The Twilight Saga: New Moon Movie Review

I just got back from seeing New Moon!  I am not fond of how the books are written, but fell in love with the story.  I watched Twilight and really loved the esoteric ambiance and level of feeling it brought out in me, so I looked forward to seeing New Moon.  However, I did not have fangirl expectations or a critics eye, as I accept the story for what it is...Edward and Bella's story.

I am sad to say that New Moon disappointed.  I don't know if it's because of the new director or the rush to finish the movie but I found the story dragged excessively and lacked the ambiance of the first one.  I loved that they included poetry and poetical sense, but it was inconsistent and several times I felt the music didn't fit the tone of what was happening. (Where was that beautiful score of the first movie???) The actors all seemed to take a long time to get their lines out...which added to the "dragginess" of the movie.  By the time we get to the wolves, and then Volturi I found myself relieved that the movie was progressing onward...finally.  Although it was nice to see the relationship between Jacob and Bella develop, that area just dragged. (Actually, the movie dragged before then).  A combination of lingering meaningless camera shots and uneventful dialog.  I loved the interaction of the pack, it was livelier.

Overall the movie overdosed in unnecessary slo-mo filming (which coincides with the overall slow pace of the movie); and it seems the director didn't really understand the esoteric fell of the movie, particularly in the use of lingering camera shots...which should be used to allow the audience to reflect on what's happening WHEN THERE ACTUALLY IS SOMETHING HAPPENING (emotionally or otherwise).  

The way the months Bella endures in grief after Edward's departure was reminiscent of the new Pride and Prejudice breakup scene, which I liked...it shows the depth of the grief in a speedy way.

I did not like the way the movie ended.  It would have been more of a cliff hanger if Bella had answered, "I can't!" before end credits began rolling.  As it is now, the audience has no reason to believe she won't marry him and live happily ever after.  She got everything she wanted, what more is there to say?  Why are there two more books on the subject?  (This is one of several examples where this movie relies heavily on the fact that the audience has read the books; which I felt took something away from the movie).

My sister wants me to go with her tomorrow to see it, which I will, as I find a 2nd and sometimes 3rd viewing amends or deepens my first opinion.  Maybe I just saw it in a certain mood?  I think, though, I would have to be depressed myself- and moving in slo-mo -before I thought this movie didn't move like molasses on a cold day.  And I miss emotional connection to the characters.  New Director?
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