Breaking Dawn: Part 1

Rating: 7/10 (28 November 2011)

As a guy, I can say that I pretty much like all the Twilight saga movies, "Twilight" being my most favorite of the lot, like a sweet first crush, I suppose. We already know that the Twilight movies have a huge fanbase and a lot of haters too. If you know you won't like the movies, I just wonder why you would even bother watching this in the first place or if you are just dragged into it by your friend, girlfriend or somebody, you should already know what you are getting into. I also don't see why the movies or the actors attract so much hate. Robert is a good actor and Kristen, in particular is very versatile in movies other than The Twilight Saga. Bella is supposed to be awkward, nervous, clingy and moody even in the books. So, keeping that in mind, Kristen does a terrific job in portraying her character of Bella Swan. Also, come on, there is no such thing as 'real vampires' and hating on it just because of that is immature. You can dislike it all you want because lets be reasonable and face it, the acting nor the writing is groundbreaking. I have read all the books too and they aren't as good as many would have you believe, but both the books and movies are entertaining enough if you have an open mind and don't expect miracles.
Moving on to the plot. Its 'The Wedding of the Century' between the vampire, Edward Cullen and his human soulmate, Bella Swan. Jacob, in a fit of rage and agony runs off into the woods hearing about their matrimony. Everything is proceeding wonderfully during the wedding, with the occasional jealousy from Jessica bubbling to the surface. Jacob arrives to the wedding to see Bella in her human form for one last time before she is whisked away by Edward and turned into a vampire. In what is a very honorable move by Edward, he lets his bride to have a dance with him. She confesses her plans on consummating her marriage in her human form which enrages Jacob. Edward travels to Isle Esme, a gift by his father, in Portugal with Bella for their honeymoon. In a twist of fate, he ends up impregnating her and the rest of the story is about Bella's determination to keep the 'abomination' growing inside, no matter the deathly consequences it will have on her. The wolf pack wages a war on the Cullens, since it has its own set of rules and cannot let her 'baby' live.
This movie is more mature in its themes and tone compared to the previous ones, even though it is quite lacking in content. Oscar winner, Bill Condon has done as good a job as he could, by staying completely true to the original book source and thereby gaining the appreciation of all the Twihards. The story flowed smoothly and the effects were spectacular. Making the wolves to converse in autobot voices was an awesome touch. The opening sequence with Bella having a nightmare, where she marries Edward over the top of a pile of dead bodies, which had her friends and family was hauntingly fitting. The movie is filmed beautifully and the Carter Burwell's score and the songs are perfect in most of the scenes, though the songs may be overbearing in some sequences. And what's up with Edward talking in British accent all of a sudden and not sparkling in the sunlight! Well, it did make the movie better in my opinion.
Much has been hyped about the sex scene since its inception. I was expecting it to be hilariously cheesy from the trailers, but was pleasantly surprised by the subtlety that Condon brought to them. I am, and always was, a fan of Edward-Bella, but have to say that the director could have spent a little less time on the honeymoon and wedding scenes and put in some more meat (pardon the pun) in Jacob and the wolf pack story lines. His refusal to obey Sam and breaking off from the pack wasn't done properly, because most of the viewers wouldn't understand the sheer will power and strength that took to disobey the leader. His and Rosalie's repartee which was so much entertaining in the books was just glanced upon. His inner turmoil and trying to move on from Bella by roaming the city searching for a soulmate would have added more depth.
Rebecca Mader (Charlotte from Lost), the brother and ice-truck killer in Dexter and some other prominent faces made an appearance at the wedding, who will all play a big part in the next movie. The performances were mostly dependent on the main trio, who acted well, and the rest of them did the best they could have done. The standout being Charlie (Billy Burke) and Jessica (Anna Kendrick) from the rest of the cast in their minor roles. Kristen Stewart deserves a round of applause for making us emotional for Bella during the pregnancy moments and playing the awkward part perfectly, during the wedding and honeymoon scenes. Her skeletal look and the ribcage cracking were exceptionally horrifying with the help of cgi effects. Finally, her transition from the brink of death to a gorgeous vampire, with blood red eyes as the closing moment looked stunning to say the least. Bearing in mind that this is only the first part in the two parter, it laid the groundwork for the last movie quite well. I can't wait to watch Breaking Dawn: Part 2, since all the fast paced and cool bits will be in that movie.