Breaking Dawn Part 1 – Review & Discussion Thread
*I will sticky post this for a bit – scroll down for new updates*
Alrightee so yeah that’s Rob in shock right up there because he cannot believe this post.
Well you all know  how much I’ve been waiting for this franchise to be over and don’t get me wrong, I’m more than ready to see Rob’s career move forward, but I just literally came back from seeing Breaking Dawn Part 1 and I know some of you are anticipating my reaction.  You better sit down because I don’t think you will be expecting this.
As soon as the movie was over I sms’d the girls and said ‘Oh dear … you’re not going to believe this but I loved it”. Â Well loved might have been a little over the top, but I did enjoy it. Â The critics have been over harsh about this film. Â I’ve never liked the book and the book to me is so ridiculous, but I think Condon has done a really good job with what he was given. Â I’m not going to do a full review here since I know Michelle is seeing it right now and Vertigo won’t be seeing it until tomorrow. Â Lise-Lou saw it on Friday. Â So to avoid spoilers for those that haven’t, I’ll put my review after the cut and I suggest you don’t proceed past it.
*WARNING:  If  you haven’t seen the film then don’t continue after the cut” since it contains SPOILERS.  YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED*
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SEEN MOVIE BEFORE CONTINUING TO READ
So I think the main reason I really liked BD Pt 1, apart from the fact that there is so much Edward in this one, is my respect for Bill Condon and his homage to Catherine Hardwicke when Edward is searching the internet for demon babies. Â If you’ve seen it you should know what I mean. Â I also liked the flashbacks after Bella had been infected with Edward’s venom. Â I don’t know – just that little bit of respect right there impressed me.
As most of you know I was disappointed with New Moon and I did not like Eclipse at all. Â I’ve only seen that twice in full. Â This film I can say I will definitely be going back to see it on the big screen – that’s a hint Vertigo because we will definitely be seeing this together next Saturday.
Rob’s portrayal of Edward in BD was just taken up a notch for me. Â I know, Rob can do no wrong in my eyes, but I’m pretty sure the fact that he had filmed Bel-Ami and Water For Elephants just made this performance as Edward so much more. Â I loved what he’s done with this character. Â I hated what Meyer did to Edward in the book. Â This is not one whipped Edward at all. Â If I thought smiley giggly Edward was perfection – angry Edward proved me wrong. Â Jesus – just that one scene was enough for me. Â Finally finally Edward told Bella what he thought. Â That right there was enough for me to right any wrongs in this film. Â Am I rambling … yes yes I am. Â Ok so here’s what I totally think:
I believe the critics have been too harsh, but I understand where some of them were coming from. Â Let’s face it, the book/story is far fetched. Â Clearly they were not prepared for the insanity that was Breaking Dawn. Â Imagine if you didn’t know what was coming and you turned up to watch this film – you would definitely be saying – was Meyers on drugs when she wrote this – what the hell were they thinking with this screenplay. Â C’mon you know you would be – I was saying that when I was reading the book. Anyway let’s move on … my comments might be not in sequence because I’m trying to go off memory.
Edward’s Back Story
Oh sweet lord … that is all. Â This I cannot wait to own the DVD just to screencap alone.
The Wedding
Sorry I didn’t cry during the wedding scene – clearly I have no soul – isn’t that what people are saying?  It was okay as wedding scenes go, but the speeches – yes well – apart from Edward and Charlie’s – the rest were lame and we could have done without them. I didn’t find them funny at all – maybe I needed to be 14.  Although I can say that I have in fact been to a wedding in real life where the bride’s mother did get up and sing a song like that – so maybe that’s why I missed the  humour … yep it really happened.
I loved where they used Flightless Bird … I know people are saying it’s odd and it ends abruptly – I didn’t find that. Â Maybe I was staring at Edward’s mouth too much *shrugsshoulders* and missed it. I’ll pay attention at next screening.
The Honeymoon
Well I knew that they had talked up the honeymoon bedroom scene and it was going to be anything than what they were saying. I mean don’t blink because you might miss it.  It was another faux leg hitch if you ask me.  I thought the trashed bedroom was a little over the top – it didn’t happen like that in the book from my memory – loads of feathers and broken headboard is my recollection.  And it pretty  much almost faded to black – so I doubt we will be getting any R rated extended scene on the DVD.
Again, I may have been distracted by the moles on Rob’s back so let me know if I missed anything. Â (Also see comment above about owning DVD & screencapping)
And can I just say here right now again – Rob you did good with the working out – although I’m happy to see you shirtless when you haven’t bothered to work out. Â But yeah – Jacob you had nothing on Rob in those scenes … Â Jesus Rob you need to walk around in those singlet style tops more often. Â OOh sorry got sidetracked there.
Oh and thanks to Ellen I could not help but laugh out loud in the cinema when the bath in the mirror appeared. Â I will never be able to look at that scene seriously … I’m sure people thought I was weird.
Can I also point out one of my gripes – Â when Bella is sitting in the car on the phone to Rosalie at the airport – I think Eddie kind of notices that – that’s not how it’s supposed to happen. Â Just saying. Â I also want to say – I like married Edward – he’s all about taking control and whatever talking to the pilot or whoever that was at the airport.
And what about Rob speaking Portuguese what a freakin bonus that was. Â Sorry I mean Edward *giggles*.
I’m ignoring the jumping off the waterfall and that because I’ve never been a fan of the Edward running fast special effects – they are just wrong.
