Sunday, November 23, 2008

Twilight

For a movie that was filmed on a shoestring budget (approximately 37 million) and was never even supposed to be made (the original screenplay involved a high school track jock named Bella) - Twilight has certainly exceeded all expectations.

We, the fans, have known all along this was going to be big. The books have made author Stephenie Meyer a comfortable housewife several times over. She has hundreds of websites and blogs dedicated to her vision of vampire lore. And a week before the film's release, the Twilight soundtrack shot to #1 (the first soundtrack to ever reach the #1 slot before the movie has even opened). So now the question remains: did the film live up to the hype?
It's hard not to be slightly biased, as I have been such a big fan. I certainly felt that director Catherine Hardwicke remained true to the vampire yarns Ms. Meyer has been weaving. Hardwicke has a steady pacing, and draws out the characters in subtle, but beautiful ways. Kristen Stewart especially, makes us believe Bella - the girl who doesn't seem to fit in with the other teens at her school, but isn't such a snob that we hate her. She is real. She is deep. She is insecure. In short, Kristen Stewart is Bella Swan (but better, because we aren't constantly in her head). Between her looks of longing to co-star Pattinson, and Edward's brooding glances, their chemistry is absolutely undeniable.

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are now officially bona fide international movie stars.


Hardwicke has also trumped up the action sequences...filling in the gaps that Meyer glossed over from the book (perhaps for the sake of her innocent tween audience?). We see a very lethal group of villains (especially newcomer Cam Gigandet), and some wonderful protagonists (the quirky Cullen family) who are completely worth fighting for.

But the best scenes in the movie are still Bella and her immortal love Edward - chewing the fat. Trying to stay away from each other, but failing miserably. Expressing as best they can the incredible and undeniable attraction they feel for one another. In short, Twilight delivers - for those who have read the book, and even for those who haven't. (However, the material may not be as suitable for husbands/boyfriends, as it is for all the women who have loved it so passionately).


Time will tell if the ticket returns prove what most of us have known all along - Stephenie Meyer fans wield a mighty sword in Hollywood. Happy viewing!

10 comments:

Maria Sondule said...

Yes, I liked Twilight too. I never expected it to be a good movie, but it was alright.

Anonymous said...

I love your review! I hope you don't mind if I post a link to it for my friends, because you have described exactly why I liked it :) I wish the movie had more of Bella and Edward talking, since those are my favorite parts of the book, but it would have slowed the pacing down I guess... The movie was over so fast, I couldn't believe it was two hours! I already want to see it again to watch for the subtle things I missed first time around.

Englishfam said...

AHHH I loved it!! The write up you did was amazing, you are so talented its disgusting. haha I had such a good time with everyone, thanks for making me laugh my head off. Love you.

Suzanne said...

Wow! You write like a pro! Great review! -Suzanne

{Mo} said...

Love your review... if only I could write like that! What a talent you have!

Ann Marie said...

Love you, your twilight love, these awesome pictures, and your writing skills! You rock!

I think James is a hottie, and am sad that he won't be in the rest!

{oc cottage} said...

These are the blogs I should have been reading to get my info!

M ^..^

Marie said...

Well, you have certainly made me more interested to see it. The theatrical trailers have made me intrigued, but at the same time, I keep thinking that it won't live up to what's in my head (and of course, if they do other ones, I'm in trouble since I love Jacob!). But if you say it's good . . . I think I can watch it. :D

Me said...

I loved your review. You hit the nail on the head. And you write like a professional. You should be doing this for the NY Times!

Rich said...

You've convinced me to go see the movie already!