THE VERDICT: Let's Talk about 'Twilight' for a Second
Read the book, watched the trailer and an opinion is made...
The first teaser trailer can be seen above and if you ask me it does nothing to make me believe we have a hit on our hands, or even a good movie. Even though this is a romance, it is a dark one. Even though Meyer's vampires can travel in the day light they actually glitter brightly in the sun, which calls for overcast skies and plenty of rain. Twilight needs to be dark, what is left to the imagination in the book should, for the most part, be left to the imagination in the film. Edward says to Bella all that is needed to be known about him and his "family" we don't need the comment we see above, "This is wrong Edward, she is not one of us."
I am sorry, but as I will soon be reading "New Moon" and "Eclipse" (and most likely "Breaking Dawn" should the next two be any good) it looks to me like the film has missed the mark.
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From left to right: Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen; Kellan Lutz as Emmett Cullen; Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan; Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen; Nikki Reed as Rosalie Hale; and Jackson Rathbone as Jasper Hale. |
I think Kristen Stewart is a great choice for Bella and Robert Pattinson may be a good choice for Edward, but he certainly doesn't look or act like the Edward I imagined while reading. I also look at the rest of that picture above and I am not sure if you noticed, but it doesn't reflect the look of the film or the footage shown in that teaser one iota.
So often director Catherine Hardwicke is praised as some kind of great director (primarily because I think one person said it and everyone else jumped on the bandwagon), but outside of her impressive debut effort with Thirteen she has received a 55% RottenTomatoes rating for Lords of Dogtown and 39% for The Nativity Story. Not exactly stellar numbers if you ask me and I just don't see where the praise came from or why she was actually chosen. Well, scratch that, I know why she was chosen…
Summit Entertainment has gone on record saying they want to make films with a production budget ranging from $20 to $60 million and from what I have seen Twilight is budgeted in the mid-$30 million range. I am guessing that is why the near accident involving Bella, Edward and a speeding van looks so bad in the teaser. Not to mention it's supposed to be on an icy and snowy day. I can't help but think these are production budget issues and I am surprised the massive "Twilight" fans are so enamored with it (NOTE: OME means Oh My Edward).
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You may think a complaint about the weather is a nit-picky one, but it is a matter of setting the mood for the film and making an important scene work logically. If I could make a recommendation I urge you to give the book a chance, male or female, as long as you like to read and aren't insecure with your "manliness" you should enjoy it and it is a quick read.
My pre-viewing opinion aside the producers and Hardwicke aren't going to delay in getting the sequels started should the first film be successful as producer Greg Mooradian told MTV the films based on "New Moon" and "Eclipse" could be filmed back-to-back as early as 2009. "It's been discussed," he said. "I can't tell you we're at that place yet, but it's definitely been discussed. [We like the idea of] shooting them back to back, and shooting them simultaneously as they did with 'Lord of the Rings'… From a production standpoint, it's a great thing to do. But it's quite an undertaking."
Hardwicke added, "Our vampires can't age…if they were like 45, people would say 'What's up?' [Filming them together] could be the case. Then, you just get it done."
Fortunately for fans of the series the small budget means the film doesn't need to make $100 million to be "successful". Take the female targeted Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants as an example, the first film made just over $39 million and a sequel hits theaters this summer.
It's strange, as much as Hollywood loves to make the stupid spoof comedies such as Meet the Spartans and Date Movie you would think they would be more open to making films aimed at the teen-girl audience. "Twilight" has also managed to capture the attention of plenty of mature women as well and will certainly intrigue some male moviegoers and if it turns out to be any good could actually be a big hit based on its budget. Lord knows I would watch anything aimed at an all-female audience before ever voluntarily watching anything from the idiots that make those spoof films.
Twilight hits theaters on December 12, for more information and pictures click here.
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Oh, I'm so glad you liked "Twilight!" Now I don't feel so weird.
I'll admit, "New Moon" and "Eclipse" are not as good as "Twilight," but they are quite good as well. I, too, am very much looking forward to the movie even though I know it probably won't be able to live up to my expectations.
