"Twilight" Review
| Movie: Twilight * Official Site | In Theaters: Nov. 21, 2008 |
| Runtime: 122 minutes | Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke |
| MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sensuality | Gecko Rating: |
I haven’t read the “Twilight” books yet, but I went into this movie expecting big things based on the massive fan frenzy. I wasn’t disappointed. “Twilight” is romantic and thrilling, whether you’re a teenager or a mom, and even though some of the content is dark, it’s still warm and uplifting. How does it manage to do that?
More after the jump…
Based on the books by Stephenie Meyer, Melissa Rosenberg has crafted a fine screenplay that digs deep into a fantastical world of longing and forbidden love. Director Catherine Hardwicke has brought together all the right elements: a terrific cast, beautiful soundtrack, and moody landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Kristen Stewart plays Bella Swan, a teenaged girl who moves to the rainy little town of Forks, Washington to live with her dad. Bella has a great relationship with her mom, but her mom has remarried a minor league baseball player and is moving around the country with him. So Bella decides to go live with her dad for a while.
She quickly makes friends at her new high school, but one mysterious boy named Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) is just…well, mysterious. After sitting next to him for one day in science lab, he disappears for several days. And there are other things: he stops a speeding truck from crashing into her, he runs as fast as a mountain lion, and his skin is pale and ice-cold. She soon figures it out - he’s a vampire.
The two quickly fall in love. Her dad (Billy Burke) is less than thrilled, but even though he and Bella have an awkward relationship, he still loves her and doesn’t want any weird boy messing with her. That provides for some comic relief in this rather dark, romantic storyline.
After some magical moments between Bella and Edward - he whisks her high atop a tree with a magnificent view of the Pacific Northwest - she’s welcomed into his family. She even gets to participate in a fun, all-American sport with them. But danger is afoot, and not all the vampires are as welcoming to humans as the Cullens.
Here’s my theory: The “Twilight” books and movie is captivating because it touches on a lot of things we wish we had in our lives: someone to love and protect us unconditionally, a passionate romance with a superhuman guy, and some mystery and intrigue to spice things up. Not to mention that the two leads, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, have fantastic chemistry and they’re both beautiful. Yes, he’s beautiful, too.
A movie on the next book in the series, “New Moon,” is already in motion, with a release date of 2010 planned. Looking forward to it!
Note to Parents: The PG-13 rating is a good go-by on this one. There’s some fighting that gets pretty intense, and although Edward and Bella don’t sleep together, you know they want to. The problem is that whenever he gets close to her, he has to fight the urge to bite her, which could send him into an uncontrollable frenzy. Ah, true love.
Images: Twilight, Summit Entertainment, 2008
Tags: bella and edward, catherine hardwicke, Film, kristen stewart, Movie-Reviews, Movies, robert pattinson, stephenie meyer, twilight, twilight movie, twilight review, vampire moviesRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Action/Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Film Genres, Film Industry, Film Reviews, Movie Stars, Mystery, Now Playing, Personalities, Posters & Production Stills, Romance, Thriller
57 opinions for "Twilight" Review
moj
Nov 28, 2008 at 8:35 am
are you serious? i’m a twilight fan but the movie sucks. i really think you should read the book.
Here’s my theory: Twilight is a hit because it’s a romantic movie out of the ordinary. It’s good to have some dose of unrealistic stuff at times.
Jane Boursaw
Nov 28, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Moj - I’d love to hear what you *didn’t like about the movie! Sometimes people who’ve read the books have a much different expectation than someone like me who hasn’t read the books. I loved the movie.
The O.C./Twilight crossover
Dec 1, 2008 at 3:27 am
[...] Three of The O.C.’s characters are featured in the hit movie Twilight. [...]
"Four Christmases" Takes Box Office - Nov. 28-30, 2008
Dec 1, 2008 at 9:19 pm
[...] the big winner at the box office this weekend, with little “Bolt” coming in second and “Twilight” hanging in there at third. I took my 11-year-old daughter to see “Twilight” this [...]
Kristen Stewart: Rob is the "perfect" vampire
Dec 2, 2008 at 6:48 am
[...] it’s no secret that most of us who’ve seen “Twilight” view Robert Pattinson as the perfect vampire. But now we know Kristen Stewart feels that way, too. [...]
Kristen Stewart to Rock Out as Joan Jett
Dec 3, 2008 at 7:37 pm
[...] Kristen Stewart - fresh off her “Twilight” success - is set to play Joan Jett in “The Runaways,” a rock-n-roll biopic about the [...]
