OK for kids 14+
Sexy honeymoon, disturbing pregnancy dominate latest movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this next-to-last installment in the Twilight series is sure to attract throngs of tween, teen, and adult fans of the book-and-film phenomenon. But parents of tweens and younger teens should know that this adaptation faithfully follows the book's mature, disturbing storyline concerning an extremely dangerous pregnancy. Although the action-based violence is mostly confined to a couple of werewolf vs. vampire skirmishes, the birth scene is like something out of a horror film; it's brimming with blood and gore and agonizing pain (though still less than what was in the book). Also, after three movies of abstinence, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) finally consummate their relationship in a bed-breaking honeymoon scene that shows a lot of skin but nothing R-rated. Families wary of discussing abortion or family planning should know that much of the film deals with those issues. There are also some sad/poignant goodbye scenes.
- Families can talk about Bella and Edward's relationship. Is 18 too young to get married? Should marriage be part of a young adult series aimed at tweens and teens?
- Is Bella and Edward's romance a positive example for teenagers? What's your take on the mature issues of sexuality, marriage, and family planning that are addressed in the movie? Parents, take this opportunity to talk to your teens about your own family's values when it comes to these topics.
- Because of her focus on Edward (and, to a lesser degree, Jacob), Bella has been unfavorably compared to other young-adult heroines. Why do you think she and the Twilight series remain so popular, and does this popularity convey messages to girls about girls' roles in relationships?
- What aspects of the movie were faithful to the book? What scenes are more powerful in the book? In the movie?
The good stuff
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Messages: Bella doesn't rely on Edward to make an important, possibly self-sacrificing choice for her (having their baby). And despite the controversial pregnancy, the movie offers a positive outlook on what constitutes a "family" and how love can take many different forms. But Bella and Edward's marriage remains a sticky issue, since it's not widely considered a good idea for teens to consider marriage right out of high school.
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Role models: For once, it's Bella -- not Edward -- calling the shots, so regardless of how you feel about her decision regarding her pregnancy, it's hers to make. The Cullens are all selfless, generous, and peace-loving vampires. Jacob is at his best in this installment. Despite disagreeing with Bella, he guards her life -- and just when you think he's going to do something monstrous, he redeems himself.
What to watch for
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Violence: (Note: Potential spoiler alerts.) Although, action-wise, this isn't the most violent of the Twilight movies, the extended and unforgettably bloody birth sequence seems straight out of a horror movie (though it's still far less bloody than the description in the book). There's also lots of pain during this scene, including scalpel cuts, the sound of breaking bones, and many screams. At one point, viewers briefly see Edward biting his way through Bella's uterus; he then pulls out the bloody baby, while Bella is also covered in blood and seems about to die. Edward then attempts to revive her with his venom by biting her on all of her pulse points. Bella looks frighteningly emaciated and on death's door throughout her pregnancy, and there are a few minutes when it seems she actually has died. There are several conversations about abortion, "getting rid" of the pregnancy, and "fetus" vs. "baby" debates. Bella drinks blood on several occasions like it's a milkshake. The wolves fight each other and, in one scene, the Cullens. Jacob looks poised to beat Edward up on a couple of occasions and even agrees to kill him should Bella die in childbirth. A brief cameo by the Volturi shows their humorous (to them) decision to have a human employee killed; in a bloody nightmare sequence, the Voluturi also kill many key characters -- their bodies are shown. A flashback shows Edward violently biting and killing three unsavory men.
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Sex: After sharing a couple of passionate kisses and getting married, Bella and Edward finally consummate their relationship on their honeymoon. Viewers see bare backs and other flashes of skin as Bella and Edward skinny dip (backs, chests, and a quick glimpse of Bella's breasts from the side as she embraces Edward), make out passionately in the water, and then move to the bed; there are also breathing sounds, lingerie shots, etc., and Edward is seen on top of Bella and consequently breaks the bedframe with his passion (he also bruises Bella). On another occasion, Bella has a sexy dream and wakes up pleading with Edward to make love. She also wears pretty skimpy lingerie and swimsuits. After the honeymoon, the romance is limited to one quick glimpse of the wolves and their mates kissing on the beach and some chaste embraces.
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Language: Less swearing than most PG-13 movies. Words include "pissed off," "crap," "bloodsucker," "damn," and "hell."
