Twilight

Melodrama, Weak Performances Hold Back ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’

BrianTT — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:57:36 -0700

CHICAGO – The amazing adoration for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is based on one of two things: a crush on one of the cast members or goodwill spawned by a love of Stephenie Meyer’s books. Without people’s passion for Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, or the source material, the “Twilight” have little merit on their own. “New Moon” is a slight improvement on the last film, but fans still deserve better.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

If you have a poster of Robert Pattinson on your wall and have followed every casting announcement for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” like Chicago Cubs fans follow their favorite team, then there’s little point in trying to dissuade you from your affection for the franchise. I understand the desire to desperately want to love on the big screen what meant so much to you on the page. It’s much the same motivation that allows people to look past the flaws of those they love. But the flaws are there and director Chris Weitz, most of the cast, writer Melissa Rosenberg, and the producers of “New Moon” could have done significantly more to hide them.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” in our reviews section.

The film opens on the 18th birthday of our mopey heroine Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart). Bella’s increasing age has led her to concern about the fact that her bloodsucking boyfriend Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) happens to be nearly a century older than her. How will his immortality impact their relationship?

The issue becomes more prominent when the Cullens decide to move out of town before too many locals realize that the patriarch of the clan hasn’t aged in the ten years since they’ve been in town. Using the classic technique of trying to break a girl’s heart so she won’t miss you as much when you’re gone, Edward pushed Bella away, sending her into possibly the most melodramatic depression ever seen on film. You’d think the poor girl was trying to kick heroin.

Continuing reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” review.

‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Anna Kendrick, Michael Sheen, and Dakota Fanning. It was written by Melissa Rosenberg and directed by Chris Weitz. It opens on November 20th, 2009. It is rated PG-13.

(Left to right) Robert Pattinson stars as Edward Cullen, Kristen Stewart stars as Bella Swan, and Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
Photo credit: Kimberley French and Summit

Interview: Kellan Lutz in ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ on Chicago, Satiating Fans

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:56:03 -0700

CHICAGO – “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” knows what it is, what it isn’t and how to quench fans. It can’t say the same, though, for outsiders.

Rating: 2.5/5.0

Sure, there’s no practical reason why Taylor Lautner as the dark and mysterious Jacob Black would need to rip off his shirt just to wipe away a splat of forehead blood from Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan. But some pandering has been allowed – and even required this time around – in order to satiate a global legion of fans that these filmmakers have as putty in their hands.

Following Catherine Hardwicke’s direction of “Twilight,” which began the phenomenon of a $37 million film that grossed $384 million globally, director Chris Weitz knew he had to graduate from a lake to an ocean in the sequel that even more fans have been anticipating.

Kellen Lutz of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” in Chicago on Nov. 11, 2009.
Photo credit: Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com

But while diehard “Twilight” fans will likely be appeased by this installment – just as in the case of the documentary “Michael Jackson’s This is It” that really was a fan-appreciation concert film – the film’s constantly crestfallen tone, dragging 130-minute screen time and slow pacing will likely alienate those who haven’t fully embraced the saga.

The “Twilight” sequel “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” which was written by Melissa Rosenberg and is based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer, features Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Ashley Greene, Michael Sheen, Bronson Pelletier, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, Anna Kendrick and Billy Burke.

It’s no accident that “Team Edward” (in promotion of Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen) and “Team Jacob” (for Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black) have erupted through the film’s online viral marketing.

The two clearly compete for Bella’s affections, which makes for some steamy “PG-13” romance – that is, if you’re of the demographic this film is targeting. Otherwise, this kind of tension – as well as some of the other cheese that has been silly strung throughout the sequel – might make you mini puke in your mouth.

Kristen Stewart (left) and Robert Pattinson in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Photo credit: Summit Entertainment

But for some – and especially screaming girls who cry at the mere sight of the male members of this cast – the film is marketing to them in the exact way they desire. Kellan Lutz, who plays Emmett Cullen in “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” has mastered the art of fan appreciation and knows too well how to react when situations get emotional.

“You give ‘em a hug, they wet your shirt and they freak out and faint. Then the paramedics are there. It’s great,” Kellan Lutz said in a Chicago interview with critic Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com.

