Last summer I read the four Twilight novels back to back and immediately understood why millions of women around the world went gaga for Stephenie Meyer's fictional Forks, Washington-based universe. While I don't consider myself a Twihard by any means, I'm also not too proud to admit that I did, in fact, enjoy the books. And even though New Moon was my least favorite in the series, I still had high hopes for its adaptation. I mean, it just kinda had to be better than Twilight, right?
If you were reading redblog a year ago then you know that while I had several issues with the first film, I did find some of its cheesiness a bit charming. (What you might not know is that I watched it in the theater again — twice — after I wrote that review and actually liked it more each time.) Therefore, I figured that with a new director (Chris Weitz) and a bigger budget that would surely remedy the embarrassingly bad "special effects situation," there was no way the sequel wouldn't be a superior film. Alas, fellow Twilight fans, I have bad news for you: I was very, very disappointed by New Moon.
For the most part, the adaptation follows the story arc of the novel. Vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and mortal high schooler Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) are happy together for like two seconds, but then a few members of Edward's family start lusting after Bella's blood when she gets a paper cut (at her own birthday party, no less), and so Edward's all, "Sorry, babe, but this isn't gonna work." Bella sinks into a deep depression when the entire Cullen clan skips town, and the only person who is eventually able to cheer her up is her old buddy Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), who's put on approximately one gazillion pounds of muscle — and continued to use Crest White Stripes without abandon on his already-blinding choppers — since we last saw him. It is then revealed that he simply cannot bear to have his shirt on. It physically pains him to do so — he gets a really wicked contact rash and no one on in La Push (where he and his fellow Quileute tribe members hang) can figure out how to help him. 
OK, so I made that part up. Jacob's shirtlessness is never actually explicitly explained in the film, but one can infer that it has something to do with him being a werewolf. But forget about the werewolf part for a second because I just need to say that it is seriously Ridiculous (notice the capital r?) how much Jacob's running around half-nekkid in this movie. Or running around half-nekkid in the pouring rain. Or in slo-mo. I just kept thinking, "This is like Baywatch… with guys" during all of his scenes (and some of Edward's — he also goes shirtless a few times and has a classic/hilarious bad-boy-walking-in-slo-mo scene to boot). I suppose I should be happy that some dudes are getting objectified-to-the-max up on the big screen for a change, but instead I just felt embarrassed for them.
Back to the plot… Just as Bella's life finally regains some normalcy and her friendship with Jacob starts turning into something more (no one can resist all that shirtlessness), the Cullens pop up again. Specifically, Edward's sister Alice (Ashley Greene) decides to drop by, and around that same time the girls learn that Edward thinks Bella is dead (long story). Because she can see glimpses of the future, Alice knows that Edward plans to take a page from Romeo and Juliet and — since vampires can't off themselves — will attempt to join Bella in death by putting on a fab-u light show over in Italy. Meaning, he's going to stand in the sun and reveal his sparkling vampire skin to humans, thus ensuring he'll be killed by the royal vampire clan, the Volturi, 'cause showing your bling-bling face in public is against their rules. Why would Edward be so distraught over Bella's death? Wasn't he the one who left her? Yes, of course, but he was just trying to protect her — he really does love her — but vampires shouldn't be with humans — daaahhhh!!!!! Don't you see how complicated their relationship is?!?! Why else do you think they're always fumbling over their words and gasping and sighing and breathing heavy?!? Because it's hard to be a human and vampire in love, people!
Since I know many of you reading this are going to be dragged to the movie by your girlfriends/wives/friends and may have not read the book, I will not reveal anything else about what goes down after Alice and Bella head to Europe. Will they be sidetracked by all of the gelato vendors and forget about trying to stop Edward from dazzling himself to death? Will Jacob ever put on a shirt again? You're just going to have to see it to find out.
