RottenTomatoes.com
Log In | Register | What is RT?
Check out the new RT Community
  • Home
  • Movies
  • DVD
  • Celebrities
  • News
  • Critics
  • Trailers & Pictures
  • CommunityBeta
  • Features
  • | Columns
  • | Guides
RT Search Powered by Google
help icon Enhanced RT
searches on Google
Click here to turn on enhanced search results from RT on your Google searches.
 
News / Columns / Critics Consensus
Critics Consensus: Twilight Fades, Bolt Electrifies
The critics say nay to teen vampires, yay to animated mutts.
by Tim Ryan | November 20, 2008
Discuss Article

This week at the movies, we've got angst-ridden teen vampires (Twilight, starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson) and celebu-mutts (Bolt, with voice work from John Travolta and Miley Cyrus). What do the critics have to say?

If you have fallen under the spell of Stephenie Meyer's bestselling series about young vampires in love, you may not give a hoot what critics think about Twilight. For what it's worth, they say if you've read the books (or are a teenage girl), you'll probably dig it, while others will likely be left scratching their heads. Kristen Stewart stars as Bella, a new student at a small-town high school in Washington who finds herself falling for the impossibly handsome, exceptionally smart Edward (Robert Pattinson). But there's one slight problem: he's a vampire, which kinda puts the kibosh on any hookups -- or does it? The pundits say Twilight isn't exactly long on plot, and many will find the special effects to be pretty cheesy, more suited to network TV than the big screen. However, they also note that the cast is committed to the material, and if you're in the right frame of mind (or the target demographic), the film has some swoon-worthy moments. Still, at 44 percent on the Tomatometer, Twilight could use a little more bite. (For a primer on Twilight's characters, click here. Also, check out star Pattinson's five favorite films here. Finally, for our rundown of cinema's sexiest vampires, click here.)

"So you're too old for me, you don't go to church, you hate garlic... Any other potential dealbreakers?"

Good news, parents: there's a new animated feature called Bolt in theaters, and critics say it will please the wee ones while giving you some yucks as well. Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) isn't a superhero, but he plays one on TV, and when he's accidentally shipped from Hollywood to New York City, he has overcome his delusions of grandeur in order to be reunited with his loving owner Penny (Miley Cyrus). The critics say Bolt may not be the most original animated romp, but it's funny, exciting, sweet, and smart. At 86 percent on the Tomatometer, Bolt is a blast.

"What? I can't bring my dog to the Twilight screening?"

Also opening this week in limited release:

  • The Betrayal, a drama about how the U.S. bombing campaign on Laos during the Vietnam War affected one family, is at 100 percent.

  • Harvard Beats Yale 29-29, a documentary about an unusual 1968 football contest that puts the gridiron action in the context of the times, is at 82 percent.

  • Were the World Mine, a gay-themed musical adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, is at 60 percent.

  • Special, starring Michael Rappaport as an average guy who acquires superhuman powers as part of an experimental drug study, is at 60 percent.

  • I Can't Think Straight, a culture-clash romantic comedy about a woman who, shortly before her wedding day, falls for another woman, is at 14 percent.

  • Lake City, starring Sissy Spacek and Troy Garity in a family drama about a man who returns home after getting in trouble with a drug dealer, is at nine percent.

Recent Kristen Stewart Movies:

  • 51% -- What Just Happened (2008)
  • 82% -- Into the Wild (2007)
  • 24% -- Fierce People (2007)
  • 43% -- In the Land of Women (2007)
  • 11% -- The Messengers (2006)

Related Items
Movie: Bolt
Bookmark and Share
Comments (1-20 of 39 posts) | Reply
PennsylvaniaJames
PennsylvaniaJames writes:
on Nov 20 2008 04:57 PM

Man I'm really happy that Twilight has rotten reviews. Maybe now the sequels won't get made. Oh who am I kidding-it'll make 100 million dollars opening weekend.

(Reply to this)
kaitune
kaitune writes:
on Nov 20 2008 05:03 PM

I didn't expect Bolt to get such a great review. I might consider seeing it now.

I probably would see Twilight. I know I won't like it (if it is anything like the book or less), but I guess.....well...... trying won't kill me. My mother is a big fan of Twilight. I usually make her see movies that she normally wouldn't see, reversing the role once in a while would be good.


(Reply to this)
Fozzie B.
Fozzie B. writes:
on Nov 20 2008 05:09 PM

Personally, I have never paid attention to any critics or reviews. I do like to do my homework before i take money out of my pocket though.
We've had enough animated movies this year, but for kids they are always welcome.
These two movies don't share the same demographics anyway, so good luck RP.
This week-end looks good for movie industry anyway.


(Reply to this)
Salty Gritts
Salty Gritts writes:
on Nov 20 2008 05:53 PM

I promised my girlfriend that I would take her to see Twilight, which she is absolutely obsessed with and I could care less about. Judging from the reviews I am going to regret doing so even more than I was before. Why me?!?!

