Okay, I want to reiterate, this post is a review for the New Moon movie. If you have yet to see it (to which I say, “WHHAAAAATTTT”), then you better not read this. I’m going to talk about some of the things that varied from book to movie, as well as the ending. I don’t want to mess up losing the New Moon virginity for anyone!
I have to start off by saying… I did NOT do the midnight showing business. First off, I did not want to watch it the first time surrounded by tweens. Second, I took the day off work today, so I was able to go to a super early showing this morning. 10:30 a.m. in fact. Showed up 2 hours early to get in line to find that we were the line. Oh, and the 2 Movie Guys trying to get us to do an interview on TV to which I said “Hell to the nah!”
Got in to the theater and got some primo seats, about half way up, right smack dab in the middle! I like to call that the “sweet spot.” We sat in the theatre for about an hour and a half, watching YouTube videos, tweeting and eating overpriced “gourmet” pretzels. By the way, you can’t call a pretzel gourmet when I watch you heat it up in the microwave and then throw some cinnamon on it. Trailers start and what do you know?!? REMEMBER ME!!! I not only squeed and clapped my hands, but I noticed that no one else around was as excited. I atribute it the fact that later on in the movie I realized I was surrounded by Team Jacob. ::shudders::
And then the lights dimmed and the show began. And I have to say, the movie met every single one of my expectations.
It put Twilight to shame, which really didn’t surprise me. I knew that would happen. There were a few things that just really stood out as credits to Chris Wietz and the production team:
The “months passing” montage
I remember the first moment I flipped those pages. My heart just tore and I cried. But the movie made me ball!!! First off, the Lykke Li song was the absolute most appropriate song ever (and I called it that it would be played then). And watching the months past versus flipping the pages, hearing the screams, watching Charlie try to help and seeing just the utter sadness just killed me. So happy we brought a ton of tissues cause I needed them.
Harry Clearwater
I am actually sort of depressed we lost Harry, cause he was kind of hilarious! I loved him and was surprised he played so much of a bigger role then I expected. And honestly, the way the heart attack was induced was a pretty awesome addition. There just had to be a way to get Victoria in there more (so non-book readers don’t forget her) and having her play a role in his death was a surprise. Some of the hard core peeps are probably not going to like that addition, but I thought it was much better then just saying “Uh, Harry died. He had a heart attack.”
The Volturi showdown
Talk, talk, talk. That’s all the Volturi do in the books. They did not evoke the correct level of fear that I think the reader should have, at least I don’t think they did for me. They never seem to be “men of
action” in the books, but the movie changed that. I actually am afraid of the Volturi now. The whole scene just was spooky, and the fight was amazing. It was a great add and made the whole movie more action-packed (something the series has lacked in the books). And when they walked out, and the people were walking in, I almost threw up when I saw the kids in the group. First thought, no, so wrong. Second thought, we are trying to show they have no compassion for humans, which that point is definitely made. But wow. There was an audible gasp when we all saw that.
The Ending!
Wow, wow, wow. It was perfect. I have nothing more to add then that. Great touch with that one!
And let’s face it, there are some things from the movie that I wasn’t totally loving.
Rosalie
First off, I must say I am not on the NReed hate train. Got no reason to be, at least at the moment. But she looked like hell, did she not. I don’t even think it was the wig itself, it looked like she had a bad makeup job. I mean, she is a gorgeous girl, but she was not done justice. I actually felt kind of bad for her when I saw her.
The Cliff Diving Scene
First off, when Bella and Jacob came across the guys cliff diving, the comment was never made that they would do it sometime together. Kind of important, cause now for those that haven’t read the books, it looks like Bella was trying to kill herself. Really she was just trying to get that adrenaline high. And the song choice was wrong. I love the Grizzly Bears song on the album. I mean, LOVE IT! But that was not a good place for it. Not at all. The whole scene could have just been so much better.
In closing, I give it 4 out of 5 stars, cause there was room for improvement. But overall, I loved the look and feel of the movie. I thought the music choices fit perfectly. And I think Cougar Cathy really screwed up the first one. Now that I see how it could have been, I’m a little sad for that one. Oh, and Kristen Stewart. If anyone, ANYONE doubted her in the first one, she nailed it in New Moon. She was amazingly perfect and I cried on more then one occasion thanks to her acting.
Alright now, let’s here it! What did you all think? What did you love? Hate? I want to talk about it!!!
P.S. If you are going to be at the Sam Bradley show tonight in Dallas, be sure to come by and say hi!! I’ll be there representing my other site, Shack of Soul. But seriously, if you talk to me, we gotta have some kind of code because I do not talk Rob at a Sam show. So instead of Rob, let’s say “the economy” and instead of “Rob My World” say “The economy is looking quite sexy today.” Then I’ll know where you came from and we can talk! 
