Movie Reviews
First Review Of Eclipse!
Matt Smith & Kate 1 July, 2010 - 4:00 PM
Eclipse Reviewed By A Twi-Hard!
If you're a bloke dreading being dragged to see 'that vampire chick flick' by your lady, think again.
Eclipse is the biggest, boldest and best movie of the Twilight Saga so far; and there's more action and gore than you can shake a stake at.
The director has taken the bestselling book and amped up the plotline about vengeful Victoria's army of newborn vamps who are hell-bent on killing Bella and the Cullen clan.
That's good news for action fans, and for hot Aussie star Xavier Samuel who gets a starring role as the complex bad guy, Riley.
Meanwhile back in Forks the love triangle between Edward, Jacob and Bella is heating up. So much so that Jacob can't seem to keep his top on. EVER.
We think this could trigger a new drinking game: chug when you see a chest.
At 124 minutes it's a bit of a bum numb-er; but with more comedy, action and suspense than the first two movies - it's a price worth paying.
4 stars
Eclipse Reviewed By A Bloke!
When we last left Bella and Edward they were back in each others arms planning a never ending life together. In Éclipse’ the love triangle is reunited and a new danger is facing Bella and co, a tribe of super-vampires wrecking havoc in Seattle and headed her way.
The third installment in the Twilight franchise is sure to please Twi-hards and frustrate non-believers in equal measure.
Fans should find the film the best so far.
‘Hard Candy’ director David Slade has certainly given the film an edgier tone. The action scenes have become stronger with the vampires and the wolves in Bella’s life joining forces to protect her and the community. The points of the love triangle are also showing greater chemistry.
The chemistry between Stewart and Pattinson has always been one of the franchises greatest strengths. However, scenes between Stewart and Lautner, and -in particular- between Pattinson and Lautner have been considerably weaker. In ‘Éclipse’ the scenes between the vampire and the wolf vying for Bella’s attention have improved considerably.
Despite the good things that Éclipse’ has going for it, it is not going to be enough to convert non-fans. If you haven’t already fallen for the charms and the tragedy that is Bella Swan’s life’, you are very unlikely to fall for it now. Without a previous investment in the storyline the film will feel like it is dragging on forever in places.
Depending on what you already think about the ‘Twilight’ series the latest film will either be the best film you have seen all year or the worst. My suggestion is if you did not like the first two do not bother with the third. If you liked the first two films, you probably already have your tickets.
5 Stars
The Karate Kid
Starring Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan and Taraji P. Henson.
Dre Parker is a super cool 12-year-old living in Detroit. When his mum’s career takes them both to China he finds being a cool kid in his home town means very little in his new surrounds. When he gets a not-so-friendly introduction to China from a school bully he forms an unlikely friendship with maintenance man, Mr Han.
Mr Han is secretly a kung fu expert. Dre has some karate chops in his repertoire, but not enough to protect him from the local bullies. Mr Han goes about teaching Dre the ancient art of kung fu and some lessons in life in equal measure.
Those with fond memories of the super popular 1984 original ‘The Karate Kid’ will be pleased to know the new version has done a solid job of recreating that film’s magic. The martial arts montages are fantastic, the relationship between Mr Han and Dre is authentic and the performances from all involved are very strong.
Jaden Smith is fantastic as Dre and Jackie Chan is superb as Mr Han. They manage to recapture the wonderful chemistry that was a highlight in the 80s film. The new setting, with Beijing as the film’s backdrop, has also added a little extra to the film.
As enjoyable as the film is, it could have certainly done with some more heavy handed editing. The film’s two hour running time is too long and will test even the most enthusiastic kung fu fan.
‘The Karate Kid’ is nice walk down memory lane. It is not as strong as the original film. However, it is good enough to have a new generation of kung fu wannabes karate chopping and spin kicking around the house.
3 Stars
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