I mean, what's not to like? OK, cold stone white clammy dead-like tissue epidermis is kind of repulsive to me, and the whole cannibalism notion is a bit morbid, but if you can look beyond that you do have beautiful people (again looking past the cold pasty un-living aura...), passion, seduction, immortality, super-powers, growling, fighting, music for the senses, a touch of that James Dean "I'm too cool for my school" rebellious allure. Throw into the mix driving machines such as a red convertible BMW M3 (in the book but not in the movie), a silver Volvo C30, a black Mercedes Benz S55 AMG and a jacked up macho-dude 4x4 wall climber all driven effortlessly at reckless speeds and with dangerous yet instinctively controlled maneuvering and you just may win the hearts a few manly men in this epitome of a chick flick. Admittedly, I tend to be more of a romantic than I am a fighter so this "Twilight" love story with high speeds, fast cars, beautiful people and super strength/powers provided the chick flick factor but still let me keep my man card (I think).
I loved the soundtrack and the leading characters were beautiful, thereby reaching the viewer on the two relative senses that pertain to cinematography. I felt the acting (at least that of the lead characters) was excellent. They were attractive, interesting, somewhat unpredictable and even humorous. Some of those in my party who had read the book beforehand were rather disappointed because the movie deviated somewhat from the story, but for me, even after I had read the book after seeing the movie (finished this past Friday), I still liked the movie better. I guess my imagination is not quite as good as the ensemble of actors and settings that the movie producers put together. Granted, I was not totally impressed with the main vampire character's family, I didn't think they were as beautiful as the book alluded, but it didn't detract much from the entertainment.
The music and the leading character's performances can make a movie for me, even if the story line isn't all that strong (Phantom of the Opera comes to mind). If I don't like the main characters (i.e. if Anne Hathaway starred as Bella) I become disenchanted with the story. For whatever reason, I'm not a big fan of Anne Hathaway. Sandra Bullock is another that always ruins for me whatever movie she's in. If she never opens her mouth, it wouldn't be a problem, but when she talks and I get a sense of her personality, it's like nails on a chalk board for me. Music and sound in general contribute immensely toward the appeal of a movie for me, I loved the Paramore song "Decode" and the Carter Burwell "Bella's Lullaby" was/is beautiful. Linkin Park and The Black Ghosts were just frosting on the cake.
Now let me contrast to the cult vampire movie of 1987, The Lost Boys. In that movie I thought they also did a phenomenal job casting the main characters. Even the dorky little brother and his pals were well cast/acted, though I didn't care much for their roles and the storyline of the underground anti-vampire patrol. Kiefer Sutherland was the flawless "bad boy" vampire, he was absolutely perfect in this movie (in retrospect, I wish he had been cast as Dr. Carlisle in "Twilight"). He does a decent enough job as Jack Bauer in "24", but he was awesome as "David" in The Lost Boys, very convincing. In addition, Jason Patric as "Michael" and Jami Gertz as "Star" were the beautiful seductive people providing all of the necessary eye candy for those that need that (for me it helps), and I felt they all acted well too.
The Gerard McMann "Cry Little Sister" song was perfectly choreographed as was the Saxist Tim Capello in the outdoor concert scene playing "I Still Believe". I thought the vampire dress/make-up was pretty convincing for that time and the movie provided enough scare to keep you on the edge of your seat (it is a vampire movie after all). Michael's little brother was well acted, he added some needed humor, but his yo-yo anti-vampire pals pushed the corny factor a little too far. The mom/boyfriend and grandpa made the movie drag needlessly and didn't really contribute to the underlying story. They just escalated the corniness factor that much further (a third of the the story really needs to be rewritten). Despite those negatives, it's definitely a classic, especially if you love the 80's. As would be expected, the 20 year more modern advantage gives "Twilight" the definite edge in my opinion.
