I actually give the film a lot of credit because it seemed to genuinely embrace the facets of a vampire with some truly interesting sequences. There are some flashback moments involving the Cullen family (who are all vampires), and they are a thrill to see, as they are generally presented in this sort of old-fashioned silent-film era brand of film strip. I also like how the film delves into the history a bit of the vampires as well, with some effective montages of vampire mythos - fascinating stuff. This movie definitely nailed the vampire aspects very well, and the actors themselves portayed them very convincingly. Star Robert Pattinson (as Edward Cullen) is superb as the main undead creature of the night - he moves, talks, stalks, and speaks like someone from a different world all together. In fact, the human character of Bella (played by Kristen Stewart) makes a point of saying that Edward speaks as if he is "from a different time" - and frankly, I couldn't agree more, as all of the vampires seem to have a dialect not of this day and age.

     There were some aspects of Twilight that could have been improved here or there. As I discussed, the movie fleshes out the vampire lore very well, but the main focus of the film is this sort of "forbidden love" between Edward and Bella, and I felt that while it was effective, it could have been paced a little more. It seemed like they were rushed into falling in love - but then again, perhaps that is the point; maybe it is supposed to be their fate and this animal attraction brought them together. I suppose if you look at it that way, it's fine, but it surely happened fast.

     Also, for the most part, the performances in this film are pretty good (especially of the vampires), and also Bella's father, Charlie (played by Billy Burke), was rather good too. However, female lead Kristen Stewart is very monotone throughout the span of the film. Even in some of the more dramatic of dialogue sequences, she maintains this stiff, awkward manner that seems absent of passion - something that would seem vital to such a potentially pre-destined love. It leaves Ms. Stewart's performance as passable, but not wholly memorable - perhaps in the sequel, she'll add some more layers to her character.

     Overall, Twilight is actually a pretty good film. I was surprised by it because while I wasn't sure what to expect, I at least expected it to be a film that catered to only one particular demographic of teenagers, and while it does do that, it does feature some interesting vampire lore, and that is, for me, the film's strength - that it took the time to explore the rich history of their blood lusting pasts. I would hope the sequel will continue to delve into that even more so, but we'll just have to wait and see. For now, enjoy this solid film, and be enraptured by the ways of the vampire.

-Kurt L.