Kitty:
I will preface the following by stating up front: I am not a Twi-Hard by any stretch of the imagination, so if you'd prefer to read a review from someone who is a little closer to that definition, skip my review, and read Miss Tique's below. I also have not yet read the books, although I do intend to do so at some point, you know, when I find some time...
With that Disclaimer, we get to the good stuff!
My first experience with Twilight came about two weeks prior to the New Moon's premier, when I finally sat down with two friends (one who had seen it and one who had not) to watch the first movie. I'll be brutally honest, I was not impressed with the production values, but after learning how small a budget the first movie had, I was slightly more forgiving. Unfortunately, that does not make up for poor acting and directing choices, but that is neither here nor there. I will admit, the primary reason I managed to get through the movie at all was due to the company, several adult beverages, and a most awesome game.
Suffice to say, I was not expecting much of the latest addition to the Saga. Going into New Moon I knew the budget had been increased, and while at first glance $50 million may seem like a lot on paper, in reality when compared with blockbuster budgets like The Dark Knight's budget coming in at $185 million, it makes it all the more ridiculous that New Moon managed to destroyed the previous day-one gross numbers with a record of approximately $72.7 million (a record most recently held by The Dark Knight at $67.2 million). Putting aside my reaction to the actual screening for a moment, I can say that I was pleasantly surprised with New Moon.
There was a marked improvement with the screenplay, far fewer lines that just scream "I'm an emotional teenager who doesn't understand the world" and less talking from under someone's eyebrow. Not to mention, the speed with which Vampires can run at actually seemed fast, instead of like the actors were hooked up to a wire and being dragged along. I still get a seriously squicky feeling every time I look at Jacob's actor - major props to him for changing his body so much to secure the role reprisal, but I do feel slightly cougarish...I really want to be Team Edward, because Vampires (especially British ones) are really my thing, but this movie I'm squarely in the Team Jacob corner.
To be honest, the most incredible part of the entire experience was the audience itself. I attended the movie opening day, and I have not been in a room filled that much unsatisfied teenage sexual tension since I graduated high school. Everywhere we looked in the sold out theater, there were teenagers, who oo'd, ah'd and screamed every time either Edward made an emo appearance (flashbacks not included) or Jacob appeared sans shirt (the latter of which I can at least understand). A friend of mine later commented that it was her first experience with literal "mass hysteria," and I have to agree with her assessment. While I might not be a Twi-Hard, I'm still glad I had the experience of watching it on day-one. But I think I'll wait to give final decision on yay or nay to the overall Saga until I've read the books, and seen the rest of the movies, so check back with me in 2-3 years!
Final review, 3 of 5 PopCans.
Miss Tique:
In 'Twilight', we were introduced to a world where love can exist between a vampire and a human. 'New Moon' expands that world and shows us jealousy, sacrifice and how easily love can spiral out of control.
I remember watching 'Twilight' a year ago, immediately buying all the books (which I ended up reading in the course of a month) and couldn't wait for the next three movies to come out. If you have been living under a rock and haven't seen the commercials, 'New Moon' is the start of a love triangle between Bella, Edward and Jacob, which is prompted by Edward's sudden departure from Bella's life.
While 'New Moon' introduces werewolves, it doesn't really have enough to inspire as big of a male fan base as a female one. If you really want your boyfriend or husband to go with you, wait till the last two movies come out since there is more action.
So how close was the movie to the book? I was impressed with the accuracy of the dialogues spoken and how I imagined it to look-for the most part. There were some times that I laughed and thought to myself, 'Wow....could they have been any more corny?'. There are two scenes in particular that return to a particular meadow featured in the first movie and another that deals the Volturi, the elder vampires, which were epic fail. Other than those minor "defects" you can definitely tell that Summit Entertainment had more money to work with. From shapeshifting to a werewolf and the seamless movements of the vampires, 'New Moon' is a step up from 'Twilight's' choppy low-budget action scenes.
Overall, the movie was good. They could have added more details but that's what the book is for. You had your action with the vampires and werewolves, suspense with Bella going to Italy and some teary-eyed moments with Bella's depression which most girls can relate to when dealing with a break-up. The movie was definitely a "bite" and I would watch it again.
4 out of 5 PopCans