Along with making his way to Chicago a couple times for contractual fan appreciation, Lutz also blew into the Windy City recently to film “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” which is currently in post-production and is slated to hit theaters on April 30, 2010. The film features Jackie Earle Haley (of “Watchmen” fame) as the famous Freddy Krueger.

“I love coming to (Chicago),” Lutz said. “I’m a big weather freak. I grew up in the Midwest. I love wind. Because of the wind, my favorite color growing up was clear. Then my teacher said: ‘That’s not a color.’ I love the layout. It’s so clean. I loved running with (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”) producers Andrew (Form) and (Bradley Fuller). They’re into running around the city. They asked me to run into the beach with them. I was like: ‘There’s a beach here?’ We ran there and it was freezing, but it was so nice.”

Left to right: Alex Meraz as Paul, Kiowa Gordon as Embry Call, Chaske Spencer as Sam Uley, Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black and Bronson Petteltier as Jared in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Photo credit: Summit Entertainment

He added: “The parks are amazing. It’s such a free and open city. It’s nice being in a city that’s surrounded by water that doesn’t have docks, harbors and huge industrial plants on the edges. It’s a beautiful place. I wish we were outside doing this interview. It’s so nice out. Living in Los Angeles, it’s like paradise every day. It’s like going to an amusement park every single day and riding the same rides.”

Lutz continued: “I’m such a season guy. I love the snow and the rain and gloomy days are nice. And there’s some great eating in Chicago, too. I miss the Midwest and I try to go back. I’m an outdoor freak. I especially (love) the woods and nature. (I love to) take my truck and go to Iowa where my grandparents live and lay on the haystacks and stare at the stars.”

After making us feel warm and fuzzy about the city in which he was interviewing, Lutz discussed how he feels about his very minor role in the “Twilight” films as compared to the other Hollywood work he’s done so far and where this phenomenon might fit in the filmography of the rest of his career. Lutz says he hopes this franchise ends up not being his career trademark.

“I really pray that I can act for the rest of my life,” Lutz said. “I fell into acting when going to school at Chapman (University) in Orange County, Calif. for chemical engineering. My life has definitely branched off in a direction I never knew existed. I never knew you could just be an actor. I never had the dream to be an actor.”

Kristen Stewart in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Photo credit: Summit Entertainment

Lutz took a risk by quitting school “for a callback for a student film. I thought a callback was huge. I was like: ‘Mom, this is my chance.’ She said: ‘I will hurt you. I will spank you.’ I said: ‘I could be the next Brad Pitt! You don’t understand.’ I had no idea. She was just scared for me because of a lack of knowledge. I did the callback and didn’t get the job. That was the day of finals. I got all zeroes and screwed up my scholarships.”

He added: “From that point on, my mom said I won’t make it. So many people said I needed a plan to fall back on. And when people tell me I can’t do something, it makes me want to do it. My mom said: ‘At least have a fallback plan and take college courses online.’ I said: ‘I don’t need a fallback plan because I’m not going to fail.’”

Lutz continued: “I got myself into acting classes, did extra work and found this passion I loved. Financially, it was tough. I was eating the dollar menu at McDonald’s for a long time. I got jobs in retail. But I view acting as a hobby. Fifty years from now, I hope I’m still acting. I won’t view ‘Twilight’ as being trademarked or stereotyped by it because we’re vampires portraying humans. But it’s a huge launching pad. It’s an actor’s dream to be a part of something so successful and have fans that are so amazing. People work 20 years to be a part of something like this.”

Lutz says he hopes this franchise can continue to ride the wave of popularity just as the Harry Potter films have.

Taylor Lautner in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Photo credit: Summit Entertainment

“They’re even making a theme park for (the Harry Potter film franchise),” Lutz said. “For us, we’re vampires who don’t age. With Harry Potter, they’re allowed to age. You grow with their characters. It’d be really tough to be in their shoes. I know they shot on location for longer periods of time than we do. It’s been a seven- to 10-year journey for them and it’s still not done. What’s amazing about our cast is we’re all of an age of knowing who we are inside and out. It keeps us very humble and down to earth. We grow and we do this magic carpet ride together. It’s nice to have someone to lean on.”

