REVIEW | Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012)

There are elements in the mythology of Twilight that are irresistible and captivating. Love and pain, death and rebirth, courage and sacrifice, and the timeless appeal of the supernatural. But at its central core is, of course, the love story. And it's a love story that is part of a grand design. But it all goes back, really, to Edward and Bella's passionate love story.

Oscar winner for Best Director Bill Condon finishes off the movie adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's phenomenally popular Twilight Saga 4-novel series with heart and dignity. What began as a horrifically crude first installment (2008's Twilight) ends in an acceptable and engaging epic finale. When Breaking Dawn Part 1 came out in 2011, delivered by the sincere hands of Condon, there was significant transformation to the quality of the movie franchise. Sure, Pattinson still cannot act and Aro's thick make-up seems to be chipping off from his chin; nevertheless, you've become engaged to the story, swept away by the tragedy and the romance. Also, the soundtrack was neutralized to be friendly to all sorts of audience.

Breaking Dawn Part 2 immediately picks up where the first half had left off. Bella's ruby eyes flash open and she is now a gorgeous vampire, feral and thirsty, exhilarated by her new freedom and feeling life for the first time despite being dead. Reneesme, her fast-growing newborn child with a cute CGI face, poses a danger of epic proportions, and thus begins the final adventure.

The editing is oddly too fast, especially in the first half of the movie. You haven't absorbed a shot yet and already it jumps to the next one. It's frustrating. You feel like you are being offered an ice cream cone and the tip of your tongue has just barely touched it when it is already snatched away from you. It doesn't allow you to absorb or savor the moment. The movie is like rushing toward an invisible deadline. Nevertheless, Breaking Dawn Part 2 is fun and entertaining. The highlight is Bella as a sexy, scary vampire; the best scenes being her rebirth and self-discoveries-- with Kristen Stewart surprisingly performing like a normal, good actress. New faces and colorful characters add spice to the movie, and the pack of wolves have become even cuter. The movie is action-packed, funny, romantic, touching and emotional...and the climax will shock you and leave you breathless. 

In its entirely, Breaking Dawn Part 2 is an entertaining, absorbing, fast-paced and commendable epic conclusion to a popular franchise; indeed a satisfying closure to the Twilight history and mythology. And the movie ends quite emotionally as it takes you on a one last Twilight journey. Twi-hards might cry, and the romantics of the world will continue to fall in love with the story of Edward and Bella.

3.5 out of 5 stars
Opens November 15, 2012 in Philippine Cinemas



You might wanna check out my review of Breaking Dawn Part 1