Clearly one of those movies-- a la Harry Potter--made quickly, to capitalize on its populatiry, and with a massive budget, thanks to popularity. The characters were, for the most part, cast for looks. The whole thing was very pretty, but I must admit to enjoying the silent preview I saw at Hot Topic more than the movie itself. Pleasantly surprised by Bella--when she had decent lines she held her own. Edward was decent. clearlytoo focused on his image,forgot what was, for me, his defining feature in the book; his voice. Charlie was fantasic. Alice supreme disapointment. I don't think I'd have liked it at all if I hadn't seen the book; editing was jerky, plotline accelerated, a lot is assumed.