Lutz, who has been spending a lot of time working with this cast (and has but a few lines in the second film), is used to having a large family in real life, too. He now has his real family as well as his “Twilight” family.

“I definitely feel like I’m a big brother to a lot of people in life from friends to family to cast,” Lutz said. “We really are like a family on and off screen. We hang out as much as we can. As for the things we bring forward with our characters, we’re kinda like that in real life. I love my character. He’s the protector. When people get too close, it brings out that side in me.”

Though it’s not commonly known, Lutz was actually initially asked to read for the part of the more well-known Edward Cullen, which went to the much more well-known Robert Pattinson. But Lutz claims he’s happy with how things played out.

Kellan Lutz (left) as Emmett Cullen and Nikki Reed as Rosalie Hale in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Photo credit: Summit Entertainment

“I had just got done playing a marine and being in Africa and killing people for (the TV mini-series) ‘Generation Kill’. Seeing the poverty that’s in Africa was depressing. Being away from my family, friends and my dog, I really just wanted to take a break from acting and resituate my life,” Lutz said. “They brought me the script and I kept on passing for Edward. He was so depressing. Then I thought: ‘What about Emmett?’ He’s easy, fun-loving, big and brawly and a cool guy. I auditioned for that and luckily got it.”

While Lutz continued to discuss his love for Emmett without remorse for not getting Edward, he did speak of the clear benefits of being a lead over a supporting character.

“Obviously I’d love to be a lead in anything. You do get more time to develop your character and make great scenes. But I also love being a part of a scene in the background and reacting. Most people don’t realize you need to be on your game whenever you’re in a scene – even when you don’t have lines. I pay attention to extras a lot. You can see the ones who are really in the moment versus the ones who are (indicating).”

For the third film, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” (which recently finished filming and is directed by David Slade), Lutz says Slade said: “I know there are some big scenes and some people don’t have lines, but it’s very important to still be a part of it.”

RELATED IMAGE GALLERIES
View our exclusive Kellan Lutz portraits.

View our 35-image, high-resolution “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” image gallery.

RELATED READING
Read our comprehensive “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” coverage.

Read our comprehensive “Twilight” coverage.

Read film reviews from critic Adam Fendelman.

Lutz added: “I believe that 100 percent of the time. If someone drops a bowl and no one reacts, it takes away from the dramatic bowl breaking. But if you’re genuinely in the scene, it gives the scene so much more life. It’s great to be (a supporting character) knowing you’re making a scene better by being a part of it. It’s such an ensemble cast. Yeah, you have these three [Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner] being the faces, but you couldn’t make these movies without all of the characters.”

Lutz says his direction from Catherine Hardwicke in the first film to Chris Weitz in the second wasn’t too different.

“Both books are different. The tones are completely different. As far as vibe goes, Catherine’s film felt more independent. Energy wise, she’s so out there. She’d say: ‘We need clouds. Come on, extras!’ On set, a lot of times it’s ‘hurry up and wait’. And you wait. And you wait. And you shoot for 20 minutes and then wait 2 more hours to set up the new shot. With Catherine, there never was downtime.”

Lutz added: “With Chris, there was a huge weight off our shoulders because the fans supported us so much the first time. We knew we did it justice. We were all at ease. We had fun with our characters and explored them more. Chris was so well-organized. If we had questions as actors, he had all the answers.”

On set and off, Lutz describes himself as a “chameleon” who’s able to blend appropriately into any situation. He concluded: “There’s a lot of Kellan in Emmett already. I live such a happy life. I try to live a stress-free life. It’s fun playing a character who’s so close to home.”

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” sequel, which was written by Melissa Rosenberg based on the novel by Stephenie Meyer, features Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Ashley Greene, Michael Sheen, Bronson Pelletier, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, Anna Kendrick and Billy Burke. The film is rated “PG-13” for some violence and action. It has a running time of 130 minutes and opens everywhere on Nov. 20, 2009.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Exclusive Portraits: Kellan Lutz of ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ in Chicago

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:25:05 -0700

CHICAGO – This two-image slideshow contains our exclusive Chicago photography of actor Kellan Lutz, who stars as Emmett Cullen in the highly anticipated “Twilight” sequel “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” which hits theaters on Nov. 20, 2009.

