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

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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.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 2.0/5.0
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.

StarRead 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.

StarContinuing 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.
(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

Anonymous's picture

I’m sorry I have to

I’m sorry I have to disagree with you. I’m a huge Twilight fan and have read the book and yes the book is way better I thought the movie was beautiful and a lot of critics are going to hate it but I really wish you guys would lay off. It’s meant to be fun and it’s not about the movie for most people this franchise is huge because of the books.

Regina G's picture

Didn't do your homework, shame on you Mr.film critic

Brian, Are you actually a film critic? I always assume critics do their homework, which you obviously did NOT!
First off the Cullens didn’t decide to leave town because they didn’t want people to find out that they weren’t aging. If you read the books you WOULD KNOW that the reason they left town was because Edward wanted to keep Bella safe!!!
He left town for her own good!!!!! Bella is in constant pain because Edward is her soulmate, her love…. losing that is very painful. If you read the books you would know how she feels,you would know that she has nightmares and feels like there is a hole in her heart!!! The Twilight series movies are definitely for fans of the book, people that GET the story.
The movie was great, Chris did an excellent job directing and the cast was amazing.
I’m sorry you didn’t like it, but maybe next time you should do your homework… Read the books- you may have a different opinion afterwards. My guess is you’ll be hooked like the rest of us!

marciaga's picture

I loved it

Brian, I do understand where you’re coming from, but personally I loved it. I agree with the commenters above. It was a nice move (heck some call it ‘great’ even) and it was more than just our love for the actors. Both movies evoke in us some feelings long forgotten, something that many haven’t even experienced in their boring and average lives, and I think this is the secret why the Twilight saga is so well received. For example I couldn’t care less about Robert Pattinson in real life, he does nothing to me at all, leaves me cold. Yet in the movie he has a charm that it’s like a distant memory of something long forgotten but great and you want it back, no matter how often you have to see the movie for it. But I digress.

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