The Twilight Saga: New Moon Review

‘New Moon’ is a Leap in the Right Direction for the Twilight Film Franchise

-----‘New Moon’ has Bella and Edward going steady. That is, until an incident at the Cullen’s house reminds Edward of Bella’s vulnerability in his bloodthirsty world. So naturally, he does what most protagonists in his situation would; he leaves Bella to keep her safe from his kind. Bella is broken. The whole Cullen family has disappeared from her life, leaving her empty. In her weariness, her old pal Jacob is there to comfort her, six-pack and all; and harboring a secret of his own.

-----Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson are back as the leads, along with everyone still living from the previous film. Never underestimate the power of a large reunited cast, for the results are often superb. Everyone knows each other that much more, and it shows onscreen with their interactions, providing a familiarity that the audience can latch onto. As for Stewart, she gives her best performance of the three films I’ve seen her in. Stewart only had about two moods in the original ‘Twilight,’ consisting of sad or neutral. This image was only worsened with ‘Adventureland’ where she played an even more melodramatic, somber, and downright depressing character that we were supposed to believe was falling in love. In ‘New Moon,’ Stewart still holsters some of those melodramatic tendencies, but her relationship with Jacob makes all the difference in the world. She moves into a new relationship, and with it comes a third dimension to her character, reviving her personality as more than just a madly-in-love teen. We finally get to know her a little bit better. Taylor Lautner plays Jacob, but new a new-and-improved super-buff Jacob at that. Apparently they told him he’d have to get a six-pack to keep his job; it worked and then some. With the film shamelessly flaunting Lautner’s shirtless sex appeal, the guys in the audience can at least take solace in his acting. Lautner forms a chemistry with Stewart unique to that of Pattinson’s, allowing all new conflicts and dimensions for these now infamous characters. He navigates a fine line between melodrama and passion, one that is sometimes crossed. Mercifully however, as opposed to ‘Twilight,’ ‘New moon’ doesn’t accentuate these moments, instead passing them on as minor missteps in an otherwise thriving film.

-----The rest of the supporting characters are back and strong as ever, with extended appearances from Cullen family members Alice and Carlisle, played warmly by Ashley Greene and Peter Facinelli respectively. Also back is Billy Burke in another first-class performance as Bella’s father, and joining him is the familiar Graham Greene as his funny friend. Other newcomers include a bit role from an unrecognizable Dakota Fanning looking much older than she did in February’s ‘Push,’ Michael Sheen in an entertaining role as a Vampire Volturi, and Jamie Campbell Power with one of the film’s most minute roles. The latter only gets mention because many will likely recognize but be unable to place the ‘Sweeney Todd’ star who played none other than Anthony in the Oscar-Winning musical. It should probably also be noted that James Cameron, who makes an appearance on the poster, plays Alec, another of the Volturi Vampires. I haven’t read the book so I can’t say much, but seeing as he’s on the poster I figure he must have a prominent role in future ‘Twilight’ tales. And in case you’re wondering why he looks so familiar, he’s the “cure” kid in 2006’s ‘X-Men: The Last Stand,’ and also the main kid in that year’s ‘Running Scared.’

-----And finally, Robert Pattinson returns as Edward Cullen. I have saved him for last, because he may very well be the best of them all. In what is one of the most radical turnarounds ever for an actor, Pattinson is excellent in ‘New Moon,’ as opposed to his blocky performance in the original ‘Twilight.’ Perhaps it all started in a Denver mall (and yes, I’m going off topic now so feel free to skip ahead). I was watching a screening of the trailer for ‘Remember Me.’ The film at first looked a bit melodramatic, but I could not shake one thing. Pattinson, who stars in that film due out next March, was agreeably likable and even, dare I say good in the scenes from the trailer. This fact set in the back of my mind, as I wondered…could Pattinson’s laughable performance in ‘Twilight’ have been a mere product of then-Director Catherine Hardwicke’s poor execution? That is indeed the case, for Pattinson carries the same demeanor in ‘New Moon’ that he did in the ‘Remember Me’ trailer. Pattinson has a much smaller role in ‘New Moon’ than he did in the original, and will likely convince many dismayed by his previous performance that he is the right man for the job. With every scene he carries about him a presence to rival Heath Ledger’s in the teen-romance classic, ‘10 Things I Hate About You.’ The lack of goofy gelled up hair and a superior costume department no doubt aid in his transformation. The makeup crew also seems to have found a way to make him pale sans the red lipstick. Here Pattinson dumps the blocky and choppy lines for a profound and sincere portrayal of his love for Bella, and the two lead’s chemistry shines through like never before. It would seem that the potential of the first film has been tapped in full by new-Director Chris Weitz, and the leads absence from each other in the majority of the film acts only strengthen their mutual scenes.

