Movie

Hugo (II) two wallpaper and photo gallery

2011-11-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

Hugo (II) two wallpaper and photo gallery Hugo (II) 2
Cast overview, first billed only: Ben Kingsley Ben Kingsley Georges Méliès Sacha Baron Cohen Sacha Baron Cohen Station inspector Asa Butterfield Asa Butterfield Hugo Cabret Chloë Grace Moretz Chloë Grace Moretz Isabelle Ray Winstone Ray Winstone Uncle Claude Emily Mortimer Emily Mortimer Lisette Christopher Lee Christopher Lee Monsieur Labisse Helen McCrory Helen McCrory Mama Jeanne Michael Stuhlbarg Michael Stuhlbarg Rene Tabard Frances de la Tour Frances de la Tour Madame Emilie Richard Griffiths Richard Griffiths Monsieur Frick Jude Law Jude Law Hugo's Father Kevin Eldon Kevin Eldon Policeman Gulliver McGrath Gulliver McGrath Young Tabard Shaun Aylward Shaun Aylward Street Kid

Hugo (II) two Film Review and wallpaper

2011-11-27T20:21:00.000-08:00

Hugo (II) (2011)
Adventure | Drama | Family - 23 November 2011 (USA)
Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writers: John Logan (screenplay), Brian Selznick (book)
Stars: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz and Christopher Lee

Review
Upon seeing the trailer for "Hugo", I wasn't overly impressed. The blaring emphasis on 3D made me worried it was more spectacle than substance. Still, it was directed by Martin Scorsese, and had Ben Kingsley in it, so I decided to put aside my fears and go see it anyway.

Am I ever glad I did! This is a sweet and gentle tale, full of unexpected warmth and depth. It is the story of Hugo Cabret, an orphan and keeper of the clocks at a train station in Paris. His only connection to his deceased father is a broken-down automaton the two were repairing before his father's demise in a fire. When Hugo is caught stealing parts for the automaton by the old owner of a toy shop in the station (Kingsley), his booklet of sketches related to the curious mechanical man is taken from him. Attempting to retrieve it, he meets Isabelle, the goddaughter of the aged man. Together, they begin to unravel the mystery behind Kingsley's character and help bring his true identity to light.

(It shouldn't be that much of a surprise to anyone with knowledge of early film history that has a chance to look at the cast list here on IMDb. Does the name "Georges Méliès" ring any bells?) Asa Butterfield does capably in the title role, and Chloe Grace Moretz shines sublimely as the precocious Isabelle. Of course, Ben Kingsley gives a terrific performance, powerful and poignant. He plays a broken man anguished by the shadows of the past.

These three are the central figures of the film, yet the side characters are handled equally well. That really struck me. A lesser filmmaker might have let such characters come off as just caricatures, especially in a children's film. Scorsese doesn't allow for that to happen. Richard Griffiths', Frances de la Tour's and Christopher Lee's characters are all skillfully imbued with humanity so that the audience feels for them and seems to get to know them in spite of their short periods on screen. Even Sacha Baron Cohen's silly Station Inspector is more than a one-dimensional figure. In between his cartoonish antics and chases after Hugo, he is shown to be painfully shy, pining desperately for the affections of an attractive woman who sells flowers. We learn also that he was wounded in World War I, and that it was his days growing up without love in the strict environment of an orphanage that so embittered him towards the world. He is not merely some comic antagonist tossed in for the sake of slapstick. Instead, he is a fascinating and well-developed character in his own right. One feels compassion and pity for him, and hopes he will have the courage to speak up and win the heart of his love, that their quirky relationship will blossom into romance.

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In short, this is a simply lovely film. There has been some uproar and befuddlement over the director of such films as "Taxi Driver" and "Goodfellas" making a 'children's movie'. I must admit I was a little abashed myself upon first hearing it. But "Hugo" shows that a so-called children's movie doesn't have to be inane or infantile. This is an intelligent and wondrous work – never sappy or banal. In part a tribute to the magic of cinema, it reminded me why I love motion pictures so much. With its richness and nuance, "Hugo" should appeal to children and adults alike. I realize that saying sounds a little clichéd, but in this case I have faith in the truth of it.

