Do you side with Team Edward or Team Jacob? Fans have been asking this question since the dawn of the ""Twilight"" era, and the newest cinematic installment in the series only makes it harder to choose. Dedicated followers have watched Bella Swan and Edward Cullen's relationship unfold on the pages of Stephanie Meyer's best-selling books. Now, under the direction of Chris Weitz, ""The Twilight Saga: New Moon"" introduces us to the second year of Bella and Edward's life-threatening love affair and what will most likely become one of the most infamous love triangles of our time.
As Bella (Kristen Stewart) ages, her desire to be changed into a vampire increases despite Edward (Robert Pattinson) pleading with her to stay human. Bella's vulnerability as a human becomes very clear at a gathering to celebrate her 18th birthday, when she barely escapes becoming a meal for one of Edward's family members. After this incident, Edward feels the only way to protect Bella is by leaving her. Bella's world is shattered by Edward's departure and she slips into the dark world of heartbreak.
After months of grieving, Bella begins a transition back toward a normal lifestyle. She finds comfort in Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), who has had feelings for Bella since they first met. As she spends more and more time with Jacob, the hole in Bella's heart diminishes. Just as their relationship starts to progress, Jacob reveals a monstrous secret of his own: he is a werewolf. Vampires and werewolves are sworn enemies, which puts Bella in the middle of a now very real fantasy world. When a series of events gives her the opportunity to bring Edward back into her life, Bella instinctively takes that chance, leaving a pleading, frustrated Jacob behind. But Jacob has no intent of giving up hope in his pursuit of Bella's heart, despite her claiming she will always choose Edward over him.
""New Moon"" is definitely a step up from the first movie in the ""Twilight"" saga. The film as a whole has shed the dullness the first installment carried with it, most likely due to the direction of Weitz. The acting also improves, with Stewart's and Pattinson's prominent on-screen chemistry. Lautner also shows his maturity as an actor, not to mention his buff biceps and chiseled abs. Stewart really gets into character in this movie, and seeing her pain when Edward leaves her makes you empathize with her character. The werewolves bring an exciting new element to the story and the vision of them on the screen is breathtaking. There are slightly fewer awkward moments than the last film, and more comic relief is provided as well. The ending leaves a bit to be desired, as it clearly is setting the franchise up for another sequel.
True ""Twilight"" fans will surely enjoy ""New Moon,"" but those who don't worship the ground Edward Cullen walks on would rather go see something less... vampire-and-werewolf-ish. Guys shouldn't go to this movie with their girlfriends unless they enjoy watching them stare at Taylor Lautner's six-pack. But if you are a serious fan of the ""Twilight"" series, ""New Moon"" will not disappoint.
Grade: A