Filed under: New Moon, Twilight | Tagged: bella, edward, kristen, kstew, movie, New Moon, pattinson, review, rob, robert, rpattz, stewert, Twilight
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kara, Amber. Amber said: My Review of New Moon — FULL OF SPOILERS!: If you haven't seen the movie, don't read the blog. http://bit.ly/6L7uUR [...]
Excellent review – I’m glad you enjoyed it, me too. Went with friends last night…not midnight. The cinema was buzzing with excitement.
Loved all the things you mentioned above AND the begginning with OLDER Bella much more powerful than book. LOVED Jacob and Bella’s relationship much more REAL sexual tension than just friendship and who can blame her. In fact this film gave me a love for jacob in a wierd sweet younger brother kind of way! LOVED last ten mins – say now more
Didn’t love (don’t hate me) alot of the vampire make up!! Too much! The new Cullen sense of more formal fashion in their clothing- I prefer the Cullens wardrobe in TWT. Also the size of the wolves – I wanted to really see Jacob in his wolf and didn’t untill last two mins!!!
x
say no more ( sorry)
Loved your review!! Had same points like you.
What I loved about new moon:
1. Bella’s heart breaking nightmares, KStew did nail it.
2. Fighting scenes (Excellent special effects!)
3. Volturi cast (They were all great!! esp. Dakota)
4. Victoria (Rachelle knows how to make that twilight exit)
5. The ending! (I was like… still for a sec, absorbing that “Marry me” line)
6. Alice’s vision of Bella as a vampire. (That scene from Breaking Dawn!!)
7. Harry Clearwater (such a funny old man, haha)
8. The yellow porsche!!
9. Taylor’s acting.
What I hate about new moon:
1. Edward’s make up?!! Come on?!
2. The background music during the Bella’s cliff dive
3. The BLACK volvo!!!
4. The snippet scene of Heidi!! I want more from her, she looked astonishing!
5. A few acting from KStew and Rob (very few! n_n)
6. They didn’t include some important parts.
7. I was really disappointed how they changed the scene where Bella saved Edward. (Where’s the part where Edward thought he was dead?!)
The part where Edward thinks he has died is in there, albeit briefly. He says “heaven” as he buries his head in her hair.
Hi, Amber. I, too, avoided the midnight show and instead went in the afternoon with my bestie and in the evening (big mistake–all tween Team Jacob fans who hadn’t read the books) with my hubby and bestie.
I loved basically the entire movie; the flow, the key points, the acting (thank heavens, I didn’t like KStew’s performance in Twilight), the costumes, and I didn’t see much room for improvement. I felt like Weitz crammed in as much of the book as he could whilst adding a great action sequence as well. I suppose what I miss is the rather humorous scene w/ Bella and Edward after Italy when she thinks she’s dead and he has to convince her otherwise. But I digress.
My hubby’s take was that he was “Team Bella needs a psychiatrist” and she’d be better off with someone like Jacob. That was until I told him later that Jake isn’t aging either whilst he’s phasing. Then he went back to wanting to get Bella some therapy. He’s a doc and can’t help that, I guess.
Truly the biggest problem I have is waiting 7 months for Eclipse…and a couple years for Breaking Dawn!
I also stayed away from the midnight show, it was difficult, but I’m so glad I did. I went twice yesterday and New Moon was incredible.
Kstew’s acting was much better.
Taylor was perfect!
I was disappointed with Jasper and Rosalie’s appearance. I really like Nikki Reed, but I didn’t know who she was before the Twi movie. I would suck it up and dye my hair blonde for the part, I just don’t understand the diva move of the wig.
Aro was the BEST new character. I was equally frightened and amused by him.
The Volvo still isn’t right.
New Moon makes me wish that Twilight could be made over. But only if the spider monkey line gets left OUT!
Your review- pretty much right on. One thing I disagree on- I thought Rose looked good(?)
My fave parts:
-Edwards aded clips!!! I loved seeing his reactions to the breakup and Bellas “death”. Total heartfail.
-All the loving Father daughter scenes were great and really showed their relationship. This was sadly lacking in twilight.
-Aro— he was sooo creepy…
-The fight scene. Edward totally got his ass kicked.. loved that they showed he is not perfect.
-Jacob rocked!!! Taylor did a fantastic job and brought me to tears I felt so badly for him.
-Loved that there were more scenes with Bellas friends and the Cullens. Great job Peter!
Things I did not like:
-The music during the breakup scene. I thought it was too melodramatic. AND I know it is suppose to be, but I had a hard time getting around it.
-Wish there was more interaction between Bella and the wolf pack, missing their friendship.
the whole movie was so great I have a hard time only listing a few favorites. I saw the midnight show and luckily it was not overcrowded with teens and was pretty calm and quiet. Going again to tonights show!! LOL!
hi, vince from belgium,
i’m so happy to see that some fans have loved the movie, i do too, today will be the fourth time i will see it, i really love Kristen’s acting, she was awesome, i think the part under the rain between Jacob and Bella was so emotional, you feel all his sadness during the move, what can i say? just watch it all over again and again….