The 3-D effects of this period movie while not perfect are superior in quality and add to the brilliance and visual impact of the solid, personal and intimate and focused storyline. Whether or not its a technological problem, the most noticeable weakness of the film is the failure to capture the enhanced ambiance of the 3-D potential of the vapor and mist that seemed to be found in many of the scenes in Hugo. Nevertheless the fusion of actual historical characters, the use of 3-D to recall the earliest days of cinema combined with mystery drama of this movie results in a remarkable captivating movie plot that involves the audience on the number of levels - visually, auditory (with notable sound differentials between speakers), clear and singular plot without distracting subplots. The implicit fantasy genre elements of this movie actually are more realized in reality and magic than in sci-fi or fantasy as part of the storyline itself which in some ways makes this movie even more remarkable and involving because of its actual possibilities as an authentic event. The weakness part of the movie occurred toward the end of the movie with the train station's guard who at the last minute makes a decision which appeared to be more based on another character's presence then his own which significantly reduces the emotive and ethical impact of the scene.

Happy Feet 2 review

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The two 3-D scenes of the faces of at different times of the station guard and Kingsley are perhaps some of the finest uses of 3-D yet in its achievement of visual clarity and enhancement to cinema since 3-D came into its own. The additional fascinating element of the craftsmanship, the building and fixing and repairing of objects that has seemed to have gone of out fashion in today's contemporary throw away society of printers and consumables makes for both a traditional but enlightening and uplifting moral tale. This is a story of our time using the past, the good parts of it unlike perhaps Charles Dickens. With elements from A.I. (2001), Polar Express (2004) the fairy tale that becomes real makes for a truly memorable movie.

Arthur Christmas wallpaper and Photo collection

2011-11-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Feet 2 review

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Arthur Christmas wallpaper movie 2011 Arthur Christmas Movie cast :James McAvoy Arthur Hugh Laurie Hugh Laurie Steve Bill Nighy Bill Nighy Grandsanta Jim Broadbent Jim Broadbent Santa Imelda Staunton Imelda Staunton Mrs. Santa Ashley Jensen Ashley Jensen Bryony Marc Wootton Marc Wootton Peter Laura Linney Laura Linney North Pole Computer Eva Longoria Eva Longoria Chief De Silva Ramona Marquez Ramona Marquez Gwen Michael Palin Michael Palin Ernie Clicker Sanjeev Bhaskar Sanjeev Bhaskar Lead Elf Robbie Coltrane Robbie Coltrane Lead Elf Joan Cusack Joan Cusack Lead Elf Rhys Darby Rhys Darby Lead Elf[full galery]

Arthur Christmas (2011) Film Review

2011-11-27T19:43:00.000-08:00

Arthur Christmas (2011)
Animation | Comedy | Drama- 23 November 2011 (USA)
On Christmas night at the North Pole, Santa's youngest son looks to use his father's high-tech operation for an urgent mission.
Director: Sarah Smith
Writers: Peter Baynham,Sarah Smith (screenplay)
Stars: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent and Bill Nighy

Review

Aardman movies are great, and that first drew me to what I had presumed was a children's film. A huge surprise, though, that this was a wonderfully "deep" and richly textured movie for adults. In fact, I would be surprised if a very young child would enjoy it much. Under 10s may find a bit of color and a few sight gags, but I don't see them understanding the humor or the references.

I am fondly nostalgic toward the old style Claymation animation Ardman was famous for- but it was not really missed here. The subtle wit and meaningful humanity came through just fine without it. For me, Christmas films about Christmas being spilt or other evils befalling the Santa myth are tiresome. But here all of that merely stood in for a genuine and engaging story that I actually related to.

