"You're my own personal brand of heroin," Robert Pattinson's hunky vegan vampire Edward Cullen tells seventeen-year-old Bella (Kristen Stewart), the loner from Phoenix who goes to live with her police-chief dad in rarely sunny (hint! hint!) Washington state. My guess is that the two-disc special edition on DVD and Blu-ray of last year's movie sensation will be heroin to Pattinson swooners. They made the movie a box-office bellringer, $191 million in the U.S. and $350 million worldwide. To tease the hell out of fans waiting for the usual Tuesday release of new DVDs, the sadists at Summit Home Entertainment won't put out Twilight until this Friday night when retailers will stay open late and host release parties for the DVD. (Go to the Twilight website to find a store near you). I've got my copy, and despite my decidedly mixed review I have to say that the movie, from the Stephenie Meyer bestseller, works better on DVD than it did at the multiplex. Here's why:
The cheeseball makeup and special effects don't seem so glaring on a smaller screen. Come on, even a bargain-basement $37 million budget should have bought more than blurry camera moves and a lame game of vampire baseball. It's the intimate closeups of Stewart and heartthrob Pattinson that draw you in. The deleted and extended scenes don't add much, but a seven-part documentary on the making of the movie is a Twilight orgy for fans. Props to Pattinson for mocking the hell out of himself on the DVD audio commentary, dissing his lipstick and bouffant hairdo. The British actor is a riot, and he doesn't bring down the movie because he and Stewart play their characters for real, like they mean it. That's why there's reason to think slightly positive about what Hollywood will do with the next three books in the Meyer series (New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn). New Moon is about to start shooting in Vancouver and Italy for a planned release on November 20th, which is faster than Bernie Madoff hid his money. Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen) won't be doing the first sequel (it could be creative differences or her reluctance to take a crash course in speed directing). That job falls to Chris Weitz, who did well co-directing About a Boy with his brother Paul and then screwed up royally all by himself with The Golden Compass (Nicole Kidman was scary for all the wrong reasons). So I've got questions:
What do you think worked well in the movie version of Twilight? What didn't?
Do you think that Meyer's Mormon faith and her belief in the "erotics of abstinence" intensifies the film's sexual impact since Edward withholds himself from Bella?
Who really gives the killer performance in the movie?
Are you at all excited about the movie of New Moon?
Will Pattinson generate as much heat in a story where Native American teen (and werewolf) Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner, vies with Edward for Bella's love?
Do you think Dakota Fanning is smart casting as Jane, the innocent-looking vampire who can crush you by just thinking bad thoughts? (I do)
What do you think is the best book in the series? How about the worst?
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ky ky | November 24, 2009 11:24 PM
i love twilight
rae | August 25, 2009 11:23 AM
i luv the movie & the books!! great job!! can't wait 4 the rest(as long as u keep rob pattison)!!
luna | August 24, 2009 1:40 PM
that day i was dowing a quiz on facebook it was (what is you'r favoret film)and...i answer all kind of qweschens they have put... but the last qweschen was (what do you like the most of film's)i answer it like that : i like some kind of mysteries love stoory that began with some kind of rude and selfish and then suddenly something happen's and chang everithing and they answer me like this : (This is a very recent love story...you are Twilight! Your love story is very interesting because the one you love is a VAM...PIRE!! You two will have to go over many obstacles but you always remain strong. In the end you will both win and live a happy life together!=])
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silveria | July 15, 2009 6:45 PM
I LOVE TWILGHT SO MUCH THAT I KEEP WATCHING IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN... THE ONLY PERSON THAT I LOVE THE MOST IN THE MOVIE IS ROBERT PATTINSON... HE IS HOTTTTTTTT..... I CANT WAIT TO WATCH NEW MOON.... I WILL COLLECT ALL THE DVD'S....
P.S. I LOVE YOU ROBERT PATTINSON.....
phentermine and prozac diet | July 8, 2009 6:50 PM
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iloveedward | May 23, 2009 6:56 PM
i think that twilight was the best movie ever and i love the books i cant wait till breaking dawn comes out that is my favorite book and i cant wait till the movie.O and also rob is super hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooootttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt. i only wish i could meet rob in real life.
mac | May 13, 2009 9:34 AM
Interesting film which appeals to all romantics, but unconvincing to all others. Pattinson delivers a intelligent performance, something I cannot attribute to Stewart. Throughout, she appears to be devoid of any intonation or facial expression. Considering her characters experiences, I would have expected more emotion.
I loved the Twilight series, but New Moon may not be the blockbuster that they are expecting, owing to the absence of Pattinson.
Notes to producer - the special effects were poorly executed and need to be remedied quickly.
On that note, I will be interested to see how they cope with the transformations in New Moon.
