Reviewed by Kate Rodger
I said this about Twilight and I will say it again about New Moon; this really is one of those movies where there is almost no point reviewing it. Nothing that I nor anyone else says will stop the fans turning this into an enormous hit!
The passion of these fans cannot be underestimated, this is a beloved story and beware any filmmaker who chooses to mess with that story.
New Moon is of course the second of the Twilight Saga books, and its cinematic adaptation comes with the same core cast, this time under the guidance of a different director, Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass). As you might expect, that change is key.
Weitz is a big picture man, and his CGI experience certainly comes in handy -we're dealing in werewolves after all.
There is a good deal of plot to get through here, and his attention to detail will undoubtedly please fans, along with some bare-chested action from both Team Jacob and Team Edward.
Robert Pattinson's Edward Cullen takes more a backseat in this story, but the filmmakers are careful to ensure the Box Office pulling power of pin-up Pattinson is still maximized. And then there is the fleshing out, so to speak, of Taylor Lautner's role of Jacob Black.
The central character of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) has much more on her plate this time around, what with vampires and werewolves to contend with along with all the usual challenges of being a teenager. Stewart is a star performer, and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us when she grows up.
Really showing the younglings how it's done is classy Welsh actor Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon). His outing as head nasty on Team Vampire doesn't get nearly enough screen time for my liking, his "Aro" is the only one really worth having nightmares over.
Sheen aside, the second Twilight movie just lacked the impact of its predecessor, and while the two hour ten minute duration may please fans, it was too long for me.
The CGI translated well, and there were a couple of pleasing werewolf smack-downs, but the overall tone of the film was far less intense, moody and menacing than the story required.
Two and a half stars.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
:: Director: Chris Weitz
:: Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning
:: Running Time: 132 mins
:: Rating: M - Supernatural Themes & Violence
:: Release Date: November 19, 2009
:: Trailer: Click here
