Stars - Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke

The latest instalment of the super-successful Twilight series of films (based on the books by Stephenie Meyer) sees the battle between lupine shape shifter Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and undead bloodsucker Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) for teenage schoolgirl Isabella Swan’s (Kristen Stewart) heart really hotting up.

Whether you’re firmly wedged in Team Jacob or you’re steadfastly lodged in Team Edward, you will no doubt enjoy this action-heavy mid-way point in the supernatural saga.

Those who aren’t already fans, however, may find far less to hold their interest.

British director David Slade picks up the reins of the third film in the franchise, inheriting a story that attempts to expand on the grudge held by rival vampire Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard), who is angry at the Cullens for killing her love James.

Meanwhile, the Cullens soon realise that a string of disappearances is an attempt to raise an army of ‘newborn’ vampires – stronger and more bloodthirsty in the first few months – but they don’t know who is behind it.

Our heroes – Edward, Bella and Jacob – face a far more pressing struggle – one of the heart. As Jacob battles to force Bella to admit her feelings for him, so Bella tussles with her emotions for both Edward and Jacob.

Edward tries to keep his jealousy in check and reconcile his natural urges with his wishes to make an honest woman of Bella. Matters of the heart are all so complicated, but you can rest assured that by the end it’s all resolved.

The Twilight Saga is laughable in its sobriety. Largely humourless, Eclipse comes across like an action-orientated supernatural-themed episode of Dawson’s Creek, all bundled up into a condescending, lightweight teen-friendly package. Its message of abstinence is commendable – if outdated – given its tweenage audience. 

It’s Robert Pattinson who has been singled out for adoration by hormonal youngsters but, interestingly, the character of Jacob is far more appealing here.

With a greater focus on the central love triangle, Jacob emerges as a more worthy suitor for Bella than the increasingly irritating Edward Cullen. But Jacob is forceful and has substantially more character than his blood-hungry adversary.

Aside from not being the living dead, Jacob offers Bella so much it’s difficult to believe she wouldn’t choose the sweet, funny, sensitive yet masculine hunk over the wet, sullen, soppy, jealous, overprotective and passive social misfit.

You may well find yourself wanting to shake some sense into Bella, much like her father.

With flashbacks telling the back stories of some of the peripheral characters, some depth is injected to develop the story enough to make this instalment worth the time investment for Twi-hards.

Ultimately, the production looks pretty good, although you may find yourself distracted by some dodgy special effects and the film’s carefully-designed hair and make-up.

It might be galling that more attention is paid to making the young cast look gorgeous and glamorous than to appropriating the look of convincing predatory nightstalkers, but there is no denying that superficial elements are a large part of the series’ appeal.

And who are we to dismiss that?

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