New Moon: A Fan's Perspective

Rating: 6/10 (24 November 2009)

I have read the whole Twilight Saga, and consider myself a moderate fan. (I don't wear Team Edward/Team Jacob garb, but I truly enjoyed the story even though I'm almost thirty years old.) The "Twilight" movie left a lot to be desired -- namely poor acting from the female lead, Bella (Kristen Stewart) -- but because I enjoyed the second novel more than the first, I expected much more emotion and action in the "New Moon" film.
My expectations were too high.
In "New Moon", I feel several things were lacking. First, there weren't enough scenes with Jacob to accurately portray the friendship. In the novel, Bella spends lots of time with Jacob, telling him repeatedly that she only wants friendship... But the two become very close, and he continues to pine for her even though he knows where she stands. Because the scenes between the two of them were so limited, the movie portrays Bella as a misleading tramp who loves Jacob only until Edward comes back... If they had spent more time together in the movie as friends, the movie would have been more accurate in showing a deep friendship, rather than a rebound relationship.
I also feel there are far too few scenes with the werewolves. They are an integral part of "New Moon", but the movie seems to follow the bittersweet romance of Bella and Edward exclusively. There isn't enough tribute to the remaining cast, including the Volturi.
The filmography was well done, the soundtrack was fitting, and I enjoyed the movie overall. I just feel like the perspective was off. I'm hoping "Eclipse" makes up for the first two let-downs.