Five Reasons “New Moon” Will Be Better Than “Twilight”

The benefit that most sequels have is that the main characters and their relationships have already been established. This leaves the door open for deeper exploration of the story and characters as the each actor has grown into the roles. For an actor, it is all about the interpretation of a character on paper and the transfer of emotion to the screen. A novel can describe emotion, feelings, and settings but a film has to show it. In the case of “New Moon,” fans should feel more of what they felt from the books now that Twilight is out of the way and the story can unfold. And anyone who has read “New Moon” knows just how gut-wrenching this story is! In the “Twilight” sequel, Bella and Edward’s relationship has already been established. But, like any relationship, the introduction of another conflict plays an important role on the pairs love. Without giving too much away beyond Edward and Bella, the impact Jacob Black has on the story creates a huge conflict. Loyalties will be put to the test while the choices of right and wrong are pitted against those of want and need. Much like a second book in a trilogy, “New Moon” will cut to the chase in a way fans can already identify with via new character dynamics while delving deeper into the complexities of love.

With casting for “New Moon” in full swing and the start of filming only weeks away, there’s been much buzz surrounding the possible addition of a highly recognizable name in Hollywood for the role of Jane. Dakota Fanning, former child star turned young movie star, is only 15 and yet would be perfect for the role she’s been almost-confirmed for! Fanning has worked alongside such stars as Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington and Sean Penn and knows the acting world inside and out. If she is indeed cast in the vampire saga Fanning would be one of the biggest name attached to the film, even more than some of her recently popular “Twilight” co-stars. Although many fans have questioned whether Fanning for role of Jane is the right choice, Dakota brings to the table some A-list acting experience. What we do know is that she can act and the addition of Dakota Fanning could only raise the acting game of the entire cast to make them better. How well fans receive Fanning as Jane may be a different story.

Stephenie Meyer herself wrote about how much the character of Edward had cemented his own personality and character in such a way that changing his essence would be like changing his physicality. It just could not be done. Edward’s role in “New Moon” is as much about his character as it is a necessity in the relationship he has with Bella. No great love story would be complete without a special, magical bond that’s sometimes painful on many levels and it doesn’t get any better than with a love-struck teenage girl and a broody vampire.

The success of “New Moon” over “Twilight” lies in the ability of actors to inhabit their characters on a deeper level. What Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson bring to Bella and Edward for “New Moon” will require more than just reading lines from a page. “Twilight” showed us the magic of an inevitable love story and “New Moon” will continue the saga in a deeper way. It’s the love story that will force Pattinson and Stewart to go deeper inside themselves as actors than they did in “Twilight.” Usually when people reach deep and go beyond their comfort zones, good things happen. In this case, it will all be in the name of love. Although “Twilight” was filmed in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, mainly in Washington St. and Oregon, heading north to Vancouver, British Columbia can only benefit in a couple of ways. First, Vancouver is perfect for the tone and atmosphere of “New Moon” since it rains so much. Although Washington, Oregon, and Vancouver all fit the franchise well, the dreary scenery in ‘Twilight” was able to set the tone of the novel. Vancouver will bring that in broody spades. Second, with the slumping economy director Chris Weitz and crew will get more mileage out of the American dollar in exchange, which should afford the production a few more tricks and effects that “Twilight” wasn’t able to incorporate purely for financial reasons. Who knows what cost savings will add to “New Moon”, but it’s better than not having enough to work with. Lets hope they do right by the scene in Italy when Edward steps out into the sun! Half of the mystery of Edward and his family lies in their ability to live in shadow and Vancouver provides the perfect backdrop with darker forests and overcast skies. Let’s just hope the crew can keep the rabid fans off the set… Myself included!

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Jacob Black was originally intended to be a stand-alone character in “Twilight” but his role in “New Moon” is more significant, as another conflict between werewolves and vampires comes to the forefront. The Quileute legend speaks of its people being descended from werewolves, with the lore based on real Quileute legends except for the introduced conflict with the vampires (or “cold ones” as Jacob describes them). With the arrival of the Cullens, legend and lore allow fans to journey deeper into the mythology of “New Moon’s” opposing forces. In other words, with such a profound back-story between werewolves and vampires, “New Moon” will explore more while connecting on a deeper level to Bella. In many ways and aspects surrounding the Quileute Tribe and the legend, “New Moon” should tap into the book on better levels than that of “Twilight.” The legend and the expanded significance of Jacob will take fans on a darker journey while evoking more complex emotions than “Twilight.” With casting almost complete and a new location already in play, “New Moon” is quickly getting production underway in Vancouver. What really matters is the continuation of the story. But can Edward and Bella do what we have envisioned from the book? The mystery lies in the creation and execution of Stephenie Meyer’s world into two hours of screen time. Many fans of the series were left wanting more with “Twilight.” Will “New Moon” become another blockbuster hit at the box-office? Judging by the success of “Twilight” and the enormous legions of fans, how could it not?

Unlike the unknown of “Twilight” on the big screen, we’re expecting “New Moon” to be better in at least 5 different ways – new characters and conflict, Dakota Fanning and how she’ll raise the game of the cast, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart digging deeper as actors, the new location, and further exploration of the legend. My only worry is how much screen time Sparklepants will get…