Latest film eclipses first vampire flicks

‘TWI-HARD’ fans have been salivating at the fangs for the latest in The Twilight Saga to hit the Hollywood big screen.

I was among the many that turned out this weekend to watch the pre-screenings of the third film adapted from Stephenie Meyer’s bestsellers.

Back by popular demand Robert Pattinson (R-Patz to his fans) returns to the role as the smouldering teenage vampire heart-throb Edward Cullen.

Alongside him vying for the limelight, is 18 year old actor Taylor Lautner who plays Cullen’s love rival Jacob Black.

The foundations for the plot have already been laid in the first two films with both men fighting for the love of the occasionally simpering, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) daughter to the local police chief.

But nothing’s ever straight forward is it? For poor Bella is a mere mortal and in this film she’s trapped between a rock and a hard place.

Cold as ice and without a heartbeat, vampire Edward appears to be Bella’s true soulmate. But in order for the pair to be together she will have to give up her own life and everything she holds dear, to join him as a bloodsucker.

Whilst in the red-blooded corner is Jacob Black, who has a nasty habit of turning into an oversized wolf at every available opportunity.

And what’s more everytime Jacob transforms, all his clothes are ripped off, and like a less-green version of the Hulk he spends 50 per cent of his time running about topless.

But whether you’re in camp Jacob or camp Edward there’s plenty of both on offer in this film.

It’s a tale of sexual tension and teenage romance - but minus any sex.

Another downside of Edward’s vampire tendencies he can’t sleep with Bella in case he accidentally kills her.

The script sticks closely to the books and the plot builds to a dramatic fight scene where a clan of crazed vampires invade the peaceful town of Forks.

Natural enemies the vampires and werewolves are forced to work together to resolve the situation.

But Eclipse is successful where the other films failed, there’s a clear beginning, middle and an end that was missing from the second film New Moon.

The writers also inject humour – something that was completely lacking in the first films.

The lead actors have relaxed into their roles, they know they are onto a winner and they are able to let go a bit more.

And despite the film’s two hour run time there’s a lot packed in.

As well as reappearances from the fiery red-head Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard) the Cullen family also feature more in the third film. As a fan of the books it’s great to see these characters given more screen time as Bella learns the history of her new family.

Flashbacks are used on more than one occasion to help tell Meyer’s original story and although some viewers may find them cringeworthy I think they were necessary to do the story justice.

Tense action sequences and some impressive CGI scenes also feature showing teenage vampires being flung all over the woods and werewolves sinking their teeth into the action too.

The film hangs onto a PG certificate by cleaning up the bloodshed through cutaways, but this doesn’t detract from the story, and is fitting for a film that is marketed at teenage girls.

This isn’t really a movie aimed at full throttle action fans but there is enough in there to hold the attention of any men that are dragged along to watch it.

If you’re into The Twilight Saga then you won’t be disappointed with this latest instalment.

And if you’ve never heard of the films- then where have you been?

By Debbie Lockett

Star Rating: HHHHH

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