SPOILER ALERT--- I may be opening myself to ridicule here, but I found the moment Grandsanta and his one old reindeer (he's 136 years old, we are told, and the reindeer is equally ancient, living a life of creaky disability) purposely stopping the sleigh and awaiting certain death and destruction, just to insure the safety of his sons' mission very touching. I know, sounds silly even to me now when I write it, but their sacrifice was depicted without fanfare, and without irony, and felt very real. It was as touching and moving an example of devoting oneself to something bigger, and sacrificing "all" for the sake of others as I have ever seen in any war movie. Sometimes the most affecting heroism is the simplest.

Overall, I, an older adult, loved this movie very much. I plan to see it again, but without any grandchildren or nieces or nephews in tow. Not from selfishness, but because the little ones just wouldn't get it, and it's such a delight, and such an inspiration, that I would want to enjoy it fully myself. And I wouldn't take a lady friend to this film, because I would be embarrassed to have her see me tear up.

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Aardman Animation, home of claymation classics Wallace And Gromit and Chicken Run, first turned their attention to CGI features with Flushed Away. They now return to CGI, with the addition of 3D, in Arthur Christmas. Santa Claus is an hereditary role, it seems, with the current Santa - Malcolm Christmas - on the point of retiring. His older son Stephen masterminds the entire Santa operation from a high tech mission control, with his father on board an enormous craft which has long since superseded the low-tech sleigh, and thousands of elves both on the ship and back at base. Precuupied with logistics and the expectation of inheriting the Santa role, he is a bit humorless and single-minded. Younger son Arthur, however, loves everything about Christmas. Unfortunately, he is incredibly clumsy which is why he has been sidelined to the Letters Department, where he writes wonderful letters back to children. On this particular Christmas Eeve, Steve has signed off on another successful mission and everyone has settled down after their Christmas dinner, when it comes to light that a gift has been left behind - a child has been forgotten. Steve is inclined to shrug his shoulders - the percentage error is minuscule. But Arthur, mindful of the fact that this misses the whole point of Christmas, determines to deliver the present, and sets off on an unauthorised delivery by old-fashioned sleigh power, accompanied by long-retired GrandSanta.

I watched the first five minutes of this in dismay.
The chaotic, frantic business of the Christmas Eve mission is portrayed equally chaotically and frantically, in long swooping camera shots with constant frenetic action and gags coming so thick and fast that you simply can't keep up with them. It is almost impossible to follow and, while it may reward re-watching when the DVD comes out, it is not a good way to start the film. Slowing the action down by half would have helped greatly. But then, once the madness is over and the film proper starts, I found myself in the middle of a movie which charmed me immediately and, ultimately, filled me with joy.

Happy Feet 2 review

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This film will become a Christmas classic. It is full of outstanding visuals, entertaining characters, terrific voice work (especially Bill Nighy's GrandSanta), and lots of little unexpected gags and touches which are constant delights. There is suspense, family relationships, joy, disappointment, excitement, spectacle, lots of laughs, and a profound spirit of Christmasness. And the 3D is terrific. It isn't perfect - the overcooked start shows that, and James McAvoy's Arthur is sometimes just a bit too shrill. But in all other respects this is a wonderful, wonderful film, and I recommend it highly. Incidentally, 3 days after originally posting this, I cannot believe that this is still the only review posted.

Happy Feet Two (2011) Wallpaper and photo gallery

2011-11-26T21:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Feet 2 review

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Happy Feet Two (2011) Wallpaper | Happy Feet Two photo |Happy Feet Two cartoon| Happy Feet Two Cast overview, first billed only: Carlos Alazraqui Nestor Lombardo Boyar Raul Jeffrey Garcia Rinaldo Johnny A. Sanchez Lombardo (as Johnny Sanchez III) Sofía Vergara Carmen Robin Williams Ramon / Lovelace Elijah Wood Mumble Pink Gloria

Happy Feet Two (2011) Film Review

2011-11-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Feet Two (2011)
Animation | Comedy | Family-18 November 2011 (USA)
Ratings: 5.8/10
Mumble's son, Erik, is struggling to realize his talents in the Emperor Penguin world. Meanwhile, Mumble and his family and friends discover a new threat their home -- one that will take everyone working together to save them.
Director :George Miller
Writers: George Miller, Gary Eck
Stars: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams and Pink

Happy Feet took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year 2007, but that film had everything - song, dance, comedy, drama, romance and of course the feel good factor. One would have thought that success meant a fast-track into getting a sequel out, but it actually took some 5 years before it actually did.

