The Twilight Saga: New Moon
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Thursday, 19, Nov 2009 04:01
By Sarah Garrod (newly-converted Twihard).
Directed by Chris Weitz, out November 20th, starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Dakota Fanning, running time 130 mins
What's it all about?
New Moon is the second in the series of Stephanie Meyer's cult-status books, detailing a love story between a normal high school girl, Bella (Stewart), and her broody vampire boyfriend, Edward (Pattinson). Following the huge, and global, success of Twilight, New Moon brings with it more stunts, CGI and big names than its predecessor, no doubt buoyed by its surprise success.
The relationship between the two leads turns into a love triangle in New Moon as Edward deserts Bella, leaving her to turn to the oiled-up pecks of BF Jacob (Lautner) for comfort. But just when she thinks her life is becoming more settled and vampire-free, she discovers that putting herself in dangerous situations brings visions of Edward, while her "rock" Jacob starts acting unusual, culminating in his revelation that he is in fact a giant wolf!
Having sparked fans to split to Team Edward or Team Jacob in the US, this week's release of the film in the UK is already expected to see the Twihards camping out at cinemas around the country. If you are yet to be bitten by the Vampire bug; prepare yourself, you will hear about little else over the next fortnight.
As an example..
"You're not good for me, Bella." - Edward Cullen
"It never made sense for you to love me. I always knew that." - Bella Swan
What the others say
"At one point, a character wearily deconstructs zombie-cinema symbolism while bemoaning the lack of hot guys. Is this sequel defending its fan base and preempting criticism about its transparent agenda? This is a soap opera, folks - and acceptable escapism for those old enough to see it yet still young enough to shriek at undead dreamboats." Anna Smith, Time Out New York
So is it any good?
As hormone-fuelled love stories go, few can be more complex than that of Bella Swann. Not only does the poor girl fall for the only single vampire in her new school, but she is then left to fight off his blood-sucking family, deal with a broken heart when he leaves her "for her own good", and all before she learns her best mate is actually a giant vampire chasing wolf.
New Moon brings with it all of these complications not usually associated with the average upbringing, but it also something more than its predecessor, Twilight, did... rock solid abs.
Yes, New Moon is far sexier than film number one, with the cast all grown-up (and beefed up); there is still the awkward innocence of teen years, but it's twinned with a more adult feel, which will no doubt appeal to the ever-ageing audience of the saga's following. Indeed, while the film started out as a teen sensation, its fans have grown, now even including a faithful following calling themselves the TwiMom's!
There are still moments where 'grown-ups' in the audience will chuckle at the youthfulness before them (my particular favourite being an astonished gasp from Bella when she brushes Jacob's ripped abdomen) but the latest film is action-packed, and is therefore more likely to appeal to a wider audience. You will cringe at some scenes, particularly at the corniness between Bella and Jacob, but it just makes you all the more eager for Pattinson to return to the screen; which, disappointingly, he rarely does in New Moon.
The work of new director Chris Weitz shows, with the CGI and special effects vital to the supernatural tale, and far more important to this most recent offering. With Lautner playing a far bigger role in New Moon, along with his 'pack', the effects are a necessity, and bring something more than just a teen love story.
While the first film was relatively understated, given that no one quite expected it to be so globally successful, watch out in New Moon for celebs who have jumped on the saga bandwagon and landed themselves small roles; including 'all growed up' Dakota Fanning and Michael Sheen, as wonderfully ferocious vampires.
New to the whole Twilight phenomenon, I had few expectations about the film. But I'm afraid to say I'm now hooked too, and it's not just the amount of male top-removing in New Moon that's sold it to me. Success for the first film was a shock, success for this one is nigh-on certain, and I've little doubt that it will please; it lives up to the hype, and if you can blag yourself a precious/sold-out seat at the cinema to see it, then do... you won't be disappointed.
8/10