And I think Bella needed to cook those drumsticks a little more – no wonder she threw up – there is nothing good about seeing blood in chicken that’s just asking for salmonella poisoning LOL.
The Wolves
I love that they are NOT the focus of this film. Â Finally, finally … and for the critics making fun and saying the wolves talking with human voices – well I didn’t find this anything like Scooby Doo because they aren’t talking – they are hearing each others thoughts. Â If you read the book you’d know that. Â That is all I’m saying about that. Â I think the CGI wolves in this one are the best.
Even Boo Boo acting has improved … jesus Vertigo – when you read this – let me know if that’s just the alcohol talking from last night (yes yes we saw Al Pacino and it was amazing).
The Pregnancy
Well the makeup was amazing and I’m glad they didn’t drag this whole pregnancy thing out like Meyers did in the book.
The conversation with Jacob and Edward where he tells him to convince Bella to give up the baby and if not then to kill him.  I’m so glad they didn’t include the – yeah you can  have her on Monday-Friday and I’ll have her on the weekends because that was just insanity.  Um did I mention I thought Meyers was on drugs when she wrote this book.
Here’s one of my criticisms – when Edward was trying to resuscitate Bella – all I kept hearing was Rob talking about the fake body and how real it looked. Â Rob – it looked like a fake body to me – just saying. Â This is why over promotion can be bad.
I loved how they handled the scene when Edward first hears the baby. Â Yeah I really did. Â Jesus have I mentioned how much I loved Rob as Edward in this film. Â I didn’t think it was possible, I’m happy to be proved wrong. Â See people I can eat humble pie too.
I did not  like the creative license of letting Bella hold the baby before her heart gives out … not at all.  [I stand corrected thanks to VioletRoseIV on twitter – this was apparently in the book – I must have wiped that from my memory]
I LOVED what Condon did with the venom going through Bella’s veins. Â I think this is another reason why I liked this film. Â It was creative but not in an over the top way if that makes sense.
Soundtrack
The music in this film did not even register to me. Â I still think the soundtrack to Hardwicke’s Twilight is the best and not just because of Rob. Â The one thing I did love about this film is the use of Carter Burwell’s themes. Â OMG I really felt like I was in a Twilight film instead of a bad music video like the other two films.
Carter’s music is so iconic with Twilight they should have made sure it was in all of them. Â It makes me nostalgic.
The Rest
Okay some of the acting is still hard for me to handle … the wigs … oh poor Carlisle is all I can say. Â Alice you need to bring it down a notch. Â Did Jasper even speak? Â I think he had 2 lines.
The scene with Irina … just weird is all I’m going to say and unnecessary and couldn’t they get someone who could act.
I loved Charlie but I always love Charlie.
I think that’s it. Â If I remember anything else I’ll add under here as a PS.
Okay now over to you … let me know if you agree/disagree/don’t care/think aliens have taken over my body because you can’t believe how positive some of this was … missed something crucial because I’m sure I have – there is a lot to absorb.
PS. Â Stephanie reminded me that I said nothing about the scene during the end credits. Â Firstly, the toothpick that brought in the invitation … what the hell was that. Â Secondly, I cannot begin to tell you how much I love Michael Sheen and Chris Heyerdahl as Marcus and Caius oops I mean Aro and Marcus. Â I’m a little partial to Chris Heyerdahl seeing as I met him in 2009. Â He’s lovely. Â There Steph … is that okay now *giggles*.
Oh I mentioned this in a comment below. Â Can someone explain to me what the hell Bella’s dream was on the honeymoon – I mean I get what the chess was about, but the shaking of the images *scratcheshead*. Â I remember in the book she dreamt about a son.
64 comments on “Breaking Dawn Part 1 – Review & Discussion Thread”
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Cindy
Well Miss Maria You have officially “stunned” me! LOL! I am surprised but I must say pleased that you did like it. You all know I didn’t. Mainly because over all I am not a fan of the book. It let me down on so many levels. I don’t know why but i thought meyer would be brave and go down the tragic love story road and no matter how much they wanted to be together they die together. And like Rob said I had no problem with Bella staying human. As for” wolfs” well ridiculous I”m sorry I laughed out loud. Robs performance as Edward brilliant as always. Enjoyed the flash backs like you Maria. Loved the dress and the actual ceremony. More chemistry between Bella and Edward. At least she didn’t look and act like she had been asked to kiss her brother like eclipse. As for the honeymoon well I knew that was going to be tame if that’s the right word. even Tyler and Allley’s love scene in R/M was better and that was PG 13. And water for elephants. It doesn’t wash with me Meyer saying she left it to the readers” imaginations”. And yes we all do imagine different things I know, but when you are writing a book I always thought it was your imagination and your characters so that’s the journey the readers go with you. But I did laugh at Bella inn all those skimpy nighties trying to get Edwards attention. Anyway my friend wants me to go with her again next week so i will brave it again, but I would have waited for the dvd and ff Eddie other wise. I really was underwhelmed by it.
Vicky
Ok, not sure about being first but what the hell. I have not been silent in my lack of interest in this movie for anything other than Rob, to the point where one of my friends asked me how I was going to cope with the movie seeing it focussed more on Bella and Edward was a bit wimpy in the book (not sure about wimpy but anyway I digress). Well, I have to say I loved the movie and that is very much because of how they portrayed Edward. I was never going to not love Rob in this movie but they actually gave him a real character to portray in this one, as opposed to Eclipse (yeah still no bridge built there). The back story was brilliant and I like where they incorporated it.
