Tate Ellington, Robert Pattinson in Remember Me (top); Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning in The Runaways (bottom)
Robert Pattinson-Kristen Stewart Box Office Comparison
Who came out on top in terms of critical reception, Robert Pattinson for his rebellious Tyler Hawkins in Remember Me or Kristen Stewart for her rebellious rocker Joan Jett in The Runaways?
The clear answer is Kristen Stewart, even though both Pattinson and Stewart have been commended for taking chances while away from their Twilight Saga roles.
In fact, neither Allen Coulter’s Remember Me, a tragic romantic melodrama in which the hero dies in the September 2001 terrorist attacks, nor Floria Sigismondi’s The Runaways, a rock biopic of the ’70s all-girl band, could be considered conventional vehicles for two up-and-coming stars whose fan base is for the most part composed of teenage girls. Remember Me at least did get a PG-13 rating in the US, but The Runaways was slapped with an R.
Kristen Stewart made more of an impression on critics probably because her impersonation of Joan Jett, portrayed as a tough, determined lesbian in The Runaways, is a far cry from the actress’ confused Bella, torn between a vampire and a werewolf in Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, and the upcoming The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
"Stewart, known mainly for mumbling and stumbling through the Twilight movies, is the revelation here," wrote Mick LaSalle in the San Francisco Chronicle, while in the Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert says he now believes the actress "could handle such a tough-as-nails character" as the punkish computer hacker in the planned American remake of the Swedish thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Pattinson’s Remember Me rebel was considerably less well-received, with many critics making unflattering comparisons to James Dean’s anti-hero portrayals of the mid-’50s.
A typical comment is that of Michael O’Sullivan in the Washington Post: "In attitude, if not aptitude, Robert Pattinson in Remember Me comes across like a latter-day James Dean. Playing Tyler Hawkins … the Twilight hunk fills the screen with cigarette smoke, stubble and hooded green eyes, but little else."
Pattinson, of course, also had his supporters. And as stated above, a number of critics — even some who weren’t crazy about his character or the movie itself — remarked on the 23-year-old actor’s daring career choice.
Photos: Remember Me (Myles Aronowitz / Summit Entertainment); The Runaways (Apparition)
My daughter watched the Twilight movie, that is how she became a fan…I saw Remember Me, and that is how i became a fan, Robert was excellent.
Robert will never be Edward to me, as he still seems to be, unfairly so, to the critics…He will become Jacob in WFE…Georges in Bel Ami, and Eric in Cosmopolis…He will also continue to be a very wonderful young man inside and out…Something hollywood could use…Someone unhollywood, who just really wants to act, and maybe oneday even be appreciated…With Edward in the distant past…Though he was a blessing, he was also a curse…
Both Stewart and Pattinson did very well in their respective movies, but Pattinson had the advantage of a wider distribution while The Runaways has been very difficult to see because
of it’s limited theater release. I plan on seeing it as soon as I find a theater in my
area where it’s playing.
I went to see Remember Me and enjoyed it. The story was meant to portray a family torn, hurt, despair, compassion and just being able to move on and let love in. I thought Rob portrayed Tyler expertly and his interactions with his little sister and the best scene was with his father (Pierce) in the board room…WOW the emotion that was flowing between them. I would like to comment about The Runaways however, it is not yet in theatres where I live. The trailers I’ve seen and some critic comments that Kristen and Dakota did an awesome job, I definitely will see it. Thanks!
I saw both movies and though I love Rob I didn’t care for the movie. I loved the Runaways. Both actresses hit it out of the park. I agree with Roger Ebert. Kristen should play Lisbeth Salander in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Go see the Runaways you won’t be sorry
Remember Me is a tribute to New Yorker’s, not insensitive and insignificant as posted in one of the comments above. The comment really took me by surprise and made me think that the person writing it should go see the movie. This movie humanizes a part of our history that was too soon forgotten, not by those living in New York though.
I don’t know how these two Movies can be compared…ah!!!! here we go.. its because of Twilight…old same old same……..
>>>>>>>>>>>Why would you completely ruin Remember Me in one of your first sentences? Way to go.
Sorry about that.
Apparently you haven’t read or heard anything about “Remember Me” in the last two weeks. Else, you’d have known Pattinson’s fate in that movie a long, long time ago. It’s even been discussed in some of the film’s reviews. That’s why we thought it’d be ok to have it here — especially since the hero’s fate is pertinent to the article in question.
Why would you completely ruin Remember Me in one of your first sentences? Way to go.
Ah critics… they make me laugh because at the end of the day fans of Kristen or Rob could care less about their opinion. I also think starr makes a good point, people are harsher on Rob because of Twilight. Either way numbers speak louder than critic babble…
i saw both. i thought rob and kristen did great. remember me was kinda just there though. like i couldnt really understand why it needed to be made, you know what i mean? but ifelt like it was great for the runaways to come out. more people definitly need to check out their music. its weird that the first all girl rock band that started the rock god joan jett isnt better known
I do not watch Remember Me because of the ending of the story. It is not a good memory to relive again and I do think it is insensitive and insignificant for the screenwriter to use it in the story line. Though I do like Robert and I think he is a very good actor. I will go see Bel Ami.
I’m excited about The Runaways. I like how Kristen chose the rock-role Joan to play. It is completely different with any drama roles that she has ever played. And that is very excited and intrigued. Kristen and Dakota are both amazing actresses. The Runaways has a very good rating. With the rate R, it will limit her fans to come out. So I hope fans give it a chance and support it.
I think the James Dean comparison is not unflattering for those who know and remember James Dean. But for many ppl who did not make the comparison, I think Mr. Pattinson did a remarkable good job. No where in his portrayal of Tyler did you even see a hint of his Edward Cullen persona. It was very refreshing to see. I personally believe that some of the critics who hated twilight or don’t understand the teen craze of twilight brought their own prejudices when critiquing Mr. Pattinson’s performance which is a shame. I see a lot of potential for him given the right script and director. This is the first hint of it and look forward to seeing is other work to come.
I haven’t seen the Runaways yet. I have seen RM and thought it was a very good movie and Rob excellent in it!