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“Twilight”– based on the first book in the best-selling series by Stephenie Meyer – is a faithful adaptation that will satiate the thirst of fans and simultaneously captivate new audiences.
The movie follows the story of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), a normal girl thrust into a secret supernatural world when she falls in love with her mysterious classmate, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). He just happens to be a vampire.
Ditch your preconceived notions of vampires; this isn't a typical vampire tale. If you are looking for clichéd stereotypes with fangs, coffins, and stakes through the heart, this isn't the movie for you. Director Catherine Hardwicke and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg stay true to Meyer's vision and create a film that exposes “Twilight” for what it essentially is: a story of the ultimate forbidden love.
Hardwicke once again proves her knack for portraying raw teenage experiences, as she did in “Thirteen” and “Lords of Dogtown.” She directs a young cast of phenomenal talent. Leads Stewart and Pattinson throw themselves into their roles and portray their characters exceptionally well. The chemistry between the two is electric.
Stewart gives a fresh, honest take on Bella. Her straightforward interpretation allows viewers to live vicariously through Bella and experience what she does. You feel her longing and desire.
Pattinson conveys Edward's inner turmoil flawlessly. His complex perception of the character creates a believable Edward. He conveys his feelings of vitality and emotional reawakening through his expressions.
The movie also has an outstanding supporting cast. Billy Burke as Bella's father, Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen, and Michael Welch as Mike Newton all deserve a nod for excellent portrayal of their characters.
The film itself is visually dynamic. The movie is shot in crisp blue tones. The costumes are pallid, veering away from traditional vampire attire. Bella's wardrobe becomes closer to the Cullens' as she grows closer to them. The nomad vampires appear savage in clothes taken from their victims.
Filmed in Portland, Oregon, the movie features stunning views and beautiful landscapes. Because of the small budget, action sequences were done physically. Though some may find the special effects lacking, the simplicity enhances Hardwicke's unique documentary-style filming. Using extreme close-ups and whimsical angles, the camera work gives the movie an intimate, realistic feel.
The music ties in to the story perfectly. Consisting of moody, angst-filled rock songs, the soundtrack fits the tone. From Muse's upbeat “Supermassive Black Hole” playing during a game of vampire baseball, to Iron and Wine's romantic “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” at prom, the songs set the mood for the scenes.
A longer film would have allowed more time to explain the essentials of the plot, making it easier for those who have not read the book. Although it mirrors the book very closely, many scenes had to be cut. The danger of the nomadic vampires is threaded throughout the movie to create more tension. The essence of the story is present, making changes in details insignificant; the movie's creators successfully captured the elements that made readers fall in love with Bella and Edward.
The book and the movie are equally satisfying, albeit in different ways, and neither is better. While you can imagine the detailed story unfolding in your head when reading the book, the movie creates a sweet condensed version for the big screen. Both allow you to lose yourself in this passionate, unorthodox romance.
All components work together nicely in “Twilight” to efficiently bring the book to life. The film is a beautiful mixture of romance, action, comedy, and horror, containing aspects that will appeal to everyone.
This piece has also been published in Teen Ink's monthly print magazine.
MissMandi:-)Great review! Amazing. It was fantastic to read. The books were great and this was too. The movie was okay but i still love twilight.
ILunarIf I put aside how much I disagree with your review, I can honestly say that your writing is quite good. Nice job!
Meghan M.I'm impressed by your writing. You've identified the movie from a very nice angle that was a pleasure to read. My thoughts on the movie were that it wasn't as good as the book. Now understandably, it usually isn't as goood as the book but this movie in particular didn't do the book justice, in my opinion. It was mainly composed of just action and love, none of the mystery or trepidation was exhibited. Admittedly, while the movie should be it's on entity and not follow the novel... (more »)
Personally i didn't like the movie as much as the book. I didn't like how they cut out so many of my favorive scenes. But I loved the book.
I also loved your review. You made it sound amazing! You have a great talent! keep writing more reviews!
Valkyrie_123i love the movie and the books both genius and the review was too. great work!!
kmpoetgirl7congratulations! This is an amazing review!! I am a MAJOR twilight fan and always will be. Personally, i believe the books are better than the movie but your review made either seem delectable! Nice work.
BritneyLThey took out to much from the book and then added to much to the movie. I just think that if they stayed true to the story then the movie would have come out better, or if I didn't read the book first. Either way, great job on this review!
i liked the first movie it was a little creppy at first but it was really cool i cant wait for new moon to come out =')
Raymond W.Oh. Yeah. I agree with myself. But i love Twilight. Can't wait for New Moon!!!
