I must admit Breaking Dawn is my least favorite book in the Twilight Saga. From the sudden use of nicknames among the Cullen clan to the idea of imprinting on a baby with a ridiculous name, (which sounds too much like an excuse for pedophilia) the story is just rife with things that make my skin crawl and eyes roll.  The movie was no different.

NOTES (Good and bad):
•The direction is much, much better. Even to a novice like me who doesn’t know movie shop, I could see the improvement.
BUT there are too many pregnant pauses. It feels as if you have to do a lot of filling in, which can only be done if you’ve read the books.

•The acting between Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattison is greatly improved. Most noticeably on Stewart’s part. Bella makes strong eye contact and speaks with a conviction that didn’t seem as solid before.

•Pattison looks more vampish than ever. This is the best Edward has ever looked.

•The wedding dress is beautiful. Full of tiny details, it is an amazing piece that the camera does not neglect. I honestly cannot blame anyone if they wanted to wear this modern fairy tale gown for their own wedding. Play it cool if you can, but the fashion is stunning.

•The speeches given by Bella’s family and friends during the reception create a gut busting scene. Even the grizzled, cynical reviewers next to me guffawed.

•The wedding night is sexy. Much more sexy than it was in the books. There isn’t much revealed, but the intimacy is palpable.  However, the next day the bruises are there.

•Jacob’s scenes as wolf and the conflict he has with his pack (while in wolf form) are thrilling! I got chills and wished there had been more. The wolves are huge and formidable. There’s no question that they are a challenging adversary for the Cullens.
BUT Lautner’s acting has not kept up with his peers. He’s as wooden as the woods he runs through. Also, it feels like the relationships between the wolves do not receive the time or attention that Cullen clan has been blessed with.

•Bella’s pregnancy was faithfully portrayed. The movie goes through great lengths with make-up that makes Bella look like death and CGI that reveals her to be a thinly skinned skeleton in order to illustrate that this baby really is killing her.

•The delivery scene is viewed through Bella’s eyes. This point of view minimizes things, but it is hardly gore free. And yes, it is true—Edward has to use his teeth to free his offspring.
BUT there is something about this scene doesn’t scare, gross out, nor horrify. Unfortunately it comes off unbelievable and hilarious.

•The very end takes an interesting turn and does leave you wanting to know what will happen next.

•Stay after the credits

TAKE 2: Read Patty's review here