I was not expecting a hot and heavy sex scene so I am happy with how they did it although I do agree the room the next morning was OTT LOL!
The fact that Carter Burwell was scoring this one was something I was always excited about. Nobody that came after him and Twilight managed create the same feeling so that was awesome.
The wedding dress, well after all the hype and the ugly that is the engagement ring I was not hopeful, but, I thought it was gorgeous. I also loved Charlie and Edwards speeches as well as the choreographed dance scene from the reception.
I think the wolves were exactly right this time and the time they were in the movie seemed right as well.
I just think that it all fell into place this time for the first time since Twilight. The soundtrack is growing on me and although I prefer the original version of Flightless Bird this one was used perfectly.
The Portuguese, just wow and i’ll leave it there for fear of getting myself into trouble LOL.
I love this Edward, he found the balls that got cut off in Eclipse (the movie) and it was brilliant!!!! I will be seeing this one on the big screen more than once and I cannot wait for the DVD.
Sorry for the length of the comment but once I started I couldn’t stop LOL 🙂 !!
Vicky
OMG, my whole comment just vanished 🙁
Maria
It’s in spam @Vicky am just about to approve it
Vicky
Hahaha, maybe thats prophetic!!!! Thanks Maria, there was no way I was going to remember all of that.
Maria
@Vicky I too liked the dress. I did not like how excited she got over Jacob though – that was kind of ridiculous. I understand why critics are saying she seemed genuinely more pleased to see Jacob than Edward. It really jumped out of the screen to me.
@Cindy I thought there was more chemistry between Jacob and Bella to be honest – I don’t see the chemistry between Bella and Edward like there was in the first movie.
Carmel
@Maria – Aliens have definitely taken over. …..
No, not really.
I agree with absolutely everything you said except BooBoos acting. I still think that high school stuff. I hated the book and past experience had me expecting nothing but embarrassment from this Breaking Dawn. But I was wrong. I really liked it too. Not loved. I loved Eddie but not the movie.
I really really loved Eddie in this one. Damn he looks so fine in those singlets.
Edward was amazing. This is the man we wanted in the book. Rob and Bill have worked wonders with the material which is freaky wired and I would have hated to see it without any forewarning.
Great, honest review and I have nothing else to add. You said it exactly as I felt it. I can’t wait for the DVD. There are some parts that I am dying to slow mo. 🙂
Vicky
She did seem more excited to see Jacob, I agree, and re the chemistry, it was way, way better than Eclipse but, Twilight will always be streets ahead in that department.
ephie
I agree with pretty much everything you said here Maria. I also enjoyed the movie and will see it again tomorrow. I also have a lot of respect for Bill Condon for listening to Rob and including Edward’s rebellion years into the movie. It was a part of Edward’s character that absolutely needed to be told.
I agree about the trashed bedroom it was over the top and not at all how it was told in the book. To be honest the wedding night/honeymoon scene was much better than I expected after all that was said about it. You knew what was going on, but I wonder if they could have shown some more emotion with close ups of their faces? I mean this a very momentous moment for both of them and so many emotions could be conveyed just through their eyes. Then again it’s possible that it would have been unacceptable for PG-13.
I also loved angry Edward in this making his feelings clear to Bella about her decision to keep the baby. The moment where he realizes he can hear the baby’s thoughts was very moving and I think my eyes welled up a little…
I get the critics not understanding the wolves hearing each others thoughts because you need to have read the books to know that. So from that point of view yes the wolves come across as cartoony. I am not sure about the fight scene either…will wait until the second viewing to make up my mind.
The birth scene is traumatic enough and Condon definitely did a great job there. But I loved desperate Edward afterwards when he is trying to save Bella. That was one of Rob’s best moments and I know now what he meant in an interview that he enjoyed playing him like that because the character is always sure of himself and always in control. Well done there Rob!!!
LOL at the Ellen intrusion on that scene Maria! I was the same, i kept picturing her there…
Billy Burke was brilliant again as Charlie and yes the Denali coven looked too fake. I thought Kristen did a great job throughout and I don’t agree with some of the harsh reviews. I did not think she was wooden at all. And to my surprise Taylor was quite good as well. His acting was a lot better than in Abduction that’s for sure.
I can’t wait to see it again so I can absorb more.
Emma
Loved it, except for the wolf scene, I felt their voices were hard to understand. The scenes with Bella in the sexy night gowns was perfect, especially the scene where Edward smiles then falls into the doona (I keep having flashbacks of his smile). I went with my sister, who for many years has told me that she doesnt think much of Rob, and finally after this movie she admitted that she does think he is hot and more importantly a great actor, and Water for ELephants and Breaking Dawn made her see the light. Also she hasnt read any of the Twilight books and now has asked to borrow them. Finally :0)
And now I know she will be looking forward to Bel Ami just like the rest of us, cant wait!!!!
Maria
LOL @Carmel I may have been a tad sarcastic about Boo Boo *giggles*.
@Ephie yes the frantic Edward at the end. I tell you … Rob just keeps getting better and better … I cannot wait to see him in Bel Ami and Cosmopolis. He has blown me out of the water with this Edward who I think is edging out Twi Edward as my favourite. Seriously you all know me so I call it as I see it and I really sat there half way through thinking … c’mon give me something something that I can hate LOL. I guess we really have to thank Bill for allowing Rob to give us this Edward – the range of emotions … it’s the Edward we’ve always wanted. I too have to agree re Kristen and Taylor … much better this time around.