Happy Feet 2 review

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George Miller assume the entire directorial responsibility this time round, with the story co-written by Warren Coleman, Paul Livingston and George Miller somewhat making this a little bit darker in tone, with much less comedy, with more of a dark, brooding overtone that hammers home its environmental message. Gone are the colours and the more light hearted moments thanks to the Robin Williams voiced hippy penguin Ramon, who now takes a backseat to just trying his best to romance fellow penguin Carmen (Sofia Vergara), and in comes a terribly overt evangelistic feel with the presence of a new character The Mighty Sven (Hank Azaria), whom the penguins all worship for its flight ability, charisma and glib tongue. It cannot be more pronounced of the intent to show how these characters turn out to be nothing but false prophets, what with his miraculous ability of flight for a penguin, the rote religious preaches and sermons he gives, and not to forget the promise to deliver the emperor penguins from their current environmental plight, starting with the vast plans to provide fish for his new flock.

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New characters also got introduced to expand the scale of the story now to involve the smallest of life forms with two Krills, Will (Brad Pitt) and Bill (Matt Damon), the former adamant in striking out on his own and to evolve from a non-conformist environment where they swim around and be sitting ducks to larger prey, while the latter is the voice of rational thought, and comfort, joining Will only because he has but one friend. And on the other end of the size spectrum, we have the Leopard Seals with nasty, combative attitudes, whom you'd identify as key to the plot in the third act once Mumble (Elijah Wood) starts to tap his happy feet.

Mumble is now all grown up and has a family of his own, with wife Gloria (voiced by the late Brittany Murphy in the earlier film, with singer Pink now taking over) and kid Erik (Ava Acres), a shy little one who neither can sing like his mom or dance like his dad, and becomes the prodigal son taking after his dad, well OK, the co-protagonist of this sequel. Why there's a need to have baby penguins boil down to the simple reason that they're cute, and will draw in the crowds. Much of the plot centres around how Mumble tries to connect with his young son, and finds it terribly tough to do so, but adversity no thanks to the threat faced by the entire Emperor Penguin community left stranded due to shifting ice, provides the opportunity especially when Erik can witness just how innovative and heroic his dad can actually be, compared to his idol Sven. Every boy needs a hero, and it works when one is close by.

Like the Ice Age franchise which is still going on strong, the message about saving our environment, and with that the species which are dependent on the preservation of their natural habitat, can't get any more pronounced in this installment, especially with carefully crafted sound design and visuals to warn just how fragile this balance is, through the multiple shots of icy landscapes breaking up at every opportunity. With kids and their parents expected to make a beeline for this film, the target audience's all set in taking home these none too subtle reminders. There's a stoic seriousness in the story, though balanced by both Brad Pitt and Matt Damon's Krill characters being nothing other than comedic fodder with their rapid fire dialogue exchange, and Pitt's Will being one of the most delusional animated characters for some time to come.

Some may frown at the religious overtones the narrative tended to dwell onto in the mid- section, and the many song and dance sequences and medleys that really padded up the film to a 100 minutes that felt longer than its runtime, but Happy Feet Two still had enough reserves in its tank to make it a wholesome family entertainer, though a lot more serious in treatment than its predecessor.

