Though not intended, a pun has manifested itself in the title.
Disclaimer: This is not a review…I repeat not a review!
Let me begin by saying that I have never read a single word of the Twilight book series nor seen a single moment of any of the previous two movies, but I did make a promise that I would escort Jennifer to see the new film Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part I. The caveat I did put on the table was that I would pay for the movie, but would not ask the cashier for the tickets as I would not say it out loud. I even went so far as to ask the ticket person to switch the film reel in the theater from the actual movie to the new Muppets movies. Needless to say, I failed.
Here I am about to lose my Twilight virginity. For those of you that are avid fans, you understand the true irony of that comment. Timing was clearly on my side on Saturday evening as this was the night of the big South Carolina vs Clemson football game. For those readers not from South Carolina, this is the Super Bowl of the state. It is the annual pilgrimage to the bars, houses, parking lots, arenas, dorm rooms and streets to determine another year of bragging rights. Extra police were out, bars brought on extra staff and the state shut down for three and a half hours as these two local powerhouses collided. Thus, I had the fortunate distinction of sharing the number one movie in America and perhaps the world with about thirteen other people on a Saturday night. Bonus!
Strangely at the time of publication of this blog, I still do not know who won that game.
After I overcame the fact that the entire movie was filled with beautiful people; I mean everyone from age 18 to centuries old could don the cover of a magazine, I was taken away with this film. It was not what I had expected. I was expecting some over the top action packed fantasy filled with wild special effects and a mundanely predictable story line. Fortunately, not having seen or read the books, I was able to understand most of the under tones and subplots. The story was filled with the core elements of loyalty, family, love, passion and sacrifice.
What took me deeply by surprise was the socio-economic underlying theme between the poor nature fairing werewolves and the upper class vampires. The struggles between choosing family, friendship and love were so deeply entrenched in the plot that it resonated into the audience.
The cinematography and use of landscapes, architecture and color were breathtaking. There was a stunning scene with Bella and Edward in the ocean with the light of a full moon reflecting off their bodies as they embraced in a deeply penetrating moment of passion and unity. The wedding and preliminary thoughts and dreams leading to the event were filled with deep colors and haunting emotions. It was moments like these along with a strong plot line and script that grabbed me early on and kept me glued to the screen.
There is often a cloud of uncertainly when the thought of a blockbuster book series is adapted into film or the media plays up the lives of the actors that it can taint the actual film experience. Without hiding under the covers, I will openly admit that I was wrong. For that, I thank Jennifer for nagging me and continuously reminding me of my promise to escort her to the opening weekend of Twilight: Breaking Dawn. Part I is now behind me and with that, I must await part II.
I am going to say this. Whether it is a spoiler or not, I cannot say with certainly, but I was hoping for a different outcome for Bella Swan…Enough said.
For those out there like me that have avoided this film series like a plague, hold your hats because this is worth the ride.
