I, Lori Joffs, had the opportunity to FINALLY see Breaking Dawn Part 2 last night. This is my site and even though we already posted an “official” review, I feel I can take the opportunity to voice my own opinon. Since I don’t want to spoil anyone too badly, I will keep this as spoil free as possible!
First, did I like it? No… I LOVED IT! The film has a very different feel from other films in the saga, but then so did the book! Bella is a vampire from start to finish of this film. Her relationship with Edward is different. Her relationship to pretty much everyone is different! She herself is different. Kristen Stewart has never looked more beautiful or had such a strong presence than she does in this film. She has truly transformed. Seeing the world through her vampire eyes transforms the film. So if you have grown worried from reading reviews that say this film lacks the ansgty romantic tension of the other films… well yeah! Bella and Edward are both vampires and they are married. The tension in the film comes from a different place, just as it did in the book.
The best compliment that I can pay the film is that I feel it’s the best adaptation from page to screen. When the film finished I literally had to stop and think through the book to figure out which pieces were missing. There were things that were left out, but not much. What actually happens is that less time and attention are given to certain things in the film than in the book. For example…
(MINOR SPOILER LOOK AWAY IF YOU REALLY DON’T WANT TO KNOW!)
The J. Jenks sequence is cut down to one short scene rather than a long drawn out process with a couple of visits and phone calls as it is in the book. Did I mind? No. Will you mind, probably not.
(END SPOILER.)
What we get in place of those somewhat missing moments are a whole bunch of extras! Most of these extras involve the Volturi, which I adored being the Aro fan girl that I am. But there is also one extra with Jacob that Taylor fans will go nuts over! Trust me. It’s one of the best scenes in the film.
So much has been made over the “twist”. Yes, there’s a twist! And it was AMAZING! And that’s all I have to say about that. Ahem!
The last thing that I took away from the film was the attention to detail. I understand that the film has to be made so that people who haven’t read the books will understand it. But as someone who has been tossed deep into the Twilight universe, I always want more. The subtle nuanses and line deliveries from characters like Alistair, Garrett, Amun, and the Romanians (Oh… how I LOVED the Romanians!) were indiaction to me that the actors and films makers had done their homework. In fact, one of my favorite moments and lines come from Marcus – yes, MARCUS of all people, for the sheer fact that someone who isn’t familiar with his backstory won’t fully understand the line! Even the non-verbal communication between the wolves showed the film makers had a “dialogue” going on behind the scenes. Its those details that make the film really shine.
Lastly, I just want to say thank you to Bill Condon for the ending. It’s always obvious to me which films are make by directors who are fans of films rather than those who just MAKE films. Given the way this one ends, it was proof that Mr. Condon was not only aware of the fandom viewing his film, but that this film was part of a whole saga. He pays tribute to the saga as a whole. As someone who has been engulfed in this saga for nearly seven years, it was touching and poinent and meaningful… and yes, it made me cry.
But don’t just take my word for it! Here is what one reviewer from the San Jose Mercury News said of the film:
Fans of the “Twilight Saga” can breathe a sigh of relief.
I just got back from a Wednesday night screening of “Breaking Dawn — Part 2″ and can unequivocally say you’re in for a real treat. While my full review of the film won’t post until Thursday morning, here’s a little something to tide you over — answers to a few questions about the eagerly anticipated finale.
Is it the best ‘Twilight’ yet? Without a doubt. Director Bill Condon and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg strike the perfect “Twilight” tone, playing up the campy humor while turning up the erotic heat on the romance.
Are there surprises? A couple, and even if you’re a huge fan of Stephenie Meyer’s books you’ll be astonished by how well they This film image released by Summit Entertainment shows, from left, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Peter Facinelli, MyAnna Buring, Casey LaBow and Christian Camargo in a scene from “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2.” (AP Photo/Summit Entertainment, Andrew Cooper) ( Andrew Cooper )work. But be wary of spoilers since the tweaks are certain to turn into a hot social networking topic.
Who gives the best performance of the trio? Robert Pattinson. He’s swoon-worthy, and has consistently been the strongest. But don’t dismiss Kristen Stewart. She’s impressive here as a tougher, more confident Bella. Even Taylor Lautner shows improvement. It helps that he’s given some funny material.
Speaking of Lautner, does he keep his shirt on? Most of the time…However.
Will the movie appeal to non-fans? I expect so. This is a highly entertaining, suspenseful finale that satisfies on many levels.
