REVIEW - The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

As Seattle is plagued by a series of violent murders, Bella and Edward have been reunited, with Jacob pushed to the sidelines once again. But when an army of young vampires descends on Forks, the vamps and werewolves have to work together to keep Bella safe.

Eclipse is easily the most male friendly entry in the series to date with some nice dark visuals and meaty action, particularly in a last act face-off that seems to prove that vampires are made out tin-foil. This all comes courtesy of director David Slade, who knows his vampire action from the not-quite-brilliant 30 Days of Night. The new focus on action means less slushy stuff from the leads and the cutaways to Seatlle are dripping with atmosphere, as are several flashbacks which recount the early lives on the vampire brood - in brief story snatches more compelling than anything conjured up in the movies.
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson finally look halfway comfortable in their roles, though the romance is still to heavy handed and the clear anti-sex message overwhelming - not only will Edward not be with Bella until they are married but he makes it very clear that the consummation might well kill her. Elsewhere, Taylor Lautner tries some humour and doesn't quite pull it off while only Billy Burke seems intent to point out the ridiculousness of it all. This entry spends minimal time with supporting characters, particularly Bella's school friends which is a big loss as Anna Kendrick was one of the more bearable things about New Moon.

The main problem with Eclipse is a near total lack of story, a negative point inherited by the ponderous book which seemed like nothing more than an excuse to have some vampire on vampire action. It's a shame, because the stylish visuals, strong action and improved effects could have made this the best in the series, but without any character development the finale lacks punch. Still, guys won't be bored and the target demographic will lap up the restrained shirtlessness and some slightly steamier scenes with the personality-free leads.

3/5