For those of you who, like me, were genuinely looking forward to New Moon, let me tell you the few high points in the film before I detail why it didn't live up to my expectations overall. Positive #1: The Volturi scenes. I had doubted Dakota Fanning's ability to pull off Jane, but I was completely wrong. She was perfect. As was Michael Sheen as Aro and Jamie Campbell Bower as Caius. They were exactly what I had pictured in my mind when I read the books — both in looks and mannerisms. Positive #2: A cool chase scene with Original Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre) and the wolves set to a Thom Yorke track that I love. Positive #3: The three standouts from the first film were on their game again this time around — namely, Anna Kendrick and Michael Welch as two of Bella's high school friends, and Billy Burke as Charlie, Bella's dad. Unfortunately, they only got a few minutes of face time each. Positive #4: Face Punch. Enough said.
Now let's talk about the The Bad.
Remember all that horrid pancake makeup used to make the Cullens pale as ghosts in Twilight? It's gone now… but in its place are very disturbing golden contacts for all of the vampires. Way more noticeable and unnerving than in the first film. These are supposed to be the most beautiful people in the world, but instead they looked like freaks (yes, even Edward) because of whatever was done to their eyes. 
The Volturi's glowing-red eyes were fine — but the huge golden irises on the Cullens simply looked painful. (I'm very curious to hear whether anyone else noticed this, so if you did, please let me know in the comments.)
My dreams of awesome special effects were dashed early on as well… the first time we got a good look at one of the wolves, I just shook my head and thought, "Good God, that is Gmork from The NeverEnding Story." (Even though you all know TNES is one of my favorite movies, Gmork should not be making an appearance in a modern-day film.) The wolf effects did get better as the film progressed, but I just couldn't shake my initial reaction. As for the other special effects (vampire battles, fast-running, etc.), they were OK. But a lot of work needs to be done in order for Eclipse and (presumably) Breaking Dawn to not be completely ridiculed, as both of those stories are much more action-based.
Let's see, what else? Bella was still as annoying as ever. The dialogue throughout was peppered with laughable, inane cheese-poofs. "Bella, you give me everything… just by breathing!" Brother, please. (WHY OH WHY is screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg on board again for Eclipse? Even the best actors in the world can't make craptastic lines sound anything other than craptastic.) I don't care if some of this gooeyness came directly from the books. It doesn't work on film.
As for Chris Weitz, I feel he went the safe route and made a movie that he knew would please the hardcore fans. All of the fifteen-year-olds sitting behind me last night thought it was "AMAAAAAZING." I, however, was thrown by some of the pacing (the reveal of Jacob's secret was handled horribly), bemused by some of more artsy shots (when I wasn't battling motion sickness — 'twas lots of spinny camerawork goin' on…), and shocked at just how boring — and devoid of romance — New Moon was all in all. Maybe it will grow on me like Twilight did… but that would require me to see it again. (Not likely.) So here's to hoping that next summer, Eclipse will redeem this franchise. They can start with finding Jacob a shirt.
Posted on November 25, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Well I thought that New moon was actually a really great movie though I don’t think that Robert Pattison was right to play that part because that in the books they describe him as a beautiful god and he is not even merely close to that description I think that Jacob has a good loking body and his face is fine. If I had a choice I would let Stephanie Meyer choose who she thinks that would fir the part the way she wanted it. My fav book is Breaking Dawn I like the nam eshe gave her baby girl Renesmee I think itsbeautiful well I wont tell you anything else.
Posted on November 25, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Posted on November 26, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Angeles, as a parent I have to think that if teens are taking their examples from a movie then we are truly failing as parents. It is a (somewhat) scrambled mind that cannot seperate reality from movies especially after the development of abstract thinking (about the age of 12). Are you a good example for your teens? The fault lies within…
Posted on November 26, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Ok, I so TOTALLY had to comment because you had my whole family looking at me like I had lost my mind, as usual. I was laughing so hard because you are so spot on about the movie. While I did enjoy it more than Twilight and New Moon is my fav book because I ADORE Jacob, you are so right about your comments. The transitions left me wanting a lot more (and explaining a LOT to my 14 year old cousin who haven’t read New Moon yet. Urging her to hurry up and read it). Like Edward leaving Bella was what? like 5 minutes long and of course the whole Bella finding out about Jacob was an Extremely weird and short scene. And I LOVE Taylor Lautner but he SO overacted the raining scene (something I noticed the Second time I saw it because the first time I was breathing to hard to hear anything. Is it weird for a 28 year old to be lusting over him? Anyway.)
