But given this, I can be objective, and I have to say that I thought the first two Twilight films were a little bit sub-par – a bit boring, lacking in action and slightly over-the-top.  The good news is, the third instalment is definitely the best film so far.  Directed by British director David Slade, who has directed more edgy films such as Hard Candy and the violent vampire flick 30 Days of Night, Eclipse sees far more edge-of-your-seat action, and cool choreographed fight sequences.

The film opens with Bella and Edward discussing Bella’s imminent transformation into a vampire, which will take place after she graduates.  This is a point of conflict for Edward and Bella, as Bella can’t wait to be “changed”, but Edward is far more reluctant, worried about the status of Bella’s soul. They agree on a compromise, whereby Edward will change Bella if she agrees to marry him.  This brings us to the second major point of conflict – Jacob (Taylor Lautner), the buff teen werewolf who Bella became close to in New Moon.  Jacob will do anything to prevent Bella changing.  From this point, the film explores the love triangle between Bella, Edward and Jacob, with Bella discovering she does indeed love Jacob, just not as much as Edward.  There are a few slightly cringe-worthy, lovey-dovey moments in this regard, and, as always, Bella’s indecisiveness is irritating (after all, we know who she will choose in the end!)  But aside from that, the tension between the three lead characters is played out well.

Meanwhile, Edward and Bella’s nemesis Victoria is plotting her revenge, raising an army of “newborns” to attack Edward, Bella and the Cullens.  When the Cullens get wind of this, they form an uneasy alliance with Jacob’s werewolf pack, in order to protect Bella.  The film follows their preparations for the imminent fight.  And all the while, the Volturi is watching, building tension for the fourth instalment of the saga (fans will know that Edward promised the Volturi Bella would become a vampire).   An interesting aspect of the novel is that while the key we get to learn the backgrounds of other key characters – mainly Jasper and Rosalie.  The scenes which explain the origins of the werewolf tribe’s conflict with vampires are also intense, and well done. In this respect, the film does a good job of condensing the detail of the novel, and conveys what is in the book really well.

The fight scenes in the film are definitely on a bigger and better scale, and it makes for a much more entertaining film, so you can almost forgive the cringey ‘romantic’ moments between Bella and Edward, and Bella and Jacob.  There are also some great moments of humour – Bella’s dad Charlie has some great one-liners, and so does Jacob. 

Overall, of course the die-hard fans are going to love this film.  But for the uninitiated viewer, this is the film that just might get them hooked.  Definitely recommended you see the first two films (or read the books) first, otherwise the film might not make that much sense.  The film is a great bit of escapism, and if all else fails, it’s also the perfect piece of eye-candy.  What girl doesn’t want to see the perennially-shirtless Taylor Lautner, or  the super-romantic Rob Pattinson as Edward?  Worth watching for that reason alone!

Gloss rating 4/5

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