Review of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011) by Lihui C — 27 Jun 2016

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (EXTENDED EDITION).

Movie Review:

"After the successful third edition into the series, Eclipse; which has been received with better to positive reviews from major critics and appraisal from an estimated 83,693,746 fans, much expectation was directed towards Academy Award winning Bill Condon. This new director succeeds almost certainly but this soap-operatic film falls in some ways that made Eclipse such a guilty pleasure to watch.".

The story continues with Bella Swan finally making the decision to marry and live eternally with her beloved Edward Cullen, with the disapproval of Jacob Black the buff childhood sweet heart, a werewolf as well, whom she dumps for because her love for Edward is unending even though he left her heart broken in New Moon, the second movie/book, causing her to become suicidal such as risking her life to see a faint image of Edward. Bella marries Edward, consumes a half-human, half-vampire child during their honeymoon, deteriorates slowly due to the rapid growth of the baby in which is tearing her apart inside, and the whole Cullen family has to worry about their shaky treaty with the werewolves, the Quileute tribe. All in all, the story sounds a bit more mature than the three previous films because more is at stake and the conflict is more grave than the decision between Bella's love over her two suitors. However, sadly, Breaking Dawn-Part 1 seems to be more in the same veins as New Moon. The film is directed better, the story is grim, the production designs are well made and the actors are marginally better than before, but why does it sometimes feel like a lackluster?

The Actors: 1.0 credit.

They have been swooning and moody for the past three films, especially the central character Bella Swan. I like her character because she represents the average neighborhood girl. Her yearning in Twilight is understandable and relates to many. Her pain in New Moon is sometimes a bore but relatable. She gradually matures in Eclipse. Finally, in Breaking Dawn Part 1, she gets to play a deteriorated mother of an unknown child that could represent danger and the end to her life. The credit goes to Kristen Stewart. This is her better role so far as Bella Swan. We are able to feel her sense of determination and yet see her outward appearance which might shock some viewers. Her high cheek bones, her bony structure, her darken eyes, and her raspy-low voice. Thanks to the designers and visual effects. Edward and Jacob, both, act the usual with Edward moping voice and Jacob's cracked voice.

The Visual Effects and Production Values: 1.0 credit.

Bella's body is something of a disgusting fascination, her performance also adds to the finishing touch; make up and computer detailing. The Wedding Scene in the beginning is well staged and beautifully mossy yet rich, over the top looking. The fight that ensues in the end is watchable but only shortly. Overall, this seems like an expensive soap opera movie.

The Ending: 1.0 credit.

Gruesome Birth scene of a screaming Bella Swan only adds to the horror of what is happening below the stomach. In fact, Rosalie does a risky C-Section while Edward shoots morphine up her arms and legs. Blood is everywhere, which is a difficult situation especially delivering a half-vampire, half human baby in the company of vampires, and the audience can cringe to the sounds of bones crushing, heavy breathing and saliva spitting everywhere from Bella's mouth. We then see a dying Bella lying lifeless on the bed. The camera work and lighting are things that add up to the horror and terrifying 10 minutes experience of Bella giving birth and Edward trying to revive her. This is one of the better scenes I have ever seen in any movie so far about a female character trying to deliver a baby (besides Rosemary's Baby). The ending keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Overall. 3/5.

Breaking Dawn Part 1 is a better film; in the design, the visual effects, a bravura performance from Kristen Stewart and an engaging first and last 20 minutes. However, it still feels like a complete letdown from Eclipse; the performances from the other characters, the pacing is slow, and the dialogue still remains indifferent. Yet, I hope that the last part of this series will shoot me out with a bang.