review: new moon

Synopsis: After Bella recovers from the vampire attack that almost claimed her life, she looks to celebrate her birthday with Edward and his family. However, a minor accident during the festivities results in Bella’s blood being shed, a sight that proves too intense for the Cullens, who decide to leave the town of Forks, Washington for Bella and Edward’s sake. Initially heartbroken, Bella finds a form of comfort in reckless living, as well as an even-closer friendship with Jacob Black. Danger in different forms awaits. (imdb.com)

THE GOOD

• Jacob and his amazing abs. (I’m sorry but they just can’t be ignored, what with him shirtless for nearly all his scenes!)
• But seriously, Taylor Lautner’s portrayal of Jacob. I absolutely hated this character in the books. He was annoying, obnoxious and immature (in my humble opinion). But in the movie, he came across completely different.
• Bella and Jacob’s relationship. Again, I was very opposed to them as a couple in the book but in the movie, I found myself rooting for them.
• Alice – as always, she is the only really interesting vampire of the bunch. Though I do like the portrayal of Carlisle and Esme too.
• I like that the movie adaptation stays true to the book.

THE BAD

• Staying true to the book is good but not everything in the Twilight books translates well to movies. The director/screenwriter might want to think about that.
• The vampire makeup? Their hair? REALLY. Caked on make up and bad wigs are very distracting. Only Esme looks normal.
• I know that the werewolves are supposed to be shirtless all the time but those weird denim cutoffs? Couldn’t they have just worn basketball shorts?
• Bella’s “nightmares”. I just didn’t like the screaming, it was way over the top.
• The looks of nearly constant pain on Edward and Jasper’s faces.

Overall: Better than the first movie. And despite some bad makeup and occasionally cheesy dialogue, I still found the movie really entertaining.