Text 
1 Comment [ View ]Plenty to like -- and dislike in 'Twilight'
By Shannon SousaEver since the first trailers of "Twilight" surfaced on YouTube, I constantly kept an eye out for news and TV specials on upcoming film. At first I was just as excited as any squealing "Twilight" fan, but I soon learned I had to lower my expectations or else I might be disappointed.
After seeing the movie on opening weekend, I sat in the theater for quite some time debating if I actually liked it or not, and truth is, it's still kind of a tossup. The whole time I found things to like and dislike about the way they told the story in film.
To begin, a plot synopsis, for anyone who doesn't already know: Bella is a junior in high school who moves to small-town Forks, Wash., to live with her dad. She meets the perfect, charming Edward, who happens to be a vampire. Of course, they fall madly in love with each other, but complications ensue when a visiting vampire puts Bella on his dinner menu and decides to track her down.
The differences between the book and movie are so few they can be counted on one hand, which will satisfy most fans. I had qualms about the actor choices before seeing the movie -- I thought Kristen Stewart was too skinny and sharp-featured to play soft, fragile Bella but Robert Pattinson sufficed for Edward's cold, pale looks.
However, in the quality of acting, my opinions changed. Stewart was brilliant, a real, believable portrayal of Bella. Pattinson dazzled me until he started speaking. Most of his serious lines seemed overexagerrated and unnatural, however, his happy, lighthearted conversations were completely normal and fit with the true Edward. A plus: Anytime the couple were simply gazing into each other's eyes (which happens quite often), there were definite sparks, so at least the actors had great chemistry.
I was disappointed that the first kiss was completely different from the book. The story has an excellent description of Bella and Edward slowly and carefully leaning in, only to be shocked by an electric-like current that forced their bodies apart. Sadly, but understandably, filmmakers nixed the original writing and opted for an almost steamy first kiss in which Bella pulls Edward onto her bed and he jumps back to hit the wall across the room, in shock of how dangerously close he came to hurting her. Ideally for "Twilight" fans, the film would stick to the book but since the movie industry needs to attract those who haven't read the books, more sex appeal was needed.
Another change I expect also resulted from attracting non-fans was that the story actually had some good laughs. I don't remember the book being too "ha-ha" funny, but the movie sneaks in lines that left the audience chuckling in their seats. Other pros included a great soundtrack, an abundance of hotties (not just Edward!), and a really amazing scene where Edward takes Bella to the top of some extraordinarily tall trees.
Sad to say, those who've heard author Stephenie Meyer's explanation for why vampires stay out of the sunlight will be disappointed at the sparkling effect in the movie-- it's simply not as special as made out to be. Another annoyance is that the flying and jumping Edward and the other vampires did was noticeably due to mechanical wires, but I guess it's impossible to expect such perfection from special- effect artists.
"Twilight" was a good movie, but not great. I knew it was going to be a miracle if everything matched the images in my mind from the descriptive books. Fans will all have different opinions, so I can't tell you to see it because I think you'll like it, but I can suggest you see it to satisfy the curiosity.
For non-fans, it all depends on your taste in movies. Keep in mind this IS a chick flick (with some small-but-entertaining action at the end), so I'll trust you know your own preferences and let you decide if it's worth your time and money.
Shannon Sousa is a senior at St. Joseph Catholic High who loves to dance, listen to music and write, of course. E-mail her at shannononononsousa@yahoo.com.
Add Your Comment
I FREAKIN LOVED IT. THE BOOKS ARE ALL GREAT TOO. THE MOVIE HAD SOME PARTS THAT WERE CORNY -BUT STILL OVERALL IT WAS GREAT. EDWARD IS SO AMAZINGLY HOT!
Please read our posting guidelines before reporting a comment.