Jacqueline | March 23, 2009 12:25 AM
I only watched the movie because I was curious to see how they would handle this basically very cheesy, corny book! Well I wasn't disappointed, it was the very best example of what happens when you take a bad book and try to make a movie out of it.
I do hope that Summit uses some of it's money and spend it on the special effects; because there are way too many good movies out there with awesome man to wolf transformations. Also, they need to get a new make-up and hair stylist!
What didn't work was the director, so thank goodness for Chris Weitz. What did work was the chemistry between K.Stewart and R.Pattinson, without that this movie would have sunk hard. I appreciate the fact that they approached their roles seriously; they really did bring the Bella and Edward characters to life. (I had seen other K.Stewart movies, and after reading "Twilight" pictured her as "Bella")
Mormons aren't the only ones who believe in "erotics in abstinence". I think the longing between Bella and Edward is even more palpable and painful because they do abstain; isn't this what drives the movie?
I have to say that the killer performance has to to go to R. Pattinson. He made us believe he was Edward. If he did not deliver I don't think the movie would have survived!
I think Dakota Fanning was a good choice for Jane; she is another actress that I think will bring that character to life.( With that said, I hope Summit does not hire Vanessa Hudgens for any role in these movies, she is a horrible actress!)
The best book in this series is "Breaking Dawn" I think S.Meyer finally broke through and is becoming a writer I can read.
Sarah | March 20, 2009 4:09 PM
Of course the movies will not be as good as the books. They never are, but with that in mind Twilight pretty good.
Edward was definitley hotter in my head, but Pattinson did a good job. I think Stewart nailed Bella right on the head with her attitude.
I am hoping for better quality in New Moon. However, I will see it no matter what. My whole office had read the saga and we are all addicted together! Favorite books are Eclipse and Breaking Dawn.
It is fantastic to have a series that shows a lasting love that isn't based on sex. It is just the icing on the cake! Teens need to keep their clothes on!!!!!!!
Cha Cha O'Hoolihan | March 20, 2009 4:02 PM
I agree. "Let the Right One In" is a much better vampire flick, without the awful soundtrack, cutesy poo posing, and wussy angst.
Salsa | March 20, 2009 12:59 PM
Kristen and Rob have beautiful chemistry together. Think Kristen will do a fabulous job on all of the series but in particular Breaking Dawn. She can look very school girly and yet, when made up, she's absolutely beautiful...perfect for when she turns into a vamp. Rob, well, what can one say...he's delicious and will always generate sexualty. He's is Edward in our imaginations. Less is always more and the sexual vibes between the two is very erotic. Dakota Fanning will be wonderful as Jane. Breakout, definitely Billy Burke. He was absolutely terrific as Charlie and Cam was amazing as James. They both looked like they walked off the pages of her book. Needed less scenes that were written by the screenwriter. Stephanie's books don't need anything added. Could pick at a lot of little things I didn't like, ie., earbuds, new tires, cell phone, notebook computer, restaurants, nature trip, meadow scene not meaningful enough and the Cullen's house...atrocious. Hopefully this will all get corrected in New Moon. Really looking forward to it. Best book of series...Breaking Dawn.
Lexa | March 19, 2009 6:36 PM
I think that the movie was great. Not as good as the book but good.
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson did and amazing job in my opinion.
It was a very smart choice to cast Dakota Fanning as Jane.
Kristin | March 19, 2009 5:00 PM
Although it appeased die-hard fans like myself to add quotes from the book, it came off as cheesy and not well rehearsed in the movie. But I think the chemistry between Kristen and Rob really pulled the movie through the rough patches.
As for the abstinence throughout the series, I believe it's a breath of fresh air.
The killer performance award goes to Billy Burke aka Charlie. Can you say comedic relief? Cleaning a shot gun before meeting daughters (undead therefore unable to be harmed) boyfriend? Perfect!
New Moon, although rushed, seems to already be casting a bigger shadow than Twilight did. I'm excited, and I think a whole new group of fans are excited. Edward will of course be the main concern throughout the movie even when mia, so the heat will still be there. It just adds fuel to the fire for the later rivalry.
Dakota was a perfect move on Summit's part. She's a rising star among rising stars and she can pull off the "angelic but deadly" look.
As for my favorite book in the series? Hands down, Breaking Dawn. A complete twist to a seemingly predictable story line. Bravo to Stephenie Meyer who kept us on our toes during the last installment.
Stage Front Tickets | March 19, 2009 4:34 PM
What do you think worked well in the movie version of Twilight? What didn't?
Well, the chemistry was definitely there, but the special effects really left something to be desired. As per usual, the movie as a whole was not as good as the book.
