REVIEW: ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’

Ahhh, “Twilight,” our modern-day version of “Romeo and Juliet.”  What could be more captivating than true love, forbidden romance and vampires?  Oh, make that werewolves, too.  I can tell you I was defiantly swept up in the love triangle in this pop culture phenomenon, the second installment of the Twilight saga, “New Moon.”
 

“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” Rated PG-13 • 130 minutes Starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Christina Jastrzembska Directed by: Chris Weitz Written By: Melissa Rosenberg (screenplay) and Stephenie Meyer (novel) RCC Rating: Worth Seeing At A Matinee

Edward and Bella together at last, truly in love and learning to control the blood/sex lust that consumes them.  ”New Moon” picks up where the first Twilight left off. Bella is finally with her beloved Edward, and getting along quite well with his family of vamps, until a paper cut sends Bella’s world spinning and her worst nightmares come true.  Jasper, Edwards’ brother, is still new to the ways of only drinking blood from animals, and the sweet, forbidden smell of human blood sends Jasper into a crazed frenzy. Edward has to fight his brother off to save the love of his life. 
 
The fight drives Edward to decide he must leave, submitting himself to the judgment of the Volturi, an ancient coven of vampires in Italy. He feels his presence is bad for Bella, and she will only get hurt if he stays.  No sooner does Edward hop a jet to Europe, when in walks the irresistible Jacob, yet another sexy bad boy who loves Bella, but this time he is a werewolf.  He has to save Bella from going insane without Edward, and of course they fall for each other. 

The plotline might be a little predictable, but the actors will have you sucked in anyway with their chemistry – and Taylor Lautner’s six pack doesn’t hurt, either. This movie will definitely have Twi-hards choosing Team Edward or Team Jacob.
 
I really enjoyed “New Moon,” but I am one of those Twi-hard fans who have read every five hundred page book cover to cover.  I love reading and watching all the vampire books and movies that have been so popular these last few years, so I might be wearing the drunk goggles.  For those who are not completely swept up in the vamp trend, I would suggest waiting to see this movie until it comes out on DVD.  The special effects are better in this second film, but not mesmerizing enough to be a “guy film.”