Across the country last week, die-hard fans of the vampire saga "Twilight" flocked to theaters for the latest installment of the film series, "New Moon."

The Associated Press reported that after midnight showings early Friday morning, "New Moon" had earned over $26 million more than the opening nights of the most recent Harry Potter flick ($22.2 million) or 2008's "Dark Knight" (a mere $18 million).

Online reviews of the film on popular sites like Imdb.com tear it to pieces. One reviewer called it "a steaming pile of crap."

"Awful ... just plain awful," said another.

"A never-ending stream of awkward moments," bemoaned a third.

But despite the jabs at Kristen Stewart's acting and the horrible dialogue, fans who lined up at Shoreline Cinemas in Mountain View to see the film on opening day had less biting things to say.

"I read every single book," said 13-year-old Jackie of Los Altos, who was on her way into a 5:40 p.m. showing Friday night with her friend Lexi. "There's always something going on. It's a romantic book, but there's also a lot of action in it."

Friends Ruth, 13, of Redwood City and Briona, 13, of Palo Alto, said they watch the original "Twilight" film every weekend together and can tell you all the gossip about what celebrities were considered for each role of the latest movie.

"It's the best movie ever," avowed Briona, sporting an "Edward" T-shirt and carrying popcorn and a soda.

Though the two obviously shared a mutual love for "Twilight," there was one issue on which they were divided: Who's cuter, Edward, the godlike vampire, or Jacob, the boy next door who is really a werewolf?

Briona claimed to be part of "Team Edward" -- that nationwide group of girls swooning over the lead vampire, played by teen heartthrob Robert Pattinson.

"My room is full of Edward, Edward and more Edward!" she said, explaining that she owns two Edward T-shirts, one Edward poster, one Robert poster and a smattering of "Twilight"-themed school supplies.

The majority of patrons were on "Team Jacob," however. Teen girls were not shy in explaining why: actor Taylor Lautner.

He is "so hot," said one. "I can't wait until he takes his shirt off!"

"I have an Edward T-shirt, even though I'm part of Team Jacob," said Jordan, of Redwood Shores. She admitted she hasn't read the books in full -- only the Spark Notes versions.

"I thought it was going to be lame, like 'Harry Potter,'" she said. Eventually, however, "I gave in, so here I am."

Though the girls gushed freely about the hunky guys, they were more reserved when it came to Kristin Stewart, who plays the protagonist, Bella Swan.

"She's kind of annoying in the movies," said Katie, 12, of Sunnyvale. "I don't know, she bugs me, the way she acts."

"She looks like she's meant to be Bella," offered Ruth, after describing the actress as plain.

Though the majority of "New Moon" patrons appeared to be teenage girls, there were a few older fans at Shoreline Cinemas, and at least one selfless older brother, who was treating his sister to the film for her 13th birthday.

Those older fans watching the movies for themselves tended to be a bit more sheepish about it.

"I have a love-hate relationship with it," said a 31-year-old woman who works in Mountain View, who insisted on anonymity. "The logical side of my brain says it's bad. But the 'Twilight' side that's obsessed still can't help it."