Stiff acting, missing that special something....

Rating: 4/10 (24 November 2008)

I wanted to like this movie, I really did. However, having watched it twice I am left feeling disappointed -- Here's my key likes/dislikes:
Things I liked - There was quite a bit of humor. The dialog had plenty of one liners that made the audience laugh. The majority of the actors were cast appropriately. Jacob, Alice, Billy, Jessica, Esme, and Mike were perfectly cast. The interaction between Bella and Charlie was probably the most natural and believable out of the entire film.
Things I disliked - The overall cheap feel of the movie. The "special effects" were ridiculous. I've seen episodes of Charmed with better effects...and that's sad to me. The cinematography came across cheesy as well- whirling around the characters, tilted frames, overdone closeups. There was an over abundance of angsty stares accompanied by cheesy music, it didn't serve a purpose for me. I felt that Edward appeared angry the majority of the film and Bella was entirely indifferent. The acting was very wooden and I couldn't find a connection between them. The script was rushed, they didn't build up the relationship between Bella and Edward and I'm sure non-Twilighters found Edward to be a bit creepy! The Cullens were almost non-existent, we didn't really get a feel for any of the characters. I feel that they skipped too many parts that really made Twilight reach people. The Meadow scene was murdered! Rather than being the tender moment that it was in the book, it was very angry.
Overall, I was sincerely disappointed. I accepted that there would be changes and it would not match up with the book (and most changes were OK with me). However, I feel that they missed some of the most key parts that allowed millions to connect with the characters. Here's hoping they work on character development, up the budget, and consider a new director for New Moon.