Vampire glitter doesn’t make ‘Twilight’ conclusion gold

Dec. 3, 2012

Alexander Nedd

The sun has risen, but the end has come.

The final installment of the “Twilight” series, “Breaking Dawn – Part 2,” was released Nov. 16. Based on the novels by Stephenie Meyer, the saga became a huge hit at the box office, earning $143 million in its first weekend and staying high on the box office charts for the weeks following.

The sequel to last year’s blockbuster hit “Part 1,” “Part 2” continues from the climax of the last movie.

Just married, newly turned vampire Bella (Kristen Stewart) and longtime vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) must protect their newborn daughter Renesmee from a terrible rumor that threatens to tear the family apart by evil group Volturi.

Sworn to protect Renesmee is wolf and pack leader Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), who, uh, left his mark on the child during the last film, creating an inseparable bond between the pair.

Along the journey, Bella and Edward learn to adapt to their new life and the obstacles brought by their half-human, half-vampire daughter.

Utilizing a vampire theme, director Bill Condon quenches a thirst for entertainment. The action is intense, the CGI is flawless and the soundtrack poignant. But, through all the vampire glitter, not all scenes are golden.

The plot feels stretched to its climatic scene, a consequence of Hollywood breaking this story into two possibly unnecessary parts.

Because of this, there is quite a bit of filler content that would appeal more exclusively to the hardcore “Twilight” fan than the average moviegoer. (Do average moviegoers go see “Twilight”?)

The acting, although better than expected, feels extreme. Stewart and Pattinson’s romance on screen is enough to smother a wildfire, but had the right intensity to fire up “Twilight” fans throughout the audience.

Actors Lautner and Dakota Fanning offer the film’s best moment during an important conflict scene, with fans screaming, “Hell yeah.”

Many regular “Twilight” themes resurface in “Part 2,” such as Lautner’s abs and Pattinson’s movie-endorsed Volvo.

However, what makes this movie memorable is the unexpected. By far the best scene worth adult ticket admission is the confirmed twist during the climax that’s not in the book.

One way to enhance the movie is to make sure you’re up to date on the series. Being on the outside looking in will affect the viewing experience.

Subtle jokes and jabs by characters were lost on myself but met with loads of laughter by those who have followed this captivating plot since its Hollywood adaption in 2008.

The ending scene brings appropriate closure to the series met with wet eyes of many in the theater.

For “Twilight” fans, the movie is a must and won’t disappoint. For the casual moviegoer…maybe a trip to the dollar theater.