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1. Robert Pattinson. Topless.
Officially the Sexiest Man Alive (depending on who you ask), the breakout star of The Twilight Saga is all about the broodiness in Stephenie Meyer's vampires-for-teenagers universe. And he lives in the woods. So we saw a little too much of his GQ-meets-lumberjack wardrobe. But it all comes off in a pivotal scene in New Moon. Ladies, your prayers have been answered.
2. That soundtrack
The Twilight soundtrack was fun, if a little dusty. Collective Soul? Really? But New Moon has attracted the kind of talent not easily associated with the vampire franchise. With new songs from Death Cab for Cutie, The Killers, Bon Iver and Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, we have to admit that the movie probably doesn’t deserve such an awesome soundtrack. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.
3. A director who understands teenagers
Director Catherine Hardwicke can't really be faulted for all of Twilight's missteps, and she did emerge relatively unscathed from that whole experience. See how mass teenage approval can snuff out critical indifference and thousands of Twilight spoofs? Chris Weitz comes on board as the saviour of teen movies (he's teh brains behind the American Pie movies, and directed About A Boy). He totally understands the angst and the funny side of being a messed up kid.
4. A cast with clout
K.Stew and R.Pattz steered the ship in the first movie, but their performances were relatively secondary to their looks. New Moon has really upped the acting stakes with the addition of Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen and rising star Jamie Campbell Bower as members of the vampire royal family, the Volturi. Look out for Bower in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows two-part finale.
5. Bigger budget = better SFX
One major problem I had with Twilight was the scrappy look of the special effects and the general "on a tight budget" feel about the movie. Edward's gosh-wow vampire skills came off more campy than bad-ass. So it comes as a massive relief to learn that Summit Entertainment are dishing out $20-30million more for this one. And they certainly have the moolah to make things happen after their 23 000% profit margin post-Twilight.
6. There's a plot that actually moves
Free from the shackles of the origins story we saw in the first movie, New Moon promises a whole whack of new tensions. Edward realises the danger he and his family pose to Bella (because they really, really want to eat her), leaving Bella to contend with the villainous Victoria, while Jacob starts to make his move. And based on the trailer, the action has also been amplified with the introduction of the werewolf clan.
7. Taylor Lautner alert!
We predict that you all are going to get over Robert Pattinson pretty soon. It's bound to happen. However, the franchise still cashes in with our attention turned to 17-year-old Taylor Lautner as Jacob, who has gone through an incredible metamorphosis over the last year to play a more commanding role in New Moon (and in Bella's life).
8. They’ve learnt from their mistakes
It's the sign of a growing franchise to take each new project as a learning curve, and while it's a bit early to call New Moon an artistic success (art matters, kids!), the hard-line decisions that have been taken thus far are encouraging signs. The producers have opted for a revolving door policy regarding directors (David Slade is behind the lens for Eclipse), fired star players (Rachelle Lefevre was unceremoniously dumped for Bryce Dallas Howard to play the role of Victoria) and know that their core audience of 12-year-old girls will (hopefully) mature as the Saga continues.
9. It's actually scary this time
Let's be honest: Twilight was about as frightening as discovering a fly in your soup. And we're a little uncertain about the genre we're talking about here anyway. Romance? Science fiction? Fantasy? Horror seems a mighty stretch. But things in New Moon take a darker turn with the introduction of the Volturi, who actually feed on human blood and possess insane levels of strength, agility and speed, as well as growing danger surrounding Bella who has been abandoned by her posse of Cullens.
10. Real vampires behaving like... vampires
Gap-wearing, vegetarian vampires are not really going to bring the horror, so thank heavens for the Volturi and the mad world which they rule. With their fiery red eyes, intimidating black cloaks and super-powers, their supremacy over the vampire world is undeniable. And it will be great to see vampires who actually behave like they're supposed to. Badly.
Check out the The Twilight Saga: New Moon gallery
Watch the New Moon trailer
QUIZ: Which Cullen is perfect for you?
* The Twilight Saga: New Moon opens nationwide on 27 November 2009.
