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SUNDAY AM: Summit Entertainment's low cost blockbuster Twilight opened huge as expected because of heavy pre-sales with $35.8M Friday. But the front-loaded pic dropped a big but expected 41% to $21M Saturday. (Similarly front loaded Sex And The City also had a big Friday to Saturday fall...)With an estimated $13.6M Sunday from 3,419 theaters, including $7M worth of Thursday midnight shows, Twilight will end up with $70.5M for its first North American weekend in release. Exit polling showed audiences were 75%/25% female to male, and 55%/25% under or over the age of 25. Fangirls -- or should I say fang-girls -- were buying 5 Twilight tickets per second as of early Friday morning, making it online ticket-seller Fandango's fastest-selling film since The Dark Knight last July. Then the tween and teen females in store bought or homemade Twilight clothes (and even Twilight tattoos) flocked to the first Big Screen version of Stephenie Meyer's bestselling series of Romeo & Juliet-style vampire romance books. Yet the movie adaptation by Melissa Rosenberg was made by start-up studio Summit for only $37M. This will be the start of a big new franchise since a sequel is already in the works -- New Moon, based on Meyer's second book in the series. The first box office records have already been broken by Twilight's girl power. This is the biggest opening for a female director. Catherine Hardwicke is easily beating Mimi Leder's $41.1M for 1998's Deep Impact. (But with an asterisk since these figures aren't adjusted for inflation, ticket prices, etc.) Twilight will have the 2nd best opening day for a November release behind Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, and the 11th best Friday opening of all time, beating the first Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone, and the 15th best opening day ever. It also scored the 4th best November opening weekend of all time, and the 4th best opening weekend of 2008. It's a defining moment for Summit's start-up studio that had really struggled on its first few releases. On Saturday morning, Summit officially announced the greenlight for the New Moon sequel (I'm told to contain costs the studio is considering making sequels #2 and #3 back to back like other successful franchises have done), and Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart formally thanked fans for their support of what is now a movie franchise.
No. 2 was the new Bond pic Quantum Of Solace which was down 68% from its franchise record opening a week ago to earn $8.5M Friday from 3,458 venues. But its take jumped to $11.6M Saturday for a $27.4M weekend, -59% from last weekend -- with a new North American cume past $109.4M (passing $100M Saturday in just 6 days time). Going into Friday, Daniel Craig's 2nd turn as 007 has made $335M worldwide. The actioner opened in Australia and Spain to the biggest Bond openings ever. So MGM/Sony had an overseas weekend of $40.6M which will put international at $309M for a staggering $418.5M worldwide through Sunday. There are four territories left to open -- New Zealand, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Japan.
Because Twilight played much younger than expected Friday, it took "that extra bite right out of Bolt," according to one studio mogul. As a result, Disney's toon starring the voices of John Travolta and Miley Cyrus debuted Friday with only $7M from 3,651 runs. But Saturday kiddie matinees came through for the pooch pic which gained 66% to earn $11.7M and only a $27M weekend which is less than expected for Disney animation. This family fare had the largest digital 3D release ever, opening at approximately 979 Digital 3D locations which did 2x the business of 2D auditoriums. Last Saturday, the studio sneaked the pic at around 880 theaters to build word of mouth.
DreamWorks Animation's toon sequel Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa distributed by Paramount came in No. 4 with $3.7M Friday and $7.3M Saturday from 4,007 dates for a $16M weekend a fresh $137.4M cume. And Universal's raunchy R-rated comedy Role Models continues to surprise by outperforming: at #5, it took in $2.4M Friday and $3 Saturday from 2,733 plays for a $7.2M weekend a new cume of $48M.
No. 6 was Universal's Changeling with $2.6M in 1,739 theaters for a new cume of $31.6M. No. 7 was Disney's High School Musical 3: Senior Year with $2M from 2,361 venues for a new cume of $88.8M. No. 8 was The Weinstein Co's Zack And Miri Make A Porno with $1.7M from 1,222 venues for a new cume of $29.3M. No. 9 was Miramax's Boy In The Striped Pajamas with $1.6M from 406 runs for a new cume of $2.6M. And rounding out the Top 10 was Fox Searchlight's The Secret Life Of Bees with $1.2M from 1,095 dates for a new cume of $35.6M.
Oscar-touted Slumdog Millionaire expanded into 32 venues for a projected $993K weekend and $1.6M cume. (The Fox Searchlight pic opened last Wednesday on 10 screens and this Wednesday grossed +54% on the same 10 screens. As one insider told me, "That never happens. As a point of reference, even Juno last year didn’t do this.") The pic had the 2nd best per screen average Friday behind only Twilight.