-----‘New Moon,’ as the previous two paragraphs would attest, lives and dies on its cast’s performances. Their prior weakness certainly contributes to ‘Twilight’ being so bad, but they’re also why this one is so good. The film is dissected into three very separate acts, but this is a product of the story being adapted. There are also still a few cringe-worthy lines, no doubt supplied by the source material, but the film has a tenderness and warmth to it too likable to ignore. The ending may also seem a bit anticlimactic, but is better appreciated upon a second viewing, at least for those who didn’t know the film was nearing its end. This only attests to ‘New Moon’s entertainment value, as the two-hour-plus runtime never slows to hindrance, with the only pacing issue noticeable being an extended absence of Edward by way of the films three act structure; even this however, is a component that eventually serves the narrative. The last line may also seem bit goofy, but one must simply turn to someone who has read the book and an explanation will be given to remove the predictability of the film’s supposed ambiguous finish. The explanation received contains ideas that, while surely to be advanced further in the sequel, agreeably could have been set up better in the film itself. The leads, now portrayed superbly, carry this romance into a quality bit of escapist fun, providing an always entertaining if somewhat melodramatic tale of romanticism driven fantasy. And with the right mindset, what more could someone going into this film ask for? It’s an improvement on its mishandled predecessor in every facet of filmmaking, and a film sure to convert many weary of the franchise after being exposed to two hours of stare-downs in the original.

-----The technical blunders behind the camera that helped ruin ‘Twilight’ are redeemed in ‘New Moon.’ Formerly self-parodying special effects are now ample, and occasionally quite good, trading unbalanced harnesses and wires for sound and even cool looking, if clearly computer generated, wolves. As far as the Vampires go, their action and speed is also upped to a level never even hinted at in the original. The action is entertaining, and should satisfy male audiences willing to give the franchise another shot. The music is also taken to new heights, and provides a number of film-defining sequences that elevate ‘New Moon’ to fantasy gold. Combined with beautiful cinematography, contemporary tracks fuel a couple of pitch-perfect montages that rival some of the year’s best sequences. One extended shot in particular stands out, circling Bella’s head as the months roll by, and perfectly capturing the dreary mood that has overwhelmed her. This is rivaled only by a surreal slow-motion chase scene where the speed of the Werewolves and Vampires is captured in a mesmerizing display of style amidst the beautiful locations the film was shot in. It should also be noted that unlike the blue filter practically drowning the first film, ‘New Moon’ is taken to much brighter, and wholly superior lighting that varies between appropriately cold atmospheres for the Vampires and a warm moods for the Werewolves. Not to mention that this time around the film doesn’t look like it was shot in the forest behind someone’s house; yet another benefit of Chris Weitz’s direction. And oh yeah I almost forgot, the hairstylist doesn’t make Pattinson look like a clown in this one.

-----Ultimately, taken in the right light, ‘New Moon’ is a great film, if cheesy and overblown and unrealistic at times, it’s undeniably fun. Some will have decided to hate it before seeing it, as was basically the case with my initial ‘Twilight’ experience, although that film proved deserving of my distaste. As for ‘New moon,’ credit should be given where credit is due, as the film has the rare triumph of being better than its original; thought that’s not saying much in this case. Not everyone will be converted by the new film’s quality, with those who have forever condemned the series for it first entry sure to give me a hard time for throwing my support at its sequel. Open-mindedness is central here, with many skeptics sure to denounce the film as a sappy melodrama. Well it is a bit sappy, and it is a bit melodramatic, and the film definitely capitalizes on any chance it can to have Lautner shirtless; but then, isn’t that what the books are all about? If one expects that some of these elements will be present, than one can certainly enjoy ‘New Moon’ as I’ve stated it many times already; romanticized fantasy escapism, this time with strong performances from the leads, quality special effects, and craftsmanship worthy of the epic event film that ‘New Moon.’ There are a surprising number of strong, character-driven scenes for a film of its magnitude, and it’s these undeniably entertaining characters that make ‘New Moon’ a film sure to win over many viewers, even those who were rightly appalled by the first outing. As for those who have decided they hate it before seeing it, well, they probably shouldn’t see it. It’s this division that assures ‘New Moon’s status as a love it-hate it scenario. For an objective moviegoer however, it’s an entirely entertaining experience. As for me, I am and always will be a sucker for event films, and I’m glad to say ‘New moon’ is worthy of the millions of tickets it has already presold, and will continue to sell throughout the holiday season.

Official Trailer