Eclipse Review: Variety Says “The Most Cinematic of the Series So Far”

96 Comments June 28, 2010 by TeamSpaceHeaters Filed Under: Eclipse, Eclipse News, Eclipse Review

Eclipse rtwilighteclipse Eclipse Review: Variety Says The Most Cinematic of the Series So Far eclipse review eclipse news eclipse Variety has reviewed The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and has great things to say about David Slade’s directing work–

It goes without saying that the faithful will devour “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” the third movie in Stephenie Meyer’s immensely popular supernatural love-triangle saga, and also the one in which Bella must finally choose between her two beastly suitors. The pleasant surprise this time around is that the result finally feels more like the blockbuster this top-earning franchise deserves. Employing a bigger budget, better effects and an edgier director (“Hard Candy’s” David Slade), “Eclipse” focuses on what works — the stars — even as the series’ parent-friendly abstinence message begins to unravel. Summer release should reap Summit’s biggest yield yet.Taking a cue from the “Harry Potter” series, which maintains continuity on the writing and casting fronts while introducing a different feel with each change of director, the “Twilight” producers have embraced a variety of different visions behind the camera. Capitalizing on her indie sensibility and keenly observed teen insights, Catherine Hardwicke set the tone with the low-budget first film, with Chris Weitz expanding (and flattening) the world with his broader, daytime soap-opera style in “New Moon.” Now, the task falls to Slade, who clearly understands how to work with actors while also demonstrating a welcome competence in the action and melodrama departments.

Check out more after the break…

It’s no easy task taking a piece of material auds already know inside-out and spinning it in such a way that individual scenes still generate tension and suspense. Slade sets us on edge from the outset with an atmospheric vignette merely alluded to in the book, as small-town boy Riley (Xavier Samuel) is ambushed and bitten by an unseen vampire in shadowy Seattle (looking every bit as ominous as Tim Burton’s Gotham City).

Not much happens for the first 300 pages of Meyer’s novel, during which vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and werewolf Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) vie for the affections of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), with our increasingly impatient heroine determined to surrender both her virginity and her humanity to the brooding bloodsucker (to his credit, Bella’s 109-year-old boyfriend wants to marry her first).

Slade and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg wisely intercut these puppy-love scenes with uneasy horror-movie jolts. After all, “Eclipse” builds not to a showdown between Edward and Jacob (no matter how often he takes off his shirt, the poor wolfboy will never be Bella’s first choice), but to an uneasy alliance between the Cullen clan and Jacob’s tribe of shape-shifters, united to protect Bella from the vengeance-seeking Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard, taking over the role from Rachelle Lefevre) and her army of “newborns,” undisciplined but super-strong new vampires.

Rather than attempting to elevate Meyer’s swoony prose to the level of literature (the poor scribe exhausts herself trying to find synonyms for “perfection”), Rosenberg’s task is to faithfully adapt the material for fans in such a way that works onscreen; that means having the freedom to remove, reorder or completely rewrite certain passages. She also has to contend with “Eclipse’s” muddled message — Bella’s in a hurry to be bitten, while everyone else is telling her to slow down — and devises a nice graduation speech for best friend Jessica (Anna Kendrick) on the merits of not rushing into things.

Despite the somewhat simple-minded source, the producers plot everything as if it were a strategic game of chess, paying off earlier gambles — Jacob played third wheel in the past, but gets the sexier kiss here — while seeding future films. Of particular interest is a wide-eyed young newborn (played by Jodelle Ferland), subject of Meyer’s spinoff novella “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner,” who serves as an effective tool in setting up the powerful Volturi’s villainy for the two-part “Breaking Dawn” finale.

“Eclipse” feels the most cinematic of the series so far, taking scenes out of the lunchroom and Swan house as much as possible. Slade shares Hardwicke’s aesthetic of using dramatic aerial photography to give the otherwise intimate tale a more epic sweep, and expands on it by repeatedly lining up the various clans like the subjects of a Vanity Fair cover shoot, their iconic group poses helping to make the movie seem as big as its following. Though Slade inherits “New Moon” d.p. Javier Aguirresarobe, his choice of lenses and shooting style (including a fair amount of handheld camerawork) gives things a more dynamic energy.

Visual effects have improved considerably, with no fewer than 11 companies working on everything from Edward’s sparkling skin to CG wolves that realistically blend with live-action characters. A scene of Bella side-by-side with canine Jacob feels perfectly plausible, but nothing beats the sight of vampires and werewolves going at it in the climactic battle. If anything, the digital work outshines the other departments, with bad makeup, lifeless wigs and creepy contacts being the elements that disrupt the fantasy.

I can’t wait!

[Source: Variety. Thanks I_Luv_Wolves!]

Tags: Eclipse News, eclipse review

Category: Eclipse, Eclipse News, Eclipse Review

KatHale *Team Young Major*

I can't believe it's here….I really can't believe it…
Just 1 day left!!!!
KP1010

“bad makeup, lifeles wigs and creepy contacts being the elements that disrupt the fantasy.”