Kellan Lutz also appeared as Emmett Cullen in the 2008 box-office sensation “Twilight”. He will also play the same character for the third film in the franchise, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” which is slated to open on June 30, 2010. Kellan Lutz was also in Chicago to film “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” which is scheduled for its theatrical release on April 30, 2010.

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed and Bronson Pelletier from director Chris Weitz. The synopsis for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” follows.

In “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). But her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves (ancestral enemies of the vampires) and finds her loyalties tested.

Stay tuned for a full interview with Kellan Lutz! You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos are credited to and copyrighted by Adam Fendelman of HollywoodChicago.com. All rights reserved.

1:27 p.m. update on Nov. 11, 2009: Want to see “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene back in Chicago with your own eyes? You can! We have the following confirmed local appearance information.

Ashley Greene will be at the Hollywood Blvd. Cinema in Woodridge, Ill. on Nov. 20, 2009 from 4 to 9 p.m. She’ll also be at the Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville, Ill. on Nov. 21, 2009 from 11 a.m. to to 3:30 p.m. and again on Nov. 22, 2009 from noon until 6 p.m.

Kellan Lutz will be at the Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville, Ill. on Nov. 20, 2009 from 4 to 10 p.m. He’ll also be at the Hollywood Blvd. Cinema in Woodridge, Ill. on Nov. 21, 2009 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and again on Nov. 22, 2009 from noon until 6 p.m.

kellanlutz1: Kellan Lutz, who plays Emmett Cullen in “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” in Chicago on Nov. 11, 2009.
kellanlutz2: Kellan Lutz, who plays Emmett Cullen in “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” in Chicago on Nov. 11, 2009.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 35-Image Gallery For ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ Starring Robert Pattinson

BrianTT — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:10:16 -0700

CHICAGO – This 35-image slideshow contains all of the official press images for the highly anticipated “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Rachelle Lefevre, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone, Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning. The film was adapted by Melissa Rosenberg from the book by Stephenie Meyer and directed by Chris Weitz. It will be released on November 20th, 2009.

Synopsis: “In The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves, ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested.”

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos courtesy of Summit Pictures and stills are credited to Kimberley French. All Rights Reserved.

