(Illustration from Oatmeal)
Fans were like this during the first movie. Are they the same after they have seen New Moon?
Honestly, if I haven’t read the book, I won’t bother to see the movie. Or maybe, I will, but not on the big screen.
If I have read the book but did not like it, I will probably see the adaptation hoping that there’s a big improvement in it.
But since I read the book (the entire Twilight Saga to be exact), although I did not like New Moon at all, I will watch all the film adaptations to see how the characters and stories came into flesh.
I’ve watched New Moon (second installment in Twilight Saga) twice, with different companions, enough to compare the moviegoers in different screenings and notice the remarkable and non-remarkable. We had a discussion after the screening about the silly, unreasonable and laughable scenes and twists in this sequel. Being the Twilight nerd in our group, I was like the Help Menu providing the details on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Lol. So, instead of making a traditional movie review, several comments on an FAQ type follow.
1. The screenplay sucks. What’s wrong with the screenwriters?
Nothing. The story was based on the second book, New Moon, which was poorly written. I’m a fan, but to be frank, this book was my least favorite because it’s boring I was just forced to finish this one so that I can proceed with the third book which turned out to be my most favorite. In New Moon, Bella was always whining, suicidal and didn’t make sense at all. Another reason I initially disliked it was because Edward was out of the picture for 80%. I was with Team Edward when I was reading it. Believe me, the movie is 4 times better than the book. Wow, quite an exception to the fact that the book is always better than the adaptation.
2. I thought the Cullens are generally no longer tempted by the human blood. Why did Jasper want to attack Bella after she had a simple paper cut? Why does Jasper have that normally constipated look?
The Cullens are vegetarian vampires, i.e. they only drink blood of the animals. Jasper is the youngest among them, in terms of being converted into a vampire. Hence, he’s the most mouthwatered/tempted whenever a single drop of human blood is around. The vampires are always holding their breath when they’re with humans so as to avoid being tempted by their scent (blood). Hence, the constipated look and the irregular breathing when they talk.
3. Why did Edward suddenly break up with Bella? And why on the woods?
Jasper’s attempted attack on Bella made him realize that the obvious danger is always there, no matter how they try to live in each other’s world as normal as they can. I also thought it was heartless to break up with her on the woods, of all places. Knowing how clumsy Bella is.
4. Who is that guy who found Bella in the woods? Why was he shirtless? What was he doing in the woods?
That’s Sam Uley. The leader of the pack of wolves (of Quilette tribe, descended from wolves). It’s their mission to protect the people from vampires. They don’t kill humans, only vampires. Except for the Cullens because years ago they made a treaty that they will not touch them as long as they don’t bite any human. In return, the Cullens cannot go beyond La Push, wolves territory.
He was topless because he was “hunting” from the woods. It’s easier for the wolves to transform into human or vice versa when they don’t wear a shirt. In the book though, Edward left a note in Charlie Swan’s (Bella’s father, who is the Chief of Police in Forks, Washington) house that they were going to the woods for a walk.
5. I got so dizzy with the scene that months were counted from October and so on, that Bella was just sitting in her room facing the window. What about you?
Same here. In the book, few pages were without stories, just month labels (October-December) to imply that Bella was lifeless when Edward left. Did you notice that in the movie she was just sitting and didn’t change clothes? I think being lifeless could have been depicted better.
6. Why did Jacob loose his temper that he wanted to punch Mike Newton (Bella’s classmate who’s crushing on her) after watching the movie Face Punch?
That moment, Jacob’s calling to become a wolf and join Sam Uley has reached its peak. He became literally hot. A wolf thing. Hence, he didn’t want to be seen by Bella on the succeeding days. Thinking that she won’t be able to accept this abnormality + her being associated with the Cullens.
7. Why did Jacob cut his hair? Why the sudden change in his built?
When they are transforming into wolves, it’s better to have a short hair. You will notice that the pack of human-wolves have clean cut. In their tribe, those who have the calling to be a wolf age faster and become taller. There will come a time that aging would stabilize and that they will live like normal humans. Only those in their prime/youth are called to actively protect the people from vampires.
8. What was your reaction when Bella apologized to Jacob when she bled after the motorcycle incident?
I was laughing out! She should have apologized for being stupid and not for bleeding (well, too much love for vampires). Another major reaction, when Jacob took off his shirt, I joined the rest of the viewers in exclaiming, “wow!”. Off the cinema I wondered if he really needed to stand while taking off his shirt? Well, sabi ng director. Syempre, para makita ang multi abs. Lol.