(Reply to this)
tabascoman77
tabascoman77 writes:
on Nov 20 2008 06:05 PM

I am shocked at the good reviews for "Bolt". I thought for sure it would be another movie that only kids would go to and enjoy.

Disney has finally released some stuff that appeals to all ages lately and not just sugar-coated crud that only kids like.

Enchanted was brilliant and if Bolt is great, Disney could really learn a thing or two for this. :)


(Reply to this)
jokerboy1991
jokerboy1991 writes:
on Nov 20 2008 06:08 PM

Yeah I didn't expect BOLT to get good reviews, but I still think it will just be a rental for me. I knew Twilight would get bad reviews, in yo face Twilighter. I really hope if I go the theaters this weekend to see Twilighters crying from disappointment, nothing would make me happier this weekend. I'm really excited to see AUSTRALIA and MILK this upcoming wednesday!

(Reply to this)
blattman
blattman writes:
on Nov 20 2008 06:09 PM

My money is on Bolt this weekend. I know Twilight will most likely trounce it financially, but Bolt looks to be the better film.

(Reply to this)
reavus4983
reavus4983 writes:
on Nov 20 2008 06:12 PM

Bolt actually looks pretty funny. I was predicting Twilight to get below 50%, but it'll still make tons of money. If only Star Trek was still coming out in a few weeks... I'd have a movie to rave about this season since Bond was... not Bond.

(Reply to this)
tabascoman77
tabascoman77 writes:
on Nov 20 2008 06:25 PM

Bond was Bond. It was just the Bond everyone forgot about after he became a cartoon character in Goldfinger to Die Another Day.

(Reply to this)
insanemansam5
insanemansam5 writes:
on Nov 20 2008 06:34 PM

I actually think that it's a pretty huge success for Summit if nearly half the critics reviewing Twilight say that it's something less an unmitigated disaster.

(Reply to this)
ledawg
ledawg writes:
on Nov 20 2008 06:50 PM

I think "Bolt"'s reviews are a shock... SHOCK! And "Twilight"'s reviews are not a shock... NOT A SHOCK! I still haven't seen "Quantum of Solace", but I will regardless of mixed reviews.

"Twilight" has mixed reviews from critics, (expected) but the community gives it a negative reaction. That's a shocker.

Lastly, jokerboy, I'm not a "Twilight" fan at all, but don't you think you're being "a little" harsh. Well, I'm renting "Bolt", even though it has (creepy music comes) Miley Cyrus! I can't stand her.


(Reply to this)
kissman24
kissman24 writes:
on Nov 20 2008 07:06 PM

Before I knew anything about "Twilight", I remember seeing a full preview and thinking it looked absolutely horrible. At least the trusty Tomatometer confirmed my intuition.

Clearly, "Twilight" is going to do huge box office this weekend, but it still won't mean that it's any good. Ticket sales have nothing to do with the quality of a movie.

"Bolt" looks pretty underwhelming too. The whole premise doesn't look all that interesting. The hampster looks like the only bright spot of the film.


(Reply to this)
jokerboy1991
jokerboy1991 writes:
on Nov 20 2008 07:55 PM

In reply to this comment (#2140206)
No, not at all. I picked it up the other day and read it for a little bit and it gave me the biggest head-ache, the writing was cringe-worthy.

(Reply to this)
Thelastholdout
Thelastholdout writes:
on Nov 20 2008 08:13 PM

In reply to this comment (#2140206)
Relax, Ledawg. You won't actually SEE Miley Cyrus. :D

(Reply to this)
Thelastholdout
Thelastholdout writes:
on Nov 20 2008 08:18 PM

In reply to this comment (#2140230)
Am I the only one who feels like this whole "Twilight" thing snuck up on us?

(Reply to this)
indiefilmfan2
indiefilmfan2 writes:
on Nov 20 2008 08:42 PM

Special has already made it debut on TV on HDNet so its box office will go nowhere.

(Reply to this)
ledawg
ledawg writes:
on Nov 20 2008 08:50 PM

Well, I still think you're being to harsh jokerboy. But you've read it, (some of it) and I haven't, so I guess you have more say. Since no one here likes "Twilight", I guess you can let a rip. But when a Twilight fan comes along, we should lay off.

As for you Salty Grits, ha ha ha! Seeing bad movies for your girlfriend, been there! After all, "Sex and the City" was released this year, and every guy limped away. I knew a girl who liked "Family Guy" but I'm a "Simpson" guy. It would've never worked, I can tell.


By the way, this Sunday "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All" is on Comedy Central. See it!


(Reply to this)
man in the water
man in the water writes:
on Nov 20 2008 09:31 PM

Not really surprised about Bolt. It looked funny from the trailers and commercials. Can't stand all that hate for Twilight. Give the movie a f***in chance. Many of you know this phrase who trash the movie. You've said it about another movie before that you knew people were already hating. Well, now you're just doing the same as all those other people. Anyway, I will see both of them this weekend. Maybe catch up on Zack and Miri or Role Models.

(Reply to this)
ledawg
ledawg writes:
on Nov 20 2008 09:58 PM

See, man in the water likes "Twilight" so now's the time to lay off. No internet clash between man in the water and jokerboy please.

