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The best part about being a film critic is that my sole purpose as it pertains to this site is to give my opinion. There are a few more subtleties that go into it, but for all intents and purposes my responsibility to the reader doesn’t go much farther than telling you what I think about movies. People read reviews to determine whether or not to see a particular movie and, for me, the beauty of it is that there is no wrong answer. I tell you what I think and you make up your own mind. Movies like Twilight come along every so often that make my job that much easier. Regular readers of tMF know full well that over the past year this site has become one of the (very) few Twilight-friendly movie sites on the internet. So it goes without saying that my duty to this film is purely cosmetic at this point. I could tell you the middle hour is ruined by a subplot involving a dancing one-legged hobo fornicating with members of the Catholic Church for money and you would shrug it off and see it anyway.

I have opted for a role of non-participation in the growing recreational activity of Twilight bashing that has become so popular in the past few months. Attacking the mob mentality of zealous fans is a bandwagon that would be an easy target to jump on, but I haven’t any level of education on the subject to warrant my involvement in such practices. The Twilight fan base, loyal, loud and proud as they are, has been forced to defend their passion to those that have, raising the pitch to a deafening level. So we are left with this game of back and forth that doesn’t really amount to anything because no one had seen the movie, thereby rendering the basis of everyone’s arguments – from both sides – invalid by default.

Well I have seen it and I have good news and bad news. The good news is there really aren’t any hobos. The bad news is the movie really isn’t that good either. I would be remiss if I didn’t qualify the review by saying I have not read the books. To be honest, I hadn’t even heard of them before starting to write for this site. I only say that for the sake of disclosure but it has no bearing on my ability to enjoy the movie. Look at the film adaptation of any book; if they are good, they are good in their own right – the film shouldn’t come with pre-requisite reading. Books are made into films because it is assumed the story will carry the film. The problem with Twilight is no matter how you look at it, it just doesn’t.

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You know the story, but for the few that don’t, I’ll quickly bring you up to speed. Bella (Kristen Stewart) moves to small town Washington to live with her father and meets the mysterious Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) who happens to be a vampire whose family lives secretly among the townspeople of Forks, Washington. Edward saves Bella from a near death experience and the two begin to fall in love. She finds out what he is – doesn’t care – and the two embark on a romantic journey that eventually endangers her life leaving him and his family to save her. (Better synopsis this time?) I take no offense to the story itself, but it is very awkward and kind of unbelievable. Not ‘awkward’ as in teenagers falling in love is always a little clumsy, and not because he is a vampire and she should be scared of him (although mildly, but I can get on board with the ‘love conquers all’ motif), but the pacing is such that it takes for-EVER to get going and by the time they actually come to trust one another and fall in love it seems like they had been fighting it for nothing and now they are so swiftly and madly in love it just doesn’t make sense. I am even willing to assume pieces of the book were left out in lieu of a two hour run time but I can’t help an overall feeling of, well, awkwardness.

It doesn’t help that the performances in the movie were laughable at times (literally, the crowd I was with laughed way too many times when it was supposed to be sincere on screen); only Pattinson showed fleeting moments of ability. His fans may be on to something because with the right material, I can see him becoming one hell of a leading man. Sadly for most of the Twilight he was resigned to looking creepy and uncomfortable. I understand what he was going for, it just didn’t work.

There have been a lot of comparisons drawn between Twilight and the Harry Potter series. Both are teen fantasy dramas based on insanely popular books with an even wilder fan base. I don’t want to start the whole Harry Potter vs. Twilight argument, but on the basis of overall appeal, there is a reason the Harry Potter films are more widely accepted that goes beyond its box office totals. The special effects are incredible (more on that in a minute) but the stories themselves are what draw the most attention. It would be easy for non-fans to dismiss them both because they don’t like stories of wizards or vampires. But strip them down to their fundamental story elements for a minute. If you take the wizardry and magic of Harry Potter out of the equation, you are left with the story of an orphan involved in a struggle with the man who killed his parents while trying to overthrow the evil surrounding him in order to free his people. It’s your basic revenge story with a splash of good vs. evil. That’s pretty heady stuff for a set of children’s books. Adults buy into the themes because they are basic enough to promote some form of emotional investment. That and they are the basis of countless great stories from film and print and something they are familiar with. Add back in your wizards and magic and kids are immediately drawn to the aesthetics of the story. All the sudden you have a story that people on a variety of levels can identify with that is worthy of their attachment.

Official [ Movie Site ]

What did you think? Do you agree or disagree? Did Twilight meet your expectations? Feel free to sound off in the comments. Be honest and remember to play nice...

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Comments (43)

Beautifully written review and good analysis of the movie

Hi Jeremy, this is a beautifully written review! I like the part where you mentioned the 'slow build-up' and once they finally get to the point, most people would've lost interest. I've also read other reviewers saying that some scenes looked quite silly, that people end up laughing where they were supposed to be crying.

I like how you compare Twilight with Harry Potter. I think that Harry Potter is quite different from Twilight. Harry Potter's strength is the creation of the incredible fantasy world, with very interesting characters - while Twilight relies on the inside, the emotional struggle of the characters. And if the film can't show that properly, it wouldn't work.

