New Moon Review: Twi Harder

As the much anticipated movie New Moon made its debut on Nov. 20, werewolves and vampires elicited not horrified screams, but hormonal ones.     Having already set a record of $26.3 million in North American midnight showings, beating out the record set by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince­, New Moon shows undeniable promise in topping the box offices.

The film is projected to gross over $110 million this weekend.  These astoundingly high numbers, though, are no surprise due to its massive fan base that is comprised of teenage girls and Twihards alike.  At a school like Presentation where the boy-deprived dwell, it is not uncommon to hear the words “Taylor Lautner” followed by the phrase “I LOVE HIS ABS!” and it is no wonder that New Moon has been the talk of the town.  However, without its massive fan base and attractive actors, New Moon is nothing extraordinary.

The CGI effects used to create the werewolves were a tad unreal and cartoon-like, and the acting was mediocre.  Some scenes, intending to be serious, were absolutely ridiculous or cheesy to the point of hilarity.  The slow-mo’s were rather excessive because, to be honest, seeing actors Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner walk in slow motion is only entertaining after so many times.  The intently romantic gazes shared between actors and actress were somewhat awkward and again, rather humorous.  Scripting was a bit weak in some areas as the audience could not help but chuckle when Lautner, as Jacob Black, threatens the vampire Alice, played by Ashley Greene, as he states “Things are about to get very ugly.”  Really now.  Very intimidating, no?  The plotline was also disappointing, but to be expected, with its rather abrupt climax and equally abrupt ending.

Though the film did have its low points, the true question is whether or not it catered to its target audience.  The answer is an obviously resounding yes.  Though the movie may not be up to par in regards to movie and acting quality, it brings to the table what is expected.  For the fans of Pattinson and especially Lautner, New Moon is an enjoyable addition to the Twilight saga as evident in the repetitive squealing heard within the theatre every time Lautner appeared shirtless.

Overall, the movie’s appeal depends on what you are looking for.  If you’re interested in a movie with quality plot and acting, New Moon may fail to reach your standards.  However, whether you support Team Edward, Team Jacob, or even Team Volturi, for all you Twihards out there, New Moon is the perfect dose of vampire and werewolf to satisfy your thirst for the Twilight saga.