OK for kids 13+
Teen fans will love faithful -- if uneven -- adaptation.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this adaptation of author Stephenie Meyer's youth culture phenomenon Twilight was one of the most anticipated movies of 2008. Millions of kids 10 to 18 have read the books, and many more are familiar with them. Like the novel, the film features an intense romantic relationship between a gorgeous vampire and a human girl. There are a few kisses and several stares, hand touches, and embraces. One make-out session takes place on a bed with the girl in her underwear, but it's abruptly stopped. The movie's violence is mostly implied, but there's one particularly disturbing scene involving vampires, blood, a bitten human with a broken limb, and the destruction of an evil vampire. Language and drinking aren't issues; product placement is mostly limited to cars -- Volvo, Hummer, Mercedes, etc.
- Families can talk about the various themes that have made the books such a huge success: first (and forbidden) love, restraint in getting intimate, everlasting and unconditional romance, and heart-thumping adventure.
- Do you think Bella is a good role model for teen girls? Why or why not?Do you think she and Edward have a healthy relationship?
- If you've read the book, did the film meet your expectations? What changeswere good for the film? What scenes did you miss from the novel?
- Why doyou think the books and the movie have inspired such fanaticaldevotion? For more talking points, check out our article.
The good stuff
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Messages: Bella and Edward's relationship sends a somewhat mixed message to teens -- it's chaste and loving, but it could also be perceived as obsessive. The Cullens are a very loyal family, and they strive to rise above their baser vampire instincts.
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Role models: Bella is mature and smart, but she can also be dependent and fragile. Edwardis respectful and gallant, though often somewhat angsty. Contemporary Native Americans are featured respectfully.
What to watch for
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Violence: A lot of the violence is implied: There are fast shots of vampires right before they kill their prey (both human and animal). A group of guys follows Bella down a dark alley and starts harassing her; Edward threatens them. A predatory vampire tries to kill Bella. There's a bloody, vicious fight between an evil vampire and the Cullens. Bella is seriously hurt and ends up in the hospital. Charlie, a sheriff, has weapons, including a shotgun.
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Sex: As in the book, Bella and Edward have an intensely romantic(though overall fairly chaste) relationship. They stare and gaze at each other lovingly and share somepassionate embraces and a couple of kisses, including one make-out session thattakes place on a bed while Bella's in her underwear. Other couples flirt, holdhands, and swoon at each other.
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Language: Incredibly mild for a PG-13 film, just like the book: "repulsive," "vile," "dammit."
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Consumerism: Brands featured include Volvo, Hummer, Mercedes, Mac, BMW, Lays potato chips, Body Glove, and Southwest. Most appearances are subtle, though Edward's Volvo has some big moments.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: No drinking or smoking by underage characters. Bella's dad and his friend stock up with cans of beer for an afternoon together but aren't actually shown drinking them. Bella gives her dad an unopened can of beer in one scene.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Books are Better But An Alright Movie by wolfchick0619
I will admit that I went to the midnight showing with my friends because I absolutely love the books.
I do like this movie. I don't think that Kristen shows who Bella really is in this movie. I mean in the book she is a clumsy person, stubborn person, who is bad at lying because it shows on her face. Not emotionless as I would say Kristen is in this movie. I also don't think they did good with Jacob blacks wig. You can clearly tell that it was a wig, and in the book Jacob is supposed to have a low pony tail not loose hair. I would recommend anyone who doesn't like the movies to read the books they are better and it does help you to understand the world of Twilight. The movies don't do the books justice, but I did enjoy going to watch them.
5
Reliving Twilight! by mama2silv2011
I never saw the original Twilight in theaters, so wathing it for the first time on the big screen was AMAZING! Loved it and can't wait untill Breaking Dawn premiers.
5
Loved it! by maui07
I've seen this movie more times than I can remember but it was great seeing it on the big screen again. Looking forward to Twilight Tuesday: New Moon!
4
A great start!!! by anailevir1
I felt like I was waiting forever for this film. The story was fantastic. For those who never read the books this is a good love story but for those who DID, this rendition was infuriating, Sorry harwicke. I know the budget was limited but to much condensating left many of us true fans wanting more. A lot of important pieces of the story was taken out. Bella's character lacked range and the make-up and art direction was awful. Especially the addition and subtraction of characters and the appearance of the bad guys... come on! And that one female extra in every scene, please stop putting your friends in films catherine! The soundtrack was great. Casting could have been better. I loved the cinematography. But I could have done better. I say GO, see the film., No younger than 13 please. Awkward scenes. Its an ok beginning. Hopefully the next films are better and the actors grow. BTW I loved Victoria.
4
It's Pretty Decent by moviesrock3511
Well, it's a good movie. Personally, I think it deserves more credit then it is getting. Everyone was expecting the best movie of all time, and it wasn't. It was a great movie full of exitement, fright, love, ect. What else could you ask for? So go watch it, but read the book first.
5
Twilight by lizakimiko
i love the movie all the way through
5
twilight by ttolin1
a fav
2
Twilight Movie Review by Asianfreak
20 out of 100 Bite her already.