still not great, but worth seeing

Rating: 6/10 (6 July 2010)

As someone sick of the hype and disappointed with what the first two installments did with a good book series, I was pessimistic about the film, but heard The Last Airbender was worse, so I chose to see it. At least I get to see Taylor Lautner a few times, right?
Some scenes were truly entertaining and, well, awesome. Rosalie and Jasper's back-stories gave the film some much-needed depth and character development. Those two and the other supporting actors (the families of the leads) did a good job, even though Jackson Rathbone faltered. Edward was cardboard and disappointing as always, and Bella only has one emotion, but I can't really figure out what to call it.
They spent a lot of time focusing on the so-called attractive leads' faces and a certain shirtless figure, and the effects were shabby in parts, although the CGI wolves were well done.
Several scenes made me want a fast forward button, especially the one-on-one Edward and Bella scenes, but otherwise it was a solid film. The plot could be strange for people who haven't read the books, and some parts confused me even though I've read all four.
But I don't regret the time and money spent on this, and I'll probably rent it with my friends so I can add some commentary to Bella's oh-so-controversial choice. Don't skip it because of the annoying "Twi-hards" or the less than mediocre other films. There's some cheesiness and slow movement, it won't win any Oscars, but it's an entertaining two hours.