Review Movie "Tomboy (2011)"

2011-11-26T04:08:00.000-08:00

Tomboy (2011)
Drama |25 November 2011 (USA)
Ratings: 7.5/10
A 10-year-old girl, settling into her new neighborhood outside Paris, is mistaken for a boy and has to live up to this new identity since it's too late for the mistake to be clarified.
Director: Céline Sciamma
Writer: Céline Sciamma (screenplay)
Stars: Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana and Jeanne Disson

Synopsis
Ten year old Laure isn't like most girls. She prefers football to dolls and sweaters to dresses. When Laure, her parents and little sister Jeanne move to a new neighbourhood, family life remains much the same. That is, until local girl Lisa mistakes Laure to be a boy. Indulging in this exciting new identity, Laure becomes Michael, and so begins a summer of long sunny afternoons, playground games and first kisses. Yet with the school term fast approaching, and with suspicions arising amongst friends and family, Laure must face up to an uncertain future.

It is not often that I remain seated after the credits role, but after watching this film, I just did not want to move. The film left me feeling so good about the beauty in this world and the love of a family, that I was content to just sit in my seat for a while.

Tomboy review

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The film takes on some challenging themes but does so with such beauty and craft that it gives you renewed belief in the good of the world. And the mesmerising relationship between the two sisters certainly reminds you of the very special and unmatched love between siblings. The performance of the main character is brilliant but the star of the show is definitely the younger sister whose character portrayal is positively behind the years for such a young actress. Special mention must also go to the supporting character Lisa - again another young actress who's portrayal of an emotional and thoughtful young girl is quite beyond her years. These three young actresses are sure to be future stars.

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Michael becomes close to Jeanne(Malonn Levana), plays soccer, has water fights and swims with the other kids in what could be a typical summertime anywhere. The child-actors, particularly Zoe Heran are very believable. Laure/Michael is on screen most of the time and is an actress to watch for in the future.
Zoe(Michael/Laure) is contrasted with a very feminine little sister illustrating how different even close siblings can be. Most directors don't edit enough, but this feature felt a bit short at 79 minutes. It is worth your time for Ms. Horan's performance. "Tomboy" goes deep into the uneasy question of children's libido, which she had already done in "La naissance des pieuvres", although the latter film dealt with girls older than Laura. Devoid of any irrelevant sophistication, brief and concise but cutting through to the bone, "Tomboy" manages to keep the audience in turns interested, puzzled and upset by a story which ends on the verge of tragedy. The young actors are wonderfully natural, but Zoé Héran as the "tomboy" is beyond all praise. No one else could have been more convincing than this exceptional young actress. You can't imagine a more suitable physical appearance, way of speaking and attitude for the role than Zoé Héran's. Just amazing! Her young partners, Malonn Navanna and Jeanne Disson, very natural in their respective roles of Jeanne (Laure's feminine six-year-old sister) and of Lisa ("Michael"'s new friend attracted to "him") provide two fine performances as well.

Tomboy (2011) Wallpaper and Movie Photo gallery

2011-11-26T04:03:00.001-08:00

Cast overview:
Tomboy (2011) Wallpaper and Movie Photo gallery
Zoé Héran Zoé Héran Laure / Michaël Malonn Lévana Malonn Lévana Jeanne Jeanne Disson Jeanne Disson Lisa Sophie Cattani Sophie Cattani Mother Mathieu Demy Mathieu Demy Father Yohan Vero Yohan Vero Vince Noah Vero Noah Vero Noah Cheyenne Lainé Cheyenne Lainé Cheyenne Rayan Boubekri Rayan Boubekri Rayan Christel Baras Christel Baras La mère de Lisa Valérie Roucher Valérie Roucher La mère de Rayan

The 1911 Revolution Movie Photo and wallpaper gallery

2011-11-26T03:36:00.001-08:00

Credited cast:

The 1911 Revolution review

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Jackie Chan Jackie Chan Huang Xing Bingbing Li Bingbing Li Xu Zonghan (as Bing Bing Lee) Winston Chao Winston Chao Sun Yat-Sen (as Wen Xuan Zhao) Joan Chen Joan Chen Longyu Jaycee Chan Jaycee Chan Zhang Zhenwu Duobuji Feng Guozhang Simon Dutton Simon Dutton John Newell Jordan Ge Hu Ge Hu Lin Juemin Ming Hu Ming Hu Liao Zhongkai Zhi-zhong Huang Zhi-zhong Huang Situ Meitang Wenli Jiang Wenli Jiang Soong Ching-ling Wu Jiang Wu Jiang Li Yuanhong Dong-xue Li Dong-xue Li Zai Feng Jing Ning Jing Ning Qiu Jin Liang Qi Liang Qi Wu Zhaolin

