A satisfying conclusion...

Rating: 9/10 (15 November 2012)

After the movie's opening credits (the use of red, black & white, combined with the images we see, are so artfully done/very beautiful) we pick up right where we left off - on new vampire Bella's red eyes. While Part 1 may have been slow to get going for some, Part 2 wastes no time getting into the important stuff, like Bella learning to control her strength/bloodlust as a newborn. Then there's the rather amusing scene where Jacob breaks the news to her that he imprinted on Renesmee (Bella's initial reaction will satisfy those with similar concerns about what 'imprinting' is/means, but she eventually comes around to understanding what it actually means). After we get past the creepy CGI infant version of Renesmee (it tries its hardest to look real, but still looks freaky), we thankfully move onto fine little actress Mackenzie Foy playing the role. Charlie gets brought in on a 'need to know' basis, and before too long everyone's in danger when the Volturi are under the impression that Renesmee's an immortal child (a big no-no) thanks to Irina.
Kristen Stewart does some of her best work in this film, I think. Everything's been leading to her getting to play Bella as a vampire, and she's more than up to the task. She looks/acts very different, including mannerisms - she sells both that and the animal nature Bella's now fighting against. The movie goes to lengths to show what being a newborn is like for her. She & Edward are on more equal footing now, gone is the imbalance between them. She also seems happier than she ever was as a human. She's not the only one. Edward smiles I think more than we've ever seen previously. It's such a relief for him that his easily breakable Bella is now strong and confident. Pattinson also gets to have more fun in his role than we've seen in a while. The two are perfectly matched. I was happy the Cullens got a bit more focus. Their characters/family dynamic has always been interesting to me. I liked seeing Rosalie's lighter side, Emmett challenging Bella to an arm wrestle, and Alice playing a major part in the conclusion of the film (as well as kicking some major butt - which all Alice fans should be glad to see). All the actors are great. Those who might've seemed unusual choices in the beginning have *become* their characters, and I can't imagine anyone else in their roles.
Taylor Lautner finally gets to play Jacob free of his Bella obsession. A great weight has been lifted, and now his role is that of protector towards young Renesmee (we get a vision of her grown-up too, which is when they'll eventually become more). Jacob proves how much more likable he is when he's not lusting after Bella and can get along with Edward (their dynamic is so good). Charlie, the father who you can't help but feel sorry for, does what he does best: makes you laugh & tugs at your heartstrings, thanks in no small part to Billy Burke (such perfect casting). Given what he goes through/learns in this movie, Charlie should be up for a Best Dad Ever Award. The Quileutes don't get much to do in human form (they kick Volturi arse in wolf form, though). The new characters introduced are the different vampire covens. Some are more memorable than others, but all get their moments. I especially liked getting to know the Denali Clan more after their brief appearance in Part 1. Tanya & Kate are more developed, and we even see the start of a relationship form between Kate and new addition, Garrett. The training scene, as they all hone their abilities for battle, is especially good. The big development is Bella learning of her 'shield' that can block other vampires' abilities.
If you don't know about how this film differs in the climactic confrontation scene to that of the book, then you're in for a hell of a surprise. If you have heard/read about it...then you're still likely to be quite shocked. Those who read the book & were dissatisfied with the lack of any actual *fight* will be pleased with the mother of all vampire battles we get to see play out here. There are major casualties on both sides. Unexpected or not, it's heart-pounding stuff. There were more than a few gasps in my theatre. If, however, you feel an actual fight was unnecessary, then rest assured the book has not been drastically altered just to meet the demands for more action. It's not so much a 'change' that's been made, but rather just filling in the blanks (ie. what was mentioned in the book but never seen). The films have always done this really well. Inevitably, things are bound to be left out in all book-to-film adaptations. But the Twilight Saga has always been pretty good at hitting the majority of main/important points from each book (including dialogue). Not everything you may want may make it in, but the films have ensured the essence of the story remains intact.
The music throughout, as always, is exceptional. The movie soundtracks have never failed to fit the films perfectly. They're always the right songs for the right moments. Director Bill Condon shows he was more than up to the task of tackling this tricky two-parter. It looks exquisite. The direction has obviously been made with care and love for the source material and its fans. You need look no further than the film's closing credits (which give everyone of all the movies their due, even ones not present in this film). The inclusion of actual pages of the book was a nice touch. I'll greatly miss these characters who I've enjoyed seeing brought to life for five films now. For those who appreciated the books, the films and the actors involved, this should be a satisfying conclusion for you. I know it was for me.