Dead acting and empty dialogue brings in the big bucks

Rating: 2/10 (3 December 2009)

Last Friday tween girls flooded movie theaters across America to catch the release of the next installment of the Twilight Saga, New Moon.
In this chapter of the series Edward, played by Robert Pattinson, breaks off his relationship with Bella, Kirsten Stewart, to protect her from himself and his vampire family. The only thing Bella can find to comfort her is seeking out danger with her childhood friend Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner, who ends up being a werewolf.
Most of the time Stewart was on screen she looked like she didn't want to be there. She couldn't seem to generate enough emotion for her part in the movie.
Pattinson followed the same suit as Stewart but he did manage to master brooding, which he appeared to do most of the little time he was on screen. Also his character was supposed to be attractive but so much makeup was put on him to stress his vampire- paleness he looked like a drug addict with good hair.
Pattinson and Stewart's characters were supposed to be passionately in love but the actors looked awkward and uncomfortable together. Their dialogue felt empty and looks that were intended to be intense and passionate seemed vacant.
Lautner played his character better; he made Jacob Black a likable person. He had some solid comedic moments but wasn't up to par in the emotional scenes.
The plot itself is not presented well. The movie is dry and slow for the most part. When an important moment does happen it is too quick and not completely explained. Someone who has not read the books might not completely understand what happened at the movie's climax or other plot turning points.
The movie itself was pretty hollow and superficial. The film is supposed to convey a great love story but it lacked meaning. It was hard to like the characters. Director, Chris Weitz, seemed to care more about putting shirtless boys on screen than character development.
The best part about the movie was its soundtrack. Every song chosen set the right tone at the right moment.
In short, if you are looking for a meaningless but flashy movie featuring vampires, werewolves and lots of shirtless boys then New Moon is for you. But if you are looking for an engaging plot and talented acting and directing then you should stay as far away from this movie as possible.