Quite good, internal dialog of book doesn't translate well to big screen.

Rating: 8/10 (24 November 2008)

This review is from someone who has read all of the books. I was extremely excited for the movie, but tried to watch it with an understanding that only so much of the book could translate to the big screen.
So first, the positives: Kristen Stewart did a great job as Bella. Maybe could have used a smidgen more vulnerability. Great scene where Edward takes Bella to meet his family. I thought casting overall was great... Angela was a bit off... I pictured her quieter and with no "Oh my God!" statements. Rob as Edward was okay.. I think his prosthetic teeth made his speech a bit off, along with his expression.. I'd rather they hadn't done the prosthetics at all. His acting was great in parts, but okay in others. I personally found the first biology scene off. Meyers clearly describes Edward glaring at Bella, leaning far away from her, not covering his mouth an nose like he is going to be sick. I would've liked a longer or more emotional meadow scene and a longer scene with Jacob when Bella learns that Edward is a vampire. Also, the waitress at the Port Angeles restaurant was meant to be about 21 and hot, not weird... In short, I wanted more meaningful exchanges and glances between Edward and Bella, and I wanted a scene of Bella sleeping with her muttering "Edward". Overall, storyline much preserved, but I was not as emotionally invested as the book... mainly because the book relies on internal dialog and it doesn't translate to big screen.