It's all about choice...

Rating: 10/10 (30 June 2010)

While Twilight was devoted to Bella & Edward, then New Moon was all about Bella & Jacob, Eclipse explores the bizarre love triangle that is Edward/Bella/Jacob. Having only shared a few scenes together in the previous films, Edward and Jacob get to share a good amount of screen time together in this one - much of which is spent up in each other's faces (apparently they're both close talkers).
Kristen Stewart continues to embody sullenness as Bella Swan. She's a perfect fit. Though at least she's not all death-wishy as she was in New Moon (and she smiles!). Jacob hits the nail on the head, though, when he tells Edward that Bella's not sure WHAT she wants. Girl cannot make up her mind, it seems, half the time. Edward himself goes to rather extreme lengths to keep Bella from seeing Jacob, while Jacob invades her personal space and takes "no" to mean "yes" in one instance (she tries to teach him a lesson, but instead she just ends up learning why you don't punch werewolves). In the tent scene, though, Edward and Jacob come to an understanding of sorts...albeit short-lived. None of the characters are saints. Each one has their faults, but at the same time, they also have their redeeming qualities. Bella, Edward and Jacob are well portrayed by Stewart, Pattinson and Lautner.
As far as the rest of the characters go...well...some actually get moments to shine in this film. Like two members of the Cullens, for example. Those Nikki Reed naysayers will hopefully be silenced by the performance she turns in as Rosalie this time around. We get her back story, and it's given as much feeling and heartbreak (and slight hints of dark humour) as it deserves. Jasper gets his origin revealed also (and at least this time he gets to do more than just look like he's perpetually holding in a fart). Both flashbacks were very well done/performed, I thought. Meanwhile, the other Cullens aren't given a lot of screen time, but what they do get will have to suffice (I'm still bitter we haven't gotten to explore Alice's background on screen. Ashley Greene is too awesome as Alice to not get her individual moment. She displays said awesomeness in the scene with Jasper showing how to fight newborns - which was enjoyable).
I was surprised by how much screen time newborn vampire Riley got. There were several cut aways to what he was up to with the vamp army - the most important one being where his relationship with Victoria was established. I never had a problem with Rachelle Lefevre as Victoria, and while it's a shame she got replaced, Bryce Dallas Howard more than makes up for it. She actually gives the role some much-needed depth (which is quite the feat, considering how briefly she appears) and shows off Victoria's manipulative side. The climactic battle between her and Edward is pretty tense, and nicely done.
The new members of Sam's cult of shirtlessness (Leah and Seth) are given very little time on screen, but the actors who play them show promise and will hopefully get more sufficient screen time in the next two films. The rest of the wolf pack get a line here and there. Jacob's dad, Billy, gets the most dialogue of all of them (courtesy of him telling an ancient Quileute legend - which becomes important towards the end of the film).
Don't feel too bad for the wolf pack, though - they get more time spent on them than Bella's human "friends" (though, as always, Anna Kendrick is the standout as Jessica). Of the four Volturi members that we see again, Dakota Fanning is the most memorable, in the role of Jane. She's at her best when enjoying the pain she inflicts on others.
Bella's mum reappears in this film, to spend some quality time with her daughter, but it's Billy Burke who continues to shine as Bella's dad, Charlie. His disapproval of Edward, favouritism towards Jacob and just general awesomeness is what makes him so great. Sadly, his equally awesome dynamic with Alice is only briefly visited (though at least we got them on screen together this time! More Charlie/Alice interaction next time, please!).
The film itself looks great. Just from the gloomy/rainy opening, you can tell this is going to be a very different from the last two. Those who need action to keep them awake should be pleased, as there's plenty of fighting/skull smashing/limb tearing going on. David Slade gives Eclipse its own unique visual style and 'feeling' that sets it apart from the previous two films. The chase scene between the Cullens and Victoria, the Cullens vs. newborns and especially the fight scene in the snow are all marvelous to watch. I also enjoyed the movie's soundtrack. Songs were very appropriately used throughout.
Eclipse might seem a bit 'slow-moving' for some people, as it spends a lot of time exploring the dynamics of the characters and delving into what makes them tick/their relationships, but at least it has heart (and humour). Bottom line is, if you hate anything to do with Twilight...then, no, this film probably isn't going to change your opinion. Do yourself a favour and go focus on something you *do* actually like instead maybe? For those of us who have read the books/enjoy the films, this is a pretty decent adaptation of the third book. Though Jacob fans might feel a bit cheated by the ending of the film. Despite that, this series continues to do a great job of managing to keep most of the important parts/elements/lines of dialogue from the books (while also filling in/expanding on other parts of the books that weren't described in as much detail). If you're a Twilight fan, and you don't go in expecting a perfect adaption, you should hopefully enjoy it. I did, and I'm choosing to remain cautiously optimistic for Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2.