My friends and I arrived at the movie theater at 11 pm last night, giving us an hour to get inside and claim our seats.
The parking lot was full.
We got inside the mall and there was a line outside the theater doors that span halfway through the mall. There were 200 or 300 people in the presale ticket line. (Sorry, no pictures allowed or I'd have gotten some). Luckily the theater staff had prepared and the line moved quickly.
There was a 30 minute wait for the concession stand. Inside each theater 2 or 3 ushers worked together to seat everyone. Kudos to the staff for their efforts. They really kept everything efficient, insuring everyone got a seat and got seated together.
There was a happy buzz in the theater and that hour passed quickly. Finally when the Summit Entertainment logo came onto the screen there were a few "Shhh!"s and then people clapped as the movie started. We all watched quietly and anxiously. My heart was literally racing.
...Then Edward made his on screen debut and everyone clapped. It was so much fun to share this special midnight showing with others who love the Saga as much as I do.
After that it was quiet except for lots of giggles (when Edward was onscreen) interspersed with 'ooohs' and 'ahhh's. And a couple of "I love you, Edward!!"s. It was a surreal experience.
Twilight was made on a small budget because Summit Entertainment took a chance. They saw making Twilight as a possible risk. Little did they know how very devoted the fans are. They took the chance because they wanted Twilight to succeed and had no idea if it would. They stayed true to Stephenie Meyer's vision and so, they deserve for it to succeed. And succeed it will. If Twilight lacks anything it's because production was strapped for cash. You can be assured though that New Moon won't be. When the money is counted after this opening weekend, there will be no doubt about the rest of the Saga being made into movies. Summit will be able to throw hoards of cash at the remaining three.
Now, on to the action! I am going to give you my opinions and conjectures. But I am going to try very hard to not reveal anything that would spoil the experience for those who haven't seen it yet.
This movie was good. Catherine Hardwicke is a fan of the saga and you can tell because she did a phenomenal job making Twilight. The movie has the feel of a stage production. It didn't feel like a big Hollywood movie. It had an aura of realism, it was kind of 'gritty'. The acting was good with a shining performance by Billy Burke as Charlie Swan. He's obviously an acting veteran, very natural and charming. Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan) gave an okay performance, over embellishing at times. Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen) was wonderful, if at times awkward (intentional? Maybe). Peter Facinelli (Dr. Carlisle Cullen) did a very good job. For me he was not physically what I imagined for Dr. Cullen. But his acting was convincing and I found I believed him as the good doc very soon into it. Taylor Lautner was surprisingly believable as Jacob Black. For those of you who read my previous post, you'll know I was not in favor of Lautner playing Jacob (my Jacob!). Also I have to mention that still photos do not do Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Cullen) justice. He truly is a strikingly beautiful individual and pulls off Jasper wonderfully. He was intimidating and alluring. All the other actors I've not mentioned by name were fine, but I do not want to run on about every single performance. Just believe that no one sucked!
My favorite scene in the movie was the baseball scene. It was exciting and fun. It also did a great job of familiarizing the audience with the Cullen family. You should know that my favorite scene in the book is the meadow scene. The reason it wasn't my favorite scene in the movie is because, well, it really didn't exist. It was kind of represented but I'm disappointed that more emphasis wasn't put on it because it's a pivotal point in the book. The movie's 'meadow' scene happened quickly and like, right behind the Forks High School (???). That ruined the 'enchanted private Edward place' feel for me. I guess he did take her up the mountain first but it just didn't feel right. I have to mention the 'sparkly Edward' scene. When he stepped into the sun with his shirt open, he looked exactly how I'd imagined. His skin looked like diamond encrusted vinyl. He didn't refract rainbows of light though, but that's ok. And I'm surprised and completely happy that they opted not to wax Robert Pattinson's chest for the scene! Although I doubt many teen Twilighters will feel the same.
I also enjoyed the heated first kiss scene between Bella and Edward (duh). Although, the danger of being that close to Edward didn't translate well, which subtracted slightly from the intensity. It could've been done a little better. Even so, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson's on screen chemistry was palpable. Every scene was great, don't get me wrong. I'm just keeping it real :) You'll love every minute of it! I just wanted to point out some ups and downs so you'll know what to expect.
The scenery was breathtaking. Rainy spanses of woods and mountain ranges and stormy seas abound. I had to mention that because like I've said in the past, the surly climate of Forks, WA was every bit as prominent a character as the humans were.
Now I'm going to give you the 411 for the overall feel and intentions of Twilight the movie. There is some incongruity to the scenes and some things completely changed. But not enough to detract from the quality of the story. A lot of scenes felt rushed. I think it was like that so Catherine Hardwicke could get as many things from the book into the movie as possible. It kind of feels like a Cliff's Notes version of a much longer movie. Things that were revealed slowly over time in the book had to be hurried to be succinct. Otherwise, the movie would have been three or four hours long. Which, lets face it, would have been absolutely wonderful for all of us but impossible on the budget of $40 million. You have to overlook that and enjoy the movie for what it is: the physical incarnation of our beloved, special world created by Stephenie Meyer. Who by the way shows up briefly in one scene, so keep your eyes peeled!
In conclusion, Twilight is a great movie that lives up to my expectations. And my recommendation is that if you've enjoyed the books, any of the hype surrounding the movie or anything remotely connected to the Twilight Saga, do not deprive yourself of the opportunity to get out there and be a part of something big and special. Go! Revel in the camaraderie surrounding the release of the biggest thing since Harry Potter. Be a part of it! Do us Twilighters/Twi-Hards proud! I'm really glad I did.
My movie rating for Twilight as a Twilight fan: A+
My movie rating for Twilight as a discernible movie goer: A
The parking lot was full.
