Writer: Elaine Ewe

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Watch this if you liked: “Twilight”, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I" is definitely one of a kind. The review proceeds on the assumption that the readers are fans of the book or at least have some knowledge of the movie, or watching it would not make much sense anyway because it is a direct sequel for the series.

The movie, which will be henceforth referred to as "Breaking Dawn", is more adult than its previous three instalments, for it deals with Bella and Edward's marriage and her eventual pregnancy. For the uninitiated, "Breaking Dawn" finally brings us the sex scenes that we have been waiting for since "Twilight", considering Bella and Edward's infatuation with each other, and Bella's deadly baby. No, really, it is like a lesser version of "Rosemary's Baby". This also leads more scenes of Jacob brooding, but let's not point fingers here, because almost everyone broods in this movie.

Despite the material's potential, none of it is realised. Even the movie is rated PG-13, and there are some unintentionally hilarious moments. Bella's young age could be made into a family dilemma, but no, her mum is ecstatic to see her marry, while her dad just broods. Then, when Bella learns out about the various objections to her pregnancy, her insistence on keeping the baby could be made more dramatic, seeing as a mother-child relationship is often a very sensitive subject, but no, Edward and Bella just brood in their own way. The core audience may be under 18, but they are not stupid.

Further, the story is much too applicable to real life, considering the amount of people that seem to be whining about their love lives these days, and all of us watch movies to escape from real life, not to see it on display on screen.

Much of the problem stems from the cast, as I actually found the story material to be relatable for most girls, being a girl. In essence, "The Twilight Saga" really is Bella's story, so complains can't be made about why the series is so Bella-centric. However, it falls flat because the cast just looks unhappy most of the time, with the exception of Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward Cullen, seems to be more emotional in this movie. Kristen Stewart actually has a wide range of emotions, ranging from anxiety, distress, joy, and a quiet determination, but she does not have the least idea how to channel them. It was jarring to see her being anxious when she is supposed to be happy, which adds another point in favour of the story material, for in literature, her emotions can be written parallel to her thoughts. Taylor Lautner, meanwhile, is brings the same range to the table like he did in "Abduction", although there are less shots of his naked torso this time.

The cinematography is pretty subpar for this movie. The director is much too fond of inserting close-up shots of Bella, and the bad CGI from the previous instalments are carried over. A dream scene is present in the movie, but like everything else, it is done in such a way that even the reviewer wants to cry with tears of frustration. However, there are moments where it shines, such as the wedding and action scenes.

On the whole, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I" is worth watching if you have watched the last three movies. I mean, after coming this far, why stop when you are nearing the end? On a side note, stay after the post-credits if you are interested to find out what is to come in the second part of "Breaking Dawn".

Cinema Online, 25 November 2011