Adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name by Stephenie Meyer, Twilight is the must-watch movie of the year — for the global pubescent female demographic, that is. The plot follows a teenager named Isabella “Bella” Swan (Kristen Stewart) who moves from Arizona to the small, perpetually gloomy town of Forks in Washington.
There she meets, and falls dangerously in love with a vampire named Edward (newly minted teen idol Robert Pattinson). Part of the Cullen family clan who practice the vampire version of the “love thy neighbor” motto (their diet consists of only animals and not their human townsfolk), Edward likewise finds himself powerfully attracted towards Bella.
And the scent of her blood. Thus begins a cautious courting session, complicated further by the threat of a trio of bloodthirsty vampires.
Besides a few swoon-worthy scenes, the movie features many stunning shots of emerald-green forests and cascading waterfalls — the scene where Edward takes Bella for her first vampire joyride is so visually arresting that it feels like Harry Potter and his Quidditch broom all over again. The chemistry between the two star-crossed lovers is undeniable. Stewart and Pattinson both deliver suitably angst, emo performances as they tackle a star-crossed relationship that is painfully restrained yet red-hot intense.
Disappointingly though, the tacky, B-grade special effects and make-up sour the whole experience. As a result, some parts feel cheesy and unintentionally funny, while the clan of Cullen vampire (who are supposed to be like, really beautiful) look as though they had been given the full treatment (read: dusting powder) by an overly eager pastry chef.
Furthermore, the baddies’ appearances in the plot are so pointedly slotted in here and there, that there is no real build-up to the final sequence where they faceoff with the Cullen clan.
Given all the hype generated thus far, Twilight falls short of expectations, but is a passable watch if you’re in the mood for love.
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