The Twilight saga: Eclipse

Director: David Slade
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Bryce Dalls Howard, Peter Facinelli and Anna Kendrick
Releasing in cinemas: 1 July 2010
Rated: M

Eclipse is the third and final instalment in Stephenie Meyer’s phenomenally successful series of Twilight novels, and it delivers everything that fans have come to expect. However, to say that it is better than New Moon is to damn it with faint prise! Melissa Rosenberg’s screenplay remains reasonably faithful to Meyer’s novel. Eclipse is still very much a Mills & Boon-type romance, concentrating on the romantic triangle at the centre of the story. It plays fast and loose with the mythology surrounding vampires and werewolves, and it delivers a strong moral message about chastity.

There’s plenty of teen angst and longing looks here as Bella (Kristen Stewart) is still prevaricating between her love for the vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and the shape-changing werewolf Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). But there’s a bigger threat headed towards the small town of Forks that could jeopardise everything.

Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard) is after revenge on Bella for the murder of her boyfriend James. She has assembled an army of newborn vampires, who have superhuman strength and are at their most dangerous and powerful in the first few months after they have been turned. This army is headed by Riley (played by Australian actor Xavier Samuel, from The Loved One, in the role that should see him breakthrough in Hollywood). Jacob and his werewolves temporarily agree to form an alliance with the Cullen clan to protect Bella and thwart this attack.

The action scenes are relatively brief and bloodless. However, the special effects seem to have improved as the series has progressed, and no less than a dozen special effects companies have worked on the film.

Eclipse has been beautifully shot by cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe, who adds a certain lustre to the gorgeous exterior locations in the mountains of British Columbia. Director David Slade has made edgier films in the past (Hard Candy, and the rather gory vampire thriller 30 Days of Night), but he plays it relatively safe here. The pace is languorous and the film drags at times, although Slade injects some sly tongue-in-cheek humour. There is not much tension here, and the film takes its time about getting to the climactic showdown.

The regular cast all return to reprise their roles and they do what is required without any flashy mannerisms. Pattinson continues to be the moody and brooding vampire. Lautner continues to take advantage of any opportunity to whip off his shirt and display his buffed bod. Stewart continues her agonising over the choice she has to make and her decision to let Edward turn her into a vampire after graduation so they can be together forever.

Eclipse will please fans of the Twilight series, but it is unlikely to win over new admirers or converts.

Greg King

Read more of Greg King's reviews at filmreviews.net.au