About That Movie: New Moon REVIEW!

Hello my little fellow Twi-hards! I bring wonderful news. My friends and I gathered once again for a Twilight Saga midnight premiere, this time for New Moon. I think it’s becoming a tradition. It was such sweet anticipation that built over the months. And we were rewarded handsomely (handsome Edward, Handsome Jacob. Heck, even Handsome Charlie, lol). I almost regret that Eclipse production started so early because as my friend Peggy mentioned, we were beginning to look forward to the annual schedule. That way we can suspend this wonderful fairytale for as long as possible. Remember when you were reading the books and was nearing the end of the saga? That feeling of abject sadness and despair at having nothing to look forward to? That your sanity and happiness were all bounded within the pages of those magical novels? I think the movies are part of that, an extension of it. We eagerly wait to devour every image on the silver screen that reminds us of the story and all those lovelies within. I tell you, I haven’t read a Saga book in almost a year and I felt far removed from the goings on of Forks, Washington. But after seeing New Moon, I feel the pull. That damned inexplicable, intoxicating pull is starting all over again.

With all the uncertainty of our hectic, depressing modern day lives, this one story has captivated so many and seems an appropriate (read: perfect) outlet for the child (read: hormonal teenager) inside us. It is a grand and lovely diversion that I personally welcome with open arms.

So without any further (ramblings) ado: on to the movie review!

I know from past experience that when coming off a Bella and Edward movie high, I have a tendency to over embellish in my review points. So, it’s strictly business here readers! You’ll get nothing but the facts from me ;)

I must say, I loved New Moon. I know, I know, as a Twilighter I’m sort of expected to say that. But no, I mean it. I thought I’d like it even better than I did Twilight and I did. Mostly, I suppose, because technically speaking, the movie was made better. Through no fault of Catherine Hardwicke, of course, because we all remember that she was working on a pittance of a budget which was literally nuttin’ compared to that of New Moon. But that super sized budget for New Moon can be solely attributed to the success of Twilight. So kudos to Catherine and the rest of the cast and crew for that.

But it was also better for me because of my lovely, lovable, loving, loved Jacob Black. You know I heart me some Jacob. Sigh. . . . And I wasn’t disappointed. I have to smile now just thinking back. Let me FORMALLY APOLOGIZE for any harsh words I may have previously spewed about my stubbornness toward Taylor being recast for the part of Jacob Black in New Moon. Taylor Lautner came through. Oh great, now I may be mooning after him like a puppy eyed (yes, pun) 30 – something stalker (let’s hope it never comes to that!) Do cougars and wolves date? (You get my drift, Twilight mommies?) I mean, how can you say no to those big, beautiful, tanned, and bulging biceps? But of course I digress as I knew I would. Back on track now. I know that it is widely accepted in Twilight circles to say that the chemistry on screen between Bella and Edward is palpable. But I dare you to not swoon at the wonderful achiness of unrequited love displayed by Jacob and considered by Bella. I tell you, their scenes together were magic (I have three words for you: kitchen sink scene. Whew!) Taylor Lautner was a scene stealer. Not only was his physical presence just so… demanding, but his subtle yearning for Bella was addictive. It would have been a big ole mess if I would have been put in her shoes. You couldn’t have peeled me off of Jacob, lol.

Okay, I know you Edward lovers out there are chomping at the bit so let’s get on with it. Every scene that Edward was in, he looked duly constipated just like a good little vampire. JUST KIDDING! LOL. I had to pull your leg, ladies. Edward was so much more beautiful in New Moon than Twilight that my heart ached just looking at him. Thank goodness they took a new direction with the vampire makeup. Instead of looking like a vaudevillian actor spackled with pancake makeup, he simply looked anemically pale (as he should). Same goes for all of the Cullen’s. Good job. Carlisle was just beautiful. I think he maybe had a wig (or super bad bleach job) in Twilight were as in New Moon, his hair looked more believably golden. I think he worked out some too because his body was tight, son! Even Esme looked nice. Beautiful Jasper gave a better showing as well. His hair was less ‘mad scientist’ and more ‘southern gentleman’. That’s all superficial stuff but they are beautiful vampires so it goes without saying it had to be addressed.

