The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 – Review
Every saga deserves an ending that can only be described as epic.
And the Twilight Saga is no exception. Breaking Dawn Part 2 provides that epic ending with intriguing mix of drama and humor and notable performances by the cast.
As expected, Breaking Dawn Part 2 starts exactly where Breaking Dawn Part 1 ends. While it is a smooth transition, those who haven’t seen Part 1 or aren’t already familiar with the story may need a quick recap.
What I’ve enjoyed most about Breaking Dawn Part 1 – and subsequently Part 2 – is director Bill Condon’s willingness to embrace the weirdness. The plot of the last book in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series is undoubtedly a little eccentric, but rather than try to make sense out of it, Condon rolls with it, welcoming telepathic wolves, a hybrid child and vampires with all kinds of special powers.
The look of Breaking Dawn Part 2 is every bit as vivid as its predecessor, with bold, bright colors, breathtaking landscapes and scenery and crisp clear images. And that works particularly well in Part 2, serving to accentuate heroine Bella Swan’s heightened senses as a result of her transition into vampirism.
Kristen Stewart has long said that she’s been looking forward to playing Bella as a vampire, and that comes through in her character’s eagerness to learn everything she can about her new state of being. This movie, more than any of the others in this saga, is about Bella coming into her own. At one point, Bella says that this who she’s meant to be, and Stewart brilliantly captures that strong sense of self that Bella finally gains. She becomes a fierce warrior, defending her family, her friends and her right to live as she chooses.
Bella’s husband, Edward Cullen, also comes into his own in this film. Robert Pattinson has always skillfully captured Edward’s belief that he doesn’t deserve good things in life, including Bella’s love. But as Bella reaches her full potential, he relaxes and begins to trust her assertion that this was meant to be. He, too, embraces this new journey and, in one particularly touching moment, thanks his creator and adoptive father for “this incredible life.”
For the character of Jacob Black, the journey is just beginning, and Taylor Lautner does well portraying that excitement of having the future stretched out before you. At the end of Part 1, we see that Jacob has imprinted on Bella and Edward’s daughter, Renesmee. (And if you don’t know what that is … play close attention a hilarious and incredibly well done scene between Stewart and Lautner where he explains how this is going to work.) In a sense, Jacob is fighting for his family, too, but even more so, he’s fighting for his future.
This movie has an extensive secondary cast, but the scenes never feel bloated with too many people. And, in fact, it’s kind of interesting to see how vampires across the world live. Several of them have special powers, and Condon does an excellent job of visualizing them. Two stand-outs are Michael Sheen, who delivers a chillingly humorous performance as Aro, and Lee Pace as Garrett, the consummate revolutionary. And, of course, Billy Burke deserves even more kudos for his fantastically funny – and touching – performance as Bella’s father, Charlie Swan.
What is particularly striking about Breaking Dawn Part 2 is just how witty it is. The plot may be quite serious, but there are some truly humorous moments in the film that really help to balance the emotions. Pattinson and Lautner have rarely had the opportunity to play comedy in these films, but they both have incredible comedic timing in this last one.
Translating a book to film is always difficult. There are slight differences between the two in this case, but what happens in the movie is largely the same as what happens in the novel. Yes, there were things left out I wish had been included and things I was glad didn’t make it into the film.
Fans will be surprised by some twists at the end, and I am truly looking forward to hearing what you all have to say about them.
As a fan of this series, the ending is bittersweet, but Breaking Dawn Part 2 wraps up Bella and Edward’s journey well. Condon includes many subtle touches from the previous Twilight Saga movies that bring it full circle, making it a fitting tribute to this incredible series.
Rating: 
Definitely a movie for the fans. I saw it twice in 24 hours