Movie Review NEW MOON by Entertainmentwise

One year ago, this very website described a new film called 'Twilight' as "definitely a movie that would be able to compete with the boy wizard." It appears even that praise was an underestimation, as all things related to Stephanie Meyer�s undead love story are absolutely huge. 'The Twilight Saga' will now be an annual event, with the third film 'Eclipse' a mere seven months away. But can this highly anticipated (by hoards of teenage girls at least) sequel live up to the success of its predecessor?

It�s Bella�s (Kristen Stewart) 18th birthday, and her love for Edward (Robert Pattinson) seems to be blossoming. That is until an attack by one of the Cullen family on Bella convinces Edward that this relationship is two dangerous for her, prompting the whole family to leave Forks forever. Bella�s agony at being abandoned is eased by a growing friendship with Jacob (Taylor Lautner), but she soon learns a secret about him that will leave her torn between this new relationship and the vampire that broke her heart.



'Twilight' director Catherine Hardwicke was a cool, unpredictable independent director (see 'Thirteen', 'Lords of Dogtown'), whereas Weitz is a studio-friendly, safe, solid director (see 'American Pie', 'About A Boy'). The differences definitely show, as whilst this delivers everything that made the first one popular, it loses the edge that made the first film that little bit different. As a film there are little annoyances such as cringy dialogue ("looks like the wolf�s out of the bag!"), and the special effects look rushed, yet the story remains engaging. Newcomers won�t be enthralled, but they will be kept interested, and fans will love that the film remains largely faithful to the book (plus, you know, seeing more of that Pattinson fella). Indeed, it�s hard to criticise a film that so fulfils the expectations of the fans, and whilst the 2001-style opening title is a bit excessive it�s hard to see many 'Twi-hards' going home unhappy.



Unlike 'Twilight', the cast went into this film knowing they were starring in a hit franchise, and both principle actors are now household names. This seems to agree with Pattinson, who doesn�t have as much to do in this instalment but gives us a more confident performance. Lautner may look the part in his new muscular persona, but whilst he�s reliable he doesn�t steal the show - a shame considering the amount of screen time he�s given. Stewart seems to have completely thrown herself into the Bella performance, and although it�s patchy she remains the ideal choice for Bella, a disconnected youth drawn into a world of monsters. A big disappointment is the Volturi (a sort of vampire royal family), particularly Michael Sheen whose performance as Aro is a master class in overacting. Elsewhere, good girl gone bad (in career terms) Dakota Fanning continues her ascent into more mature roles playing the creepy but muted Jane.



All in all a film that doesn't break the promises of it's trailer (longing, angst, male torsos), with more assured performances from Pattinson and Stewart, but sorely missing the dark tone that Hardwicke brought to the original. Neutrals will struggle to see the appeal, but fans will love it - and that's all that matters, right?
 
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Photo in courtesy of Summit
 
For my review go here