‘New Moon’ delivers relatable tragedy, better effects

Monday, November 23, 2009 - 10:54 PM

Captivating audiences for the second time, the “Twilight” characters have returned for the next installment of the saga with impressive acting and effects than the first could never fathom.

“New Moon” is a solid blend of elements an audience should expect from a tale about vampires, werewolves and, of course, love. It just keeps getting better. Move over, Harry Potter, a new fantasy series has arrived.

The premise is the continuation of the first film. Bella (Kristen Stewart, “Adventureland”) is faced with a break-up with her lust-hunk boyfriend (Robert Pattinson, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”) within the first 20 minutes of the film. To cope with the heartbreak, Bella assumes the position of an adrenaline junkie in an attempt to catch glimpses of her former love protecting her. Jacob (Taylor Lautner, “Cheaper by the Dozen 2”) plays the role of supportive friend. But not all is what it seems, as a possible romance may be developing between Bella and Jacob.

Despite Lautner’s perpetual shirtless-ness, and Pattinson’s poetic lines, the film was most notable for its acting and sense of tragedy – something not easy for a fantasy film to achieve when so little of it is grounded in reality.

Contrary to popular gossip, Stewart can act, and boy, can she play the depressed chick well. Watching Bella scream in the middle of the night out of loneliness is downright depressing and relatable to the core. Similarly, the other characters are stuck in miserable situations portrayed through realistic poutiness and the routine adolescent angst.

Another element that really evolved this film was the effects. With a huge budget, production was able to afford CGI and those slow motion scenes. Throw in a score that is also quite cinematic (a full orchestra) and it’s a huge spectacle.

One aspect that worked against it was time. At longer than two hours, it was a bit lengthy. I understand it’s based on a book, but some scenes were just add-ons. Besides, I’d rather see an extended scene of Lautner chopping wood with his shirt off.

“New Moon” is infested with everything people hunger for when they go see a film. Expect this franchise to stick around for a while, as “Eclipse” will be released this summer. OK, now back to knitting my Team Edward blanket.

Caitlin Thomas can be reached at arts-entertainment@nevadasagebrush.com.