Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Twilight Movie Review Part II


The Cullens

The cast were each brilliant but the sparkliest stars for me were Peter Facinelli and Jackson Rathbone. I know Stephenie Meyer's characters only exist in the imagination and I'm not a believer in reincarnation, but Peter gave me reason to believe that in a past life he actually was Carlisle. Dr. Cullen has always been a point of interest for me in terms of his history... as opposed to his hotness. Seeing him on screen in the flesh was a dream come true for me. I so admire the patriarchal wisdom and pure humanity (for lack of a better term) that this particular character possesses and none of that was lacking. Dr. Carlisle Cullen may be immortal, but it was Peter Facinelli that brought him to life! 

Jackson Rathbone though quiet and tense for the majority of his scenes made Jasper Hale's uncomfortable presence amidst humans intense. The strain of self control was evident on his face at all times but was not over done in any way. I found a renewed appreciation for Jasper and his daily struggle in the "vegetarian" life he chose to live though it goes against everything within his vampire instincts.

Poor Nikki Reed. She is such a perfect Rosalie that I hate for fans to dislike her on a personal level because they cannot separate the actress from the character. Nikki did an amazing job. I think she gets Rosalie. She gets the jealousy and the over protectiveness. She gets that Rosalie has a past and was greatly impacted by certain events that took place. Without possessing any of Rosalie's harsh personality traits herself, Nikki was able to portray the scorned beauty to a tee!

Kellan Lutz is the embodiment of Emmett. Enough said!

Ashley Green is the perfect petite pixie-like Alice. I look forward to seeing the dynamic in the relationship between Alice and Bella develop in the future. 

And Elizabeth Reaser captured Esme, the matriarch of the Forks coven, with all her kindness and maternal presence beautifully. 

And now to the legend that is Robert Pattinson. (I say that jokingly.) What am I supposed to say? I was a doubter in the beginning... and I was proved wrong in my doubt. He was an amazing Edward. He was funny, angsty, intense, vulnerable. He is an excellent Edward. And that's all I'm gonna say because fans will find out for themselves. 


The Quileutes

I can't say enough about Taylor Lautner's portrayal of Jacob. I adore this kid! I'm as much a Jacob lover as I am an Edward lover and to see justice done to Jake was just icing on the cake! New Moon can't come soon enough!

Gil Birmingham as Billy was a perfect fit. And though the intro to Sam and the rest of the wolf pack was brief, Solomon Trimble made an impression. Again, can't wait for New Moon! 


THE Kiss

"Don't forget to breathe" is my advice for viewing this scene in its entirety. Have mercy! The first kiss between Edward and Bella was the most AMAZING kissing scene I've ever in my life witnessed. It left me (and every female in the audience) wide eyed and death gripping the drink holder because of the severe intensity and passion. Catherine Hardwicke could have just sandwiched that scene between "once upon a time" and "the end" and I would have walked out of that theater a fully satisfied woman! Seriously, bring a fan along cuz the theater is gonna heat up!


Over All

I really enjoyed the movie. I loved the indy feel to it (even watching the credits was fun!) I loved that it was true to the most important elements of the book. Was it better than the book? No. Stephenie Meyer's imagination is larger than life and will never be sufficiently captured on film. But they sure did a great job capturing what they could. Twilight the movie had the difficult job of condensing an enormous amount of content and character development into just a small space of time without deflecting from the overlying love story and did so on a relatively miniscule budget. And I think they did a fabulous job! The best part about having the personalities of key players of the story established and out of the way in this film is that following sequels will not have to deal with that and will be able to focus even more on story line which gives me even more confidence that it's only gonna keep getting better!

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm going to the midnight showing and can't wait! I'm the same as you, not expecting every single thing from the book, I'm just looking for the mood and emotion of it all and it sounds like I won't be disappointed. Thanks for the preview! :)

Val said...

Thanks for the rest of your review. Can't wait for tonight.

Anonymous said...

Nothing on Bella or did I miss it?

Anonymous said...

What were your thoughts about Kristen Stewart? Thanks for the great review, exactly what I was hoping to read. Can NOT wait until tonight!

Anonymous said...

Thank You! I don't know you personally but I trust your instincts about the movie just for the mere fact that you created TM's. I have also felt from the beginning, that the movie will not be the book on film....it will compliment the book. The fact that you say those exact words in your review only makes me more excited to see it at midnight tonight!
p.s Kristen Stewart?

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Thank you for your review. I have read a few and was getting nervous about seeing it. I can go tonight and enjoy. The KISS oh wow I know I will feel just like you did. Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

Huh, nothing on Kristen Stewart's portrayal of Bella???

Amy said...

I just have to add an "AMEN" to your analysis of the cast! They blew me away... especially a certain dazzling doctor! *thud*

I can't wait to see it again tonight!

Rebecca said...

Your review was great! I'm a Golden Twilight Mom, and I am going tonight with my daughter and 3 of her late 20's friends. We are all keeping in mind that it won't have NEARLY the depth of the book, but it will wonderful in its own way. I can't wait!!!!!

Sandy said...

Great review but like others what about Bella?

Anonymous said...

Amen to that!! I can't wait to see the movie! And though I would like to see everyone of my favorite moments in the book portrayed in the movie, I know it just isn't possible. I look forward to seeing what Catherine Hardwicke has done with her small budget......and very excited to see what she is going to do with New Moon, knowing that after tomorrow she will have endless possibilities!

Anonymous said...

A "groupie" at my age. Yes, my daughters and I will be attending the midnight showing tonight.

I imagine this has been rather surreal for the stars, especially Pattison. You have to wonder how his mom is taking all this.

But honestly, what woman hasn't fantacized about never aging, never having to lose those closest to your heart? Or at best, knowing for sure you will be around to SEE the outcome......

Anonymous said...

Went to the premiere in Mexico city!! Looovved the movie i went with my daughter and 2 of her friends and we all really liked it... Im going again on friday morning with a girlfriend to see if there arent as many crazed teenagers yelling their hearts out!! and then I can really enjoy it!! Loved it! Of course there will be a next one.... ( I hope =$ )

Anonymous said...

I have become a huge fan of Jackson Rathbone. Thanks for mentioning him. Every time he did an interview for the movie I was so struck by his personality! Thanks also for your insight into the movie. I expect the critics not to get it either. You have to be in the know with the background of the books to appreciate the gift of getting to see just some of the movie brought to life. I can't wait to see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I agree with you 100%, you summed up my feeling exactly! (and much better than I ever could!)

I'm thrilled with the movie, and so thankful to be part of the magic of Twilight and Twilightmoms.

JoanneMaria said...

Lisa-thanks for the review. i am going to see it tomorrow and am more excited than ever.

spongemommie05 said...

I knew i picked the perfect screen name signing up for Twilightmom's LOL..
Your review hit it in the head ...If they were to make the movie like stephenie's books it would be week's upon week's long (BUT heck we all would sit through that ) i am so excited to see it over and over and over and over (ya get the picture right)
If any one needs a movie buddy i am right there with ya ...
Don'tforget2breathe, misty :0)