Twilight

They’re teens. They’re vampires. They’re in love. They’re feeling angst. Lots of angst. And brooding. Don’t forget the brooding. Twilight is the anti-High School Musical.

Kristen Stewart stars as Bella – a girl returning to a small town near Seattle to live with her father, police chief Charlie Swan (Billy Burke). Not much happens in this out of the way bucolic village, so her arrival is quite the big news at school. While she is instantly embraced by a great group of friends, Bella is more interested in Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), but he’s not like all of the other boys. He’s a vampire (try explaining that to Dad).

Since they come from such different worlds, can Bella and Edward find peace and love?

Will Edward be able to protect Bella from other vampires in town?

Will he want to suck her blood?

Twilight is one of those movies bordering on good and silly, and often swinging back and forth like a pendulum between the two, even if some of the comical moments are welcome. Director Catherine Hardwicke and writer Melissa Rosenberg (based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer) take a long time to get to the heart of the plot. While we do need all of the explanations of how these vampires function in this world, and learn more about Bella and her life, Twilight is at its best when more danger, drama and action is thrown into the mix. However, the best improvement one can make to Twilight as they prepare to make the inevitable sequel is to replace Pattinson.

This kid might have the dreamy eyes and tousled hair all of the young ladies will be swooning over, but he can’t act. Most of Pattinson’s scenes are awkward and painful to watch. He attempts to show us the animal desire and lust he senses for Bella, but the laughs he elicits from the crowd are more fitting for a parody of a vampire movie. Contrary to popular belief, you need more than good looks to be a good actor.

Fans will be excited to see Twilight on the big screen (Will fans think Pattinson is the right guy?), but a few changes are needed to make non-fans get excited about the next movie.

Twilight is Rated PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sensuality.