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The Twilight Saga: New Moon

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Stars: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Michael Sheen

Director: Chris Weitz

Rated: PG-13

Showing: Liberty Theatre, daily at 2:30/6/9pm

Runtime: 130 minutes

Fantasy/romance

Okay, time for a confession. Unlike nearly ever other woman between the ages of 13 and 35, I've never read any of the hugely popular Twilight series of books by Stephenie Meyer.

And I probably won't judging by how ridiculous the movies are. I only give this three stars because fans will undoubtedly love it.

Frankly, unless you're a young teenage girl, I don't see the appeal. It's Buffy-light for tweenagers.

In the first movie, 17-year-old human Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) fell for moody vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).

But Ed is not a cold-hearted killer like most movie bloodsuckers - think fruit bat rather than vampire bat.

This chisel-jawed hunk (allegedly) survives in sunlight and doesn't want to drink Bella's blood or ravish her - he'd rather hold hands and walk through woods.

Those looking for a dark and deadly vampire movie should stick with Dracula, Nosferatu or From Dusk Til Dawn.

This sequel begins with the young couple blissfully happy and Edward's coven throws Bella an 18th birthday party.

But when she cuts her finger opening a present, the sight of her blood proves too tempting for new clan member Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) and he attacks her.

Edward realises that while he and his family are around, Bella will always be in danger so they leave.

Devastated Bella thinks her life is over and embarks on a string of increasingly dangerous stunts such as high-speed motorcycle riding because when her life is at risk, she hears Edward's voice in her head.

She also seeks comfort from her childhood friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner), who just happens to be a werewolf.

Meanwhile, Edward is wrongly led to believe Bella has committed suicide and goes to Italy to see the Voltori, an ancient vampire coven capable of killing him.

Can Bella save her lost love before it is too late? And how will she explain her growing attraction to Jacob?

While the plot is cheesy, the movie has a lot of high points.

Director Chris Weitz - who directed About A Boy and produced the American Pie series - presents some beautifully shot landscapes and good special effects.

Another highlight is the addition of the excellent Michael Sheen to the cast.

One vampire franchise clearly isn't enough for the star after Underworld, so he pitches up in this as leader of the Voltari.

Fans of the books and first movie will love this but for those of us who like their vampire movies with more bite, it's best to steer clear.

Watch if you liked: Twilight.

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