New Moon opening night sales, New Moon review and trailer

 The Twilight Saga: New Moon Summit Entertainment

New Moon has been in theaters for less than a day and already the film is setting records for ticket sales. Yesterday morning MovieTickets.com announced that 'New Moon' has claimed its top spot on their list of 'Top 10 Advance Ticket Sellers of All-Time.' The previous record was set four years ago by 'Star Wars- Episode III: Revenge if the Sith.' The film was also the top seller on Fandango.com. Late night screenings Thursday night brought in more than $24 million.

Ahhh, a teenage love triangle. What could be better than the story of a schoolgirl caught between a muscular wolf and a shimmering vampire? 'New Moon,' the second installment in the 'Twilight' saga is now in theaters.

'New Moon' follows Bella, played by Kristen Stewart, as she attempts to recover from the sudden absence of Edward from her life. Edward, played by Robert Pattinson, decides to leave town after a bloody mishap between Bella and the rest of the Cullen family. Edward felt that leaving would be the only way to ensure Bella's safety. After months of despair Bella turns to her long-time friend Jacob, played by Taylor Lautner. In stark contrast to Edwards’ fierce cheekbones and brooding sensibilities, Jacob is a quintessential bad boy. Complete with a fabulous six-pack, tattoo, motorcycle, and a pack of unruly friends. (Team Jacob anyone?)

Jacob has his own super natural secret. He and his bad boy crew are actually a pack of werewolves, and therefore the sworn enemy of every vampire. Jacob trashes 'blood suckers' at every turn and brings Bella into his newfound world.

With the help of Jacob, Bella becomes an adrenaline junkie. A cliff diving expedition goes horribly wrong and leaves the Cullen’s thinking that Bella may be dead. Here is where the story shifts its focus back to the pull between Edward and Bella. Edward decides he cannot live in a world where she does not exist and heads to Italy to beg the Vulture (a governing force in the vampire world) to end his life. With the help of Alice, played by Ashley Greene, Bella races to Italy to save Edward. In Italy we have our first encounter with the Volturi and learn a bit about the hierarchy within the vampire world. After their encounter with the Volutri the Cullens and Bella head back to Forks only to be confronted by the wolves.

This film is full of brooding teenagers that fall in and out of depression and experience love as an obsession. The brooding is beautifully showcased by the new director who came on board for 'New Moon,' Chris Weitz ('American Pie,' 'About a Boy,' 'The Golden Compass'). Weitz has created a spectacular film with visual flair and incredible action sequences. Some of the vampires vs. wolves’ scenes are breathtaking.

‘New Moon’ is by far a better film than ‘Twilight,’ veering away from the slow drama and lingering stares off into nothingness. This film has an overall quicker pace and a strong soundtrack that helps to move things along. The film does have a few melodramatic moments that bring a chuckle to the audience. One such scene is the moment that Edwards hears the news that Bella might be dead. The camera lingers for an uncomfortably long time on his furrowed brow and squinted eyes, you cannot help but laugh. These moments are few and far between and do not take you out of the story but are momentary distractions.

Some critics are trashing the interpretation of the second book in the 'Twilight' series. Critics have called the film boring, sappy, and bogged down with teenage angst. I will admit that I have read the books and came to "New Moon' less than impartial. This film was made for the fans. If you are invested in the lives of Edward, Bella, and Jacob then this movie will not disappoint you. 'New Moon' brings you into their lives and offers a peek of where this love story is headed.

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