I'm glad you have read the book before trying to bash the movie! I do agree with you on most aspects of what you say. I do agree that some of the scenes don't match up with the book and they even added stuff that isn't in the book at all. I don't like that and think that will deter from the movie. However, you need to consider that the book is in Bella's head and there is really no way to get all the feelings and points across except to add stuff here and there. Also, I think that this film will be big just because the fans want it to be big. There will be action scenes that might draw in the guys but I can say for a fact that most guys will be dragged in by their girls!
Okay, so I have a question….. Who do you think you are criticizing "Twilight". I understand freedom of speech, but still!!! I mean just because you saw the trailer doesn't mean you are an expert on movies. You could be a critic or just someone who watches WAY too much movies, but that doesn't mean that you know shit about movies. This movie IS going to be a hit no matter what, whether the movie is good or horrible. There are enough teenage girls and their mothers in the world that will go and see the movie, more than once, and buy it. Plus, Stephenie Meyer has been on the set plenty of times, and she says that the movie is going to be just as good, if not better, than the books. So, my personal opinion is that this movie is going to be a HUGE hit!!!! As Harry Potter comes to a close "Twilight" is there to step in and take its place as the #1 movie.
Plus, to reply to the last comment….. It is good that this person likes "Twilight". The more the better. But, I HIGHLY disagree with you that "New Moon" and "Eclipse" are not as good as "Twilight". The books get better as they go on. More intense and everything. I don't know maybe you just have to be a teenage girl, but as the books get more intense I OFTEN find my self breathless.
Wow, didn't know "Twilight" fans were so vulgar. Nice to have you around twilight_fan I am sure there are plenty of other opinions I have that you can say are wrong. Search around and hate me more for my opinion, but please understand that I respect yours.
Sigh. I didn't want to have to do this… but I can't resist.
Okay, so I have a question….. Who do you think you are criticizing "Twilight". I understand freedom of speech, but still!!!
He thinks he is the owner of the site… because he is. But still? What does that even mean? DO you understand freedom of speech, and why it has nothing to do with anything we are talking about here? This is like you saying "I understand rabbits, but c'mon!!"
I mean just because you saw the trailer doesn't mean you are an expert on movies. You could be a critic or just someone who watches WAY too much movies, but that doesn't mean that you know shit about movies.
This comment makes you sound like an idiot. Not a bad thing, just something to keep in mind. The way our current culture works is that you build knowledge through experiences and research. Saying someone doesn't know "shit" about movies because they watch WAY too many is like telling a mechanic he might not know shit about cars just because he repairs them for a living. I'm sure you can find some valid criticisms if you try REALLY hard going forward. Let's see how you do!
This movie IS going to be a hit no matter what, whether the movie is good or horrible.
Have you seen early tracking? Define "hit." See, I would consider Step Up the the Streets a success but not a hit. Simply put, the intended demographic is small here. For it to actually become a blockbuster it will need to draw in a bigger audience than has read the book. Why? Because probably a few million people have read the book whereas you need 12 million or so to crack triple digits at the box office.
There are enough teenage girls and their mothers in the world that will go and see the movie, more than once, and buy it.
There ARE a ton of teenage girls AND mothers in the world, well spoken. However, do we include the mothers of children in other places in your statement? Will African mothers see this? How about Iranian ones? Also, if you know your demographics you know that men make up the large majority of ticket buyers. I'm not saying this is "right" or "cool" but it is a proven fact. Remember those? Facts?
Plus, Stephenie Meyer has been on the set plenty of times, and she says that the movie is going to be just as good, if not better, than the books.
Yes, but how does she KNOW this? No one can predict a hit from the set. It's actually impossible unless you're talking about a franchise that's already established (Potter, Pirates, LOTR). They could have done amazing work when she was on set and still make a terrible film. It all comes down to directing, editing, and how many talented people are involved in the creative process. Are you really of the disposition that if you say something it makes it true? Certainly you must be smarter than that, right?
So, my personal opinion is that this movie is going to be a HUGE hit!!!! As Harry Potter comes to a close "Twilight" is there to step in and take its place as the #1 movie.
My personal opinion is that Harry Potter will outgain by Twilight by at least half a billion dollars off the bat. My opinion is based upon a few years of box office trends and study. What's yours based upon again?
