Sasha Summers

My daughters and I went to the midnight premiere of the Twilight Sagas ‘Eclipse’ last night.
Granted, the Twilight Saga films aren’t great films. They’re simply capitalizing on a fantastically successful young adult book series, of which I’m a fan. And so far the films have been acceptable, but not really ‘on the mark’.
‘Eclipse’ was very faithful to the novel. Sure, some alterations were made – books have to be streamlined to fit into a two hour format. Especially when the novel is over 600 pages long.
For the first time, the three title characters were allowed to act. The scenes were sustained for conversations versus loaded episodic snippets. Characters were more fully developed – with Jacob receiving the best one liners and a likable persona that made even die hard Team Edwards rethink their stand.
But, the story is set and we all know Bella and Edward end up together.’Eclipse’ finally injects Edward with the heart and rationale that makes all of us Team Edward so devoted. He really lives (if a vampire is alive?) for Bella – all he wants is her happiness. If she chooses Jacob, he’ll accept it – because he wants her happiness more than anything else.
And of course, he’s really pretty too .
The action was intense.
Victoria returned as a stronger, more ‘vulnerable’ character (of which was hinted in the initial films closing scene) that uses her huge eyes as a means to control Riley and build a fearsome, mostly faceless, army of newborn vampires. The character, Bree, added a sadness that was more disturbing than the book – humanizing her and making her death the most upsetting of the film.
The film as whole was better. More cohesive and character based. And the acting was improved.
My thirteen year old, a more devoted Jacob gal would be hard to find, was reduced to tears when Jacob is injured in the final ten minutes. And he and Bella’s final scene showcased the burgeoning acting abilities of a young man so far hailed as the ab-man. I’m excited to see his acting develop, versus his physique, in years to come. I think this young man has real potential and will survive beyond the Twilight fever.
Bella and Edward are great together – K. Stewart was better (possibly because she didn’t mess with her hair?), though not really more likable. Edward inspired empathy, even my Team Jacob daughter didn’t despise him, or not as much, afterwards. I think RPatz (as he’s known by his teen fans) has potential too – but hopefully his next vehicle will involve less brooding – though he does it so well.
I look forward to the final films. If you’re a Twilight Saga fan, you won’t be disappointed.
‘Eclipse’ is good fun and, if you accept these films for what they are, highly enjoyable cinema eye candy.
4 Stars!

A Sasha’s Picks Review: 1-5 Star Ratings System
1 Star – Walk Away
2 Stars – Somethings Not Right
3 Stars – Not Too Bad… But
4 Stars – Worth Your Time
5 Stars – Don’t Miss This!!!

This entry was posted on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 5:37 PM and is filed under Movies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.