Last night I went to see the new Breaking Dawn movie with my mom. My first thought was how ridiculous it was that they were cutting these things in half now - an obvious attempt by the industry to double their profits on this series. But then I realized how impossible it would have been to cram the entire book into one movie.
Now, normally, I wail on the Twilight franchise like a six-year-old's birthday pinata.
However, you must give credit where credit is due.
And Bill Condon, sir, you did amazing with a story so hollow and incomprehensible. It seemed impossible, but you managed to capture my attention through 99% of the film.
Admittedly, the story line was a little fast in certain places and, if you haven't read the books, there were a few places that were bound to lose some people. I hadn't read the books in years and was a little puzzled in certain parts.
Still, this installment is the best by far.
The lighting was amazing - no more of that strange lagoon-like lighting, making Kristen look more washed out than the vampires themselves. None of that odd gold-orange thing Chris had going on in the second one. No, this lighting was simple and added to the intensity. It was soft and light in light places and dark and intense in dark places.
The costumes were great as well. Especially with Jacob. When he was upset, or angry (which was, like, the entire movie) he wore dark colors but when he was happy (a rare case in this movie) he work the farmer, plaid types he and Bella both seemed to match in in these past few movies.
Bella's outfits were better as well. It almost makes one forget about that terribly awful forest green bowling shirt she wore in the first movie (seriously, who wears a bowling shirt to school?). Her style has improved, whether it's the help of Ashley Greene's character, Alice, or not.
And my favorite bit - the intensity.
Usually, Kristen and Robert are completely incapable of showing any emotion other than longing sick desperation. I have to admit, though, they proved me wrong in this flick.
They were able to capture the heavy parts with heavy expressions and voices. I was literally on the edge of my seat at times - though I already know what happens!
My favorite scenes were the honeymoon ones - where everything was happy for a bit before the horrible part comes along.
Honestly, during that whole bit with the demon baby, I couldn't help but mutter how incredibly retarded she was.
Yeah, I'm pro-life, but this is ridiculous! Letting a little demon vampire infant rip its way out of you like that? Please! I have a hard enough time dealing with normal human births.
Speaking of which, the birthing scene was quite graphic and made me want to puke in certain parts. Bill did not hold back on the graphic nature of what really would have happened. The only thing left was to show Bella's bloody, torn up stomach. Which, of course, we were all DYING to see...
In conclusion, I have to say that Breaking Dawn wasn't that terrible of a movie, despite my expectations. It was low on the cliches yet still lacked in substance and reality. But it made up for it with demon babies and nice lighting.
My final rating: 4/5