I also thought the ending was perfect and not a cheesy cliffhanger like we got in New Moon.
Oh wait – I might have been grossed out by the blood drinking hahahaha, but surprisingly not grossed out by the birth scene at all nor Edward walking around with all the blood on him.
Michelle has just finished seeing it and is on her way home. No doubt she will be giving us her opinion soon.
ShazaM
you Ladies have summed it all up… it’s exactly how I felt! After the New Moon/ Eclipse fiasco I wasn’t holding my breath… but I loved it!
yah! for Carter Burwell and the musical themes… this felt much more like Twilight!
and having just made a wedding gown for my last uni assignment I was really nervous especially after they stuffed up Bella’s ring… but I think they hit the nail Bella’s dress on the head! it was beautifully constructed and very elegant!
I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get a better example of a dancing Ed.. & unfortunately I did think that Edward seemed a bit expressionless at moments… but loving him as we do… and knowing what amazing facial expressions Rob is capable of… clearly it was the fault of the make up!
I am looking forward to seeing it again so I can take it all in a bit past the hype of the midnight viewing… I was with my daughter and her silly teenage friends.
ShazaM
ps… I’m so glad to read that others were feeling the same way I was… so happy to be a part of this Rob-dom(ain)… :O)
Caro
Ooh yay ive been waiting for a discussion post!
Firstly, did anyone notice how they seemed to speed through the core moments of the book, it just seemed a bit bam-bam-bam-bam to me. I glanced at my watch at one point in the cinema, and I remember thinking “holy jesus, were only 40 minutes in and already the wedding, 3(ish) sex scenes, shes pregnant and looking like death are done”
I understand the book is a monstrosity and overall im glad the crucial parts wern’t left out, but its just something I noticed.
I also found it very, very hard to watch it as Edward, especially during that scene where Bella dresses up in the lingerie, and the close-up of Edward laughing – I remember thinking “Hello Rob!” But Bill did say in the an interview he brings a lot of himself to the part in this one. Did anyone else notice the wonky feet when theyre getting ready to board the private jet?
The conversation between Jacob and Edward was a bit hit and miss for me, I remember the line in the book “This was the face of a man who was burning at the stake” I felt like there could have been more in-depth dialouge..Definately not the ‘rental movie’ lines but…yeah i dunno.
Also the baby hearing scene kinda threw me a bit too, I think that comes down to how I kept seeing Rob and not Edward.
The makeup on Kristen was fantastic, the scene where Rosalie is running the bath for her and Edward comes up behind almost had me in tears, its a silent scene too, but that silence spoke volumes.
The Angry Eddie i loved too..though the dialouge..’Choices’ seems to be the magic word.
Overall, Im really, really happy with it. Rob continues to be the star.
Maria
@ShazaM not just you – there seems to be a downturn in attendance at Twi movies … I guess we can blame Slade for that. Eclipse really was an abomination considering it was Edward’s book, in my opinion, and it was pretty much the Bella/Jacob/Riley show.
Maria
@Vicky still think the love scene with Emilie in Remember Me was way hotter … and their chemistry.
Vicky
Um, hell yes Maria!!!!! Now that was hot!!
Carolyn
I just thought I’d log on quickly, but I couldn’t resist reading your posts and am desperate to comment in length, but now I have no time to comment because we’re just about to walk out the door to go to dinner. Anyway, overall, I LOVED IT! So glad to see such positive comments. I’ll be back tomorrow!
Carmel
Thanks ladies…I’m getting hot just thinking about that now. Rob’s back and shoulders is BD though… mmmmmm
Michelle
LOL yeah you better sit down for what I’m about to say too cause even I’m surprised with what I am feeling right now about the film. You’ve summed it up perfectly Maria & am nodding in agreement with you. I had really really low expectations for the film. purely going to see Rob – would enjoy & love his performance, that’s a given but I didn’t hold out much hope for the film itself. I think the book is insane, have only read it once because that’s all I could cope with & several times throughout reading stopped & thought, Meyer can’t be serious! Yeah you already know my opinion of the book I know. With the film, I was surprised, pleasantly surprised. Yeah there were some things that bugged me, for example, when Bella danced with Jacob & got all excited to see him. I mean you’ve just married Edward, why would you ever want to dance with another man, well boy. I agree with what you said in one of your interviews Rob, no way would you ever allow that & yeah Edward should have said to Bella, I’m going to go dance with that Denali vampire lol. Anyways, some things were cheesy & made me roll my eyes but overall I really enjoyed the film as a whole. So much Edward in this one *fist pump* – absolutely perfect. No ceiling staring this time lol – none at all.
Rob’s Edward was absolute PERFECTION. Oh I just adore him. His performance in this film is just beyond BRILLIANT. He has done so much with this character throughout the series, he just gets better & better each time. I cannot praise Rob enough – ever. BD book Edward is, as Maria said above, whipped. Not Rob’s Edward. He was gorgeous, smiley & giggly at the beginning then angry Edward came in – I too LOVED how he told Bella exactly what he thought – for once. The range of emotions he shows throughout the film – oh just perfect.
Other things I loved:
Edward’s backstory – loved loved loved it.
Groom Edward – absolutely beautiful. His speech & Charlie’s -yep the only worthwhile ones.