- Summit Announces 'Twilight' Sequel "New Moon': Stars Thank Fans
- 'Twilight' Midnight Showings $7M; Fastest Online Ticket Sales Since Batman
- New Bond Now Boasts $355M Worldwide
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I was dreading the thought of seeing TWILIGHT- I could have gone to the all media screening earlier this week and at the last minute changed my mind as I didn’t want to deal with the parking garage at The Grove/Farmer’s Market.
So I dragged myself into a theatre to see the film today … A movie theatre with an easier parking situation..(yes I paid when I could have seen it the other night for free) AND I LOVED THIS FILM. TWILIGHT
100 PERCENT EXCEEDED ANY EXPECTATIONS THAT I HAD. I thought I would hate it and I LOVED IT.
I LOVED TWILIGHT AND THE ONLY PROBLEM WAS IT WAS TOO FAST WAY TOO FAST THEY SHOULD OF LINGERED ON THE ROMANTIC/PASSIONATE SCENES !!!!
LOVED TWILIGHT !!!!
I CAN’T WAIT FOR NEW MOON !!!!
No violence? What do you call that fight scene where Bella gets her leg smashed and her arm bit?
It will be interesting to see if Summit decides to pull a Lionsgate and have the sequel ready for 11/20/09.
I’m so happy to see how well it’s doing already. I was nervous. I saw the movie at the midnight showing, and am going again tomorrow with some other friends. I hope it continues to hold it’s ground. I also hope that the next one will not take too long to make it to the big screen.
congrats to summit entertainment!!!
all those big movie companies are gonna wish they took up a chance to film twilight!
saw it-loved it! me and my friends were shaking at the beggining. (ha-ik i can’t spell)
omg, Twilight was the best movie i have EVER seen!!! It was funny, and like the book. It could have been a little better, but overall, it was GREAT!!! **********
Twilight sounds super-sanitized and boring.
Twilight wasn’t bad. It was a reasonable rendering of the book – not great filmmaking, the dialog was a bit bland, but overall not bad at all.
Bolt, on the other hand, was fantastic. Great story telling and one of the best action sequences ever on screen at the beginning of the film. Just a lot of fun and very touching as well. I hope Disney stays with Bolt, it’ll have a banging Thanksgiving weekend after all the Twilight fan girls have cycled through.
Bolt is by far the better movie
Okay, twilaholic – “The best movie I’ve EVER seen” or “it could have been better” The only thing I can draw from this is that you haven’t seen many movies, but then again at 13 who has?
So there you have it from a fangirl, folks – “it could have been better”
Yes, it certainly could have been. My prediction, it opens well, but has no legs.
@ Delgado:
I wouldn’t be surprised if Summit does aim for next November for the sequel. They already signed the two stars and the screenwriter for two more movies before “Twilight” even came out, and the fact that Summit is moving on with the sequel after the opening day shows that Summit really wants to cash in on this film’s popularity.
And if Summit keeps making these “Twilight” movies at a low budget, it’ll be a more lucrative franchise than Lionsgate’s horrible “Saw” series.
there’s a much better vampire film playing in theaters right now LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
No violence?! What?? No, it’s not full of hardcore violence but saying no violence is a blatant lie.
I saw Twilight at midnight and I’m not a girl… or a teen… but I was one of the few at the theater that wasn’t.
The best thing about the movie? The fact that “15 Steps” by Radiohead closed it out.
twilight was the worst movie i have ever watched. Dont even waste your money to go see it.
Hah! This film deserves to do well. Sure there were some things a high critic might pick apart, but it was drowned out by everything that was done right.
I think it might be overlooked by the masses, dismissing it as a tween fangirl flick. That would be a shame.
I am a male in my late twenties, never read the books and don’t care to. I only went to go see it because I know a bunch of girls who are all obsessed with the books and I wanted to see what it was about without reading
I was definitely the best films I have seen in a while – even considering its shortcomings (briefly at times, it seems like a tv show and not like a movie – but it quickly moves along and overcomes)
@ KJA:
What’s with All the Weird Capitalization.
Really Annoying to Read. You’re spending too much Time trying to Emphasize Words. Trust your Reader to Decide.
Why isn’t the woman the vampire protecting the man? It just seems sexist to me!
OK I was not a fan and had never heard of the books. I was the designated Dad the driver for the midnight showing. I really liked the movie and look forward to the next. Although there is not a lot there is violance.
That’s right. None of the good stuff. Just a bunch of good old-fashioned hateful MORMON ALLEGORIES. (FYI, the Twilight books are written by a devout mormon who made each story essentially encapsulate part of their religious tales and these are supported by her church). But hey, who doesn’t mind letting other people indoctrinate their children, huh?
