This was a wonderful movie - we took our youngest 5 children (ages 2 - 7) and they were totally mesmerized by the film. It was a touching story and the characters were so well scripted. It was a fantastic movie for the whole family!
My husband and our children LOVED this movie (children's ages 6, 5, 4, and 2). It was funny, charming and just an overall great family movie. My children can't wait to see it again, this will be one that we must own when it finally comes out on DVD.
I'm not familiar with the book or the series, however my 12 year old daughters are. They loved the movie and are excited about the next installation New Moon.
Personally I liked the new genre of vampires and how the movie refused to follow traditional American films that are so predictable now-a-days. I was pleasantly surprised that Edward does not turn Bella into a vampire, forgoing the obvious fix to their relationship dilemma. The dialogue was choppy and awkward at times and some of the characters weren't as developed as I would have liked, I would have sat through a full 3 hours to allow the movie to take it's time and fully tell the story.
Overall I would recommend it and am looking forward to the sequel.