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Twilight

(2008, Rated PG-13, Thriller, Starring Kristen Stewart, Billy Burke, Robert Pattinson)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Teen fans will love faithful -- if uneven -- adaptation.

Themes in this movie include:   dating/crushes, family relationships

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Role models:

    Bella is mature and smart, but she can also be dependent and fragile. Edward is respectful and gallant, though often somewhat angsty. Contemporary Native Americans are featured respectfully.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Bella and Edward's relationship sends a somewhat mixed message to teens -- it's chaste and loving, but it could also be perceived as obsessive. The Cullens are a very loyal family, and they strive to rise above their baser vampire instincts.
  • Violence:

    A lot of the violence is implied: There are fast shots of vampires right before they kill their prey (both human and animal). A group of guys follows Bella down a dark alley and starts harassing her; Edward threatens them. A predatory vampire tries to kill Bella. There's a bloody, vicious fight between an evil vampire and the Cullens. Bella is seriously hurt and ends up in the hospital. Charlie, a sheriff, has weapons, including a shotgun.
  • Sex:

    As in the book, Bella and Edward have an intensely romantic (though overall fairly chaste) relationship. They stare and gaze at each other lovingly and share some passionate embraces and a couple of kisses, including one make-out session that takes place on a bed while Bella's in her underwear. Other couples flirt, hold hands, and swoon at each other.
  • Language:

    Incredibly mild for a PG-13 film, just like the book: "repulsive," "vile," "dammit."
  • Consumerism:

    Brands featured include Volvo, Hummer, Mercedes, Mac, BMW, Lays potato chips, Body Glove, and Southwest. Most appearances are subtle, though Edward's Volvo has some big moments.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    No drinking or smoking by underage characters. Bella's dad and his friend stock up with cans of beer for an afternoon together but aren't actually shown drinking them. Bella gives her dad an unopened can of beer in one scene.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Twilight

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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.

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Twilight?
  •  I think this movie is

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See all 381 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

  2. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    BAD!!!!!

    Hate it sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bad and for all of those twilight fans SHUT UP AND GET A LIFE!

  4. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Just.. don't

    I'm sorry, this movie sucks. Also inappropriate for younger kids. Sends horrid messages.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    Good for tweens

    I think this movie was pretty good. Only real issue is that they went to a bar and starting acting like pervs.

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    wow.... 374 reviews? A little obsession going on here...?

    This movie can be desribed in four words: a peice of crap

  7. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Only for love drunk teenage girls.

    Besides terrible directing... this movie definitely missed the mark. It had potential with good acting but the directing, again, ruined this movie. The only concern that I had is that at the end of the movie a 16 year old girl runs away with her boyfriend states away, and when found by her parents there where absolutely no consequences.

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Perfect for anyone over the age of 15 younger kids wont understand the point other than look

    i loved it for the fact that 1st it was a good book and now there taking the time to make it into movies.. im so excited for the rest to come out.

  9. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0

    Perhaps a poor message for teenage girls....

    I admit to loving this book, although I thought the movie was uneven and poorly acted. HOWEVER, in many ways I think the messages in this movie are not for girls entering their teen years. The entire plot is based on Bella's increasingly obsessive need to be with Edward, despite the dangers to herself or her family. And, frankly, subsequent books and movies only get worse. Only recommended for girls who can enjoy the entertainment value but have a good (and strong) head on their shoulders.

  10. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0

    Perhaps a poor message for teenage girls....

    I admit to loving this book, although I thought the movie was uneven and poorly acted. HOWEVER, in many ways I think the messages in this movie are not for girls entering their teen years. The entire plot is based on Bella's increasingly obsessive need to be with Edward, despite the dangers to herself or her family. And, frankly, subsequent books and movies only get worse. Only recommended for girls who can enjoy the entertainment value but have a good (and strong) head on their shoulders.

  11. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    Good movie : D

    It was a very good movie! There is a scene of sensuality. There is no underage drinking. At the end it gets bloody because a girl gets bit, glass gets stuck in her leg, and her head gets bloody because she got hit against a corner.

  12. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Wyoming
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    BEST SERIES EVER!!!

    AWESOME!!! i'm totally a Fanatic!!!!!!

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    best but iffy under nine

    It's a great movie but there is some inappropriate contact with edward and bella and there is a scene of sensuality there is no message other than that it was the best movie ive ever seen.

  14. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Best movie you can ever see

    This is really good movie if u like vampires.

  15. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    great movie as long as ur kids know movies from real life!!!!! My kids love the movie!!!!!

    me and my family loved it the boys loved the whole vampire thing and i loved the love story with it. I have read all the books and we are taking the whole family to see new moon out nov. 20, The kids love seeing the movie and the trailer for upcoming because of the vamps and the wolves.

  16. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Very enjoyable and fun to watch with your daughters

    I loved the movie! I recommend it for mothers and daughters to go see it together!

  17. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Cheesy....but who doesn't love a little cheese?!

    Great Movie! It can be a little cheesy at times but is a great interpretation of the book. I personally recommend though that viewers should get a taste of the book before viewing the movie! Even if you don't enjoy the movie the book is still great!

  18. I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Excessive consumerism

    Melodramatic Film with Shallow Plotline

    I personally despise "Twilight". It's quite cheesy and VERY Melodramatic. My only "concerns" are violence: Which is just intense scenes, threats, etc. Consumerism is obvious: Lay's, Volvo, etc. Personally, the film in my opinion was HILLARIOUS because of the bad acting and OVER DRAMATIC scenes, but some people dig that. If you do, watch and enjoy, if you don't, skip the film.

  19. I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    good movie 12 and over

    very good movie good actors too 12 and over

  20. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    perfect for who don't like vampires movies

    i don't like this movie.it is a false movie(like all of the others vampires movies) but the creatures in this are not vampires.ithink they are aliens

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