Yesterday I saw ‘Eclipse’ in IMAX! I can’t remember the last time I saw something in IMAX, so I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect. Nonetheless, it was a great experience yet I wouldn’t pay $18.50 to do it again. Also, I wouldn’t recommend seeing the movie for the first time in IMAX. I brought a friend who hadn’t seen the movie before, and it was overwhelming and difficult to catch everything.

Like I said yesterday, I was so proud that I finally took out my notepad and took notes while I was watching the movie. Anyway, here are my “notes” :

* From seeing the movie on such a huge screen, a lot of small details caught my notice. For instance, when Riley is bitten, it looks like his bite is already starting to crystallize (which coincides with David’s view of vampires)

* It looked like Billy Burke had two holes on each ear from where his ears were pierced

* I forgot to mention this before, but the humans look different again! There was a big step up for them from ‘Twilight’ to ‘New Moon’ and now they looked quite different in ‘Eclipse’. Mike and Eric’s hair looked different in their one scene. It just looks like they’ve gotten a lot more stylish than I imagined, or even in ‘Twilight’

* Oh! The two shots we get of Edward in Florida, stuck in the house (especially the first one) – hawt!!!

* The ravine chase, yet again, gave me chills, especially on that huge ass screen

* I remember that in interviews David talked about how he made the film very personal and realistic with lots of close-ups. I noticed it each time I saw the movie, but this time it was magnified. 

* In IMAX, you can see every pore on the person’s face during said close-up

* Aha! More music placement! “Atlas” plays when Edward drops Bella off, but you can hear the energetic part of Battles’ “The Line” when Edward drives away.

* In IMAX, you can see the lines of the contact lenses, whereas I couldn’t before. Also, I just realized, that contact lenses are permanent, so eyes don’t dilate. Now, I really understand what Rob said about the lenses blocking out some of his best work ;)

* I realized that they called the Third Wife, Taha Aki’s sprit wife. Yay! So they don’t really explain it, but they still say that she is his true love. 

* And, I’ve always wondered about this – Couldn’t the third wife just cut her arm, like Bella nearly attempts in the book, instead of stabbing herself in the gut? In the book, the battle is more intense because her sons’ lives are at stake, so maybe she wanted as much blood spilled as possible?

* Another question I’ve had from the books and movies – What are the capabilities of vampiric hearing? I always imagined that they could hear from miles away, whether that be a heartbeat, voice, or animal. So, wouldn’t Riley hear the Volturi speaking from one building away? And, don’t even get me started on the whole “James can’t hear Bella’s heartbeat or even notice she’s human until a breeze comes along”

* I teared up this time when Edward said “You’ll always be my Bella”

* Rosalie in IMAX looked breathtaking; her makeup (especially her eyes) was gorgeous. 

* I also noticed in IMAX, that you can see the reflection in the actors’ eyes. So, several times I saw the huge white boards that the crew hold up in a scene. Also, the reflection is different with people who wear contacts vs. those who don’t.

* The license plate on the Jeep is 44B 1YO

* Also, in IMAX you can notice the guys’ impending five o’clock shadow.

* FIGHT PRACTICE!! SO good! After finding out that Rob was the one who wanted those black karate pants, I just about died laughing when I saw them again.

* The wolves looked so realistic (esp in IMAX). This time around, I wasn’t thinking about their special effects, I was thinking about them as characters. 

* Bella’s blue jacket during the fight practice really reminded me of her blue Twilight jacket!!

* This time, I really noticed the parallels between Jasper/Maria and Riley/Victoria (even though I still refuse that Maria and Jasper were lovers)

* During Bella’s epiphany dream…AH! Wait! I just realized that they did somewhat keep with the book in that Bella’s dreams usually help her connect events or reveal secrets. YAY!!!

* Anyway, during Bella’s dream – Jasper’s eyes are still yellow instead of red.

* I LOVED the scene with Jasper, Edward, Bella and Jacob!! Hilarious!! And very close to the book in emotions.