Do you think that Meyer's Mormon faith and her belief in the "erotics of abstinence" intensifies the film's sexual impact since Edward withholds himself from Bella?
Mormons aren't the only ones who believe in "the erotics of abstinence." In fact, I think the whole series was over 2000 pages of foreplay - you can't get much hotter than that!
Who really gives the killer performance in the movie?
Charlie - Bella's dad was the best I think. I was pleasantly surprised at his performance.
Will Pattinson generate as much heat in a story where Native American teen (and werewolf) Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner, vies with Edward for Bella's love?
No - and he's not meant to. New Moon was more about the absence of Edward. So, Pattinson will have to take a backseat to Lautner for this one.
Do you think Dakota Fanning is smart casting as Jane, the innocent-looking vampire who can crush you by just thinking bad thoughts? (I do)
That's who I was picturing as I read the story - so yeah, I think it's perfect!
Bo | March 19, 2009 6:19 AM
But then I can't say I didn't spot a lot of things that should have a strong appeal for younger audience (as demonstrated by the box office numbers). I am nearly 30 and I think I simply fall out of the target group. Peter Travers only more so. :) I don't think the movie is stupid, it's just not smart at its best moments either.
Taryn | March 18, 2009 10:54 PM
I loved the books (even tho they lack originality and can be a little cheesy), but they always kept you drawn in. I thought the movie was really mediocre. I didn't think it was horrible, but it was nowhere near being good. The changes made from the book were for the worse. I actually thought Kristen Stewart was one of the weakest parts of the movie. She looks the part of Bella, but Kristen made Bella so emo, too serious and quite boring, almost annoying at times. Robert did really good, but he could lighten up, Edwards is a bit self-loathing at parts but not all the time. I thought the casting in the minor roles was off, especially with Nikki Reed as Rosalie. The whole movie just came off dreary and corny and not as interesting and entertaining as the books.
I really hope this Taylor kid gets better because his acting was very poor in the first one. Sure he can bulk up, but he needs an acting coach as well. Dakota is an interesting choice as Jane, she is a very menacing character, it'll be different from her other roles.
I'll definately go see New Moon, but with Bella and Jacob being the main characters in this one i'm afraid i'm going to be disappointed because of the actors portraying them.
Bo | March 18, 2009 10:06 PM
I saw Twilight for various reasons like curiosity. And wasn't really impressed. Seemed very teeny to me, and pretty lame at moments, yeah, like at that baseball game. Dialogues are never great, just good sometimes. Moments Bella and the hero vampire share are the best element of the movie, like Travers says. Their acting is very decent.
So I read the synopsis on the upcoming sequel. No, thanks, the story stinks of unoriginality and forced twists. It kinda reminds me of National Treasure or what's that shallowness with Nicholas Cage. Not a tiny bit more of Twilight for me. There is so many more meaningful and worthwhile titles out there just waiting to be watched. I saw some by Todd Solondz the other nights, loved Welcome to the Dollhouse.
Filthy Riot | March 18, 2009 8:53 PM
Twilight, was one of the best movies that i have seen and i am gladfully that i watched it.
Sk8er girl | March 18, 2009 6:16 PM
AWESOME MOVIE
AWESOME BOOKS
The best book: ALL of them
Rob and Kristen: The best actors they could've chosen!
Can't wait until the DVD!
chuck bass | March 18, 2009 5:48 PM
edward cullen better watch his back.
ugh | March 18, 2009 4:29 PM
I'm sorry, but Kristen Stewart is awful in this. She's so lifeless that it kinda creeps me out.
lexi | March 18, 2009 3:20 PM
Overall, i thought Twilight was good. Then again, my opinion is based souly on the fact that Kristen and Robert oozed sexual chamistry, and their relationship is what i really loved the books for. And so while some scenes were cheezy and rushed, i liked the movie.
New Moon will probably be good too. Dakota Fanning is a great actress, and the storyline goes more in depth than the last, so they wont rush through the basics just to get all the information in (hopefully). so i'll go see New Moon too.
Shamrock | March 18, 2009 11:01 AM
Four Christmases consistently beat Twilight each week. Can't wait to see Four Christmases II. The curiousity factor was why this made money, then everyone realized it was garbage.
Matt | March 18, 2009 9:51 AM
I saw Twighlight with my wife, having not read the books. I didn't like it, save for a few scenes with the two main characters. I had hopes that with the money this movie generated, maybe they would use a bigger budget to make the next one better. Now that I know the sequel will be released only a year later, those hopes are gone. Can anyone say, "The 'Saw' of vampire movies?"
Fan of the books, Hated the movie | March 18, 2009 9:24 AM
For me, Twilight was my favorite book of the series, and it was done horribly on film. The awkward pauses, the constipated looks on the vampires faces, and don't even get me started on the horrible electric guitar that played every time the "evil" vampires came on screen.
