New Moon on DVD now

New Moon is the second of the vampire franchise phenomenon that is Stephanie Myers famous / infamous ‘Twlight Saga’ to hit the screens. If you haven’t heard of the films and books – where have you been? Surely even the most cynical and sceptical person must have seen the rising stars of Robert Pattinson (cant walk anywhere without being followed by hordes of teenage girls) and Kirsten Stewart the recent recipient of the BAFA rising star award.

The story for those who don’t know is a teenage vampire saga, (the one that has now launch nearly all of the others hitting our screens) Edward (Pattinson) is a vampire who falls for Bella (Stewart). Apart from the small fact of him being undead they have to overcome numerous trials in the quest for true love. In this film Edward decides to protect Bella by separating from her – which devastates her. Bella eventually though she seeks out her best friend Jacob (Lautner) to help fill her days – but Jacobs obviously smitten with her and is himself hiding a supernatural secret.

Largely a review for any Twlight film is going to be irrelevant – you will either be into the films or you wont – its kinda like Marmite. So if you are into the franchise you will love it, its got more action than the first film and although Edward is absent for a large part of the movie Weitz has cleverly inserted his image to be a guide / warning to Bella. Theres also a lot more abs on show and a lot of werewolf action that works very well.

Theres not much else to be said except I'm into the films – hence the star rating - if your not into it this might not be the best one of the franchise to start on – begin at Twilight, and as for me roll on Eclipse due in cinemas in June 2010.

Director: Chris Weitz

Cast:

Kristen Stewart – Bella Swan
Taylor Lautner – Jacob Black
Robert Pattinson – Edward Cullen
Billy Burke – Charlie Swan
Ashley Green – Alice Cullen
Anna Kendrick – Jessica

For the official website click here

Twilight out on DVD now

Based on the first of Stephanie Meyer’s best-selling series of books Twilight tells the story of Bella Swan who moves from Phoenix Arizona to Forks the rainiest place in America, to live with her father. While at school she falls for Edward Cullen, a mysterious boy who actually isn’t human, he’s a vampire, and he’s trying to resist the lure of the biggest blood temptation he’s ever known in all of his life – Bella. Unfortunately while keeping Bella safe and close he alerts another hunter vampire to her presence and the chase is then on.

I should first confess that I have read the book and am a fan (although not a fanatic) of the story. There is something about the story that is impossibly romantic and it’s easy to see what appeals to the hordes of female fans of the series. Robert Pattinson looks great as Edward the brooding, forever-young man drawn to Bella while trying to resist his vampire nature. He does look at times like he is carved from marble while he plays against the well cast Stewart as Bella.

The film is shot is a dreamlike fashion although at times the effects look strange, like when Edward is running for instance. I also think that the drama of Edward and Bella and their situation could have been played out a little more – you had no sense of time passing and the slow cautious way Edward allows her closer and closer, unlike the book. There are of course some deviations from the book – it would be impossible to film everything but there are also additions to the story, which will upset purists.

It’s good and enjoyable if you’re already a fan then this will be old news, I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone but for a bit of escapism and romance its worth a view. I’m going to give it four starts because I’m already a convert and can’t wait for the next episode in the saga.

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Cast:

Kirsten Stewart – Bella Swan
Robert Pattinson – Edward Cullen
Billy Burke – Charlie Swan
Ashley Green – Alice Cullen

For the official website click here

For more information on Stephanie Meyer and the Twilight books click here