About the eyes…I was highly disturbed, at little scared actually. That was weird esp. on Jasper, ugh. But the actor that played Caius, Jamie Campbell Bower, look SO much like the way I have seen the Vamps in my head and Michael Sheen as Aro was so entertaining.
So I enjoyed the movie for the most part, I hope that Eclipse gets that step up and that they convey the FULL emotion of the book (which was lacking somewhat in New Moon).
Posted on November 26, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I agree with every point you made both positively and negatively. I, too, read the twilight books for the first time this summer within a few days and immediately watched Twilight. I was extremely disappointed. I went to see the New Moon movie and was torn between two emotions: nausea and boredom. I left afterwards feeling that I had just wasted two hours of my life.
Posted on November 26, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Ok so I forgot to mention (and how could I do that?) the unbelievable CHEESY scene where Alice is showing Aro that Bella will be a vampire. OMG what was that corny slow-motion running through the grassy knoll. Ugh, throw-up in my mouth alert!!! Also, it was nice that they gave Charlie a nice personality. They should have developed his character more, since the were straying from the book so much.
Posted on November 26, 2009 at 11:48 pm
they have pants because they have to have SOME form of clothing on and it’s more natural for a guy to go around with his shirt off rather than his pants.(In the series it also explains that when Jacob transforms, he ties his pants to his ankle with the black wire that he has)
Posted on November 27, 2009 at 1:47 pm
1-LOVED BOTH MOVIES! MUST SEE! 2-DON’T COMPARE TO THE BOOKS WHILE WATCHING, BUT MUST READ THEM 3-DON’T WATCH LOOKING FOR FAULTS, JUST ENJOY THE STORY:they are 16ish year olds :): and you will love it too!
Just for anyone who is looking to watch the movie… My husband and I went Friday night…He loved it so much he begged me to use my free movie tickets and go again on Sunday.
1st time:contacts kind of creepy, 1st werewolf appearance I was looking so foreward to that I didn’t care for the way it looked immediately
2nd time: contacts much less noticable and wolves looked great.
First advice:you HAVE to read the books before you see the film, or at least plan on reading them shortly after. You cannot include every detail of a 400page book in a movie. Books and movies are 2 different forms of media- so stop comparing.
Second advice:Enjoy the movie for what it is. We love the movie and the books, but you can’t be so critical. The movies are simple, no swearing, no gore, great story! It is because of that that we love them so much. We are currently in the middle of reading Eclipse.
I personally think the actors did great, so did everyone we went with: 55yo female, 30yo male, 29yo male, 28yo female, 23 yo female. I think some people from reading the books (which are written with such great detail and emotion) have their idea of what expressions the characters would be doing-which wrecks the movie for them. I also thought some parts were acted weird, but then I thought about what the character might be thinking about in the book and I realized they were acting great. This is VERY noticable during Edward’s goodbye scene. And corney lines? I love them! These are soppossed to be kids:who are cheezy! think about the stupid cutesy things you said to your significant other in high school…
Posted on November 28, 2009 at 4:37 pm
*Gags self*
Kristin Stewart…Bella…has some serious issues…and she can’t act. I don’t think she or Robert Pattinson made eye contact the majority of the film…
The only scene I truly liked was the Voltori and the wolves going at each other. Those were scenes of true vampires and wolves…not sparkling soft cuddle bugs that haunt you after they abandon you because they have such poor communication skills at speaking with frustrated teens…
Posted on November 29, 2009 at 2:14 am
Whoa.