I also really liked Edward’s little exchange with Seth at the wedding. Only small but really cute. We never saw any of their friendship in Eclipse so was nice to see some in BD & another opportunity to see some smiley Rob.
Rob speaking Portuguese *_______________* Nuff said.
Rob on the honeymoon *____________________________* OMG Rob you had NO worries about being compared to Taylor. You were PERFECTION, but you ALWAYS are.
Smiley/giggly/playful Edward – had to mention that again. Seeing Rob smile is heaven, it was great to see him get an opportunity to be happy this time around.
LOL when I saw the sex scene I thought, huh is that it. Blink & you’ll miss it.
The fact that they cut out the part where Edward tells Jacob ‘he can have puppies with Bella’. When I read that in the book I was convinced Meyer was on drugs. GOOD choice leaving that out, imagine how that would have looked on screen *cringes at the thought*
Love the little flashbacks to Twilight too & when Edward is searching the internet for the demom babies. Very nice homage – loved it.
Loved the birth scene where Edward is trying to bring Bella back, he is so desperate, not giving up & trying everything he can to save her. Oh I just loved it. My heart just broke for him. Rob nails these types of scenes each & every time, well he nails all his scenes but you know what I mean. He never fails to blow me completely away. Also his scenes with the baby, when he first hears her thoughts & he realises the baby is not a threat – he can finally feel happiness & joy. Also when she was born – so so sweet.
The acting has improved with some of the other actors too I agree.
Loved the re-appearance of Carter Burwell’s music & the use of Flightless Bird – perfect. Transported me back to Twilight – my fave film of the saga.
Oh & I too was thinking of Rob’s press comments in various parts throughout the film too Maria haha.
Charlie was awesome, as always. The wigs, oh dear especially poor Peter Facinelli LOL
Wolves, loved that they were not a prominent feature in this film. They took a backseat – as they should.
OK I better stop otherwise it’ll be an essay. I’m sure I’ve forgotten some things but will add more when they come to me. One thing’s for sure I’ll definitely be going back again. BD Edward HAS to be appreciated more than once on the big screen. Good job with this material Bill Condon – good job. I love that you let Rob be the Edward he wanted to be. We all know Rob knows best. He delivered us the perfect Edward in BD – have I mentioned how much I adored him. As I said, I was pleasantly surprised with the film – not ashamed to admit it.
Julie
Agree with you all as well. I did not like the book at all, and was only going to the movie for a bit of Rob perving 😀 BUT, I LOVED IT!! I was really surprised and so happy with the way Bill Condon has interpreted the weirdness that Stephanie wrote. I was not looking forward to seeing the whipped Edward from the book, Rob has played him so much better this time, I saw lots of Rob up on screen (all those giggles and smiles! sigh…..).
Did think that Kristen was better this time too, less wooden I thought and even Taylor had improved for me. But the wolves, sorry girls I didn’t like the voice overs. I know they had to do it somehow and maybe it was just the cinema I was in but the voices seemed to come from behind us and very muffled??? Maybe I’ll go to a different cinema for the next viewing.
Loved the wedding (so beautiful!) and the dress was perfect. Yeah bit disappointed with the “sex scene” too but loved the rest of the honeymoon scenes mainly because Rob is just so gorgeous in them all! He needs to wear those shorts more often too (and the bare feet, and the arms, and the back……oh) anyway…back down to earth.
I actually would have liked to see a bit more of the pregnancy and how Edward dealt with it all but the birth scene was great, I did find that part quite emotional maybe because Edward was being really emotional at that time and I actually realised after I was sitting on the edge of my seat even though I knew what was going to happen! Just loved seeing Edward holding the baby (Rob looks good with a baby in arms!) and even thought the way Jacob reacted when he actually saw Renesmee and imprinted was really sweet (what a cutie pie that baby is!!).
Also loved the flashbacks to the other movies, great respect for Bill Condon for doing that. Really enhanced the movie for me.
Hmm think thats all! Just can’t wait to see it again and especially the DVD now!
Jules
I am grinning like an idiot right now!! I am THRILLED you enjoyed this Maria (& Michelle)!! I managed to see yesterday and WOW. Directors should take note – if you talk with your actors and collaborate….LOL Robward here is a thing of beauty in oh so many ways. Just awesome….I feel I can finally draw a line under the nightmare of Eclipse (my favorite book so you can imagine o.O). Rob is seriously wonderful in this and there’s some humour in this movie – which has been lacking in the last couple and annoying the crap out of me. I love Edward’s humour in the books. The honeymoon stuff is over too quickly but yum anyways!! 😉 I mean holy crap he’s so hot. There’s so much to process from the movie and I definitely need to see this again at least a few more times!! LOVED the nods to Twilight as you’ve mentioned and having Carter back for the soundtrack was perfect. Kristen did brilliantly – best performance IMO. That moment when Robward can hear the baby and he realises it’s not evil (or whatever) – the two of them in that moment. *le sigh* Rob at the end trying to revive her? Just heartbreaking. And OH the montage taking her back to the beginning – LOVED!! Robward’s back story was awesome. Loved it.
