Twilight (PG-13, 2008)

common sense media says

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


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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.
Positive 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.
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.

More on Twilight

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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.

What's the story?

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?

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 themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Summit Entertainment
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Cast: Billy Burke, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 120 minutes
Theatrical release: November 21, 2008
DVD release: March 21, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: some violence and a scene of sensuality
Watch our review

This review was written by Sandie Angulo Chen
 
 

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What parents & educators say

12

Most useful reviews by all members

HunterJumper13
teen, 15 years old
 
Stupid... Stupid.. Stupid... Stupid...
STUPID. STUPID. STUPID movie. This movie is cheesy, pointless, plotless, with terrible acting, dumb, and cheap. Bella is a bird brained feather head that can't do anything on her own, Edward is a stalker who watches her sleep, and honestly the main line is "And the lion fell in love with the lamb". Honestly, I could literaly feel my braincells shrinking as I listened to Bella and Edwards sappy lines to each other. I mean really, do you want to torment your poor brain by forcing it to watch that drabble? Take a hint, and don't watch this movie... that is, if you don't want your brain to rot

Rodriguez2
parent of 2 and 5 year old
 
Why not just tell your daughters they must lose their soul to gain happiness?
This movie romances the idea of stalkers and poor female role models. It reduces the prominent female to helpless without her (vampire) companion. This is not a model we should be showing young girls. The fact that the main character simply cannot function without Edward is astonishing, and exemplifies depression as the proper way to gain attention. Parental figures are almost non-existent, as are quality adult role models. The acting was atrocious, at best.

tweeni
teen, 15 years old
 
a failure!
personally, i think this movie was made to look better than it really is. its unrealistic, and kristen stewart is a HORRIBLE actress. in my opinion, it was such a failure kids aged ten and up can see it. the only relatively violent scene is when james attacks bella. she gets a large piece of glass stuck in her skin and james snaps her leg in two, which can be scary to watch for younger kids. on the whole, i state it a pretty big failure and is ok to watch for kids ten and up.

taymomsenfan
teen, 17 years old
 
OFF FOR ANYONE!! This movie is stupid! I dont see how this even got 3 stars ;; I mean the vampires sparkle and it just seems so silly ;; like a little girl wrote it. The Vampire Diaries book and show is way more better because It actually seems more like the traditional Vampires

CASEYPARKER
kid, 11 years old
 
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.

Musicteacher
parent of 18 year old
 
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.

Quizzle
teen, 14 years old
 
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.

Erin6126
parent of 14 year old
 
Great on DVD
Wasn't really that impressed. Although I hadn't read the series before seeing this movie. Enjoyed it several times on DVD since the reading.

 
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.

arudek805
parent of 4 and 7 year old
 
Read the Book
Robert Pattison might be dreamy in the eyes of every tween girl. but the bad acting and low quality special effects make this movie painful to sit through.

Lexie s.
teen, 16 years old
 
Perfect if you haven't read the book. If you've read the book, you'll be dissapointed.
The book was WAY better!!! The movie has hardly anything to do with the book and Edward is creapy and ugly.

none1029
teen, 14 years old
 
FFFFFFFFFFF
Bella a good role model? Yes, because getting an abusive stalker boyfriend is a good idea / sarcasm.

 
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.

mangoluver
kid, 13 years old
 
Love is strong, and this movie really shows this because Edward, the boy, loves Bella a lot.....I love Stephenie Meyer's concoction of tough love!

BlueDragonMaster98
teen, 18 years old
 
Awful
Will girls stop looking at the actors and listen to the story? the acting is bad, and the effects are cheap-looking. I admit the book is Ok, even though it is very boring, but still. It's just, so bad. I didn't even bother to watch New Moon after this garbage. Just read the book and stop uploading gay pictures of Ed Cullen that that Jacob guy. If you want vampires at their finest, watch Hellsing or Blood. Even Dracula is better that this. I can name more, but I might bore those who are diehard fans just because Edward Cullen is 'hot". Whatever (said with a sacarstic, but not annoying/disrespectful tone).

Rileyx
adult
 
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

kee10
parent of 5 year old
 
Good for teen plus
Eclipse movies are good, but only for those 13 and older. There are way too many younger girls watching them. The subject matters are definantly teen and up.

girl4natwolff
teen, 14 years old
 
Um....
It was okay, the acting was pretty terrible, u the books are way better.

chrissys880
parent of 12 and 13 year old
 

im_awsome
kid, 13 years old
 
MOST AMAZING MOVIE!
I WATCHED IT THREE TIMES IN A ROW!!!!!!1

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