Yes, I know the “New Moon” movie has been out for awhile but I’m just now getting around to writing down my general thoughts.
First off, have you all seen it yet? That’s probably a stupid question. So what I really should be asking is how many times you’ve *already* seen it.
With the movie breaking the single-day record at $72.7 million on its first day of release (per Huffington Post), it’s no surprise that “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” was #1 at the box office opening weekend. I’m happy to say my movie ticket on that first Sunday contributed to that success. Once wasn’t enough for me though, and I saw it a second time on the following Tuesday morning. What can I say, I had the day off from work and couldn’t think of a better way to spend it.
Comparisons with the first Twilight movie are unavoidable, so let’s just start there. Let me just say that “New Moon” was overall a better movie. Although “Twilight” took us through the new and exciting whirlwind romance of Bella and Edward, it was done in a manner that was almost too cheesy at times. I mean really, was I supposed to laugh so much unintentionally? This time around “New Moon” had a more slick feel to it, more professional, with better music and acting. And, let’s face it, the special effects were loads better than the first. You could say the budget helped, which I’m sure it did, but Chris Weitz’ experience with sci-fi and special effects lent itself greatly to this film.
Overall the movie captured the book pretty well and carried along the story without dragging it out as much as it did in the book. I could definitely feel Bella’s loss right after Edward left as she wandered through the woods, calling after him helplessly but knowing full well he was long gone. Her hallucinations reminded me of how much Edward was/is a part of her life so I missed him almost as much as she did. But as the relationship built between her and Jacob, I thought…Edward who?
Speaking of Jacob, I have to point out how incredibly impressed I am with Taylor Lautner. Due to his lack of screen time in the first Twilight movie, I didn’t think much of him. I was just indifferent. Honestly speaking, all I really remember is the awful wig he was subjected to wearing. Who knew he could pull off all the depths of emotion his character had to go through in “New Moon”? Seriously. This boy did an amazing job and while I still can’t quite say I’m Team Jacob, I definitely am Team Taylor. Kudos to him for bringing Jacob to life on screen. A job well done.
This movie introduced us to the Wolf Pack and the Volturi, two formidable groups. I’m not gonna lie, I chuckled a little at the scene where the shirtless Wolf Pack were gathered in the forest and beckoned Jacob to come to them. Half nekkid-men calling another half-nekkid boy to join them? In the forest? No wonder Jacob was scared to be recruited next before he found out what was really going on!
The Volturi were creepy on another level. Michael Sheen did an excellent job as Aro. Other standouts were Dakota Fanning as Jane, and Christopher Heyerdahl as Marcus. It’s a shame they didn’t have more screen time, since they were delightful to watch. Marcus’ indifference to everything was evident on his face and in his tone of voice, which I thought was amusing. Jane’s face when she had that realization about you know what was pretty priceless too. And any second that Aro was on you knew you were in for some fun.
I do need to mention the scene where Victoria is being chased after by the wolf pack. LOVED. It. Although Victoria had no dialogue, I really like how her part was handled in this movie.
The only noticeable “negative” for me was that the movie dragged a little bit in the middle. It was sweet to see Bella and Jacob’s relationship getting closer, and it definitely set up for what was to come. However, it still felt like it moved too slowly for me. Perhaps I just liked the tormented portions of the movie (Edward leaving Bella, the drama between Bella and Jacob, and the crazy Volturi scene). I do like the drama…as long as it’s not mine.
So now it’s your turn. What did you think of the movie? What were your favorite parts? Least favorite? Do share!
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