Catherine Hardwicke Talks "New Moon"
Dec 6, 2008 at 10:10 pm
[...] Hardwicke recently talked with ShockTillYouDrop.com about “Twilight” and the follow-up, “New Moon,” which begins filming in [...]
Rob Pattinson in "Little Ashes" - Trailer
Dec 6, 2008 at 10:27 pm
[...] you have a smash-hit like “Twilight,” folks are bound to start taking an interest in the projects of all the stars involved. For Robert [...]
"Four Christmases" Rules Box Office: Dec. 6 - 8, 2008
Dec 10, 2008 at 12:26 pm
[...] as they hoped. I’ll see it in the next day or so and post a review. Other than that, yeah, “Twilight” comes in second. No surprise there. Here are the numbers from Box Office [...]
Chris Weitz: "I’ll devote myself to New Moon"
Dec 16, 2008 at 12:12 pm
[...] you’re a “Twilight” fan, you know by now that Chris Weitz is taking over the “New Moon” directing role from [...]
Rob Pattinson: Dreading "New Moon"
Jan 1, 2009 at 7:37 pm
[...] "Twilight" heartthrob Robert Pattinson says he’s dreading his blood-sucking role in the film’s [...]
"New Moon" News: Vanessa Hudgens in for Leah?
Jan 5, 2009 at 9:59 pm
[...] "Twilight" sequel is in the works, with Chris Weitz in as director and filming scheduled to begin in March. [...]
Taylor Lautner to play Jacob in "New Moon"
Jan 7, 2009 at 11:51 pm
[...] "Twilight" fans have been eagerly waiting to see if Taylor Lautner would reprise his character of Jacob Black in the sequel, "New Moon." Rumors have been swirling that he might be replaced, because the character changes quite a bit from the first movie to the second. [...]
Taylor Lautner Talks “New Moon,” Debuts Buff Bod
Jan 13, 2009 at 2:20 pm
[...] Lautner, recently confirmed to play Jacob in “New Moon,” the upcoming sequel to “Twilight,” debuts his buff bod and talks about the vampire series in this clip from Access [...]
"Adventureland" – Clips with Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg - VIDEO
Jan 17, 2009 at 10:00 pm
[...] the perfect thing to prepare him for the real world. Also stars Bill Hader, Ryan Reynolds, and "Twilight’s" Kristen Stewart. Watch the trailer here, and check out these clips [...]
StarLuxfashion - Celebrity Fashion, Style and Gossip
Jan 23, 2009 at 5:28 am
[...] 14-year-old actress has been offered the role of Jane, a member of Italy’s evil Volturi, for the “Twilight” sequel, “New [...]
Dakota Fanning Dishes on "New Moon"
Jan 26, 2009 at 1:05 am
[...] No word yet on whether Dakota Fanning will co-star with Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in "New Moon," the much anticipated sequel to last year’s vampire flick, "Twilight." [...]
"Twilight: Director’s Notebook" in the Works
Feb 4, 2009 at 10:15 pm
[...] been wondering about the behind-the-scenes details of how Bella and Edward came together in "Twilight," there’s good [...]
"Push" Preview & Trailer
Feb 5, 2009 at 9:58 pm
[...] effects, too. Summit Entertainment, whose cool factor grew by leaps and bounds after producing "Twilight," is also behind this [...]
"Twilight" Interview: Robert Pattinson – VIDEO
Feb 5, 2009 at 10:32 pm
[...] "Twilight" will be released on DVD March 21, 2009, and it’s a perfect time to revisit our beloved stars of the movie. Here’s Robert Pattinson, a.k.a. Edward Cullen, talking about drugs, gay experiences and, of course, being cast as the world’s most romantic vampire. Thanks to Paul Byrne and Movies.ie for a great interview! Tags: drugs, dvd, edward cullen, Film, gay love, Movies, new moon, robert pattinson, robert pattinson interview, twilight, twilight dvd, vampire movies, vampires [...]
"Twilight" Interview: Kristen Stewart - VIDEO
Feb 5, 2009 at 11:52 pm
[...] or she just seems half asleep during interviews, which is probably the case with the whirlwind "Twilight" experience she’s had. And it’s only going to get more crazy with "New Moon" [...]
