Saturday, my hubby and I splurged on a babysitter and extra date night money and went to see the new movie, Twilight. I've heard many mixed reviews from friends who loved it and went to see it every day for the first four days to professional movie reviewers who gave it lukewarm reviews.
I was excited to see what I would think of the movie, especially after thoroughly devouring the entire book series not just once, but multiple times.
Overall, I'd have to say I thought the movie was pretty good. Maybe 3 1/2 to 4 stars.
There were certainly parts of it I loved - the tension between Bella and Edward was fantastic.
I loved the cast chosen for the Cullen family and Jacob. Up until I actually saw the movie, I just couldn't picture anyone chosen for the cast as filling the characters I made up for them on my own. I was happily surprised to see just how masterfully each of the actors and actresses portrayed their Twilight characters.
So what didn't I like? There were so many chapters from the book that were combined into one scene. I understand there's just so much information in the book and it can't all go into the movie exactly as is. Things get combined or, sadly, deleted. The scene where Bella confronts Edward about being a vampire was actually parts of three different chapters. In the book, Bella learns gradually about the life of a vampire, whereas in the movie I felt it was all thrown on in at once - to the point that it was unbelievable for her to say, "None of that bothers me. I'm not afraid of you."
I was also very, very sad that some of my favorite scenes from the book never made it into the movie. Such as when they do blood-typing in science and Bella passes out. Of course, Edward rescues her from Mike who's struggling to get her to the nurse's office. Another favorite scene that didn't make the cut was when Edward "spies" on Bella during gym class and gets a laugh at how clumsy (and dangerous) she is. And another favorite is when Jessica corners Bella in trig to ask her all about Edward & Bella's mysterious meeting in Port Angeles, as well as her feelings for Edward. Of course, Bella is acutely aware that Edward is "listening in" to Jessica's thoughts during the conversation.
So, while I was disappointed in missing out on some of my favorite chapters on the big screen, I really did enjoy the portrayal of Edward, Bella, Jacob, and the Cullen's family.
Would I go back to see it over and over and over while it's in the theaters? Naw. I'll save my moolah and wait for the DVD to come out and indulge in a Twilight marathon in a much more comfortable theater - my family room.