Plus, to reply to the last comment….. It is good that this person likes "Twilight". The more the better. But, I HIGHLY disagree with you that "New Moon" and "Eclipse" are not as good as "Twilight". The books get better as they go on. More intense and everything. I don't know maybe you just have to be a teenage girl, but as the books get more intense I OFTEN find my self breathless.
If you become TOO breathless you should see a doctor. You shouldn't sacrifice your health for a short term entertainment fix. Just my opinion, free speech, TWILIGHT RULZ 4-EVA.
Laremy, You are rediculous.
I find my self breathless as well. It's not something you can help.
I'm glad there are guys out there who aren't afraid to read books that are supposedly aimed at a different group. The books truly do bridge gaps and appeal to a variety of people. I'm an 18 year old female..but I know a 16 year old redneck boy who's read Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse–and will hold discussions with my friend and I who pushed him to read them, while he's on the bus and in full hearing range of other young males.
Ms. Meyer is just a wonderful author, and I hope, sincerely hope, that they don't deviate from the book all that much. I'd hate to see this turn into another Blood and Chocolate episode–took the names and ripped the book in half, swerving from the basic plot, changing EVERYTHING, and making the good guy a bad guy. My comfort is that they APPEAR to be sticking to the basic ideas and seem to be mostly true to the characters Ms. Meyer writes about. I'm also pleased to know that Ms. Meyer isn't throwing a fit–I write a bit myself, and I know I'd be none to happy if somebody took my stuff and changed it a lot. This must mean they're doing a fairly decent job.
I can't wait to see it in theaters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! December is a LONG way away!
BRAVO Laremy! I'm sorry Twilight_Fan but it's people like you that give all Twilighters (like me) a bad name. You need to learn how to read other peoples opinions and NOT get offended by them. Everyone has an opinion and just because they don't agree with you doesn't make their opinion wrong. Just learn how to agree to disagree and your life will be so much better!
I love all the books and am hoping the first movie is a success so there will be sequels. So, thanks for giving the Twilight movie some attention even if it's not all positive. As you say, everyone is entitled to their opinion so here's mine. I would just like to ask if we can give Robert Pattinson a break. He has received so much criticism since he was cast in the role and has mentioned in almost every interview that he knows he isn't or can't be the "perfect" Edward Cullen. He appears to have put a lot of thought into his portrayal of the character and sincerely wants to do the part justice. I personally think he is gorgeous and he fits perfectly the image of Edward in my head.
Hey cullengirl1, it's not that I am necessarily criticizing Pattinson as much as he just doesn't look like the Edward I envisioned. He certainly can't help that.
Also, it's not his fault if that is the direction he is being given along with the lighting and the overall bright appearance the film seems to have based on the trailer. I think the dark and moody cast pic I included in this article is quite appropriate, but I didn't get that feel from the trailer at all.
Oh, and I agree, no one can be the "perfect" Edward Cullen considering the character is … perfect. :)
I should also end this by saying that since I haven't seen the movie I can't really judge one way or another. He may end up being perfect. We'll have to wait and see.
Sounds reasonable. Thanks for the response. I am a little confused about the darkness of the photo vs. movie as well. I see Twilight more as a love story (and they seem to be playing up that aspect in the movie) so I picture Edward with a crooked smile more often than a scowl. I know they want the movie to appeal to a broader audience so that may have something to do with the scarry photo. (People are debating now whether or not it can be classified as a horror movie.) I am willing to give Catherine Hardwicke the benefit of the doubt in creating her interpretation/vision of the story. At any rate, I am going to love the movie regardless because (as you can tell) I'm "dazzled" by Robert Pattinson.
Thank you so much for writing your story about reading 'Twilight'. I am 44 years old and had several friends try to convince me to read the series. They even went around taping up the back of their copies to get friends to read it without knowing what it was about because they didn't want people to base an opinion about the book because of the description on the back.
