Bitten by Books Screen Bites - Eclipse, Eureka, Haven and The Gates

Greetings, readers and watchers. This week we will discuss the movie Eclipse, as well as check in on some of our summer shows.

Your hostesses: Brit and Carol

Eclipse
I saw this movie a couple of weeks ago with a friend, and we both enjoyed it. Personally, I have been pleased with the screen versions being pretty faithful to the books, though I don’t always find that this aspect is necessary to my enjoyment. Film is an art form in its own right, and non-faithful or “inspired by” adaptations reflect the filmmaker’s vision – something they are entitled to.

The movie, like the book, features two distinct and yet connected elements: lots of action (great scenes), and the love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob. Well, it is a triangle from at least Jacob’s point of view. One reason this book was not my favorite of the series (that would be New Moon) is Bella’s “realization” that she does love Jacob, also. There is a difference between loving someone and being in love, and I think the book muddles that distinction. However, I think the movie captured it perfectly, and I really appreciated that aspect of it.

I know I may be creating a firestorm here, and causing much gnashing of teeth, but I find Jacob to be kind of a whiner in the books. I believe it is made pretty clear from the beginning that Edward and Bella belong together, and so that aspect of Jacob’s depiction always bothered me. Thankfully, that part of Jacob’s personality is downplayed a bit in the movies.

So, people, discuss. Did you like the movie? Why or why not? Will you buy the DVD?

Haven, Fridays at 10:00, SyFy

The third episode of Haven aired Friday and it is getting good, so if you
gave it up as a lost cause, come on back. It is really starting to get
interesting, and I am officially hooked.
My favorite part of this week’s episode was when “crazy” was in the air and
Nathan caught it. He would make a phenomenal maniac. He has the perfect “I’m
going to kill you” glare.

I was glad to see the return of Duke and, for all you ladies, yes, he was
shirtless, and I must say he has an amazing body. What I really want to know
is the history between Nathan and Duke. Why the bad blood? What secrets do
they share?

The characters keep saying that the “troubles are back”. This coincides with
Audrey’s trip to Haven. Do they center around her? Does she have some
unknown ability that enhances paranormal phenomena in the town? Who knows…

And finally, Audrey gets a clue about her mother. She meets a man who
remembers her name was Lucy and that he sold her flowers in 1983. Now, she
at least has something to start her search with. Her personality is also
developing nicely. At first, I didn’t really like her, but she is more
animated and engaging now.

So, what did you guys think of this week’s episode?

Eureka and The Gates:

Wow, lots going on this week. Poor Carter. Do you think we will ever get the
old Eureka back, or will the “new” one grow into a completely different
third incarnation?

The Gates continues to be a sort of spooky Desperate Housewives, but that is
not necessarily a bad thing. The whole idea of having a community with
paranormal beings living in a protected community that the outside human
world knows nothing about is kind of cool.

So, what do you love this week? What did not like?

Next week, we will chat about the return of Being Human.

Happy Viewing!

Greetings, readers and watchers. This week we will discuss the movie Eclipse, as well as check in on some of our summer shows. Your hostesses: Brit and Carol Eclipse I saw this movie a couple of weeks ago with a friend, and we both enjoyed it. Personally, I have been pleased with the screen versions …

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About Carol

A book reviewer and editor at Bitten by Books since 2008, Carol reads extensively in the urban fantasy genre, and also writes the column on genre television, Screen Bites. Serving as the director of the Urban Fantasy track at Dragon Con, Carol also works at Coastal Magic (formerly Olde City, New Blood), and AnachroCon, and for the last three years has been one of the organizers for a small literary festival in the town where she lives. When not reading, writing reviews, or working at conventions, Carol spends as much time as possible with her three amazing grandsons.

40 comments

  1. Re: Haven

    I had to re-watch certain parts of the episode because of shirtless Duke XD I’m not surprised, plus if her mom was in Haven, than she has a connection to the place, so nope not surprised. My question is, and I guess this depends largely on how much of the book they are using for backstory, was her mom (I’ll call her ‘Lucy’ for lack of another name) Lucy drawn to Haven like the others with special abilities or for a completely different reason?

