cullens – Book Buffoonery

Breaking Dawn – Part 2 – Movie 2012

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Last night I watched Breaking Dawn – Part 2, the movie adaptation of the second part of the book by the same name. And I’m finished with the Twilight movies!!! Thank you Lord, I made it through!

Lucky viewers get to meet Bella–the baby vampire. She takes to her new role like a fish to water and finally gets to meet her baby girl, Renesmee. Unfortunately, the Volturi catch wind of this new super-human child and believe it’s their duty to destroy the danger. The Cullens race to gather witnesses to Renesmee’s human development, hoping it will stop the Volturi from carrying out their swift “justice.” Jacob and the pack side with the Cullens to defend Renesmee, since she has been imprinted on by Jacob. Who will survive in the final showdown? If you want to know more about what I thought of the book, check out my book review.

My thoughts:

I remember enjoying the Twilight movies when they came out, but now that I’m going back and watching them in quick succession, they’ve lost their sparkle for me. First, I’m comparing them to the books, and they just don’t measure up. Second, the movies weren’t that well done. For a fan who isn’t afraid to point out the flaws in a franchise, there is plenty of cannon fodder in these movies.

I feel like this movie could have been really interesting. It features a very tense situation and lots of cool and interesting vampires, but the acting and chemistry of the characters was subpar. I don’t care how dramatic and beautiful you are, you still need to put emotions into your lines and interact with the environment and other characters around you in a believable manner. It seems like Edward, Bella and Jacob actually lost some of their acting ability in this movie. Don’t ask me how. Bad script? Lame lines?

Now let’s talk about the CGI. It was painful to watch. The wolves are just kind of meh, but I can deal with that. The CGI baby was frightening. I think they were just trying to give her more intelligent eyes, but they didn’t look at all natural. Her hair was creepy, too. It’s too bad that baby Renesmee’s CGI was so poorly done because it takes away from your ability to really believe in the story you’re seeing played out in front of you.

As far as the conflict with the Volturi goes, I think that was probably the most satisfying part of the movie. There is a lot of theatricality packed into that snow-covered clearing as two formidable supernatural groups poise for battle. My absolute favorite part of the movie is something that didn’t even happen in the book. –SPOILER ALERT– When they show the battle between the Cullens, etc. and the Volturi–THAT IS THE BOMB! A-MA-ZING fight scene! Unfortunately, it’s a haha–got you moment when you realize it didn’t really happen after all. In reality Aro and company go home and everyone else lives happily ever after.

I’m sorry, but my brain rebels against that kind of conclusive ending. You’re vampires, for goodness’ sake, not librarians! There is danger involved in that kind of lifestyle. Whatever–I guess it was an easy way to wrap up the series. I suppose it’s just difficult to accept such a fairytale ending for a series which has been rather dark throughout the rest of its history.

To sum up, I’d say this movie is on par with the other ones. Just okay. The fight scene at the end is awesome, though. Maybe you should watch it just for that.

I recommend this movie to ladies in their teens and older who enjoy a good paranormal romance. If you are a fan of the Twilight series, I think you will enjoy this movie.

Possible Objections:

Violence, blood & gore
Suggestive sexual content & partial nudity (though you don’t actually see the private bits)

Rated: PG-13

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Until next time…

Lori

Breaking Dawn – Part 1 – Movie 2011

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Last night I watched Breaking Dawn – Part 1, the movie adaptation of the first part of the book by the same name. I’m almost to the end of these movies!

Bella and Edward finally wed(!) and jet off to spend a relaxed honeymoon in the tropics. While Edward follows through on his promise of intimacy, it comes with some unintended consequences. Bella becomes pregnant, and the entire Cullen clan scrambles to keep Bella healthy, and do their best to help her survive the birth of the fast-growing fetus. When Jacob and the pack find out that an unknown supernatural being is developing inside of Bella, they feel it is their responsibility to get rid of the abomination. Will Bella and the baby survive? If you want to know more about what I thought of the book, check out my book review.

My thoughts:

I really like that they opened with the wedding scene. It looked absolutely beautiful and felt like the culmination of Edward and Bella’s relationship. Unfortunately, I was rather put off by the emotions displayed by the couple during their wedding. Pattinson did okay, with his subdued emotions possibly indicating nervousness. Bella, on the other hand, looked like she was attending a funeral. Nary a smile crossed her lips as she spotted her true love and walked down the aisle. Dang girl–if it’s that painful, why get married at all? It seemed very unrealistic to me and turned the wedding into just another awkward scene.

