This was alright. Not as bad as teen boys are saying and not as great as teen girls are saying. 9+
Twilight
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Teen fans will love faithful -- if uneven -- adaptation.
Themes in this movie include: dating/crushes, family relationships
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13 and Up
The good stuff
-
Role models:
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Twilight was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
Parents need to know that this adaptation of author Stephenie Meyer's youth culture phenomenon Twilight was one of the most anticipated movies of 2008. Millions of kids 10 to 18 have read the books, and many more are familiar with them. Like the novel, the film features an intense romantic relationship between a gorgeous vampire and a human girl. There are a few kisses and several stares, hand touches, and embraces. One make-out session takes place on a bed with the girl in her underwear, but it's abruptly stopped. The movie's violence is mostly implied, but there's one particularly disturbing scene involving vampires, blood, a bitten human with a broken limb, and the destruction of an evil vampire. Language and drinking aren't issues; product placement is mostly limited to cars -- Volvo, Hummer, Mercedes, etc.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the various themes that have made the books such a huge success: first (and forbidden) love, restraint in getting intimate, everlasting and unconditional romance, and heart-thumping adventure.
- Do you think Bella is a good role model for teen girls? Why or why not? Do you think she and Edward have a healthy relationship?
- If you've read the book, did the film meet your expectations? What changes were good for the film? What scenes did you miss from the novel?
- Why do you think the books and the movie have inspired such fanatical devotion? For more talking points, check out our article.
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Twilight
What’s the Story?
TWILIGHT is based on Stephenie Meyer's bestselling young adult novel that's hooked millions of tween girls (and their mothers). Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is a smart, mature teenager who moves from sunny Phoenix to live with her father, Charlie (Billy Burke), in the rainiest city in the country -- tiny Forks, Wash. At school, Bella encounters five gorgeous, aloof, alabaster-skinned siblings. One of them, auburn-haired Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), is assigned as her science partner, and soon Bella starts crushing on the mysterious, charming, super-strong guy. He likes her, too -- in fact, he'd love nothing more than to suck her blood, because he's a vampire. But unlike most evil undead, Edward and his family are "vegetarians" who stick to animal blood in order to live among humans. Can a human girl and a vampire boy overcome his kind's thirst for blood and find true love?
Is It Any Good?
Director Catherine Hardwicke nails the teen emotions and relationships, and she stays surprisingly faithful to the novel. But while the Bella-Edward romance is appropriately swoony, other parts of the film are quite schlocky and even unintentionally funny (like Edward's facial expressions at his first whiff of Bella's intoxicating scent). While some of the supporting cast is spot-on (Ashley Greene is pixie-ish and graceful as prescient vampire Alice, and Burke's Charlie is exactly the kind of loving-but-hands-off father Meyer describes), other characters -- like Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) and Rosalie (Nikki Reed) -- are reduced to one note. In Rathbone's case, he's a statue with overly gelled locks and a permanent look of irritation that got many laughs. But cosmetic issues aside, most of the characters -- right down to the villainous vampires led by James (Cam Gigandet) -- act like their counterparts in the novel.
From Edward's shiny silver Volvo and Bella's beat-up red truck to the glittery meadow scene, the lullaby and the longing looks, Hardwicke and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg have included most of the book's essential details. But moviegoers who have no idea why so many girls in the audience are wearing "Team Edward" tees will find aspects of the film silly and superficial. Clearly, the real story is the Bella-Edward romance, and in that respect the film should appease hardcore Twilighters (the on-screen kisses are even more passionate than in the book). Stewart does Bella justice with her constant clumsiness and her serious gazes. Pattinson is dreamy and intense, although it would've been better had the British actor perfected a more refined American accent. When the star-struck couple first leaps through the trees together or kisses, brace yourself for applause and giddy shrieks. Those who don't mind teen love served with a side of cheese (and bloodlust) will enjoy it. And no matter what, it's going to be an absolute must-see for the series' teen-vampire-adoring fans.
Movie Details
Studio: Summit Entertainment, Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Run time: 120 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/21/2008, DVD release: 3/21/2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sensuality
Run time: 120 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/21/2008, DVD release: 3/21/2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sensuality
Our Members Say
See 512 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
-
I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
Terrible movie for all ages.
This movie has the most sad ending I have ever seen Edward who is a vampire makes Bella a vampire when she dies. Which is a tragety because vampires never die, and she is willing to stay with this guy even though she knows he might kill her, and she is also willing to loose her soul to stay with her supermodel. As a christian I think this movie should be avoided.
-
I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
good for older kids
i looooooooooove it
-
I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Excessive consumerism
- Negative role models
Could people get any more adicted to this movie?
Its not 'the worst' I've ever seen, not as good as the book. Anyways, I like the action I guess, but there are definitly things to complain about. I truely think Bella and Edward are far too obsessed with eachother, its disturbing and kids are so obsessed with the movie they dicide to be clingy like that with their boy/girl friends. Nasty. And it worries me that kids far younger than allowed watch this and are obsessed too. Its 13 and up, ok? They can watch it, not like I can stop them, but I wouldn't let my kids watch it because of the obsessive cling it has on people. I mean there are kids at my school that pretend to be vampires, its freaky. I'm glad for Stephany Myers sucess, but its getting overdone. I am SO sick of them doing that 'Team Edward'-'Team Jacub' thing! Most of the times girls watch it just cuz Robert and Taylor are 'hot' I truely could care less about what they look like, why does it matter? Plus, the acting wasn't really good. It 'sucked' actually. So Twilight fans, don't say I don't know what I'm talking about and that I'm stupid and lame (so on) cuz that just shows how pathetic its going. Its not the worst movie/series, to tell the truth I stopped liking it because its gotten too popular..