The wolfy stuff didn’t do much for me to be honest and they were in it a LOT less so it was full of win. LOL I have to say I enjoyed Seth and Leah with Jacob – such an improvement from previously. 😉
Based on this I am so excited to see part 2 – happy Robward with his strong, new vampire wife at his side and child?????? My heart people….there’s only so much love I can give. LOL He is going to GLOW not sparkle 😉
Hoping to see it again soon 🙂 Oh and I know it’s not strong enough to convince the critics – I get tired of them all saying it’s for teenage girls though. >:/ On the evidence in the reviews so far it’s been good enough to revive a lot of us!! 🙂
Maria
No worries @Carolyn – Vertigo hasn’t seen it yet – won’t be going until tomorrow so I’ll leave this sticky posted for the weekend.
Maria
Agree @Jules I’m not dreading Pt 2 so much now. Rob really is the star vehicle of this franchise – I don’t care what anyone thinks. His performances have been solid throughout all 4 films, but his depiction of Edward in this one … it’s just brilliant and I really think the others have improved because they have had to lift their game to try and keep up with Rob’s talent. They’ve improved but they will never be in his league. Sorry but that’s just how I see it and we’ve seen today that I might be opinionated, but I’m pretty fair.
Michelle
Same here re: part two. So excited to see part two of Rob’s BD Edward. I cannot say enough how BRILLIANT he was in BD pt one – completely blew me away once again.
Star vehicle is for sure Maria. He just blows everyone else out of the water. Always has & his performance in this one – he just took Edward to a whole new level. Fantastic – can never say that enough. Yep, no matter how much the others improve they will NEVER ever be anywhere near Rob’s league. Not possible – tis the truth. Oh how I cannot wait to see him as Georges & Eric – he is going to completely blow us away – he never stops!
lids
OK I saw it yesterday amd have mixed feelings about it, some parts i loved and some parts where like …WTF??? Anyway, loved Rob he is always amazing ….shhhh dont tell anyone;)
i was Deffinitely excited to go see the movie, so the anticipation was there…i found myself smiling through a lot of scenes throughout the movie…the wolfes talking…well that didnt really sit well with me but hey.
Look…at the end of the day I still love the story, it it a airy taleof forbiden love, the ultimate love that any girl would wish for.
I am seeing the movie again tomorow, i think that will give me a bit more to think about, i just have the fact that part 2 is so far away…i still can not fattom why…if youre a twi fan or a Rob fan, you will see it regardless…maybe i am just impatient.
….and i fucking hate this iPad sometimes, it wont let me type what i want to type UGHHH
Sue
Loving this discussion post ~ my stupid computer just deleted my lengthy comment, so here I go again (short version!) I left the midnight viewing with very incoherent thoughts… and if I’m being honest, I think I was a little upset. Having to endure the emotional Bella and Jacob dance, then NOT seeing Edward and Bella have their wedding dance moment, made me a little wild (at 1am in the morning). Then having the Rio street scene cut to about 10 secs just didn’t seem right to me. So by the time Bella realised she was pregnant, I thought to myself “Poor Edward, he gets a whole 15 minutes of happiness” ….. that kinda pissed me off even more, for selfish reasons …..coz seeing Edward/Rob with a smile in his face just melts my heart, and from that point on I knew the smiles would be few and far in between ….
Fortunately, I went to my 2nd viewing of BD within 24 hours, following a few hours of sleep ~ and I really enjoyed it SO much more! I was able to enjoy each moment as it happened, rather than stewing, like I did the first time around. All the things I loved have been mentioned by everyone else, as have those that I didn’t like (wolves voices gets a big thumbs down for me; same with the cliff jumping!). But Rob was wonderful in every way ~ no surprise there. Thought Kristen was great, too. Love, love, loved Charlie ; thought they did a great job with the birthing scene and paying tribute to the original movie. Edward completely captivated me with his emotions , from start to finish…..
I have my next viewing scheduled for Monday night, so I’m hoping by the end of the week, I’ll be able to say I loved it … not quite there yet, though. But congratulations to Bill Condon, ‘coz I think he’s managed to get plenty of us excited for Part 2, which is great.
And Rob doing all this promo stuff has just blown my mind ~ can’t thank him enough for the last month, he really is so much more awesome and wonderful than he’ll ever realise. One-of-a-kind and I’ll always be grateful to Twilight for introducing me to such a beautiful soul.
mema
dear i cant tell u what i think about this movie i love it this part of the sags my favorite like the first one every word u wrote in the right please Bill Condon is a fantastic director for that he have an Oscar Rob did a great job as a husband and a father made me think what he will be look like in real life .
im sad to say this the end of Edward :(but in the same time im happy for Rob for his future no one will say he is not good any more ,i cant wait for part 2 and for Georges & Eric this year is epic for him and i hop the new one is the same good luck dear
Sue
One more thing ….. I really wish Summit hadn’t released so much footage prior to the movie, especially of the honeymoon. I know I didn’t have to watch it, but I’m weak ….. And I think it would have been amazing to have been seeing it for the first time on the big screen. I ‘ll try to remember that while I wait for BD 2.
tessANZ
Maria!! Ladies!!!
so glad you enjoyed the movie, Maria and agreed with most of your comments.
i went to the midnight show and have been back at least once a day since…
most favourite parts involved Edward trying to resist Bella and the long shots of Bella pondering her life post-coital and her pregnancy…
***sigh***what am i saying?? i loved all the scenes with Rob and adored his multilingual facility…also the father-daughter scenes….
i cannot wait for the next one…why has it got to be a whole year???
got to go but so glad to be able to come here and post my utter delight with the movie!
see you all later in cyber space and enjoy your Breaking Dawn experiences!