Edward – Your stench is revolting.

Jacob – Dude, you really don’t want to compare stinks.

* Speaking of stinks, do the movies ever cover that the vampires have a distinct scent? If not, then the whole Edward kissing Bella before handing her over to Jacob wouldn’t make sense.

* When Edward says “Run.” to Jacob….woo, hot. I like this bossy Edward

* Bella’s bracelet is silver, but the chain for her heart charm is gold. Hmm….I never imagined it that way. I guess that makes sense, gold was probably more common in Edward’s time.

* PROPOSAL SCENE – this is my absolute favorite scene out of all three movies! It was so great to see this in IMAX. The entire scene is so heartfelt and honest. Bella’s rejection after Edward stops her from undressing is palpable, that was heartbreaking. And when she says ‘yes’, and Edward twirls her around – I cried.

* The scene when Riley and his newborns walk out of the water – intense! The accompanying music just drives it home. This was one of the most powerful scenes for me.

* In the tent scene, Edward looks so agonized to see Bella shivering.

* I noticed what makes this movie so successful, for me personally. There are a ton of quotes, and also lines that remind me of other lines or even conversations. So, even if they don’t cover every aspect of a conversation, the few quotes remind of it and I add in my own subtext.

* I realized that since I loved ‘Eclipse’ so much, maybe seeing ‘Breaking Dawn’ will help me like the book more.

* As others have mentioned before, Edward mentioning his Top 10 Favorite Evenings seems forced and stilted.

* Also, I realized another hiccup.  In the book, Jacob leaves after he finds out about their engagement, and Edward makes the effort to go bring him back. I understand why they shortened it in the movie, but I just noticed this.

* In the big battle, when the wolves enter we get a nice view at Esme’s stunt double close to the rock. This clip is even used in the trailer

* I forgot to mention this from the midnight premiere. When Riley and Edward talk, Edward says “Think about it! You’re from Forks.” As if being from Forks is reason enough for Victoria to not love him. At the midnight premiere, we all laughed at the pause between this line and the next one.

* I notice this every time I see the movie. Edward taunts Victoria with how he killed and obliterated James….yet he didn’t, his brothers and Alice did. :/

* To me, especially in the final fight between her and Edward, “Victoria’s” makeup seemed really thick, especially around her eyes. BDH is pale, so it doesn’t make sense that they used so much damn makeup.

* Parallelism!! Edward bit Victoria like he bit James!!

* When Jake got hurt, I winced.

* I just realized that after Jake phases back he is NEKKID!! I can’t believe I never noticed that before!!

* I miss Edward’s line “Don’t Watch” when Bree is about to be killed by Felix.

* At the end, Jake doesn’t run away after receiving the wedding invitation. They pretty much discarded the epilogue and stopped at the last chapter. So, I’m wondering how they’ll set up ‘Breaking Dawn’.

* Bella’s speech at the end about how she’s stumbled all through her life, because she’s not normal and realizes she belongs in Edward’s world – really leans toward BD territory to me. Nonetheless, I understand why they had Bella defend her choice in the movie.

* Yet, the inconsistency still gets me. She says first that there’s nothing she’ll want more than Edward, and yet she later says that she’s changing for herself. :/

* I teared up when Edward put the ring on Bella’s finger…“where it would stay conceivably for the rest of eternity”

* I just realized on the drive home (while listening to the Eclipse OST Switzerland bonus track “Don’t You Mourn the Sun”) that Bella isn’t crushed after she decides to let Jacob go. In the book, I thought that was really important to show that she understood what she was giving up, and that it was not easy. AND Edward is devastated to see her in that state and when he asks if she’s making the right choice, Bella says “I know who I can’t live without”. I just miss the agony of Bella’s choice, I guess.