Also, NOBODY CARES ABOUT VAMPIRES ANYMORE. WE, AS A CULTURE — ***ARE OVER THEM***. Unless you’re a fat middle aged housewife, we’re done with them. We’ve BEEN done with them since the late 90s.
And another thing — the leading guy looks like a complete mouth-breathing douche bag.
TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT IS THE BEST EVR! TWILIGHT MOVEY, ITS GOOD! EDWARD CULLEN IS SOOOOOOO SEXY! TWILIGHT!
i saw the movie last niight and i liked it im going to read the books over thnksgiving break once i get it from my friend. i <3 edward cullen!!!!
Has anyone over 40 seen this movie and liked it?
JoAnne:
have you rad the books?
because if you did u would get why “the woman vampire” ( known as victoria ) didn’t protect james.
l lovedthe mvie it was so amazing.
I do agree it went by really fast and should have showed more love between bells and Edward.
I would glady watch this a million times over.
and Bolt being better than Twilght?
impossible.
Twilight is nothing more than tween girl trash. Any man who goes to see this movie, willingly or unwillingly, can no longer be considered a man in any sense of the word. No self-respecting male would subject himself to this junk.
The things I loved about Twilight were no sex, no stars, no bad language. The more those two tried not to touch each other the hotter it got and the more the teenagers in the theater screamed (with joy). I hope Hollywood takes note that the sexest movie made in a long time never goes further than a couple of intense kisses. I’m already making plans to see it again.
film was great. no doubt about it. all the right elements. awkward relationship with bella and her dad was dead on. her dad expresses a lifetime of frustration with a shrug and eyebrow arch. congrats to them all
JoAnne said:
“Why isn’t the woman the vampire protecting the man? It just seems sexist to me!”
JoAnne,
Why should the vampire be protecting the human? That seems speciesist to me!
The man protects the woman because he is a member of the stronger sex. That clear enough for you?
I don’t understand why some of you that have never read the books or spent the money to see the movie, are here criticizing!?
I pre-ordered 2 tickets online for my 13 y/o and her friend. They loved the movie and want to go see it again.
My 13 y/o read all 4 books in 2 weeks. She could not put them down. She cannot wait for the sequel.
Kudos to Stephanie Meyer, Catherine Hardwicke, and Summit. I wish you all great success and have no doubt that “Twilight” will have staying power.
LOL@ the clueless idiots in Hollywood. Keep making crap movies and those of us that can afford to see them will keep our money in our wallets.
Teenage girls with armed with credit cards… ’nuff said. Bankrupt nation.
Its obvious firebrand is in the closet.
Im a male and went with my kids and I enjoyed it.
firebrand come out of the closet before you become a garment bag
Loser
I thought “Twilight” was a detective movie from 1998 starring Paul Newman, Gene Hackman and Susan Sarandon?
Sorry Twilight fans but Twilight is an complete rip off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV series) Same CONcept different twist here and some there. If I were Joss Whedon I would be suing. This lady needs to be denounce, she needs to burn her book, and right something thats an ORIGINAL. I will give it too her because I’m not all critical, she is a decent writer.
this was a dreary mediocare and somewhat chezzy at times it had a medium quality soap opera feel; its only saving grace was the beutifull location avoiding this moview is highly recomended unless you are a shalow teenager
I have read the book (I wanted to see what all the fuss was about) and I did go see the movie. Both the book and the movie were entertaining, but not fabulous. They are meant for the teen girl crowd, and that is ok. Who cares if it’s not high art. As for it being a Buffy rip-off, no. I am a Buffy fan, and they are not the same. To say the show is a Buffy rip off is to say that every vampire story written after Stoker’s book is a rip off of Dracula. Get a grip. And as for Mormon theology woven into it, only if you consider contemplation of what makes a person good or evil the sole purview of Mormons. Evangelicals should try to think for themselves and not let their pastors do it for them all of the time. They make their money off their congregations, and Mormons, by converting you, cut into their bottom limes. Again, ok movie, good for the teen crowd, but still mature enough not to be too painful for an adult chaperone.
Loved Twilight – just like the book. Edward is amazingly beautiful and the love between he and Bella is so “first love”
Well, I’m 58 and a Dad that was forced to drive six sweet teens to the midnight show. I planned on a great nap. I hadn’t read the book and didn’t expect much. This film was stunning… and I am totally straight. I will see it again and probably again and buy the DVD.
What’s all this crap coming from Mormon haters. What a bunch of tards. I know those people and they are total Christians and amazing people that do incredible good things in the world. Nothing in that film had anything to do with Mormon beliefs. Religious bigots need to crawl back under their rocks.
i took my 12 year old daughter to see it. see hated it but i love it.