Wow! You pretty much summed it up but I disagree with lots of things. Doesn't everyone agree the movie would have been better if they had stayed true to the original book. No offense but when i first heard robert speak i thought he had some speech promblem or something! He freaked me out, especially when he says: "I like watching you sleep" I mean it was more natural in the book but in the movie it was like he was some freaky person who follows her. Kirsten was bad too. All in all though ... (more »)
Ryan M. said...
May 30 at 1:50 am:
May 30 at 1:50 am:
this is a beautiful and expertly written review but if youve read this book the movie just SUCKS. most of the actors were amature and you didnt feel the emotions you expected. but tremendous job ayway
Kit-KatI myself am not a Twilight fan... I don't like Stephanie's writing style. But I do appreciate some aspects of it, and I was dissapointed to find out that this movie warped the book to no end, and barely had anything to do with the book! Ed and Bella had no conection in the movie, more the directors fault than anything. Sorry if I come off too critical!
*Hottie*1324 said...
Jun. 9 at 6:41 pm:
Jun. 9 at 6:41 pm:
That was an awesome review!!!! I saw a sneak peek at New Moon and it looks just as good if not even better!!!!! ^-^
The movie is wack. It was terriable to sit and watch. I rather watch elmo.
mimi:) said...
May 19 at 11:58 pm:
May 19 at 11:58 pm:
well i just have to say that the movie was great and so was the soundtrack. i would have picked a better bella (no offense kristen) but all in all it was a good movie althugh i wish it would haves stuck to the book a bit more that would have made it like 10 times better!!! cant wait for the next one!
LadyJamie888 said...
May 18 at 6:07 pm:
May 18 at 6:07 pm:
I remember when I first saw the movie. I was so excited. After I left the movies, I was a bit depressed about how the acting was. I really wished that they had gotten a better actress than Kristen Stewart for Bella. Mabye Alexis Bledel or something. Bella was supposed to be plain, but they could've at least given her more feeling toward Edward, ecspecially with a hot guy like Rob Pattinson. I'm glad there's a new director. Mabye the next one will be better.
Twilightlover#1 said...
May 7 at 1:13 am:
May 7 at 1:13 am:
Twilight is totally awesome. Great article. Good job Twilight fan!
pinkvolleyballgirlif u are a twilight fan, check out the poem
http://www.teenink.com/raw/Poetry/article/102304/Vampire/
edward said...
Apr. 28 at 8:34 pm:
Apr. 28 at 8:34 pm:
edward is hot! but not inn the normal way he is (i guess) nice and NOT self centered he loved bella in a way that no one would ever enless they experenced it. i think i have.idk. but the book was alot better than the movie.the movie was missing alot of funny parts that happened. sorry about this but i have to say this" im using his name in a storie im writting". emmitt is i will admit hotter than edward. bye bye tina rox
inspire_me said...
Apr. 28 at 8:21 pm:
Apr. 28 at 8:21 pm:
Mmkay..
I'm sorry. I know people are majorly into this movie, But i didn't think that it was the best. I know that they could of made it MUCH better. It didn't even feel like they were trying.. They were missing some parts of the book and it kind of made me mad. Hopefully the next movie will be worth watching.
toast llama said...
Apr. 28 at 2:31 pm:
Apr. 28 at 2:31 pm:
the 3rd and 4th books are better but it was good
congratz :) its really good and describing. Twilight is awesome. lol
truefreakonaleashIt was a great book series by far and stepahie myer is an amazing author. My only problem was that the movie gave a horrible interpretation of the book. In the book Bella should be weak and fragile and become a big tough chick in the 4th one, however in the movie it looked like she could beat up edward at any given moment. And for all you Edward fans, robert pattinson, is not hot nor does he play a good edward. Many of you may disagree with my opinion but it is my opinion and i am sorry if it is... (more »)
Edward cullen's girl said...
Apr. 18 at 10:57 am:
Apr. 18 at 10:57 am:
edward cullen was well played by robert patinson but i am still trying to read the fourth book awesome i can't wait thanks S. Meyer
I loved the books and the movie, and I sooooo can't wait to see New moon this November it's gonna be AWESOME!!!!! and I REALLY REALLY hope S. Meyer finishes Midnight sun I would love to find who leaked it so I could kick they'er butt......If Jane were real I'd give him/her to Jane......
Movies aren't all about looks, BeckyGoesBam. I didn't think they looked quite right either, but they still portrayed their characters really well. It wouldn't make any sense to spend forever hunting down the spitting image of Edward, like that matters more than using someone who could mould to the role. He also made it more interesting by giving a different interpretation of Edward than you'd expect.
SpencerI read the books and it made for an interesting story. The characters where well though out and the plot was ok. My only problem was that there was no huge battle at the end, they all talked it out. If I had been in charge of the Volturi, I would bring no witnesses and conduct the operation in secret, strengthening the Volturi's reputation.
However, my opinion might be slightly prejudiced. I am a huge Stephen King fan, and his vampires are some of the scariest looking things ev... (more »)
EmoBatz said...
