Since I am awake at this unearthly hour, I thought I’d round up some reviews of Twilight, the movie. (By the by, I am no longer a Stephenie Meyer virgin. And while I’m not a rabid fan, I did find the first two books enjoyable. I have yet to read the third and fourth, but mean to do so quite soon.)
Back to the subject, there are quite a few reviews of this film, which it seems is attracting every red-blooded American teenager.
My favorite critic, Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly, calls the film “sodden” and “prosaic,” but faults the book upon which it is based more than he does the director or actors.
The Houston Chronicle’s headline? “Twilight goes for beauty over substance.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer says the movie is “better than the book,” but isn’t effervescent in its praise. However, the reviewer does liken the film to “a midnight buffet at the blood bank.”
The Washington Examiner calls the flick “anemic,” as does the Sacramento Bee.
And then there’s the New York Times — not really my first choice for movie reviews, but this one may be worth your time. According to the NYT, Robert Pattinson is a bore, and the movie — apparently like the books — is brimming over with a message of abstinence above all. (Oddly, I didn’t get that impression from book one, but I can see why others would categorize the books that way.)
Our fabulous LA correspondent, the lovely Jami B., will be watching the movie this weekend, and then doing one of the things she does best: she’ll review it for us. (Jami and I were college buds, and I have to say she was always good for a killer film review. The girl knows what she is talking about when it comes to movies, especially teen movies.) I too will be attending, so Jami and I will go head to head this weekend, bringing you as much Twilight news as is fit to print.
As for me? I’m going to watch mainly because I adored Kristen Stewart in Speak, the film version of Laurie Halse Anderson’s impeccable book. The casting — other than Kristen as Bella — has had me a bit riled for some time, but maybe the movie will cure me of that.
By the way, for those of you who read Go Fug Yourself, answer me this: WHY does Robert Pattinson seem to think that “slovenly” and “handsomely rumpled” are the same thing? The guy clearly needs some lessons on personal hygiene. Or at least on how to dress in public. Or maybe just a haircut?
After you watch the movie, feel free to share your own reviews in comments. On this post or on any of the ones that are sure to follow. C’mon, you know you’ve all had your tickets for ages. You wouldn’t miss this for the world — even if you’re loathe to admit it. So tell us what you thought. Only one thing: No spoilers!
Much love,
brina
Ha! Just back home from my midnight screening! Looking forward to sharing my thoughts!
Yeah, I’m totally with GFY on this guy. He looks like he’s homeless. I mean, a hair brush can be bought for about 5 bucks. He can afford one.
I am just waiting for Robert to take a shower. Maybe then I can open my eyes again.
… Oh, how I miss you, Cedric.
The movie is definitely NOT better than the book, whatever the Cleveland Plain Dealer says.