The odds were stacked against the sequel to Twilight: New Moon. The book may often create a tussle between hardcore fans – Which is the best one? Eclipse or New Moon – but there was concern over the film. Director Catherine Hardwicke left the project, refusing to be harried into the second film, and was replaced with Chris Weitz, a filmmaker most pop literature fans will associate with the aborted His Dark Materials franchise. And yet, Mr. Weitz, sticking religiously to the naturalistic template set by his predecessor, has turned in a great gushing romantic picture. Think The Notebook with pointier teeth.
Now separated from Edward, Bella’s increasingly tender friendship with Jake puts her at the frontline of an ancient war between werewolves and vampires. The gooey puppy love and the moping teen angst recall Romeo and Juliet, a text that inspired the film. There is also a sly humour and a great deal of playing to the gallery. This is a film that knows precisely what Twilight fans want, as do New Moon’s gorgeous leads, all of whom possess acting wiles to match their prepossessing movie star looks.