OK for kids 13+
Twilight sequel has more obsession, action, wolves.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the second installment in the hugely popular Twilight saga is darker and a bit more violent than the first movie, but not enough to make it inappropriate for teens, especially those who've read the books. That said, the relationship at the core of the story is obsessive and intense -- Bella's entire sense of self worth is wrapped up in being with Edward, which isn't the greatest example for young fans, who could get the wrong idea of what love is "supposed" to be like. Like Stephenie Meyer's books, the New Moon movie is virtually free of salty language, drinking, and smoking -- but there are some intense action sequences involving vampires and/or werewolves, and one supporting character dies. Bella and Edward share several kisses, while Jacob and Bella exchange many longing looks and charged embraces. And there's no question about the marketing machine that the Twilight franchise has become, with merchandise and promotional deals with companies including Burger King, Volvo, and Hot Topic.
- Families can talk about Bella and Edward's relationship. What do you think about how completely obsessed they are with each other? Do your kids think that's healthy/normal? Parents, talk to your teens about setting expectations for their own dating life, and share your values about what makes for healthy dating and relationships.
- Why do you think vampire love stories all the rage now? How is Edward and Bella's relationship different than other vampire-human romances in pop culture?
- How are Edward and Jacob opposites? Despite their differences,Bella loves them both (albeit differently). What do they each representto her? Does the film urge viewers to choose between them, or is it complimentary to both characters?
- Fans of the book can compare the it to the movie. Was the adaptationfaithful? What bits from the book did you missseeing on screen?
- Talk about the larger-than-life phenomenon that the Twilight franchise has become. Are the movies and their stars becoming too overexposed?
The good stuff
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Messages: Bella, while in some ways very mature, is the poster child for obsessive love in this movie. She intentionally acts recklessly in order to see Edward in her mind, which isn't a positive message to send young girls. And her relationship with Edward, while loving, continues to determine her happiness, as evident in her three months of catatonic depression after their break-up early in the film. Edward is downright suicidal at the thought of losing Bella forever, and his decision to provoke the Volturi is literally self-destructive. Platonic friendships are shown as being fraught with sexual tension, which is also iffy for tweens and adolescents. All of that said, there's a lot of selflessness here, too, with characters putting themselves at risk to help others.
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Role models: Even though Bella is an incredibly loyal friend and girlfriend, she also has far too much of her self esteem wrapped up in her intense relationships with Edward and Jacob. She never feels that she's worthy of Edward, and she admits to feeling selfish in the way that she clings to Jacob even while telling him she can never love him "that way." That said, Edward and Jacob are both very protective of Bella, who is in turn protective of each of them. They all get a chance to save each other and don't hesitate to do so. And Charlie and Bella's father-daughter relationship, while not completely honest on Bella's part, is very close.
What to watch for
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Violence: Notably more action and violence than in the first film. Early in the movie, Jasper almost attacks Bella, leading to a fight between him and Edward. Accident-prone Bella falls, bleeds, and gets bruised several times and in one case almost drowns to death. Victoria and the Wolf Pack have a big fight, as do the werewolves and Laurent. Bella slaps Sam; Paul then becomes aggressive and lunges at her in werewolf form, only to be caught in a fight with wolf-Jacob. The Volturi's minions dismember a guilty vampire (it's quick and not much is shown, but the effect is gory), almost kill Edward and Bella, and make Edward writhe in pain.
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Sex: Although there's nothing explicit, all of Bella and Edward's scenes are filled with passionate looks, hugs (including one in which he's shirtless), and brief-but-intense kisses. Jacob holds Bella's hand and stares at her longingly, and they share several close embraces (two while he's shirtless) and at least three "almost kisses." Other couples are shown holding hands, hugging, and kissing. No shortage of shirtless, buff guys, courtesy of the La Push Wolf Pack.
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Language: Just like the books, the worst is a few exclamations of "what the hell," "dammit," and "oh my God," plus derogatory barbs like "weird," "wet dog," "bloodsucker," etc.
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Consumerism: Volvo once again supplies Edward's car of choice (this time it's an XC60); other featured car brands include Porsche and Mercedes. Bella's computer is an Apple MacBook, and she and Alice fly Virgin America to Italy (which is amusing, since that division of Virgin doesn't fly to Europe). The movie also has huge merchandising tie-ins with Volvo, Burger King, and Hot Topic.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
3
NEW MOON. Fangless. Grade: C. (Based on advance VIP press preview - Thurs. 11/19) by MOVIES REVIEWER
Sequels sometimes have a hard time living up to their predecessor's fame(or infamy).
NEW MOON eclipsed TWILIGHT in the CGI department, length, and in presentation.
