The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

From author Stephenie Meyer the vampire genre has been rejuvenated with her books “Twilight”, “New Moon”, and now “Eclipse” which sees its motion picture adaptation. Personally I have not read any of these books and it’s not for disinterest in literature, but if the future films are anything like this third installment then I want to see more.

Stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner once again play their roles of princely Edward, headstrong Bella, and tough Jacob. As their love triangle becomes more intense and Bella’s graduation nears, she has to plan out how her life will be spent. This goes beyond the expected coming-of-age choices that young adults must face; she must also choose a mortal life or living forever with her love. Yet as all of the groundwork is being laid for the future, a danger enters from the evil Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard) who is sending leagues of the undead to attack the Cullen clan. The final battle will determine the fate of Bella and her second family.

Having seen both previous films I can describe them all now in chronological order: Gothic romance, very long soap opera, and thriller with a lot of campy humor. I almost thought the whole film was going to be a big spoof on itself. The smelly Werewolf jokes and sparkly Vampire themes were still intact, but a slew of laughs will arise and make you wonder if the filmmakers wanted all the awkward laughter. Dakota Fanning’s supporting role as a Vampire queen looked promising in “New Moon” but here she is all wrong for the role. When she is supposed to be cruel and sadistic, she only looks cheesy: “Decisions, decisions…”Consider also the love scene between Pattinson and Stewart where she wants to feel like a woman just once before her transformation, but he is too Old School (you heard that right) to deflower her before she is married. However, the biggest laugh actually comes from Lautner as he has to keep Bella warm, up in the freezing mountains, by sharing his body warmth with her. You see, Vampires have no warmth, while Werewolves do. Jacob, with his shirt off and shredded abs bore out for the audience, tells Edward: “I’m hotter than you.” Cue the snare drum.

Forgiving all the film’s jokes, there is much to enjoy in this volume. The side characters have more depth and have reasons for their actions. Romance is more passionate with most of the Vampire couples, but we also see how people can be easily used in the name of love, where we have to wonder if all Vampires are manipulative, maybe even our hero Edward. This is a reoccurring theme in the film, especially during a deep discussion between Bella and her father if marriage is really worth it in the end. She could instead go with Jacob as an alternative, but his possessive attitude toward her would only make her miserable. Some of the Vampires have led mostly happy lives (or unlives?) with their spouses, whereas others have not been as lucky.

As most of the viewing audience will be female, this chapter actually offers some entertainment for men too. The fight scenes here are the best in the series thus far, with a violent climax to enjoy. Albeit the finale is somewhat too short, but exciting nonetheless. Without spoiling too much, this is Howard’s final appearance in the films, as she is dispatched in a most satisfying way. “Eclipse” is really far from perfect, but it should be enjoyed for what it is: a fun fantasy adventure-romance.

1. Rayanna Rinehart wrote:

   July 20, 2010 at 6:10 am

   In my opinion, the best of the saga yet! Of course you need to know all the details leading up to “Eclipse,” but definitely suspensful and the best of the theatrical versions! The main fight scene with the wearwolves and the vamps was just brutal! Jacob is getting hotter with every new release and just will not give up on Bella. Although I’m a “sucker” for vamps, I can’t help but love the raw nature of Jacob… Must see!

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2. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 | Effing Bored wrote:

   November 28, 2011 at 3:52 pm

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