Unlike most Twilight fans, I went to the theatre yesterday to get a sneak peek of New Moon with really low expectations. I didn't like the trailers, I was skeptical about the adaptation and I really didn't want to be disappointed in my beloved series. In my mind, the story of New Moon is just too depressing and emotionally complex for movie form. I put so much emphasis on the emotions surrounding Bella's plight that I forgot how enthralled I was when I read it. And luckily, New Moon the movie does the exact same thing. I was enraptured from beginning to end.

This should come as good news to any Twilight fan: above all else, New Moon is wildly entertaining. The story, which follows Bella (Kristen Stewart) as she navigates life without Edward, remains true to the book for all intents and purposes.  The changes are a welcome addition. Melissa Rosenberg and Chris Weitz were careful to put in elements of humor to keep the feeling light. The comedic elements mostly come from Bella's human friends, played by Michael Welch, Anna Kendrick, Justin Chon, and Christian Serratos, who give non-fans the welcome reality check of "what is wrong with this girl?"

Those of us  who completely understand the deep connection between Bella and Edward, either through the books or the movie, know why Bella is acting crazy (she does act crazy, admit it). In New Moon, most of this exposition is told through a voiceover from Bella to Alice (Ashley Greene). Although viewers don't see the beginning of their friendship, their very real connection is apparent. With Edward (Robert Pattinson) gone, Alice is the only person Bella can turn to... at first.

Soon enough, Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) enters her life. His warm presence, both emotionally and physically, helps put Bella back together again. Lautner, who had a tiny role in the first film, steps into the romantic lead with ease (as soon as he loses that ridiculous wig). Jacob clearly wants his relationship with Bella to be more than just friends but despite her actions, she makes it clear that she will never get over Edward.

With two boys fighting over her, Bella remains humble and unassuming. Stewart does a fantastic job showing us that Bella truly loves both and is doing the best she can, considering the circumstances. Stewart's Bella is anything but a victim. You get the feeling that Bella will find a way to survive, to preserver, which isn't always how Stephenie Meyer's Bella reads.

My biggest complaint is with the pacing. When watching New Moon, you don't feel as if you're watching a cohesive movie. Instead, I felt as if I was getting little vignettes. Had the movie bored me, I'm sure these random plot shifts would have bothered me. Non-fans might be jolted or annoyed by the inconsistency. If it helps, think of it as a short marathon of a television show (a bubblegum pop show obviously, like True Blood).

Overall, I loved it. I enjoyed almost every minute of it. In fact, way back in March, I made a slideshow of 10 Ways to Turn New Moon Into and Awesome Movie. New Moon managed to hit 9 of 10. A-

Below are all the reasons why New Moon is awesome. Check it out and let me know what you think.





- Kim Wetter, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image Courtesy of Summit)