Which leads us to my inevitable disdain for these films (even thought I keep going back for more). As you probably have been able to tell from my previous reviews on these films and my befuddlement over Kristen Stewart’s casting in this series-I am not a fan. I’m going to get on my soapbox for a quick moment and lamely state that because I was enamored with this series before it gained its mass popularity, I was and am a little protective and judgmental of all the annoying”Twilighters” and the even more grating movie adaptations.

The first movie, Twilight, was horrendous. Granted, the budget did not help the movie when it came time for it to try and present the many, many supernatural elements through special effects. They didn’t have much to work with, through no fault of their own. When it came time for the second movie to roll out, New Moon, I did think that the new director, Chris Weitz, did a much better job than Catherine Hardwicke (director of the first) in terms of presenting a much more artistically driven film. He also took the time to develop and work with the actors (or so it seemed) as their fluidity onscreen had much improved from the first movie.

Now as Eclipse comes out, much sooner (7 months)  than the time from from the first film to the second (a year), it seems to hold more promise than the first two. But the big hype surrounding the third film adaptation is that industry insiders and the director (David Slade), and the actors alike said that the tone of this film was going to be much darker. And let’s be honest, when it comes to these films, a little helping of Interview with the Vampire’s rich, brooding tone would definitely help elevate these movies from schlock to pleasing. After viewing the trailer, this new darker version does not come through. What we are given are the same types of set-ups, the same blank stares from Stewart, and the same incoherent plot lines that have not transitioned from book to screen successfully.

I will say that the one promising element for Eclipse is the addition of Bryce Dallas Howard as Rachelle LeFevre’s replacement as Victoria. Though her time in the trailer is merely a split second, her presence is stirring. I am excited to see what she does with Victoria in this film, as Eclipse is the book in which the character is at its best and has its largest plot line. I think that she will infuse the character with what LeFevre never could: real terror and verve. I think her presence will be felt throughout this film, as Howard is a fine actress that I feel has not really gotten her fair shot at roles thus far.

You might think that I am being too hard on The Twilight Saga Films. Hey, if I am wrong about Eclipse, I will be the first to admit it and apologize for my snap-judgement due to the trailer. But for those of you have read the books, can you seriously say that these movies do them any justice? Sure, they are a fun read, not too deep, and delve into the melodrama and sap every once in awhile. But what works so well in Stephenie Meyer’s books does not translate well onto the screen. I don’t think that the casting of these films helped at all. The films almost take themselves too seriously, and don’t pay enough attention to the myths and legends that make vampire lore so interesting. The mythos should have been held in higher regard than the teeny-bopper romance angle when it came to these movies. Better art direction could have set a mood that would have flourished in a teen-vampire romance story.

So let’s just hope that I’m wrong and David Slade does something remarkable with this third entry. I am a little skeptical because his previous effort on the silver screen was 30 Days of Night, which I considered a clunker. Said movie was not scary in the least.

I still firmly believe that Leighton Meester should have been cast as Bella, and Taylor Kitsch for Edward. And a little Charlie Hunnam on the side as Carlisle.The only casting they got right in this film is Billy Burke as Charlie Swan;) He is right on the money.

So let’s hear it. What do you think about this third installment???? Am I going to have to eat my words? What do you think of the first two movies????

Filed under: Atrocious Acting, Commentary, Forthcoming Flicks, Romance, Vampire, silver screen by admin