If you prefer the more comedic vampire tales, you can always go back to the bug eating Nicolas Cage (Vampire's Kiss, 1989) and/or the bug eating Arte Johnson (Love At First Bite, 1979) for a campy chuckle. They did use a "bugs and worms" reference in "The Lost Boys", but you wont see the glamor boy Edward Cullen or any his elitist family members snacking on creepy crawlers... If horror is more your genre of choice, Stephen King's contemporary Dracula story "Salem's Lot" (the book, 1975) will no doubt provide spine tingling entertainment for you.
10 comments:
Good to know there is someone else out there who liked the movie more as well. I thought the book was pretty good considering I almost never read anything from the teen section, but in addition to the style in the movie, I thought it really brought out a lot more humor that the book really lacked.
Kiefer Sutherland...you're right. He would have made a great Carlisle. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the movie. I'd see it again.
I'm with you Adam, good subtle humor in otherwise serious dramas increases appeal substantially. I wouldn't want any Ricky Bobby humor in there. Not that I don't like silly Ricky Bobby humor, I just don't like it in a serious story.
Since I have Will Ferrell on the brain, Stranger Than Fiction is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. It was a somewhat serious movie and yet the humor in it was superb.
Just saw Twilight again....LOVE IT!!
OK.... Greg + Twilight = GAY GAY GAY! I have not jumped on the Twilight bandwagon (decided not to LONG before the hype... teen story involving vampire love rubbed me the wrong way from minute #1) and will likely never see the movie. I see that Cathleen loved the movie... I may have to overlook this character flaw. :)
On the other hand, I {heart} The Lost Boys. Jason Patric especially.
Ok....Theresa....you have to overlook all the hype and your anti-bandwagon stance and give this a chance before you bash it. I can't respect the bashing without trying. I made the men in my house see it since they were so opposed to it. They had to try it first, then bash away. Once they saw it....no more bashing.
I too was put off by the storyline and all the hype. We had friends coming for Thanksgiving and a big group who were planning on seeing the movie. They were men and women I respected who had read all the books and enjoyed them. I thought I ought to at least give it a chance before being a hater. I read Twilight before we saw the movie, and then I couldn't wait to read the rest of the series. I've seen the movie 3 times now and enjoy it more each time. It is not what is expected....give it a try...if it's not for you...then hate away!
Hmmmmmm.... I see your point, Cathleen. Perhaps I can give the movie a try - once it gets to Redbox, that is. I can watch anything for a $1. However, I can't see myself spending the time to read the books. Maybe someday, once I get through the books that are already on my list of books to read.
Umm, does this mean I'm not GAY any more?
I just thought the movie was well done. Only they should have had Kiefer as Dr. Carlisle and Jason Patric as the GAY grandpa... LOL
Greg, I don't care about the movies mentioned here, as I hate all things vampire...they suck, (literally and I just don't get into it. I didn't get the Sixth Sense either, I fell asleep in the movie theater, it was that stupid.) I don't want to bash the movie, so I didn't think I had anything to say. Then I read on about the other elements you enjoyed.
I really do appreciate what you had to say about music and humor. I also have an actress or two (drew barrymore) who can't usually open her mouth without ruining the whole kit and kaboodle for me. There are few movies that have been okay with her in them, and later became favorites, because of the humor and the music.
I think that sometimes music is the most overlooked element of a movie. Some times people will go just to see some hottie or other, but they stink as actors. The music in the movie, or the humor, can save it.
As usual, you are right on the money, whether I actually like the subject or not. You see, this is why I keep reading your blogs. There is always something interesting in what you have to talk about. You know how to eloquently express yourself. Thanks for letting me enjoy this side of you!
Wow Monika, you're digging deep into the archives... I had to re-read what I wrote (and correct about 5 grammatical errors).
I liked 6th sense. But to agree, music and humor do worlds for a movie indeed. Convincing acting is important (unless it's a comedy). And for me, the story line or plot is usually pretty important but exceptional acting can balance that out.
Post a Comment