The 1911 Revolution Xinhai geming | Sinopsis and review (2011)

2011-11-26T03:21:00.000-08:00

aka Xinhai geming
Action | Adventure | Drama - 23 September 2011 (China)
Release Date: 23 September 2011 (China)
Genre: Action | Adventure | Drama
Stars: Jackie Chan, Bingbing Li and Winston Chao
A historical drama based on the founding of the Republic of China when nationalist forces led by Sun Yat-sen overthrew the Qing Dynasty.
Directors: Jackie Chan, Li Zhang

Sinopsis:
A historical drama based on the founding of the Republic of China when nationalist forces led by Sun Yat-sen overthrew the Qing Dynasty. 2011 marks the centennial of China’s October 1911 Revolution, a landmark event which ended China’s imperial era and unleashed a host of changes upon Chinese society and the world which continue to reverberate today. The Republic of China (ROC) was established in the wake of the revolution as a new, “modern” political order, but it was soon wracked by warlordism, foreign invasion, and further revolution. But the ROC survives on the island of Taiwan and continues to play a major role in world affairs.

Nowadays, when one hears the name Jackie Chan, visions of cheesy over-the-top action comedies can't help but spring to mind (think Chan's most popular popcorn flicks - Shanghai Noon, Rush Hour, or even his more legendary, less cheesy but still way over the top earlier efforts such as Drunken Master). So when we're told he's co-director and star of a deadly serious and bloody epic, which recounts one of the most tumultuous periods in China's history, it's a little hard to wrap your head around, especially considering he's approaching 60 years of age. However, aided by his co-director, veteran cinematographer Zhang Li (Red Cliff), Chan succeeds in shedding his funny guy image both behind and in front of the camera. 1911 works as a heady history lesson delving into a monumental time in China's past, chronicling the long overdue abdication of the Emperor, the overthrowing of the suppressive Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Communist Movement, all of which happened close to a century ago. Given that China's political situation and their Communist roots are still strongly relevant today, 1911 Revolution is a powerful and interesting film. Although the subject matter is grim, the intense battle scenes and sweeping drama transform this into a real epic. As actors run and shout and the unmistakeable clatter of empty shells hit the ground, we are seeing the birth of modern China.

The 1911 Revolution review

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Chan executes the role of revolutionary leader Huang Xing wonderfully as does Winston Chao (Eat Drink Man Woman) as the selfless first President of the Republic. Lee Bing Bing (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) brings that something special to the screen as Huang's sacrificing wife, filling the female character void with ease. But it's the close friendship between Huang and Chao's Sun Wen that gives this film its soul. An emotional reunion about two thirds in will melt your heart.

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On May 20, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at Brookings hosted leading historians and analysts for a discussion of some of the political ramifications of the 1911 revolution; the roles that the Republic of China has played in the history of China and the world since 1911; and the significance of the Republic of China in contemporary and future cross-strait relations and international politics. Mary Backus Rankin, a leading expert on the 1911 revolution, delivered the luncheon keynote address. Ambassador Jason Yuan, representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, delivered opening remarks prior to the beginning of the panel discussion.

