Underrated and Misunderstood film

Rating: 7/10 (2 December 2009)

I have taken my time(s) at the cinema to observe this movie. I am no movie critic, but I think I can make a point. People must have been very preconceived to rate this movie with 1 or 2 out of 10, seriously. I will try to explain why.
I read some of the reviews and was surprised that people compared this film to Jack Nicholson movies or other phenomenal movies... I cannot relate it in any way. There can't be comparison between so different things. If you need to compare K. Stewart's "unnatural" acting, then compare it to Emma Watson's (from the Harry Potter films) - was she a lot better at what she was doing? If you need to compare Pattinson with someone, pick Daniel Radcliffe. Was he any better overall? I could get into details about silly expressions and clenching teeth but I won't. Just think about it and tell me, what is all this "bad acting" fuss about? I've seen better than them and way worse than them. In my opinion, the movie was good overall. Better than 4.6 (current rating). Want some more comparison? Why is Jude Law's "Please!!Don't do this!" (in Closer) considered any less "ridiculous" than Stewart's line in the film? Probably because she hasn't yet had his experience and acknowledgement. But as a person she deserves some respect. I am not saying she is brilliant, of course not. But I am sure she tried harder than you think. She can't be responsible for some exaggerated camera angles that made her lines seem ridiculous. I find her very expressive, like Keira Knightley for example, and she just needs to control it better. Pattinson too, he isn't responsible for the choice of make-up, contact lens colour and hairstyling. He also isn't responsible for the fans that made him a sex symbol, which annoys some people who then become prejudiced against the whole "teen" movie... I think you get my point here. A lot is dependent on the production, and this was a low-budget production, based on a novel. It's not supposed to go for an Oscar. It is supposed to make some money for Summit so they can later produce better quality movies. This was for people who hated the movie before even watching it.
Another thing... I am reading this is a "horrible message for girls". What is that supposed to mean? It isn't telling girls to get depressed. It is describing a situation. If you have never been in deep love you won't be able to understand. Is it that in-sane for someone to love the other more than herself? I would think not. That person became the meaning of her life and when the meaning is taken away, you cannot just "move on". This was even funnier to read... "Bella shows no interest in a career path". It is a romantic film, if that isn't clear yet. Bella herself, is not supposed to be shallow. She seeks more to life than career, it subconsciously troubles her. Maybe that is why she is depressive. People who worry are depressive, true artists can be depressive. It is a human trait that cannot be rejected. Not surprisingly, all those comments come from men. Men don't always realize the need of a woman to be unconditionally loved. This is why we say the movie and books have a target group (women, yes).
If every film were to give a message, then the art of film making would have to be restricted. But we've seen many many horrible films with horrible "messages". And love has to be glorified, yes. It is better to die for love than die for money, or out of other shallow emotions like sheer craziness -like it happens in action or horror movies. What is the message of the movie "Saw", if it has one? What is the message of Sex and the City to girls - that shopping is the best hobby? Romeo and Juliet was some amazing poetry, but many would doubt Shakespeare's brilliance -if only they could- because he portrays a similar situation... people who think of love as the highest emotion to be experienced. People who would give their life for someone, those are the kindest and nicest people. If everyone were able to love, the world would be a better place. Not everyone is a romantic so it's understandable if you get bored by all the emotional features but don't be so harsh. There has been worse. This can't be 4/10.
So I first would blame the make up artists for the awful wrinkles and lipstick on Edward's face, then the director for some exaggerated shots. The soundtrack didn't bother me too much but could have been used better. The second time I watched the movie, I felt quite used to it whatsoever. Then I'd blame some moments of the script (the scene where Alice sees Bella and Edward as vampires could have been different and better than that). And THEN, maybe I would blame the acting, because it can't always be perfect. And we see that a lot... even with great actors. But just because they are considered great, we don't feel like judging them.