<3
Carolyn
Honestly, before I had seen Eclipse (huge disappointment as we know) I was happy for the saga to end there because I thought Breaking Dawn the book was a joke. It was ridiculous and so out of realm of the other books, I didn’t even want it made. Well, thank goodness then that Bill Condon came along (with a lot of Rob’s influence I dare say) and made everything right. At the risk of repeating what everyone else has said, I loved the movie for what was actually left out of the book. Most notably that stupid conversation between E/J about Jacob getting Bella pregnant, Bella eating so many eggs on the honeymoon (call me crazy, but that annoyed me) and the term ‘little nudger.’ I swear if Bella had referred to the baby as that in the movie I think I would have thrown up in the cinema. The long drawn out banter between the wolves (although I was actually moved by the scene that was included) and the dissension between Rosalie and Jacob, were thankfully omitted.
Yes, yes, I loved the wedding, dress and all, especially when Flightless Bird, American Mouth started playing during the ceremony (I was expecting it to be their first dance song). I actually gasped and there might have been a few tears, just a few, well maybe more than a few!
Carter Burwell’s music is remarkable (it’s also been the ringtone on my phone for the past couple of years). I love that it was included again, because that’s what stirs up all the emotions for me about Twilight. I hear that music and I’m gone!
The homage to Twilight and Edward and Bella’s journey was absolutely my favourite part in the movie. Oh and also when Edward called Bella “baby.’ *sigh* It’s about time we got hear some affection expressed between these two, (even though she was dying at the time).
The speeches were funny, I liked them. But I’m sure I heard English Rob as opposed to American Edward when he did his speech. Wishful thinking perhaps!!
Rob (and Kristen and Taylor for that matter) was fantastic. You could definitely see Rob’s Edward come through and I loved it. The happiness was indeed blissful to witness. Again, it’s about time that we got to see this side of Edward!
The scene at the airport where Edward was paying off the pilot, or whatever he was doing, did things to me. I was proud of controlled, in command, authoritative, rich Edward.
Again, without repeating everything, I liked all the bits everyone else did and I’m glad that we have a general consensus That Breaking Dawn Part 1 was not a downer. Bill Condon has brought the Saga, dare I say, ‘back to life’. Looking forward to seeing it again during the week, and probably again after that!
If only Part 2 was released a little sooner, I’m sure we’d feel all the more satisfied.
Carolyn
Oh no, I think I just lost my comment. I’m hoping it went into spam!
Maria
Hahaha @Carolyn so funny that you and I both commented on the airport scene … there was just something so masculine about that … Edward taking control – I liked that.
Oh I know what scene I thought was weird – I really need to go see this again. The dream Bella had on the honeymoon with the chess playing and the blurring of the scene. Did I miss something? I recall in the book her dream was about a child … did I blink and miss that. That was weird for me – I didn’t get the point they were trying to get across. I may have also been slightly distracted because I’m pretty sure it was around this time I told the girls in front of me to “shut the hell up” ever so politely.
Where’s Martha by the way? Is she sleeping at the cinema.
Martha I so want to hear what you have to say.
Maria
@Sue that might be another reason why I was pleasantly surprised. I pretty much stopped watching them – we didn’t post a lot of the TV spots etc – I learnt my lesson from New Moon. The amount of trailers and scenes they released built up my expectations to something that sorely didn’t even come close. I really hated what they did with the Italian scenes. They could have done so so much more with that than they did. I mean I get the racing to the Clocktower in the yellow porsche but I would have rather seen a glimpse of that and more of Edward and Bella’s reunion when they finally have to wait it out at the Volturi.
Maria
It did @Carolyn – have approved it now.
Caro
Ok I have just returned from viewing#2, (totally see why these movies do so well, everyone seems to want to return to see it..anyway) Its amazing how much more you take in when your not in a room of squealing teenagers and counting the amount of hours your going to get to sleep before having to get up and go to work…
Ok..I love the wedding. Fightless Bird is played at a perfect time and I love the way the camera pans around. Going to go down in history as a classic film wedding I think.
The honeymoon follows the book pretty well I think..Robs features come out a bit more dont you think? Im sure he said he had a new makeup artist on this one..
The sex scenes…Robs voice from the Twilight and Eclipse commentary popped into my head in both viewings “Thats a bit saucy!” and “thats a bit raunchy for my tastes” but Im a prude aswell. Magic ‘Footporn’ in the one where Bella wakes up from her ‘nighmare’!!
I still see a lot of Rob in the dressing up scene..Its the giggly face I think.
Assertive Robward at the airport thingie! Me likey.
Again, Kristens makeup was fantastic.
Im glad they kept the blood cup in, though it grossed me out a bit..blood on teeth. *shudder* I think that was the point though.
The birth was everything wed be anticipating, though Eddies persistance was something to see..And I didnt notice the way he called Bella ‘baby’ until Carolyn pointed it out, but it is very sweet! I love they way Bill did the vemon in the veins thing, for people who havent read the book it would have tied up some confusion. Rob with Renesmee…DED. Flashbacks to those photos we got of Rob on the WFE set with the baby. Though like @Maria, I kept getting Rob’s press comments in my head, “Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese” That was a real baby wasnt it? With CGI eyes. I liked how Mackenzie got a little place in it too..
Sue
@Maria, I must say that watching Twilight and New Moon on the big screen for the first time last Wednesday was awesome ~ I think I stopped breathing when Edward walked into the cafeteria ….. and having just visited Montepulciano in June, I got a little sentimental when it got to the Italian scenes in NM….. but I’ve learnt my lesson, I really am to old to sit in a theatre for 11 hours straight, without my brain turing to mush ……!
