Twilight

Sorry, Twilight fans. I didn't really like it.

I finally got my hands on the Twilight series books. I read #1 and #2, and I'm 31st in line for book #3 at the library. I should probably put a hold on #4 now, so I can get it before Christmas.

I enjoyed the books. I read them ravenously, and quickly. I think I missed some details in my haste to see what happened next. And I hurried to Red Box to rent the movie before they didn't carry it anymore.

Sorry, I didn't really like it.

Maybe it's because I'd read it so recently and it looked so different in my mind than it did on film. Like the Cullen's house. A white farm house (correct me if I have some details wrong) in a clearing in the forest, with a river nearby does not equal a super-modern house on a hillside with forest encroaching on all sides. Her truck wasn't even really red, for crying out loud! It was orange! And how is it that a tiny town like Forks has a GIGANTIC high school like they showed in the movie? Then there's the issue of Bella's bedroom. The author took great care to describe the blue walls with yellow lace curtains, and an old quilt her grandmother had made. Not dark green walls with purple satin bedding that "the salesgirl picked out."

But mostly, I just hate it when the movie strays from the book. When did Edward run up a tree with Bella? And while this is minor, Charlie didn't buy Bella new tires, he put chains on the day she almost got killed by the van. And she did hit her head in the accident, and Edward was there with her in the E.R. I know they can't follow everything exactly in a book, but it's a bit much when they skim over 1/2 of the book in about 10 minutes of film, combining scenes and trying to smash in all the information they could. It was like they had to spend all their time developing the story line, and had no time left to develop the relationship between Edward and Bella.

As for the casting, I thought Bella was perfect. Edward, I have to say that he's rather neanderthal-ish. He looks way too "typical vampire" and less "too beautiful to be human."

I generally prefer to read the books, then see the movie. But on this one, I think maybe it should be the other way around. Get the Cliff Notes version (the movie) and then you can really sink your teeth into the details in the book.

Of course, I'm sure I'll watch the other movies that are sure to come out. And I'll definitely keep reading the books. But while I might re-read the books, Twilight the movie might be a one-time viewing for me!