'Twilight ' (Catherine Hardwicke, 2008)

It would be unfair of me to pretend that I'm not biased on the subject of the hit book, and now film series 'Twilight'. I am. Incredibly so. I devoured author Stephenie Meyer's tale of teenage vampire-on-normal girl love, and sans any shape or form of shame. A few of my friends were saying that they "couldn't wait until the critics trashed it". That made me laugh, just a little bit, seeing as how the film (very much like one of my other favorites so far this year, 'HSM3') is virtually critic proof. I say that in the sense that it could be called the worst film of 2008 and still legions of fans would flock to it. All that mattered is that it remain faithful to the novel.


First of all, let me just give my compliments to the casting director. I honestly don't think that they could have picked a better Edward Cullen than who they found in Robert Pattinson. I remember watching 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' way back in I believe 2005 and thinking that this kid, Cedric Diggory, was the cutest thing. I also assumed that he would never have a career in acting when he didn't really you know do anything of note after 'HP4'. He's absolutely perfect for the role. Edward's supposed to be beautiful and frightening, roles which Pattinson can alternate between at the drop of a hat. Kristen Stewart, also, embodies the character of Bella unbelievably well. She's supposed to be clumsy and uniquely pretty. A waifish newcomer to the town of Forks, Arizona. I kind of invisioned her with a manly-ish voice. Ding, ding, ding!

Now before you all kill me, saying that I have no taste and all--hear me out. I'm not saying that this is the second coming of 'Citizen Kane' or anything, I just plain enjoyed it. Hardwicke and co. took the book that I had such a wonderful time reading and essentially put it to the screen.


However, that's not to say that the film was without its faults. They come largely from the realm of unintentional laughter. There were some parts that were just so unbelievably hammy that my friends and I couldn't help from doubling over in hilarity. Remember how I said that the makers of the film "essentially put it [the book] to the screen"? Well I say that with reservations. They left out quite a few details that may or may not be considered minute (I find them major plot holes), however I can see why: they had to please the audience members who haven't read the books, and I don't fault them too harshly for that. Those moderately unsavory parts didn't take too much away from the movie, though. It was just as moody, romantic, sexy and thrilling as I had imagined it being. What are a few extra laughs added in there but even more fun to patch up the missing pieces?

B+