I’ve had a bunch of pending movie and book reviews in our cupboards. And they would probably stay there until December. Anyway, I’d start with the most recent weekender picture that we had last week at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 2 (which audio system we promote ). But before I begin, I’d like to warn you that this entry contains SPOILERS.

After a year of lull,  the bloodsuckers and the angry wolf pack are back. And, of course, the ever clumsy-yet-adorable-to-the-beasts Ms. Isabella Swan, who lingers a lot of time on screen than anybody else in this second installment of the Twilight Saga— New Moon. The theme of the film (or the novel) is all about pronounced depression. Bella‘s depression over her dearest Edward Cullen‘s breaking up with her, Jacob Black‘s depression over her “bestfriend” Bella‘s not getting over Edward, Mr. Swan‘s depression over her daughter’s grief, and Edward‘s depression over his mix-up over the phone call he had with Jacob about Bella. The last one leads to Edward‘s suicide mission before the organized royal coven, The Volturi, in Italy.

 What’s hot?

• Ladies and gentlemen who feel like ladies, New Moon boasts Jacob‘s six-pack abs and Edward‘s lower torso. The prep that the cast took for this film seemed like a hard work, especially for Taylor Lautner (Jacob), who evidently tried his best to make up for the criticisms he got from Twilight.
• The film’s generosity to indie punk tracks not only introduces and gives chances to off mainstream artists but also complements the somber effect of either the story flow or Kristen Stewart‘s (Bella) bent to a monotone acting.
• The sudden sarcasm and sweet snap by the characters that lead to unintentional humor also serve as spark plugs of the movie. The “Face Punch” cafeteria chat with Mike, Jacob‘s attempt to hold Bella’s hands, Alice‘s impromptu visit and her remarks on the “dog”, and other curtailed scenes. 
• Dakota Fanning‘s first cameo role as villain— the sadistic Jane who has the power to create illusions of pain— is a fresh take.
• Alice Cullen (my fave character), who has the enhanced speed and power to predict distant future, lightens up flat crucial scenes. Thanks to her interludes and Ashley Greene‘s whimsical acting.
• Fine, I like the hair. And only a few selected fellows could sport one.

What’s not?

• I prefer Catherine Hardwicke‘s direction for Twilight over Chris Weitz‘s for New Moon. I agree with my buddy on his “super chick flick” backtalk. The cheesy lines are a given. Even in the book. But, I think, the sappiness or cuteness of some scenes can be downplayed by how the characters deliver and execute their parts.
• The first installment has a simple fast-track yet effective editing and radical camera works. In New Moon, I’m not sure whether the dragging effect successfully evokes the characters’ desolation or preempts lack of substance.
• Personally, I didn’t feel the “adrenalin rush” that Bella always try to maneuver to see Edward again or bring him back. Again, I’m not sure if it’s because of the acting or the editing.
• I’m wondering why not all of the wolves have Jacob‘s sculpted abs. Yes, they have muscles but they also have these bulging bellies. Should they be more built up, Sam in particular, since they have been hunting longer than Jacob has?
• Jacob‘s rehearsed taking off his shirt when Bella accidentally falls off her big bike is quite hyped-up and unnecessary. I couldn’t blame my buddy for feeling really really ewwwy and commenting “kabadingan. yuck.“ But, like what I told Kat, if you dig pecs and abs, this one’s for you.

How many stars?

6.5 out of 10.

New Moon is OK. And fairytales could be real. But nothing bloody sublime about it, no offense.

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