I think if Jaspers wig is the biggest concern, we have nothing to worry about!
Bree Cullen

1 day?! where do you live?? i live in australia and we still have 3 sleeps!
KatHale *Team Young Major*

Greece..
Well,technically we have 2 sleeps..But I'm not counting today,cause it sounds better! ; )
So you get to see it July 1st,right?
Don't worry,it's just 1 day difference..!
It's worth it!
KatHale *Team Young Major*

So true…You're totally right!
Although,personally I like Jasper's hair in Eclipse(unlike NM)I don't mind if that's the only problem with the movie…And I don't think many people will care!!!
http://annikadotbenitz.blogspot.com/ Ell-Tee-Em.

I'm seeing this movie… TOMORROW?!

WHAT?! I can't believe it's already here!
Bree Cullen

yep july 1st. haha definitely! haha well im gonna say…2 days. lol
im sooo excited!! im going at 12:07 June 30th. AHHH!!
TeamSethward

Me to but we have only 2 more sleeps as going to see the midnight screening ahhhh cant wait!!!!!
Bree Cullen

whoops i mean it'll be 12:07 JULY 1ST..lol minor mix up there…haha
http://twitter.com/KaaarenTH Karen Tekkelenburg

“bad makeup, lifeles wigs and creepy contacts being the elements that disrupt the fantasy”

From what i've seen so far, the make-up and wigs don't look to bad (exept Jasper's wig ofcourse). And the contact are gold, just like they should be (even if it looks a little freaky sometimes).

Eclipse come's out on June 30th here (Netherlands), but i'm seeing it on Saturday.. can't wait <33
30yearoldtwifan

DAM you WIG DEPT! DAM YOU! LOL

If that's the only complainant, Ill take it though !
ShardayLuvsTaycob

The little glimpses of the battle with the vampires and werewolves looks absolutely epic and what they say is right, the visual effects have improved a lot. It looks much more believable this time. It is going to be the best film yet and I will probably go and see it at the cinema a hundred times lol.
ShardayLuvsTaycob

And oh yes! the Jacob and Bella kiss is gonna rock
http://www.twitter.com/KahinaB21 Kyna Black

Eclipse is the best of the movie by far!!
I loved it! All actors are great (I didn't really liked Robert in New Moon) but this time, he was very good!! kudos to Kristen too, she perfectly feel Bella's feeling throughout the film. To me, the best was Taylor! D*mn! The last scene between Jacob & Bella…I cried liked a baby xD Jacob was hurt, he was in tears, soooo sad but at the same time, AMAZING scene!!

I also very appreciate Xavier & Jackson. The Jasper/Alice fans will be happy. There are some sweet moment between them <3

My favorite scene was the Tent scene!! OMG!! “I'm hotter than you” i think this gonna be THE LINE of the movie!! We feel the sexual tension between them. Edward is funny in it too. Love when he says “Forget it” when he read Jacob'd mind but the funniest scene was “The talk” between Bella & Charlie. Billy Burke…I LOVE YOU!!

Most of the line in the book were in it. Thanks MR!
A scene that I loved too is the scene in the garage, just before the 1st “kiss” very emotional, Taylor & Kristen were very good in it! Speaking of Kiss!! All the kiss between Edward & Bella were WAY BETTER than in NM!!
The kisses between Jacob & Bella were hot too. well, the 1st one was SO FUNNY!! Very short, but..I loved it!! I totally agree with the man (or is a woman?) who wrote this review “Jacob played third wheel in the past, but gets the sexier kiss here ” that's it 100% True!! The background is wonderful, the music too, and the kiss…wow! I'm not a fan of couple Jacob/Bella bit I loved it!!!

I must admit that my favorite scene between Bella & Edward, was the leg hitch scene! Very beautiful!!
debraJC

I'm doing what your doing! I can't wait to see it in the day
12.01am July 1st ! WOOT WOO!
debraJC

your so lucky to have seen it!!!! I CANT WAIT!
debraJC

your so lucky to have seen it!!!! I CANT WAIT!
teamhardwick

There are 2 things that are especially interesting:
1. Taylor has the sexier kiss… I HAVE TO SEE THAT TO BELIEVE IT!
2. “Having the freedom to remove, reorder or completely rewrite certain passages” – WTF?? if Melissa really wants that freedom she shoud go ahead and do a film of her own and get her greedy hands off the Twilight saga.

In short, I'm excited and in the same time a bit scared about this. None of the critics says anything about the E/B love, this is not good.
debraJC

I so can't wait.
The reviews I have read all seem pretty positive

what scene can people not wait to see??

TEAM EDWARD ALL THE WAY!
TeamIdDoRPatz

I GET TO SEE ECLIPSE TONIGHT AT A SPECIAL PREMIERE!!!!!!!!