Behind the Scenes with “Twilight” – VIDEO
Feb 10, 2009 at 10:48 pm
[...] 2009. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes clip to get us hyped again (as if we need it!). Read my “Twilight” review here, and check out the clip with Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and all the rest: The [...]
Jonas Brothers in for "New Moon"?
Feb 11, 2009 at 11:28 pm
[...] Yikes, say it ain’t so. The Jonas Brothers say they’d love to do music for "New Moon," the much-anticipated sequel to "Twilight." [...]
Hilary Duff wants to be in "New Moon," too!
Feb 13, 2009 at 3:47 pm
[...] Duff was recently spotted at the Mercedes Benz Fashion week, talking with "Twilight" star Peter Facinelli about how badly she wants a role in the [...]
Robert Pattinson in “Little Ashes” Trailer – VIDEO
Feb 16, 2009 at 8:00 am
[...] theaters in limited release on March 27, 2009. It stars Robert Pattinson, the beautiful vampire in “Twilight,” as artist Salvador Dali. For more on the film and to watch the first trailer, click here. And [...]
Rob Pattinson, Zac Efron Presenting at the Oscars!
Feb 17, 2009 at 6:25 pm
[...] Pattinson, the hunky vampire Edward Cullen in "Twilight" and the upcoming "New Moon," will be presenting, though I haven’t heard which award [...]
Really, Stephen King? Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn?
Feb 17, 2009 at 9:33 pm
[...] really, you shouldn’t slam someone who has such a huge fan base as Stephenie Meyer and her "Twilight" series. I’d call that pretty darn successful, [...]
New Moon Logo – Check it out!
Feb 19, 2009 at 10:44 pm
[...] got the goods on the first artwork from "New Moon"! The much-anticipated sequel to "Twilight" is due in theaters Nov. 20, 2009, so I’m psyched with every new "New Moon" thing to [...]
"Eclipse" Gets a Release Date!
Feb 24, 2009 at 10:00 am
[...] always so excited to hear any "Twilight" news, and this one is [...]
Contest: Win a Part in New Moon!
Feb 27, 2009 at 10:48 am
[...] Who doesn’t?! Everyone from the Jonas Brothers to Hilary Duff are pining to be in the sequel to “Twilight,” headed to theaters Nov. 20, [...]
Eclipse – Drew Barrymore Out, Paul Weitz In?
Mar 1, 2009 at 7:00 am
[...] the news that Drew Barrymore might be in as director of “Eclipse,” the third installment of the “Twilight” [...]
Inside Kristen Stewart’s Nylon Cover Shoot - VIDEO
Mar 1, 2009 at 10:00 am
[...] has its ups and downs, but “Twilight” star Kristen Stewart seems to take it all in stride. Does fame give her the freedom to do what she [...]
Which director do YOU want for "Eclipse"? - POLL
Mar 1, 2009 at 3:00 pm
[...] directing aspect of the "Twilight" series has certainly taken a lot of twists and turns, hasn’t it? First, we had Catherine [...]
Check out this "Find Edward Cullen” Contest!
Mar 1, 2009 at 10:45 pm
[...] a fun “Twilight” contest taking place at TwilightMania.com and other online Twilight communities. It’s a scavenger [...]
Film Gecko: 16 Movies I Can’t Wait to See in 2009
Mar 5, 2009 at 6:42 pm
[...] New Moon (Nov. 20). The much-anticipated sequel to “Twilight” continues the romantic and brooding story of vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and Bella [...]
New Moon: Dakota Fanning confirmed as Jane
Mar 7, 2009 at 12:58 pm
[...] Fanning has been confirmed to play the role of Jane in "New Moon," the upcoming sequel to "Twilight" arriving in theaters Nov. 20, [...]
Twilight Deleted Scene – Danger in the Woods
Mar 9, 2009 at 12:00 pm
[...] Hollywood has a couple of deleted scenes from "Twilight." I’m not sure if these will be on the DVD being released March 21, 2009, but I’m [...]
New Moon Not Shooting in Volterra
Mar 16, 2009 at 12:03 am
[...] revealed at lunch in Los Angeles with one of the producers of Summit Entertainment, which helmed "Twilight" and now "New [...]
Lindsay Long Meets Catherine Hardwicke – Report from SXSW 2009
Mar 16, 2009 at 2:19 am
[...] currently the happenin’ place to be in Austin, Texas. That’s Lindsay pictured with "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke. More on that [...]
Catherine Hardwicke to direct teen series by James Patterson?
