When it comes to "Twilight," the question isn't whether the teen vampire movie is any good, but whether the hero, Edward Cullen, is as magical as we want him to be. Because, let's face it, the four-part book series by Stephenie Meyer has such a devoted following that every "Twilight" lover will want to see the movie. Twice. No matter what.

What's most important, then, is Edward — the beautiful vampire who falls in love with ordinary 11th-grader Bella (Kristen Stewart).

Edward is brooding and sensitive, a modern-day Mr. Darcy, who has captured the hearts (and imaginations) of women around the world. So it's an understatement to say that there's a lot riding on actor Robert Pattinson to personify Edward. If this kid doesn't nail it, you can forget about seeing the rest of the books turned into movies.

But thanks to Pattinson's furrowed eyebrows, crooked smiles and carefully crafted hairstyles, he delivers just the Edward we've been waiting for.

He's handsome and mysterious, like the rest of the Cullen clan living in Forks, Wash. — the rainiest place in the United States.

The pale, aloof family intrigues a shy and clumsy Bella when she first moves to Forks, but none more than Edward.

Edward and Bella develop a deep, passionate bond, even though they can't do anything more than hold hands and sometimes kiss. There's always the danger that Edward might lose control and accidentally kill Bella for her blood.

The storybook romance sparkles on the screen, especially around the lush Pacific Northwest forests, where the couple indulge in long, heart-filled conversations in treetops.

Director Catherine Hardwicke ("Thirteen") captures Meyer's imaginary world perfectly, especially when the Cullens play baseball during a thunderstorm. And it's a pleasant surprise to see such a diverse group of high school kids cast as Bella's friends. Even Jacob, the boy from the Indian reservation who may be a werewolf, doesn't disappoint.

But there's an overall blandness that weighs this film down — until we get to the exhilarating ballet studio finale, where Bella has to fight for her life. It's one of the few parts that's better on screen than in the novel.

Here is when the movie finds its voice, but it's too close to the ending. Up until then, the acting by the young and mostly inexperienced cast can be over-the-top and cartoonish.

Hopefully, if there is a sequel, it will build on the momentum of the finale.

For the book purists, the film doesn't always stay true to the novel. A rival vampire gang is introduced early, for example, just to create a bit of drama in a story that's heavy on romance.

But really, no one's going to see "Twilight" for the action scenes.

It's all for Edward — a vampire every bit as magical as we wanted.

"Twilight." Rated: PG-13. Running time: 2 hours, 2 minutes. 2.5 stars.

To find out more about Nina Garin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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