Taylor Lautner

Fans of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series especially those who strongly identify with protagonist Bella Swan won’t be disappointed with the movie version of the second book marketed as “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

Shortly after turning 18, Bella (Kristen Stewart) is abruptly left by her vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) in his desire to protect her from the complicacies of their relationship. She sinks into depression and mistakes Edward’s sudden flashes during her reckless moments as the way to reach out to him.

Good thing, younger friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner), who has grown to be irresistibly buff and charming, is there to keep her company till they become too close for comfort. He then discovers to be a werewolf who tries to avoid but vows to protect Bella from the avenging vampire, Victoria.

Bella knows exactly where her heart is so when she learns from Edward’s sister Alice that he’s in danger because he thought that she had committed suicide, she flies to Italy to prove her love to him. She’s also certain of her choice in the end.

Stewart imbues Bella’s character with real emotions that prevents the character from becoming just another damsel in distress who also happens to be a magnet for peculiar guys. That’s why when Bella makes a rash decision, the viewer feels where she’s coming from.

She also succeeds in creating a bit of suspense when Bella is torn between Edward and Jacob, although it’s already a given to whom she’ll end up with.

Pattinson, on the other hand, doesn’t do much than appear brooding in most of his scenes. Edward, after all, suffers from his decision to breakup with Bella and he can’t help but appear like a phantom whenever his ladylove is in danger.

Lautner performs better as 16-year-old Jacob who discovers love as he uncovers his true identity. He also gets the lion’s share of shrieks and swooning in the theater especially when he’s in the company of his similarly shirtless and buff tribemates.

Director Chris Weitz (“The Golden Compass” and “American Pie”) and cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe did well visualizing Bella’s depression and creating fear in Forks, Washington, where the story is set.

The transformation of Jacob and the rest of the Quileute tribe into mammoth werewolves was also impressive, but the few action scenes failed to fully showcase the creatures’ ferocity and intensity.

Maybe the werewolves will get to flex their muscles more in the next installment, “Eclipse.”