Can they please, please, please remake Twilight now? In spite of the changes and few flaws, New Moon was amazing! I was so happy that they obviously made such a huge effort to make a movie for the fans of the books for once!
Favorite scene, hands down – Robward in slow mo walking towards Bella at the start of school on her birthday. WOWZA!! I’d say I could watch that on a continuous loop, but I would probably spontaneously combust as a result!
Enjoy Sam tonight! Saw him last weekend, and it was a great show (short, but great)!
Great points Amber! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I am still having some major issues that I have to work through in regard to the film. The ending stunned me. I couldn’t believe it ended there. The score bothered me a lot. It made everything feel so melodramatic for me.
I agree that the months going by scene was very moving.
The Remember Me trailer was almost the best part for me! I literally screamed when it came on and grabbed my friend’s hand, saying “Oh My God!” Even though I already knew it was going to be shown and had watched it five times already earlier in the day. I was caught up in the moment. lol
P.S. I love your code words for Rob! lol!
OMG totally agree with last post. Edward walking towards Bella while Monsters is playing made my heart drop out. Totally hot!
Wishing they had not mixed up the conversation that Bella and Edward have about her thinking she is dreaming and that she is not dead and that he really loved her. It felt a bit rushed..
Off to my third viewing today. .. Those in Australia would know it as GOLD CLASS…waiter service, full menu, reclining leather seats etc.. Not sure if you guys have an equivalent in the USA… Anyway, can’t wait!!
YAY! Can’t believe the 19th has come and gone now– what a great time we had at Gold Class too, Davina—are you in the HIlls District???? Went thurs morning, seeing it again monday night, and a few more times after that….
Fav. bits….Yes, when Edward wishes Bella happy b’day in the car park….MY GOD I was smirking like an absoloute looney…….The chase thru the forest with Thom Yorke in the background was FANTASTIC…….Any bit with Edward in it……. God, when will this hottness end?? I did think his eyes looked a bit irritated from the contacts tho…a tad red, -not in the vampire red way tho…..
HATED JASPER”S HAIR!!!!!!!!!!! WTF was going on there???????
The wolf thing left me a bit ‘meh’, still team Edward….
So many other parts have slipped my mind, glad we are going for a ‘refresher’ tomorrow!!!!
PS Amber, I love your blog, it’s fantastic fun to visit xxxxxx
Love your review!!! I have to listen to the soundtrack more. I can’t keep the crazy lady out of my head from the myspace feed! She ruined the scene for me! I went and saw it the second time today, besides the screaming 14mth old (if that old), I was really into it! I did notice the nikes Bella is wearing when she is hiking. My first thought, wonder if they r rob’s? Of course they weren’t because they had a white bottom. I agree with the cullens makeup, too much especially Rosalie, her hair was too fake! I loved the scene between Carlisle and Bella, so intimate; shows bellas loyalty to the cullens. Emmett was awesome! Love his one liners! Jasper was good with the emotion control. Alice was her bouncy self, I really felt her personality come out in the school scene where she gives Bella her dress. Jacob and the wolf pack was great!! Taylor did great with the pain of loving Bella. The Italy scene was beautiful. The volturi was scary as hell, I wanted to scream telling ppl to turn back! Michael sheen was perfect as aro. I could go on and on lol!! The movie was amazing!!! The missing months was so painful!!
Ok, it’s only Saturday night at 8pm and I have already seen it 3 times!!! I absolutely LOVE it!! I agree with you Amber it totally surpassed what I was expecting, especially compared to Twilight……….I think they came really close to getting as much of the book in there as possible even if they changed the order some. I do wish that they would have had the airplane scene coming back from the Volturi. The way he kept kissing her and “savoring” her and how she thought it was all a dream. It did feel rushed. I would have liked more of that!
I also loved Charlie that much more in this one too. Showed him being more caring and fatherly. I do think that it gave more to the movie to have Harry die while hunting – tied it in more.
As I said, I’ve already seen it 3 times and I absolutly love it. But it does make it that much harder to wait for Eclipse. WHEN they do Breaking Dawn, I hope they go with Chris Weitz again. He really nailed it!!!!!!!!!!!
I seen the opening night midnight show…I loved it! It was exactly what I imagined. Bella and the passing months, was great and I had hoped they would include that part. Kristin Stewart was just great and the emotion she showed just made me like her a whole lot more. Taylor was great as well, I thought that after he finally changed over to being a wolf his face actually changed and to me he looked older. Michael Sheen as Aro is exactly what I had imagined. I am so glad they didn’t try to include Edward anymore than they did. During the movie I looked over out of the corner of my eye and the girls next to me were crying and wiping their tears… then I thought what the hell. and pulled out my tissues too. Will I see it again? Yes!
[...] OF COURSE!). I go, or I should say TheShagDaddy, goes and buys all the crap they sell, I gave a pretty good review of the movie and encouraged others to [...]