    I thought it was telling when Ray said that his grandfather warned him about it. His grandfather who was not born in Haven that is.

    Also I have questions about Duke and the conversation between him and Nathan. I’m willing to bet he was implying the Duke has his own special ability-my sister thinks mind control of some nature. Nathan said ‘parasite’ though, so I think its more that he literally uses people in some way. (I’m just glad that they had that conversation with Duke clothed, otherwise I wouldn’t have paid attention). Nathan was kind of funny in that scene-I thought he had turned into a zombie the way he tried to chomp on Duke at one point.

    Her boss…there’s another mystery. Who was he talking to? I’m not willing to think its the Sheriff, even given his attitude turn around he was way too hostile at first. Whoever is in charge of Haven (they have to have a mayor right?)?

    The Gates-oh this is my guilty pleasure show (Rhona Mitra is my love). I was so happy they focused less on the people I didn’t care about (sorry werewolves, you’re low on my totem pole) and more about Nick digging deeper and Claire/Dylan’s relationship. I have bad feelings over Andi/Charlie however…

    Lexie C.

    • In the book, there is no Audrey. There is a Stephanie who is a local newspaper reporter. Also, there is no connection between Stephanie and The Colorado Kid. She is just curious about the man after her editors tell her the story of the unsolved murder. So far the only thing that is the same is the Colorado Kid himself.
      As much as I like the show I have no idea how it is based on the book.

  2. Still have not gone to see Eclipse but I will if I have to go by myself.

    Have watched the first two episodes of Haven and have the third on my DVR. I think this is going to be a keeper.

    I’ve enjoyed The Gates but I’ll be pleasantly surprised if it goes a second year. The big networks never give this type of show a chance to develop a good following.

    Now Eureka, I loved the first two years of it and somehow got out of the habit of watching. Summer shows are tough to commit to as our family is so busy. But I will get the seasons on DVRs and watch them once cold wether sets in.

  3. I have not seen Eclipse yet. I will have to rent in it when it comes out.
    Haven is as good as I knew it was going to be!!
    I really liked the old Eureaka and hope to get back there but who knows? Maybe it will morph into even a better place to live.
    Gates is still just hanging by a thread for me.
    Lisa D.

  4. The Gates seemed to be a bit better this week. I still think it’s missing something. Not sure if I can put my finger on it but I think if they don’t do something the show won’t be around long. Just my opinion

    • It’s not just you. I still watch, but there is something that’s not quite right. I’ve been trying to figure it out myself.

      • Carmen and Rae, I know what you mean. I think part of the problem may be that we do not really get to know many of the characters, aside from the new sheriff. We know his background, and his struggles with himself, but we don’t really know much about any of the others. I find the vampire couple particularly intriguing, but it is taking a bit too long for us to find out their history — a necessary ingredient to finding out what makes them tick.

  5. We saw Eclipse and really enjoyed it. Of course I will buy the DVD to go with the other two I own. I am really liking the Haven show. It keeps me interested enough to wonder what is going to happen next.

  6. I haven’t seen Eclipse yet. I’ll definitely be renting it though when it comes out. I have my issues with the movies compared with the books. But I’ll refrain from discussing everything in depth, because then I’d be here forever.

    Haven, I am so hooked now. I really like what they do with the storylines. They’re different and interesting and grab my attention without being over the top. I hope they go into more depth with the boss and what his connection is to all this. Sometimes they write off things that they feel don’t work with the show once it gets started, but I hope they elaborate on it. I am loving the dynamic with all of the characters too.

    The Gates…I still just like it. I love the idea of it, but I don’t love it. I agree with Carmen, there’s something that’s slightly off. But I can’t figure it out. Maybe it has to do with the fact that there are so many people and beings, but we don’t get any depth, background or explanation of them. I’m not sure. I’ll keep watching and hope it gets to the point where I love it.

