The Host

The Host (2013)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Better than I expected as the book was rather difficult for me to finish. Bringing it to life adds a dimension to this story that the written version was sadly lacking. The early part of the story is uninteresting and lacks the draw to pull you into the story. It isn't until the Wanderer, later renamed "Wanda," joins the human resistance that the story really picks up and becomes more interesting. Even then, it's slow paced and somewhat predictable. This isn't as much of a weight in the movie as scenes move by so quickly. In the book it was an issue because it would take chapters to get to anything that added to the situation. The little tail segment at the end where it looks like they will all be captured and instead meet others who agree with Wanda's point of view is a nice touch. This scene alone is the only piece that really hints at a continuation in the series (necessary as it has since been declared that this will become a trilogy at least in book format, if not film). Without it, this would feel very awkward as a continuing story. Even with it, there will have to be new dimensions and conflicts added to keep any interest in an already mellow "invasion" plot.

The Twilight Saga 5: Breaking Dawn Part 2

The Twilight Saga 5: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Really wasn't sure how they were going to play this, especially since 3/4 of the book was already covered in part one. Interesting idea how they played out the fight scene then revealed it to just be one of Alice's visions. The assortment of vampires that were brought in were interesting; even recognized one of them as having played a part in 24. Kristen does a much better job playing vampire Bella than she did as a human Bella. Of course Jacob as a wolf is as amazing as ever. Overall, a decent end to the series. Wasn't really sure how it would go with Renesme - CG baby apparently was the answer. Interesting trick.

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn Part 1

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


This was my least favorite of the books, so I'm not surprised to find that at least this portion is the least favorite of the movies for me. Even my husband said it just didn't seem to flow going from beautiful wedding and honeymoon scenery (that even he'll admit to liking) into what appears to be a bad soap opera with poor acting, some action tossed in the mix, and no one really knowing what to do. The two halves just don't jibe for an overall whole. Renesme doesn't even remotely look like a newborn either, despite being covered in blood for her entrance scene. The fake-looking credits at the end before the Volturi scene leave a lot to be desired too. I will admit to a lot more interest in how the play out vampire!Bella, which is the biggest draw for part 2. Random vampires from all over and an anti-climatic match with the Volturi that ultimately will be the entirety of the second film? Not so excited about.

Twilight Volume 2

Twilight Volume 2 by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I hate to say it, but I think I prefer the graphic novel to the movies sadly. Not only do they follow the original books better, but the art is beautiful and lines up much better with what is imagined from the book descriptions. Also have to admit that book!Bella is much prettier and doesn't come off as the hesitant unknowing teenage that movie!Bella portrays. All the added pauses and stuttering don't do the character any favors. The subtle and selective splashes of color are also nice touches. Of course having the final prom scene in color is definitely nice. I almost wish the whole book was colored, though sadly that would lose some of the emphasis with the eyes and the "bad vampires" in the story. Overall, I have to say that I really like this version.

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Twilight 2: New Moon Extra: Edward and Rosalie

Twilight 2: New Moon Extra: Edward and Rosalie by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This is good in the sense that it fills in gaps otherwise left blank in the original story. Bad in the sense that it paints Edward as being even more whiny and indecisive than he was in the original series. It's also interesting to see the difference in Meyer's perspective from the perceived image we get in the movie - almost the only hint to Edward's reaction overseas that we originally get until you find this on her site. Only available online and only a few minutes to read; only worth it if you really like the series and want all the details.

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Twilight 2: New Moon Extra: Miscalculation

Twilight 2: New Moon Extra: Miscalculation by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a short little snippet only found on Meyer's website. I've always had the impression Rosalie was rather self-centered and shallow. This kind of proved that thought with how she only thought of herself and as if she was right. Blaming Alice for her error was foolish, as was the unnecessary pain she caused the rest of her family by jumping-the-gun and being so eager to deliver bad news. "Miscalculation" is both fitting and not as the title. Fitting because Rosalie doesn't get the result she wanted. Not fitting because it didn't seem like much of a calculation until after it was already done. Still, an interesting insight to what was previous unknown in the series.

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Twilight 5: Midnight Sun

Twilight 5: Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Like many other fans, I've read what Stephanie put up on her own website. I dearly wish she'd finish it though as it leaves you hanging a lot and is a great point of view from another character. Not bad at all, especially for a "rough draft."

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Twilight 4: Breaking Dawn

Twilight 4: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


By far the least popular book of the series, and with good reason. Mostly revolving around Renesmee. Learning more about Bella's unique situation and why Edward can't read her is cool. The confrontation with the Volturi is anti-climatic, and what happens with Jacob.... well that was coming from a mile away and kinda sick when you think about it being a kid. Still a fast read with enjoyable characters though. Win some and lose some I guess.

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The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse (2010)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


If for no other reason, I have to give this film props for the awkward sex talk scene between Bella and her father. Talk about the perfect crack up! It also nice to see more with the wolves as they trained with the Cullens for the pending battle. Jacob!wolf acting rather dog-ish as Bella pets him while still showing the intelligence to acknowledge her in his alternate form is both amazing and hilarious. As with in the books, it was a very nice change of pace to see the two sides working together instead of only pulling Bella in opposite directions. Of course the alliance wouldn't be complete without some tension between Bella's two beaus. The scene especially earned some laughs. This film really did highlight Bella's own selfishness and indecision as she yo-yos between Jacob's and Edward's emotions. Lots of hard and fast decisions flying around for characters so young to begin with.

The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon

The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon (2009)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This premier was the first film my husband and I went to as a married couple. Oddly enough, we both enjoy the series. We enjoy laughing at the awkwardness and absurdity in the story as much as we enjoy the unique characters and entrancing web that makes up the Twilight Saga. New Moon was especially a pleasant surprise as we really liked what they did with the wolves. We knew from the books not to expect much from Edward in this film, but Jacob made up for the lack of the absent main character with a fantastic performance that left the theater just as excited as the first film did.

The Twilight Saga 1: Twilight

The Twilight Saga 1: Twilight (2008)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


One of the few movies in a long time that I insisted on seeing the premier for. The actors were a little beyond awkward and hesitant in this first film. Sometimes the nerves fit, but other times it came off as if they didn't really know how to play their roles. Bella especially would pause for very odd amounts of time in the middle of sentences or making observations. Obviously there were several things rearranged or edited in the film as they couldn't play out everything the same as the book and keep it to one movie. Personally thought they could have done more with the meadow scenes as they were such big highlights in the book. The one lone meadow scene in the film just doesn't make up for all the discovery and connecting that takes place between this awkward couple. Hoping for even better acting and ca closer storyline with the next film.