Better than most book-to-movies...

Rating: 8/10 (21 November 2008)

Saw the advance screening last night, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. As someone who hates book-to-movie adaptations (the HP movies make me want to kill myself), I can actually say I really liked this movie.
Okay, it wasn't perfect, but I wasn't expecting it to be. There were things that left me wanting or thinking "Hmm, didn't like that so much". I would have liked to see more of Bella cooking for Charlie, but I did like the awkwardness in their relationship.
Edward was swoon-worthy for most of it, although he struck me as a bit too emo and grumpy (particularly the scene where he's trying to get his class changed. He's supposed to be flirty and charming, but he just came across as whiny). Robert's accent only came out in a few parts, and it wasn't really noticeable, and I thought that as a whole he played Edward really well.
LOVED Kristen's Bella; very believable, not as soppy as she comes across in the books - she was a modern girl, tough and self-assured even in her weaker moments.
The Cullen clan was great; Rosalie was a perfect bitch, Emmett was so hilarious, Alice was adorable, Carlisle and Esme were spot-on - the only one I have a complaint with is Jasper. He seemed TOO uncomfortable around everyone. They all looked fabulous though.
Liked the baddies - I was kinda disappointed that we heard Victoria talk, and that she didn't have the baby voice we hear in Eclipse, but that's a small thing. Cam was EPIC as James - intense, scary, and drop-dead-gorgeous. The only thing I didn't like was how they introduced them, killing the guy on the boat and all that. It was unnecessary, I felt.
All in all, I loved the movie. It was flawed, but not unforgivably, and the actors all gave their roles substance and definition. Will definitely be seeing this again!