Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Nov 24, 2012 19:38:24 GMT -5
Plot:Second part of the fourth installment of the "Twilight" series. Starts after the birth of Bella and Edwards baby, Renesmee. Now...the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.
Cast:
Kristen Stewart
Robert Pattinson
Taylor Lautner
Ashley Greene
Kellan Lutz
Maggie Grace
Christian Camargo
Casey LaBow
Mia Maestro
MyAnna Buring
Olga Fonda
Janelle Froehlich
Masami Kosaka
Sebastiao Lemos
Amadou Ly
Ty Olsson
Wendell Pierce
Carolina Virguez
My Thoughts:I hope this really IS the end.
Review:It has not been a fun experience seeing these "Twilight" movies. But I've always said when asked that "Eclipse" was my favorite one since it had that hardcore er...what could be considered in this franchises universe as "hardcore"...ending. But beyond "Eclipse", this series has been pretty boring and way too sappy for me. But after seeing "Breaking Dawn 2"...I kind of miss the previous films. Which were better written, and had more conflict. "Breaking Dawn Part 2" lacks any real impact. And for a finale, it is pretty weak.
So last we left Bella and Edward, Bella was pregnant with Edwards vampire baby. Back in "Breaking Dawn" (Part 1). In "Breaking Dawn" (Part 2)...the child has been born, and has been named Renesmee. But there's apparently now more conflict between Bella and Jacob than there is between Bella and Edward. Since Bella is now a vampire, she seems to hate Jacob more now. As opposed to her blend of lust and pity for him, which she had in the previous films when she was human. Jacob however is still a lapdog'ish type character.
I've always said that the problem with Taylor Lautner's character in these movies is his lack of testicular fortitude. He takes way too much crap from Bella. Which is one thing when he believes she and him still have a chance. But it's another when she's married to, and mom to another dudes kid. And tack on to that, Jacob is a giant "wolf". So the fact that he's so..."neutered" in this particular scenario is very annoying. Apparently though, Edward and Bella's child has drawn some unfriendly eyes. In the form of the Volturi clan.
Who at this point, are the only entertaining and interesting thing about this series. The Italian vampire group gets word of Bella and Edward's "transgression"...and thus plan to eliminate the child, Bella, Edward, and The Cullens. So the film spends most of its time leading up to this "BIG ONCOMING WAR". Where the Cullens travel the world to try and gather troops to help them do battle with the Volturi. Should it come to that. Apparently, the Cullens still hold out hope that when the two sides meet, they can talk things out.
Of course if anyone remembers the Volturi from previous installments, they are one of the few vampire clans that don't like to "talk". And would rather eviscerate and annihilate. Especially when they see Bella and Edward's child as a threat to exposing their very existence to the world. Jacob, being the neutered dog that he is, of course agrees to back Bella, Edward, and The Cullens in their battle with the Volturi. And his clan of wolves of course agree to follow him into battle. Because it's not like they have anything else better to do I guess. But in reality, the film tries to spin this "utter disaster" scenario where the Volturi might just show up and kill everybody.
So helping the Cullens kill them, will apparently spare the wolves a similar fate. So most of the movie is spent watching the Cullens broker deals with various vampires and vampire groups. But I see it as an excuse to bring back every living character from the previous 4 movies. Because ya know, the fanboys and fangirls would think it's "cool" and "epic". Unfortunately, most of the films dialogue is dominated by the usual players. Bella, Edward, and Jacob. Even Ashley Greene as Alice, Nikki Reed as Rosalie, and Kellan Lutz as Emmett - hardly even speak in this film. Other than a few sentences and groans here and there.
Because you know, we can't make it seem like we're overshadowing Kristen Stewart and her stoic acting and poor attempts at delivering strong and solid dialogue. You should really see the beginning of the movie where she chews out Jacob for "imprinting" on Renesmee and nicknaming her. It really seemed like she was "acting". And yeah, we all know it's a movie, but we expect to be convinced through performances that it's somewhat "real". But when Stewart's character gets angry, it's truly a laughable moment.
And watching Jacob squirm in her presence is even more pathetic. But the movie figures we won't care about that because most hardcore fans of these films are like 12 so, yeah. Not to mention with pratically every continent of vampire and wolf on display in this movie, it's kinda like a fantasy-United Nations deal. Yep, just about every country is represented in this movie whether it be by vampire or wolf. The filmmakers however are careful to ramp up the characters hatred of the Volturi's with a few negative Italian comments here and there.
The films third act eventually delivers on all of this bluster and hard-talk with some good ole fashioned "fightin" though. As a major smackdown eventually occurs between the Volturi, and the Cullens troops down the finale of the movie. And if anyone thought it wouldn't happen, well then you don't know much about movies and payoffs. When you see this film, you cannot expect so much chit-chat and droll moments, to not lead up to an epic battle at the end. After all, someone has to give the poor slobs who paid close to $15 bucks to see this movie something to speak on, on the way home.
And yes, the battle is epic, and yes it is intense and humorous in parts. However...depending on who you are, you won't be happy with what happens...AFTER the battle. The set up for the fight, which is a snow-covered landscape. Is very nifty, and so is the sharp countdown moments and character interactions...that eventually cause the fight to jump off. But when it's all said and done, and the real truth intervenes. You'll either be pissed, or relieved. Me? I was angry and confused. And just felt that this movie just murdered its one positive moment.
But what do I care? I just see these movies because it's part of the job. I'm not a fan or anything. However...just as a movie watcher. I felt ripped off. Even moreso when the ending is left open for a possible new installment. Which totally defeats the purpose of this films advertising campaign that "Breaking Dawn Part 2" was truly..."THE END". But this is a genre that has called BS on Jason and Freddy's untimely demises so who's counting? Overall, "Breaking Dawn Part 2" is a weak part 2 to an even weaker part 1. It would've helped if the characters would step out of their usual boxes and do something different from their characters "usual" behaviors, every now and then. That didn't happen, so...it all ends up being very lackluster.
THE GOOD:Not much "GOOD" to speak of. I would say the big fight at the end. But even that ended up being disappointing for one big reason.
THE BAD:Character interaction was a repeat and rehash of previous movies. These characters have grown up physically. But internally? Jacob's still Bella's lapdog. Edward is still who Bella pines over, even though he's ruined her life and taken her humanity. And Bella's dad in this movie was relegated to being a drunken abusive step-daddy who no one wants around. When the guy didn't ever do anything except question his daughter consorting with vampires. And when you look at how things turned out, he was kinda right!
Overall:One star out of four.