How on earth can people, young or not, come onto this Blog and call a stupid product of Hollywood a defining moment in their lives ? I know many young ‘uns these days process their identity through the Social Networking sites, TV shows and movies – perhaps bespeaking to the utter failure of parents to impart any sense of values and that your life is not defined by what you watch on TV, in the theaters or what you buy at the mall…
Funny, this dumb movie opening is the ‘cultural’ event of the year for many of the clueless posting here…sad..
I don`t really care for vampire movies all that well, but since I have a “tween” daughter and all, I suppose I`ll have to brave the adolesent frenzy and take her. Who knows, I might even get caught off guard and enjoy it.
But is it really a vampire movie? That’s what I want to know.
It sounds like teen angst dressed up like one to me.
Mormon culture weaved into it?? Are you crazy? Did you even read the book and you obviously know absolutely NOTHING about the “mormon” religion.
What?
A family film with no sex or violence is a blockbuster hit?
It’s a surprise?
This movie fuckin blows…its terrible…i want my money back
I would have to say that Twilight was a big disappointment. The character Edward didn’t fit the Edward in the books, he was too awkward when he was supposed to be ‘perfect’.
For those who read the book, I wouldn’t recommend watching the movie. Predictably, when the book is amazing, the movie usually sucks.
I’m glad they stayed true to the original story and intent of the author. There were no graphic sex scenes in the book…I was afraid they would sex it up like Hollywood does most of the time.
I heard many good things however and am looking forward to seeing it.
dina
Mormon Indoctrination Movie???!!!
I am compelled to respond to those who have suggested that the Twilight Series is some kind of Mormon indoctrination and has LDS theology “hidden” in the narrative, for the purpose of fooling and snaring unsuspecting teenagers….
Yes, the author, Stephenie Meyer, is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS or “Mormon” religion. However, her writing, although it could fit into many categories: fantasy, romance, drama, etc., is definitely NOT LDS doctrine, nor could it even be called LDS fiction.
Throughout the Twilight Series, there is not one reference to the LDS church, or any books of scripture (as I can recall). Though the books can be addictive, no one is having their “mind manipulated.” Positive values, such as sacrifice, loyalty, and chastity are touched on as well as negative values such as jealousy, lust, and parental disrespect.
I thank God, my Father in Heaven, that I have found His restored gospel on the earth in the LDS church. I absolutely respect others’ rights to worship God as they choose, and to believe whatever falsehoods they may choose to believe about the LDS church. But for those who want to know the truth, I must speak out that Stephenie Meyer is not writing or teaching LDS church doctrine…she is writing fiction, that is all.
If you would like to know what Mormons really do believe, please visit http://www.mormon.org.
There is something to be said about the online marketing success behind Twighlight. It is not often we see something with plenty of online buzz translate to offline dollars.
This is just Harry Potter for Emo Girls, right?
I find it funny that people who ARE fans of the book say “don’t see this movie, it’s not faithful to the books”. So WHO is going to see this, given that it’s not a decent enough film to stand on its own merits.
Those box office numbers are great to hear. Not a movie I’d watch, but it may persuade studios to take risks and diversify the types of blockbusters they produce instead of churning out the same old prepubescent superhero movies for the past few years.
I always thought Superman in his recent movie was an analogy for Jesus Christ. It was a dangerous movie weaving Catholic Theology into it. The whold concept makes me sick. It seeked to use mind manipulation to bring youngsters to the Catholic Cult.
Saw Slumdog Millionaire & The Boy in stripped pyjamas.
Certainly something new from the norm offerings this year
On a side note, Bond is sure to pass Casino’s final B.O take. But can Madagascar 2 reach 200M? Hope so.
I object to the Catholic religion being called a cult!
Bolt deserves better box office numbers. I can’t believe it isn’t going to hit the $30 million mark this weekend.
It Stinks!!!
HATRED RUNS RAMPANT!!!!
Wow, I never realized the people over the age of twelve could be so cruel and without manners. I respect the fact you may have not enjoyed the movie. However, why do you feel the need to belittle those that found some value in it.
I am a cristian with mormon friends and none of them have EVER tried to “manipulate” or “brainwash” me. I also dislike the fact that some of you are putting horrible lables on those of us who liked it. I am an adult and a Developmental Therapist for children and young adults with disabilities. I am appalled at the lack of humanity some of you have showed towards others.
Like I said, it is your right to dislike this movie! I am exercising mine when I say that I absolutely loved the books and with only a few things I would have seen done better, I truly enjoyed the movie.
I still hold on to my Christian faith….I am still an intelligent person and I hope(in time) some of you will choose to grow up and become good and productive members of society. Good Luck!
