VDT VIEW

By Adann-Kennn Alexxandar
VDT View

“Twilight” (Romance/Fantasy: 2 hours, 1 minute); Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke and Peter Facinelli; Director: Catherine Hardwicke; Rated: PG-13 (Violence and a sensuality scene)
Movie Review: While watching this, the idea for a great bumper sticker came to mind: If you are a vampire, bite me. This piece of humor has different meanings, depending on your like or dislike of the idea of a creature that lives on the blood of other humans. “Twilight” introduces the idea of vampires as teen romanticism. Think of “Saved by the Bell” plus “Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles” (Director Neil Jordan, 1994).
Bella Swan (Stewart) moves to Forks, Wash., to live with her law-enforcement father, Chief Charlie Swan (Burke). She becomes the new infatuation accessory at her high school. She also gains the attention of Edward Cullen (Pattinson), a peculiar guy with a pale complexion. They fall for each other, and — wait for it — Swan soon finds Cullen is not the usual teen; he is a century-old vampire.
Catherine Hardwicke directs this teenaged romance based on Stephenie Meyer’s popular novel. Hardwicke only has a few movies under her director’s belt, but they are powerful, note “Thirteen” (2003) and “Lords of Dogtown” (2005). Hardwicke loves films involving teens, and she does a good job with each. Her finesse with films may have something to do with fact she has worked in many areas regarding films. While “Twilight” does not match her earlier works, it still manages as a momentary nice escape, especially for younger audiences. Vampires have been entertaining audiences since the 1922 silent film “Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens” (Director F.W. Murnau).
“Twilight” is less gritty than most vampire flicks. It tones down the gory violence to concentrate on the romance of its main characters, Pattinson and Stewart. Of this relationship, Stewart makes the film worth it. Pattison’s role restricts him to a certain enticing blandness, but he never matches Stewart’s uncanny appeal. Again, this romance piece is fun for what it is.
Grade: B- (Dawning diversion)