Bella’s ubiquitous lack of emotion came through in the rest of the movie, as well. I can’t even complain about it anymore. It’s just so bad and takes away any concern you might have for her character. How can you care about a character who doesn’t excite any compassion in you?

Of the J/E/B trio, I’d have to say that Jacob is my favorite character. He acts in a way that is at least familiar to the rest of us. Which is to say, he displays the emotions of a normal human being. Let’s not mince words though, his imprinting in this movie was slightly creepy. Never mind the fact that he was in love with the mother of his new love, this new love interest is a baby. I know there is an explanation which is supposed to clear the way and make it okay, but I can’t get over the fact that they are showing romantic attachment between adults and children. Too icky.

One of the more disturbing things in this movie is the amount of blood and gore, especially when you compare it to the previous movies. This one blows all the others out of the water. Bella’s nightmare the night before the wedding is very disturbing. Also, the part in which Bella finally goes into labor is very bloody and rather grotesque. I tell you this not to dissuade you from watching the movie, but to warn you that it might not be appropriate for younger viewers or those with a touchy stomach.

There are also some very suggestive scenes between Edward and Bella. While the nudity is tastefully done, it doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination. I wouldn’t be comfortable with my preteen watching those scenes.

While I enjoyed the movie, the plot was a bit simple to make it terribly satisfying. Essentially it’s the conundrum of a girl getting pregnant and how that is dealt with. If you’re not into relationship drama, this movie could quite possibly drive you insane.

I recommend this movie to ladies in their teens and older who enjoy a good paranormal romance. If you are a fan of the Twilight series, I think you will enjoy this movie.

Possible Objections:

Violence & gore
Lots of blood (especially during the delivery)
Suggestive sexual content & partial nudity (though you don’t actually see the private bits)

Rated: PG-13

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Until next time…

Lori

Eclipse — Movie 2010

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Last night I watched Eclipse, the movie adaptation of the book by the same name!

The vampires and werewolves of Forks, Washington form an uneasy alliance when they face a threat from an unknown source in nearby Seattle. Bella is once again in the sights of a malevolent supernatural creature, and both the Cullens and Quileutes put their lives on the line to protect her. Edward and Bella come to a new understanding in their relationship, and Jacob continues to vie for Bella’s hand. If you want to know more about what I thought of the book, check out my book review.

My thoughts:

I can’t believe how long it took me to get my hands on this movie. I wanted to review it when the book was still fresh in my mind. Unfortunately, I probably missed some of the differences between the book and the movie because of the long interim.

The movie jumps right in with the action going on in Seattle. I must say that they amped up the vampire on human violence in this movie. The previous movies have fairly quick and non-gruesome killing scenes, but this one takes it to the next level with the newborn vampires attacking people. I was startled and kind of looked away during the part with the mauling and the burning car.

Edward and Bella seemed to have more of a natural relationship; not quite as sappy as in the two previous movies. That was a relief, however, there really didn’t seem to be a lot of chemistry between them in this movie. Am I the only one who thought that? It was nice to see them come to a concrete decision in their relationship. Bella’s demand for after their marriage seems a bit petty and hormonal, though. Such a teenager!

I really liked Jacob in this movie. He was more mature and intentional in his pursuit of Bella. He genuinely loves her and offers her a life which any woman would prize. It’s too bad she loves Edward more. You can’t help but feel bad for Jacob and root for him as the underdog.

It was also nice to get more of Jasper’s and Rosalie’s backstories. Rosalie’s story was particularly disturbing, and I’m glad that they didn’t get any more explicit in that scene. It was bad enough as it was.

Overall, I enjoyed this movie adaptation, but I still prefer the book. There were some very cool parts–the vamp/wolf chase scene with Victoria, and the Cullen and Quileute training scenes in particular. There were a few scenes which were just okay and I found my mind wandering and a yawn escaping my lips. All in all, it’s not my favorite Twilight movie. Sorry!

I recommend this movie to ladies in their teens and older who enjoy a good paranormal romance. If you are a fan of the Twilight series, I think you will enjoy this movie.

Possible Objections:

Violence (including a strong suggestion of sexual violence)

Rated: PG-13

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Until next time…

Lori