If you haven’t heard, (and if you haven’t you must live under a rock) the second edition of the Twilight Saga: “New Moon” was released nationwide on Nov. 20. This has become nothing short of an absolute phenomenon. The sequel to the ever popular “Twilight” has been anticipated for months now, and ticket sales show evidence of this.

According to Hollywood Trade magazine, “New Moon” had the biggest midnight showing in history, opening in 3,514 theaters at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 20 and grossing $72.7 million.

This places “New Moon” as reigning champ in pre-ticket sales, beating out “The Dark Knight,” all the “Star Wars” installments and, yes, even “Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince.” Friday morning alone, ticket sales for “New Moon” totaled $13.9 million. “Twilight” earned a total of $71 million opening weekend in November of 2008, “New Moon” near doubled that grossing at a total of $140.7 million in its first three days and a total of $258.8 million worldwide, according to The Associated Press.

Fandango couldn’t be happier after they released a statement saying that “New Moon” has earned them more money than any other movie during the history of their business.

Fandango also reported that 87 percent of ticket buyers are female, (no surprise there).

On the list of top 10 all-time most earning openings, “New Moon” is the only one to not premiere during the prime movie-seeing season – summer. The third installment, “Eclipse,” is to open in June 2010 and most likely break records once again.

For those select few who are not familiar with the second part of this story, “New Moon” continues the love story of Edward and Bella, or a 109-year-old sparkly vampire, played by Robert Pattinson, who falls in love with a mortal, played by Kristen Stewart.

After a volatile birthday party, Edward moves out of the picture while Bella’s best friend Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner, moves in to become an integral part of the story. A love triangle immerses between Bella, her vampire and her werewolf.

I must admit, I am a huge “Twilight” fan, as much as it pains me. I waited for this release for months and was also one of those purchasing tickets ahead of time for the Friday night showing.

Three of my fellow Twilovers and I saw the film on Friday. If you had doubts about this franchise after the first film was destroyed by Catherine Hardwicke, fear not “Twilight” people, director Chris Weitz rescues these movies with a much more fan friendly version.

With some of the conversations in the movie being almost directly taken from the book, I was not disappointed in the film’s portrayal.

The makeup, special effects and acting tromped “Twilight.” So if you are wondering what all the commotion is about, see “New Moon” and look at the shattering box office numbers this film has accumulated.

That might give you an idea of what our entertainment culture has in store for the next three to four years.

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