"I'm Roger the Shrubber"


(Reply to this)
Veritablian
Veritablian writes:
on Nov 20 2008 10:28 PM

I'll most likely be dragged into this film by my uber-hyped-up fiance, who just read every book within 3.5 days.

"oh great".


(Reply to this)
Read More Comments
Page | 1 2
Post Your Comment
You must be registered to post comments. Login or Register.

Related Links

Twilight
  • Pictures
  • Posters
  • News
  • Forum

Related Articles

  • Twilight Returning to Theaters Nov. 19 Opens in new window (37)
  • Stephenie Meyer's The Host Heading to Theaters Opens in new window (14)
  • Hardwicke Helming The Girl with the Red Riding Hood Opens in new window (5)
  • Updated: The New Moon Teaser Trailer Teaser; Is 14 Seconds Enough for Fans? (49)
  • Twilight: Eclipse Casts Bryce Dallas Howard as "Victoria" (48)
  • Top Ten New Moon Facts Revealed at Comic-Con (194)
  • New Twilight: New Moon Image and Official Site Unveiled (13)
  • New Moon Set Visit, Day One: Twilight's Volturi Unveiled (39)
  • Bloodthirsty 'Transformers' Star Sees Upcoming Flick As 'Twilight' Meets 'Let The Right One In' Opens in new window (1)
  • 2009 MTV Movie Awards: Full Winners List! (162)

Most Discussed

  • 12 Facts About 2012 (132)
  • Total Recall: George Clooney's Best Movies (91)
  • RT on DVD: G.I. Joe, Rocky, and Christmas Classics (75)
  • Critics Consensus: A Christmas Carol Dazzles But Disappoints (43)
  • Ho-ho-horror! 10 Scary Christmas Movies (36)
  • Weekly Ketchup: Abrams eyes Micronauts, Aykroyd as Yogi Bear (29)
  • Friday Harvest: Prince of Persia, The Road, and more! (22)
  • Box Office Guru Wrapup: Christmas Carol Tops, Precious Rocks (19)
  • John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview (14)

Latest News

  • Box Office Guru Wrapup: Christmas Carol Tops, Precious Rocks (19)
  • Weekly Ketchup: Abrams eyes Micronauts, Aykroyd as Yogi Bear (29)
  • Friday Harvest: Prince of Persia, The Road, and more! (22)
  • Critics Consensus: A Christmas Carol Dazzles But Disappoints (43)
  • Ho-ho-horror! 10 Scary Christmas Movies (36)
  • John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview (14)
  • Total Recall: George Clooney's Best Movies (91)
  • RT on DVD: G.I. Joe, Rocky, and Christmas Classics (75)
  • 12 Facts About 2012 (132)
  • Box Office Guru Wrapup: This Is It Tops Box Office Worldwide (55)

Latest Interviews

  • John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview (14)
  • Terry Gilliam Talks Doctor Parnassus (15)
  • Wes Anderson Talks Fantastic Mr. Fox - RT Interview (8)
  • Wolverine Creator Len Wein Talks About the Film (28)
  • Gavin Hood Talks Wolverine; Possible Sequel (28)
  • Duncan Jones talks Moon, Sam Rockwell, and Mute (14)
  • Emma Stone talks Zombieland - RT Interview (40)
  • Michael Moore: The RT Interview (139)
  • Andrea Arnold talks Fish Tank - RT Interview (4)
  • Neill Blomkamp talks District 9 - RT Interview (51)

Latest Features

  • Ho-ho-horror! 10 Scary Christmas Movies (36)
  • 12 Facts About 2012 (132)
  • Terry Gilliam Talks Doctor Parnassus (15)
  • Five Favourite Films with 24's Carlos Bernard (33)
  • Six Horrible Part Sixes (31)
  • Christopher Smith's Favourite Cult Horror Films (14)
  • Gavin Hood Talks Wolverine; Possible Sequel (28)
  • Five Favorite Films with F. Gary Gray (29)
  • Duncan Jones talks Moon, Sam Rockwell, and Mute (14)
  • Five Favorite Films With Kristen Bell (49)

Sponsored Links

 
 
About| Site Map| Help| RT To Go| Contact Us| Critics Submission| Linking to RT| Licensing| Movie List| Games| Celebs List| Newsletter
IGN Logo

IGN.com | GameSpy | Comrade | Arena | FilePlanet | GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox | Planets | Vaults | VE3D | CheatsCodesGuides | GameStats | GamerMetrics
AskMen.com | Rotten Tomatoes | Direct2Drive | Green Pixels


By continuing past this page, and by the continued use of this site, you agree to be bound by and abide by the User Agreement.
Copyright 1998-2009, IGN Entertainment, Inc. About IGN | Support | Advertise | Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Subscribe to RT's XML feed! IGN RSS Feeds
IGN's enterprise databases running Oracle, SQL and MySQL are professionally monitored and managed by Pythian Remote DBA
Certain product data ©1995-present Muze, Inc. For personal use only. All rights reserved.