Looking forward to New Moon!!!!!
Given the fact that the book WAS written by a Mormon, I’m inclined to believe the reports regarding the book’s boring nature. In fact, while I am a huge Harry Potter fan, I deliberately stayed away from this book after reading about it in Time or Newsweek at the dentist’s office; the author sounded way too much like so many of the goody goody LDSsrs I run into.
In short, this gal sounds like she’d make a terrific, friendly neighbor whose lifestyle/religion preclude her from writing a book I’d find to be of any interest.
But having said all that, I am DELIGHTED to see all the teeth-gnashing transporing on this board, perpetuated by those who are obviously furious at the Prop 8 outcome and are lashing out by attacking the movie and the book’s author.
Hahaha, you people could not be more transparent and I guess this is what happens when fascist libs don’t get their way; the majority
of the populace has dared to defy the Hollywood left and the secular progressives and now anyone even remotely considered to be standing in the way of their agenda can look forward to baseless attacks and vilification.
Okay, JakeTheFatMan, you’re what we call a bigot. Superman has been around for a long, long time and if I remember correctly, it was shunned by the Catholic church in its early years. He’s a super hero. Thats why he’s super strong, super fast, etc. Albeit, he’s probably the dumbest and worst super hero in existence, he’s just a super hero. And as far as “prepubescent superhero” films go, I’m an adult and I enjoy quite a few of said super hero films because they remind me of my youth and past obsession with comics (yes I was that nerdy kid in high school). However, suggesting that Superman is an analogy for Jesus Christ is just absurd, seeing as how none of the stuff was reminiscent of scripture. Narnia – yeah, because thats how Lewis intended it, but not Superman. He’s just a shitty super hero.
As far as Twilight goes, I’m definitely sick of vampires. The only vampire series that I’m even remotely interested in is the Underworld series due to the struggle between two races of supernatural beings. Twilight sounds like a teen drama flick that doesn’t have any substance – “Oh my God they’re soooo in love but they can’t be but they are omgomgomgomg..” srsly? This is the most tired idea in existence. There have been plenty of better movies that came out this year – Batman and Hellboy 2 being two of them which can be viewed by teens. So, this movie will probably die out once all the fan girls’ credit cards get declined.
Sorry Tracy, but even the author admits there are Mormon values in the book. She’s been quoted as saying “Unconsciously, I put a lot of my basic beliefs into the story.”
http://www.sj-r.com/beliefs/x466663776/-Twilight-author-s-Mormon-faith-a-big-influence-in-books-film
This isn’t all necessarily bad, just interesting.
Just saw Slumdog Millionaire for the second time tonight, it’s a great film. It was also the only film at the theater that was completely sold out in all but one of it’s screenings…hmmm…. looks like a sleeper hit about to hopefully break big when it goes wide or gets a nomination or two (which based on critical and audience reception so far is looking very good). Twlight looks like it will win the weekend, which I’m fine with, but I’m secretly hoping more people will continue to spread the good word of mouth and see Slumdog as Fox Searchlight decides to widen it’s release over the next month and a half. The audience I saw it with absolutely loved it, and the Bollywood dance number they do over the credits brought down the house. Very highly recommended, Slumdog Millionaire is quickly becoming one of my favorite films of this year.
OMG! Twilight sucked!
I saw the movie tonight, the director Catherine Hardwicke did a Q&A after the screening and I’ve never seen a director be more gracious and involved with her audience – her joy to be in this position was palpable.
Kudos to the top grossing movie directed by a woman, with a strong female lead (both in the role and the characterization – ‘damsel in distress’ part aside). The author, screenwriter and editor are also women. This is important, and this film franchise is going to continue to grow. I was nowhere near done watching these characters.
Getting one of the most gorgeous guys around to play the lead was also a good move. Guy directors never cast the best male hotties – ever notice that?
OMG! TWILIGHT!
Really, who even heard about any of this a month ago? Nobody even talked about it now all of a sudden it’s popular and now all these teenage girls are into the books. Though they’ve probably didn’t hear about it till everyone else jumped on the bandwagon. Just another trend and fad that will die out quickly just like everything else.
Who even cared about the books months ago? Now look at all the ones claiming they’ve been into this for a long time now and trying to claim ownership.
Nothing worse than a bunch of Emo/Goth/Vampire trendy wannabes flooding theaters and acting like screaming retards.
Bad enough that parents are spending their hard earned money on this after they wasted millions on High School Musical and other things that come and go.
I give it 3 months till something new knocks this out of the temporary spotlight that all these kids are gonna flock to.
(Mormon’s aren’t Christian by the way.)
