I finally saw New Moon, and it surpassed even my loftiest expectations — due in no small part to Ashley Greene’s gamine embodiment of everyone’s favorite vampire-psychic, Alice Cullen.

Ms. Greene’s role in Twilight was considerably smaller, and her hair was considerably spikier. In New Moon, she’s given several dozen additional speaking lines and a sleek, elfish coif. What a delight.

I was horrified to discover that Ms. Greene is two years my junior (I’ve finally reached the age where my favorite actresses, singers and models are — oh, the horror! — younger than me). Nevertheless, I imagine she possesses a worldliness beyond her years.

I eagerly await the next issue of Maxim, which features Ms. Greene gracing the cover in cut-off jean shorts and a translucent tank top. Not that I have a subscription or anything. Ahem.

And I’m ecstatic for part III of the Twilight saga — the action-packed Eclipse — which barrels into theaters next summer. Ms. Greene is reportedly increasing her martial arts training in preparation for the film’s epic battle sequences. And yes, her trademarked cropped coif will be back.

(Photo via Filmofilia)