A good friend of mine convinced me to read it w/o the tape up and I went from totally uninterested to totally comitted and obsessed with the series. From the intellectual way the you have talked about your "conversion", I think you will continue to see the growth of these characters and especially understand the chemistry between Bella and Edward. I am impressed with Edward and in his "moral" code, his humanity, and his desire to be better than what he is, as well as the rest of the Cullen family. I believe you get more from this series than most. I suspect that you will enjoy 'New Moon' and 'Eclipse' as well as Breaking Dawn, because of the continued knowledge you gain from each of these characters.
I'm sorry that we have those twilight fans who use vulgar language to express their opinion. These seem to be the very people who tell us how much Stephenie Meyer has affected their lives, and yet there is no profanity in any of her books, nor have I ever heard her say a disparaging word to anyone, no matter their views.
I appreciate all of your comments and it will be interesting to see how the movie turns out. I, for one, am hoping for the best. I spend way too much time researching about this series and about the movie, but than as I said, I'm totally obsessed.
Thanks again for your thoughts.
Exactly. I mean, if you read any of my articles I am not against profanity, but there is a time and place and I don't think when referencing what really boils down to a family friendly book is that place. Glad to see everyone else has a level head. :)
First of all…New Moon and Eclipse I believe ARE better than Twilight. My favorite book is by far Eclipse, so far..with New Moon in a close second and Twilight in a close third.
Now the movie. Someone said this I believe..the book is in Bella's perspective so the movie and book have to have many differences. The movie needs to be seen as 3rd person instead of 1st person, therefore the differences have to show 3rd person.
Another thing…Stephenie Meyer saw this as if it were a movie. The person who would be the best judge of whether or not the movie is good WOULD be Stephenie Meyer. She wanted it to be a movie. I believe everyone knows what movies need in order to be a hit, or a good movie nonetheless. It neesd action, love etc. Which is what Stephenie Meyer's books have. The fact that she wrote it and finds the creation of the movie great, means it's going to be a good movie to the Twilight fans. She IS the major fan of the characters in the first place. They are all alive for her. She fell in love with them in one dream, and then later on in other books.
If she says what she's seen of the movie looks great…especially if she says she thinks it's going to be better, if not as good..means the movie has more potential than anyone could ever imagine from book to movie. The fact that she is helping them out, come on! That is going to make the movie, not break it.
FYI: I know that sometimes I might sound stupid, if you respond to this..please do not write 'you sound like an idiot here'..it's a rant from my mind to fingers. Hope you love the other books! They are fabulous.
*le sigh* And another bites the dust. I'm sorry people, but in my honest opinion, you all need to open up your eyes and smell the Mary-Sue's and Gary-Stu's. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's basically making the characters in your novel super invincible that nothing ever bad happens to them. Meyer has made Edward a huge form of Gary-Stu that it's not even funny. And Bell is just pathetic, being so awkwardly clumsy that she can't even take two steps without falling all over herself. These acts are just excuses for Edward to be the Knight and Shining Armor while Bella spirals back into the depths where women were considered unworthy in the eyes of a man.
Okay, okay, maybe I'm being a little harsh, but I'm just statting my honest opinion. Twilight was anything but a vampire novel and the romance was just simply pitiful. Not to mention that the plots in practially ALL of Meyer's novels are just spat up. A decent plotline wasn't brought up in Twilight until the last one-hundred pages or so and "vampires playing baseball only during a thunderstorm"? Oh, please.
It's pretty clear that the fans of the Twilight series are those of adolescent girls, and their mom's. Although mother's have already experience the matter of sexual intercourse, Bella is not a role-model those of younger audiences should look up to. Yes, it's good that Edward encourages Bella to wait until they're married to have sexual intercourse. And how does our female protagonist act towards this? By marrying Edward the minute she finishes high school, throwing away all of her plans for college and a decent future just to please her sexual desires. I call this lust, not love and something that'll damage the youth of young girls everywhere, thinking that if you marry a man, no matter how old you are, its okay because then you'll be able to have sex.
I'm sorry, but Twilight was everything but an amazing story. I ponder at what makes it so good in the eyes of the girls carrying them in their arms as I walk through the crowded hallways in school. Star-crossed lovers, a bestselling novel does not make. Girls will be happy with anything as long as the romance is either 'cute' or 'tear-jerkingly sad'. Although Twilight wasn't at all 'cute' is was DEFINATELY 'sad'.