On CLIPS In December, 2009
The Twilight Saga: NEW MOON

The saga continues as Bella (Kristen Stewart) must chose between vampire Edward (Robert Pattinson) and werewolf Jacob (Taylor Lautner).

TRIVIA: Michael Sheen, a vampire in "New Moon", was a werewolf in which 2003 movie and its sequels?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
     (3 CAMS)        RATED PG-13

When vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) leaves town for what he thinks will protect his true love Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) from harm, she turns to reckless living and good friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Jacob also desires Bella, but he has other wolfish tendencies that get in the way. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" is a worthy sequel to "Twilight", but that doesn't make it a great film by any means. It is a B matinee movie with a more intricate romance and better effects than most in this genre, thanks to director Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass"). Unfortunately, the acting never rises above the B level. Both Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson appear to be channeling James Dean, mumbling their lines and brooding. Missing from the pair is chemistry. The remainder of the cast doesn't fare any better. Taylor Lautner and the wolf pack are shirtless for most of their screen time. "Playgirl" photographers must have been on the set. Even Michael Sheen ("Frost/Nixon") and Dakota Fanning deliver lifeless performances as Italian vampires. The werewolf segments are mostly dull, but the action picks up in Italy where the vampires inject some new blood. My wife says the movie is faithful to the book, including its cliffhanger ending. Fans will be pleased, others may be disappointed. As a vampire tale, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" doesn't quite suck. But as a werewolf thriller, it bites.