Story Photos
 In this image released by Summit Entertainment, Kristen Stewart, left, and Cam Gigandet are shown in a scene from "Twilight".
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R.A. Long students sink their teeth into 'Twilight'
Sunday, November 30, 2008 11:39 PM PST
By The Daily News
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe following reviews are by students at R.A. Long High School.
What time is it? 'Twilight' time
By Hannah Morgan
When walking into the theater on Friday, Nov. 21, I felt a little ridiculous. Some friends and I arrived about 50 minutes early for the show, joking about how we wouldn’t get seats. As it turned out, if we hadn’t known someone already in line, we would have been waiting outside.
So began my Twilight movie experience. I had eagerly watched all the teaser trailers and bought the sound track in anticipation of my fantasies becoming realities.
While it is very hard for a movie to get everything right, Catherine Hardwicke and her crew at Summit Entertainment did a good job. It’s difficult to make a movie based on a book, but with the addition of millions of screaming teenage girls with expectations of perfection, it was even harder.
Only a couple things seemed amiss. First of all, the special effects were a little choppy, specifically scenes where Edward was jumping from trees.
Also, the characters of Jasper and Alice did not get enough limelight, as they are due. For example, movie watchers who have not read the book do not realize that Jasper has a special talent like Edward and Alice: He can transfer a mood or state of mind into the people around him.
Viewers also don’t know that Alice is an avid shopper who would love to give Bella a makeover.
Of course, on the things they got right, I can’t say enough.
Many people were disgruntled in the choice of Robert Pattinson for Edward, but his ability to immerse himself in his character is incredible. For example, his attraction to Bella, and willingness to do anything from her, is quite evident. He really brought Edward to life, and will probably be known from now on as “the guy from those Twilight movies.”
The setting was perfect: dreary and wet, very much like the Pacific Northwest. Shooting on location added a quality to the scenes, and also made the movie more relatable to viewers in the Northwest like us. For example, the beach scenes for La Push were actually filmed at Indian Beach, down in Oregon, where I have been a couple of times. The scenes made the whole experience just a little bit more real, and perhaps more enjoyable.
This movie, as well as the books, is very popular for several reasons. One of them is the great plot line. The other is the aspect of forbidden love, a modern day Romeo and Juliet without the family feud. Instead, it is Edward himself who is the dangerous aspect, and his family. However, Edward is also the perfect gentleman, and every schoolgirl’s dream boy. The inherent danger just makes him more appealing.
I would highly suggest that all Twilight moviegoers also read the book. It helps put some scenes into perspective and gives you more background information that could not fit into the movie. Also, it is just awesome.
Sometimes cheesy, but overall a good job
By Cole Blackstone
The highly anticipated film “Twilight” filled movie theaters with anxious fans and skeptical moviegoers. The producers of the movie with a $37 million budget did gain success in earning a large profit, gathering $70.6 million in just the first weekend.
Based on the book, Isabella Swan (Kristin Stewart) moves from urban Phoenix, Arizona to rural Forks, Washington to move in with her father Charlie Swan (Billy Burk), the small logging town’s chief of police.
In her first days in town, Bella develops a strong curiosity for the quiet and mysterious Cullen family, especially one of the brothers, Edward (Robert Pattinson). Over time, the relationship between Bella and Edward evolves into an obsessive love. The relationship also proves to be dangerous, as Edward reveals himself and his family as vampires.
I view the story as very interesting. It’s entertaining to see the forbidden relationship grow from a small interest to a strong need for the characters. Also, fans feel it inspires them to see the teenage couple battle through adversity and enemies to earn happiness and safety.
Kristin Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Billy Burk played the three main characters and showed exceptional acting in the film. Sometimes, other acting seemed a little too cheesy or too emotional. But overall, the actors were great choices for the characters in this story, and they did a decent job.
Although the movie made changes in the material from the book, it still followed the plot of accurately. The film differed from the novel in a few important scenes, probably to make it more interesting on the big screen. And the plot is still accessible for those who have not read the book.
The special effects, mostly used for the unusual abilities of the vampires, appeared to be corny and not believable. The special effects could have been improved by not exaggerating the acts of the Cullen family and other vampires.
The sound track that went along with the film matched and fit in well with the mood and the plot.