New_Moon_01: (Left to right) Robert Pattinson stars as Edward Cullen, Kristen Stewart stars as Bella Swan, and Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_02: Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson star in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_03: Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson star in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_04: Kristen Stewart stars as Bella Swan and Robert Pattinson stars as Edward Cullen in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_05: Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart star in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_06: Kristen Stewart stars as Bella Swan and Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: New Moon..
New_Moon_07: Kristen Stewart and Edi Gathegi star in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_08: (Left to right) Ashley Greene stars as Alice Cullen and Kristen Stewart stars as Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_09: (Left to right) Peter Facinelli and Kristen Stewart star in The Twilight Saga: New Moon
New_Moon_10: Kristen Stewart stars as Bella and Billy Burke stars as her father Charlie Swan in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_11: (Left to right) Kellan Lutz stars as Emmett Cullen, Nikki Reed stars as Rosalie Hale, Jackson Rathbone stars as Jasper Hale, Elizabeth Reaser stars as Esme Cullen and Peter Facinelli stars as Dr. Carlisle Cullen.
New_Moon_12: (Left to right) Justin Chon stars as Eric, Michael Welch stars as Mike, Anna Kendrick stars as Jessica and Christian Serratos stars as Angela in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_13: (Left to right) Alex Meraz stars as Paul, Kiowa Gordon stars as Embry Call, Chaske Spencer stars as Sam Uley, Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black and Bronson Petteltier stars as Jared in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_14: (Left to right) Alex Meraz stars as Paul, Kiowa Gordon stars as Embry Call and Chaske Spencer stars as Sam Uley in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_15: (Left to right) Jackson Rathbone stars as Jasper Hale, Ashley Greene stars as Alice Cullen, Kellan Lutz stars as Emmett Cullen, Robert Pattinson stars as Edward Cullen and Nikki Reed stars as Rosalie Hale in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_16: Kristen Stewart stars as Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_17: Taylor Lautner stars as Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_18: Ashley Greene stars as Alice Cullen in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_19: (Left to right) Kellan Lutz stars as Emmett Cullen and Nikki Reed stars as Rosalie Hale in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_20: Dakota Fanning stars as Jane in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_21: Michael Sheen stars as Aro in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_22: (Left to right) Michael Sheen as Aro, Jamie Campbell Bower as Caius, and Cameron Bright as Alec star in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_23: (Left to right) Charlie Bewley as Demetri and Daniel Cudmore as Felix in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_24: (Left to right) Kristen Stewart, Director Chris Weitz, 1st AD Mike Topoozian and Make-up artist Robin Matthews on the set of The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_25: Chris Weitz directs The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_26: The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Credit: James White.
New_Moon_27: The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Credit: James White.
New_Moon_28: The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Credit: James White.
New_Moon_29: Taylor Lautner stars in The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_30: (Left to right) Director Chris Weitz and actors Ashley Greene, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner on the set of The Twilight Saga: New Moon.
New_Moon_31: The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Credit: James White.
New_Moon_32: The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Credit: James White.
New_Moon_33: The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Credit: James White.
New_Moon_34: The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Credit: Kimberley French.
New_Moon_35: Alex Meraz as Paul, Chaske Spencer as Sam Uley, Bronson Pelletier as Jared and Kiowa Gordon as Embry Call are the Quileute Wolf Pack in Summit Entertainment’s The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Credit: James White

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Fans Get Chance to Meet Cast of ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’

BrianTT — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:10:39 -0600

CHICAGO – “Twilight” fans will get the chance to meet the cast when they go on a 15-city tour this November. The tour kicks off in Los Angeles, CA at the Hollywood & Highland Center on November 6, where fans will be treated to a performance by several bands featured on the “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” soundtrack. Bands like Death Cab for Cutie, Anya Marina, Sea Wolf, and Band of Skulls are scheduled to perform. Those in attendance can also attend a Question & Answers forum with many of the cast from the film.

At each location fans will be able to participate in activities and prize giveaways. Each stop will include the Question & Answer forum and select cities will be treated to special performances from artists featured on the “New Moon” soundtrack. For those with a VIP credential on Halloween will have access to a special event with select cast members at their city’s mall.

For a chance to register for the meet and greet, visit Hot Topic o select Nordstrom stores at 8am on October 31 at the mall that’s participating in this event. You will be given access to come back to meet select cast members at that same mall on your assigned scheduled date and time. The VIP credentials are limited and will be on a first come, first served basis to those making a qualifying purchase.

For additional information, visit Hot Topic and Nordstrom websites for more details on how to get your hands on a VIP access to meet the cast of “Twilight”. The tour starts November 6 and runs through November 19. Exact cast members will be subject to availability and will vary from place to place.

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” cast tour mall locations:

November 6 – Hollywood & Highland Center (Los Angeles, CA) *
November 8 – Park Meadows (Denver, CO)
November 9 – Natick Collection (Boston, MA) *
November 9 – Fox Valley Mall (Chicago, IL) *
November 9 – Fair Oaks Mall (Washington, DC)
November 10 – Houston Galleria (Houston, TX)
November 11 – Mall of America (Minneapolis, MN) *
November 11 – Cherry Hill Mall (Philadelphia, PA) *
November 11 – Stonestown Galleria (San Francisco, CA)
November 12 – Mall of Georgia (Atlanta, GA)
November 12 – Westfield Southcenter (Seattle, WA) *
November 13 – Dadeland Mall (Miami, FL)
November 13 – Scottsdale Fashion Square (Phoenix, AZ)
November 14 – Fashion Place (Salt Lake City, UT) *
November 19 - Times Square (New York, NY)

* Denotes a performance by a band featured on the “New Moon” soundtrack.

