As we all know (even those crazy fools who aren’t fans know), the first half of the last book of the Twilight series hit screens around the world as pre-teens screamed their little hearts out.

Might I add that here at Set In Motion we do not condone pre-teen heart screaming of any kind, but we do approve of Robert Pattinson on the big screen.  And so, like the dutiful fan girl that I am, I went to see The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.  So what did I think?

Now, like almost ALL books, the film adaptation doesn’t compare, and sadly I found that this was the case, once again, with Twilight.  However, it should definitely be noted that there were aspects that I enjoyed immensely, and while I didn’t get as excited as I did for the original Twilight (although saying that, I WAS 17 when the first film came out and got excited relatively easily…although saying that, I still do), I didn’t think it was the worst of the movie adaptations so far.  We did, after all, get to FINALLY see that sex scene that we’ve all been waiting for, not to mention Bella’s wedding dress, Isle Esme and the procreation of Edward and Bella.  Oh, and Stephenie Meyer dropped in for an appearance as well.

To get a feel of what is what like to be there in the flesh, check out Kim’s post HERE where she reports live with all the latest rumours surrounding the film.

So overall, what was my opinion of this film?  Drum roll please…

The Good

  • Bella’s dress.  There were aspects of it that I found a bit “meh” but I thought the back was stunning, and unlike the ring (don’t get me started) it seemed true to the book and the era that it was meant to be imitating.
  • Speaking of, this film stayed true to the book.  Hallejuah!  Sure, there were aspects that were missing, but considering the size of the book, even split into two films they couldn’t have covered everything.  And what they made sure to cover they covered well (anyone else reminiscing that dream that Bella had?)
  • The honeymoon.  Um, did anyone else decide then and there in the movie theatre that they were going to toss all morals aside and marry a fabulously rich husband, receding hairline or no, just so they could have their own island off the coast of Brazil?  No-one?  Huh, that must of just been me.  That house!  That view!  That waterfall!  Thank you for that, producers of Breaking Dawn, because on the slightest off-chance that I wasn’t already pining for Edward Cullen (ha!) you had to add “has connections to awesome private island”  to the list.  And people wonder why we fall for vampires…
  • The CGI.  OK, it sounds a bit ridiculous, but I was actually a little scared of the werewolves in this instalment.  I know, I know, they aren’t real and even if they were, as if the vampires wouldn’t defeat them.  But there was something a little bit terrifying about them, wasn’t there?  Particularly when werewolf Sam decided to really show his power.  Eek!
  • The makeup.  They made Bella look sick, they made her look glowing and happy on her wedding day (hard feat when it comes to Kristen Stewart) and they made her look, literally, flawless when she transitioned.  Amazing stuff make-up guys.  Come hang out at my house please?
  • While Bella was pregnant.  I thought this bit was, while the most painful to watch, incredibly well done.  In the book Stephenie Meyer definitely conveys how unhealthy and sickly Bella is during her pregnancy, but some things do not compare.  That scene where Bella goes to have a bath and we see how truly skinny she was?  And the look on Edward’s face?  Actually heart-breaking, and horrifying, all in the one moment.
  • That little bit at the end.  Because in case you thought everything was perfect, this scene reminded you that the Volturi will be back in town.  And they want the shiny new aspects of the Cullen Family.
  • Edward Cullen.  Because, four movies on, millions of annoying screaming fans, and countless mocking later, we still love him.  Because at the end of the day, he is the man of everyone’s dreams, isn’t he?

The Bad:

  • The hair.  It doesn’t seem like a bit deal, but it was.  What on earth was going on with Alice’s, Jasper’s, Rosalie’s and especially, Carlisle’s hair this instalment?  To quote one fan girl, it looked like something had died atop of Carlisle’s hair.  And somehow they had managed to make Rosalie look unattractive, which is saying a fair bit since the last time I checked, Nikki Reed was a stunner.  Anyone else agree?
  • That werewolf scene.  Honestly, my girlfriends and I did come to the conclusion that not much could be done about this scene, but the whole werewolves and voices over the top thing just didn’t really work.
  • The acting.  Sorry K-Stew but I’m never going to like your acting.  Sure, you did emancipated, anaemic and dying really well, but you didn’t even crack a smile when you walked down the aisle and saw Edward Cullen looking back at you.  And for that reason, and reason alone, I was never going to like your acting style.  Sorry.
  • The dialogue.  Some parts of it were good, and I appreciated that they tried to keep it light because the storyline could have very quickly spiralled into doom and gloom, but overall I thought that parts of the dialogue were forced, and that the humorous one-liners were much too obvious.  Melissa Rosenberg strikes again.
  • THAT sex scene.  Yes, it was good, but there was so much hype over it that I expected it to be better.  So sue me.  OK, honestly it might just be because I’ve read too much Twilight fan fiction.

What’s Next?

Considering this is part one, which means that we can assume there is going to be a part two, we have to ask ourselves, what next? Sure, we could deduce that it will be the second half the book, but where is the fun in that?  Now that we’ve seen Bella look absolutely flawless (not to mention terrifying with those red eyes of hers), will we also get to see her hunt, and do other, funner, vampire things?

What about Jacob and baby Reneesme?  Can they make their relationship likeable, rather than creepy?  And how do they plan on ageing Nessie so quickly?  Although that could be one of the reasons why they decided to wait a whole twelve months between instalments…

Personally, I’m looking forward to the Volturi returning, and us finding out the full extent of Jane and Alec’s wicked talents.  Plus, I want to see Bella more assertive, all the other vampires and their fun special skills…and, not to mention, the first time Bella and Edward see their cottage.

Overall, Breaking Dawn wasn’t the first film of the year I’ve seen, not even the worst of the month, but unfortunately it won’t make my top five.  What did you think?  Let me know what your favourite, and least favourite bits were, whether your Team Edward or Team Jacob and how you felt about all the crucial moments, like the Honeymoon, the Wedding and the Transformation.

twilight saga: breaking dawn part 1

Swoon-(image taken from http://www.cdn.screenrant.com)