I know this has nothing to do with Eclipse but I have to tell someone lol….in the “Remember Me” DVD set with the cast commentary….there's a part where the director asks Rob what would have happened with the characters if Aiden hadn't come in the room (this is the part where they go to the apt party and Ali get sick)…and Rob goes…

I WOULD HAVE TAUGHT HER A LESSON SHE WOULDN'T EVER FORGET!!!!….Meaning sekkkkssssss

I almost died =)
Gelly

Aaaa! Another Greek fan as myself!!!! And also one that visits this site! how exciting
Gelly

I can not freakin wait to go see it on Wednesday. This is torture!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tatiana_OME

I find something incredibly wrong with J/B getting the sexier kiss…where's my E/B love?? I'm going to go crazy waiting for Wednesday night. I didn't think I was going to get to see it until this weekend but my husband suprised me with opening night tickets yesterday. I was so shocked…he told me that he knows it means alot to me so he's willing to sit through it with me…squee!! I'm stoked!
Tatiana_OME

*clicks like* I love your avi!!!! mmmm…angryward
IloveyouEdward

*gulp*

OK I have to keep reminding myself to enjoy the movie! Do not think about what's missing n wats screwed up just enjoy n be POSITIVE *deep breathe* Okay I'm good.Everything will be fine I'm sure there's a good amount of both relationships J/B &. E/B hehe .he
ShardayLuvsTaycob

That is so awesome that you have already seen it! I've been hearing a lot that the Jacob/Bella kiss is so hot, I would die to be in Bella's place.*swoons* All three are going to be fantastic in this and can't wait to see the tension between them. Edward and Jacob together in the tent scene I am not going to be able to contain myself And I'm glad they stayed true to the book because you can't go ruining a good thing.
twilouca

Your lucky girl!!!

But could you answer one question?
Did you could tell me, exactly, where the song Florence+The Machine fits?
I´m in love for this song! And I try to fix with some scenes in my head but… I couldnt.
Please?! : )
ashleyisagoddess

Awwwww… your hubby is such a sweetie!

I know what you mean by the E/B love. Maybe this reporter thinks the tawdriness of the an engaged woman kissing someone other than her fiance is sexy. 8-S
Team Rob,Edward,Tyler,Jacob J

wow everyone is giving eclipse great reviews i think the ulimate test is going to be not us fans but the fan girls that are dragging their Boyfriends to see the movie and it they come out and just say the work “wasnt so mad” then we have a winner lol
twilouca

WooHoo!!!!
I´m going tomorrow too!!!!
And thinking when we started, was 190 days far way!!!
I´m jumping in my set!!
Eclipse! Eclipse! Eclipse!
Tatiana_OME

I'VE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED FOR A WEDNESDAY IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
I AM WAYYY TOO EXCITED FOR THIS AND I DON'T CARE!!!!!
Tatiana_OME

I'VE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED FOR A WEDNESDAY IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
I AM WAYYY TOO EXCITED FOR THIS AND I DON'T CARE!!!!!
twilouca

Oh! He´s adorable.

My husband goes with me to see eclipse and he is complain at lest for 6 weeks.
You have very lucky!!!
twifan4ever

OMG, I can't wait to see it tomorrow midnight with my husband who is very supportive of my addiction so far ) The reviews of the movie has been great. I do have to admit, NM is not a fave of mine (book and movie), even when I watched it, I thought it lacked something….(Edward?)
AlteredbyaVampire

I'll be so pissed if Bella and Edward don't have sexy kisses…..Jacob can't come out the winner in that dept it's not right………I'll throw my popcorn at the screen…….*stomps foot and pouts*
KP1010

I don't think many of us will even notice! It sounds like the movie is so good that we wont have time for thinking about Jaspers wig
LOL
edblfr

oh………don't worry………E/B kiss scenes and leg hitch is going to be way more hotter……..they can't say anything about it till wednesday u knoe {{{{{top secret}}} …………;-)
KatHale *Team Young Major*

Γειαααααα!!!!
Seriously(let's just keep talking in English)!?!?!?! ; )
I'm not feeling so lonely now…
Yeah,Wednesday it is…At the Mall!!!
alicecullen13

I think it's kind of a judgement call. cause i've heard some people say the Bella/Jacob kiss is akward. and then i've heard some say it was hot. So i mean it probably just depends on your preference.
alicecullen13

Proposal. Without a doubt.
Tent comes in 2nd place.
alicecullen13

Proposal. Without a doubt.
Tent comes in 2nd place.
TeamIdDoRPatz

1. Proposal

2. Leg Hitch

3. Tent Scene
AP_Team RobPervKowski

I don't know… I'm very torn between this reviews =(
I found another one, and is not so good…
http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/review/2483
AP_Team RobPervKowski

yeah, I'm kinda scared this kiss is getting all this atention…
maybe K/R have some competition for next year best kiss LOL
vampdazzled

same here!!! but I'm trying so hard not to think about what this review just said, positive thinking, positive thinking!!! one more day!!!!! LOL!!!
Anonymous

Spanish fan here, and two more sleeps too! :):)
Anonymous

Spanish fan here, and two more sleeps too! :):)
Anonymous

Spanish fan here, and two more sleeps too! :):)
Anonymous

Spanish fan here, and two more sleeps too! :):)
Tx3TeamYayBellaJumpedOffACliff

OMG the kiss is awesome?!
Oh gosh i can't wait.. I need to watch that movie asap!
*hugs*
So happy you already saw the movie but i'll lie if i say i'm not jealous LOL