The Twilight Saga: New Moon Review

Do you prefer werewolves or vampires? This is a pressing question for the hordes of teenage girls who filled the Twilight Saga: New Moon screening last week, shrieking “Team Edward” (vampire) or “Team Jacob” (werewolf) as the opening credits rolled. It’s almost impossible to review the movie fairly, because it serves two distinctly different audiences. The fervent “Twi-hards” who worship author Stephanie Meyer of the Twilight series and consider the books/movies/characters almost sacred. There’s also another population – most notable for its lack of pining adolescent girls – who will judge this film for its entertainment value, and not for actor Taylor Lautner’s abs (although they are practically a supporting character with plenty of screen time). No complaints here.

So let’s do New Moon justice and give it the two reviews it deserves (as well as director, Chris Weitz, who rose to the challenge of taking on this powerful franchise).

Twi-hards: You will love this movie. In fact, your first viewing is only a prelude to the next two or three times you’ll eagerly flock to the theater for a repeat performance. Edward Cullen, the pale, brooding and supernaturally hot vampire, is tormented by his love of Bella Swan and his inability to always protect her. Therefore, he must break her heart and abandon his sullen soulmate, with the vague hope that she’ll move on and live a normal life. Bella, never a sunny spirit to begin with, enters a crushing depression but finds solace in her newly buff friend, Jacob. Just as they start to flirt with the beginnings of a romance, Jacob begins a transformation that nearly ruins their relationship. It’s not easy to date a snarling werewolf, even if he spends most of his time shirtless in human form. The love triangle, top-notch special effects and heightened emotional drama are like a holy trinity for Twi-hard viewers. While the movie is better than it has to be, Twi-hards should be thrilled with the outcome. In fact, they might want to consider rooting for a new hero, the talented director. Team Chris!

Everyone else: You will like this movie. You will enjoy a well-produced, semi-action packed drama set in the dreary town of Forks, Washington – with one adrenaline-fueled detour to Italy. The main female character, Bella Swan, isn’t the happiest creature, but it’s not easy loving an immortal vampire. While the movie begins with a burst of activity – Bella’s 18^th birthday, a party gone awry and one devastating break-up – the film does lag in the middle. Bell mopes through the seasons, punctuated by violent nightmares that wreak havoc on her weary dad. Poor guy doesn’t realize his daughter is in love with a conflicted vampire who’s 108-years-old.

As Bella develops a blossoming friendship with Jacob, she gradually emerges from grief…until he also transforms into an otherworldly creature. At this point, Bella also makes the dangerous discovery that she can see and hear Edward whenever her life is in danger. Not a shocker, but Bella becomes a reckless risk-taker just for the fleeting moments with Edward. It’s not the smartest way to reconnect with her absent boyfriend, but it does provide suspenseful action sequences. After one especially risky stunt, the star-crossed lovers do reconnect, although for once Bella becomes the savior.

Throughout the film – which still has mainstream appeal for non-Twi-hards – there’s a constant theme of “changing over.” Bella wants to become a vampire too and spend the rest of eternity with her smoldering soulmate. Edward – always conflicted and deeply dramatic – is torn between changing Bella and letting her live a normal human life, all while fighting blood-thirsty lust. The dilemma isn’t fully resolved in New Moon, but viewers can look forward to at least two more sequels to address this burning issue. In the meantime, just be glad that this over-hyped, massively publicized movie doesn’t suck.