Catherine Hardwicke, the director of the film and a huge fan of the novel, planned to make the movie even more visual than the book had already made it. She did this by directing the important scenes to be more physical and more dramatic than they were written in the book.
The film can almost compare to the Harry Potter series. Both story lines gained a lot of popularity among teens, and both have to do with characters who perform non-human feats. Harry Potter had a budget of over $100 million in each film of the series so far, making it more likely to earn more ticket sales.
Overall, “Twilight” should be considered worthwhile to go see. To understand the story line and the plot better, people should definitely read the book. Luckily for “Twilight” fans, the sequel “New Moon” also will be made into a film. It is rumored to be released in December of 2009.
From tragic to breathtaking
By Jessica Albright
The plot of “Twilight” kept me so into the book that I couldn’t put it down. One minute, something tragic would happen. Then it would change to something breathtaking.
I appreciated both the book and the movie because they fit. As I read the book, I got images of what’s what. Then I saw the movie, and almost everything was as I had pictured it.
I also appreciated how Stephanie Meyer used description so well that I felt like I was actually there with the characters, both in the book and in the movie.
As for Robert Pattinson, he might just be the next big thing. But there might be just one little flaw. Taylor Lautner has caused Jacob fans all over the world to giggle, faint, and possibly hyperventilate. So it’s more of a Robert vs. Taylor idea.
Still, Robert’s transformation from weird to attractive vampire is amazing.
Stephanie Meyers’ books and Catherine Hardwicke’s amazing directing will keep fans on the edge of their seats wanting more. From drooling over the handsome Edward to swooning about romantic scenes, “Twilight” is sure to thrill more and more audiences.
'Twilight' is here! Now it’s time for a new moon
By Katie Gudgell
“I’d never given much thought to how I would die.” It’s the key phrase that begins one of the greatest book sagas ever. It just so happens, that phrase also started one of the most amazing movies as well.
I first heard of “Twilight” when my school librarian, Joan Enders at R.A. Long, recommended it during a book talk to my class. I didn’t look into it at the time. Then, one summer I was looking for a good book to read and ran across “Twilight.” This time I picked up a copy. I immediately fell in love with it, and began my search to find the second, which became the search for the third and the waiting for the fourth.
When news of “Twilight” becoming a movie made it to my group of friends, we couldn’t wait to see it. It took a year, and I must say that I was definitely not disappointed.
The actors in the movie are excellent. They capture the essence of Stephanie Meyers’s characters. When I first heard that Robert Pattinson would be playing Edward, I was a little concerned. As I got used to seeing him as Edward in posters and pictures, he grew on me. Then, as I watched him in the movie, I realized he is perfect for the part.
Every Cullen was amazing. They were all stunning and showcased the traits that make each character who they are and why.
As for Bella, Kristen Stewart is great, too. She portrays the klutzy and fragile Bella with great skill. You could tell that every actor in the movie had made a promise to stay true to their character, which was great to see.
Of any movie I’ve seen that is based on a book, “Twilight” has done the best job of keeping the movie like the book.
I do have one complaint: There was not enough Alice. Alice is one of the funniest characters in the books, and her friendship with Bella starts to bloom in “Twilight.”
Also, the actress playing Alice was great to watch even in the little screen time she got. More Alice scenes would have made the movie even better. I’m hoping that in the sequel, “New Moon” — which is already in the works to be another major movie — there will be more of the funny and brilliant Alice scenes we all love.
For those who have read “Twilight,” there is even a little twist on the ending, leading this first movie into the second movie. It was a great surprise that didn’t hinder any of the original book, but only added a little extra something. I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone, male or female, teen, parent, or grandparent who likes a little action, romance, comedy and suspense.
LongviewFam wrote on Dec 1, 2008 9:18 AM:
scooby wrote on Dec 1, 2008 10:17 AM:
I couldn't help but view the movie 2 times. I thought the cinematography was incredible to say the least.
Of course, I'm a Pacific Northwest girl all the way! "
TK wrote on Dec 1, 2008 11:03 AM:
marlena wrote on Dec 1, 2008 1:19 PM:
The characters of Edward and Bella were protrayed exactely as I pictured them to be. No, the movie doesn't compare to the book, but it's pretty close. Now I'm looking forward to the second movie! "
tigersmom wrote on Dec 1, 2008 3:45 PM:
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