Forbidden to remember, terrified to forget
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By Staci Reafsnyder | Entertainment Editor
Romeo and Juliet meet Edward Cullen and Bella Swan.
The two star-crossed lovers tale continues in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” as perils test their relationship. An incident at Bella’s 18th birthday leaves Edward thinking if what he is really doing is protecting her from what he is—a vampire.
As the story unfolded on the screen, it felt like the pages of the book were turning in front of me, enhancing the emotions that had been felt when I’d read the crushing love story of Bella and Edward… as well as what evolved into a love triangle with Jacob Black.
Edward is gone, having convinced Bella that he had never wanted her in the first place, leaving Bella alone and unprotected. And Jacob is the one person that she can turn to and the only one that seems to fill the void in her heart that Edward left.
Kristen Stewart brought a different Bella Swan to the screen than what was seen in the previous film “Twilight.” Her vulnerability, depression and eagerness to see Edward in her visions is compelling.
Jacob (Taylor Lautner) has changed from a scrawny Indian boy to one of height and muscle. He is the only shoulder Bella has to cry on, and the only one that Bella can confide in. The relationship that unfolds between them leaves one wondering what will happen with them. But, the thought of saying goodbye to Edward, for good, is something that Bella can’t do.
Robert Pattinson’s interpretation of Edward Cullen in “New Moon” is not the same light hearted, inside-joke Cullen that “Twilight” portrayed him as. His face is continually distorted, as if he were in pain every waking moment he is with Bella. When he kisses her you can hear, and see him resisting the urge to do more.
But, there was always that compelling feeling in “New Moon;” that Edward would never return, and Bella would pick the second best thing. One disappointment was The Volturi. In the movie trailers, it was the most hyped scene, the crushing moment and the climax of the movie, but really, it wasn’t what it was said to be. Intensity was missing and it could’ve been dealt with in a different way.
Overall, this movie was enjoyable, classic and worth seeing. It shows Bella, Edward and Jacob in their worst moments of their lives. Stephenie Meyer’s gripping tale of two lovers from different worlds leaves fans on the edge of their seats ready for more; ready for the next film, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” said to be released in June of 2010.
