Even though I loved Twilight, you could tell it was low-budget and the acting at times was ridiculous. The acting was much better in New Moon and the effects were awesome!
If you have read the books, you will understand more of the character's motivation and will get more out of the story than just the movie standing alone. (the history of the werewolves, some of the vampires powers, etc which are important to the story)
Edward is breathtaking as usual - and Alice was way better in this one too. I even liked Bella in this one...
I can't wait to see the next movie and give New Moon a HUGE thumbs up! But read the books too - it will make a difference!
OK, so the acting is not the best (especially Bella's friends at school - can you say overacting?) but the story is still great - and the casting was perfect. They don't have time to get into every little detail in the book - so if you haven't read it and the movie has to stand alone you may wonder why characters act the way they do - but if you have read the books and understand the characters, how can you not love it? My recommendation - read the books! Then see the movie and enjoy it for what it is...2 hours of staring at Edward Cullen and an introduction to New Moon...