I'll go with what I can think of right now.
Stuff Me Likey
Bella - I liked Kristen's performance. She pulled off the awkwardness, the indifference to the shallow life with ease. I like the fact that she wasn't as outwardly emotional as book Bella. If she had been, we would be saying it was over the top. It works in the book, but it wouldn't on screen. All the emotion is there in the eyes, the body language and all that, its just more internal. As a tie in I'll add her relationship with Charlie, and Charlie in general. He was great.
Edward - Rob was good, but there's room for growth. I agree with some that he could have smiled a little more than he did, be a little lighter at times. But the darkness was also good for those times that needed it. And I know it can't be taught or learnt, but he was in no way graceful hehe. Poor guy. He clomped and slouched, adorable but not book Edward. But yeah, if you're not you're just not.
Alice & The rest of the Cullen’s - I had expectations for Alice, being my favourite. And I have to say, Ashley matched and possibly exceeded them. She played it brilliantly. I wish there was more of her.
And more of the rest too. I thought all the Cullen’s were well cast and well done. The only qualm I had, was a wee one with Rosalie. Yes she's antagonistic in the book, but she seemed... forced or something. Yet I don't think it was Nikki, but more lines and directions.
The school kids - More developed/typical modern in the movie perhaps, but funny and enjoyable.
The beginning/narration - I liked it. I know some people didn't. But it was a good way to save time, and still include vital parts of the book that matter to fans like us. Especially in the beginning with the moving to Forks. Add to this the raw, imperfect sort of way it was shot. It fit well with Bella's point view.
The Music - Great score and soundtrack.
Stuff That Could Have Been Improved
- They went from 0 - 60. I think that more of the 'getting to know you' stuff should have been included. The conversations of them learning everything about each other... even if it was short and sort of montaged, it would have been better. Before the meadow.
- The meadow scene.
- More with Alice, Jasper & Bella on the run. And more Alice & Bella friendship. But that's just personal ones.
![Grin :D](./images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
As far as book to movie adaptations go, this one was pretty darn close to page. I have seen someone describe it as 'a fast forward version of the book', (though I think it was a criticism). Great. That's what it should be! That means it was close. If they would have made it a little bit longer and slowed it down a tiny bit, it would have been even better. Overall for me it was great, and hopefully it can only go up from here. Bring on New Moon!