Fans of the series will not be disappointed

Rating: 7/10 (15 November 2012)

Breaking Dawn Part 2 is easily the best film in the series. Although if you're not a fan of the series, I guess that's not saying much. I personally enjoyed it very much. Part 2 introduces a lot of new characters, including Renesmee played by a very talented Mackenzie Foy. She is well-suited to the part, conveying a grown-up maturity inside a child's body. I liked Jacob the most in this film. Now that he's finally over his obsession with Bella, it's like a weight has been lifted from him. It was nice to see him finally get his happy ending. Edward and Bella are also at their best in this film. The dynamic between them is the most like how it is in the books. Bella is finally the strong, confident vampire she was always intended to be, and she and Edward are now free to be together without restraint. You can see Edward's relief that he no longer has to be so careful with his once very breakable human love.
As for the big twist at the end, I knew almost immediately what they were up to, and I have to say it was pretty clever and certainly dramatically effective. I loved the reaction in my theatre. Even though I knew what was happening, it was still shocking and I gasped out loud a few times.
I loved the ending. It wrapped up everything nicely, and included a flash forward to when Renesmee is full grown. The very last scene with Edward and Bella in the meadow is probably the sweetest moment in the series. I actually found myself choking up a bit, which I was not expecting. When Bella removes her shield, there's a lovely montage of memories from her mind. This was one of my favourite moments from the books because Edward can finally see what Bella has known all along. I liked the inclusion of words from the book.
The credits, or curtain call as I call it, was a nice touch. I thought it was a great way to close the film, including all of the characters even the ones who didn't feature in this one.
Well, that's it. It's done. Kind of bittersweet for fans of the series. If you haven't been a fan by this point, this film is not going to convert you. But if you are a fan, go see it. You won't be disappointed.