The scenes where Bella does daredevil things to evoke the image of Edward were pretty neat. I’m sorry there isn’t more to say about Edward but as we all know, the biggest chunk of New Moon was all Jacob and Bella. Suffice it to say Rob Pattinson does a wonderful job portraying Edward, just like before. There was simply no other choice for Edward. To me, Rob is Edward. And so he’s always on his ‘A’ game. Just assume unless specifically noted, he was perfect, lol.

As for Kristen Stewart, I have to mention her much improved portrayal of Bella. I’m happy to report that she has toned down the fluttering eyelid thing, the spastic head jerking, and her overall thespianic flair for the dramatic (read: overacting). Probably due to some strict reigning in on the part of seasoned director Chris Weitz, Kristen wasn’t hard to watch this time around. I wonder if it was as obvious to Weitz as it was to us that her mini convulsions in Twilight were distracting and annoying. So, anyway, congratulations to Weitz and Stewart. Good, good job!

The story moved along nicely and didn’t seem choppy or confusing. My only complaint, as a Twilight addict, is that it wasn’t long enough! Hey, if Harry Potter can score 3+ hour movie times, why couldn’t Twilight? I don’t think ANYONE would complain about an exorbitant movie length. If it meant more of the scenes we remember and love, we’d be all for it. There were some scenes that seemed a little rushed to fit the whole story in. But at least Chris Weitz was smart about which ones he did that too. The one that comes to mind is when Bella and Alice travel to Italy. Weitz created a little montage to get them there in record time.

The supporting cast was great. It was obvious that everyone involved was proud to be a part of the Twilight franchise and used every scene to knock one out of the park. But no one was grandiose. There was no ‘overacting’. All gave subdued performances that only added to the likeability of New Moon. Score for good direction. Honorable mentions go to Billy Burke (Charlie), Christopher Heyerdahl (Marcus), Justin Chon (Eric), Graham Greene (Harry Clearwater), Edi Gathegi (Laurent), and Chaske Spencer (Sam). Their performances were so outstanding that even though their time on screen was limited, they supported the starring cast perfectly. Very memorable, all.

I have to specifically mention Michael Sheen. I know, he’s one of my favorite actors so you may think my gushing praise of his performance is biased …and maybe so. But one reason he’s a favorite actor of mine is because he kicks major ass. Always. And New Moon was no exception. Michael is in a group of elite performers. His screen presence is so commanding, you can’t not believe him. He becomes the character. He’s like a chameleon that way. He becomes so intertwined into the character he plays that he’s almost unrecognizable as himself. He IS that guy. He reminds me of Gary Oldman that way. Two of the best right there. As Aro, Michael was politely domineering. Courteously lethal. Even his voice was disturbing. I LOVED him.

It’s fair to say that the Volturi in general was excellent. It’s hard to break it down for you as they didn’t share much screen time. I wish there had been a way for them to be more involved, but alas, it cannot be. Dakota Fanning was satisfactory but not super memorable like I’d hoped. She did give a solid, good performance. I didn’t find her believably scary as Jane was in the books though.

So there you have it. The 411 on New Moon. My express opinions of the long anticipated second installment of the Twilight Saga, as of this posting. If my mind conjures up any more in depth musings, I will get them to you post haste. And I’m sure it will!

As one final note, would you have me answer these questions:

Was there any important, relevant catch phrases overlooked? One that helped build a character? One that instantly reminds us of someone so lovable, which shapes and defines him? One that catapults him irrevocably into the hearts of millions of girls? One that, once uttered leaves no doubt as to who had spoken?

To those questions I whole-heartedly must reply: “Sure, sure.”

Until next time Twilighters, love you!