I think that 'story' is the most important part of a script, not the special effects. If the story isn't solid, nothing can really save the film. Or maybe I'm just a follower of Robert McKee's book...LOL.

I haven't seen the movie, but I am already prepared to be disappointed. I've read a few reviews, and they're not really encouraging. I love the books (the first three, anyway) and because of all the hype surrounding the movie, I think I'm expecting too much.

I'm looking forward to seeing Rob's performance, that's the only reason I'm excited about this movie. Although, I must say that I look forward to seeing him in 'How To Be' more than this one.

PS: Sorry about the really long comment.

Cilla , November 21, 2008

Thank You

I couldn't have said it any better. I completely agree. I have read the books and saw the movie myself, and although there was the good, overall it just wasn't a good movie. If I hadn't have read the book I honestly think that I wouldn't have been able to follow the story. It had no depth. Anyway, just wanted to say that i agree, and it was good to read it from a critic.

A-Bell , November 21, 2008

A Fair Review

My curiosity was growing at a uncontrollable rate, to know the non-reader opinion on this movie... so,thanks. As an avid non-teenage reader of Twilight, I think that the movie was hindered a bit by the director's fear of straying too far from the confines of the book series. Even with her strict attitude, she invevitably took liberties with the storyline that I wouldn't have. And left a few too many awkward Bella moments, that again, I wouldnt' have. Although we missed most of Bella's internal whiney monologue that comes with the book, we as movie watchers also were left with an on-screen Bella character with no depth. But all things considered, the director did, in fact, keep the story fairly close to the original. This is not something that we can easily say about on-screen adaptations of Best Sellers...

Renee , November 21, 2008

Completely True

I haven't seen the movie yet, but your review seems to be in consensus with the other rational reviews I've read so far; but yours has ben the most helpful, since you've refrained from abusing it in frustration like so many other reviewers.
As a reader of Twilight, I can say that the plot as you've described it is exactly true to the books. There's no real rhyme or reason as to why people like them so much, but as you say, readers are still going to watch the movie.
But I can tell from what I've read that in ten years' time or so, when people watch it, they'll cringe.

Jess , November 21, 2008

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i'm a big twilight fan - as in, i read the books, and i acknowledge that they're, well, not exactly well written. Having said that, i was looking forward to seeing the love between edward and bella brought to life because, to be honest, that was the only thing that kept me reading the books - this idea that in the twilight universe, there exists two people who are completely infatuated with each other and love each other more than anything. Thanks for giving me an unbiased opinion; i'll know what to expect!

Nicoleen , November 21, 2008

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Twilight is not a perfect movie and even though I was insanely excited to see it, I tried not to have high expectations. That being said, I went to a midnight showing and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've read all the books multiple times and I love them! But if hadn't read them, I know I would've have been very disappointed and confused. For those who haven't read the book, Edward and Bella's relationship probably comes off as forced and rushed. Since I've read the book and the Midnight Sun chapters I just filled in the missing stuff as the story went. I wasn't expecting Oscar calliber but there were things that could of been better in the first half of the movie. I loved the second half, although the whole thing flew by so fast. The movie will not appeal to everyone. Oh, and as for the special effects I didn't thinnk they were as bad as we were led to believe.
Anyway, I loved your review and I agree with what you said. But you're write, it doesn't make much of differece...I know I'm a little biased but I really did enjoy it and plan to see it again. The flaws won't go away but it's still great to see one of my two favorite book series (Harry Potter being the other) brought to life.

Mary , November 21, 2008

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edit: you're right***

Mary , November 21, 2008

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This is an excellent review. I was never interested in the movie, as it seemed your typical girl in love with guy story with complications. However, it has so much buzz, I like reading reviews to see what fans and non fans think.

M , November 21, 2008

Twilight Review

Let me start off by saying: I have not read any of the books. Last night my girlfriend took me to the midnight opening (she is a fan of the books and I enjoy vampire flicks). Outside of a very brief synopsis of the series she had given while reading them (girl meets vampire, girl and vampire fall in love, things get in the way of their love, oh and mixed somewhere in there are werewolves) other than that I really didn't know much else about the story. While I found the movie entertaining, I felt it lacked proper character development and I was left feeling at the end of the movie that important portions of the story were left out. Talking with my lady after the film she she confirmed my feelings as we discussed over the next hour where I found plot holes and she managed to filled them in for me.
Had I walked into the film pre-armed with this knowledge I probably would have enjoyed it more. From what she explained to me the film made much more sense and a better story.
Personally I feel this film could have potential to be much more but fell victim to time constraints and subsequently poor editing. Perhaps those involved in the editing process were just too close to the story/project.
Let me say again though, I did enjoy it. I found Twilight entertaining, just not a great movie. If you don't expect it to be, its at least fun.
Unless you've read the books, I would recommend a waiting for video.

