Breaking Dawn Part One

Bill Condon (2011)

112min

12A Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Alan Jones

The fourth and final book in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga is split in two for clear commercial reasons, but this first half suffers from bloating, turning it into bland, ponderous melodrama. Covering the lavish marriage of Bella (Kristen Stewart) to her undead lover Edward (Robert Pattinson), their Rio honeymoon and her pregnancy, director Bill Condon's over-reverential and plodding instalment goes from cheesy romance in the over-extended "wedding of the century" scene-setter to an It's Alive ending. While all the lead actors have got their roles down pat by now, a certain ennui has set in that's not helped by the banal dialogue and thin plotting in Melissa Rosenberg's dutifully dogged script. Twihards will no doubt love the movie irrespective of its flaws, insipid pop soundtrack and focus on muscles and glamour over acting talent. But this absurdly self-serious, vapid vampire love story sadly comes off as nothing more than a parody of the fine first film.

Summary

Peaceful vampire Edward marries his human girlfriend Bella, who is soon pregnant. However, the existence of this child has dangerous implications for them and the people around them, and a pack of werewolves is determined to prevent the birth by any means necessary. The first half of the two-part conclusion to the romantic fantasy series, with Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.

Cast & Crew

Bella Swan Kristen Stewart

Edward Cullen Robert Pattinson

Jacob Black Taylor Lautner

Charlie Swan Billy Burke

Dr Carlisle Cullen Peter Facinelli

Aro Volturi Michael Sheen

Alice Cullen Ashley Greene

Rosalie Hale Nikki Reed

Jasper Hale Jackson Rathbone

Jessica Stanley Anna Kendrick

Irina Denali Maggie Grace

Caius Jamie Campbell Bower

Carmen Denali Mia Maestro

Tanya Denali MyAnna Buring

Renee Sarah Clarke

Director Bill Condon

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: E1 EntertainmentGuidance: edited for violenceAvailable on: DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 18 Nov 2011

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Bill Condon (2011)

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

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