Feb. 26 at 3:19 pm:
Feb. 26 at 3:19 pm:
i agree Twilightemo. i think that the movie was really good, and was very similar to the books, robert, is hawt, and i really love the books, but the only thing that i didn't like about the movie is the way that they made them fly and how they crawled up the trees, i thought that was kind of stupid, but other than that i thought it was good.
-EmoBatz (team edward, emmett,alice,jacob)
Thats very good i like your descriptive words. I really love twilight and i can't wait til the next one comes. Your a very good writer.
Bella A.i love the book...and i love all of the actors excpet one actress and it sort of ruined it for me.I just fell like Kristen (no offince to her bcause sheis a amazing actress) i just dont think she can play the roll of bella very well...one bella to another. I jsut felt she made bella more boring than really nessecary.
But your review was awesome!
HawthorneHeights09 said...
Feb. 25 at 3:20 pm:
Feb. 25 at 3:20 pm:
i loved the books so much i have read thhe series four times, i thought the movie was great even though they missed some of the parts i wished they would have put in there i thought it was amazingly similar and very well.
church-girl said...
Feb. 15 at 9:45 pm:
Feb. 15 at 9:45 pm:
The book was pretty good, even if the writing was lacking in some areas, but Robert looks NOTHING like I imagined Edward would look like. They should have gotten a better director and if they didn't want the movie compared to the book, they shouldn't have made the movie.
taylor_raven said...
Feb. 13 at 3:34 pm:
Feb. 13 at 3:34 pm:
OMFG-i love this book but i love the actors too. i love jacob black (taylor lautner) he's so osm and hot and edward is cute
jacob black_Baylie said...
Feb. 13 at 3:34 pm:
Feb. 13 at 3:34 pm:
OMFG i realllllllllllllly love the movie and the book oomgomgomgomgomg oh mann thid girl is @ my school she is posting a comment to and she loves taylor laughnerand so do I!!!!!!!!!!! :) i love you guys
katelynschw said...
Feb. 16 at 3:51 am:
Feb. 16 at 3:51 am:
i love robert pattinson he is sooooooo hot and i hope 2 marry him
boohoohoooo. said...
Feb. 2 at 1:27 am:
Feb. 2 at 1:27 am:
omg twilight the book was the freekin best book ever but the movie twilight was really bad im so relieved that thers a new director. robert is nothing like edward in the books
emmyphan27 said...
Jan. 31 at 9:14 pm:
Jan. 31 at 9:14 pm:
Both the movie and the book were great, as long as you don't compare the two. As an adaptation, the movie wasn't very good. By itself, it was okay. Seeing the characters come to life was fun, though.
Your review was really good, although it would have been better if it "flowed" a bit more. (if it had a smooth transition from topic to topic)
HawthorneHeightsemo09 said...
Feb. 25 at 3:26 pm:
Feb. 25 at 3:26 pm:
i thought the movie and the characters were chosen well for the movie, i don't see why you all well most of you have a problem with robert, if he wasn't good for the part they wouldn't have casted him, and i think he's hot as well as taylor lautner, i thought the movie was really good and well put together but i wish they would have put blood type in the movie.
short chick said...
Jan. 31 at 2:36 am:
Jan. 31 at 2:36 am:
I thought the the book was amazing! i cannot and probably will not ever find a book like it. I did like the movie a lot tho. u just have to keep an open mind and not compare it to the book.
Rebecca14 said...
Jan. 31 at 12:10 am:
Jan. 31 at 12:10 am:
Honestly, i liked your review better than i liked the movie. Edward just wasn't right at all. In my opinion, he no only looked weird, he sounded weird too. On the other hand, good piece of writing.
t00tsi3lov4 said...
Jan. 30 at 11:21 pm:
Jan. 30 at 11:21 pm:
i loved twilight the book more than the movie, though.
my favorite character is jacob black, he is hot
donati said...
Jan. 30 at 4:10 pm:
Jan. 30 at 4:10 pm:
i love the book twilight. but it is true that edward had a better personality in the book than the movies =]
tnmebd1 said...
Jan. 30 at 4:07 pm:
Jan. 30 at 4:07 pm:
Rob was ugly and couldn't act, Kristen couldn't act and sounded like a man. The overall acting was awful. The on-screen chemistry was awful. It was basically a few select quotes from the book (and trust me I know them all) strung together with a really bad sideshow of pictures. And if they didn't want the movie to be compared to the book then they shouldn't have made a movie at all.
SethNolan said...
Jan. 29 at 7:37 pm:
Jan. 29 at 7:37 pm:
Edward was kind of a brick wall in the movie. He was more upbeat and playful in the book. And the relationship between Bella and Charlie wasn't quite so awkward in the book, either.
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