5 reasons

Five reasons New Moon is good.

5 Reasons New Moon Is Good: A Follow-Up

Last April, while New Moon was in production, I gave you five reasons why I thought the movie could be good. I think the sequel is better than Twilight, whichmany of you agree with, but let's get back to my five April theories — does New Moon fulfill them all? 

A Freer Adaptation of the Book

The April observation: Things like casting a younger Caius and rumblings of a larger Edward presencegave me hope that New Moon's less literal adaptation would improve the sequel.

The verdict: There's enough closeness to the book to satisfy the fangirl in me, but Weitz smartly cut unnecessary scenes from the book, like Edward and Bella's extended post-Volturi discussions. Instead, Weitz ends the film with a cliffhanger. 

Two Words: Wolf Pack

The April observation: The first shots of the wolf pack were hot, hot, hot — there was no way they'd disappoint.

The verdict: The key part of the wolf pack, not seen here, is Jacob — and he made the movie for me. Some eye candy from Jacob and his pack while Edward was away made this movie a visual feast, and none of the wolves come close to touching Jacob's fine form (except for maybe Alex Meraz's Paul).  

Cool Special Effects

The April observation: I was encouraged by Chris Weitz taking over as director, especially with hisGolden Compass cred under his belt.

The verdict: One of the places where New Moonsmokes Twilight is in special effects, thanks to the capable director. The quick movements of the vampires that were silly in the first movie looked great in the second (though let's face it, nothing is going to ever make sparkling look realistic). And Weitz was up to the CGI wolf challenge; the transformations are smooth, and the wolves themselves look amazing.  

It Might Be Scary

The April observation: At the time, there was news of a demonic dream sequence, which made me think the movie had a chance to have more horror elements.

The verdict: That dream sequence was apparently cut, but the Volturi clan provides more than their share of creepy, slaughtering vamps and humans alike. I also got goosebumps when a swimming Victoria hunts Bella after she's gone cliff-diving. 

Quality Casting

The April observation: Casting respected thespians like Michael Sheen and experienced ones like Dakota Fanning got me excited for New Moon.

The verdict: Sheen and Fanning are perfect in their Volturi roles, which could have been laughable. In addition, I think the acting level in general is better inNew Moon.  

Aaand . . .

Another place New Moon succeeds, that I couldn't know in April? It's funny! (And intentionally so.) Weitz translates this super awkward scene into a funny one, and Anna Kendrick pulls out a few laughs from a mostly boring character.

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xoxo

Carrie