"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" has arrived in theaters and re-opened the controversy surrounding the fourth novel in the series. Does the book and movie carry a pro-life message? Is Bella a weak woman who pushes an unhealthy anti-feminist agenda? Did these questions affect the opinions of critics and moviegoers?
I felt "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn" was definitely the best looking of the franchise's films. The acting was much better. It got you emotionally invested in the characters and somehow left you anxiously waiting to see what would happen next, even if you already read the book. You can tell director Bill Condon took this project seriously.
The majority of top critics felt "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" sucked the life out of them. Christy Lemire of The Associated Press reported, "The dialogue is ... ridiculous and the acting ranges from stiff to mopey ... moments that should be pulsating with tension are... hilarious because the special effects are still ... so distractingly cheesy." Variety's Justin Chang wrote, "All the more disappointing, then, that a story so pregnant with dramatic possibilities should wind up feeling like such an unconsummated opportunity." Globe and Mail's Liam Lacey complained, "[It] was supposed to be climactic. Instead, it's the most jumbled and tonally confused movie yet."
A few movie reviewers were drawn to "Breaking Dawn." MSN Movies' Glenn Kenny wrote, "One is also grateful for the film's finale... which is genuinely brilliant. There, I said it." The New York Times' Manohla Dargis called the fourth film "The latest and best of the movies about a girl, her vampire and their impossible, ridiculously appealing - yes, I surrendered - love story."
Most moviegoers loved the latest entry in "The Twilight Saga," which isn't surprising since the only people seeing these movies are fans of the books and other films. Alice S. stated it was the "Best of the 'Twilight' saga so far. The birth scene is satisfyingly grotesque. The script also yields some surprisingly funny moments... The tone and pacing of the movie just seem different - more genuinely romantic, less episodic."
Alexander M. declared it an "Incredible film! This fourth entry to the 'Twilight' saga is definitely the best one yet. Sure it doesn't have a lot of action, but it's still a great film." Eric M. said, "Although it's almost [two] hours long, it feels pretty quick due to the fantastic pacing and interesting plot, which is something the first two movies still had a problem with. The makeup [and] CGI is actually pretty good."
Some audience members were disappointed, though. Shane P. complained, "Big money grab for producers living off 'Twilight name' from the past movies. I thought the others were actually good and disagree with the critics in the past; however, I think the critics are right on this one." Cailin T. stated, "Edward and Bella seem to lack any chemistry together at this point in the game. The pacing of this film, like the book, is terrible."
Family entertainment website Movieguide.org reported, "'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 1' has some moral elements, including a reference to the Christian New Testament. There's only brief foul language but some borderline sensual moments. It's not very entertaining. It's also unacceptable viewing because of its Romantic, occult, pagan elements, and unbiblical content."
Bill Condon directed "Breaking Dawn - Part 1." It stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, and Ashley Greene. The movie is rated PG-13 for disturbing images, violence, sexuality/partial nudity, and some thematic elements. It was released through Summit Entertainment on November 18, 2011.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
Singer Christina Perri Tours with 'Twilight' Actors to Promote New Movie, Single
'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' Fan Event Brings Actors to Dallas
'Twilight: Breaking Dawn' Actors Visit Fans in Dallas, Texas
Eric Shirey is the founder and former editor of Rondo Award nominated movie news websites MovieGeekFeed.com and TheSpectralRealm.com. His work has been featured on Yahoo!, DC Comics, StarWars.com, and other entertainment websites. Eric has interviewed and worked with actors like Harrison Ford, Brooke Shields, Gerard Butler, Brendan Fraser, Selena Gomez, and many more.
Heading to the movies? Get an instant mobile coupon to use at select theaters for free popcorn!
1 comment