"Twilight," the best selling young adult novel, made its big screen debut this weekend. The movie was highly anticipated not only by teenage girls but also adult women. The movie is hard to categorize, but it’s something of a cross between romance, sci-fi, and action.

For those who have read the book, the good news is that most of the important scenes are still intact. The characters and the lovable quirks that readers have come to know and love over the saga’s four novels are all there.

The movie follows an awkward teenage girl named Bella Swan, who moves to Washington to live with her father. There she meets Edward Cullen, who is part of a family that keeps to themselves because they happen to be vampires. Edward is drawn to Bella and she to him and thus begins the dangerous and complicated love story.

Though Edward tries to stay away from Bella, he is drawn to her. He knows he could hurt her, yet he can’t help himself. As Bella and Edward become more involved, the more danger she faces. Not only is she spending time with one vampire, but an entire vampire family.

Fortunately for Bella, and the people of Forks, these vampires don’t hunt humans. However, Forks and Bella are not safe. Not all vampires share the Cullens’ compassion for human life and when a pack of such vampires arrive the lives of the people of Forks are at stake. The Cullens must risk themselves to protect the town and Bella.

While the movie is not as good as the book, which is a tall order, it is exciting to see the story come to life. Pattinson’s portrayal of Edward delivers an understanding of Edward’s inner turmoil and makes him as wonderful as he was in the book, which is no small feat.

All of the actors did a great job bringing their characters to life. The entire Cullen family was as imagined from the handsome father figure Carlisle to the pixie like Alice. There where even moments where Bella’s awkwardness could be felt by those watching. Even the town, Forks, fulfilled expectations by being gloomy and rainy.

While Twilight is a movie worth seeing, you probably won’t enjoy as much if you haven’t read the book. Some (such as my husband, or men in general) may find there to be a few too many shots of Edward’s smoldering glances. Beyond that, it is a movie that has something for everyone.

Grade: A-

This movie is 122 minutes long and rated PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sensuality.