Shallow treatment from most parties

Rating: 3/10 (19 December 2008)

I hadn't read the books before watching this film, so I had no preconceived expectations, but this movie has actually put me off reading them.
The direction of "Twilight" wasn't too bad, and the heavy use of close-ups did reinforce the fused connection that the main characters had. However, it became too constricting and I honestly don't think the actors dealt with it successfully. Additionally, this movie needed more editing - a lot of the cuts were unpolished.
As for the acting: Stewart and Pattinson did evoke on-screen chemistry, I'll give them that. But there was nothing to support them; their attraction contained no backbone to carry through the romance. Stewart's performance lacked substance. Her narrative fell flat, especially in the beginning. Reaser could have been given more screen time, and with some more mature directing, Welch would have displayed better range.
I believe that the only redeeming factor in this film comes from the cinematography. Aerial, long and cross-angle shots were constructed and produced with care. Davis is obviously meant for bigger things.