If you loved the novels, you'll love the film!

Rating: 10/10 (20 November 2009)

I just read through some "professional" as well as viewer reviews and as I suspected they were mostly negative.
Well, I am going to review this film while keeping in mind who it was intended for: Teenage Girls. Now the novels happened to appeal to a much larger audience than that, which is why so many people were super-excited to see both Twilight and New Moon. That doesn't change the fact that the whole story is still intended for female teenagers.
Is it long? Yes. Is it very slow paced, with many intense emotional moments? Absolutely. The film follows the book. If Weitz had changed the story to match typical film structures or left out the readers' most favorite parts, a gazillion people would have been disappointed. I think it's better to have some old haters mock the movie than die-hard fans be disappointed. The movie is not an artistic masterpiece, but it's not supposed to be. It's not trying to win an Academy Award, so I don't judge it by comparing it to those kinds of movies.
As a fan of the series, I loved the film. Weitz did a great job turning a novel that basically describes feelings into a film that entertains every second of its two hours. Technically, Weitz far surpassed Hardwicke's Twilight as well. There was one awkward cut to Edwards face that threw me off a little, but that's nothing compared to all the technical errors in Twilight. There were several references to the first film that gave the two movies a connection. I appreciated that, especially since the director changed.
As before, the actors have a great chemistry. And especially the three Volturi and Dakota Fanning were awesome new additions. Too bad there's not enough time to properly flash out every character. Rosalie and Esme had about a line each.
One reviewer said that it is almost impossible to follow New Moon without having read all the books. That's probably true. And if you haven't read the novels, Bella's illusions and the wolves might even be comical to you. And you might roll your eyes at Jacob's nakedness even though that choice had nothing to do with wanting cause hysterics among the teenagers.
My opinion is: If you loved the novels, you'll probably love the film.