This is the most comments that I have seen in a long time. Obviously, people are a bit passionate about this.
First of all, Kristyn from Cali should know that I almost wrote that EXACT comment about Jess’ comment. We are all of one mind.
Second, Haley, please do not insult the writers. It’s rude. Especially not Erika. She is not dumb…she is awesome.
Third, Matthew S., I am so proud of you for admitting you saw this even though it seems you may not have liked it. I agree with your comments. The chase scene with Victoria and the Thom Yorke song was the best of the whole movie. And I wanted to know why Rob Pattinson couldn’t make eye contact.
I saw it three times last weekend. Officially a dork. And thanks for the congrats, Kristyn!
Posted on November 30, 2009 at 10:53 am
In the movies, New Moon was three times as good as Twilight. Unfortunately, I didn’t think Twilight was that great. I watched Twilight before I read the book, and not knowing anything, I felt the first half was slow, boring, and way awkward. Half way in, I started to think it was funny and began to like it. But, I agree that there wasn’t much chemistry between Bella and Edward, and the girl playing Bella needed acting lessons (she was totally deadpan, no emotion on her face and her mouth hung open like a deer in the headlights). Anyway, I liked it enough to read all the books, and realized how bad the first one was.
The second book was my least favorite, it was too sad to see Edward leave her, and I felt bad for Jacob. I waited to reread New Moon until after seeing the movie, so I could try to just enjoy it, which I did. Bella was a little better, but still not my favorite. I felt that the filmmakers could have done a better job of telling the story, but overall it was much more enjoyable than the first movie. I agree with those who wish they would recast Bella and the Screenwriter. I do like the guy playing Edward, but I wouldn’t be opposed to recasting him if they found someone better. Everyone else cast was perfect. Some suggestions for recasting Bella in my opinion are Kat Dennings from Nick and Nora’s Infinate Playlist (she looks a little like the girl playing Bella now but is a much better actress) or Ellen Page (she is the one I kept imagining while reading the books- I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect). Although, I am usually all for taking dialogue from a book for a movie, this one could use some help. Don’t get me wrong, I love the story and characters, but Stephanie Meyer isn’t the best writer, so why would one assume that her stuff would make the best screenwriting? A new director helped, but please, please get a new screenwriter for the next films. I’m holding out for Breaking Dawn, which was my favorite. If that movie isn’t the best it can possibly be, that’s when I’ll get upset. For now, *shrug*, “Meh..” (Ps. Not like it matters, but if it gives me any credibility, I’m a theatre major, so I think I know something about acting. I know theatre and film are different, but having directed some of my own short films, I think I can recognize bad acting when I see it, and the girl playing Bella is a bad actress!)
Posted on November 30, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I agree with you about the eyes looking really weird. For the Volturi it was understandable that they would have red irises, because they drink human blood. But the golden irises of the Cullen clan actually distracted me from the dialog. In Twilight, their irises actually looked more normal. Also in Twilight, their skin was really pale like you would imagine a vampire’s skin to be, but in close-ups I could see that the white makeup stopped about halfway down Edward’s neck, right about where his collar began. His hair looked a little more unkempt in New Moon than in Twilight, in my opinion. And I think that Robert Pattinson should have bulked up like Taylor Lautner(Jacob) did if he was going to go shirtless. When I saw him shirtless and pale, I had a real OMG moment, because he looked like a scarecrow painted all white. I really felt embarrassed for him. At least Taylor had sense enough to put on 30 Lbs. of muscle for this movie. And he really looked good shirtless. I hope he can keep the new physique. It will probably get him more roles after the Twilight movies. I did notice, however, how much he was shivering in the cold rain during that scene when Bella drives over to Jacob’s house and confronts him about why he’s been avoiding her. The steam rising up from somewhere under the camera was supposed to represent the higher body temperature that Jacob had as a werewolf, and it was supposed to look like the rain was just turning into steam when it hit his skin, but it wasn’t convincing when I saw that he was actually shivering. I could see the attraction blossoming between Bella and Jacob, and I wish the movie had taken that a little further. When I went to see the midnight premiere on Nov. 20, there was a “dust bunny” or a clump of hair in the camera lens, and several people snickered about that. They also cheered when the camera operator finally succeeded in removing it, because it was causing a distraction. And at the very end, when Edward says, “Bella…(long, drawn out pause)…marry me,” there was this tween in the very front row who shouted, “NO!” and it made the whole audience laugh out loud. That was followed by a loud groan at the sudden ending of the movie. I really wish they hadn’t ended it like that. Grrr!
