This post is dedicated to my sister Betsy, who is in missions in France, and wants desperately to see Eclipse. My Friend Kristi, another Twimom, who has helped fuel my obsession and makes me feel OK about it! And last, my friend Heidi, who nagged me all last summer to read Twilight and went with me on 'Girls night out' to see Eclipse!
First of all-
Wow! David Slade did an awesome job! I didn't think I would care for his style of directing, but he managed to capture the essence of Eclipse.
What I noticed the most was how Jackson Rathbone's performance was much improved! He actually had lines and nailed his role as Jasper. His relationship with Alice is adorable in this one! I loved their playfulness as he was 'teaching' her how to fight. I was not interested in seeing 'The last Air bender' until now!
Kristen Stewart has really grown as an actress. All three of the 'trifecta' were good, but she had an air of maturity about her this time. Maybe it was intentional as Bella is graduating and a whole year older than Twilight. She's not the only one who has grown into her role... How about that Taylor Lautner?? What a transformation he has made from Twilight!! Looking forward to seeing more of him as his movie career continues. He is a sweet, unassuming young man. A rare find in Hollywood today.
I would have liked to have seen more of the motorcycle 'abduction' of Bella from school. I cant place my finger on it, but I felt something was missing. Edward didn't seem 'mad' enough maybe...And the fact that whole girls sleepover scene was missing entirely is a bummer.
I am glad that parts from the sleepover were weaved in however. So at the time it doesn't feel like you missed too much, but now that I've had time to reflect, I notice it.
The bedroom scene was appropriate. PG 13 appropriate. The intimacy was definitely there throughout the whole movie despite its rating. They kept the line "Keep your clothes on Bella" as well as "I'm old fashioned and want to be married to you first". I think statements like those are what make Twilight special from other books and an important message for teens. And we Twimoms find it endearing. The engagement scene was right on, and I wish they had lingered a little while longer on that.
At times I felt they were rushing it, and missed the time of reflection that Twilight and NM had. It was only 2 hours and 4 min, but wished it was 3 hours and 4 min!!
Speaking of intimacy, how about THE kiss with Jacob and Bella! WOW! I enjoyed watching that more than the kisses with her and Edward! I had heard her in interviews say that was the part that made her the most nervous. She really wanted to get it right- that was important to her. They succeeded!! His hand looked HUGE on her waist(- just something I noticed.)
Taylor did a great job at portraying his anger throughout as well. Particularly in his garage when she tells him about the 'change' after graduation.
How funny was the scene of the sex talk in the kitchen? The look on Kristen's face is priceless, and I really felt the awkwardness of the situation. The other priceless moment was Charlie's expression when Jacob tells him he kissed her and she broke her hand. The trailers didn't show you the whole scene there, and I'm glad they didn't! Another scene that you didn't see all of was outside the school when she rides off with Jacob. It was nice to see a little of those scenes, as a teaser and to hold me off till the movie came out, but glad I was surprised to see more there!
I like Bryce Dallas Howard, but still think Rachel Lafever would have played a better Victoria. Summit should have paid her more or whatever it was...
She wasn't as conniving or vicious enough. She is pretty an delicate, not how I picture Victoria and not how she was in Twilight. A little more hardcore and dangerous. The one time she did well was when Edward coaxed her to attack and she bears her teeth as she pounces. But that was about it.
How cute was Seth?? He is adorable and casted well. I look forward to seeing more of him Breaking Dawn. Leah is gorgeous and perfect for her role as well. Her interactions with Jacob look promising for BD.
Nikki Reed did a great job at making us feel bad about her situation in life and did her best at trying to convince Bella not to choose immortality. I totally 'got' it, but Bella does not. That was the best I've seen her act as well. They finally did a great job at portraying her beauty. In Twilight they did a good job, more of a siren-type of girl. In NM she looked like she was dead! But in E, she looks beautiful, and I enjoyed watching her play her part.
My heart broke for Jacob as he was lying on his bed with half of his body broken and Bella comes to him...He says to her "Don't leave, I want to get all the breaking over with at once..." As he is sweaty and shivering from the pain. I was totally not prepared to see him in such a sad state! I didn't have a picture of that in my head from reading the book. More of a stoic Jacob, than one that cries out. But I was OK with it. Him lying on the ground, naked and curled up in a fetal position, crying out in agonizing pain, is a picture I won't soon forget!
Lastly is the Meadow scenes...What can I say? Perfect. Intimate. Sweet. Comfortable. Interesting...Either they've done that sort of thing before with each other...or they are really good at what they do!! What do you think??
