Twilight was good enough for me to like it but not good enough for me to love it. Even knowing that books never translate better on film and this film was low budget, there was still a lot that could have been better, even with an open mind. I felt like had I not been a fan of the series beforehand and walked into the theater knowing all of the anticipation that the fans built up, I would have been pretty disappointed. With all of what I am about to say below, I truly believe that after a few more viewings, I will learn to love the film for what it is – but not settle for this come time to translate the rest of the series on screen.

I was thrilled that the film was so true to the book, so in that sense I love the film. The major points in the book were hit, so I cannot complain in that sense.

Now the scenes went by at the speed of lightning and the transition between scenes throughout the entire movie…well there really did not seem to be any. While it is understandable that parts in the book must be skipped, I did not feel like the intimacy that grew between Bella and Edward was shown the way that it was in the book at all. It jumps straight into their relationship, into being in love. There is so much buildup and none was shown. You can’t rush a love story.

I also did not like how it was shaky at many times. I can understand the idea of running through the forest from a vampire’s point of view, but it did not come across very well. Also, while the many views of the landscape were gorgeous, there seemed to be too much time focused on getting shots of that rather than Edward and Bella.

As far as the makeup, the pale white skin was way too obvious for Edward, Carlisle, and somewhat Jasper. The actual filming location set the tone perfectly but the tone set by the actors, director (Catherine Hardwicke), and background music were not on the same page.

I was really looking forward to seeing the sparkle effect when Edward goes into the sunlight. Now that I have seen it outside of my head, I think that the idea was not translated well enough with the special effects but it was still good.

As far as the baseball scene goes…I actually enjoyed the baseball game but the overall scene was not at all portrayed in as big of a way that it is in the book, especially the stand off (which seemed forced and there really was not enough tension).

The Actors/Characters:
When the cast was first announced for this movie, I was not thrilled with who Edward would be. There was talent no doubt but that was not at all my image of Edward, even worth a compromise. I was satisfied with Kristen Stewart but I never could accept Robert Pattinson. While watching the film, I see why I could never fully accept Robert and I also see why he seemed fitting for the part. Kristen delivered and I am glad that she is Bella but the vibe that I get from Robert is that he seems to want to make the character his own a bit too much. When the character is written out for you in 4 books, there is not much making it your own that you need to do. Just stick with the book kid and relax. Also, if having an American accent is that much of a struggle, practice all day everyday to get it right so not to seem uncomfortable on film. This is only the first film, so I am sure that he will get better. He better.

Was anybody else bummed that there was barely any Jacob in the film? The way that he told Bella the “story” at La Push was exactly how I envisioned it.

I love Carlisle, Alice, Emmett, Jasper, and Rosalie. Every time Alice was shown, I had a big grin on my face. She is such a ray of light in the Cullen Clan, I love her!

Charlie and Bella’s school friends (especially Jessica) were portrayed…dare I say perfectly.

Great Moments:

In Bio when Edward looked like he was going to throw up because of Bella’s smell…that was perfect. Everything about that scene was perfect. I loved seeing him try to get out of that class and then saying he would just have to endure it. That was perfect!

That one line about wolves at prom, when Edward takes Bella away from Jacob was such a tease. Robert delivered the line perfectly. That was Edward Cullen all of the way. Although, people who have never read the book may not get the joke if they weren’t really paying attention to the story Jacob told Bella at La Push.

When Edward is playing the piano (cue the “swoons”) I was thinking, “That’s my Edward!” Haha. I loved it and I could watch that all day.

The Port Angeles scene…Edward saying “You should put on your seat belt” and Bella’s reaction was brilliant.