Tools for this page
Print

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Twilight sequel has more obsession, action, wolves.

Themes in this movie include:   dating/crushes, friendship, honesty

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Bella, while in some ways very mature, is the poster child for obsessive love in this movie. She intentionally acts recklessly in order to see Edward in her mind, which isn't a positive message to send young girls. And her relationship with Edward, while loving, continues to determine her happiness, as evident in her three months of catatonic depression after their break-up early in the film. Edward is downright suicidal at the thought of losing Bella forever, and his decision to provoke the Volturi is literally self-destructive. Platonic friendships are shown as being fraught with sexual tension, which is also iffy for tweens and adolescents. All of that said, there's a lot of selflessness here, too, with characters putting themselves at risk to help others.
  • Role models:

    Even though Bella is an incredibly loyal friend and girlfriend, she also has far too much of her self esteem wrapped up in her intense relationships with Edward and Jacob. She never feels that she's worthy of Edward, and she admits to feeling selfish in the way that she clings to Jacob even while telling him she can never love him "that way." That said, Edward and Jacob are both very protective of Bella, who is in turn protective of each of them. They all get a chance to save each other and don't hesitate to do so. And Charlie and Bella's father-daughter relationship, while not completely honest on Bella's part, is very close.
  • Violence:

    Notably more action and violence than in the first film. Early in the movie, Jasper almost attacks Bella, leading to a fight between him and Edward. Accident-prone Bella falls, bleeds, and gets bruised several times and in one case almost drowns to death. Victoria and the Wolf Pack have a big fight, as do the werewolves and Laurent. Bella slaps Sam; Paul then becomes aggressive and lunges at her in werewolf form, only to be caught in a fight with wolf-Jacob. The Volturi's minions dismember a guilty vampire (it's quick and not much is shown, but the effect is gory), almost kill Edward and Bella, and make Edward writhe in pain.
  • Sex:

    Although there's nothing explicit, all of Bella and Edward's scenes are filled with passionate looks, hugs (including one in which he's shirtless), and brief-but-intense kisses. Jacob holds Bella's hand and stares at her longingly, and they share several close embraces (two while he's shirtless) and at least three "almost kisses." Other couples are shown holding hands, hugging, and kissing. No shortage of shirtless, buff guys, courtesy of the La Push Wolf Pack.
  • Language:

    Just like the books, the worst is a few exclamations of "what the hell," "dammit," and "oh my God," plus derogatory barbs like "weird," "wet dog," "bloodsucker," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    Volvo once again supplies Edward's car of choice (this time it's an XC60); other featured car brands include Porsche and Mercedes. Bella's computer is an Apple MacBook, and she and Alice fly Virgin America to Italy (which is amusing, since that division of Virgin doesn't fly to Europe). The movie also has huge merchandising tie-ins with Volvo, Burger King, and Hot Topic.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Twilight Saga: New Moon was written by Sandie Angulo Chen

Parents need to know that the second installment in the hugely popular Twilight saga is darker and a bit more violent than the first movie, but not enough to make it inappropriate for teens, especially those who've read the books. That said, the relationship at the core of the story is obsessive and intense -- Bella's entire sense of self worth is wrapped up in being with Edward, which isn't the greatest example for young fans, who could get the wrong idea of what love is "supposed" to be like. Like Stephenie Meyer's books, the New Moon movie is virtually free of salty language, drinking, and smoking -- but there are some intense action sequences involving vampires and/or werewolves, and one supporting character dies. Bella and Edward share several kisses, while Jacob and Bella exchange many longing looks and charged embraces. And there's no question about the marketing machine that the Twilight franchise has become, with merchandise and promotional deals with companies including Burger King, Volvo, and Hot Topic.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about Bella and Edward's relationship. What do you think about how completely obsessed they are with each other? Do your kids think that's healthy/normal? Parents, talk to your teens about setting expectations for their own dating life, and share your values about what makes for healthy dating and relationships.
  • Why do you think vampire love stories all the rage now? How is Edward and Bella's relationship different than other vampire-human romances in pop culture?
  • How are Edward and Jacob opposites? Despite their differences, Bella loves them both (albeit differently). What do they each represent to her? Does the film urge viewers to choose between them, or is it complimentary to both characters?
  • Fans of the book can compare the it to the movie. Was the adaptation faithful? What bits from the book did you miss seeing on screen?
  • Talk about the larger-than-life phenomenon that the Twilight franchise has become. Are the movies and their stars becoming too overexposed?
Did this review help you decide?

