Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 Review

If not for its last 40 minutes, 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2' wouldn't have been even a quarter as entertaining as it eventually turns out to be. In fact the beginning of the film one only ends up wondering if this last part of the series is indeed a fitting finale to 'Twilight' that has managed to turn into one of the fastest money spinning teen romantic-drama-horror flick on this part of the century.

What is quite important to be known about the film is that it is mainly for those who have seen the earlier parts. This means that if this is the first time you are stepping into a theatre to watch a 'Twilight' film then well, it isn't really the right choice. However for those who have sworn by Twilight till date, it is quite simple to get going from where you left earlier exactly a year ago. This also means you look forward to instant results with some rapid movement in drama, something that doesn't quite happen, hence resulting in you getting a lot impatient, especially by the middle portions of the film.

From the storyline perspective, it walks on a very thin line. While it is now established that Kristen Stewart has turned a vampire herself and is living happily with Robert Pattinson and his extended family, her childhood friend Taylor Lautner is taking care of her daughter named Renesmee. However there is trouble in paradise as there is fear of The Volturi executing the kid as they believe that she is immortal. Though Kristen and Robert know that is not true, they are required to collect evidence about this from vampires spread over the globe. While the time is short, there is also a risk of The Volturi not quite believing them.

While this basic plot could well have been appended to the last part, edited by an hour and hence the need of coming up with Part 2 could have been curbed, it is apparent that commerce drove the creation of this film. To rake in added revenues by bringing audience in theatres to witness the grand finale, writers along with director Bill Condon spend so much time in just setting up the premise with some unnecessary scenes thrown in that a 'need' for yet another part is created. Really, one is almost put off due to this measure that has been taken.

So while quite a few new characters continue to be thrown in, hence making the film's space and setting all the more crowded, one continues to wonder when would the real action begin. Moreover, the teakwood acting skills of practically the entire case only makes one further disinterested in the proceedings. It worked to some extent when love was blossoming between the lead pair but when the same expressions stay on for the dramatic and emotional scenes as well, they convey loud and clear that something somewhere has indeed gone wrong.

Thankfully, VFX and some high octane action save the day as 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2' steps into its third and last act. The film comes back on path, and how, what with Michael Sheen, playing the villain of the piece Aro, coming on the scene. He is terrific in his earlier confrontation with the Cullens and the whole filming of this sequence is indeed edge of the seat. Moreover, cinematography is just breath taking while the wide canvas is used to a very good effect.

What follows next is an extended action sequence which, despite reminding one of the 'Kill Bill' series, belongs to 'you- can't-take-your-eyes-away' mode. Characters fly, heads are chopped, tables are turned, ground is torn apart, skies burst and the realisation struck. What happens towards the end is a brilliant twist in the tale that is bound to get a roar of approval from the audience. In fact this is THE moment of the film where one is indeed led to believe that this is a fitting finale.

Ironical, because while core element that made 'Twilight' so huge amongst the youngsters, 'love', is sorely missing here, it is action and drama that turns out to be the final chapter in this series and leaves you with a sense of contentment.

Rating: ***