We got inside the mall and there was a line outside the theater doors that span halfway through the mall. There were 200 or 300 people in the presale ticket line. (Sorry, no pictures allowed or I'd have gotten some). Luckily the theater staff had prepared and the line moved quickly.
There was a 30 minute wait for the concession stand. Inside each theater 2 or 3 ushers worked together to seat everyone. Kudos to the staff for their efforts. They really kept everything efficient, insuring everyone got a seat and got seated together.
There was a happy buzz in the theater and that hour passed quickly. Finally when the Summit Entertainment logo came onto the screen there were a few "Shhh!"s and then people clapped as the movie started. We all watched quietly and anxiously. My heart was literally racing.
...Then Edward made his on screen debut and everyone clapped. It was so much fun to share this special midnight showing with others who love the Saga as much as I do.
After that it was quiet except for lots of giggles (when Edward was onscreen) interspersed with 'ooohs' and 'ahhh's. And a couple of "I love you, Edward!!"s. It was a surreal experience.
Twilight was made on a small budget because Summit Entertainment took a chance. They saw making Twilight as a possible risk. Little did they know how very devoted the fans are. They took the chance because they wanted Twilight to succeed and had no idea if it would. They stayed true to Stephenie Meyer's vision and so, they deserve for it to succeed. And succeed it will. If Twilight lacks anything it's because production was strapped for cash. You can be assured though that New Moon won't be. When the money is counted after this opening weekend, there will be no doubt about the rest of the Saga being made into movies. Summit will be able to throw hoards of cash at the remaining three.
Now, on to the action! I am going to give you my opinions and conjectures. But I am going to try very hard to not reveal anything that would spoil the experience for those who haven't seen it yet.
This movie was good. Catherine Hardwicke is a fan of the saga and you can tell because she did a phenomenal job making Twilight. The movie has the feel of a stage production. It didn't feel like a big Hollywood movie. It had an aura of realism, it was kind of 'gritty'. The acting was good with a shining performance by Billy Burke as Charlie Swan. He's obviously an acting veteran, very natural and charming. Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan) gave an okay performance, over embellishing at times. Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen) was wonderful, if at times awkward (intentional? Maybe). Peter Facinelli (Dr. Carlisle Cullen) did a very good job. For me he was not physically what I imagined for Dr. Cullen. But his acting was convincing and I found I believed him as the good doc very soon into it. Taylor Lautner was surprisingly believable as Jacob Black. For those of you who read my previous post, you'll know I was not in favor of Lautner playing Jacob (my Jacob!). Also I have to mention that still photos do not do Jackson Rathbone (Jasper Cullen) justice. He truly is a strikingly beautiful individual and pulls off Jasper wonderfully. He was intimidating and alluring. All the other actors I've not mentioned by name were fine, but I do not want to run on about every single performance. Just believe that no one sucked!
My favorite scene in the movie was the baseball scene. It was exciting and fun. It also did a great job of familiarizing the audience with the Cullen family. You should know that my favorite scene in the book is the meadow scene. The reason it wasn't my favorite scene in the movie is because, well, it really didn't exist. It was kind of represented but I'm disappointed that more emphasis wasn't put on it because it's a pivotal point in the book. The movie's 'meadow' scene happened quickly and like, right behind the Forks High School (???). That ruined the 'enchanted private Edward place' feel for me. I guess he did take her up the mountain first but it just didn't feel right. I have to mention the 'sparkly Edward' scene. When he stepped into the sun with his shirt open, he looked exactly how I'd imagined. His skin looked like diamond encrusted vinyl. He didn't refract rainbows of light though, but that's ok. And I'm surprised and completely happy that they opted not to wax Robert Pattinson's chest for the scene! Although I doubt many teen Twilighters will feel the same.
I also enjoyed the heated first kiss scene between Bella and Edward (duh). Although, the danger of being that close to Edward didn't translate well, which subtracted slightly from the intensity. It could've been done a little better. Even so, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson's on screen chemistry was palpable. Every scene was great, don't get me wrong. I'm just keeping it real :) You'll love every minute of it! I just wanted to point out some ups and downs so you'll know what to expect.
The scenery was breathtaking. Rainy spanses of woods and mountain ranges and stormy seas abound. I had to mention that because like I've said in the past, the surly climate of Forks, WA was every bit as prominent a character as the humans were.
Now I'm going to give you the 411 for the overall feel and intentions of Twilight the movie. There is some incongruity to the scenes and some things completely changed. But not enough to detract from the quality of the story. A lot of scenes felt rushed. I think it was like that so Catherine Hardwicke could get as many things from the book into the movie as possible. It kind of feels like a Cliff's Notes version of a much longer movie. Things that were revealed slowly over time in the book had to be hurried to be succinct. Otherwise, the movie would have been three or four hours long. Which, lets face it, would have been absolutely wonderful for all of us but impossible on the budget of $40 million. You have to overlook that and enjoy the movie for what it is: the physical incarnation of our beloved, special world created by Stephenie Meyer. Who by the way shows up briefly in one scene, so keep your eyes peeled!
In conclusion, Twilight is a great movie that lives up to my expectations. And my recommendation is that if you've enjoyed the books, any of the hype surrounding the movie or anything remotely connected to the Twilight Saga, do not deprive yourself of the opportunity to get out there and be a part of something big and special. Go! Revel in the camaraderie surrounding the release of the biggest thing since Harry Potter. Be a part of it! Do us Twilighters/Twi-Hards proud! I'm really glad I did.
My movie rating for Twilight as a Twilight fan: A+
My movie rating for Twilight as a discernible movie goer: A