Are you going to see it?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on The Twilight Saga: New Moon

What’s the Story?

Based on the second of Stephenie Meyer's four Twilight books, NEW MOON begins with Bella Swan's (Kristen Stewart) 18th birthday -- an event she's fretting about because it officially makes her one year "older" than her 109-years-old-but-stuck-in-a-17-year-old's-body boyfriend, vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). Bella wants him to transform her into a vampire before she gets too old, but Edward has no desire to suck out Bella's soul. After Bella's birthday party at the Cullens' nearly turns into a feeding frenzy, the Cullens decide to move away from Forks, Wash., and Edward breaks up with Bella. Heartbroken and depressed, Bella discovers that she can "see" a vision of Edward cautioning her whenever she acts recklessly, which she proceeds to do frequently. Meanwhile, Bella also finds solace in her deepening friendship with Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), an attractive 16-year-old Quileute with a knack for making Bella feel almost normal. But as Bella and Jacob grow closer, it becomes clear that he has his own wolfish secrets. When danger threatens Bella, who will be the one to save her -- her best friend or the love of her life?

Is It Any Good?

Director Chris Weitz gives New Moon a more polished, action-oriented feel than the first film, but he isn't as adept as Catherine Hardwicke in capturing teenage emotions. With Edward away for much of the movie, the overall tone turns dark and moody (with an excellent indie-rock soundtrack as accompaniment). There's less passion and more angst, with Stewart translating Bella's heartbreak into constant sullenness and hysterical nighttime screams (at least until she starts hanging out with the warm and attentive Jacob). Screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg does infuse the sequel with considerably more humor than the original, generally in small moments between Bella and her dad Charlie (Billy Burke), while Bella's hanging out with her classmates (there's a rather comical scene in which Bella's at a movie sitting between Jacob and Mike, both of whom have their hands propped and ready for hers), and when she's in La Push with Jacob and his pack of friends.

Despite some of slow, dragged-out scenes of melodrama, there's plenty for Twihards to howl about in the movie. Lautner, in particular, is swoony and sweet -- compared to Edward, he's all smiles (there might've been applause the first time Edward stepped out of his Volvo, but there was a collective gasp the first time Jacob whipped his shirt off to wipe blood off of Bella's face). In fact, Jacob's pack and the creepy Italian Volturi vampires who play a role later in the film are far more interesting than the Cullens in this installment. The caliber of the Volturi cast is surprisingly high, especially Michael Sheen as leader Aro and Dakota Fanning as sadistic head guard Jane. By the time the ends movie in a sentimental cliffhanger that sets up Eclipse, you can't help but hope that there's more of both groups in the final two films.

Movie Details

Studio: Summit Entertainment, Director: Chris Weitz
Run time: 119 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/20/2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and action

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about The Twilight Saga: New Moon?

or

to post a review

See all 165 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Romance of the Year

    New Moon is a wonderful and heartwarming romance. Everyone should watch this movie. The director did a tremendous job, the lighting was really good. The special effects were amazing. This movie is best to be seen in theaters. This movie is about two people who have to be separated and how they struggle to save each other. In the end they realize they are meant to be together forever. This is my favorite movie of all time. I recommend this movie to everyone. It’s a must see film!

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great Movie!

    Such a good movie! a definate must see!! GO TEAM EDWARD!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative role models

    It was better then Twilight. It was violent, but there wasn't any blood. Bella is a bad role model because you shouldn't be depressed about your boyfreind for 4 months. You also shouldn't do reckless things just to him either.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Great movie for fans of the Twilight Saga

    I really liked this movie a lot better than the Twilight movie, it was better done and just plain amazing. The filming was very good and everything movie-wise was well done. There is still hardly any chemistry between Robert and Kristen, although Taylor and Kristen have a great relationship. I have read all the books and am a big fan of the series. Now I can hardly wait for Eclipse and see what David Slade does with it. :D I would suggest this movie to any fan of the series. Read the books first, this movie says pretty true to the book. TEAM JACOB. :)

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect

    its a rlly good movie rlly good 4 kids 2!!!

