it's stupid and

probably not the main reason to hate the

movies but then we got the queen of

mouth-breathing herself Bella Bella is

where many have the most ethical

problems and they should she's awful

she never fights for herself is overly

dependent is constantly throwing herself

into peril just so her Playgirl

calendars can save her even at her

goddamn wedding she barely cracks a

smile look at that oh I'm getting

married sucks so why does Bella come

across so awful and more importantly why

do so many younger girls want to follow

her because in reality Bella is and has

always been one thing a blank slate mire

whether she realizes it or not is

tapping into a lot of girls and even

women's fantasies which is to have all

their troubles taken away by a handsome

male and yet still be troubled so that

the male can continue to look after her

that's why she's so dependent and that's

why she never does anything because

she's just a skin for female readers to

put on and enter into a fantasy world of

love and excitement that's why

superheroes for a long time we're so

bland and boring if they had distinct

personalities that were different from

your own

you couldn't fantasize about being them

now many would argue that times have

changed and characters in pop culture

have evolved to distinct personas and

identities even in genres that were

considered less important several years

earlier and that's probably the biggest

reason people hate Twilight because a

character nowadays being too much of a

blank slate not doing anything now

equals uncaring selfish lazy too

dependent on everyone and avoiding

responsibility when trouble is afoot

and seeing how the biggest audience for

this series is girls and younger women

many would say this is the worst role

model that could ever be devised for an

evolving world and on the one hand yeah

that sounds exactly right she is the

worst role model for anyone just a

miserable uninteresting little

pain-in-the-ass burden which the story

is building up as the everyday hero

lick it but here's my thought on the

character destroying the fabric of

strength and morality think of all the

things you grew up with whether it be

superheroes fantasy comedy romance most

of these things were not the best

influences either many of them relied on

violence or resolutions I couldn't

really happen in real life

Saved by the Bell for example it's about

a high school boy who constantly causes

trouble and yet still comes out cool and

on top and let's face it at some point

when we were growing up we want to be

like Zack Morris but when we got to high

school it wasn't everything the show

promised was it but it's okay you know

why we adapted we all want to be violent

superheroes or glamorous movie stars but

we quickly discovered that reality had

different plans and we woke up pretty

quick to it why one we're adaptable we

learn and discover that our environment

changes and thus we have to make some

changes to two we grow the [ __ ] up

it's called being smart and young people

do it more often than you think not all

the time but remember when The Simpsons

was said to be destroying the fabric of

America remember how Andrew Dice Clay

was the most shocking person in media

remember how everybody thought Madonna

was gonna be the downfall of society a

lot of things we thought were going to

kill us we actually just evolved beyond

and now we look back and laugh at half

the stuff we were afraid of the early

Simpsons aren't shocking hell of

anything that just kind of awkward

nobody talks about Andrew Dice [ __ ]

clay anymore in effect where the hell he

even is that guy and Madonna

well okay she still has to keep her

clothes on but for different reasons

my guesses will look back on Twilight as

the same way it was stupid

even enjoyably stupid and at times it

probably did go too far watch this old V

log if you want more specifics on that

but for every [ __ ] who's actually going

to stay in the mindset that Twilight

represents what life really is dozens of

others are evolving and moving on so is

Twilight the worst thing ever well the

fact is it's not why light that we hate

so much

it's everybody's reaction

it the fact that society made it a hit

and we wonder what that says about us

it's weird and it's messed up but it's

not the first time we've liked unethical

crap so it only proves that we shouldn't

be paranoid about it either just accept

the fact that chances are people will

look back on it one day and laugh the

same way we laugh at something like

saved by the mill it's stupid and I'll

continue to make fun of it

but in terms of the worst thing ever oh

my friends there is so much more

evolution indie evolution that I think

our society has to show I'm the

Nostalgia Critic guide remember so you

don't have to