For me, it differs between "Twilight" the books and "Twilight" the movies. In the books, I am Team Edward all the way, but in "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," I am fiercely rooting for Jacob, and it's not just because of his impressively fine physique. The on-screen relationship between the actors who play Bella and Jacob (Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner) differs quite a bit from the relationship shared by Stewart and Robert Pattinson (Edward).
The major bright spot in the movie is the 30 minutes in which Jacob befriends Bella, after discomfited Edward leaves. Their relationship was neither forced nor awkward; instead it was very natural, easy and quite pleasant to watch. Two thumbs up to Lautner for going above and beyond what was needed to play Jacob. He alone saved this movie and was the star throughout the whole thing. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for Stewart and Pattinson. Their relationship was extremely awkward and forced; I found myself quite uncomfortable throughout the scenes with Bella and Edward alone.
New director Chris Weintz did an amazing job of capturing the emotional depth of the movie as well as introducing new and grown up Jacob Black. I particularly liked the humor that showed up in many unexpected places. Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), Bella's dad, was as charming and hilarious as he was in the first "Twilight." Bella's school friends (the nonvampire and nonwerewolf ones) also played a much bigger part in the movie with great success. New introductions to the cast added a positive change to the universal cinema experience.
Although "New Moon" was unquestionably better than "Twilight," I can't help but feel a little disappointed. Everything was perfect ... except lead roles Bella and Edward, who unfortunately are what the entire Twilight Saga is about. Despite its improvements and changes, "New Moon" did not capture or comprehend the depth and beauty of the book.
Lynette Randall is a sophomore at Northridge High School. She loves river rafting, waverunning and reading. E-mail her at climber174@yahoo.com.
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