Michelle
Edward walking into the cafeteria, never fails to take my breath away. I LOVED the flashback to that during BD Part One – was perfect.
So great you got to see it on the big screen Sue. Nothing like Rob on the big screen – nothing at all 😀
Cindy
Watching Edward thru the windows of the cafeteria before he even walks turns me to mush…..
Sare
First of all, Rob always shines when he’s on screen. I really liked the movie. After I first saw it I didn’t really have an opinion of it if that makes sense. Maybe it was shock lol. I guess because it has been a long time since I’ve read the book that I forgot just how bizarre the storyline was! After my 2nd I better prepared.
I loved how Condon included flashbacks of Edward when he first changed and especially of the previous films. It sort of ties all the films together and makes me all sentinmental and crap lol.
@Maria I agree with you about Carter Burwell. His music makes it a twilight movie. So glad they got him back. Bill Condon has done a fantastic job. The imprinting scene had the potential to be extremely cringeworthy but he made it work and I thought it was so sweet the way it came across the screen.
Ummm whoever plays Leah, should not. That’s all i’m saying about that lol.
I loved that Edward wasn’t a whipped hubby in this and Robs performance in the ‘surgery room’ was amazing. So many sweet moments. Can’t wait to see it again.
Can I just say Rob’s smile just lights up my face in this movie!
Sue
haha @Cindy ….you got me there! Very true ….!
Maria
@Sare I think there were so many more positives in this film than negatives and that’s what surprised me. I think the other two were trying to make it too arty … Slade definitely and it’s so not an arthouse film. Leave that to Cronenberg peoples – he is the master.
Oh I just got excited that this time next year we will be discussing the end of Eddie and the emergence of Eric *squeeeeee*
Maria
@Caro don’t know who plays the older Renesmee but all I kept thinking was … yep I can see a sequel coming that focuses on Jacob and Renesmee. I figure that’s how they will stretch out this franchise because the shapeshifters can age right …
My only concern about BD2 is the poor quality sub-cast that we will have to sit through – I mean seriously the Denali coven – that glimpse right there was just awkward. I am however looking forward to seeing the Volturi – Michael Sheen and Chris Heyerdahl … bring it on.
silvie
In many ways I agree with you all. I thought the acting was great….the story line is what has always irritated me. Actually, it’s the triangle that I loathe. I agree that at the point of marriage you would think that Bella has made her choice so Jacob shouldn’t be such a big deal. I suppose he had to be important in the sense that Bella’s character was always so guilty for hurting him and wanted him to be ok. I’m not trying to justify anything here because this has always driven me insane but it makes me feel better. Rob was brilliant considering how much he opposed the Jacob thing and I agree with him completely. The chemistry was great, it felt different to be because it was taken from a different angle. Edward didn’t want the baby because it would have killed Bella….that’s what made him a bit distant. These actors did a great job considering how insane this story really. I don’t think I could be tempted to read anything else by
sm.
silvie
I forgot to mention that I liked the movie overall. I will see it again but I will definately be looking forward to seeing Rob move forward. He’s got so much talent. I just love the guy.
Maria
FACT @Silvie. I truly believe that it was Rob that brought out the better performances of the other two this time around – not that I’m saying they were fantastic, but they were definitely better than the other 3 films.
Stephanie
Yes Maria, that’s better! Hahaha!
I love both Aro & Caius too, and had just mentioned they weren’t in the movie when the clip was shown!
About the dream – I don’t remember shaky pictures? I do remember in the book she has a dream about her being with Edward again and that’s why she wakes up crying, because her dream was not a reality. I think the dream about a son was afterwards?
I’ll just have to go again to check…
Cas
I went to a Gold Class session so managed to avoid the screaming teenagers. But had a couple of glasses of wine so my opinion of the movie may be slightly swayed by this.
I found the book completely ridiculous. Was Stephanie Meyer serious about this book or was she just taking the piss? I ploughed through it as quickly as I could and then headed to the library to borrow a Virginia Woolf book.
Needless to say my expectations of the movie were not very high. I was surprised that Bill Condon took it on. I am glad that he did because the movie could well have been as ridiculous as the book. In my opinion I think that Taylor and Kristen stepped up and they both did a fine job. Rob’s Edward goes without saying. I, like most of the lovely people on this site, followed the promotional tour. This meant that scenes like the sex scene had been discussed over and over so I was expecting more from this. Also so much talk about Rob’s body and you really don’t get to see all that much of it. I thought the imprinting scene was done beautifully and one of my favourites. I was looking forward to the back-story but it was so short.
Because this movie was all about Edward and Bella getting it on and finally having sex it lost the magic of unforbidden love, which Twilight of course doses so beautifully and I believe this is a big reason for its success. And this will always be my favourite of all the Twilight movies. Overall the movie was good but not great. Which is what I am getting is the general consensus. I will watch it again minus the wine, which may mean that I feel completely different about the movie after a 2nd viewing.
I agree looking forward to the Volturi in BD2 happy to see more of Dakota Fanning.
Caro
The dream about the son was the night before the wedding. And then she dreamed about the Volturi coming after her the night she wakes up and Edward has gone hunting – thats her reasoning for making fried chicken – its comfort food.
Cas
oops that should have read forbidden love.