Review for The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Embracing the Romeo and Juliet angle of the series even more overtly than the first film, New Moon may have less Edward than the previous instalment, but it also has a better director. Sure, the budget being doubled certainly helps, and there are more gleaming torso shots than a Matthew McConaughey hosted beach party, but this will please fans of the series no-end. Improved effects, assured direction and a much more confident performance from Pattinson also add to the positive side. But, for non-fans at least, there may be some moments that are just too cheesey.

Bella and Edward are living in angst-ridden bliss, until Bella accidently cuts herself at a dinner being hosted by the Cullen's. Once the red stuff starts seeping out, instinct kicks in and Jasper goes for the jugular. Worried that some members of the family won't be able to control themselves, Edward tells Bella that they're leaving Forks, and never returning. Heartbroken, Bella takes to semi-shacking up with younger man, Jacob (who has seemingly spent the gap between films bench-pressing pick-up trucks) and also becomes a bit of an adrenaline junkie. But a misunderstanding that may evoke tragedy will see the two reunited.

Very much a straight up sequel, director Weitz only deviates from the slightly sombre tone of the first film when proceedings take a globe-hopping trip to Italy. The main difference here is that Pattinson takes a back seat to the more conventional looking Lautner - who broods his way through the film like his life depended on it. In fairness to the actor, he plays the role as written and should be commended for physically embodying the part to such an extreme level. Stewart has mastered anguished teen now at this point and it's hard to imagine anyone else as Bella.

In order to get more Pattinson in there, the filmmakers have inserts where Edward appears to Bella whenever she does something dangerous - like an angel on her shoulder. It doesn't work and feels gimmicky for the sake of including more of a popular character. Weitz flourishes more than falters, though, and shines with the more action orientated scenes.

New Moon is undoubtedly a better film than Twilight, but that doesn't mean that it will appeal to a broader audience. This is a film for the fans, and there are more than enough of them to make this another mammoth hit.

Review by Mike Sheridan