Bone , November 21, 2008

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from a huge twilight reader/supporter i say that the movie was great. i wouldnt know a non-readers point of veiw but there were a few cracks i just filled with my knowledge from the books. but i think some of the cracks were not answered in the book anyway, some weren't explained until later in the series. as for the whole "long build up" thing, all i can say is thats what happens in the book so...
overall i really liked this movie, i feel like it really stayed true to the book and thats what was really important for me and for other avid book readers

... , November 21, 2008

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The more I think about it and talk about it...there's just no way they could have fit everything into the film. And so, many details were left out.

Yes, I agree that the love they were supposed to feel was rushed...I saw it happening between them, but it wasn't made apparent to the audience.

There were many flaws. Thankfully for me, I wasn't expecting perfection, and so therefore, I'm more than satisfied.

Kristen created her own hybrid of Bella. It wasn't bad, but way to not stick to the books with character development!

Robert carried the movie. I understood even the most 'funny' of faces. He is on his way to being one hell of a leading man, you're absolutely right on that Jeremy.

I'm disappointed so many have turned on 'their baby' so fast. But, they did the same thing with Breaking Dawn. Hype, expectations, and then? Fury because it wasn't their version of the story. But, once people gave Breaking Dawn a second chance, they liked it, and I believe that will happen with the film as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and the experience of finally seeing it. Don't anyone have it so high on a pedestal, and then it won't fall and shatter.

blearyeyedmesgirl , November 21, 2008 | url

Funny...

I said it in my own review, and I'll say it again here. I've read all the books, and I do admit that between the four of them, there's some entertaining material. But they're not even close to being great stuff (or even well written). And here's the sad part... I felt the movie was better than the book. The movie followed the book pretty freakin closely. And what you said about the movie feeling as if it takes forever to get to the relationship? It's even longer in the book. It takes roughly 200 pages for anything to really come to fruition. All the bad vampire stuff with James... they extended on that stuff for the movie, because that stuff doesn't even come to play until the last 100 pages or so (no attacks or anything throughout the book at all. That was pure movie addition).

I once described the book as pure romance with a little bit of vampire stuff thrown in here and there... because for a 500-page book, wherein 400 pages is almost nothing but high school teen romance and love triangles, and the last 100 pages is vampire suspense... it doesn't really qualify as a vampire story to me. And the only reason girls like it, sadly enough, is because it's highly superficial, especially when it comes to Edward and his godly looks and godly breath (words taken straight from the books).

And what people aren't seeming to grasp, including the uber-fans of the book, is the story's biggest flaw. In the movie, Edward and Bella argue a lot before suddenly falling head-over-heels for each other for no apparent reason, and then will do anything for each other. Well, sorry to break this to you, but the books are exactly the same. If you take away every superficial quality about Edward (and even Jacob brings this up in one of the books), there'd be absolutely no reason that Bella would love him like she did. The relationship comes from nothing, is based on nothing, and stays hollow for the entirety of the series.

However, you take away all the crappy writing, poor descriptions, and whiny narration, then you essentially have the Twilight movie. There were maybe a few scenes at most cut from the book... and even some scenes added in. I missed practically nothing of importance in the movie from the book. Pretty straight-forward adaptation. And, like I said, because all that stuff is removed now... the movie has thus become better than the actual book.

Random Ramblings , November 21, 2008 | url

Semi- True

I think this review is a pretty accurate and unbiased.I too saw the movie today and though i was mystified by the beauty of Robert Pattinson, thought it was a tad mediokre. Don't get me wrong,I am one of the biggest fans of the Twilight series that there is, but I felt that watching in some parts, the acting was awkward and choppy. Some of the scenes didn't really flow and confused me as to what scene in the book they were reenacting. Another issue that bothered me was that they cut and changed so much from the book. I know that when writing screen plays, it has to be movie-like but I felt that the book was too crunched into the time slot. Maybe if the studio had the bigger budget,they could have made the scenes flow together more and maybe when Edward was "running" through the forest, it wouldn't look so fake and make me bust out laughing. I'm just saying lol:)

Beckers , November 21, 2008

what did u expect?

i have to first and foremost say that i love twilight. all four books...and the movie. i read and reread all the books and of course there is no way to compare. a book is a book.you get all the intimate details. no movie can portray the exact details without giving a complete narration as well.

sure, if u didn't read the book, this movie probably seems really dumb, but that's just it. this movie isn't meant to be seen unless u have read the books. twilight is a word of mouth phenomenon.

you have to walk into a movie like this with an open mind. of course it won't be the same. yes they rushed into the relationship, but i think rob pattinson did an excellent job showing the intensity of the relationship and how hard it is for him to be with her. kristen stewart showed a surprising amount of emotion as well. in my opinion, the rest of the cast was cast perfectly as well (esp Alice!).

finally, i think the movie did an excellent job with scenes not in the book, such as the tree scenes, meeting the cullens, and the fight scene.

overall, you cannot see this movie and expect it to be good without reading first. you can't get enough background in 2 hours to understand edward and bella, but if u read first, the movie is well done and the chemistry is there.

nicolepolo23 , November 22, 2008

true

i agree, this movie was made too fast and it could of been better it felt rushed those who did not read the book were lost, it all happened too fast and i did not see bella and edwards relationship.. it seemed like .. it just happened!! i was really disapointed i think if warner brothers, and a better director this film would of been amazing too bad both director and film company rushed and left events on screen emotionless ...

nancy , November 22, 2008

Finally a rational review

Thank you the ojective review.