-
I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
twilight-love it!!
honestly, my sister is eight, and she watched this movie with me and my friends at my 17 birthday party!!! i don't think its too sexual at all. i just saw eclipse on june 30th and if your gonna be concerned about any movies in the twilight saga(which there is nothing to really be concerned about until breaking dawn) be concerned about eclipse, there is more awkward stuff in that than in twilight!!! i can't wait till breaking dawn, come on summit, get it out fast!!!!!!! i can't wait another minute!!!!
-
I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
9
13 and up? that has 2 b a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i read the books and saw the movie when i waz 9!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
Rob Pattinson is Ugly...
This movie is a bit on the weird side. A little to smoochie for me. Not enough action, either. Rob Pattinson looks hideous in the movie. I've seen him in his better days.
-
I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Perfect for older kids +
I think the Twilight saga is amazing! It must not be missed. The books are also great and they get you hooked. Team Riley x :P P.s, Eclipse is AWESOME!! It's the best film and Breaking Dawn is the best book. :D
-
I rate this title off for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Way to sexual
WHAT THE HEAK!!! I know 9 year olds who watch this movie and I'm shoked! This is a movie that no one under the age of 11 should watch. There is to much sex for that age of kids.
-
I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
boring,,,,,,,
-
I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Great movie!
I loved it, but it wasn't as good as Eclipse, although it was better than New Moon.
-
Kids ages: 17
I rate this title on for age 15 and give it- My concerns are:
OK for older kids; 12 and under, not so much
For those worried about the content of the books or films, be aware, these works were never aimed at those 12 years old and younger--they were originally targeted at high-school students. I noticed several comments from parents uncomfortable with Twilight's discussions of sex, virginity and intimacy. That material is indeed appropriate for mid-to-late teenagers; trust me, whether or not you approve, they are already having those discussions, although maybe not with you! Better to read a book together, or go to a movie, and then discuss the issues afterwards--you can use those times as a teaching moment. My biggest problem with the works isn't sex or violence, it's the false values--the worship of wealth and beauty--that seems to underlie them.
-
I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
Perfect for Tweens!
I think this movie is awesome! i really had a good time watching it. I enjoyed most of it...some was a little scary to me though. I think you should at least be 13 to watch this movie.
-
I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
Mixed, vaguely chauvinistic messages.
The thing that really disturbs me about children watching this is the unhealthy messages that the relationship between Bella and Edward send. Not only is it obsessive, but it is also mildly misogynistic. After being blown off and ignored by Edward, Bella proceeds to become more attached and interested in him regardless of his rejection. In the relationship, Edward is the one fully in control and Bella is subservient to his desires. It just concerns me what messages about a "normal" relationship this is sending to young girls.
-
I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
Good for almost anyone
There's both good and notsogood messages. The movie really is only PG-13 to get ready for the others to come and to keep out younger kids. Otherwise, the fans won't see it. It's okay for preteens and 9 year olds to see this movie. It is only slightly violent(they rip off one vampire's head but they don't bleed) You have to know your kids better cause they've probably seen worse on youtube.
-
I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
gr8!
I read the books when I was 9 and understood them. 13 and up? that's really stupid! I know kids ibn 2nd grade who have seen it!
-
I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
Horrible Messages About Relationships
Besides the movie just not being very well made, the messages and role models are appalling. Bella is shown as weak and helpless and needing as man to protect her. She then falls hopelessly in love, and her entire world revolves around him, and this is shown as being a good and mature choice despite her young age. Their relationship shows further signs of unhealthiness; Edward follows her around, and breaks into her room and night and watches her without her consent. This is also treated as being an act of love.
-
Kids ages: 17
I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Wonderful Movie that I got for Free
I love this movie, me and my family watch it every Friday night. We also get friends togethor and watch the whole Twilight series atleast once a month. I got this movie for free from www.prizerebel.com/index.php?r=1203929, which made me really happy that I didn't have to pay $20 for it.
-
I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
Dialogue and acting is always done awkwardly.
I thing Twilight was okay. It had poor acting and dialogue. Concerns would be the violence and some small sexuality. It has a very bloody, intense scene in a ballet studio in which bad vampire James tries to kill Bella. James is shown breaking her leg which makes a sharp crack that might be repulsive for some. Bella is shown being slammed into a wall which blood then spurts as she screams in pain. She also has to pull glass out of leg and hand which is disgusting and bloody. Edward and James fight but no blood. Alice rips off James's head. For sexuality Edward and Bella share a VERY passionate kiss moving together on a bed during which Bella wears very short shorts that may be considered underwear. Edward stops himself after about a minute. There are also several fun scenes in the movie. I would recommend it for 11+ though I'm sure younger have seen it too. People who like the movie may be drawn to the actors. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are NOT good role models. they both smoke and Kristen has been reported smoking pot. Try to avoid them as favorite actors and actresses or role models.
-
I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
not worth seeing again
the books where amazing but the movie wasnt that good
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you seen it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
Lists for kids who love teen romance
Tween-Friendly Chick Flicks
Best High School Love Stories for Teens
See more lists
