I do think reading the book first is a good idea. The books are always better than the movies. I don't know if I would've been able to decipher how Edward and Bella got so close so quickly when they acted as if they were so offended by each other's presence in the beginning. But withing the 2 hour span, I guess you have to cut somewhere. I do think the director was able to portray the depth of their feelings for each other and the relationships with the other characters. I would recommend the movie and do plan on buying the DVD when it comes out.