The Cullens

Hello all. Just returned from the local Cinema where I saw the new film, 'Twilight' as I discussed in a previous entry (look down).

I want to start off by saying that the film far exceeded my expectations. It was quite good, actually.
To be honest it was better than the book. I'm sure I'll get some shit for saying that, but I've 'read' the book (audio book ok?) and this movie was definitely better.

First off Robert Pattinson's portrayal of the teen-age Vampire, Edward Cullen, was extremely well done. Having read the book his nuances of the character were done with precision and expert pace and timing. If you haven't read the book, well, he probably looks a bit constipated in some scenes.
In fact Pattinson took a pretty flat and boring character and brought him to life with a lot of intensity and expression; both verbally and non.

The other Vampires were well done also, with no one really going over the top, except maybe the main antagonist, James. I also really enjoyed the portrayal of the character Jacob by Taylor Lautner. His role was small, but nowhere near insignificant. Even if you haven't read the books you know that something is going on with that character.

Kristen Stewart as Bella

Kristen Stewart, the actress who portrayed Bella Swan (the main character of the entire series) did a pretty good job of playing what comes across the page as not much more than a helpless clutz. She was able to actually make the character of Bella into a girl with a brain and an emotion beyond constant sorrow.

The biggest complaint I have with the film is the cameo by author herself, Stephenie Meyer. It seemed quite forced and honestly when I saw her I had to roll my eyes. Honey, Stephen King you are not.

Anyways, it was only for a few seconds so I was able to move on and enjoy the rest of the movie.

Will you like this movie? I don't know.
I can tell you that I really did enjoy it. It's very much a love story first and foremost, more than it is ever a Vampire movie, but if you enjoy good entertainment and aren't looking for something you really have to think too deeply about, go check it out and have some fun.

I hear they're already filming the sequel. I have to say that Summit has done a great job with the first one so I'm hoping they don't fuck up the sequels. If they manage to keep them as fresh and entertaining as this one I may just have to consider myself a new fan of the franchise (even though the books are pretty gag-inducing).

Even if you don't like sappy teen-age romance films, the Vampires are nice to look at and some of the visual elements are worth the big screen viewing.
I give Twilight 4 out of 5 stars.

-Justin - www.HKLFILMS.com