Yet Another Bloody Twilight Review

Let's set the scene: It's three 'o' clock in the afternoon and I've just made it to the cinema in time with my friend having had to run from Starbucks in order to make it on time. I've power-drunk my coffee for fear of offending the staff and I'm now sitting in the cinema waiting for the film Twilight to woo me.

Originally I'd thought the film would be fairly okay as a film but rubbish compared to the book. I'd then watched some trailers and previews and thought 'Hmm. . .' and given a shrug of my shoulders. I'd planned to see the film anyway because I was curious and I'm not usually the type to judge on first appearances.

I don't know about anyone else out there but I'd had a bit of a hissy fit when I saw certain members of the cast. Jasper's constant wide-eyes made him look dazed and, let's be frank, rather idiotic; I wasn't pleased as he is one of my personal favourite characters. Victoria was the main character I was not pleased with in terms of appearance! Since when did Victoria start sporting strawberry-blonde hair? I always thought her hair was a fiery bright red that A: Made her distinguishable and easy to recognise. B: Symbolised her as a dangerous character.

As well as Victoria's horrendous and offensive flaw, I was rather disappointed by the way the special effects seem to have been neglected. Naturally, a low budget film can only do so much but I have seen other low-budget films that have done much better with their special effects. The way the vampires move in a cheesy blur bothered me to no end like a fly in my ear. I was also majorly disappointed in Edward's appearance in sunlight. I'd assumed it would be a blinding sparkling glow as described by the wonderful Stephanie Meyer. Instead, he just seemed to sparkle a little bit.

Jasper's talent. Why was this left out? And why don't we know anyone's story apart from Edward's? Is this less important than the unnecessary graduation caps and discussions about the theme of the prom? Alice's story is important, surely? And James is the one with the key to who she was! Why was this left out?

The Cullen residence was not quite what I expected it to be. It seemed too modern compared to the way I'd pictured it after reading the description and letting my imagination take charge. I'd assumed it to seem a little more fairytale like and grander. However, I didn't despise the modern equally impressive household the way I did Victoria's appearance. I do feel we could have done without the graduation hats on the wall.

While we're on the subject of what we could have done without. . . This is obviously not the fault of the film-makers but I'm pretty sure the entire cinema would agree with me when I say we could have done without the group of giggling girlies that went 'Yak yak yak' non-stop throughout the film!

Now, I'm guessing you're thinking that I hated the film from the negative words I have given you so far. Actually, shock horror, I found the film okay. I'd go and see it again and I'd quite happily purchase it on DVD. I've seen a hell of a lot worse. I decided I'd get the bad out of the way first. Now the good.

My favorite sequence was the baseball game. I found it a beautifully shot sequence and enjoyed watching the way Edward and Emmet flashed after the ball. Alice's pitching was beautifully graceful, much like her movements in the book. Carlisle's confident smirk as he was up to bat. The way Esme smiled and shook her head in disagreement when Bella predicted that Rosalie would score a home run. It was beautiful and enjoyable to watch. I must also wonder if Stephanie Meyer requested Muse to be played during this sequence, what with them being her favorite band.

Rosalie. Ah, sweet Rosalie. I enjoyed the hostility put across by Nikki Reed; and the way she always seemed to look like she was sucking on a lemon when she looked at poor ole' Bella. It was obvious from the looks she gave Bella throughout the film that she was bitter towards her, even before she crushed the glass bowl while everyone attempted to make Bella a nice dinner.

Robert Pattinson was not on my list of potential Edward Cullen's but I was pleasantly surprised by his performance. He did seem rather focused on his accent at some points in the film and less interested in his delivery of his lines. Despite this, his performance as Edward charmed me. I loved his furious cry of 'As if you could out run me! As if you could fight me off!'. He also seemed very alert at appropriate times. I enjoyed how his talent was subtly hinted to the audience. Like the way he gives a little smile as he passes Jessica when she is telling Bella who he is and not to bother.

James. Oh wow. I absolutely adored James. He was played wonderfully, just the way I imagined him. He was furious, but also enticing and almost comforting. I enjoyed watching the way he toys with Bella, crooning to her softly one minute and them roaring at her the next. I'm also so glad that Edward didn't finish him off. That would have ruined things. It would have been too cheesy and stereotypical heroism.

The way the film ended with Victoria was what I'd been hoping for. This gives an implication to the unknowing members of the audience that she is plotting some form of revenge and gives everyone a chance to look forward to New Moon. Hopefully New Moon will be better budgeted and I hope it will be made soon so I can go and see it.

Worth it? I'm not going to say this was a wonderful film but I'm not going to say it was complete balls either. It was 'okay'.

Recommend? I wouldn't recommend it to those who are pernickity about the film being like the book. I would definitely recommend it as a film but I wouldn't recommend it if you're after a play-by-play account of the book.

See it again? Probably.

Happy viewing.