Limacher Low Down: Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 brings the “Saga” to a conclusion. I know some will be saddened by this, and some will be elated; the question is will the ending justify the fans? If you have read my previous reviews of several of the Twilight movies, you’ll know that I have been rather generous for what they were. Breaking Dawn Part 2 has officially made me reach the point of utter frustration and glad the “Saga” is over! What makes a person who has generally been polite feel this way? Well, I will get to that…
[ Click for the Volturi Guards interview ]
Breaking Dawn Part 2 picks up right where Part 1 left off. Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), now Bella Cullen is officially a vampire. Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) had to change her to save her from the birth of their child, Renesmee. This part we already know, but the film quickly jumps into Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) having a new relationship with Renesmee and the Cullen family. The scene that follows was supposed to be HIGH tension, but people were LAUGHING! The acting was THAT BAD in this part. I felt as watching it that the actors realized this was it for them having to be in these movies, and they basically phoned in their performances. When a scene that is supposed to be taken seriously has the audience laughing, that’s never a good sign. After the tension is resolved, the Cullens suggest that they tell Bella’s father; Charlie Swan (Billy Burke), that she has passed, but Jacob takes matters into his own hands. This scene will make the ladies happy, and Billy Burke, once again, does a great job of adding an actual humorous element to the movie. It adds humor, where humor was intended to be, unlike previous scenes.
Next, Bella starts to learn of her new found strengths. She even goes so far as to challenge the “strongest” Cullen, Emmett (Kellan Lutz). Everything seems fine with the Cullens and their new family dynamic, but not all is well in Forks. The whole scene comes across as cheesy and bad. The special effects are terrible, and this could have been cut out completely. I am sure some people will enjoy the laughs at how bad this is, but most people will just shake their head at how awful the whole thing plays out. Also, Bella’s first hunt offers some really bad acting and poor CGI. These movies have made a TON of money, and this is the best they can do for their fans? I quote Ron Burgundy when I say “That is Bush; that is Bush League!”
The Volturi have gotten word of Bella being turned and they seemingly offer a token to show their acceptance. While Bella and Jacob are out playing with a rapidly aging Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy), they are discovered by another vampire who doesn’t like what they see. Bella and Jacob return to the Cullen’s house and alert Dr. Carlisle Cullen (Peter Facinelli) and Esme Cullen (Elizabeth Reaser) of what had happened, but they seem not concerned about the consequences. Alice Cullen (Ashley Greene) sees into the future and quickly learns that the Volturi will be coming to wage war with the Cullens. This is where the movie begins to morph into what people are seemingly waiting for, the big scene where all hell breaks loose.
Since the Cullen’s are greatly outnumbered, they start to spread the word of their story, and even start recruiting old friends to assist them. Vampires from different cultures come together, and yes, the acting from some is decent, but overall it just leaves an even worse taste in your mouth. The most intriguing “recruits” are a duo from Romania, Stefan (Guri Weinberg) and Vladimir (Noel Fisher). While most of the recruits are worrisome and ready to fight the Volturi if needed, Stefan and Vladimir are more excited and willing than anyone else. This scene is interesting in how the group comes together and discusses stories of their past and sharing with each other. I felt as if this scene could have lasted longer and gotten more in depth with reasons why they have all come together. In a sense, it felt rushed and for that seemed to be lacking.
This leads us to the climactic build-up people have been waiting for, the standoff. The Cullens and friends have gathered awaiting a battle, and not much longer the Volturi arrive. Aro (Michael Sheen), the leader of the Volturi comes forward to see what the fuss is all about. In tow with him, as always, are Caius (Jamie Campbell Bower), Marcus (Christopher Heyerdahl), Jane (Dakota Fanning), and their body guards Demetri (Charlie Bewley) and Felix (Daniel Cudmore). The reason I mention the other members of the Volturi that are with Aro is because they each have their own feelings and interpretations on the situation. Aro is very smug and honestly portrayed well.
I couldn’t help but sit there thinking, why wasn’t there more of this character in the movie? He seems to be having fun with this role and makes it come across as making this character believable. It was one of the things I actually enjoyed the most in the movie. After introductions, and polite banter, the battle begins, and this was actually very well done. As far as fight scenes go, it wasn’t the best, but it got the point across in a structured fashion. I can honestly say that guys who get dragged to see this movie might actually enjoy this part of the movie. The question is do the Cullens or the Volturi have their way in the end? If you want to know, and haven’t read the books, you’re just going to have to go see Breaking Dawn Part 2 to find out.
I said before, this was the LOWEST I have rated any of the Twilight movies I have seen. The acting was worse than others; THE fight scene was good, but not enough to raise my rating; and the fact that there was so much anticipation thrust upon me for this one, I can honestly say I was let down. I went into the other movies with low expectations, and this one had raised them a little more. I guess if you go to this movie understanding the acting is going to be bad, and that the story is somewhat all over the place, you will enjoy it more than I did. Is this the best way to end a “Saga?” Well, I’ll let you be the judge of that.
