“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is not an epic saga, it’s just boring teenage drama with vampires and werewolves.
“New Moon” is the second movie in the “Twilight” series, based on the bestselling novels, by Stephanie Meyer.
For this film, Catherine Hardwicke, who directed the first film did not return. Instead Chris Weitz (“The Golden Compass,” 2007) took her place.
The film begins with Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) celebrating her 18th birthday with her vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), and his family.
However, Bella’s happiness does not last, when Edward abruptly ends their relationship, because he and his family were forced to move from town.
Bella’s depression subsides for a little while, as she begins to deepen her friendship with Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), who she later finds out is a werewolf.
Even Jacob’s company cannot keep Bella’s attention long enough to stop her from thinking of Edward. She begins to act out in bizarre, thrill-seeking ways.
Meanwhile, there is a miscommunication and somehow Edward hears that Bella has killed herself. He goes to Rome to seek the Volturi, a family of powerful vampire royalty.
He tells them that he wishes for them to take his life, but after they consult with each other they deny Edward’s wish.
This film does not feature too many high points, just a lot of dreary, depressing scenes combined with bad acting and special effects.
As far as the effects go, the werewolves have to be the worst: the giant computer generated wolves don’t even look close to real.
Also, there are multiple scenes that should have been cut out in the post production process, including one scene where Jacob removes his shirt, revealing his chiseled physique. The camera then proceeds to give each ab a close up. (This is not a Chippendale’s show.)
Another low point is the very dumbed-down screenplay by Melissa Rosenberg. Although, if her goal was to stick with Meyer’s very simple boring writing style, then she did well.
With all the tedious scenes, one would hope there is an exciting sound track to make the scenes move a little faster. Instead, music was used in very clumsy way and only dragged the scenes down even more.
It also does not help that all of the actors look like they could use one or two more years of acting classes, for the most of the movie looks like that of a terrible soap opera.
If there is a positive to be found in the film, there are a few moments where sexual innuendos are used in a comedic way, and it is very effective.
Dakota Fanning (“War of the Worlds,” 2005) also makes an appearance in a vampire role, though she also just seems dead instead of undead.
If they plan to make a third movie in the series, maybe they should take a closer look and make the necessary adjustments to at least put out a decent film.
It’s clear that no matter what production companies put out, fans will flock to the theaters to see anything that has to do with “Twilight.”
For those who can’t get enough of the novels and the young stars of the movie, it’s a definite see-it. For everyone else, avoid this movie like the plague.