After that scene, I’m pretty sure that most of the girls (I’m not sure about the guys) were not blinking everytime Jacob appears on the screen.
9. What was the main reason for Alice’s return to Forks?
She was just visiting to check on Bella because she had a vision that she died. The vampires have special powers. If Edward can read everyone’s mind, except Bella’s, Alice can see the future depending on the current intention and/or activity of the person. She indirectly kept Bella under her radar and saw her cliff dived. Bella almost died, almost impossible to survive. Her vision concluded there. Incidentally, when Jacob rescued her from drowning (and unknown possible attack from Victoria, a nemesis, non-vegetarian vampire), her vision was blocked. In book 3 (Eclipse), it will be revealed that this special power of hers doesn’t effect when there’s a wolf around.
Alice mentioned to Rosalie (another vampire within Cullen family) this vision, the latter relayed to Edward. Hence, he assumed and concluded (after talking to Jacob on the phone, when he said Bella’s father was arranging a funeral; but did not elaborate that it’s for his friend and not for Bella) that Bella’s dead.
10. Why did Edward have to show up before the humans before the Volturis can kill him?
Upon learning that Bella is dead, Edward went to Volturis (leaders/Royal group among the vampires headquartered in the Italy) and asked them to end his life. Normally, vampires can’t kill themselves alone. Volturis won’t kill for no particular reason, you’d have to offend them. Since vampires can’t show themselves to humans under strong rays of sun since their sparkling nature would be revealed, it’s the easiest/most immediate offense he can do.
11. What was your reaction when Edward took off his polo and he began to sparkle?
Major laugh! He should not have considered going topless because he will be, of course, compared with Jacob. It’s sort of battle of the abs. Lol. Well, it should have been enough that the humans saw his sparkling face and perhaps little portion of chest. I am sure there are so many converts to Team Jacob by now. But what shall Edward do? He can’t work on his physique since in the story he is supposed to remain as a 17-year old handsome guy. Probably, work on the make up at the next movie?
12. I haven’t watched Twilight, why are the Cullens so white?
Well, because of the vampirish make up, which has improved a lot. In Twilight, they looked like they had too much baking powder.
13. Who’s your favorite vampire?
Alice Cullen. She’s so cool no?
14. Who’s your favorite wolf?
Leah Clearwater. She’s yet to be introduced in the next installment.
15. Would you rather be a wolf or a vampire?
None. I love my being human. But not the human as Bella, she’s very unreasonable. But if I’m compelled to choose, I’d rather be a wolf because at least, a time would come that my life would normalize after I served my calling. Another reason is that I can eat human food. The vampires don’t eat (except for occasional blood feeding, for the Cullens, they periodically hunt animals) and sleep at all.
16. It seems like you strongly don’t like Bella. Why?
I bet you noticed. I like her good side like she’s low profile, understanding and goodnatured to a reasonable extent. But I didn’t like her being suicidal. I think that that part of her, does not imply anything good especially to teenagers who like her. (But I assume they know that this is just fiction.) When Edward broke up with her, I understand when she got depressed but not to the extent that she became lifeless. She could have drawn her strength from her mother and friends without necessarily divulging Edward’s secrets. Sense of acceptance is a blessing and we should always think of the many others who love us. Anyway, I’m not the author.
17. Isn’t Bella some kind of a user?
In a way, I used to think. Like when Jacob helped her regain her smile, she left him instantly just because of Edward’s situation. But to be fair, I think that whether it’s Edward or not whose life is at stake with the Volturi, she will still go to Italy to save him because she already got a strong attachment with the vampires. In the sequels, you will notice that she will go on her way, too, to Jacob despite going against Edward’s wishes. She’s inherently unpredictable (or predictable?) 😉
18. How will you compare New Moon, the Twilight Saga, in general with Harry Potter (HP) series?
I read HP series only this year. Had I read it before Twilight Saga (I did last year), the latter probably did not appeal to me. To be frank, they are not comparable. I’m a self-confessed Twilight fan, but Harry Potter series is much of a finer writing and Twilight Saga is a fiction that is a rare junk food for the brain. Nevertheless, that doesn’t change the fact that I’m still a Twihard. Just stop comparing. Dahil hindi sila magkalevel. Heehee.
For those who are not yet oriented, Robert Pattinson (playing Edward Cullen) actually appeared as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and Goblet of the Fire. He was very different there. I just noticed that in New Moon the movie, when Edward was being electrified by Jane (another vampire), his acting was very Cedric Diggory eh? Suddenly, it felt like I was watching HP.
19. The million dollar question: are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?
When I was reading the 4 books, I was 70% with Team Edward. At some chapters in different books I felt for Jacob. They have their own qualities that will make you swoon. Lol. But Edward is so unreal eh. But in the movie, medyo bumalimbing ako. Naging Team Jacob ako sa ibang scenes. Haha.
But at the end of the day, I’m with Team….
Gu Jun Pyo!
20. What did you think of the movie?
I found some parts uber cheesy. It’s quite long for this kind of adaptation, I wish they devoted the other scenes to vampire and wolves fights (I guess that would be in Eclipse, next installment). The wolf transformation was very good. But since I have read the book, I really commend the people behind the film since they were able to make it four times better than that. And I liked this better than the prequel because it’s more action packed.
I’m sure you have other questions about this movie and/or the saga in general. I won’t mind being your Help Menu. 😉
0 thoughts on “Frequently asked questions (aka review) about New Moon”
ibyang
woah! ang haba hehe.
but that’s for sharing your thoughts.
i’ve never been enamored by the story…have read and seen the twilight book and movie but it just doesn’t catch my fancy enough to be a twihard. but i will wait for the new moon movie to be available online (download ko na lang) and will hope to watch the whole saga. 🙂
.-= ibyang´s last blog ..Affirmation: Miracle =-.
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ibyang
*but thanks for sharing your thoughts*
.-= ibyang´s last blog ..Affirmation: Miracle =-.
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bursky
just have to agree on so much stuff. made the same observations with #5, #8, and others! buti na lang pala may kagaya ako ng ‘review’ of the movie. 😛
.-= bursky´s last blog ..to CD* =-.
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Em Dy
About no 5, I wondered about that too – not changing clothes. No wonder the dog likes her. Ha ha. Kidding aside, didn’t she even go to school?
I think she apologized for bleeding because that’s how it would have been if it were Edward.
Robert Pattinson does not match the Edward in my head but Taylor Lautner fits Jacob perfectly. Whereas I’m Team Edward with the book, I’m Team Jacob for the movies.
I don’t think Edward’s good for Bella. In the beginning of Twilight, she was described as a take charge individual, more mature than her own mother. But when Edward came into the picture, that all changed.
I agree. Robert Pattinson did a Cedric Diggory. Avada Kedavra, anyone. You’re right, di sila magkalevel? JK Rowling is a much finer writer than Stephenie Meyer. Up to now, when I reread the HP series, I find clues here and there pertaining to later events in the series. Which just goes to prove that JK Rowling had everything in mind when she started Book 1. with the Twilight Series, I feel that somehow scenes/characters are introduced just so the book can end somewhat. No buildup at all.
I like this better than Twilight.
This is probably my longest comment ever in your blog. He he.
.-= Em Dy´s last blog ..A Taste of L.A. =-.
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Rach (Heart of Rachel)
Like you, I wasn’t too happy about the book New Moon. Eclipse is my favorite too. I will always be Team Edward even though Jacob looks more enticing on screen. Ha! Ha!
.-= Rach (Heart of Rachel)´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving =-.
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upto6only
hahaha nice FAQ. as you said nga:
1. The movie is really better than the book
2. Edward should really not taken off his shirt. super compare talaga sa abs ni jacob.
3 Gu Jun Pyo din ako hahahaha (may rewind ng BOF)
4 as to jacobs cutting his hair, it good kasi bumagay sa abs nya. mas gumuwapo cya 10 points dun. hehehe
.-= upto6only´s last blog ..Planning Ahead in 2010 =-.
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eds
wow! super haba naman nito. im on team edward but with this movie mukhang bumalimbing na rin ako. hehehe
thanks for sharing your thoughts wits.
.-= eds´s last blog ..inspirational quote on a monday =-.
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dyanie
yay! pareho tayo dun sa #5, #8 and #11. nag topless din si edward kala mo naman may abs. hellow, “ab” lang sya haha. oo nga nahilo din ako scene na pinapakita yung from oct to december. dapat black screen nalang tapos nakasulat yung month. oh well di naman ako yung director hehe 😉
.-= dyanie´s last blog ..Happiness! Christmas is in the air! =-.
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docgelo
i am with you in wishing for more vampire-wolf-fight scenes rather than those cheesy mushy parts. but to be honest, i enjoyed reading your review more (even if it’s seemed forever for me to finish it) than watching new moon.
.-= docgelo´s last blog ..A DAY OF SCIENCE =-.
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witsandnuts
Wow, thanks. 🙂
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Photo Cache
hahaha, thanks for the tip.
as a casual fan, i will try to see this on the big screen. but i guess, it’s entertaining enough to see on the big screen, right?
.-= Photo Cache´s last blog ..I’m Back Home! =-.
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witsandnuts
Yes, it’s entertaining. 🙂
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ching
hi ms. jo,
1. could u explain how was it possible for edward to occasionally appear everytime bella tries to kill herself?
2. did alice cullen make up that vision of bella becoming a vampire just to get away with the volturis? if it’s true, was it like a sudden vision or she knew it all along?
3. if any of the cullens turns bella into a vampire, would that mean that the treaty with the wolf guys are over? because of course they have to bite bella to do that right?
4. lastly, what’s up with their acting?
thanks ms. wits..
ching
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witsandnuts
Hi Ching!
1. Edward did not really appear, Bella had hallucinations.
2. Alice “saw” that Bella will become one of “them” as early as the first few weeks that Edward met Bella. That was not mentioned in Book 1 though, but in the draft of Midnight Sun (Twilight story as narrated in Edward’s point of view). Alice won’t be able to make up stories to the Volturis, especially to Aro, because of his power to find out one’s intentions/thoughts with just a touch of one’s hand.
3. Yes, the treaty would be over if any of the Cullens would bite ANY human. A spoiler here, Edward would turn Bella into a vampire without biting her. 😉
4. In the books, the vampires are really described to be always holding their breaths, especially Edward when he’s with Bella. His acting is forgivable in that sense. But Kristen (Bella)’s acting is consistently dry. I can just hope all of them would improve in Eclipse. Since that’s my most favorite among the saga. 😀
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ching
thanks ms. jo! not really a twilight fan but been following through the series. i had nightmares for a couple of days after watching new moon, i find myself waking up to bella’s screams, especially the part where she shouts, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!”
u shud consider writing a book, something like, Twilight for Dummies. or maybe teach Twilight 101. hahahaha thanks again ms. jo.. 😀
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witsandnuts
I got annoyed by Bella’s screaming. She, having nightmares, could have been portrayed better. Twilight for Dummies, heehee.
You’re always welcome, Ching.
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jeanny
ang haba pero binasa ko pa rin kasi sa Sat pa lang kami manonood hehehe!!!
Thanks for shairng 🙂
.-= jeanny´s last blog ..Creative Swap Goodies =-.
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Toni
Galing! This is very helpful for the newbies 🙂
I would hold my breath when Jacob would come into a scene. Lalo na pag topless. Hahahahaha! RAWR!
If I were to choose between vampire and wolf (hindi kasama human sa choices), I’d choose wolf! But then again, I don’t know how I can take being naked all the time. Mahirap ata for a girl. That’s why I’m interested how they’ll bring in Leah Clearwater in Eclipse!
.-= Toni´s last blog ..New Moon Movie Thoughts =-.
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Josiet
I love Alice too! I wanna be like her, LOL!
.-= Josiet´s last blog ..No lying =-.
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dong ho
in our office the ladies until now talks about it. this twilight craze!
.-= dong ho´s last blog ..taal series – contest =-.
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bem
watched it sa dibidi. hindi ko natapos. nakatulog ako :(.
while watching, i told my husband na si jacob is si sharkboy (sa sharkboy and lavagirl) sa dibidi ni kuya. ayaw maniwala. pano naman kasi sobrang naging delicious siya.
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witsandnuts
Taylor was once a shark, now he’s a wolf. Heehee. Natawa ako sa “delicious”. 😉
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Nebz
I’m not a Twifan. In fact, I didn’t finish watching the first saga because I found it boring.
Pero natuwa ako sa FAQ mo. Very comprehensive. What brought me a smile is that term ‘vegetarian vampires’. Hehe. I thought they were sucking purely fruit and vege juices.
.-= Nebz´s last blog ..I work here =-.
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