Text Size:
A|
A|
A
Email
Print
I'm not a Twi-hard. Or a Twi-hater.
I've read the first two books of Stephenie Meyer's series and seen the first two movies and, like Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), I miss the Cullens when they're not around.
That is not a vote for Team Edward vs. Team Jacob, it's just that vampires are more interesting characters than werewolves, especially when the wolves are supersize and obviously computer-generated as in "The Twilight Saga: New Moon."
As tweens and teens everywhere know, "New Moon" opened at 12:01 a.m. today and a preview audience Wednesday night could not have been more eager, attentive or appreciative when Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) took off his T-shirt and used it to blot blood from Bella's forehead. The sight of him sleeping produced an automatic, audible "Aaaw" that rippled through the theater.
- Starring: Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson
- Rating: PG-13 for some violence and action
- Web site: 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon'
Lautner famously gained 30 pounds of muscle, frequently on display in his many shirtless scenes. The movie makes note of the obvious change when Bella sees Jacob and jokes, "Hello, biceps. You know anabolic steroids are really bad for you."
Jacob comes into his own and his werewolf self in "New Moon," sequel to 2008's "Twilight," which introduced Bella and her century-old vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).
The story returns us to Forks, Wash., where the human Bella is turning 18, still living with her divorced father and starting her senior year of high school. Although the dreamy Edward tells Bella, "You're my only reason to stay alive," he breaks up with her after a close call involving Bella, some spilled blood and his family.
He later tells her the Cullens are leaving Forks, without her. "This is the last time you'll ever see me. ... It will be like I never existed." Dude, come on.
"New Moon" chronicles Bella's nearly crippling heartbreak, Jacob's growing attraction to her and his transformation into a member of the wolf pack (which hates the vampires they call "bloodsuckers") and threats to the vampires, wolves and Bella in the Northwest and abroad.
Along the way, there's enough teenage angst, yearning, brooding and repressed passion for a couple of CW series. However, the only three-way here is a supernatural love triangle with a human, a vampire and a werewolf where nothing stronger than embraces and kisses are exchanged.
Melissa Rosenberg once again adapts the Meyer novel but this time, Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass") directs rather than Catherine Hardwicke, who helmed "Twilight."
"New Moon" is very faithful to the book, almost slavishly so, with no real surprises or dizzy detours.
At 130 minutes, "New Moon" seems about 10 minutes too long, with a lag in the middle. One of the more interesting chapters of the story, involving the Volturi line of vampires in Italy, seems rushed. That's where Michael Sheen, in a bad wig, and the always terrific Dakota Fanning, with red eyes aglow with evil, appear.
"New Moon" manages to get more Edward face time than the book provides and Pattinson has the tormented vampire down pat and far better makeup -- not as mime-white as in "Twilight." Lautner, just 17, looks boyish by comparison which works for the movie, and Stewart again distinguishes herself as a serious young actress.
I preferred "Twilight" which had an ending rather than a cliff-hanger. Still, Weitz directs with as much panache as the story allows and "New Moon" was done with care, as if someone were reading the minds of Twilighters, Twi-hards and old and new members of Teams Edward and Jacob.
Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.