    • I think Audrey’s boss plays a pivotal role and he knows everything about her. I am sure we will begin to see him creep into future episodes.

  7. I thought Eclipse was great too, really well done - especially in comparison to the first movie. All the actors have matured and the feeling of the movie flows better for me. I can’t wait to see how they pull off the final book - I just can’t imagine a pregnant Kristen Stewart - I keep seeing the scene from Spaceballs where the alien busts out of the stomach and starts tap dancing on the bar…. hmmm…. anyways, we’ll see how they pull that off. :)

  8. I still haven’t seen Eclipse and honestly don’t plan to do so, despite those being the best —- film werewolves I have ever seen. It’s just not on my radar.

    Eureka! OMG, lessons learned and the whole mob scene? Hey, I’m still catching up. I’m still 1 episode behind on Havens.

  9. I absolutely loved this movie! I’m a huge fan of the books and I’m glad that the movie wasn’t a total disappointment.

  10. I have yet to see the movie. I will wait for dvd. I was not been impressed by the first two movies so not in any rush to see this one.

  11. Victoria Zumbrum

    I love the Eclipse movie. I thought it was the best out of the 3 movies. But you are right about Jacob. I thought he was a whiner too. He has known from the beginning it has always been Edward and Bella. I think Jacob is more like a friend or brother to Bella. That is the love she feels for him. But Edward is her soulmate and that will not change. [email protected]

  12. I have kept up with Eureka and The Gates but I haven’t had a chance to watch Haven yet. Have it on the DVR. I haven’t seen Eclipse yet. I will wait for the DVD

  13. I have not seen Eureka, haven, or the gates. I know I know, I need to get a move on it. I did see Eclipse, and I really liked it. I think the movies are pretty in sink with the books, so far Eclipse was my fav, am really looking forward to seeing how well they do the last. I agree with the comment on Jacob, he seems to be forever getting mad and storming off. I HATE that in a guy!! I really am going to catch up on those shows, tho!!

    • forgot to mention that I will buy the dvd, I have the first 2, and I will buy them all to watch at future times.

  14. I’ve gone to Eclipse as soon as it opened here. I quite liked it, although Twilight remains my favorite so far. I understand why some people can hate the Twilight books and the movies, but I can enjoy them for what they are and focus on the best things in them. I liked that Eclipse had more humor than the previous movies.

  15. I like the faithfulness of the twilight movies, too (when they are), but I definitely like the movie version of Jacob better for your same reasons. There was more action, and Eclipse is (likely) my fave book in the series. I’ll see the 2-part Breaking Dawn when they come out, too. I wish I knew where they were splitting it exactly. I will get New Moon and Eclipse on DVD to go with my Twilight. I liked all of Haven’s action, unstoppable craziness possessing people, seeing who stepped up to help and the interesting/creative cause. I like Nathan; looks like he’s been a bad boy before. Haven’t seen the other 2 shows.

  16. I am still loving Eureka, and I like The Gates so far too, even if it can be a little cheesy. I want to watch Haven so bad, but I’m always doing something else. And I think my DVR is full of a bunch of other shows I haven’t had the time to get to.
    I am really liking the story arc for Eureka, but I might change my mind if they can’t fix what happened, if only for Jo. I think everyone else’s situation might work out (even Henry seems to be digging his wife) but I feel bad for Jo, even if she does have a great job.

  17. I haven’t seen the movie yet.

  18. I still don’t understand the Twilight mania but I saw Eclipse and it wasn’t bad. I think I enjoyed watching the people watching the movie more than the movie itself but there’s a craze, that’s all there is to it. I actually came into the movie thinking it was the last one but then found there’s supposed to be more—sheeesh!!!!

    I need to have more time to watch other shows :( sorry can’t comment on the others

  19. I haven’t seen Eclipse and I doubt if i’ll get the dvd. I liked the book.

    The Gates as a spooky Desperate Housewives. That’s a great description. I’m not sure if i’m going to keep watching. I can’t remember what happened this week.