Robert and Kristen really didn't know what they were getting themselves into!! Robert especially deserves to be in a movie that is loads and loads better than this. I hope this movie does not ruin his budding career. I hope Summit doesn't make a sequel so that Mr. Pattinson can better spend his time looking for respectable films rather than promote this rubbish and give interviews to rubbish media. Summit, director Hardwicke, and writer Rosenberg owe the lead cast (Robert and Kristen) and especially author Meyer a HUGE apology for making a mockery of them with this movie.

Tina2 , November 22, 2008

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I have to say I agree with the overall opinion of the movie, however in defense of the storyline I did read the books first, and although I was disappointed in the film it was not the storyline but the director the acting was not poorly done but perhaps just trying too hard to display the emotions required to give the characters what was necessary to pull off the story. In the book the whole plot is in the tiny details each and every action and line of the characters in the book is what moved the story along at the proper rate. I realize that with a five hundred page book turning it into a movie you're going to loose things but when you have to choose what to put into the movie and what to cut you also have to maintain the integrity of the storyline by not jumping around too much. This movie had the potential to be fantastic but perhaps it should have been splint into two parts. I still enjoyed it but it could have been better and perhaps it would have been less cheesy if I hadn't been surrounded by a few dozen teenie boppers.

nicolea , November 22, 2008

Great comments

Thanks for all the great comments and thank you for being honest!

Still, I keep reading that I needed to read the books before hand. I did not have trouble following the movie whatsoever. To me, the story itself is just boring and weightless. It is the same story whether from the book or the movie so my not reading it first absolutely does not impede my ability to enjoy.

The only thing the movie could have possibly missed from the book is the nuance that comes with a story through the written word. More detailed descriptions of things, inner monologue, etc. The problem with Twilight is the unbalance. It spent an exorbitant amount of time telling a love story that didn't work then rushed into a climax (that I kinda dug) that had nothing to do with it.

It doesn't matter if I were reading that story on the page or seeing it on screen, my thoughts would be the same. I get that you all love the story thereby loving the books. My point is that same story doesn't have any depth that that is grossly exploited on screen.

Jeremy , November 22, 2008 | url

Kristen Stewart was not convincing

I agree with the previous reviews but what stands out the most to me is the lack of passion Kristen Stewart's character showed for Edward. Stephanie Meyer's story is so much about passion, incredible, passionate, love. Stewart was just not on this. She had the clumsy victim look down but came nowhere close to appearing in love with Edward and that kind of love is what this story is suppose to be about. Vampires are just the added danger element. I went to this movie to fall emotionally into Bella's character and was left empty. It was obvious Robert Pattinson had to work twice as hard to bring passion to this movie due to Kristen Stewart's inability to show any herself. Sorry

Bonnie , November 22, 2008

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I'm sorry but the men who are doing these reviews don't know any thing about "love"; they are just a bunch of men who think they are "all that" and you just wish you were as good as the actors/actress' in "Twilight" but your just nothing a no good anything. This movie is the best movie I've seen in a long time and I want to see it over and over again. I can't wait til it comes out on DVD so I can go buy it and watch it obsessively over and over. There are lots of "WOMEN" who would say the same.

Ashley Martin , November 22, 2008

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I believe the movie would have been better had just a bit bigger budget, not for more/better effects. I think they should have spent a little more time editting the movies so it wasn't so choppy and if they had of added more convos/scenes from the book it would have made soo much more sense for those who haven't read the book. IE, The blood typeing scene, and a few others. In the movie they haven them confessing love when they hadn't hardly said 2 words to each other!! For someone who hasn't read the book its very confusing. Haveing read the book I can fill in on my own. So I still rate it really high. And I do plan on seeing it again (today in fact) and as many times as I can! Because to see the characters I LOVE on screen feels fulfilling, even if the movie isn't 'perfact'.

All said, I would have just made it so it wasn't choppy and added more scenes.

Brandi , November 22, 2008

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I wrote a long winded post over at fanbolt.com and I won't post it here.. only a few snippets.

I have read the books four times each, I love them all. So I was of coarse excited about the film. After seeing the numerous trailers, tv spots, extra scenes, etc I was so hesitant about the way the movie was going to be. Did I expect Oscar buzz, not at all. Was it the best movie I've seen... not at all. I actually think that the movie would not be interesting or good if I hadn't read the books.

An example of someone who hasn't read the books but came to the show happened to us last night. Two of my girlfriends and I (we all love the books)went to the show last night. Behind us was an "older" couple (older than us anyhow and we are late twenties) and the man would not stop talking and asking questions. My one friend more or less told him to stop talking with like a half-hour left. Dude did not shut up the entire time because he was confused and had to ask who each character was over and over again. Now, I'm not sure if this guy was just clueless in general, or if it was due to the lack of character intros - but this got me thinking that if you haven't read the book(s) - best bet is probably to not see the movie.

