"Twilight"

November 21, 2008 was a day that had many teenage girls and their curious mothers giddy to go to the cinema. “Twilight” the movie was released into theaters. Catherine Hardwicke directed the surprisingly uncharacteristic vampire movie. The movie is based on Stephanie Myer’s novel series that were published beginning in 2005.

“Twilight” is not your typical guts and gore vampire movie. It is a love story plain and simple.

After reading every book in Myer’s series as well as watching “Twilight” the movie, there are distinct difference in what the mind imagined from reading the books and what is actually portrayed in the movie.

Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) moves in with her dad Chief Swan (Billy Burke) in Forks, a small rainy town in Washington. When she does, much attention is drawn to her from everyone in the little town. Attention from a blood-sucking vampire is the main focus of the movie. Bella knows that something is different about Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), but she is not sure what it is. When Edward uses his super human powers to save her life, she begins to notice just how different he really is.

The story develops with Bella and Edward as they get to know each other and Bella meets Edward’s family. Edward and the rest of the Cullen family are not your classic vampires; they don’t change into bats and sleep in coffins. The Cullens' walk around in the daytime and go to school or work just like everyone else.

Once Bella knows the secret of the “Cold Ones,” code word for vampires, she is brought into a whirlwind of fantasy. She finds herself in a predicament that will lead to the sequel based on Myer’s second book in the four book series.

This movie doesn’t do Myer’s novel any justice as there are scenes left out as well as some that are altered and even made up to make the movie “more appealing.” It is understandable there are so many details that can’t be included in the movie because of time restraints. However, “more appealing” is not justification for changing the story; it is very appealing in the book, so why change it?

The acting from the main two characters Bella and Edward is spot on. Bella is portrayed as the shy, clumsy and awkward girl trying to fit in at a new school and is perfected by Stewart. Edward is exposed as the pasty white vampire thirsting for Bella’s blood, with an excruciating pain visible on his face. Pattinson also give a believable performance as Edward.

Being a devoted fan of both the movie and the series of books, the movie was amazing, but it is obvious that uninitiated first timers to the “Twilight” realm could be confused as to why the movie was lacking in action. If you are thinking of seeing this movie for the blood and action, don’t. You will find yourself in a chick flick to the hundredth degree.

Only a few scenes in the movie have action, and even those are short and not the kind of action vampire movies usually have. There are no mass killings or stakes to the heart in this one.

Overall, the movie is just not as good as the books. However, the movie gives the reader a good mental picture to go on, even if the scenes have been altered or added. The movie leaves out many of the very intricate details that are provided by Myer in the book. This makes the movie a let down to those who have read the books.

“New Moon” is the much-anticipated sequel that is released Nov. 20, 2009. It is a must see for dedicated followers. Most people will be curious to see the new characters, that shall remain nameless so as to not ruin this movie for those yet to be “Twilighted.”