The Sandspur

Issue date: 12/4/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: MCT Campus

"New Moon", the sequel to Stephenie Meyer's first book, "Twilight", was released in theaters on Nov. 20, 2009. With theaters sold out across the country for the midnight release, New Moon raised more money in ticket sales in its first weekend than did previous record-holder "The Dark Knight." Both teenagers and adults alike were ecstatic for the release of this ever-popular series. With a new director, Chris Weitz, fans have been raving that the acting and special effects have greatly improved since "Twilight."

In "New Moon," Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart) is heartbroken after her soul mate Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) leaves her. To many fans' delight, the young and beautiful Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) comes to the rescue to drag Bella out of her depression. Little does Bella know, though, that she is yet to escape the magical world of monsters and magic, for Jacob Black turns into his true character in this film: a werewolf. When all hope of Edward's return is gone, and Bella and Jacob's relationship is becoming closer, an unexpected visitor appears. Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene) comes to see if Bella is alive after having seen her jump off of a cliff in a vision. To Alice's surprise, Bella is now an adrenaline junky and was cliff diving for recreation, not committing suicide. Unfortunately, it is too late and Rosalie Hale (Nikki Reed) has already told Edward of Alice's vision and he has decided to visit the Volturi so that they may take his life, just as he believes Bella has taken hers. Alice and Bella quickly decided to go to Italy to save Edward. After begging her to stay, Jacob is heart-broken by Bella's choice of Edward over himself.

In a thrilling action scene, Bella and Alice rush to Volterra and luckily, Bella reaches Edward before he steps into the sunlight to reveal his true identity. Yet, they are unable to completely escape. They must first have an uncomfortable encounter with the Volturi. With a menacing performance by Dakota Fanning who is acting as Jane, Edward and Bella's only escape is to promise Bella's transformation to immortality. With a near-death experience on all of their parts, Alice, Edward and Bella finally escape the terrifying Volturi. When Bella discovers that Edward will never leave her again and that it was all a mistake, she is overwhelmed with joy. Little does she realize though, how much she is hurting Jacob Black. The film commences with a cliffhanger where Edward Cullen promises Bella her immortality by him, as long as she marries him first.

From speaking to many students and adults, the film seems to have been a major hit. Though, there have been a lot of team changes. Many Team Edward admirers have now changed alliances and have decided to side with Team Jacob. Well, we will have to wait and see whose team everyone decides to be on when the third film, "Eclipse," is released. As of now, its release date is estimated for June 2010. So, "Twilight" fans keep your eyes open for Eclipse and if you have not seen "New Moon" yet, it is definitely worth seeing.

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