Twilight—somewhat of a review

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:30:43 +0000

So today I took my 14 year old daughter to see Twilight. She has read all the books at least 3 times and this is the 3rd time she has seen the movie in as many days.
I tried to be objective. Really I did.
I have a hard time with suspension of disbelief when it comes to movies. Part of that is a defense mechanism I learned as a child–scary movies aren’t too scary if you can spot the cinematographic (is that a word?) inaccuracies. The microphone in the top of the shot, the subtle change in a character’s hair or makeup..little things.
And Twilight wasn’t scary in the least, but as with all movies, I look for the mistakes in order to find a certain level of reality.
So yes, when Bella’s nasal cannula for oxygen was on wrong, I couldn’t help but notice. And when one actor’s pupils were pinpoint, I couldn’t help but begin to worry that yet another young Hollywood star was starting on the long path of narcotic addiction.
But after a while, I was able to sit back, watch the show, and attempt to be objective.
Angst. Longing. Unbearable love that haunts your dreams.
Oh yeah, I can see why all these teenage girls have their Twilight obsessions running full bore.
What teenage girl doesn’t dream of a handsome, strong, protective, loving and tortured boyfriend? Who can carry her to (literal) great heights and who likes to watch her sleep.
Shit, I bet there are a lot of mothers of teenage girls looking for the same thing.
The bad boy who has a heart of gold. (And in this case…eyes of gold as well).
The anticipation for that first kiss…and when it happens, the risk of losing it all…
I get it, I see it.
But what does it bode for our kids? Boys and girls…
Our girls are looking for a James Dean with a heart of gold, and superhuman strength. A boy who loves with his whole heart (“You are my heroin” is a HUGE thing to live up to)
Our boys are going to be expected to live up to that image.
I pity them all. The girls will be disappointed by the boys who don’t live up to their literary and fantasy expectations. And the boys, well, they will be confused. (I can say that. I have a son too)
Where will it end? The next Harry Potter will be out early this coming summer and it will be the same thing. Harry growing up, making his magic spells and looking every bit the man/boy in his oversize glasses. I can hear the teenage hearts fluttering already.
Twilight was good. Not great, but good enough. The effects were good..and I suspect they will be much better in the sequel. The tension was almost palpable..although I am not sure whether it was the on-screen chemistry of the players, or just the buildup of teen hormones and angst surrounding me in the theater.
I won’t dream of Robert Pattinson’s Edward tonight.
Maybe though, I will dream again of my long-ago James Dean. The one who set my own teenage heart atwitter, back in the day.
Ok Twilight Fan-girls. I get it.

The D Spot » Twilight

Twilight—somewhat of a review