New Moon is certainly an upgrade: better cinematography, makeup, special effects, direction, etc. The actors impressed me as well. Kristen Steward made Bella's madness believable and real, more so than in the books, and Rob did great as well. Taylor Lautner certainly suprised me (and no, not because he was always shirtless). In New Moon, the chemistry between Bella and Edward is much more relaxed and real. Micheal Sheen was fantastic as Aro, probably the best supporting actor in it. If you love the series, you'll love the movie. If you're not, you'll enjoy it as well, but maybe a little off put by its often slow pacing. Team Alexandre Desplat!