Rating of
3/4
The Unfortunate Mediocrity of "Twilight"
Eric - wrote on 11/21/08
I didn't go into this movie with any extreme expectations. I absolutely loved the book, but from the trailers I had seen I wasn't expecting anything great but I didn't expect it to bomb either. After seeing the movie I have to say it was only okay, unfortunately. Here are my reasons as to why this film only was, "okay."
1) While the chemistry between Bella and Edward was there, it didn't manifest itself like it could have. They left out plenty of things that were important to their romance, I believe. For instance, the bedroom scenes I so love and the scenes were Edward is simply asking her, "What is your favorite color?" Small things, but they help to show the relationship. One thing that is bugging me is that while Bella's Lullaby was there, you wouldn't know what it is unless you read the book. Edward plays it, and it sure is beautiful, but there is no explanation for the movie-goer.
2) Like any movie adaption of the book, they screwed up. More so than they should have though. First of all, Edward cannot run up trees. Second, they made the scene were Edward, "sparkles" look absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. Frankly, I wasn't a big fan of that concept in the book either, but to each his own. The high school students who are barely friends with Bella barely get an introduction, or sometimes not one at all. There is little shaping for those characters who do play a bigger role than you would have though just by seeing the movie. Again, they left a lot of stuff out. Of course, you will mention time restrictions, but let me tell the movie producers this: I don't care how long the movie is. Quit making the movie for casual viewers and make a movie for the loyal fans of the series. Twilight is going to sell millions regardless, no one is going to mind sitting in the chair for another hour to see the chemistry. Frankly, many of us don't even want it to end! I'm just sick of this. The Dark Knight was almost 3 hours and look at it's status.
3) Absolutely horrific soundtrack. Granted, there were a few good songs on there. However, 95% of them did not fit with the movie AT ALL. I was baffled at how they thought there was a fit. Music in a movie plays a big role by increasing emotional intensity, and in this movie where there is a lot of that, it fails to manifest itself. It just crashed and burned.
There are a few more reasons, but some of that is just smaller stuff I think they will be able to get right over the next few films. I really do think they take a look at the harsh criticism this film is bound to get. And before you get angry at me, remember. I love Twilight to death. However, they could've done SO much more with this movie.
EDIT:
Okay, so I saw the movie for a second time. I have to say, watching it without analyzing it for any mistakes and errors, I was able to really enjoy the movie. I loved it. However, the above errors are still true. Although, I do not think they screwed up too much depicting the book. True, the things I mentioned still are wrong, however, it could have been much worse. Anyways, I think this movie is worth another watch if you were disappointed after your first viewing.