So, I’m glad I went to see ‘Eclipse’ in IMAX. However, I wouldn’t do it again for ‘Eclipse’. Maybe for ‘Breaking Dawn’……

I saw ‘Eclipse’ again today! Whoo hoo! It was a last minute decision to go see it with a friend, but we had a blast. There isn’t much to report this time. But, after seeing it a second time, I honestly think this is my favorite movie yet. The Bella/Edward moments, the quotes and closeness to the book have really won me over. Again, thank you David Slade.

Some observations from this time around:

!!!MOVIE SPOILERS!!!

** I just noticed that Bella and Edward don’t say ‘I love you’ to each other in this movie. This might be my biggest gripe so far. I really wish they had worked that into the screenplay :/

* I forgot to mention that Riley getting so close to Charlie sufficiently freaked me out. Actually, Riley in general (especially the way he speaks) freaks me out. Great job.

* SWITZERLAND! How did I not mention this before?! Yes! Bella says it!

* ‘Rolling In On a Burning Tire’ played when Riley and Victoria speak under the bridge. This was great placement for the song.

* “How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep” – dang it. I remembered when this played, but I already forgot.

* Bella’s speech at the end just overwhelmed me again. I teared up. She defends her choice and knows what she wants. And this sets it up perfectly for ‘Breaking Dawn’ when she feels like she finally fits in.

And, this film just left me in awe. The movie exceeded my expectations. Overall, everything was better. To me, the acting, comfort level, maturity level, and above all the script just surpassed ‘Twilight’ and ‘New Moon’. I still love the other two, but ‘Eclipse’ is taking the top spot. I just loved that Edward and Bella FINALLY seem like a reasonable couple. The little touches and glances made me smile. They finally did them justice. And, there were SO many quotes. Squee! And I honestly think that Melissa got in a lot of the main story. As of now, I don’t have any major gripes about the actual storyline (which I did with ‘Twilight’ and ‘New Moon”). And, also this gives me excitement, and dare I say it, hope for ‘Breaking Dawn’.
 

**I'm apologizing now for this insanely long post. I've been up for over 36 hours, and I can't seem to stop babbling**
 

 ‘Twilight’

* Outside the Bloated Toad restaurant, Edward’s Volvo is actually parallel parked in a rather tight space, like it should be

* In the Cullen garage after James begins the hunt, I always noticed that Esme was never there. However, this time, I noticed that there is a fairly well hidden brunette in the scene; it’s just not Elizabeth Reaser. I never even noticed this eighth person.

* Again, I remembered just how much I love the credits. Thank you Catherine for putting in that little extra touch

** On a side note, this is the 9^th time I’ve seen ‘Twilight’ in theatres….wow

 ‘New Moon’

* Right before the Bella/Mike/Jacob movie melee, I noticed that there is a 2-sided poster for ‘Face Punch’

* I haven’t double-checked yet, but Bella’s backpack looks different. It’s still a Jansport, but the color looks different.

* When Bella runs into Edward’s arms near the end, I could never understand what Edward says when he catches her. I realized this time that he says “Heaven.”

* Also, when Edward visits the Volturi both times, I noticed that his eyes are still quite golden. Yet, his eyes should be very close to black, especially in that final meeting with the Volturi.

 And, now to the big kahuna……

!!!ECLIPSE MOVIE SPOILERS!!!

‘Eclipse’

* WHOO HOO!! The movie started with “Chop and Change”!!!

* The beginning with Riley really reminded me of Slade’s other vampire film, ’30 Days of Night’. The direction and color are very similar. There’s even a grainy texture that’s present in both. This style definitely comes forth in the other fighting scenes.

* I didn’t expect the movie to open in the meadow. Bella was funny when she kept saying ‘no’ to Edward’s marriage proposals.

* I loved that Jacob’s note was in there!

* Charlie and Bella were great together. PS I loved the sex talk! Although, I would have liked to see Charlie a little more off-putting towards Edward.

* When Riley had his fingertips on Bella’s dreamcatcher and bedspread, I said “wow, Edward’s hand looks really gross”. I was really creeped out when we found out it was Riley’s. Overall, Xavier portrayed him in a very creepy way with his speech and mannerisms.