Starring Robert Pattinson, his overly-styled coiffeur, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner, NEW MOON is supposedly a faithful movie-adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's 2nd. novel of the TWILIGHT quartet. But, at 130 mins in length, NM's under-developed shallow plot unfolds so ponderously SLOW that watching grass grow would seem more exciting.
Taylor Lautner, Michael Sheen, and Dakota Fanning's performances trumped both RP's and KS's performances.
Direction/Editing/Production values = above average.
Action sequences = average.
CGI = good, but the human-to-werewolf transformation was too rushed for a movie that is generally slow.
Soundtrack and dialogue = cheesy.
VERDICT:
A Must See - for fans of the series.
With the TWILIGHT saga's built-in fan-base, NM is expected to make a killing at the box-office.
4
NEW MOON! by Daydream
Can it really be...that all the fairytales are true? New Moon stays true to the best-selling novel by Stephanie Meyer. The script focuses more on the emotions behind the loss of your true love, with references from Romeo & Juliet at multiple points in the movie. After reading the series, there is no way a fan will pass up any movie in the Twilight Saga. Even at the smaller theatres, twilighters are lining up ten hours before showtime. Opening night will always be something to experience. Director Chris Weitz and Kristen Stewart capture Bella's heartache beautifully, which alone can erupt a sense of lonliness in the hearts of the audience.
Taylor Lautner's dedication to his role as Jacob Black is just what Twilight (and the fans) deserve. With 30 lbs of muscle, his chiseled body is a sight for sore eyes that had the audience in awe and crying for more. Only downside: a little drawn out and felt like the fight scenes were rushed.
The soundtrack was my favorite part of the movie (B-)
4
If you enjoyed Twilight at all... by mbaker2007
... you should see this movie. The Twilight saga has received a lot of criticism--too boring, I read once, and too formulaic--but if you were willing to endure the first movie's inexplicable quirks ("spider monkey?" Really?) then you will enjoy New Moon. It has its fair share of laughable moments, but the action sequences are done by someone who actually understands how to shoot action. I for one loved Twilight, but mostly because it allowed me to visualize the book. New Moon is a piece of art all its own, though I wouldn't suggest viewing it without any knowledge of the plot since this film is still made for fans of the book. On the whole, however, Weitz managed to take the most depressing of the four books and make it watchable-- a remarkable feat to anyone who understands how blatantly and annoyingly emo Bella becomes within pages of the book's beginning. In short, a well made film that will satisfy your craving for Twilight until next year (Eclipse!).
5
Five Word Review by robpatz
awesome romantic great fantastic funny
5
"WAS EXACTLY HOW IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE" by jserrano761
SO im reading all the bad reviews that "New Moon" is receiving and it just dumbfounds me how idiotic people really are. The reviews claim that the reason critics are slamming it is because Edward was missing for most of the movie. If critics actually did research and read the books they would understand that he has to be missing. Nontheless it is already breaking records. I think Chris Weitz did a remarkable job in his interpretation of New Moon. Granted there are a few things that could have been a little more intensified, but he pretty much nailed it. Any one who read these book knows it's suppose to be depressing. None of the main characters are supposed to be happy. New Moon unfolds what to occur in the third installment. If your looking for more action,romance, and sexier scenes wait till the next movie. And if you cant wait that long read the book!!I You wont be disappointed!!:)
5
Amazing ... mainly for Twilight books fans! by re2009
New moon is amazing!! The director did a great job showing in the movie the best parts of the book ... there are action, sadness, tension, love ... simply great!! All Twilight fans will love it. And one more thing ... the end is surprising ... people will hate and love it at the same time ... PERFECT!!
5
VERY GOOD by g3spearle
This is my 6th time seeing it. I thought it was good I think i liked it better than Twilight. All the actors and actresses did a great job. Its a must see even if you aren't a Twilight Fan.
5
Five Word Review by teamedward1764
Perfect Romantic Steamy Sexy LoveIt!!!!!!!!
4
WOW! by fanofjacob
I saw it awhile ago, but still love it! It was well put and was pretty good of illustrating the book well. However, as a team jacob & edward fan i must say they did not make Bella and Jacobs relationship as strong and powerful as in the book. It was a bit hard to understand if you did not read the book either but over all PRETTY GOOD! i would see it again :) :) :) and im pretty picky!
If your looking for action and a GOOD love (triangle) story.......
SEE NEW MOON!
5
This Twi-Mom was happy! by watchinmydawg
Went to see this today with my 13 year old daughter. It was true to the book, as much as any movie can be. I love the new color scheme. The actors were dead-on and provided the emotions the movie needed to be believable. She loved the wolf pack - especially Taylor, while I enjoyed the whole experience. For anyone who hasn't read the books, it will be difficult to understand the devotion that follows this series. For those of us who have, most will be happy with this movie. I certainly was. And the ending left us wanting - which is a good thing. June seems so far away!