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Luv it

    I love this movie!!!! It was awesome!!!!!!!!!! I cant wait till it comes out on DVD! Even though Eclipse was my favorite book in the series, I still luved it!!

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0

    haha. Courtesy of the La Push Wolf Pack. That just sounds funny. Haven't seen the movie but, the New Moon was the best book in the series so the movie is probably great too. By the trailers it looks overall kid friendly. Great looking action movie too.

  8. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    i love this movie i can watch it a thhousaand times!!!!!

  9. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Better than the first

    WHEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVVVEEEEE JACOB MWAH MWAH MWAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  10. I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0

    It is a good movie for the teen generation. The werewolves and vampires are creative idea of a battle to who Bella will luv. Some uneducational behavior is shoe in the movie such as Bella making unintelligent decisions to see Edward in her mind. The movie was well grasping and entertaining in even parts. Pretty good overall.

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative role models

    BEST MOVIE EVER!!

    I LOVE this movie. I went the day it came out, and it was so much better than Twilight I can't even say! I do think Bella is a terrible role model though! She is SO obsessed and dependant on Edward it isn't healthy! And even though she's so devoted to Edward, she starts hanging out with Jabob(TAYLOR LAUTNER!!!!!) sooo much, and thay have an almost-relationship. (Jacob deserves WAY better by the way!) Anyways, it's also really gross when Edward is shirtless. And in his shirtless shot, his pants are also too low, and I wanted to scream. He needs to have as mush clothes on as possible. JACOB however, my friends and I were dissapointed when he DID have a shirt on... :P

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

  13. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Pretty Good Movie

    I do think it is not a good choice for ages 10 and under. Some of the sequences have alot of action in them. I would rate it iffy for 11 year olds and on for ages 12 and up.

  14. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 3.0

    Okay

    It was okay and not that bad kids don't really care or listen to the bad words

  15. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    i luv this movie! i think u might enjoy this if u watch new moon. most of my friends & i think that there was a great improvement since the 1rst movie.

  16. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    it's good lol

    It's a good movie u have to see the first one to under stand the second one and if u belief in mythical creatures u may like twilight lol

  17. I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    OK, ages 12 and up, mature 9, 10 and 11 year olds

    The Twilight sequel left out about half of the important things from the book, which I'm not a fan of, but otherwise, it's a good movie. Jacob and his wolf pack are shirtless for the entire movie, and there are multiple kissing scenes between Bella and Edward, and embraces between Bella and Jacob. Intense action scenes include many wolf-chasing-Victoria sequences, and the Volturi sequence in Italy features a supernatural fist fight. Bella is loyal to her friends, and the Cullens and the Quiletes are very protective of Bella, presenting examples of positive role models and messages. Also has some real life brands shown briefly. In my opinion, true Twilight fans should stick to the books, and this movie emphasized my point.

  18. I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Major Flaw: Bella Swan.

    It was annoying to watch Bella be so obsessive over Edward. Screaming in her sleep? That was just bizarre. And I'm 12. I'm a hard critic. However, the only good thing was Taylor Lautner, who is actually good looking and gives you a break from Robert Patterson. Taylor's shirtlessness (yes, I invented a new word) was better than Robert's, who's pants were a bit low when he was shirtless, so it just looked awful. Anyway, back on the subject. Bella just was a TERRIBLE role model. She doesn't know how to live her life without Edward and life is full of breakups, so get over yourself girl. She acted quite immature for her age. Jacob is way too patient, caring, and understanding to be around that girl. He needs to use those lovely skills elsewhere and not spend his precious time on lame, weak Bella Swan.

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    robert pattinson is mine lol

    i'm a hugee twilight fan and i think new moon wasn't as good as the first one but i enjoyed it. TEAM EDWARD!!!!!!

  20. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

    BEST MOVIE EVER

    It was a great movie. tweens are better for it.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    The Princess and the Frog

    The Princess and the Frog

    First African-American Disney princess is a good role model.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Beautiful Creatures

    Beautiful Creatures

    Dreamy, lyrical supernatural Southern romance.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

    "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

    Innocent love song for tweens from a PG-13 movie soundtrack.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name