* I loved the visit with Renée. Her speech and the quilt were great touches. They really laid it on thick with people talking about the future and decisions (Renée, Charlie, Graduation).

* I’m still about the parking lot scene when Bella jumps on the back of Jake’s motorcycle in front of Edward. Book!Bella was not that big of a bitch.

* I hated how Bella never got truly angry with Jacob. When he said he’d rather she be dead than a vampire, she forgives him right there within seconds! And even when he kisses her, he forgives her far too quickly. And, yet she yells at Edward towards the end. Grr…..

* The wolves look pretty good, it looks like they’ve buffed up a little more. And Emily’s face looked a LOT less scarred. The scars were lighter and much shallower  :/

* There were A LOT of direct quotes, which I was very happy about. A few times, I didn’t like the way certain lines were worded or explained, but ah well.

* I think the legends went by very quickly. I felt like there was so much more to say, but I guess they got the main points across.

* Rosalie’s Story – I think that Melissa actually did a decent job condensing Rose’s history. And when Royce first grabs Rosalie; that was exactly how I pictured it. And it is great when Rose comes to get Royce in that stolen wedding dress with those bright red eyes.

* Go Bella! Punch Jacob, he deserved it!! I LOVED the part afterward when Jake says “I kissed Bella….and she broke her hand…there was a misunderstanding” or something like that. That was cute. And Bella said the “I punched a werewolf in the face” line! And I love Emmett’s response – “kickass!”

* Graduation – This is trivial, but Eric is supposed to be valedictorian, not Jessica! And, gosh, those yellow gowns. And Carlisle and Esme were never mentioned in the book at the actual ceremony. Wait….Jasper didn’t graduate with them. He was a year ahead, with Rosalie!

* Graduation party – Great songs (The Bravery and Muse). To me, this seemed pretty close to the book.

* Fight Training – “With You In My Head” was perfect for fight training! I love the beat and energy of that song. The stunts looked pretty darn good.

* Jasper’s Story – It was never clear (to me, at least) that Maria and Jasper actually had a ‘thing’ going on. I assumed, but I was not expecting to see them kiss onscreen.

* LEG HITCH!! I loved this scene! The main content of Chapter 20 is all there. And there were so many quotes! I even teared up when Edward was so ecstatic after Bella said yes. He picked her up, and spun her around. That was very emotional. And, perfect placement for Sia’s “My Love”. 

* It just hit me when I was watching the movie that the scene where the newborns are in the garage with the overturned car is from ‘The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner”. That’s the night that Bree talks to Diego for the first time. Speaking of which, I was continually trying to figure out who Diego and Freaky Fred were, to no avail. 

* Tent scene – Again, I was overall pretty satisfied. The scenery was breathtaking. A lot of the main content was there, Edward explains how he tried to force Bella into a different option. Especially after seeing the movie, it is TOO STRANGE to see Edward calling Jacob “son” in ‘Breaking Dawn’. GAH! That’s too weird.

* I did not imagine the vampires breaking that way when they’re torn apart. I never really had an image in my head, but it was not like glass shattering.

* The army was supposed to be split up. The Cullens get half, wolves get half. I understand why it was easier to shoot it this way though.

* I feel like Bree was underdeveloped. And, this could be because we now have her whole story. Yet, we missed so much with her. Her chat with Riley was not that great, and I wasn’t impressed with Jodelle’s acting. Also, we never actually see her surrender to Carlisle and Esme. And her talk with the Volturi is not that great. 

* Bryce bugged me, her voice was annoying (like it was supposed to be in the book). Yet, she wasn’t fierce and terrifying. Yes, I’m still bitter about Rachelle being replaced :p

* The night after the tent scene, Edward looks horrible when he talks about his favorite night being when Bella agreed to marry him. There wasn’t the antagonism that was in the book (Edward throwing Jake out of the tent after he nearly crushes Bella). That made Edward seem unnecessarily cruel.

