We got to the theater about 10:45 last night, and they were letting us get our seats. They had sold out 4 theaters, which was probably par for the course, because one of the other theaters in town had done the same. Next to us was a girl and her father. He had never read the books.
My disclaimer is that I've read the books, but found them hard to get into, and I consider them OK, but not great.
Anyway, we had a good time. Except for the first couple of scenes (which are like the book -- dorky/hokey teen) -- and we hoped it wouldn't be like that for the entire movie (and it wasn't) -- we enjoyed the movie. I'd give it a 4, except for those scenes, so it's a 3. And I bet if we saw the movie again, those scenes would not bother us, because we know where its heading.
Interestingly, the father next to us said he wouldn't give it a 5, but he'd give it a 4, and he intended to read the books.
I heard people behind me saying at the movie's end that they are switching teams from Team Jacob to Team Edward.
Then this morning's paper gave it a 1.5. No, no, no.
I loved the relationship between the teen friends -- well cast -- and Bella. Bella is just perfect for the part, very beautiful and easy to watch. (I agree with the reviewer that it would be fun to see her part played by the one friend.) Sometimes these teen friends (and 'teen' vampires) are the best parts of the movie. The Cullen father gets some swoons when he first appears on screen.
And the exceedingly bad vampires have fun with their parts.
Nothing can compete with the scenery. Or the screen kisses. Or the spectacular baseball game...and the ensuing scene with the bad vamps.
I loved the relationship between Bella and her father. It was true to life and very funny in parts, just the way teens and their parents/fathers are.
I disagree with the reviewer who said there was no humor. We laughed at a lot of the friends' convos and Bella and her dad.
I was afraid how I'd take the ballet school scene, but it was very well done. Scary, but not frightening. After all, we know where the story is heading. James is the vampire you love to see die.
And we loved the ending. It was just right. All the way over CG wondered if it would end at the last chapter or the first chapter of the beginning of the book.
OK, where is Book 2's movie? Count us in for the first night midnight showing. CG is already talking about seeing this one again.
In one sense it is refreshing to see a movie where the romance is unrequited. Bella and Edward have chemistry and double entendres, but they also have innocence and love, the unfoldment of learning about the other, caring and the desire to protect (even if the protection is necessary because of the protagonist.)
Even I liked it!
Karin
Be sure to visit InkyProductions at Etsy to see CG's Twilight pendants. I love mine!
Originally posted 2008-11-21 08:13:56.
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