The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

OK, David Slade is a fairly good director and he pulls the saga up in terms of execution, atmosphere and visuals, but there’s nothing he can do about the contents. Bella is a total antihero, or rather, an antihero posing as a hero. She doesn’t do anything, doesn’t want to do anything, everyone can be ripped apart around her and she just stares blankly. The fact that some young girls may take her as a model is a lot sadder and more dangerous than a boy taking Edward as a model. (29/08/2010)

It's probably impossible to avoid sweet talk and saccharine moments in films like this anymore. Bella doesn't sigh as much, doesn't come across as old and tries to keep the bullshit to a minimum. But I'd kill for that beginning in the meadow! The actors will probably never be convincing enough, but whatever. Well that's the end of my gripes. I liked the music, it was snappy and complemented the gaps in the film well. The werewolves were given more space, which pleased me, and the big battle looked really realistic and gritty. Well, there were probably a few more issues, but I've already mentioned the biggest ones. And there will not a star more! After a lot of pondering, I've come to the conclusion that the third and second films are on the same level. (20/07/2010)

Content (?) identical (and I suppose we could say that, as far as possible under the limited circumstances, the tension is rising), but this is probably the best Twilight format so far. Slade manages to smuggle some action and even a little atmosphere into the movie (here and there) making this saga considerably more bearable. Maybe it’s a shame that he wasted his talent on something like this, but at least he earned some money and the studio may be willing to release more cash for a future project of his. Everybody will be happy. I’m warmer than you. (21/11/2010)

A step forward, yet at the same time a light stepping in place. David Slade is a director who can best tame a problematic script, and thanks to excellent flashbacks and gripping action, he knows how to build anticipation for the finale. And yet he also suffers from having taken on this particular installment. Eclipse hurts in terms of plot progression. There is no crucial decision made or any action taken that would fundamentally change the situation. There is only one big battle, which is lucky to have attractive fighters on both sides. Though the third installment loses something by not having a solid face of its own (Twilight is a cold opening, Twilight: New Moon is an intimate melodrama), and in the very end it feels like a nostalgic installment with its battles in the mountains, it works great in this form. Even if Bella's doubts and decision-making sometimes get on my nerves. But I have never spit on the Twilight saga and it seems that I won't in the future either. So, we'll see each other at Twilight: Breaking Dawn. (30/11/2011)

The first film had a scene in the woods and a baseball game, the second Italian porn, and the third... has a blooming meadow and the story of Rosalie and Jasper Hale. The recasting of Bryce Dallas Howard's is just one of many oddities, like the fact that Kristen Stewart still doesn't look much older than she did in Panic Room. I mean, wow. However, the lines heard about Bella having to be home by four, graduating from English studies, and Edward asking her if she will get out of the car if he asks her to...? Uh....what? "I kissed Bella. And she broke her hand." "Eau de wolf coming up." "Oh, my God. Dad. I'm a virgin." "I Am Hotter Than You!" "If we weren't natural enemies, I might actually like you."!!! (09/11/2011)