Tony and Laura @ Burgess410.com

Well, I've just returned from seeing the film version of "Eclipse" (the third Twilight novel). As a fan of the books as well as the movies, I'm offering the "Reader's Review."

First of all, I've been impressed with all three film adaptations. Since the novels are all told from the perspective of one particular character and include a great deal of internal thoughts and monologues, I think the filmmakers have done an excellent job of transferring that to external action on the screen. I also think the casting has been good, particularly Kristen Stewart for Bella. And while it's almost a given that no film will be able to include everything from the source novel, the screenwriters have included the most important things and gotten the "feel" of each story accurately. Although these books were originally written for young adults, they are solid stories with engaging characters and I know far more adult fans than teenage fans, all intelligent, well-educated women (most of them teachers like me) so I am continually defending them against those who say "it's just horny teenage vampire angst." Not so, my friends; not so at all.

As for my specific reactions to "Eclipse," I thought the Bella/Edward/Jacob love triangle added a lot of drama to the story, just as it does in the book. The special effects were awesome, particularly the wolves (and I was pretty impressed with the wolves in "New Moon," but they looked even better this time around. And, like the book, I really loved learning about the "back-story" of Jasper, Rosalie, and the Quileute tribe. I'm really, really glad I read "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner" before I saw "Eclipse"; it really helped me understand what life was like for the newborn vampires (and the actors that were cast to portray Riley and Bree were absolutely wonderful; I can't wait to see where their careers take them from here.) I'm now bursting with all sorts of things I want to tell Tony about what will happen to Bella and Edward (particularly Bella) as the story continues; but I've promised to behave myself!

Tony here to say the movie was a very good picture. Plenty of action for the guys and a solid story of love in a classic triangle. There were many solid themes of being chaste before marriage, good vs. evil and the love of family. I thought Edward was took a step forward as a character. Jacob is a solid guy who seems to be getting the short end of the stick. The Cullens are a great family brought together under unconventional situations. I think these people on film have captured the hearts and imagination of those who need heroes on screen who aren't perfect and very flawed.