It did have it's moments. Rob P. was a great choice for Edward, his acting just fell into the hands of a bad film editor. The secondary cast of mortal high schoolers made the film easier to get through, and the soundtrack was perfect (the non-original score). At the end of all of Meyer's books she thanks the musicians that she listened to while writing, and most of them ended up on the movie's playlist. My favorite scene was the baseball game (until ruined by the crazy electric guitars). It worked for die-hard fans of the book, and it translated on screen. And I know every one creamed their pants when Radiohead's Fifteen Steps played in the last scene.
I think a new director might be able to save the movie and make it enjoyable for everyone to watch. Hopefully I won't have to repeat my own constipated face when watching New Moon.
whalespoon | March 18, 2009 9:16 AM
"Twilight" was not a great movie--nor a particulalry bad movie. I've never read any of the books and went because the whole series was so huge to my middle school aged children and their friends. I was pleasantly surprised. The story is goofy, the effects are pretty cheesy, but the sexual tension/chemistry between Pattison and Stewart is incredible. Without that, the movie isn't up to much. I think they will have a difficult time coming up to that level in any of the sequels.
Ava | March 17, 2009 11:03 PM
I think the main actors, Kristen and Rob, were want really made the movie work. Both were the physical representation of the characters from the book. The hair and makeup of the Cullens was terrible, and the special effects were sad. Especially the part where Edward glitters in the sun. I had to look away, I was so embarrassed for him
I think the sexual tension is what young girls/women find so irresistible, especially in such a gorgeous man. Let's be honest, 99% of all teen movies have sex & nudity, and the fact that this movie is so incredibly popular is really a testament to how hot it can be to not show everything. The reviews I read complaining about the lack of teenage sex can go watch, well literally any other teen movie to get their fill.
I thought Kristen Stewart really nailed it, she is a pretty girl but in a different way then the usual tan/blond/big boobs teen actress. Casting Rob as Edward was probably the best decision the director made.
I am nervous that New Moon will be as cheesy at Twilight, I hope they are able to take it to the next level with the special effects. And improve Carlisle's & Rosalie's hair. Actually please improve Rosalie's entire wardrobe. It looks like she was clubbing in Eastern Europe
Hiring Dakota Fanning was great decision, she looks exactly the way I pictured her when I read the book
The first book is my favorite, my least favorite is Breaking Dawn, because the half vampire/half human baby kind of freaks me out.
Ashlee | March 17, 2009 10:16 PM
Robert P. ( Edward) is cute he should be in all movies that have vampirers in them
TwilightObssessed | March 17, 2009 9:11 PM
I believe the best part about the Twilight Saga is the connection between Edward and Bella and Bella and Jacob but in the movie I think Kristen Stewart was really bad trying to portrey Bella, because Bella is fragile but she thinks she's tough and Kristen acted tough all the time so Bella seemed to be a 'loner' and unsensitive when it is totally backwards, she is comfortable with being alone and frankly she rather enjoys it but when she meets edward she no longer wants to be alone, so I think Kristen Stewart did a very poor job where in other areas Robert Pattinson was perfect because he actually felt the pinch of necessity, desesperation and frustation that Edward feels in the Book.
I thought the characters could have been better chosen! like Rosalie! she is supposed to be this god-like creature and instead we get a fat and not perfect imitation of Rosalie. Bella's mom was a big let down too but she's a minor character so I forgive them.
Well in conclusion I will see New Moon, Kristen Stewart should soften a bit, they should change the girl who plays Rosalie and Dakota Fanning is a great choice for Jane.
Shakespeare | March 17, 2009 8:53 PM
Traver's your cracking as a critic! 1st you say Twilight is garbage, then you say it's worth watching on DVD? Same with you review of Watchmen, but even though you gave Watchmen a bad review, you still told your audience to go see it! Dam it Man be a critic not a therapist!
DavieB | March 17, 2009 8:33 PM
Save your money.
Get "Let the Right One In."
Much better vampire film.
Mawrgyn | March 17, 2009 7:31 PM
I was really looking forward to the director of Thirteen to direct New Moon and I'm excited for New Moon because Summit can now afford GOOD effects. I'm glad they're actually going to Italy. & I think that Stewart and Pattinson should actually read the books. I've watched interviews and they've both confessed they haven't read them. Seriously? That's the most frustrating to me. I can't help but buy the DVD either. I love the books and idea of the Twilight series.
joe | March 17, 2009 7:29 PM
Dakota Fanning is the only reason that I'll watch the sequel. Whether I see it in the theater or on DVD depends on how big her role is. Nonetheless, I think she'll expand the audience for the franchise. So, yes, casting Fanning was a good move.