Sequels are created in one of two ways: 1) The studio saw enough of a response from an original production to invest in a follow-up--these are quite often busts because they can't possibly match the original's uniqueness, but promises to do so. Therefore, high expectations are created that simply aren't delivered; and 2) The sequel is one piece of a larger puzzle. We've seen this a lot in the last 15 years with Star Wars, Harry Potter and the Twilight series. With the latter, a movie may not stand on its own as a blockbuster, but because it's part of a greater story, it is still going to smash the box office due to a rabid fan base. Honestly, every series has its "bomb" that performs well in the box office. With Star Wars, it was the fourth installment (Episode I). With Harry Potter it was number six, the Half-Blood Prince. With Twilight, it most definitely is Breaking Dawn (Part 1).
When we last left Bella and company, Victoria had just bit it. Now, it's on to personal matters for Ms. Swan, who has decided to become Mrs. Edward Cullen. The two are married much to the chagrin of one ticked off werewolf, Jacob. Sure, he eventually comes around, but ends up merely stirring the drama pot a bit before the happy couple venture to a remote island for the honeymoon. There, the two consummate their love, much to the distress of the ole bedroom (to say Edward is an animal in bed is putting it mildly, but I digress...). At any rate, Bella gets knocked up much to the surprise of all (How could that have happened? Did they use the same toothbrush?). Yeah, so no one knew that Edward's boys could swim. They were wrong and all of a sudden Bella has a fetus attacking her. Yeah, I know...kids are hell. With this in mind, however, the rest of the wolves begin plotting to take out the baby. This, of course, tests Jacob's loyalties and he immediately joins with the Cullen coven, at least to protect Bella. Yadayadayada a few bloody Mary's--check that...Milkshakes later, Jacob and company battle the wolves in an effort to save the day and baby Cullen.
I'm going to go with 2.0 Stars here. I know that studios have taken criticism for breaking the finale of these blockbusters into two parts. With Harry Potter, it was completely justified. That story needed the detail that only two full movies could relay. With Breaking Dawn--not so much. This portion of the two-part flick could have been told in 20-30 minutes. We did not need two flicks here.
They attempt to move the story along with a lot of tongue in cheek humor, etc., which is cute but eventually you need a story that compels and entertains. This does neither. In fact, the most entertaining bit from Breaking Dawn (Part 1) never actually appeared in the film. It was the two-minute segment that Ellen Degeneres produced, which plopped herself humorously into a tub while Bella revealed her pregnancy to Edward. That bit was far more entertaining than anything in the movie.
Sure, this film will be a smashing success based on box office stats. We can clearly credit that on the genius of the previous books and movies. Sure, Breaking Dawn (Part 1) is certainly a flick that I had to see as a fan of the previous movies, but it is not good.
If you're a fan of the books or movies--yeah, you gotta go BIG on this one just to be true to the franchise. But, what if you're just out to see a good movie and have no real opinion of the series? Well, if you fall into that category, and we might find two or three people who have been stuck in a math vault since 2008 who do; for those few, skip it altogether. Just check out Ellen's tub scene online and you'll have all the entertainment value that you'd find otherwise.
True...OUT!
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