Alicia , November 22, 2008

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I read the books. Of course, Twilight didn't live up to my expectations, or any one else's. Movies made from books rarely do. They did try to preserve some key lines from the book, and every one sighed and moaned over them. Pattinson did a passable job with what he had to work with... he is def leading man material. I agree on the acting. There were parts were people laughed, that the scene shouldn't have been funny. But, as a fan. I'm still glad I saw the movie. Like you said. It doesn't make one damn bit of difference. I'd still go see the movie. Oh, and you forgot bad make-up. The make-up on this movie was atrocious. Just think! We have 3 more to go!

Alana , November 22, 2008

Re-to great comments

"The problem with Twilight is the unbalance." You should read the book, in the book it is balanced! No, the movie isn't "hard to follow" but you miss so much of the actual lead up to the romance. And not just detailed discriptions and monologue. There has to be a reason for the love which you really don't get in the movie, but you do with the several chapters that weren't event touched on in the movie. Not that I am complaining I LOVED the movie!! You're criticizing the movie and trying to justify it by saying the book would have the same unbalance and lack of depth, with out reading the book?

Brandi , November 22, 2008

Sorry this is so long...just venting!

I first have to say I am a big fan of the books, even though, according to many of the comments, they were poorly written. I guess since I'm not an English major, I wouldn't really know. As a lay person, I thoroughly enjoyed the books so much that I read them multiple times over the course of about 6 weeks. I just couldn't let the story go....the "love" story.
I went to watch the movie on opening night and I have to say, I was disappointed. From the previews, I worried that too much of the real story would be left out, and I was right. There were many small things taken away or changed completely. I may have been able to forgive this, if the movie had included even a portion of the whitty banter between Edward and Bella that made it clear why they fell for eachother. Edward had a few lines that were reminiscent of his character in the books, but Bella just looked depressed the entire time. I don't recall one line from the movie that showed she had any sense of humor, or even knew what sarcasm was.
I think the writter of the screenplay did a horrible job of adapting it from the book. It is supposed to be a love story. It just so happens that one of the people is a vampire. Many of the comments said the movie wasted too much time forcing the characters to fall in love. If they just would have used the conversations more fully from the books (instead of trying to throw in the side story of the 3 evil vampires going on a killing spree and the amount of time it took her to research and understand Edward was a vampire when Jacob actually told her the whole story in the first place), we would have believed that Edward and Bella were really in love. Then they could have extended out the the action sequences, making everyone happy.

Aralee , November 22, 2008

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okay, first off I'll just say- I LOVED the movie. I thought it did the absolute best job of staying true to the books it could have done when you consider that it's a movie, so it has to be different from the book, and also considering the time and money constraints of a movie. As a huge fan of the books, I really thought it was perfect- they kept all of my favorite lines and most of my favorite scenes and left out some of the less important stuff b/c unfortunately, the movie couldn't be 15 hours long. I went to the midnight showing on Thursday, saw it again last night (Friday) at midnight, and am going to see it again at noon today (Saturday)... I think I'm addicted. (btw, I get in free b/c I work at the movie theater, otherwise I couldn't afford to see it so many times- although I paid for my ticket to the midnight showing). And several of my friends who are fellow Twilighters feel the same way, and have already seen it twice (like me) and plan on seeing it again- as well as, for the other perspective, MANY of my friends who have never read the books- since seeing the movie, they have fallen in love with Twilight and want to see it as many times as I do. So, although I realize critics have many complaints, I really don't... and neither do any of the ppl I know, fans and non-fans of the books alike. As far as the relationship being rushed, I agree to some extent but I really don't see how that could be avoided, since, as I said earlier, the movie can't be 15 hours long- also, I feel like it would have been impossible for the movie to win in that respect b/c I have read many reviews, and about half say the romance was rushed, while the other half say the beginning part of the movie when the relationship was forming dragged on and on and really should have moved faster. Kinda seems impossible to make everyone happy, doesn't it? So, in short, despite the critics, I absolutely LOVED the movie and will see it many more times- can't wait for the DVD!

VanessaC , November 22, 2008

I thought I'd hate it. I was wrong.

I have seen the movie, and I couldn't disagree more. I should preface this by saying that I, too, come from a site and an environment that has been very pro-Twilight. However, all my expectations going in were actually pretty low. Despite my cheerleading the film, I expected it to suck. Based on what I knew, I did not expect it to be very good. I also did not anticipate positive reviews.