Mar 16, 2009 at 10:24 pm
[...] direct a film adaptation of "Maximum Ride,” a teen fantasy series with a few similarities to “Twilight,” the vampire flick that made Hardwicke a household [...]
Catherine Hardwicke to direct "If I Stay"
Mar 20, 2009 at 6:00 am
[...] the rift between Catherine Hardwicke and Summit Entertainment has been healed. The "Twilight" directed has signed to direct Summit’s fantasy-drama "If I Stay." That’s [...]
Twilight – on DVD and Blu-ray today!
Mar 21, 2009 at 5:07 pm
[...] of "Twilight" fans are happy, because the DVD and Blu-ray hit store shelves today! The 3-Disc Special Edition is [...]
Robert Pattinson eyes Summit’s Memoirs
Mar 25, 2009 at 10:02 am
[...] Pattinson, who’s been wowing moviegoers with his role as sultry vampire Edward Cullen in "Twilight" (now out on DVD), is looking at another Summit [...]
Will Rob Pattinson be around after Twilight? - POLL
Mar 25, 2009 at 1:42 pm
[...] does make you think. Pattinson has grown to fame and become a household name because of the "Twilight" movies and his role as sultry vampire Edward Cullen. But will he continue to get good roles that [...]
Ryan Reynolds: I’m not gay, but I love Robert Pattinson
Mar 26, 2009 at 10:59 pm
[...] Reynolds is sharing the spotlight in “Adventureland” with one “Twilight” star – Kristen Stewart. But he’s declared his love for another – Robert [...]
Where in the world are they filming New Moon?
Mar 29, 2009 at 1:14 pm
[...] "Twilight" fans are all abuzz over where the filming for the sequel, "New Moon," is taking place. On this post are a couple of Bauer-Griffin photos of Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, and Nikki Reed in downtown Vancouver. [...]
Jack Black, Vanessa Hudgens, Will Smith top Kids’ Choice Awards - Photos!
Mar 29, 2009 at 10:09 pm
[...] Book: Stephenie Meyer’s "Twilight" [...]
Kristen Stewart: Fans scare me
Apr 1, 2009 at 11:00 pm
[...] something Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson know all about, thanks to the wild success of “Twilight,” “New Moon,” and the other upcoming vampire movies based on the books by Stephenie [...]
Keith
Apr 3, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I can think of no greater blasphemy to the fabric of reality than to rate this movie at a 5 out of 5. The only thing that could do justice to the nature of true art would be to rate this movie on a scale of 1 to 5 at -10
Twilight Musings: Should Breaking Dawn be made? Vote in our poll and discuss!
Apr 14, 2009 at 8:46 pm
[...] the third movie in the "Twilight" saga, has already been confirmed by Summit Entertainment for release in North America on June 20, [...]
ET’s New Moon exclusive this Thursday!
Apr 19, 2009 at 1:49 pm
[...] be taking us behind the scenes on the closed Vancouver set of the "Twilight" sequel, featuring exclusive, on-set interviews with the film’s stars, Robert Pattinson, [...]
David Slade to direct Eclipse
Apr 22, 2009 at 10:09 pm
[...] but he’s landed the coveted job of directing "Eclipse," the third movie in the "Twilight" [...]
Which is better: Harry Potter or Twilight? Vote in my poll!
Apr 26, 2009 at 9:47 pm
[...] have to move on. And I don’t know about you, but I need a new series to follow and "Twilight" just might be [...]
Peter Facinelli talks New Moon, Taylor Lautner
Apr 29, 2009 at 7:12 pm
[...] comes to us via our friends at TwilightMania.com. Peter Facinelli, who plays Dr. Carlisle Cullen in "Twilight" and "New Moon" (in theaters Nov. 20, 2009), says "werewolves are coming out of the [...]
Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz attend a charity event
May 3, 2009 at 9:27 pm
[...] to attend a charity event at the Kitson store on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles. Look for the "Twilight" sequel to hit theaters on Nov. 20, [...]
2009 MTV Movie Awards Nominees
May 5, 2009 at 5:47 pm
[...] Millionaire" or "Twilight"? That’s the question to be asked at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, airing Sunday, May 31, 2009 at [...]
New Moon - First Photo of Quileute Wolf Pack!
May 8, 2009 at 4:56 pm
[...] pack has been released by Summit Entertainment. The movie opens Nov. 20, 2009, and continues the “Twilight” saga with more romance, more vampires, and more Edward and [...]
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