Twilight

Posted Nov 20, 2008 by TBO.com

Updated Nov 20, 2008 at 04:17 PM

Welcome to Reel People. It’s a place where, you guessed it, real people like yourselves spout off on new movie releases. It works best if you—yes, we mean you—jump into the comments below and tell us what you think of the movie, too.

This week, we’re watching “Twilight”

What I liked: Set against sweeping Washington state vistas, empathetic high school students and starkly white vampires breathe life into Stephanie Meyer’s 498-page novel, “Twilight,” in just over two hours. As this generation’s James Dean, Robert Pattinson is almost perfect as the brooding, passionate, complex Edward Cullen. Taylor Lautner is ideal as shy, quiet, captivating Jacob Black, and Billy Burke plays the consummate father – oblivious to what is really happening in his daughter’s life, while caring and worrying about her typical teenage behavior.  The best action sequence is a ball game in the woods during a lightning storm – smooth, rhythmic, and fascinating.

What I disliked: The rest of the movie’s action clumsily charges along, thrusting important details into quick, rigid events, sometimes with overdramatic music and jerky transitions. Lush vampire abilities that flow magnificently in print are irregular and cartoonish on film. The undead look the part – white skin, golden to black eyes, and ruby lips – but the make-up is startling and pasty, instead of impressive. Kristen Stewart is a stronger, more independent Bella - not the lovely and needy “damsel in distress” portrayed in the novel.

Would I recommend it? Anyone who has read “Twilight” will be swept up in the breathtaking visuals and dead-on characterizations.  However, the action and story might be disorienting and unsatisfying for the uninitiated.  A caveat for the chick flick cynics: this is definitely a love story with more bite literally than figuratively.

Score: 8 out of 10

Courtenay O’Connell

What I liked: “Twilight” is one of the best vampire movies I’ve ever seen! I liked the themes of self restraint, protection and trust that run through the plot. I found the relationship between Bella and Edward surprisingly romantic and sincere. I was very impressed by the maturity of the main characters and the issues they face as a couple. “Twilight” is the best movie I’ve seen in a long time with a target audience of young teenagers. I was worried the world was going to be overrun by “High School Musical” garbage which portrays teenagers as extremely childish and their puppy love as laughable nonsense. In contrast, the emotionally rich characters in “Twilight” capture that amazing turning point in life, that indescribable shift from child to adult, where the idealism and optimism of youth meet the ability to make those first choices that shape the life you choose for yourself. Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella, has grown so much as an actor and she contributes a lot to the success   of this movie. “Twilight” also has an excellent soundtrack that added a lot to the dreamy overtones of the movie. By the end of the film I felt invested in the story and not having read the books I find myself wondering what the future holds for Bella and Edward.

What I disliked: It takes a long time for the movie to get going. The first interactions between Bella and Edward were awkward and choppy. Their time together was rushed and felt like an inadequate basis for their intense attraction and perfection together. The special effects throughout the entire movie were absolutely, inexcusably bad.

Would I recommend it? Yes I’d definitely recommend it. There are some terrific role models in this movie for young viewers.

Score: 7 out of 10

Jessica Conrad