A Byootaful Life » Twilight

Twilight: New Moon Review

Katie — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:29:28 +0000

[May be some mild spoilers]

On Monday I finally went with a friend to see New Moon. I wanted to go after the screaming hordes of teenage girls had been, so we waited a couple weeks after it was released. By the time we went, the cinema was mostly empty and, apart from some giggling and whispering during the previews, we were able to watch in peace.

I’ve heard mixed reviews of New Moon. It seems that some people love it, some people hate it and, after watching it myself, I can see both sides. The movie was good in that, for the most part, it followed the book closely, which made Twihards happy. However, that was also what made the critics disappointed – the book is moody and emotional and depressing with not a lot of action. So the movie followed the book, which meant the movie was moody and emotional and depressing with not a lot of action. I found myself watching the few action sequences hoping for more and actually felt disappointed when it was over. I wasn’t surprised that the directer went all out in the small action sequences, trying to make the most of the opportunity.

The book very much sets up for the next book and this movie seems to do this too. I feel like I didn’t have to see this movie at all, that it’s not really a movie on it’s own, it’s a movie you watch before watching the next one straight afterwards. Having said that, there were some pretty cool moments, such as Jacob morphing into a wolf as he jumped over Bella (as seen in the previews) and we were given a sneak peek at Bella as a vampire.

Acting-wise, I found the main characters, particularly Bella and Edward, mostly monotone and boring. Kristen Stewart was less annoying this time round – only occassionaly she’d do her squinty-eye-thing or head twitch that I hated so much in the first movie. She was more confident and seemed to be more comfortable in the role this time around. Edward was sooo disappointing – his makeup made him look absolutely ridiculous and he looked like he was either constipated or about to cry the whole time. Whenever he was in a scene, I basically viewed him as the creepy cousin everyone ignores at the Christmas party, while Jacob was the one everyone wanted to end up under the mistletoe with.

I was skeptical about Jane (I pictured Jane with a less severe hair-do) but Dakota Fanning was really good, especially while she was using her powers – very calm and evil. I thought they could have made a little more out of Bella not being affected, since it’s sort of a big thing in the final book. The Volturi were really good and creepy at the same time. I think Michael Sheen as Aro really captured the character perfectly – seemingly polite and calm, yet thirsting for power on the inside. His disappointment in having to kill Bella was really well done – you could see it pained him to have to consider it, because he was so intrigued by her apparent “power” to shield.

The special effects were pretty fake, especially the cliff-jumping scenes. I can’t believe it wasn’t possible to film someone actually hitting the water and use special effects for the falling bit? Really disappointing. The wolves were okay I guess, but I think I was just expecting something… more. The dark wolf shape sitting in the forest was soooo bad I actually laughed out loud. It just looked so ridiculous, not scary or menacing at all. Speaking of wolves, I was a little disappointed in Emily Young’s face. I always pictured it as really savaged, but that might just be my over-active imagination.

All in all, the movie itself was okay – it was pretty much the book on screen, and the book isn’t exactly action-packed. I’m looking forward to the next one and seeing more of the Cullen family.

Have you seen the movie? What did you think?

Twilight: My Two Cents

Katie — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:16:04 +0000

So I’m jumping on the Twilight bandwagon, albeit a little later than most people since I was very slow in actually picking up the books to give them a read. I’m currently reading Breaking Dawn (the last book) and let’s just say my opinions on the series – and the Twilight movie – keep changing. Just a heads up – there will be spoilers (movie and all books) in this post, so here is a Twilight image to distract those of you who wish to remain spoiler-free for long enough to click away, especially those reading via a feed reader, since I publish full feeds, which renders the “jump” ineffective (I think).

Right, so if you’re still reading this, you’re happy to be spoiled.

Let’s discuss the movie. If you’ve Googled “Twilight” recently you’ve probably seen the huge number of websites and blogs which basically bash the movie and the actors, most specifically Nikki Reed (Rosalie – the blond second from the right in the above photo) and Kristen Stewart (Bella – front and centre). While I agree with some of their opinions, I disagree with others and I find my opinions are constantly changing and evolving as I make my way through the books (and re-watch the movie!). To simplify things, I’ve broken my thoughts into sections.

On Kristen Stewart Playing Bella

Initially, I was not a Kristen Stewart fan. She certainly looks the part, but something about her portrayal of Bella just didn’t seem to work for me. She’s rather twitchy and moody, whereas the Bella in the book is brave, stubborn and sarcastic. I noticed that she doesn’t seem to focus on people, but rather, looks through them, like she’s daydreaming. While I was quite critical of her the first time through, after watching the second time I feel more optimistic about the next movie. I think she has the potential to be a very convincing Bella, if she’s willing to accept that she needs to up her game a little.

On Nikki Reed Playing Rosalie

I honestly think this casting wasn’t quite right. I’ve read a lot of horrible things about Nikki Reed, mostly saying she’s not skinny enough and too masculine for the part and while I don’t agree with that, I do think that there is something about her that just doesn’t seem to work. I feel a bit sorry for Nikki with all the criticism she’s getting – I think her acting was fine, it’s unfortunately just her image that people seem to be criticising.