Read about Death Cab For Cutie’s “Meet Me on the Equinox”.
Read about Michael Sheen joining “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about the teaser poster for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about Dakota Fanning in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about Bronson Pelletier in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read our story about the release date of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
Read about the new name and logo for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
Read our story about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read our story about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By ANGIE RENTMEESTER
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com

‘New Legend’ TV Spot Airs For ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:26:16 -0600

CHICAGO – A new TV spot has aired for the highly anticipated “Twilight” sequel “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”. The TV spot is called “New Legend” and has this sell line: “When forever ends, a new legend begins.”

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed and Bronson Pelletier from director Chris Weitz. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is slated to hit theaters on Nov. 20, 2009. The new TV spot can be watched now below!

Here’s the plot description for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” from Summit Entertainment:

In the second installment of Stephenie Meyers phenomenally successful “Twilight” series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.

Following Bella’s ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and his family abandon the town of Forks, Wash. in an effort to protect her from the dangers inherent in their world. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year of high school – numb and alone – she discovers that Edward’s image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. Her desire to be with him at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks.

With the help of her childhood friend, Jacon Black (Taylor Lautner), Bella refurbishes an old motorbike to carry her on her adventures. Bella’s frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob – a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe – who has a supernatural secret of his own.

When a chance encounter brings Bella face to face with a former nemesis, only the intervention of a pack of supernaturally large wolves saves her from a grisly fate. The encounter makes it frighteningly clear that Bella is still in grave danger. In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward’s true motivation for leaving her.

She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she’d hoped for. With more of the passion, action and suspense that made “Twilight” a worldwide phenomenon, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is a spellbinding follow-up film to the box-office hit.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ Offering Free Clip on iTunes

BrianTT — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:50:46 -0600

CHICAGO – iTunes has released a free clip from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” staring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart that you can download as of today, October 20th, 2009.

MTV first broke the news, announcing that fans would be able to download a clip from “New Moon,” which doesn’t hit theaters until November 20th, 2009. The scene you’ll get to watch is not an entirely new clip, but it will have an introduction from “Twilight” star Taylor Lautner.

The clip shows Bella arguing with a few guys, one of which turns into a wolf. Jacob sees this and comes to her rescue, by turning into a wolf.

The clip is completely free, so head to iTunes to snag your own copy via iTunes.com in the “Twilight portal.” Also available on iTunes is “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” soundtrack that was just released today, October 20th, 2009.

“Twilight,” which stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Ashley Greene and Taylor Lautner from director Catherine Hardwicke, has grossed $178 million domestically. This has put the “New Moon” sequel into production immediately with a November release and adaptations of Stephenie Meyer’s sequels “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn” announced.

By ANGIE RENTMEESTER
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com

Three New Character Posters Revealed For ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:09:37 -0600

CHICAGO – Three new character posters have just been released for the highly anticipated “Twilight” sequel “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.

The film stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed and Bronson Pelletier from director Chris Weitz. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is slated to hit theaters on Nov. 20, 2009.

Each of the three new posters focuses on a major clan - the Cullen family, the Volturi coven and the Wolf Pack – that all play an important role in the film.

The poster with the Cullens has Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart) front and center. The poster with the Volturis has Jane (Dakota Fanning) with Aro (Michael Sheen) behind her. The poster with the Wolf Pack features Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) in the front.

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual images with the captioned links below. Copyrights for all images go to Summit Entertainment.

newmoonposter1.jpg: The new character poster for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” with the Cullen family.
newmoonposter2.jpg: The new character poster for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” with the Wolf Pack.
newmoonposter3.jpg: The new character poster for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” with the Volturi coven.

Here’s the plot description for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” from Summit Entertainment:

In the second installment of Stephenie Meyers phenomenally successful “Twilight” series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.

Following Bella’s ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and his family abandon the town of Forks, Wash. in an effort to protect her from the dangers inherent in their world. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year of high school – numb and alone – she discovers that Edward’s image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. Her desire to be with him at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks.

