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Film Reviews The Twilight Saga: New Moon (M) 2hrs 11 Minutes Lightweight but enjoyable. In The Twilight Saga: New Moon, BELLA SWAN (Kristen Stewart) is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, EDWARD CULLEN (Robert Pattinson) but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible JACOB BLACK (Taylor Lautner). Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves, ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested.
When it was first revealed that director Catherine Hardwicke, responsible for the success of the first “Twilight” film, was going to be replaced by director Chris Weitz, many reacted unfavourably, stating “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” Although Chris Weitz did a great job with Antz and About a Boy, his other films, particularly the mediocre fantasy film “The Golden Compass” made many question whether he was the right choice for this major fantasy romance. This eagerly-awaited second instalment in the Twilight film series was under a lot of pressure to deliver what the fans of the first film and the books were hoping for, but did it? Well “New Moon” does deliver on the action. It obviously had a bigger special effects budget, with cute, rather than frightening, large CGI “puppy dog” werewolves. And more buff men ripping off their shirts to reveal their muscled bodies. However this film, although definitely enjoyable and action-packed is sadly lacking some of the most important traits of the first film. While all the Twilight actors shone in the first film, in this instalment, the way they have been directed and captured on film, has reduced them to almost single-faceted “unreal” characters with the exception of Bella and her dad, and to a lesser degree Jacob. Although the story-line for this film is action-driven, “New Moon” is also supposed a continuance of an amazing romantic connection The first film’s strong romantic sensibility (created by sensitive direction, backed up by wonderful cinematography, great music, performances by a talented cast of actors) is a major reason for the buzz created for this second film, but unfortunately “New Moon” does not deliver on the romantic level. There was no sizzle, not even a tiny spark. A few scenes which were supposed to be romantic even evoked spontaneous laughter from the audience -, definitely not a good sign. And where was “Bella’s Lullaby” or any musical connection between the score of the first film to this one? At least with the “Harry Potter”, and “Lord of the Rings”, films there was a musical thread which connected each of the films in the series together. In “Twilight”, the musical soundtrack and score were perfectly matched to the feel and imagery of the film, but in “New Moon” the music was at best inappropriate, but more often than not “clunky” and unappealing. I was waiting for the advertised Death Cab for Cuties track which would have been a musical highlight, but where was it? “Eclipse” the next instalment in the Twilight Saga will be directed by British director David Slade of “30 Days of Night” fame (a vampire horror film). Enjoyable, but lacking any real romance, and like its vampire counterpart, lacking any real soul! Two and a Half , to Three Stars
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The Invention of Lying (M) 1 hr 39 Minutes Intelligent and amusing. "The Invention of Lying" takes place in an alternate reality in which lying--even the concept of a lie--does not exist. Everyone--from politicians to advertisers to the man and woman on the street--speaks the truth and nothing but the truth with no thought of the consequences.
I did not know what to expect when I went along to this film , although I usually enjoy the warped, but pointed humour of Ricky Gervais. This film, as the title suggests, is about someone discovering “how to lie”, but it also covers the idea of religion and “the man in the sky”, the nature of truth and falsehood, friendship and love. Be warned that the early film dialogue is quite confrontational (especially for the prudish amongst us) but still very amusing. This film is not hysterically funny, but it did have great comedic moments as well as posing some very interesting theological “questions”. And Jennifer Garner does a fabulous job as the object of Mark’s affection. Lots of great cameo’s including Edward Norton who is very funny as a traffic cop. Confronting, embarrassing, amusing, with surprising depth. Three Stars |
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Becoming Jane (Now on DVD) PG (Mild Violence, mild themes, mild coarse language)
A moving story of romance, loss, and gain, through self-discovery and sacrifice.
This film is not what you expect if you are familiar with Jane Austen’s most famous novel, “Pride and Prejudice”. Life, real life, is not about fairy story endings. “Becoming Jane” recounts the story of Jane Austen’s early life, before she became the famed author - her relationships, inspiration, losses and personal integrity. Although the romantic episodes remain constrained by the conventions of the day, the passion and chemistry between the two main characters is positively sizzling. Everything about this film feels authentic, down to the very last word of old-style dialogue, etiquette and set design. This wonderful film, starring the believable and charming Anne Hathaway, and the talented and charismatic, James McAvoy, is supported by an amazing cast of actors including Julie Walters (Billy Elliot), James Cromwell (Babe, I Robot) and Maggie Smith (Harry Potter). Anyone moved by romance. and an individual’s strength to be true to themselves, will find this film an absolute delight. «««««
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TWILIGHT ( DVD) (supernatural themes & violence) M—121 minutes A modern day “Romeo and Juliet” - an impossible love story that totally satisfies! Twilight is an action-packed, modern day love story between a vampire and a human. Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) has always been a little different , never caring about fitting in with the trendy girls at her Phoenix, Arizona high school. When her mother remarries and sends Bella to live with her father in the rainy little town of Forks, Washington, she doesn't expect much of anything to change. On hearing about this teen romance/vampire film, despite being a fan of the Buffy and Angel series, it was with some trepidation that I went to view “Twilight”. However, this romantic, fantasy film, based on the book by Stephanie Meyer, Twilight doesn’t disappoint and is certainly not what you expect. Though Twilight’s script is well-written and performed, and contains a healthy dose of humour, this refreshing film doesn’t rely heavily on dialogue, but in its sensory impact. Despite Twilight’s fast-paced special effects being similar to those used in martial arts films, in all other respects, Twilight has a tremendous depth of power and feeling conveyed by its beautiful imagery and cinematography, and superb soundtrack. Kristen Stewart plays self-contained teenage girl Bella Swan and Robert Pattinson as the 108 year old “beautiful” vampire are exceptional in their lead roles, and supported by a well-chosen cast of talented actors. For those who love the music from this film there are two CD’s available—the Musical Score and the Soundtrack featuring songs by Muse, Linkin Park and actor/musician Robbie Pattinson (trained in classical guitar and piano) performing his own composition “Never Think” and playing piano on Bella’s Lullaby . Anyone who has read Stephanie Meyer’s books prior to viewing this film, as with all book to film adaptations, “Twilight” may not have lived up to your own imagination, however, for the rest of us, this film is definitely top notch. Director Catherine Hardwicke, despite doing a fine job with Twilight, the next film in this series has been given to Director of American Pie and The Golden Compass - Chris Weitz. If you want to be entertained, frightened, amused, and “fall in love”, Twilight may be just the film you are looking for! Four Stars
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