Posted on November 30, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Dear Mrs. O,
Hear, hear! Many thanks to you for putting into words what I have been feeling all along about the Twilight books. I am 46 and I very much enjoy the books. I love the relationship between Bella and Edward. His love for her, his protectiveness of her, and the obvious chemistry between them…that’s what makes even middle-aged women read and re-read these books. I read all four books in about two weeks. I enjoyed Twilight very much and bought the DVD when it came out, and almost wore the thing out by playing it so much.
Posted on November 30, 2009 at 5:31 pm
For everyone else, remember that New Moon is supposed to be darker and give the reader/viewer the feeling of depression that Bella was experiencing. She went into a downward spiral (a tailspin, if you will) when Edward left her. (I guess that’s why the camera had to spin around her as she lay on the ground in the woods, although it did induce motion sickness.) She was too shocked to speak when Edward told her he was leaving. Think how you’d feel if it happened to you. Your best friend –the love of your life–the one you thought would always love you and always be there for you–suddenly tells you he and his family are leaving town and you’ll never see him again. You’d be devastated. You’d feel like dying. Which is exactly why Bella started doing all those dangerous things. The adrenaline rush she got made her able to hear Edward’s voice in her head. I think the movie portrayed the mood she was in rather well. And after three months passed, she was ready to reach out to her friends, and to try to heal the hurt by getting closer to Jacob. I certainly can relate. Can’t you?
Posted on December 1, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I think we should complain a little more about something we can’t control…wow.
Posted on December 1, 2009 at 6:27 pm
OMG I really hope u guys read this! I am in love with everyone in Twilight and in New Moon! I am huge about everyone. I have all the books and posters! I read all of them too. I have a book about all the characters and little action figures of everyone. I can’t believe it! I really wish u come to L.A because I live here. I hope u think I am ur #1 fan cause I really am! Thanks! Hope u reply back!
Posted on December 1, 2009 at 9:05 pm
OK, I agree, this was totally my least favorite of the books…could Bella have whined anymore, really??
That said:
I would have never thought Dakota Fanning could have pulled off Jane, I even winced when I heard it would be her…and I actually like her acting! She was PERFECT! She even got the snide attitude of Jane!
There was no real romantic scenes, not even between Jacob and Bella…whom she considers spending her life with in the book.
The Volturi eyes are too red, they should be a darker shade. The Cullens were a bit brighter, more golden than amber. I think it made Jasper look the freakiest, since they used so much pink in his eyeliner.
3 things that have really bothered me:
1. In Twilight they don’t really get into how Edwards breath takes away Bellas. When she inhales his breath when they kiss, she forgets to breathe, they skip over that in the movies.
2. In Twilight, after James attacks Bella, I wanted to punch Kristen Stewart because as she is writhing on the floor in pain…she starts crossing her eyes! She looked horrible!
3. In the first book, Bella tells her fathers terrible mean things to hurt his feelings so she can leave him as she runs away from James. Why does she not even sense that Edward could be doing the same thing?
Posted on December 2, 2009 at 1:34 am
I have to say I LOVED your review. Very funny! I’ll definitely have to start looking you up before watching a movie!
