The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Ben Campbell
Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: Entertainment
The second installment of the Twilight franchise hit theaters on Nov. 20th, and just as expected, it has hit the ground running. Making $140 million in its opening weekend and smashing midnight showing records, the film is primed to be one of the biggest hits in the non-summer season.
Following Bella's ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen and his family abandon the town of Forks, Washington in an effort to protect Bella from danger. The despairing Bella sleepwalks, numb and alone, through her senior year of high school. Bella's frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob, a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe, who has a supernatural secret of his own. (Spoiler) He's a werewolf, the mortal enemy to vampires, specifically Edward and his family. Think Bella's a little torn? In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward's true motivation for leaving her. She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she'd hoped for.
Some of the biggest complaints about the film dealt with the acting and CGI. Taylor Lautner does a good job getting more of the spotlight this time around. However, he has some laughable moments that were meant to be serious. Michael Sheen does a great job as Aro, the 2,000 year old leader of the Volturi. I would say the acting lacks motivation. The film, in my opinion, is darker in content, and the acting, in contrast, was quite side-splitting at certain moments. The CGI werewolves were other complaint. I heard a few say the CGI werewolves looked too fake.
Screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg is the toxic asset in this franchise. The actors do their best with the atrocious dialogue. Serious moments in a scene turn into laughable moments and romantic moments into awkwardness.
I think the movie is what it is. In the end, if the fans love the film, then it has served its purpose. Having said that, fans should really look at how they grade this movie. Just don't just assign an A+ grade to the film because you're in love with Edward or Jacob. Ridiculous! This movie deserves a C or C+.
Three out of Five Wildcats
Following Bella's ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen and his family abandon the town of Forks, Washington in an effort to protect Bella from danger. The despairing Bella sleepwalks, numb and alone, through her senior year of high school. Bella's frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob, a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe, who has a supernatural secret of his own. (Spoiler) He's a werewolf, the mortal enemy to vampires, specifically Edward and his family. Think Bella's a little torn? In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward's true motivation for leaving her. She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she'd hoped for.
Some of the biggest complaints about the film dealt with the acting and CGI. Taylor Lautner does a good job getting more of the spotlight this time around. However, he has some laughable moments that were meant to be serious. Michael Sheen does a great job as Aro, the 2,000 year old leader of the Volturi. I would say the acting lacks motivation. The film, in my opinion, is darker in content, and the acting, in contrast, was quite side-splitting at certain moments. The CGI werewolves were other complaint. I heard a few say the CGI werewolves looked too fake.
Screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg is the toxic asset in this franchise. The actors do their best with the atrocious dialogue. Serious moments in a scene turn into laughable moments and romantic moments into awkwardness.
I think the movie is what it is. In the end, if the fans love the film, then it has served its purpose. Having said that, fans should really look at how they grade this movie. Just don't just assign an A+ grade to the film because you're in love with Edward or Jacob. Ridiculous! This movie deserves a C or C+.
Three out of Five Wildcats
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Dennis A.
posted 1/27/10 @ 5:32 PM CST
Sweet Review. Go Team Jacob!!
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