Stephenie Meyer's Vampire Series in Celluloid is Not so Bad.

    "Twilight" is the initial installment in Stephenie Meyer's Vampire Series that intertwines the intimacy of new love with the beast that is at the heart of every vampire tale. Novelist Meyer and Screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg were successful in taking vampire lore and twisting those rules to effect a saleable story that there could be romance, without transforming the mortal life of the victim to an immortal one.

    Director Catherine Hardwicke fashioned this theme into a believable motion picture that is more geared toward teenage audiences, that could also be sold in small measure to more mature audiences as well. I am not inferring that this picture is perfect - far from it. But, as a commercial vehicle; with some decent acting, a believable story, and fine cinematography with good special effects, the film works to some extent.

    Because the film is not too long at 122 minutes, there is less of a chance of losing a portion of their audience. Also, the story is taunt enough to keep those that will give the film a chance in check. The acting is respectable enough with the male lead, Edward Cullen portrayed by Brit Robert Pattinson, handling his duties well enough. Veteran character actor Billy Burke kept it real as Deputy Charlie Swan, Bella Swan's father. Bella is portrayed by a very professionally petite Kristen Stewart. Cam Gigandet has a good turn as the malevolent vampire James, which, by contrast, lends credibility to Edward Cullen as the vampire that has the capacity to fall in love with the mortal, Bella Swan.

    The second in the Twilight series, "New Moon," is in the works so we will see if these character can evolve and if this serial has any legs. For the time being, I'll rate this film better than average and I'll wait for the second installment.

    Rated PG13. Released on DVD March 21, 2009.