I honestly don't see where all the hate comes from. I saw Twilight and thought it was ok, its not great, but it's not bad either, I've seen a lot more terrible stuff I wish I could get back my time from but this wasn't the case. a 5/10 in my opinion.
New moon has a quicker pacing, despite being longer, there's a lot more stuff going on, much more exposition and was overall a more satisfying experience. I really hate that the wolf gang was always hanging around without a shirt on, and Edward also used the opportunity to take his off, which was clearly fanservice, but despite all that it is still better than the first. I give it a 6/10.
I honestly think people should give it a try rather than casting it off as softcore gay porn for girls without even watching. Probably the reason why New Moon has 40% of the votes as 1/10 on imdb.
FYI, I've never read the books and I'm straight male and 20yo. I'm actually curious to check the books someday.