With the help of her childhood friend, Jacon Black (Taylor Lautner), Bella refurbishes an old motorbike to carry her on her adventures. Bella’s frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob – a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe – who has a supernatural secret of his own.

When a chance encounter brings Bella face to face with a former nemesis, only the intervention of a pack of supernaturally large wolves saves her from a grisly fate. The encounter makes it frighteningly clear that Bella is still in grave danger. In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward’s true motivation for leaving her.

She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she’d hoped for. With more of the passion, action and suspense that made “Twilight” a worldwide phenomenon, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is a spellbinding follow-up film to the box-office hit.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

HD Version of Third Official ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ Trailer With Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:28:21 -0600

CHICAGO – Did you think we’d just leave you watching that leaked version of the third “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” trailer two days ago in crappy quality? No way, kind sirs and maams! We just got our hands on the HD version and it’s below for your viewing pleasure now!

This HD version of the new “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” trailer was aired on Sept. 13, 2009 at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. You can also watch this trailer in full-screen mode by clicking the little button on the lower-right corner of the HollywoodChicago.com video player player.

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed and Bronson Pelletier from director Chris Weitz. “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is slated to hit theaters on Nov. 20, 2009.

Here’s the plot description for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” from Summit Entertainment:

In the second installment of Stephenie Meyers phenomenally successful “Twilight” series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.

Following Bella’s ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and his family abandon the town of Forks, Wash. in an effort to protect her from the dangers inherent in their world. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year of high school – numb and alone – she discovers that Edward’s image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. Her desire to be with him at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks.

With the help of her childhood friend, Jacon Black (Taylor Lautner), Bella refurbishes an old motorbike to carry her on her adventures. Bella’s frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob – a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe – who has a supernatural secret of his own.

When a chance encounter brings Bella face to face with a former nemesis, only the intervention of a pack of supernaturally large wolves saves her from a grisly fate. The encounter makes it frighteningly clear that Bella is still in grave danger. In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward’s true motivation for leaving her.

She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she’d hoped for. With more of the passion, action and suspense that made “Twilight” a worldwide phenomenon, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is a spellbinding follow-up film to the box-office hit.

The official poster for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Image credit: Summit Entertainment

Read about Robert Pattinson being hit by a New York City cab.
Read about Michael Sheen joining “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about the teaser poster for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about Dakota Fanning in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about DVD release parties for “Twilight”.
Learn how to win a walk-on part in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about Bronson Pelletier in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read our story about the release date of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.
Read about the new name and logo for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Read about why Catherine Hardwicke left the “Twilight” franchise.
Read our story about AnnaLynne McCord auditioning for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Dakota Fanning talking about “New Moon”.
Read our story about the open casting call for “New Moon”.
Read our story about Lucy Hale auditioning for “New Moon”.
See our 2009 Summit release slideshow with “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Video: New Official ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ Trailer Leaks With Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:59:12 -0600

CHICAGO – A new official trailer has leaked for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” with Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner! Don’t delay another second. Watch it now on HollywoodChicago.com!

Here’s the plot description for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” from Summit Entertainment:

In the second installment of Stephenie Meyers phenomenally successful “Twilight” series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.

Following Bella’s ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and his family abandon the town of Forks, Wash. in an effort to protect her from the dangers inherent in their world. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year of high school – numb and alone – she discovers that Edward’s image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. Her desire to be with him at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks.

With the help of her childhood friend, Jacon Black (Taylor Lautner), Bella refurbishes an old motorbike to carry her on her adventures. Bella’s frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob – a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe – who has a supernatural secret of his own.

When a chance encounter brings Bella face to face with a former nemesis, only the intervention of a pack of supernaturally large wolves saves her from a grisly fate. The encounter makes it frighteningly clear that Bella is still in grave danger. In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward’s true motivation for leaving her.

She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she’d hoped for. With more of the passion, action and suspense that made “Twilight” a worldwide phenomenon, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” is a spellbinding follow-up film to the box-office hit.

The official poster for “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”.
Image credit: Summit Entertainment

Sept. 14, 2009 update: This trailer has now been released in HD! Watch it now here!

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com