New Moon (2009)

Directed by Chris Weitz

Starring Kirsten Stweart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Taylor Lautner, Kellan Lutz, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning

There was almost a sly smirk from His Dark Materials fans saw Chris Weitz would be directing the second Twilight film. Almost as if they wanted it to fail.

Granted Weitz's adaptation of Northern Lights was a disaster. He claims it wasn't his but the studios involvement that got the final say. So here he gets more license.

And it shows.

Bella and Edward are now a couple. But not for long as Edward realises his vampire family and he pose too much of threat to Bella. So he leaves her. And thus the months of despair begin for poor Ms Swan. Once again I have to remind myself that this is a fantasy. Or am I too skeptical for true love to occur in one so young? The first film was a love story in a semi Gothic setting. That I could buy. The continuation of how love is tested all feels too silly.

And that's where a new plot should be set up.

Where the first Twilight film went wrong, this one manages to heal the neck bite wound. Bella finds comfort in the new heart throb Jacob, a pleasantly enjoyable Taylor Launter. And not just for the abs. But of course Bella still yearns for Edward. And why shouldn't she? Despite the fact that Jacob seems nicer, not as cheesy, much better looking, much more out going and generally better in every way than...who was the other guy again?

Oh, but turns out Jacob's a werewolf. I suppose human boys are just all too...human?

Chris Weitz's take isn't to be dismissed. In fact it's an improvement on the last film. The last film was stylish, but ultimately cheap looking. Weitz has made a more wholesome film with something in it for everyone. A few action scenes, handsome guys with shirts off, Michael Sheen playing a camp villain, handsome guys with shirts off, picturesque US scenery, handsome guys with...

The Twilight saga now has a strong entry. Reinvention may actually be the major key to this series. Considering that each story is pretty much the same.

If you like this you should try

Underworld (2003) 3/5