The Good, the Bad and the Steamy
It was 6 p.m. on Thursday night when we first got reports that fans were already lined up to watch the premiere in Arizona. I was shocked and wondered if the same could be happening here. Sure enough, we drove by our local theater and fans were indeed camping out. I was stumped, how can this be? Didn't they already buy their tickets? Is there someone from the cast showing up that I didn't know about? It seems I simply underestimated the devotion of the fans once again. If they are willing to show up 7 am on a Sunday to see the cast at the LA premier at 5:30 pm on Monday, why wouldn't they wait a measly 6 hours to get prime seating to watch the movie they have all been anxiously awaiting? And so what if it's cold, in the wee hours of the morning on a school night?
It seemed to be all worth though it for the young girls who were giddy and swooning as we left the movie theater. I almost wished to be that age again and just revel in how much easier it is to be pleased back then. But I'm 31 and if I were a teacher, I would have to give the movie a B+.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the movie. I squeed, laughed, and sighed happily during a lot of it. I always enjoy seeing a book I love come to life on screen. There's just something about seeing a book visually. I've learned a long time ago to not expect too much with books made into movies. I will be thoroughly surprised if I ever see an adapted movie turn out as good as the book. But back to the movie... I liked the modern adaptation of dialogue in the the movie and I also thought the humans were well portrayed, particularly Charlie & Jessica. I have never seen Taylor act before this movie, so I was nervous since I had seen many people say he can't act. But I thought he did well and that last scene where he exchanged glances with Edward makes me eager to see more in future movies. I thought a lot of scenes were well executed, like when Bella was seeing bits & pieces of what was happening while she was being poisoned by the venom, when Bella & Edward first showed up to school together, and I also loved how they did the scene where Mike is talking to Bella and all she sees is him blurred and Edward clearly behind him. If only more scenes could have been as cleverly portrayed.
Considering the small budget & early bad reviews I was already not expecting much going into the movie. But I was still caught off guard by the tone as the movie began. Raise your hand if you loved the latest trailer for this movie! Why was the movie not as well compiled or the music better implemented into the editing as the trailer? Important scenes seemed comical and the background music throughout most of the movie was so ill fitting and did not capture the mystery, the intensity, and the angst of Bella & Edward's developing relationship. The music sounded terribly dated and affected my mood in several key scenes. I hoped to be more emotionally moved, but just didn't get there, especially with the meadow scene, which I thought lacked a lot. I also heartily agree with those who already said that there was some over acting, some bad acting (I was particularly disappointed with Kellan), certain scenes that could've been done better (biology!) and that some book lines did not translate well at all on screen. But what bothered me the most besides that the background music was the underuse and lack of dialogue of the other Cullens!
I suppose they wanted to put a lot of focus on Bella and Edward, literally, since they had so many close up scenes. Fortunately, Rob and Kristen had great chemistry, and even though certain things were overdone, they are both just so watchable. Kristen's line deliveries and mannerisms were very Bella and Rob's glances and mouth twitches, coupled with some husky delivered phrases did not disappoint. And that kissing scene...SHIVERS! Yah, I am so not one to quote Paris Hilton of all people, but "that was hot!"
I look forward to seeing this movie again. I think I'll definitely enjoy it more with less people around who may laugh at inappropriate scenes. I'm already replaying certain scenes in my head. I think a lot of us today will be still wrapped up in the movie, whether we're reading or writing reviews, or simply daydreaming ourselves in certain scenes with Rob. And since it was a school/work night last night expect to see a rise in the female population showing up late, calling in sick, or deeply distracted with a smile on their face.
