kristen stewart

Even before I caught Twilight on the big screen, I was comparing it to Roswell, the great teen sci-fi/romance series that aired on The WB (and later The CW UPN) from 1999-2002. The Twilight ads and trailers seemed to tell the same story Roswell told more than nine years ago: A sensitive girl is saved by a supernatural hunk who makes it his mission to protect her at all costs. The two fall in love, but the relationship is complicated by his other-worldly circumstances.

It's not exactly the most original story in the world. This sort of thing goes back to Bram Stoker's Dracula, (and probably further back than that). Still, after watching Twilight, I was a bit shocked by its similarities to Roswell, especially since Roswell wasn't half as popular as Twilight. I haven't read the Twilight or Roswell book series, so I can't tell you if the similarities persist in print (but my friend Stephanie can). I can only compare the big screen and TV versions.

From major plot points to character motivations, these two franchises have a lot in common, but one clearly stands above the other. Let's compare, and you'll see what I mean:

The folks at our sister site Cinematical are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their latest musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:

• Disney's coming out with a non-Pixar animated movie. It involves Miley Cyrus and an adorable puppy! But is it any good? Find out when Cinematical reviews Bolt.
• Apparently Australia makes movies. You know, other than the upcoming Australia. They're not movies I've ever seen, but the Cinematical Seven takes a look at the greatest movies to come from the former penal colony.
• Look, if you're my fourteen-year-old niece, you're going to put on your Hot Topic arm warmers and see Twilight the moment it comes out. It will quickly become the Best. Movie. Ever., regardless of whether or not it's actually good. For those of you who are old like me, you may want to check out Peter Martin's review of Twilight to see if this vampire love story (that's what it is, right?) is worth shelling out ten bucks for.
• Dude. Twilight is huge. Cinematical is taking care of all of your Kristen Stewart interview needs. She's the human lady, right?.
• So the ending of 1986's Little Shop of Horrors? Not the original one. Cinematcial has the much darker ending here.