3 reviews

Eclipse, the third movie in the Twilight Saga, sees us follow Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) as she is forced to make a decision between her love for her best friend, werewolf Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and her first love, vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).

What makes this movie different, in some ways, is that this runs alongside a very different kind of plot with a group of young vampires that threatens to destroy her already imploding world.

The movie is very well acted, with good performances from the usual cast and especially newcomer Xavier Samuel (who plays Riley); as well as the CGI being of much better quality than that of New Moon. Another plus- the pace is alot faster in comparison to New Moon, the fight scenes more attention-grabbing.

When looking at the script, it would be clear that the movie is actually extremely tense and serious, so the humour (appropriately woven through it) lifts the atmosphere- even drawing the odd laugh from the cinema; though it was not something that was included within the books specifically for that purpose.

Being a person who read the novels beforehand, the film does stay true to the books- though tweaking it here and there for cinematic effect, but not enough to irritate you. Taylor Lautner manages to transform Jacob's character from irritatingly pursuing teen to a serious contender for Bella's heart; Robert Pattinson matching him like for like and building up visible tension.

This movie is not one to be looked at for critical acclaim, so if you wish to see either a hardcore horror movie or a perfect film- go see another movie. But for a fun film- Eclipse is the way to go!

Christine;) 25 Jul 2010

Finally, the new Twilight saga film is out. This is an exciting, exhilarating film that won't allow you to take your eyes off the screen. Eclipse is much better than the other Twilight movies, because there is lots more action, rivalry, love and hatred. Also in this film there was lots of laughter.
I would rate this film with 5 stars. I really suggest that people should go and watch this amazing, sensational film.

Decadent 15 Jul 2010

Eclipse, the third movie in the Twilight saga, sees the sulky teen heroine Bella (Kirstin Swanson) about to graduate high school and making plans, which happen to revolve around one significant guy. Edward Cullen; an immortal vampire and her one true love...or so she believes. We still see her intend on becoming just like him and she’s not taking no for an answer, so much so that the date for the change is set for just after graduation. Robert Pattinson’s Edward has always done a great job in showing the conflict between his strong feelings for Bella, and doing the right thing (i.e not changing her and letting her lead a normal life) but in New Moon this resolve was clearly wavering, to the point where now she just has to marry him...

Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Edward’s fear of losing Bella was interesting to see; he can either lose her to the growing army of vampires vengefully thirsting for Bella’s blood or he could potentially lose her romantically speaking to Jacob Black, Bella’s werewolf best friend. He seems to be more bothered by the latter, the jealous tension is smoldering. As in the book, the movie depicts Jacob’s (Taylor Lautner) frustration that Bella supposedly doesn’t feel the same way about him, though she should. As he says to Edward “You have to consider the possibility that I might be better for her” Yes, she won’t have to change for him. Jacob puts his points, and lips, forward to Bella more than once and you sympathise for him, you can’t help but despite his overly burly appearance and attitude.

Interestingly, in the book Jacob’s hair is chin length which Bella likes as it reminds her of how he was before he became a werewolf, when he was just ‘her Jacob’. I think they should have used this as it would give Jacob an added dimension, as even Edward looks slightly different, more demure in Eclipse. Jacob of course, whether in the movie or book, has the underdog thing going for him; the whole Twilight concept is derived from Edward and Bella’s romance after all. So the killer question is could she really end up with Jacob?

[Warning- Spoilers might be considered to follow! -Ed.]

Having read the book beforehand, when I finally saw the movie I felt that the lead up to the climax and fight in the forest was seemingly rushed and I would have like to have seen Bella’s relationship with the Cullens displayed and played out more, like in the book. In the novel there is much more emphasis on Bella’s desire to be a Cullen, and she sleeps over more than once. If they had slowed things down more before the big fight, the reasons behind Bella’s choice making and her conflict would seem clearer. It has to be said that the director does make a few small changes here and there and I would have liked to see the earlier scenes, with the important relationship dynamics played out longer.

As for the action, when the Cullens and werewolves have to team up and fight the bad guys (and girl) that is great to watch. The characters are very fast and compelling, almost cartoonish as the super strength, which Bella so admires, is shown off! All in all, Eclipse has quite a lot to offer in the way of entertainment, and at times the movie makes almost intriguing points in regard to choices, and what to do with your life. Teens and many twenty-somethings will like it especially. Though don’t take it too seriously, just enjoy!

Venetia 11 Jul 2010