Now, before you write me off as a die-hard Twi-hard, you should know: yes, I have read all the books; yes, I did go to the midnight showing; and yes, I enjoy the eye candy that these films have provided. That being said, I am not one of those girls who lines up for hours just to get a better view of Taylor Lautner's defined abs, and I do not pretend that the first two films of the Twilight Saga have been anything more than mediocre.

That sentiment might change, however, with the release of its newest installment, “Eclipse.” Save for a few corny lines, subpar acting and one scene with poor digital effects, the overall film itself can be considered very entertaining and even, in some eyes, quite good.

The truth is that Stephanie Meyer, author of the four books of the “Twilight” series, doesn’t give much in terms of plot or character development.

Many people complain that Kristen Stewart, who plays heroine Bella Swan, is annoyingly hard to watch--but if anyone bothered to read the books, it’s clear that her character is also annoyingly hard to relate to.

However, “Eclipse” director David Slade transcended the story—and all of its shortcomings—wonderfully on film. The film follows the book almost scene for scene, giving its cult-like fans the opportunity to see the story come to life.

There was also a stronger sense of reality in this film compared to its predecessors--the almost too intense bond between Bella and Edward was still there but it seemed less contrived.

In one scene, Bella’s father, played by Billy Burke, awkwardly attempts to have “the talk” with his teenage daughter before she runs off to meet up with Edward (Robert Pattinson), the vampire, and her long-term boyfriend.

It is that realness that “Eclipse” captures best. And in this film, Bella and Edward find themselves experiencing the normal teenage woes--jealousy, parents, sex, and of course newborn vampire armies.

The movie even pokes fun at itself when Jacob says to Edward, “Well I am hotter than you”---clearly remarking on the fact that Lautner is the arguably more attractive castrate. Although with the arrival of Xavier Samuel, playing new vampire Riley, the cast seems to have gotten even hotter. 

This movie is by far the best of the three films, but that's not to say it's a cinematic masterpiece. It achieves what it aims to achieve and delivers an equal balance between love story and dramatic action.

The film showcases Stephanie Meyer’s vampire love story and satisfies its massive fanbase with ample amounts of a shirtless Lautner, and scenes between the two star-crossed lovers.

Regardless of whether you are Team Edward or Team Jacob, if you are team anything Twilight related you should go see this film--and as an added bonus, the new "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" trailer can be seen during "Eclipse’s" previews.

 

 

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