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Consumerism: The entire Cullen household is outfitted with Apple computers, Bella and Edward drive around in a Volvo (a car that's also available in real life), and there's a Tampax product placement. Off-camera, the movie franchise has huge merchandising tie-ins with cosmetics, apparel, accessories, toys, and more (even wedding dresses!).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults enjoy champagne (Bella's parents a bit too much) at Bella and Edward's posh wedding reception.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Bloody Perfect! by Black Interior
Each movie in the saga got better and better with the acting and visual effects. With Breaking Dawn, it was mind blowing. Yes, I have read the books, but see it on the big screen and how they have put everything together was amazing! The whole cast did an amazing job and it really takes you through this roller coaster that makes you feel as if you don't know what to expect. That's the best part for me as a fan. All I have to say is that you must see it! Can't wait for part two now :D
5
The Best One Yet! by JMT2CU
I love this book series, except for the final book Breaking Dawn. BUT, this movie has made me love the last book!.. It was perfect!... The only thing I am having trouble with is waiting for a whole year to see the next one
5
Loved Breaking Dawn, found it appropriate for my 16 & 12yo girls by autumnrains67
This was by far my most favorite of the movie series. It moves fast, keeps one's interest and shows love and compassion without going over the top. I took my 2 daughters ages 16 and 12. Someone told me that it wasn't appropriate for my 12yo because of the adult content and graphics. I did not find that to be the case. The love scenes were refreshing as Bella waited for Edward till they were married. Passion was evident and there were glimpses in the bedroom scene, but I found it appropriate in content and message. I want movies with morals of 'abstinence & life values.' The end with baby birth is graphic, there is blood, crippling pain, death and revival . . . but it was also a beautiful sacrificial giving to life. Simply loved the movie! Kudos also for improving acting abilities by the actors. In particular, I could really see the growth with Taylor Lautner (Jacob). Kristen Stewart (Bella) also had some great scenes during pregnancy & birth.
5
such a great movie by misst1078
Omg wow!!!! I can't tell you how fantastic this movie was. The fights, everything the romance and I have become more of a Jacob fan. Taylor Launter did his thing in this movie. I loved the scene when he imprinted on Renesme. I am going to see this movie again!!!!!
5
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1Movie Was The Shiiiit! by claudiacnunez
OMG, this movie was soooooo good from head to toe! i want to go watch it again and again! you feel soo into the movie! i love love love it! so romantic, so much thrill, 100 thumbs up!
5
Breaking Dawn by star_fan
That mavie was awesome!!! I have not seen any of the other movies but now I understand the hoopla!! I can't wait for part 2. I am sitting up tonight looking at Twilight and New Moon, and will check out Eclipse tomorrow. I'm hooked!
5
The Breaking Dawn Part I Experience by vanillafox90
The previews for Breaking Dawn started to announce itself, and I was thrilled!! Every preview had me on edge waiting for it to come out to theaters. I bought and secured my ticket in advance and glad I did, for the showing for November 18th was sold out. That tells you something!! This is by far the best movie they made!! It's definitely worth go seeing in my opinion, and I'm not just saying that because I am a fanatic. Even people who dislike The Twilight Saga was pleased with this movie. I would say that I recommend it more to teens and adults versus kids, for there are intense scenes in the movie. I rate this movie a 9/10. It seemed rushed, which is the only bad thing about it. Great job Summit for making yet another great movie. I will be waiting to order my advance tickets from Fandango for part II.
5
Breaking Dawn - Part I by 2sunny
After reading some of the bad reviews following the L.A. premiere, I wasn't sure what I was going to think of Breaking Dawn - Part I. After seeing it however, I can't imagine any of those critics actually read the book. The movie follows the book as closely as it can, given the amount of material contained in the book, and in order to leave enough of the story to be told in Breaking Dawn - Part II.
I was pleasantly surprised at the range of emotions displayed in the movie, and it was particularly nice to have some humor interjected into the scenes in the first part. The theatre I went to was sold out, and it seemed that each and every person there was totally caught up in both the dialogue and the action.
The movie ended at exactly the right place, but you will have to go see it to find out if you agree or not. If you're a fan of the books and have seen the first three films, you absolutely must go see this one! I only wish we didn't have to wait an entire year for Part II.
4
Difficult scenes were handled well, with one GLARING exception by jagfilms68
The movie was pretty faithful to the book and, due to being in two parts, was able to include important dialogue and details from the book which otherwise would have been eliminated due to length. The film handled sensitive topics and difficult scenes very well, including sex,pregnancy, blood, and violence, with surprising delicacy and tact and without explicit depictions, gratuitous nudity, or superfluous gore. As usual, the language was acceptable throughout with no offensive swearing. There was a great deal of tenderness and humor in the movie too, providing a welcome relief from the darker and more intense themes. All of the acting was improved from previous movies. The only exception to this positive review is a single ill-conceived scene where the wolf-pack communicates telepathically with one another (in strange, booming, reverberating voices), which was so ludicrous and reminiscent of bad 1970s Planet of the Apes stuff, that I actually laughed out loud.
3
Must go if you a true fan, but so so if not... by MzShiella
I think it was a little quirky but overall it is a tradition to go to opening night! The comradery with all the fans you meet is always so much fun! As usual the book was so much better, but the graphics that come to life are great. Who wouldn't want to see Jacob with his shirt off!!!!! The young fans that were once 13 are now 17 so it is nice to see how the audience has matured with the movies premiers. I can hardly wait for the next one we make the pilgrimage to Forks!