* The end fight – I missed Edward and Seth’s teamwork. Bella WAS NOT supposed to actually cut herself with that damned stone!! Edward was much more compromised in this one; Victoria had him by the neck! No wonder Bella reacted that way, it didn’t seem like Seth was faking.  And we don’t even see Riley being put in the fire.

* Bella WAS NOT supposed to see Jacob get hurt!

* That was intense when we heard Jacob screaming when Carlisle was re-setting his bones. Even I took a big breath when I saw Jacob lying on his bed all bandaged up. I feel his and Bella’s talk was lacking, but again, oh well.

* “I love you. I want you. Right now”. GAH! That’s one of my absolute favorite lines in ‘Eclipse’! But, I’m glad they didn’t put it in the movie, because they honestly would have ruined it.

* Bella’s speech at the end was astounding. She talks about her feeling like she doesn’t fit in, yet finding her place with Edward. She defends her decision to become a vampire, and you finally believe her. 

* Overall, there was a lot more kissing and touching, especially between Edward and Bella (YAY). Yet, there was more PDA from Jasper/Alice, Riley/Victoria, even Rosalie/Royce.

* I was really bummed that my 2 favorite songs from the soundtrack aren’t even in the movie (“Heavy In Your Arms” and “What Part of Forever”)

* I feel like Summit didn’t release as many clips or photos this time, yet I’d already seen a lot of the major scenes. I thought that I’d seen less of ‘Eclipse’ clips prior to the movie (unlike ‘Twilight’ and even ‘New Moon’). So, I was a little disappointed that I’d already seen a lot of the great scenes.

* Kristen seemed a lot more comfortable and less tense. She could actually joke around and make it believable. Bravo! And, Rob did a great job in the same area. Sometimes I do think he could have had a different emotion, but overall it was a great improvement.

* The entire film was extremely fast-paced, I feel like they covered a lot, yet I wish that we could have a movie longer than 2 hours. I feel like they got to the end of a storyline, yet lacked on how they got there (if that makes any sense at all).

* Again, in some ways, this movie is attack of the bad wigs. Jasper, sweet baby Jesus, what did they do to you?! I don’t like Alice’s hair; it looks too flat, not at all like how Alice would actually style it. Emmett’s hairline is atrocious. Esme’s hair is much too dark. In ‘Twilight’ her hair was perfect: caramel colored like it should be. In this one, her hair is darker than Bella’s! Even Edward’s hair wasn’t the sex hair that I wanted. A few times, it looked right and others not at all. Hmph. Bryce Dallas Howard’s wig…well, I don’t like her at all. Sometimes Bella’s wig looked okay, and others not. Rosalie looked the best she ever has in ‘Eclipse’. Her makeup, wig, and style choices all finally portrayed her as strikingly beautiful. 

* I LOVED that Bella and Edward’s relationship seemed more natural, and not so damn tense all the time. ‘Twilight’ did a horrible job of building the foundation for their relationship (BAM! They’re in love), and ‘New Moon’ developed the Jacob/Bella relationship far more than Edward and Bella’s. Yet, this time, Edward and Bella seemed more comfortable with each other (like the book almost). They laughed, and could actually joke and have a nice conversation. I loved that. Yay for Rob, especially.

Songs I remember playing:

“Chop and Change” – Beginning! :D

“A Million Miles An Hour” – Parking Lot Scene (?)

“Jonathan Low” – Visiting Sam’s House

“Life on Earth” – Scene on Bella’s Bed

“Ours”/”Neutron Star Collision (Love is Forever)” – Grad Party

“Let’s Get Lost” –

“With You in My Head” – Fight Training

“My Love” Proposal/Leg Hitch

“Eclipse (All Yours)”/“Heavy In Your Arms” / “What Part of Forever” – Credits

Overall, I absolutely loved the movie. Everyone seemed more in-character. There was more humor, affection, E/B goodness, and just a natural vibe that showcases how much every actor has grown. I cannot wait to see it again very soon. Thank you, David Slade, cast, and crew!