Climbing Shrimp Productions

Well I have finally seen it. Yep, I literally just walked back in from seeing one of the most talked about 'it' and 'now' films of the year, if not ever. A film and series of films that are so talked about, so discussed and loved, that even with my preconceptions and doubts, I agreed to go an watch this with my fiancée. 

Some of you know that I work in a comic book store, and for no small part that was partially the reason for me seeing this film. You see we sell Twilight merchandise, we have lots of customer who love these films and me seeing it would help with that process of selling them crap they don't really want and certainly don't need, see I am a mercenary capitalist at heart. 

I will also add that no, I have not read the books, but yes I did indeed see the first film at the cinema and partially again on DVD. Thanks once more to the fiancée. Looks, she comes and see loads of films with me that I know she doesn't want to, sometimes I have to do the same for her, I do you know, want privileges after all. 

I fully expected to loath this film, even though I didn't hate the first, weird huh. Even though I thought the first film was shot well with some good performances, that it had some redeeming qualities even if the story was not for me, I still expected to hate New Moon. The main reason being some of the awful trailers I saw for it in lead up to its release.

But guess what, and I know you saw this coming some while off. I did not hate New Moon. Hell, I think its a massive improvement over the first film.

First of all the direction is better. The film has a more accomplished feel to it, more mature and professional, though it sometimes lacks the beauty that the first had when it came to long languid shots of a New England-esque backdrop.

Secondly the lead role, Bella, played by Kirsten Stewart is... Fantastic. Again, the story is not for me, but I can still appreciate a competent and at times excellent performance. It's no surprise that Kirsten is being cast in a diverse and mature selection of films around Hollywood, if she's smart, and I think she really is, she is going to go far in the industry. She carries the film, completely. For the vast majority of the running time it is her acting, her screen presence that keeps the film moving. 

Like I said, the story might not be for me, but it fit my sensibilities a damn site better than the first. A palpable sense of threat is added in the second half as the Vampire mythology is fleshed out. Also, the addition of other monsters and a second love interest continue to add depth to the story. It felt like all the cast had grown in to there roles and the performances were considerably more natural for it.

Oh and for the guys, like me dragged along with the other half, the action is much better. Some fairly cool fights entertain in an often much more brutal way than you would suspect.

This is still the 'emo' vampire film. The focus is still on the central love interests, now with an added third wheel which makes things far more interesting. If the acting was any less accomplished the relationship scenes would be turgid, but even I was seeing things I could remember from being a teen. Like I have said before, everything feels very natural and therefore far more compelling. 

Though obviously, it's not all good news. There are still the over the top slow-mo bristling bicep shots that are utterly unjustified in the plot, but perfect for the perceived audience. Whoops of joy included (by the audience) and also accompanied by just as many growns of embarrassment in my viewing. 

I think the biggest problem with the film is it's length, the middle feels flabby and the way in which Bella goes around in circles for large parts of the film might be true to a girl in her position, but they are still tedious to watch. All of which are problems the first film suffered from in exactly the same way.

So, in summation, conclusion and now, repose, the film was not exactly enjoyable, but it was far more entertaining that the first film. With better acting, direction and action the film works way better for a mid twenties male comic book nerd than I could have ever immagined. But lets be honest, the film was never for me. The fiancée loved it, and thats what the studios want!

6/10