  20. Not seen eclipse and haven’t seen any of the other but Eureka. I loved it but haven’t watched in a while. Need to get to watching the first season of True blood. Am making that a priority this weekend.

  21. I have not seen Eclipse, I thought the movies paled in comparison to the books, so I probably wont watch any of the. I saw Twilight in the theatre and was super disappointed. I am a total book lover at heart, I hate when movies screw up books!!

    I have not seen Eureka or Haven and The Gates either…

    • Yup, I agree w/u on Twilight-that movie made me cringe, it was so horrible. But New Moon and Eclipse werent so bad. They still pale in comparison to the books though.

  22. love haven and eureka..gates i got bored with it.

  23. I have huge respect for Taylor Lautner for the amount of muscle weight he had to put on for the films. Did you know he’s a martial arts champion? Here’s hoping after the Twilight series is over, we get some kung fu action. :)

  24. I really liked Eclipse! The book is my favorite in the series so far (haven’t read Breaking Dawn yet). I agree with you about Jacob. The whole thing kind of irritates me because I think Edward and Bella belong together too.

    Haven’t watched Haven yet (darn it). I don’t have satellite right now. Never have watched Eureka. I’ve been watching The Gates and I’m thinking it’s kind of boring for a paranormal show.

  25. I’m glad I stuck in there with Haven because it’s getting pretty good. I’m still wary though because, as much as I love Eric Balfour, his shows never seem to last.

    Eureka - ack! Not sure what to make of this latest move.

    I tried to watch the first episode of Gates, but barely made it through. Maybe I’ll retry it.

  26. I don’t watch The Gates or the Twilight movies. And I’m taping Eureka and Haven til I can find the time to catch up. My daughter gave birth to my first grandbaby this month. Haven’t been able to read very many books, much less spend a lot of time watching TV.

  27. I saw Eclipse with a group of friends on opening night, it’s sorta a tradition now with these movies :)
    I enjoyed it and overall thought it was entertaining, but I’ll always love the books more for their intricacy,humor, and just plain great storytelling. I didn’t find Jacob to be whiny in the books, but he did make me laugh a lot! So idk, but as for dvds, I dont buy any since netflix came into my life lol

  28. I was disappointed with Eclipse. That was my favorite book of the series. I thought the movie was slow up until the fight finally started. That being said, it was still the best one so far.

  29. I always go to the Twilight movies with my teens and a couple of friends- I thought Eclipse was MUCH better- Jacob needs to be about 5-10 yrs. older with facial hair and he’d be more realistic. BAHAHAHA I thought Jasper was great in this one- he even lost his deer in the headlights look! yeah, I’ll buy the DVD. I’m a wimp.

    Haven- I really love this show and where it’s going. I love that they are talking about the past events as “the troubles”. That is so Stephen King. LOL I like all the characters- and I think they will just keep getting better. Yes, I certainly did catch the shirtless scene- wow is all I can say.

    I think Eureka is going to stay the way it is, but the characters will gradually “fix” things to what they can live with- such as Jack breaking up with Tess. Some things will are good, others have to change- at first I didn’t like it, but I’m thinking it might be a good thing:)

    The Gates is not growing on me for some reason- I’ll give it a couple more shows but…

  30. Did you like the movie? I did like eclipse.. I saw it 2 times…
    Why or why not? I really liked the books and it’s getting close to the end and I like seeing the events play out. I really liked the backgrounds for the vamps. gives a little insight into why they are the way they are.
    Will you buy the DVD? of course.. it has to go with the rest hee hee

    So, what do you love this week? What did not like? I only watch The Gates. I’m hooked! I really can’t wait to see what else is going to happen. I liked that the vampires and the police chief are trying to work together.. I just wish that they would not make the chief so weird as far as being obsessive about the body and all that. He should just be thankful that his life was saved and well be a bit more open-minded about things. I like that they have all kinds of paranormal entities… witches, wolves, vamps oh my! I really hope that they continue to have the series…

  31. I would have to say that I did enjoy watching Eclipse and I will more than likely buy the dvd of it.

    As for Haven, I wasn’t sure I wanted to see it, but I think I will give it a try and see what happens.