Let's talk about that first. As the reviews started rolling in, I was stunned. Not because there were so many bad ones, as I'd expected, but that there were so many good ones. True, the negative have outweighed the positive but look at the good ones and where they are coming from. Major, prestigious media outlets and well-respected critics: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Screen International, Village Voice, The New York Times, New York Daily News, Los Angeles Daily News, Wall Street Journal, E! Online, Cinemablend, CBS Radio, Movie City News, Washington Post, Seattle Times, Toronto Star, Entertainment Weekly, San Francisco Chronicle, Rolling Stone, B-D.com, Cinematical, Philadelphia Daily News, and Reelzchannel to name a few. All mostly good reviews. I was shocked. The conventional wisdom was that all the hype and fangirl frenzy would be just so much bluster and the film would not live up to anyone's expectations. In fact, most reviewers write much of their reviews ahead of time. I know this for a fact. I won't name names. But they do, and I have no doubt that most of the critics for the outlets above went in fully expecting to write negative reviews. Their mindset was, "well, there's no way this film will be as good as the hype so I'm not gonna like it." Critics love hating films that the public likes, especially the tween girl set that this was supposedly going to appeal to. Well, guess what? While a lot of critics did stick to their original mindset and weren't going to like it no matter what, many went in expecting to write negative reviews and were thrown for a loop. They actually liked it. They actually thought it was good. Some even had to go back and rewrite reviews they had written ahead of time to make deadlines. Now, as we stated, the film would have done well regardless of its quality. But the fact is that it IS a good film, and the positive reviews testify to that. That is my theory as to why there ARE so many good reviews from well-respected critics and major media outlets. More than anyone expected.

That said, I have to say that I put myself into the same category as those I mentioned. As I stated earlier, I also went in expecting to be disappointed. But...it was not to be. I enjoyed it. I thought that Hardwicke did an excellent job, the acting was not as wooden as I'd expected, production values were higher than I'd anticipated, the pacing was perfect, the story was compelling, and I was very impressed by what this relatively inexperienced cast and crew were able to pull off on a relatively low budget.

Like many of the reviewers who are normally extremely critical, I went in expected a piece of crap. I walked out having seen a fine piece of work.

Larry Richman , November 22, 2008 | url

...

Thanks, Larry! It seems that people need to lighten up! This is a fun, teen romance, not high drama. I found the direction to be sharp-Hardwicke knows how to work her young casts. The interplay between Edward and Bella were truncated from those in the book; that is a valid criticism. However, the point seemed to be made about love at first sight, which, in this case, took place without a lot of talking. The interplay between the other characters, especially the humans, was very well done.

I have to disagree with the criticism about Stewart. In the previews and commercials, I did worry that she was 'wooden'; however, in the movie, her performance came off as subtle and realistic. She is not a 'sturm and drang' actress, and the character is not written as such. A broader performance would have made her a caricature.

Pattinson is a gem. He infuses a naturalness and passion to Edward that is wonderful. Not to enrage Team Edward, but I much preferred his 'human' Edward to the perfect man from the book (probably why I like 'Midnight Sun' better than 'Twilight', also). His confliction and suffering and joy are clear on his face and in his body language, making you see the 17-year-old boy inside the 100+ year old body.

My worries about the dialogue proved, for the most part, unfounded also. Again, the previews included a few clunkers, but when put into perspective of a larger piece of dialogue or within a scene, they seemed much more natural.

The use of music, also one of Hardwicke's fortes, was quite good, especially the point at which she uses "Let Me Sign"-that was a crystal moment, and probably my favorite scene in the movie from an artistic standpoint.

I had a great time both times I saw this movie. I will probably see it again. I am not a quivering fangirl, but a mature woman who likes a good, escapist movie. I found 'Twilight" to fill the bill admirably.

Autumn B. , November 22, 2008

I liked and disliked it.

I very much agree with your assessment of the movie. My initial reaction to the movie was one of disappointment. But that is coming from someone, not teenaged, who has read the books and loved them for completely different reasons than my reasons for loving the Harry Potter books. I went back to see it a second time, taking my husband with me, clearing all preconceived notions and trying to view it from his perspective and managed to find enjoyment with several parts and characters. I have, for the most part, decided that this one isn't on Catherine Hardwick, but the poor dialogue written by the screenplay writter, Melissa Rosenberg. Although she showed promise in some scenes (mostly involving Charlie) others, she should have stuck closer to Stephenie's dialogue.
As I am hopeful that the sequel will be better, part of me has doubts, as the studio is using the same screenwriter.

Jennifer D. , November 22, 2008

...

I understand and agree with your review to a certain extent. I saw the movie Thursday night with my daughter and her teenage friends and thought the acting was naturalistic and heartfelt for the most part. I thought it was an adaptation that was very true to the novel...and that may have been the problem. I have read all the books and enjoyed them (although flawed), but I could never see how they could make a compelling movie and not deviate at all from the story. I think Melissa Rosenberg could have done more and Catherine Hardwicke could have made a much better film, but they might have - no would have - alienated legions of Twilight fans and they were unwilling to do that.

Those girls that you mentioned smacking her hand to her forehead at something cheesy - that cheese was in the book. And more. I think the actors should be praised for delivering those lines in a way that really never went over the hairy edge to outright comedy.

Hopefully with the success of Twilight, the writer and director will allow themselves to deviate a bit from the story and not be hamstrung by the dialogue.

Wray , November 22, 2008

Unfortunately Agree

I loved the books and I wanted to love the Movie, I totally agree, although I'm totally thrilled that they are making "New Moon" which was just confirmed today. The Twilight fans will continue to support the movies. I feel that they have very talent actors, it was the direction and screen play that went south. Pivotal scenes were left out, ones that explain the love between Edward and Bella. Perhaps they should be looking at a new Director and Screenwriter for the newest movies.

My only hope is that Summit will spend the money necessary to improve the remaining movies. This movie should have been spectacular, not mediocre.

