Movie Review - Twilight

Movie Review - Twilight

Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. Rated PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sensuality. Running time of 2 hours and 2 minutes.

Twilight is a movie based on the best selling book of the same name by author Stephanie Meyer. This is but the first in a line of 4 books that feature the same characters. Worldwide the books have sold over 17 million copies. Given that, the movie was expected to appeal to a large group of fans of the books - mostly females. However, a large marketing campaign and lots of exposure made the film into a 'must-see' event to propel it into the 2nd largest opening ever for a non-studio film, following only The Passion of the Christ. Twilight made 70 million in its first weekend at the Box Office and was budgeted at 37 million to make. Add in 30 million for marketing and Twilight has already made its money back which is a rare thing for movies to do this day in its first weekend out.

Twilight is the story of Bella Swan, a teenage girl, who reluctantly moves to the small town of Forks to live with her Dad after her mother decides to go on the road with her new stepfather. Bella soon meets Edward at her new school and finds herself intrigued by him. Edward saves her life and the truth finally comes out. Edward is a vampire.

Now, don't get crazy, I didn't ruin the flick. It's widely publicized in the description that this is a teenage romance with vampires. I headed into the movie with a strong desire to see what all the fuss was about, as my wife and several friends are fans of the book and quite excited for the movie. Myself, I refuse to read anything but J.R.R. Tolkien books, and comic books, but that's another story. Anyways, I headed into the flick knowing only what you have read in the previous paragraph. I was delighted. The movie wasn't bad - it wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad. Matter of fact, it's verging on the tip of good. There are plot holes which I'm sure are taken care of in the book or at very least in the next books, but for now - I am confused by certain elements that weren't explained fully or just left completely open. There are other issues with the flick, as it has some pretty crappy special effects. This is somewhat interesting as ILM (Industrial Light and Magic) worked on it. ILM is the company behind some of the biggest innovations in special effects lead by the Star Wars movies. So, why did the effects not work so well in this movie? I'm not sure, but it probably had to do with the low budget of $37 million.

Other than the somewhat lackluster special effects and minor issues with plot, the movie was rather entertaining and worth watching. I'm a sucker for a good love story and although this isn't Romeo and Juliet, it does a good job of making you feel for the characters involved. A lot of the credit goes to the on screen chemistry between lead actors Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. Both do an excellent job and were well cast in the respective roles. This should jumpstart both of their careers - as well as the rest of this particular blockbuster franchise. Summit Entertainment, the studio, has already announced plans to make the second book into a movie with the lead actors/actresses all returning.

I can't say I'm drooling in anticipation for the next flick, but I can guarantee that I'll be waiting to see it. As for now, I recommend checking out Twilight as it is a good little flick and probably won't disappoint.