Terrible movie. Departed from book big time. Felt like back-to-back episodes of a one hour TV show. Bad acting, unrealistic dialogue. Franchise? Great, an undead franchise about the undead. Not vibrant and alive, but not decently buried.
I am an over 40 male who watched this movie. The story was romantic but pretty pedestrian as was the direction. Edward should turn on a lot of preteens and teenage girls and did an adequate turn. There were several unintentionally funny episodes and I laughed throughout the movie. They did get the atmosphere right. Could have been a lot better with a tighter screenplay and more focus on dramatizing the villains as the tortured souls they must be. I mean, introducing them during a baseball game for vampires, is pretty lame. If it wasn’t in the book, the writer should be fired for this contrivance; if it was in the book, I hope it was done better.
I hope they change directors.
I enjoyed the movie but at times it was like some people say a soap opera, but given the chance i may see it again.
I am a 35 year old mom. My neice begged me to read the Twilight series. I did. I am an avid reader, and found that Stephenie Meyer’s (a brand new author) books to be incredibly well written, with refreshingly raw and real emotion. I actually felt as if I knew these characters inside and out, and found myself bewildered by the fact that they haunted my thoughts for weeks (maybe even longer), after I finished each book. Pure talent. I really cared for these characters, as if they were real. Unfortunately, after seeing this movie (twice – in case the first time was just a little disappointing, due to all the hype being more overpowering than the actual movie itself), I found a huge part of the book missing. The actual build up of the love Edward and Bella had for eachother. How adorable he found her clumsiness (he is shown as angry and frustrated by it in the movie when she trips in the greenhouse scene), how he was smitten with the fragile state of her humanity. How he would sing her to sleep. I know it is impossible to show all the emotion in a two hour movie, but the…. “I hate you, I’m drawn to you, I hate you, I like you, I hate you, You don’t know how long I’ve waited for you…..And the Lion fell in love with the Lamb”, happened just too fast, and was not believable for many of us. And that is a HUGE problem, considering that Twilight is a love story. The running through the forest was as good as it could be, considering the budget. But the fight scene at the end (YES – THERE WAS VIOLENCE…hellooo….James got his head ripped off, was torn into pieces and burned in a fire) was done perfectly! Robert Pattinson played the spiritually tortured vampire exceptionally well. (Though, I felt the character missing the smitten part of Edward in the book.) And I felt Peter Facinelli blew me away as Carlisle (was NOT expecting that!). The same can be said for the actor that played Charlie (Bella’s dad). The high school cast was fantastic as well. They could not have found better people to play Mike Newton and Jessica. Perfect! ALL that being said, I feel Summit did a good job covering everything that happened in the book. Though, I felt like I was watching the cliff notes version of the book, as I found it a bit choppy. But regardless, I enjoyed seeing a visual version of it on the big screen. And hope that they do even more with New Moon. I was suprised with how much I liked Taylor Lautner (worried I would still see him as “Shark Boy”) as Jacob. Though he had a bit part in this movie, he was VERY believable as Jacob, and I think he will have a break out role in the next film.
Hoping so!
This is like the coolest vampire film I have seen in a long time! OMG!!
Tracy dear, since when ‘chastity’ is considered a good value? And lust a bad one?
This book is completely ridiculous and Stephanie Meyers is the Sarah Palin of literature (except she is not even “hot”).
Gorgeous cinematography, great soundtrack, great supporting cast, terribly awkward love story. In order for the movies to really soar they need to rewrite Stephanie’s dialogue, I know she writes for young adults – however – so does Jo Rowling and Rowling doesn’t make your toes curl from the awkwardness of the dialogue.
As you get further into the books there is a definite religious based message – Stephanie is definitely against female empowerment. She’s a total regressionist woman.
I am 27 years old, a teacher, and went to see “Twilight” with my mom who is 60 and my sister, 29. We had so much fun! I read the first 3 books in 6 days and read the last book in about 3. I have to say that I loved the books and the movie was so much fun. My dad went to see it last night and loved it! You haters need to lighten up! You make it seem like all humanity should hold on to our theater seats for your approval of the movie otherwise everyone else is completely idiotic. It’s just a movie! Get over yourselves, you sound so self-righteous that it is sickening! Please prove me wrong by finding out for yourselves by forming your own INFORMED opinions. The movie was fun, clean, and was gripping!
As for those of you who believe that the movie has intentions of indoctrinating children, must have no idea what LDS believers have come to know as their restored gospel. No idea! I am a member of the LDS church and know that the gospel has been restored upon the earth by righteous individuals who uphold all things “virtuous, lovely, or of good report”. Refer yourselves to “Tracy’s” comment up above. She stated it much more eloquently that I can or go to…
http://www.mormon.org
Bye! Have a great day.
