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.
Emma
Nov 20, 2011 @ 16:05:51
I went to see this Friday night with my fellow die-hard fans, my big sister and friends, and my expectations were low. Result? I loved it.
I thought it was loyal to the book, Stewart’s acting was impressive for the second half, the CGI effects on her body were amazing. I never fully understood how badly her body suffered during the pregnancy from my reading of the book. I thought the birth scene was gory and upsetting and was shocked by how realistic it all looked. I really didn’t expect them to show any of it in this film and I was impressed. The image of Bella’s eyes open and vacant while Edward tried to restart her heart was genuinely powerful.
For once I thought the film was better than the book, something that has never happened to me before but I didn’t particularly like Breaking Dawn when I read it anyway.
Aro’s appearance at the end was hilarious and his humour much needed after the former serious death scene. “First it’s the spelling, then it’s the grammar.”
And finally, call me a sap but I thought Bella’s life flashing before her eyes was beautiful and touching.
4 Stars (the first from me for a Twilight film)
setinmotion
Nov 22, 2011 @ 11:47:42
Actually, I think you’re really right, and not a sap at all. To be honest I think the best bits in the film were when they referenced their past; so her memories and also the use of songs from the first Twilight movie, particularly the Iron & Wine song during their wedding ceremony. Actually a bit moving!
The CGI was good wasn’t it? She was SO thin, and then when she gave birth? Ugh! Although I didn’t like that they had the baby and were busying cooing over it and THEN were like, oh shit wait, shes dying because her stomach has been torn open…
Are you excited for part 2 yet??
Movie Review: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 « Kim the FanGirl
Nov 20, 2011 @ 21:32:59
beckyday6
Nov 22, 2011 @ 20:57:21
I totally agree with you and the comments below! I went to go and see this today and I thought it was the best film so far, although, when you look back on the first film thats not saying much lol. I’m gunna write a review of this on my blog and put it up soon too 🙂
Loving you blog as well! Taking a good peek around at all your posts 🙂
setinmotion
Nov 22, 2011 @ 22:45:40
It WAS good wasn’t it? I actually saw it against last night with another group of friends, and I was a bit apprehensive about seeing it twice in one week but….I actually liked it more the second time! My expectations weren’t super high and I kinda knew what was going to happen and could actually sit back and enjoy it!
So glad you’re enjoying the blog! What is the link to yours and I’ll check it out?
beckyday6
Nov 23, 2011 @ 19:10:52
Well thats good cause I’m going to see it with a different set of friends as well next week haha! My blog is http://beckysblogs.wordpress.com/ 🙂
Nicky Cavallaro
Nov 23, 2011 @ 01:07:08
I just came back from watching the new movie. It was better than I expected! My bf already downloaded the whole movie. I need to go watch it a few more times.
setinmotion
Nov 26, 2011 @ 02:53:01
Haha I was exactly the same! It’s so good, that despite the critics reviews (boo) all the fans have been enjoying the film, which is the most important thing really!
Emma
Nov 23, 2011 @ 18:19:05
yes, bring on part two. Can’t believe they’re making us wait a whole year!! Need to find another obsession in the meantime, ha ha
setinmotion
Nov 24, 2011 @ 07:20:02
Hmm, I can probably help you with tacky obsessions that are a lot of fun haha. Any chance you’d be up for some Twilight fan fiction? It seems ridiculous, but it’s actually really fun!
borntobeafan
Nov 25, 2011 @ 07:29:32
Thanks for this review 🙂 I’ve been searching for blog reviews about this movie. It’s so hard to contain all the emotions if you’re a twihard fan. Honestly I think Breaking Dawn is really magical in itself 🙂 I loved everything! The Honeymoon, the new aura of Edward and how their love grew from the very first installment. AHHH i cant wait for part 2!
setinmotion
Nov 26, 2011 @ 02:50:38
That’s great to hear, I’m glad I could help out! Yeah, it was a good fun movie wasn’t it? I hope Part 2 is as good! It’s crazy to think that it’s a whole year away though!
Mae Shi
Dec 02, 2011 @ 04:16:19
I just saw Twilight Breaking Dawn. It’s amazing. My brother already downloaded it. I’m gonna go watch again.