I actually went back to watch it a second time to see if maybe I missed something. I must admit, I liked it the second time, but I think it was because I left the book at the door.

I am not a director or screenwriter, but I feel that I could have done a better job interpreting the books, I am surprised that Stephenie Meyer didn't have a problem with the end product of her book.

Pattinson was fabulous I felt, especially with what he had to work with. If you had read the books your review would have been much harsher, of that I am sure.

Terie , November 22, 2008

B+ for TWILIGHT

Overall, I really enjoyed TWILIGHT!
This TMF review is the best I've read of the negative reviews - it's very unbiased, and for that, I thank TMF.
It is absolutely true that the books are better than the movie, but when is this not the case?
The movie is very good, not perfect, but very good.
I do feel to appreciate the story which is TWILIGHT, you had to have read the book beforehand. I wish the movie was about 30 minutes longer, so some of the plot holes could have been filled in.
I thoroughly enjoyed Stewart's and Pattinson's performances. Boy - Robert Pattinson has one hell of a career ahead of him as a leading man! The biggest surprise for me was Billy Burke's Charlie Swan - a wonderful performance by Burke.
I was excited and pleased to see my beloved Twilight characters brought to life!
B+ for TWILIGHT

cullenist , November 23, 2008

ummmm

Well for starters im a huge twilight fan i have read the books,all of them,more than 10 times a piece and im in love with rob... but the movie was right on que with the words but not the exact scenes and that was a little disappointing. I was soo lookin forward to the movie and i wouldnt say that it wasnt good ,it was, but not as good as the books.It skipped around the scenes too fast and it didnt give Alice,Jasper,or Jacob as much screen time as they had in the book. this is just my oppinion so nobody bite my head off.But i still loved it and will go see it again and again and when the 2nd one comes out ill be there too lol..

johanna , November 23, 2008

what she said (Autumn B)

I've already commented elsewhere on tMF, and besides, Autumn B. (my online twin ;)...) expressed my thoughts precisely above. I loved every moment of the film ~ I went in hoping for a glimpse of an ideal and got more than I expected. Today, I saw Twilight for a second time and loved it even more. No, it's not Oscar material, but it's a darn great love story. I can't wait for New Moon. I'll be just as excited when it comes round. I personally believe that everyone involved with Twilight worked as hard as they could to make a product for the fans. This fan is pleased and will put the money out there to prove it.

Paige T , November 23, 2008

twilight movie comment

Well first of all great,amazing, cool, wow , book twilight is the only book i have enjoyed reading no kidding stephenie did a graet job shes a great author.
The movie was OK i expected more from it. The directors should have put the most exciting parts, Edward an Bella barely talk about their feelings which makes me so mad because it made it seem like they didnt have chemistry. I really expected more .. alot from it. My favorite part was the baseball game and the fight .. the beginnig was kinda boring. Well I just hope.. if there is a 2nd movie to do better in it make is great. By the way nice job though.

lily , November 23, 2008

emmet and jacob

emmet and jacon werethe hottest guys on the movie...What i didnt like about the movie... it wasnt that excited i think Summit should have done a better job on this movie .... For exmple Mike newton was never behind bella they skipped the part were she faints which was the best part from the book ..... when she meets the family and he gets tempted in the car.. they barely talke ... there was no chemistry... Jacob black I love you you are hot.. so are you emmet...i hope that for new moon theres excitment on it i really hope it turns out to be better than twilight.... love the booksssss nice job stephenie

Angela marie , November 23, 2008

"New Moon"?

I just read in the paper that the studio isn't sure whether Catherine Hardwicke will be directing "New Moon"-WHAT THE HELL? A movie that makes almost twice it's costs is not a failure by any stretch, and it is her ability to direct a young cast toward natural performances that made this movie. I will be truly disappointed if they pick a 'name' director out of a hat and come up with the standard Hollywood tripe that comprises most movies aimed at youth (or the young at heart). I had to watch "Lords of Dogtown" again this weekend after seeing 'Twilight' three times to confirm my impression that she is THE director of youth. She keeps a reality about them, and never belittles, oversimplifies, or overthinks the thoughts and emotions of the young, unlike most other directors *Cough* Spielberg*cough*. tMF, could you find out what the truth is for us?

Thanks, PaigeT, for the snaps! It's nice to have an internet brain twin. Add in a little blearyeyedmesgirl, and we're a power troika ;).

Autumn B. , November 24, 2008

...

I haven't seen it yet but plan on it tomorrow. All this time I have been worried that it was going to come off cheesy.
Hopefully with a bigger budget, New Moon will come out a bit better. Better yet, combine New Moon and Eclipse. That would make for a better movie@

kellyw73 , November 24, 2008

Power Troika...

A shout out to my girls!

Really...if Summit cans Catherine, they will be infinitely sorry. Not only will the cast revolt, (and no, I don't mean they'll go on strike and refuse to work...but whomever the new director is won't get the same results from them...) and the film will not have the same feel and and devotion that Catherine brought to it.

It would be such a shame to make LESS off of New Moon due to a change in director.