Nice try Mormon cult followers. Keep your false religions started by a false prophet who has changed Gods written words to suit your lame religion to yourself.
@ Narcissa:
Since when is “Twilight” bashing a result of Prop 8 being passed and Meyer being a Mormon? Stop trying to drag politics into it. Most of the bashing is because some people don’t care for the books, let alone the movie.
It’s like trying to drag politics into “Harry Potter” since one of the supporting characters was outed by J.K.R., a member of the Church of Scotland — wait a minute…
When will the Hollywood elitist learn, it doesn’t take sex and violence to get people to see movies…and hey, Americans want the religious undertones.
Shame on the bigots who are using this as an opportunity to trash the mormons. The books and the movie have little to do with the mormon church. Sure, the books are relatively clean, and chastity is emphasized, but so what? It’s just another worldview. As those who support tons of sex and violence in their movies always say, if you don’t like it, don’t watch it!
I say this as a proud gay man who doesn’t like the way Prop. 8 turned out, so don’t go there.
I loved the movie, it was VERY refreshing from the average gorey movie that is driven on money, violence and pretty females. Twilight actually had meaning, which I haven’t seen for a long time. Maybe some people will leave the theater disappointed, but most of those people could learn a thing or two from it. It’s not just a shallow story about a girl who falls in love with the perfect guy/vampire. There really is meaning and maybe if you read the books you’d take a look at life differently and change a few things. It really was amazing.
I’m so glad Twilight is doing well. It was very well done, I was impressed. It followed the book remarkably well and was extremely entertaining.
Twilight is amazing!! And, bud since when have we been over vampires?? Get out of a cave. People that hate it hate good romance and action, hot men and women, and are probably single.
Yes, Stephenie Meyer is a Mormon, but the books do nothing to preach about the Mormon religion. All this rhetoric just seems to be from a bunch of jealous haters. It’s not only obvious, it’s juvenile. And trying to drag Prop 8 into it is just lamethetic.
I don’t care for the books as I think they are poorly written, but I congratulate Stephenie Meyer on her success and am glad that fans are happy with the film.
Also glad to see the box office doing so well.
@ TwilightSucksGood:
The majority of “Twilight” fans ARE single young women, in addition to middle-aged women and soccer moms (as well as teenage boys). Granted, I know a few chicks who have boyfriends, but that’s beside the point.
And good romance and action? I say this having read the first book, but “Twilight” lacks either in my opinion. It doesn’t have enough bite, and the human/vampire romance was done a lot better in Buffy (which shared quite a few aspects, such as the female protagonist moving to another town with a parent). Plus, Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz are a far hotter human/vamp couple than Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.
You guys should be happy that “Twilight” is doing so well and that the second movie is in development. I can’t see why the fans would argue over anything, save for those who didn’t like the movie adaptation.
Well, I’m a twilight fan myself. The Movie was real great. It wasn’t excellent but good. I really don’t recommend for people who haven’t read the book. No one really understand it.
TWILIGHT RULZ!!! I WATCHED IT AND LUVED IT!!!!!!!!!!
BOLT EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS!
I saw the commercials, and thought maybe I had seen all of the funny parts. I was glady wrong. My kids and I were laughing OUT LOUD the entire film. They nailed it in some places, you gotta LOVE the hamster & if you don’t tear up a little, your not alive.
Kids and adults will love it. I say it’s on par with Toy Story 2 and maybe even better than cars. Or at least even. Worth your money. IMO.
Nice try Mormon cult followers. Keep your false religions started by a false prophet who has changed Gods written words to suit your lame religion to yourself.
Comment by undeceived — November 23, 2008 @ 9:44 am
Amen!
I loved the Twilight books but I saw the movie this weekend and it was absolutely horrible. Horrible acting, dialogue, script. People were actually LAUGHING during the scenes that were supposed to be serious. Several people even walked out. The only saving grace was the eye-candy actor who played Edward Cullen. If you are 13 and younger, you will probably love it. Otherwise, save your money.
“New Moon” series is to Mormonism as “The Chronicles of Naria” are to Christianity. The BIG difference is; C.S. Lewis is a splendid author.
I’m 61 and I loved it. Now that New Moon has been approved, I hope the studio puts more money into the action scenes. They were awful. There’s so much talent in Hollywood now that the remaining 3 books could be wonderfully produced. I thought the scenery and the location was also fantastic. I hope they don’t continue with the measly 37 M> budget. The movie looked it.
This movie was amazing!!!!!!!
The actors and actresses did a great job of recreating Stephenie Meyer’s novel and I doubt that we will be disappointed by the future sequels.
