MOVIE REVIEW ... THE TWILIGHT SAGA - NEW MOON

MOVIE REVIEW ... THE TWILIGHT SAGA - NEW MOON

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Shakespeare must be flushed with praise. Since Romeo and Juliet's release, his influential work has seen literally hundreds of interpretations. The Twilight series has been the latest with its tale of forbidden love between two people of opposing tribes garnering massive audiences. Chapter Two in the Twilight quartet, New Moon further stretches the formula giving a new spin on the Bard's words. Still loving Bella (Kristen Stewart) with fervour, young vampire Edward (Robert Pattinson) wonders how long it can last. An answer arrives upon her 18th birthday when she is attacked by his brother. Shocked by this, Edward calls off the romance and flees. Broken-hearted by his departure Bella finds solace in the arms of Jacob (Taylor Lautner) who is part of a werewolf tribe. While she falls for his charms, a grave action by Edward puts her love in perspective as she races to save his life before an army of Italian vampires seek to destroy their undying love. No matter what this reviewer says fans will flock to New Moon with abandon. Never mind the risible dialogue and some pretty weak acting, as long as the merchandising bonanza and tickets continue to sell there'll be no stopping this franchise. That probably sounds harsh, although it amazes how such a hollow series has become a mega-hit. Like its predecessor New Moon contains very little passionate romance with smouldering looks and teen angst replacing genuine emotion. Excuse the pun but you'd expect more life in a tale containing vampires and werewolves rather than the earnest self-consciousness provided. Despite those faults New Moon's strength lies in its characterisation. Taylor Lautner is the main beneficiary with his role as Jacob well developed. Jacob's delight in a new love and anguish at an ancient curse are well documented and his scenes enliven a rather crude narrative. There's nothing restrained about Chris Weitz's direction as every plot point is telegraphed with a thin story-line wilting under the film's overlong running time. The action sequences and CGI are expertly crafted although they add little substance in what is an overall basic package. Serviceable without being remarkable, New Moon offers definitive proof you can make much from very little. Whilst having a more involving story than the first, New Moon fails to discard the spectre of the commercial money-making engine behind its character's love-lorn tribulations. Movie Review Rating 5 / 10 Movie Review by Patrick Moore New Moon released in Australia on Thursday 20th November 2009. If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review New Moon Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia. Official HomePage click HERE