Summit, if you're listening, you finally have a hit film in your records...don't screw up the next two money makers you have under your belt!!!

blearyeyedmesgirl , November 24, 2008 | url

Here's to keeping it "REAL..."

So, I too have read the complete Twilight Saga. Definitly a fan, I also went to see the movie on opening night with my mother and younger sister, who had all read the books. Immediatly after the movie, this was my reaction: There was no way anyone who had not read the book would even begin to understand or be properly entertained by Summit's version of 'Twilight,' however Jeremy is absolutly right in stating that they shouldn't have had to read the book... The movie should have stood out in its own right- and I dont feel that it does so adequetly enough to deserve more than a mediocre rating. It was funny in a sad, cheesy way, and really quite slow and confusing when it shouldnt have been. Its last 15 minutes are its only redeeming moments... and its 89 minutes long.
I felt Rob, Kirsten, and suprisingly some of the supporting cast (Carlisle, Alice, Charlie -was fantastic!- Jessica, Angela, and Mike)did quite well with the poor material given to them by the screenwriter (are they really making the same mistake with 'New Moon'?)The other thing Jeremy points out quite astutly is that this movie simply didnt make sense... Whereas, in the books, it so easy to see what is happening to Bella and Edward's characters, and why. That is what is missing from this movie and I cant believe the managed to lose the essence of the story so completely. They lost its heart! Pivotal scences in the character and relationship development (of many, I think only a few were essential to get right: Bella and Edward's first conversation in Biology; The 1st time Bella sits with Edward in the Cafeteria, The conversation between them in the restaurant in Port Angeles and the following drive home; the meadow scene)were either so stripped of their emotional essence that they were unrecognizable, or skipped entirely. Additionally 'Twilight' was wriiten with Bella its eyes and ears... its voice, and in this movie she was lifeless. So much of the movie was silent... boring. S-L-O-W. Whereas the book is constantly colored by Bella's thoughts. Additional narrative over some scenes maybe would have offered a little more insight into who Bella is... how she thinks, her humor, intelligence, her self-depreciating viewpoint, her temper, her bravery and selflessness, her innate goodness... and kept the movie going. Why she would catch Edwards attention, why she would appeal to a 108 year old been-there-done-that vampire is not clear in the movie at all. Kirsten's ability to play Bella however still came through all the muck of bad material. She nailed a very realistic portrayal of this charcter, whittling down some of the books very juvenile 'obsessed teenage girl' dialogue, while still embodying Bella's main character traits. She just wasnt given enough opportunity to really introduce Bella to the world through the choppy, incomplete script. Rob's character is a bit more obvious, and therefore more understandable to a wide audience. I think most everyone got the 'overview' of Edward, since that was all that was allowed by the script anyway. Had Robert really been given the material to enable him to truly introduce Edward to the world, I think he'd be in quite a bit more trouble with the screaming girls than he already is... If thats possible.
Bottom line, at the end of the movie you are left wondering what the H-E-&# happened. There they are at prom declaring their undying affection... Why? Twilight wasnt lacking special effects, they did a great job with the visuals they managed. It was lacking character development. It was lacking heart! For anyone still seeing Twilight... go into it believing the hype and you will be dissapointed. See it for what it is... a young studio's weak attempt at a much-needed blockbuster with a weak script and a fairly inexperienced director, based on a great premise and an even better book, with capable talent grasping for straws to make it work. Then you'll chuckle and enjoy it for the bit of entertainment it offers... and then go buy the books!

Jenna , November 24, 2008

...

I actually liked the Twilight books, or at least the first one. I went into the film with semi-low expectations and walked out miffed. How anyone can say that the acting was okay, or in Pattinson's case excellent is beyond me. The entire theater, filled with screaming and supportive fans were LAUGHING as he delivered quite serious lines. The facial expressions given by both he and Stewart were downright hysterical at times, when they were supposed to be portraying depth or at least emotion.

Even the illegal clips that are now up on youtube have the audience laughing over dramatic lines. We know Stewart can act (Into the Wild, etc.) and Pattinson may be able to act (his upcoming Little Ashes sounds promising) but this film was just pure camp. The only reason I can see the fangirls defending it or seeing it more than once is to sit and drool over their sex symbol. Otherwise it was garbage.

Twilight is sadly one of the biggest cases of cognitive dissonance in the past decade of entertainment.

Luna , November 25, 2008

i love rob

i love robert pattinson
you are smart
goot bye

barbara gpe.chigo mtz , December 14, 2008 | url

Really??

I like the movie and also the books. I read the books after watch the movie twice. There’s nothing wrong in both of the movie and the books. Of course the movie will be different from the book, although just a few things. It’s not easy to make a movie you know... not only Robert Pattinson but also the others are a really good actors and actresses. They make the movie become alive...Catherine Hardwicke and Stephenie Meyer just a perfect match to make the book become a movie. If there's a million people like to watch or read Twilight, it's just so strange if just ten people who dont like it...
There’s so many differnt kind of story that some people like or don't like, it's not your business to choose their decision
Just giving some comment...
sorry, if you don't understand or some wrong words
thanks

Levolica H , December 22, 2008 | url

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