I do realize that there are people who didn’t like the movie but I don’t understand why people have to be so mean about why they didn’t like it.
All in all, I thought it was a great movie and I’m extremely excited for the sequels!!
OMG i cant belive they are making the next too movies. im so fucking happy.
Never underestimate the power of retarded teenage girls in large numbers!
I am not a big fan of Bella Swan. After New Moon it took me a full year to pick up Eclipse. I find her a whiney teenager full of angst. HOWEVER, I do like the books and all the supporting characters. I was looking forward to the movie and definately wasn’t disappointed. Yes, they did the typical book-to-movie rewrites and lost a little in the translation but I still felt it stayed pretty true to the book. I loved they stayed with the tension between Bella and Edward. Tired of all the stupid, disgusting movies coming out of Hollywood where the only constant is drugs, sex, disrepect and hate. Can not wait for New Moon (do hope they spend a little more time on character development/special effects).
As for the mormon haters – get over it. Why do you care what the mormons believe? Why is showing teenagers living in chastity, parental respect and not drinking and cursing a bad thing? Go crawl back to your pastors and tell them to stop feeding you lies and hate. Why not have them teach you what THEY or YOU believe and let others believe/live what they believe. Y’all sound uneducated in your attacks of the mormon church. You also throw out things like LDS women are submissive? You obviously have not met many LDS woman or men.
Mike – I do not believe that God gave you the right to define who is or isn’t a Christian. Concentrate on yourself and your family and stop worrying about others.
I’m a die hard fan and I absoutely loved it!
They did a geeat job and it is hard to put a 500 page book into a two hour movie.
So excited for New Moon!
Kristen and Robert were awesome!!!!
Look at FIREPROOF…no sex or violence and still holding near TOP 10 after having been in just 800 theaters. A GREAT movie!
The only thing I want to know is, when does Van Helsing jam a stake into the heart of the head vampire? Vampires are “undead” and therefore EVIL…the only good one, is a disintegrated one…I wouldn’t think that Mormons would be into promoting EVIL as a concept, I’ve known several and they seemed like pretty good folks to me…
Funny how agnostics, atheists and America-haters get no such trashing as nearly anyone with the nerve to actually be an active member of any christian church…these cowards would probably be drooling if a moslem wrote the movie.
Some people are happy being unhappy…this is often accompanied by a rage against discipline-morality and such.
I am 62, married 38 years, cradle catholic with a Ph.D. as does the wife…mellow out…and profanity online always tells you a lot about the poster…none good.
I loved “300″, bought the DVD and watched it 6x since.
Go ahead, rage against that…like I care.
Mormon bashing, Sarah Palin references, and prop 8? Hello, Twilight is a movie. It’s fiction. Shut up already.
Do your research you religious bigots. Your words bleed ignorance. You sound pathetic.
I don’t get the whole “Vampires-Interact-Lovingly-With-Humans” genre. Didn’t their mothers ever tell them not to play with their food?
The only ‘Mormon value’ I saw in the book and movie is that Bella and Edward don’t have sex until they are married. And Edward believes in God, though he’s not sure if God created vampires or if vampires have souls. Carlisle believes that vampires have souls and that there is an afterlife for them.
Twilight is a great movie. I am in my second year of college and seen this movie twice. I have plans to see it again this evening. The first time was friday night with my best friend and roomate. I have read all four books and I could not make her pick up the first one. She is not a reader. When we watched the movie for the first time it was all about the excitment of a new movie. I hate to say it but I was awing and sighing with the 13 year olds (not as loud). Just seeing the characters come to life on the big screen had me glued to my seat. Afterwards my roomate and me were ranting about the amazment of the movie all the way back to campus (30 minutes away). I had the pleasure of seeing it a second time with my mother sunday afternoon. This time I was able to watch the full effect of the movie instead of being caught up in the excitment. I have to say there are things I wish they could have changed. The biggest is not even explaining the meaning behind the word “twilight”. Not many people who have not read the book understand its meaning. All and all for being a low budget movie it followed the main story well. The chemistry between the main characters made it all worth while. I enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait to see it again tonight.
omg i saw it sunday i loved it!!!! soo good! Of course the book was amazing very hard 2 beat but they pulled it off! Very cute funny exciting! congrats!
“Twilight” was an excellent book and a HORRIBLE movie! I can’t believe the acting in this film, this film was poorly cast!!!! I watched it in NYC and people were laughing and they weren’t laughing at the intentional funny moments if any. I hope Summit Entertainment does a better job with “New Moon.”
I love vampire movies I will probably go see it anyways. Is it even possible to make a vampire movie without violence?