Twilight Saga: Eclipse parents guide

Twilight Saga: Eclipse Parent Guide

The script is plagued with implausible dialogue, excessive explanations and unwarranted melodrama. Yet "Eclipse" shows a glimmer of improvement over the first two films.

Overall B-

The saga of Bella and the vampire and werewolf continues, in this third installment of the Twilight Franchise. Bella must now choose between Edward and Jacob, knowing that the contest for her affections could result in a war between two long-feuding factions.

Release date June 30, 2010

Violence C+
Sexual Content B
Profanity B
Substance Use B-

Why is Twilight Saga: Eclipse rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Twilight Saga: Eclipse PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, and some sensuality.

Run Time: 125 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse opened in the US with the largest domestic release in box office history according to Internet sources. Booked in 4,416 theaters, the third installment of Stephenie Meyer’s tale about a tortured teen who yearns to be a vampire beat out the previous record for cinemas set by Iron Man 2.

So what does a scowling, lovelorn high school senior (Kristen Stewart) have over a playboy billionaire in a high-tech armored suit (Robert Downey Jr.)? The Marvel Comic hero speaks to stereotypical male fantasies—fast machines, big toys that make noise, and a pretty girl at one’s beck and call. But Bella embodies the daydream of those females who’d love to have not one but two men fighting for their affections.

This film begins with a rash of mysterious deaths and disappearances in the Seattle, Washington area. Although the crimes baffle local police, Carlisle (Peter Facinelli) senses something sinister and surreal is behind them. After closer investigation, the Cullen family discovers an army of newborn vampires is ravaging the city in a kind of feeding frenzy. Unable to determine who is behind the birthing, the Cullens nonetheless take action to stop the vicious, bloodthirsty host from coming to Forks and harming Bella.

Unfortunately while they are training to take on the powerful enemies, Bella remains caught up in the love triangle between Edward (Robert Pattinson), Jacob (Taylor Lautner) and herself. Acting as if everything revolves around her, she flitters between her two love interests like a moth to a porch light. (And that’s not the only time her fickle personality surfaces.) Even when the vampires and werewolves are actively engaged in a brutal battle to save her from the advancing army, she is more interested in luring Edward into taking her virginity. Luckily, he is far more honorable than she deserves and refuses to lower his standards regarding virtue. His rejection of her petulant pleadings is the most redeeming thing this script has to offer. The other positive point may be the cooperation of the vampires and werewolves. Setting aside of their age-old feud, they work together to take on a foe that is more powerful than either of them. This agreement doesn’t result in friendship, yet there is at least a new level of respect for one another.

Still, the script remains plagued with implausible dialogue, excessive explanations and unwarranted melodrama. Depictions of violent decapitations, bloody injuries and fierce fighting are also less than family friendly. Yet Eclipse shows a glimmer of improvement over the first two films (Twilight and The Twilight Saga: New Moon) that parents will likely appreciate.

Directed by David Slade. Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, David Slade. Running time: 125 minutes. Theatrical release June 30, 2010. Updated

Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Rating & Content Info

Why is Twilight Saga: Eclipse rated PG-13? Twilight Saga: Eclipse is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense sequences of action and violence, and some sensuality.

Violence: Characters are attacked and beaten, resulting in bloody injuries. An implied rape and beating take place while a group of men watch. Werewolves and vampires fight on several occasions. Characters are bitten, thrown and punched. Vampires talk about hunting and also are shown attacking humans for their blood. Burning cars are shown. Dead bodies are seen. One character stabs herself, another cuts her arm with a sharp rock. A character cuts her finger and spreads blood on plants and rocks. Characters arms and heads are bitten or ripped off. A man’s chest bones are crushed.

Sexual: A fully-clothed couple kisses and embraces while lying on a bed. One character attempts to undress the other. Couples exchange passionate kisses. Men are seen without shirts. A teen discusses her virginity with her father. She later tries to talk her boyfriend into engaging in sexual activity. A character is involved in an implied, off-screen rape.

Language: The script includes a handful of mild profanities, some derogatory slang and a term of Deity.

Drugs/Alcohol: A man drinks beer in his home. A group of men drink on the street. At least one of them is drunk. He is later seen drinking in his room.

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Twilight Saga: Eclipse Parents' Guide

How does Bella’s desire to be a vampire threaten the safety of Edward’s family? What sacrifices do they make for her? What, if any, does she make for them?

Bella said she has never felt normal. Is this a feeling that many teens experience? How does a person define normal?

Why is Rosalie envious of Bella? Do you agree with her advice? What things do you look forward to in the future?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Twilight Saga: Eclipse movie is December 4, 2010. Here are some details…

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse releases to home video on December 4, 2010. It is available on DVD and Blu-ray in the following packages:

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Single-Disc Edition) DVD

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Two-Disc Special Edition) DVD

- Deleted & Extended Scenes

- Audio Commentary with Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart

- Audio Commentary with Stephenie Meyer & Wyck Godfrey

- Photo Gallery

- Six-Part “Making of” Documentary

- Music Videos

- Edward Fast-Forward: Jump to all your favorite Edward scenes

- Jacob Fast-Forward: Jump to all your favorite Jacob scenes

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Single-Disc Edition) [Blu-ray]

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Single-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

- Audio Commentary with Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart

- Audio Commentary with Stephenie Meyer & Wyck Godfrey

- Six-part “Making of” documentary - Picture-in-Picture feature

- Deleted & extended scenes

- Photo gallery

- Music videos

- Fast-Forward: Edward (Jump to all your favorite Edward scenes)

- Fast-Forward: Jacob (Jump to all your favorite Jacob scenes)

- Fast-Forward: Love Triangle

- Fast-Forward: The Cullens

- Fast-Forward: The Wolfpack

- Fast-Forward: The Humans

- Fast-Forward: Victoria’s Army

Related home video titles:

THe other proceeding movies in the Twilight Saga franchise include Twilight and The Twilight Saga: New Moon.

The actors in these films also appear in other movies. Look for Robert Pattinson in Remember Me and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Kristen Stewart in Jumper and Zathura, and Taylor Lautner in Valentine’s Day and The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl.

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