With that said, I completely agree with you! I am a Twihard to the core but the movies so far have been so incredibly disappointing! Twilight had the worst acting and the most cheeeeeesiest lines ever! I’m a romantic thru and thru but geez- I wanted to throw up! New Moon was NO BETTER! You were totally correct when you said the lines may work in the book but NOT on film! Why is it so hard for the film makers to realize it? I was glad the make-up was toned down but the contacts??? Really? I’m with you- they’re suppose to be BEAUTIFUL instead it was painful to look at them. Sigh…I love the Twilight Saga and because of it will watch every movie but it doesn’t mean I’ll like it.
Erika
Posted on December 2, 2009 at 6:49 am
I saw Twilight before reading the books, against my better judgment, because I have a teenage daughter. I liked the movie more than I felt I should, and got my daughter the first book for Christmas… She never did read it, so I picked it up, couldn’t put it down and promptly sucked down the other three in record time.
I really liked New Moon the book. I hated this movie. It felt totally flat dialog-driven-story-wise, the acting – except the Volturi – was AWFUL, and the screenwriting was boring at best. I also thought the cinematography, at least where the werewolves were concerned, was lame. Look, I realize Peter Jackson is brilliant, but seriously, give him a call (or watch the special features on LOTR) and find out how he made wizards so much bigger than Hobbits, then translate that to teenage boys who are supposed to look huge and ‘roid-raged and about to explode into fur at any moment.
I thought the makeup was worse than the first and it looked like all the vampires were wearing wigs. Yes the eyes were somewhat disturbing, but I couldn’t quite place the weirdness of that – thank you for clearing it up.
The special effects were better, some of the movie was better the second time I saw it, probably because I couldn’t be any more disappointed, but by and large, I felt that some of it was over done, some of it was way underplayed and most of it was just sadly off the mark.
I really have to start reading redblog BEFORE I go to the theater.
Posted on December 2, 2009 at 10:30 am
If you don’t like it and all you have are insults to offer why do you watch? Have some imaginatuon. Hello????? It’s Hollywood, you know, “make believe”.
Posted on December 2, 2009 at 11:06 am
i feel that you are completly wrong about the bad. i loved the movie. the romance was amazing. the effects were okay. the shirtlessness was wow ,amazing.there is nothing wrong with a shirtless werewolf. in fact i loved it. edward was as hot as ever. there is one thing i didnt like was that they did not give an answer to the will you marry me question. and i can not wait until eclipse.wow
Posted on December 2, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Please. Jacob’s shirt off was the movie’s redeeming quality.
Posted on December 2, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Wow- I can’t WAIT to read this article and comment later… Those who know me probably will assume what kind of responses I’ll have.. Heehee.
Posted on December 2, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Do NOT get me started on the vision scene!!!!!!!!!! OMG could that had been any cheesier and pathetic!!!!!!!!!! I’ve seen the movie twice and that scene could’ve been amazing!! but no lets just do it in slow motion so they look like idiots!!!! Everyone started laughing on how pathetic it looks, they should’ve done the fast then slow thing they did for victoria as opposed to having them run like each step took a year!!! I’ll say it again I liked the editing of the Twilight movie best, this movie was a disaster but I sincerely blame it on the editing crew. I’ve seen movies from other books I’ve read. I don’t expect for everything to be exactly the same, a little change is good, I loved the emails to ALice bit thought that was brilliantly done, but you need to feel the connections, the feelings to connect to the movie on the same level. I’ve seen and read books that were made into movies that you actually feel everything, like The notebook and Nights in Rodanthe to name a few, and the Twilight Saga for now to me is lacking the “This is the love of my existence” feeling, which is basically what the books revolve around the LOVE felt, not buying it in the movies.
Posted on December 3, 2009 at 12:34 am
Dude! Erika!
We are officially movie twins separated at birth but not in our take on all things cinema!
I totally agree with you on the shirtless thing– and I thought it was kinda freaky how huge Jacob was when Taylor is like 16 or something. Only is poor neck is still normal.