    And I am sad to here that Eureka is having issues? I have only been able to catch a few at a time so I have missed a lot it seems I will definetly need to catch up and see what is going on!

    I tried The Gates for a few weeks but it does seem like a cross between something paranormal and desperate Housewives for sure! I am not sure if I will continue to watch, it may not last and I hate when they pull shows without giving it an ending. Even an abrupt one would be ok.

    I use to watch Dead Zone and The 4400 on USA during the summers a few years back and those lasted for seasons and then just ended without giving them an ending so I am definetly leery now of these new shows! What do you guys think of this? Do you think you could live with a crappy ending? as long as it was something? or would you prefer nothing at all, if it wasn’t done right?

    Helen G.

  32. Ok I have A LOT to say! ;)

    I am probably one of few that has not seen Eclipse. Sorry.

    I’m really sad - I have been having issues with my cable all week & I’m “missing” channels. One happens to be BBCamerica. That is a huge thing w/my tv-watching because it’s one of my favorite channels. ;) ok I know missing cable/it being screwed up isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme — but I watch a lot of tv. ;) After days on the phone (I’m not the only one in my area trying to get their’s fixed. It says something is being worked on in my area - they were working at my neighbor’s & then later mine flakes out. Growl. ;) While my dig cable & TiVo are screwy
    -
    I DO get SyFy & some others. I have Haven & Eureka tivo’d tonight. Hope it worked!

    I’m watching Haven. I’m not 100% sold on it yet, but I want to know what
    “troubles” are! & I thought last week’s w/her finding out more about her mother was interesting! I’ll keep watching. I want to know what “the troubles” are.

    I like alternate Eureka, cause I like seeing Gaius Baltar from Battlestar Galactica there. I think the old-Eureka will return. Maybe. But imdb says he will only be in a certain # of episodes. Whether that is accurate, I’m not sure. It makes me wonder if they will “send” him back? Or if he’ll go back to an alt 1947? Or if they all go back. I’m not sure. I do like what the writers did - giving Eureka almost a “reboot”. I feel bad for Carter, though!!

    I haven’t seen tonight’s episodes YET. I just watched Pillars of the Earth. (anyone watching that?) I normally depend on TiVo to take care, but I figured I’d watch that one live.

    I just realized! I’m missing Being Human! &
    I need to see if it’s online like Hulu, bbcamerica,,or amazon unbox. iTunes?

    I wonder what y’all thought of the Doctor Who season finale last Sarurday????? I’m not sure how long ago it aired in the UK (my UK friends mention it till we have all seen it LOl no spoilers!) I know they have seen Being Human series
    2 already. Speaking of that!! My TiVo cut off the VERY END of last week! When they are outside & the man is
    In their flat -
    Can someone please tell me what he says or
    Does? It cut off as he entered a
    Room & spoke. I wasn’t around to catch the reruns & I set it up to record a rerun late one night this week. That’s exactly when my cable cut out. (was awake watching it at 3am) Does anyone know?

    I’m going to miss Persons Unknown — I hope not! :( I’m so sorry if there are any typos. I’m on my cell & I reset the dictionary because it was “trained” to spellcheck a few words incorrectly. Now it keeps changing words I don’t want

    Haha. Anyways. Sorry for rambling!! I said
    I watched a lot of tv! ;) & keep your fingers crossed when they come out to fix the cable on Monday! *fingers crossed*

    It’ll give me time to watch movies &’read stuff that has been on my list. ;)

  33. I watched eclipse finnally about a week ago and I liked it a lot. The others two had to much nothingness to were eclipse kept up the pace. I was very glad to see how it turned out.

    I have watched havean from the start and I am enjoying it I got The Colorado Kid the day before it aired and now I’m kind of dissapointed that it had nothing to do with the show it was a good storie but still like you no idea how the show is based on it.

    As for eurika I have watched it for the last 3 seasons so the new season was done in a refreshing manner I like how they changed everything. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.