On CLIPS In July, 2010
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE  

A vampire's revenge haunts Bella (Kristen Stewart) while she must choose between Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Jacob (Taylor Lautner).

TRIVIA: This is the first "Twilight" movie to be released in which film format?

With high school graduation approaching, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is forced to choose between her love for vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and friendship with werewolf Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). An added element of danger: revenge-seeking vampire Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard) and her army of "newborns" have set their sights on Bella. "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" is sure to please fans of the series. But for those who haven't read Stephenie Meyer's books or watched the first two movies, there is not much reason to start now. Most of the 124 min. length follows the love triangle, simmering with teen passion and anguish. Lautner spends most of his time posing for a bare-chested calendar while Pattinson channels James Dean. Even through all of her pouting, Ms. Stewart manages to display some acting talent. Still, the movie plods along until a spectacular battle injects a little excitement in the last third. Director David Slade ("Hard Candy") tries to add depth to the series with back stories on some of the Cullen family members and a short history on the vampire/werewolf rivalry. He devotes what time he can to minor characters. Dakota Fanning makes a chilling appearance as Jane, a feared member of the all-powerful Volturi royal vampire family. More of Bryce Dallas Howard would have been welcomed, but the fans crave the love story. They won't be disappointed. One side note: several songs and Howard Shore's score make "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" feel like a musical. For the non-fan moviegoer, a true blood transfusion may have helped this slightly anemic soap opera.