Yes on your points! Michael sheen was sooo awesome, the thom yorked track *worked* that chase scene, and Billy Burke IS Charlie. I can’t remember who she punched, I remember being surprised by it, but what happened there again?
The contacts were distracting (did they do they in post production with CG?) the wolves looked like they should belonged in Barbie’s animated version of Peter and the Wolves and what is up with lousy effects? They were better than Twilight but this movie just doesn’t work when you’re too busy laughing.
Meanwhile K.Stewart, honey, I want to like you! Leave the moody depression for Edward! (Was it just me or was the Bella character way more upbeat in the books?) It’s funny, she’s not a bad actress, just not quite right.
One thing I have to share. In my theater when Edward takes off his shirt the (teenage) girl in front of me said “Oooo!” and the entire theater laughed. It was great.
I guess it’s like you said, this movie was shooting to please it’s demographic and little else, which is a shame because it could have been better!
Posted on December 6, 2009 at 1:56 am
i cant help writing something. i have yet to see the new moon movie but read all of the novels back to back when the very first came out and before it was the latest craze. it drives me absolutely crazy with all of this team edward team jacob crap and i love a guy that bites. please give me a break. everybody seems to miss the whole point behind the books of love is never easy but it cant be helped and it will always find a way to succeed if it is truly meant to be. the books took this concept to the extreme by using the predator prey theory and the whole whos gonna be the alpha male thing. dont get me wrong i absolutely Loved capital l the books and felt almost lost after finishing the last but i cant take all of the teenage bull crap that has snaked its way into the series. its amazing how quickly a great thing like a love story can be ruined by undeveloped shallow thinking. twilight movie was one of the biggest disappointments ive ever been to and sorry to say it didnt grow on me. if thats the best they can currently do in making a movie out of a book with that kind of potential i hope that they never happen to read any other books that i have enjoyed. i will have to watch new moon when it comes out to rent but after the disappointment of twilight i wont be filling a theater seat any time soon
Posted on December 13, 2009 at 11:37 am
I agree with everything you said!!! I was hoping for so much more…. also I hope they do not use Melissa Rosenberg for Breaking Dawn…. instant disappointment if they do!
Posted on January 6, 2010 at 9:35 am
Erika – If you’ve only it once, I highly recommend giving it a second chance. The first time I saw it, my overall opinion of the film virtually paralleled your Nov. 30th comments with only a few slight disparities. I, too, said I wouldn’t see it again. I went with a friend who had read all 4 books and the 2 of us keep grunting and looking at each other with a “that’s-not-how-it-happened-in-the-book” expression on our faces. And that of course biased my opinion. I should not have gone in comparing it to the text, but I did. And was obviously disappointed.
But then my mom and my son wanted to see it, so I went with them and tried to watch it as a “movie” rather than a visual representation of the text. I liked it better the second time around. It, like Twilight, grows on you the more you see it. (Assuming you can pretend Rob is someone else. He is SOOO NOT what Edward Cullen looks like in my head!)
One thing I disliked was the introduction of Sam with the whole glowing eyes in the forest scene. I kept imagining it was a giant jawa hiding in the forest! And the end fight scene was just stupid and unnecessary.
I liked Jacob climbing in Bella’s window and thought the wolf picture on her wall was funny irony. And even though he phased in front of her and that whole meeting the wolf pack concept was out of order, it was visually cool, so I can buy into the scene.
But my biggest dislike in the whole film was Edward without a shirt! UGH! That was super gross, especially after having had my fill of eye-candy with Jacob! Hubba-hubba! (FYI, he actually had his shirt ON more in the movie than he did in the book. Go figure!)
I thought Dakota Fanning did a much better job than I expected of her. The character representing Aro didn’t match what I see in my head. I thought he should be older, or bigger, somehow. More ‘ancient’ I guess.
These are me random thoughts. Looking forward to Eclipse in June!
L8R! :) meli