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Throughout our storied past, mankind has always been fascinated by what goes “bump in the night.” The creation of fantastical tales that preyed on aspects of our fears — such as “Frankenstein” (science), “War of the Worlds” (aliens) and “In Her Shoes” (shopping) — have been around as long as the campfires necessary to enhance that spooky mood. Vampires, however, hold a near and dear place in our heart. And with the contemporary trend toward sleek, beautiful and omnipotent, (you’ve come a long way, Nosferatu) could there be anything more attractive to say the most emotionally unstable portion of our population (read: teenage girls)? So with that in mind, we head into the coming dusk and hitch our ponies to the “Twilight” bandwagon.
Stephenie Meyer has carved out her own little niche in the post-“Potter” teen lit world with the creation of her “Twilight” trilogy. While not completely original (Anne Rice, anyone?), Meyer’s incorporation of vampiric legend into teenage angst-ville was sure to be pop-culture gold. The film’s producers (certainly the casting director) got the memo loud and clear concerning the film’s target audience and filled it with an unbelievable assortment of gorgeous undead (really, do they all need to be GQ cover models?) and equally attractive supposed “normies.”
The story surrounds Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and her functioning, dysfunctional family. Bella has moved from Phoenix, where she lived with mom Renee (Sarah Clarke) and new hubby Phil (Matt Bushell) to Forks, Wash., with her cop dad Charlie (Billy Burke). The perpetually rainy and cloud covered ’burg also attracts visitors with a slightly different appetite.
A strange animal attack has dad both concerned and flummoxed. Bella, however, has flummox-ation of her own, and its name is Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). Cullen and his “family” are a peculiar lot. They have tremendous wealth, athleticism, looks and smarts. They also keep to themselves in a cultish manner that causes the average self-absorbed teen to cry “snob” and the uniquely inquisitive Bella to be drawn as if by magnet. Bella learns Edward’s pointed little secret and is invited in to share time with this amazing clan. Bliss soon goes awry with the arrival of a pack of rogue vampires, including the sensationally sadistic James (Cam Gigandet).
What follows is the beginning of a sweet teen love story under the shadow of the Dracula legend. As previously mentioned, I can see the allure for this age group and applaud the film for keeping it very WB network with oodles of teen problems (prom and boys and yearbooks, oh my!). I do wonder how its success might change the obvious sequels. Can we expect the next casting round to include a group of journeymen and beginners as well? I doubt it. I couldn’t help but feel this film was full of trepidation as far as finances are concerned. The effects were mediocre at best and at times just plain kitschy. I expect the sequel will be more “extreme” (that’s what the kids call it, right?).
Does it match up to vampire classics? No. Grab the “Lost Boys” or “Interview with the Vampire” for your pretty fanged-boy fix or “30 Days of Night,” “Near Dark” or “Nosferatu” to cure your “whimper softly in the dark” cravings. “Twilight,” however, has its own sweet little place but just isn’t meaty enough to satisfy a more grownup hunger. It is, forgive my pun, a kids’ meal.
Rating: W W W
