Film Review:

If you listen closely this weekend, you may hear the sounds of deep sighing and soft giggling across the Crescenta Valley. Your teenage daughter, and perhaps your wife, may seem as if they are walking in a cloud. My advice to all husbands and boyfriends: don’t panic and, whatever you do, if you find them in a group whispering and giggling, leave them alone! They are in the Twilight zone. Not of Rod Serling’s making, but of Stephanie Meyers, the author of the “Twilight” vampire book series.

“Twilight” the film was released last Friday and the lines have been long. The opening shot is impressive and draws you into a world of all sorts of vampire possibilities.

The film follows teenager Bella (Kristen Stewart) as she leaves her comfortable life in Phoenix to move in with her dad in Forks, Wash. after her mother begins to travel with her new husband. Bella meets many friends at school, and then sees Edward (Robert Pattinson). There is something different about him. She soon finds he is a vampire, with a moral issue against killing humans. Their romance begins.

If you haven’t read the book the film may be difficult to follow, especially when the majority of the audience are Twilighters (those who have read the book). They giggle and applaud in areas that make no sense to Outsiders (those who have not read the book). The film is more than the romance between two teens, one human, the other a vampire who is forever 17. It has some strong family morals and offers a twist on the Hollywood playbook: Bella comes from a broken home but has two parents that actually love and care for her. Whereas many films paint teens with one broad stroke, this film shows normal kids that have fun, friends and are, for the most part, happy. Bella is quiet; that doesn’t mean suicidal, just quiet. Edward battles with temptations daily, but his vampire family provides a strong, moral foundation.

At its heart, the film is a romance in the true gothic sense. Lord Byron would be proud of how Edward and Bella look longingly into each other’s eyes but always with a melancholy sadness of knowing that their love may not be enough. Yes, this is a chick flick but one that men may be surprisingly drawn to.

This film is a wonderful, timeless romantic dream that I recommend. The acting appears effortless and real. Pattinson has taken on the difficult role of being everyone’s dream teen vampire, which he does with grace and humor. He seems perfectly made for the role, with one foot in the modern world and the other in the past. There is something truly timeless about him.

MARY O’KEEFE can be reached mary.okeefe@ latimes.com.