Editor's Note: If you cry "Spoiler Alert!" the way Blair Waldorf cries "Chuck!" then stop reading now.Another day, another crisis in Forks, Washington. This time, it's a "serial killer" - otherwise known as a vampire army - that's stealing Seattle's young and virile, and delivering them, undead style, onto Bella and Edward's doorstep.
That's the basic premise of
Twilight: Eclipse, where the Cullen coven battles a clan of "newborn vampires" with the reluctant help of Taylor Lautner's six pack - sorry, we mean, wolf pack. Add Bella's wish to become a vampire and / or lose her virginity (whichever comes first?), plus Edward's cloying "I must protect you!" vibe, and you've basically got the movie.
But if you can deal with (or even relish) the cheese factor of
Eclipse, there are some exciting surprises - namely, flashback scenes for Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) and Rosalie (Nikki Reed) that let both actors shine, while adding a riveting back story to their characters. There's also some deadpan comedy, thanks to Anna Kendrick and Billy Burke, who plays Bella's father Charlie. Dakota Fanning won't win an Oscar for her portrayal of the evil vampire queen, Jane, but we'd be lying if we didn't admit we spent the whole movie waiting for her to appear. And, as usual, Kristen Stewart kicks ass.
If you were planning on already seeing this movie, you'll be happy when it's over. And if your friends are dragging you, kicking and swearing, to a sold-out screening, guess what? You might find yourself really enjoying the good parts - or if not, at least a slew of hot boys and some seriously funny werewolf scenes.
--FARAN KRENTCIL
Plus: See outtakes of the Twilight actors in NYLONAnd spend some time with Jackson Rathbone...