How these movies have become as popular as they are is completely beyond me. Of course, I’m not exactly in the target demographic. I’ve never read a “Twilight” book and now after having sat through the first three movies, I never will read one of them but that’s okay. In this day and age of remakes, reboots and movies being adapted from games, books and just about everything else, it’s good to separate the movies from their source material.
“Twilight: Eclipse” is the third movie in the saga. Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), now reunited with Edward (Robert Pattinson) after his disappearing act in “New Moon” is trying to decide if she wants to accept his proposal. She is of course torn between her vampire lover and her werewolf beau, Jacob (Taylor Lautner). Before she can make up her mind, and believe me, she takes her time, there is a new threat in her life.
Victoria, who is played by Bryce Dallas Howard, is out for revenge for her mate, James, who was killed by Edward in the first flick. She wants to make him pay by taking something he holds near and dear, which means his precious Bella. Victoria is forming an army of blood suckers but once the Cullens find out about her plan, they join forces with Jacob’s werewolf family of Native American heritage to protect Bella.
Directed by David Slade (30 Days of Night), the film isn’t much of an improvement over either of the other “Twilight” movies. The acting is bland, the dialogue is worse. The second act is so slowly paced you nearly forget what the movie is about as Bella goes back and forth between Edward and Jacob, unable to truly decided who she loves more. The most cringe worthy line comes late in the film when Jacob and Edward are arguing about who can better protect her (from the cold of night and the impending danger); and Jacob actually says, “besides, you know I’m hotter, anyway”. He’s referring to the fact he can produce body heat but I’m sure it sent ladies in the audience into a frenzy.
“Twilight: Eclipse” is nothing more than a cliff-notes version of how to deal with that girl in high school who loved being a tease and could never make up her mind. It all culminates in an end battle that is so boring, you will actually care less at the end than you did at the beginning.
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