New Moon had much better special effects and looked cleaner. Jacob (Taylor) did a great job. But, I found myself missing the cheese-factor from the 1st movie as well as the strong musical score. Those who haven't read the book I think will be a little lost. We needed Bella's internal dialogue to help it all make sense. Loved the comic touches by Charlie and Harry Clearwater characters. Overall very satisfying.
No movie is ever as good as the book and that is certainly true here; but onscreen Bella and Edward sizzle, which helps carry this film through some of the corny spots.