Twilight: New Moon

Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool.

Well that pretty much sums up "New Moon," the latest in Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" series. I have not read any of the “Twilight” soap opera series of books and just reviewing this film only. I am sure the book is probably better. This movie is for "Twilight" fans or teenage girls.

First piece of advice for those who know nothing about this series and want to watch this movie ... rent it do not buy it. Secondly, you need to see "Twilight" first, as this movie does not recap much for the newly initiated. Finally, do not expect much in the way of any deep revelations on vampire lore.

A quick synopsis from "Twilight" -- girl meets vampire; girl falls in love with vampire (it’s a bad-boy thing); more bad guys come between girl and vampire; vampire saves girl. Good, we have caught up with the series. In "New Moon," we focus more on the shape-shifting Native-Americans living up in Fork, Washington. They introduce the werewolf part in the "Twilight," just so you know. Leaving off from "Twilight," all seems well and good for Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward ( Robert Pattinson) until Edward tells Bella that his Vampire family, the Cullens, have to move on because the locals are noticing how remarkably well preserved they all look after all these years - it must be the vegetarian lifestyle. So off they go, leaving Bella to face her fears of growing old.

I am sure that this movie appeals to teenage girls for precisely this reason, their first love, their realization that growing up and leaving home and facing their mortality is just awful. Either sit at home in a rocking chair like Bella, or get out and get another boyfriend. Bella does both. She goes after Jacob, her friend from childhood, and also a member of the local American-Indian tribe, the Quileute. Bella forces herself on this kid; re-build motorcycles together, and Bella is falling for him. Jacob, played by Taylor Lautner, is a bright kid, has an impressive hunky body (my daughter's words, not mine) and seems to be smart, but who is running with the wrong crowd. Now this is where "I Was a Teenage Werewolf" comes to mind. Bella's choice for a boyfriend is difficult, should she go for the hairy and hot Jacob? Perhaps she should go for the smooth and cold Edward? The changing into werewolf is a metaphor for the change and Jacob is changing from a child into a man.

The photography is beautiful, the greens contrasting nicely against the gray pallet of the North West. The acting is barely passable, the characters are not credible, and the actors are attractive, but the acting is too reserved. The story is weak and limps its way. The visual effects are great, although Edward shines too much. The ending ... Well let’s just say that they set you up for "Eclipse," the third in this series. Ultimately “New Moon” is a terrible movie.

Movie Data

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy | Romance

Year: 2009

Starting: Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli

Director: Chris Weitz

Writers: Melissa Rosenberg, (screenplay) - Stephenie Meyer

Producers: Wyck Godfrey

Rating: PG-13