“ECLIPSE” ANOTHER WAVE OF SUPERNATURAL MELODRAMA

posted by blair on 19th, 2010

Movie review from MOVIEBEAT WITH BLAIR radio broadcast – 7/12 (on HeartBeat Radio for Women)

It’s one of the biggest film franchise to hit the box office, closely following Star Wars, Harry Potter and Star Trek.
“Twilight” brought audiences its latest bite into the ongoing love saga of Bella Swan, Edward Cullen and Jacob Black with the release of “Eclipse,” the third book-turned-film in the series.
Where I would like to say with a new director for the third film came a more coherent production of the series, I am sadden to say that not much has improved.
One shining light throughout the whole film was Taylor Lautner as Jacob, who seems to have moved past just being the buff body in the film (though he still has it) to show he has the talent to boot.
He put shame to his lead castmates by demonstrating that you can actually make Twilight dialogue believable and not something you read out of a Harlequin romance novel.
“Eclipse” picks up where the second film, “New Moon,” left off, as Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) continue their sugary sweet romance.
Lurking in the shadows is still Bella’s vampire enemy, revenge-seeking Victoria (now played by Bryce Dallas Howard), along with a still lovesick Jacob (Lautner) who continues to walk around shirtless as he pines for Bella.
The film still keeps a firm grasp on the swoon-worthy moments between Edward and Bella, with Pattinson improving slightly on his portrayal of Edward with Stewart faltering even more on her portrayal of Bella (the girl doesn’t know what to do with her hands during emotional scenes).
Action scenes were more intense and believable in the film and overshadowed several scenes of important dialogue from the book that didn’t pan out too much on the screen.
Some actors stepped up to the plate as their characters were explored more in the film – Jackson Rathbone as Jasper, Nikki Reed as Rosalie – but no one is able to top the enterprising talent of Lautner. Is it too soon to say he could be the next Matthew McConaguhey?
The final verdict: Different elements of this film have improved from its predecessors but Twilight’s “Eclipse” still caters to tweens and their moms.
Three Heartbeats

DVD Rental: The Wolfman – Universal’s latest remake of the classic story ‘Wolfman’ starring Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt. Though there are one too many blood- filled attacks in the film, the suspenseful plot and impressive performances from the three leads help make the film not a total gore-fest.
Three and a Half Heartbeats