The Twilight saga:Chapter 1.

Rating: 7/10 (3 December 2015)

Despite having heard from friends about the adaptations of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight books for years,I have never got round to taking a look at the "saga." With Christmas coming up,I decided to buy a box set of the titles,and finally open the first chapter of Twilight.
The plot:
With her mum Renée travelling with her new husband, Bella Swan goes to live with her dad Charlie.As Charlie tries to make up for lost time with his daughter,Bella goes to a new high school.Whilst having lunch with a fellow student,Bella spots a strange looking group of students walking around,who she is told are related to the Cullen family,who were a historically powerful family in the area.
Walking at a slight distance from his family,Bella is left breathless by the sight of Edward Cullen.Trying to get his attention,Bella grows increasingly frustrated at Edward giving her the cold shoulder.Chatting to a pal a few days later in the school parking lot (which Edward is standing on the opposite side of),a driver loses control of a van and starts to drive towards Bella. Appearing from out of thin air,Edward stops the van from hitting Bella with one hand.As she catches her breath,Bella begins to suspect that Edward has a hidden secret.
View on the film:
For the Washington state setting of the novel,director Catherine Hardwicke & cinematographer bathe the film in a light blue tint,which along with giving the title an icy rural atmosphere also cleverly matches the cold skin of the Cullen family.Whilst some drops of blood drip on the screen, Hardwicke keeps her sights set on keeping the horror trim and allowing the romance to flow,as close circling tracking shots surround Edward & Bella's growing love in lush green countryside.
Although the lack of a smile and a downcast gaze make her look like a member of the Cullen family, Kristen Stewart (known for her famous smile!) gives a good performance as Bella,with Stewart giving Bella a charming warmth towards her dad, (played by a terrific Billy Burke)and also making Bella's love for a vampire being pure innocence,rather than naïve daydreaming.Joined by sharp-toothed fellow vamps Ashley Greene & Peter Facinelli,Robert Pattinson gives a great performance as Edward Cullen,thanks to Pattinson keeping the dark brooding romantic figure burning,whilst giving Edward an unexpected playfulness with his fangs,as the first chapter in the Twilight saga closes.