Just returned from the midnight showing of Twilight. LOVED IT! And my teen boys loved it, too. Which was kind of funny because was showing at two movie theaters in our town and PACKED with girls! Only boys (other than mine) that I saw were with their girlfriends
Boys talked all the way home about how great it was! Two of them had read the book. Two had not. All enjoyed it.
As a "mom" what I liked best (and best about reading the book), is that it is good, 'clean' entertainment. Get past the fantasy of vampire…and so much room to talk to my boys about the value of 'waiting'–for one.
Also…I do not remember swear words being used at all. Another great thing–teach the boys, movies can be good without the use of 'those' words.
The setting was beautiful, the music was incredible. The story line stuck fairly decently to the book–obviously not 100%…and as good as the movie was the book is SO MUCH BETTER!
One of my boys who really loves Stephanie Myers was so excited that she makes a cameo appearance in the movie.
Been asked if it was 'scary?' I did not think that was too bad either. Definitely no gore; obviously (if you have read the book you know the scene near the end is intense)–but think it was handled theatrically well without much scare to it.
Also been asked what age it is appropriate for? That is a parent judgment call–but I would let my daughter (age 11) see it if she was interested–she is not. I think some of the things she has seen on the Disney channel or Nic have more suggestive tones, etc. Again, my opinion! And I would urge parents who aren't sure to preview it first themselves.
Bottom-line: I am so appreciative of Stephanie Myers to have written a great story, while implanting so many lessons, and a link to classic novels–which make those even fun to read for my boys. There are a lot of good discussions we have had…AND I am appreciative to the movie makers for keeping it 'clean', not too gory/scary, and pretty true to the book.
ONE COMPLAINT: without spoiler–the vegetarian line was a little over the top says I the vegetarian
Imagine they (movie writers) will hear about it!
OK!! Must sleep….because do still have to get up at 6am which is now only 3 hours and 10 minutes away