On the Cullen Family

I think the casting was great for the entire Cullen family. I was a little iffy about Carlisle at first but he quickly grew on me. Jasper has copped a bit of flack but I think he’s perfect. The odd, strained expression on his face when he was introduced to Bella was exactly as I would imagine I would react if faced with a delicious human whose blood I couldn’t drink … and who was going to become a permanent fixture in my vampire family! I’m looking forward to seeing him more in the next movie. Alice is my favourite. I seriously want her as a best friend!

On Taylor Lautner Playing Jacob Black

Perfect, hot and sexy. He sure gives Edward a run for his money! I can see the “TEAM EDWARD” and “TEAM JACOB” shirts right now. I am so thrilled that he bulked up to keep his role in the next movie – he’s going to be fantastic as his story develops. I keep trying to justify that he’s not really sixteen, he’s in warewolf years now, so he’s not too young for me… right?

On the Scene Where Bella Escapes from the Hotel

I know that when a book is translated to the big screen, certain moments are lost, but I was really surprised that the director completely changed Bella’s escape from the hotel, having her duck out while Jasper and Alice were at the hotel desk, presumably checking out. Bella is being hunted down by a ruthless vampire who wants to suck her blood … so they leave her alone in a hotel room, unprotected? Seriously? I think not.

On Edward and Bella’s Relationship*

At first, I was gushing about their relationship. He’s so protective and mysterious and loving … but three books into the series and I was starting to get frustrated. Did Bella ever get some personal time? He seemed to constantly be there, which is romantic and everything, but really, c’mon… Sometimes it feels like Bella is simply a thing that needs to be looked after, since apparently she can’t look after herself. I know there’s a constant threat on her life the majority of the time, but really… he’s just always there! And she’s constantly whining, yet he remains patient and loving. I keep cringing, waiting for him to blow up at her during one of her complainy moments … but it never happens.

On Bella and Jacob’s Relationship*

Hooooot. By the end of Eclipse, I was willing to wave goodbye to Edward and hello to sexy warewolf Jacob, but it appears Bella has her heart set on the vampire. Even though she kisses Jacob. And tells him she loves him, but not as much as she loves Edward, which apparently makes it all okay. When Jacob came to the wedding, I literally made “awwwww” noises – and then promptly got frustrated when Bella ruined the moment by bringing up her lusting for ze sex. In fact, I was a little disappointed with the wedding being so quickly done within the first few chapters of Breaking Dawn … I was hoping for a little more love triangle, less monogamy.

There. I think that’s all that’s on my mind. I can’t believe how into this series I am – I guess it’s because I’m reading all the books, seeing the movie and reading about all the public backlash and opinions on the entire Twilight series and actors at the same time, so it’s at the forefront of my mind. I really am enjoying the books. Like I said earlier, it’s no Harry Potter, but the series is still engaging and entertaining. I’m rather looking forward to seeing how it all ends (I’ve heard it gets a little weird).

It’s certainly nice to not have to wait years in between each book, so maybe it’s a good thing I was so late to get on the Twilight bandwagon!

Anyway, want to add your two cents?

—

*In the books, not movie, up to Eclipse since I haven’t finished Breaking Dawn yet.

Twilight

Katie — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:35:43 +0000

Last week some work collegues were gushing over the Twilight series, claiming it was the best thing they’d ever read. I was skeptical to say the least. I’d managed to avoid the whole Twilight fuss since I was concentrating on re-reading the entire Harry Potter series instead. However, while I was shopping a few days ago, I stumbled across the Twilight book on sale, so I picked it up and flicked it open to the first chapter. I always read the first paragraph of a book before I buy it – consider it odd, but if I’m hooked within that paragraph, then I’ll get it.

Anyway, I was standing there having a bit of a read when I noticed someone was hovering around me; an employee. I figured she was going to scold me for “trying before buying”, but when I looked at her, she just gushed, “It’s such a good book. It’s amazing. Oh my God, Edward. He’s so hot. Vampires.”

Uh, what do you say to that? I smiled and backed away a little. “Uh, yeah, I haven’t read it, but I’ve heard it’s good.”

She literally gasped. “Oh, you have to read it! It’s amazing! And it’s on sale! Edward! He’s so hot!”

I nodded, popped the book in my basket and got the hell outta there. I ended up in the pet section. Not sure how I got there, but I scooped up some Temptations and headed to the check-outs (carefully avoiding the book section and crazy Edward-obsessed employee). When I got home, I started to read. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s no Harry Potter, but there is something about it that sucks you in. I’m now onto the third book and I think I’m a Twilight fan. There’s just something about Bella and Edward that’s so appealing … yet also frustrating.

Have you read the Twilight series – what did you think?

Oh, and what about the movie? Love it or hate it?