Eclipse review

This seems to be the general consensus of the internets, but I actually enjoyed Eclipse as a film, and not just as something to be lulzy about. The acting was multiple percentages better, the directing (done by David Slade of "Hard Candy" fame) was really good (while consistent with the previous films i.e. some scenes had the blue saturation there were different touches like extreme close-ups and coaxing performances out of the actors).

I haven't read any of the books, so I have no idea how this one, or any of the others stacks up as an actual adaptation, but from what I hear Eclipse is one of the weakest books in terms of material, and the movie was full of action and didn't drag. The screenplay was improved from the first films, while the dialogue is still weak, like I said the acting is better.

The weakness is still Pattinson. Also, Bryce Dallas Howard doesn't seem to know how to step into the role of Victoria. She's way too hesitant for such a kickass character. As Roger Ebert said in his review, the special effects are also problematic in the fight scenes.

The thing I liked the most, however, is the development of Bella. I have no idea if this is a representation of the book-verse character, but something happens the moment Kristen Stewart steps on screen this movie. I think it has to do with "The Runaways" -- she even looks different. She doesn't bat her eyes as much, bit her lips as much. Bella is not hesitant anymore. The theme of the movie is about Bella making choices, between Edward and Jacob on a surface level, and for her future. These two controlling men are on either side of her, battling constantly for her body and soul. For the first time in this movie we see Bella take actions for HERSELF -- telling the boys to stop, making her own decisions, initiating kisses, taking charge of her sexuality. Of course, this stronger, wiser Bella still chooses to go with the abusive Edward. I cannot justify that decision, even if she makes it for her own reasons. He cites her fragility and helplessness throughout the film, both as reasons she needs him and reasons he desires her. Disgusting.

Another surprise in the film was Rosalie. Having not read the books, I had not idea that this previously silent character was so badass. Where is all the Rosalie/Bella fanfiction? Why is it all Alice/Bella?

I'm also a fan of Jane and the Volturi. I love the hint in the film that there is something more to Bella, and that Jane knows this. That connection between women, that danger, that power, is what will keep me coming back to the franchise despite abusive and controlling men.

Will someone explain to me how this works? This is a rhetorical question.

There is a problem with mainstream radio. Okay, there is a problem with mainstream culture, but let's just say that, for now, it's just the radio. There are weird rules for censorship on the radio. There are very specific rules for what you can say/sing and what you can't. Lady Gaga has to be a "free bit" on most stations instead of a "free bitch" -- I line that I find incredibly empowering and not, well, an expletive .

And not saying that Ke$sha is exactly worthy a listen, but what's so offensive about being "like a lovesick *****head" when the bleeps are "crack"? Do drugs not exist in our culture? Should teens not make weak similes related to them?

How is it that these are censored (including the ever-popular G--damn, which always puzzled me, as in "Shouldn't the bleeping be the other way around?") when sexually explicit lyrics like Rhianna's "Rude Boy" go free and clear (Note: I am not calling for a ban. I like the song, I just see a large disparity here). And incredibly sexist and disturbing lyrics go tromping through the latest dance groove untouched.

For example, the Black Eyed Peas' latest hit "Rock Your Body":

Yeah you could big ballin
Long as you feel like your own
Yeah you could be the model type,
Skinny wit no appetite
Short, stacked, black or white,
Long as you do what you like
Body outta sight, body, body outta sight

Okay, aside from the fact that the entire song pretty much objectifies the body of this female dancer... this line shocked me. The fact that this can go uncensored on the radio, and we're spending time picking out "crackhead"s from Ke$ha's "Love Drug" terrifies me.