‘Beautiful Creatures’ is not ‘Twilight’ (and you might like it better)

Emmy Rossum told Yahoo! Movies during a recent interview that she understands the comparisons "Beautiful Creatures" has been getting to the "Twilight" series "because we are a supernatural love story based on a young adult novel. So -- I get it!" The 26-year-old actress, who plays a villain for the very first time in the film -- as an evil caster (witch) named Ridley Duchannes -- added, "Our film is a little lighter, a little funnier."

And those aren't the only dissimilarities "Beautiful Creatures" has to "Twilight." Here are four key ways the film, in theaters this weekend, differs from its supernatural predecessor.

Girl Powers

When it comes to the lead couple in "Twilight," it's Edward (Robert Pattinson) who has the supernatural powers. He's the vampire to Bella's (Kristen Stewart) human. Those roles are reversed in "Creatures." Ethan Wate (Alden Ehrenreich) is the curious human who becomes enchanted by his magical maven Lena Duchannes (Alice Englert).

Bookworm Love

The love story in "Creatures" is decidedly relaxed, cerebral, dare I say more authentic and charming than the heightened, over-the-top passion between Bella and Edward. Ethan and Lena bond over their interest in literature, and it's clear he regards her as his intellectual equal. A palpable brain connection is from where their refreshingly innocent and grounded romance blooms.

Witchy Women

I'll just say this -- aside from Jeremy Irons and a few other minor male characters, ladies dominate the supernatural contingent in the film. Moreover, unlike "Twilight," the lead characters aren't all teenagers.

Oscar Caliber

Two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson is in the film. Oscar winner Irons is in the film. Two-time Oscar nominee Viola Davis is in "Creatures." And Golden Globe nominee Rossum appears. Can "Twilight" say that? No.

Watch 'Beautiful Creatures' Trailer: