Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Directed By: David Slade
Written By: Stephanie Meyer (novel), Melissa Rosenberg
Grade: B+

Eclipse was my favorite of the four books and the movie is right up to speed with it. The romance and lusty love triangle between immortal enemies and the one human girl that consumes them are still the main focus. Yet, the fighting and action scenes play a predominant role in the film as well. As the series goes on, the action, dark natured creatures, and suspense increases. We are primarily in Bella’s world, but we get to see the havoc the newborn vampires are creating in Seattle, creating quite the suspicion to authorities. This helps the pacing and gives us a peak at how the other half lives. Not all vampires are as well behaved as the Cullens after all.

There have been a number of murders and missing persons cases in Seattle. The Cullens suspects it’s vampires and more importantly newborns. Newborn vampires cannot control their urges. They go crazy with blood lust and will do whatever they want as they’re at the height of their power. There’s been in intruder in Bella’s room, picking up her scent. So someone is clearly after her, Victoria is still hunting her as well. Not to mention the Volturi are being attracted to Forks by the mess in Seattle. Yet, there might be a reason why this problem hasn’t been fixed by now. They could certainly end it in a second if they wished. Perhaps they want to weaken the Cullen family so they could get what they want; Alice and Edward’s abilities on their side.

Eclipse marks the height of the sexual tension Bella is feeling between both Edward and Jacob. Jacob continues to get under Edward’s cold as death skin. There are things he can do for Bella that Edward never could. One priceless moment was when Jacob warms Bella with the heat naturally radiating from his body during a storm while Edward sits there and watches. Even worse, he can hear every thought, desire, and satisfaction. They actually went even farther with the Jacob-Bella romance than I thought they would. They embrace the notion that you can love more than one person at the same time. It was handled very well without corrupting the original material from the books.

Jacob was completely hilarious throughout the film, taking stabs at Edward every chance he got. How much the two bicker is pretty funny in itself. Jacob has some good dialogue that Taylor Lautner delivers with great comedic timing and with just the right amount of passion and spite. I always found him to be far more charismatic than Robert Pattinson. Out of the three films Pattinson does best with the role in Eclipse, even though I still don’t think he was the right person for it. I’m not sure if I’ve just gotten used to him or if he has grown in to Edward.

I’m glad the Volturi’s role in the film was extended. They definitely add to the tension overwhelming our characters. Dakota Fanning is completely chilling as Jane. She is seemingly unexpressive with just that hint of glee in bringing pain and suffering to others. She is cold, yet calculated. Cameron Bright is very reserved himself, ready to strike at any moment. As a whole, they all have their little quirks that make them more enjoyable as characters.

I was disappointed that Rachelle Lefevre wasn’t returning as Victoria in Eclipse. She’s a great actress and fiercely brought out the vampire in the first two Twilight movies. Bryce Dallas Howard did do well in taking over the role. She’s strong, demanding, and manipulative. Still the thing that really powers her is the anguish she suffered after losing her lover, James. She even convinces her new lover, Riley, that she’s a victim, claiming she can’t stand the threat of the Cullens constantly driving her crazy. She does pretty well in making this seem convincing when revenge is all that’s on her mind.

There are two series of flashbacks in the movie. One centers on Jasper and one on Rosalie; both about how they became vampires and what their early vampire life was like. The transitions seemed a little off, but I am glad they were in the film. Jaspers’ explains a lot about newborns, the way they fight, and the conniving nature of the vampire who creates these armies. Rosalie’s flashback adds to Bella’s decision to become a vampire and it will play a larger role in Breaking Dawn.

As I said the action keeps things exciting, especially towards the end. During the finale there’s 3 different fights going on at the same time, giving us an epic battle scene. Personally it’s my favorite face off of the book series, mostly because there is so much passion, hurt, and despair on the line. Everyone uses everything they can to fight with, even the non-physical elements. Each person is fiercely fighting for their lives as well as Bella’s, who is pretty much helpless unless Jacob and Edward can stand in between Victoria and her. She’s full of hate and her target is right in front of her. They haven’t been able to stop her in all of this time, who’s to stay the two of them can really stop her? I also thought the very ending of the film was fitting. Bella’s speech helps put things in perspective and we respect her character more. She isn’t just completely love sick. She’s never quite fit in and never wants to be normal. So what better way is there to be better than normal than to be an immortal vampire?