Story Line
Being billed as Jackie Chan's centennial film - well it depends on who's counting since IMDb.com listed it as the number 109, but seriously, who's counting? - it was a shrewd career choice to have made it an epic in both scale and story, an extremely well made piece of historical drama filled with political intrigue and a fine cast fleshing out their period roles, and to coincide it with the centennial year of the historical milestone it is based on as well, being the 1911 Xinhai Revolution that ultimately overthrew the Chinese Qing dynasty and ended more than 2000 years of Imperial rule in China. It could have been Rush Hour 4 or Police Story 6, but Jackie Chan had got grander ideas, so good for him.
With the aforementioned centennial celebrations of sorts, there are countless of films being released based on historical characters and incidents in the run up, with big budgeted, and undoubtedly easily labelled as propaganda films like The Founding of a Republic and its sequel The Founding of a Party boasting big name stars in its line up to draw record audiences. The latest yet to hit the big screen here, but soon enough unless the incessant playing of the trailers start to put people off, would be the story of Qiu Jin who was an anti- Qing revolutionary, in a film titled The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake directed by Herman Yau, and it is Qiu Jin who interesting enough, actually opens this film, which may make those unfamiliar with her character scratch their heads for a little while.
1911 challenges Chinese filmmakers to dig deep into their history to tell stories based on its own contemporary, formative years. Even Singapore is finally getting into the act with its own 1965 film project, and I suppose any film industry worth its grain in salt would have these films lined up under its filmography that allows for a critical and artistic look at troubled times before, the ideals held then, and the struggles many took to bring us to where we are today. It may not be Jackie Chan's flashiest role or film, but definitely one of his classiest and dignified one yet. Highly recommended!
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Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 Wallpaper and movie Photo Collection

2011-11-26T02:04:00.001-08:00

Cast overview, first billed only:

Breaking Dawn review

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The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 Wallpaper and movie Photo Collection Taylor Lautner Jacob Black Gil Birmingham Gil Birmingham Billy Billy Burke Billy Burke Charlie Swan Sarah Clarke Sarah Clarke Renée Ty Olsson Ty Olsson Phil Kristen Stewart Kristen Stewart Bella Swan Ashley Greene Ashley Greene Alice Cullen Jackson Rathbone Jackson Rathbone Jasper Hale Peter Facinelli Peter Facinelli Dr. Carlisle Cullen Elizabeth Reaser Elizabeth Reaser Esme Cullen Kellan Lutz Kellan Lutz Emmett Cullen Nikki Reed Nikki Reed Rosalie Hale Robert Pattinson Robert Pattinson Edward Cullen Christian Sloan Christian Sloan Unsavory People James Pizzinato James Pizzinato Unsavory People

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 Review and user rating

2011-11-26T02:03:00.000-08:00

"Not long after immortal soul mates Bella Swan and Edward Cullen say "I do," a strange sensation begins to build inside Bella's burgeoning belly. But the couple's unborn child is at risk before she's even born." i really liked it.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)
Adventure | Drama | Fantasy
Ratings IMDB : 4.7/10 from 24,629 users and Metascore: 45/100
Director : Bill Condon
Writers : Melissa Rosenberg (screenplay)
Novel : Stephenie Meyer
Stars : Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner

Synopsis:

Breaking Dawn review

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but i felt that you all were trying to fit so much into so litle time.i loveall the twilights including this one but next time fit exstend the time to at least almost 3 hours. i feel you can get more out with more time. i cant wait to see the next one. some ppl dont like it because they couldnt grasp the concept so next time tell the story more and add more detail into it!
I have seen all the other movies and watch them allot. The whole family watches them that have loved them. We went to see the see Breaking Dawn in the theater on opening night. I was disappointed in it. I really thought that it would me as good as the last three were but I think that it is the worst of the Twilight movies. I can tell you this that I will not take the family to the theater to watch the next one. We will wait for it to come on TV. We all feel this way that we should have watched something else

The book ending for Eclipse (with Jacob running away after receiving the invite to Bella & Edward's wedding), which was left out of the Eclipse film, is where we begin this movie. Breaking Dawn Part 1 thankfully takes its time with (most of) the important moments from the book. The preparation for the wedding, the wedding itself (most intricate back of a wedding dress EVER), the honeymoon (complete with leg-shaving!), and everything involving the pregnancy - these sections of the film are the most focused upon. That said, there are some things left out that may upset some fans. Jacob's section of the book? Condensed. Considerably. Hope you weren't expecting to see the stuff involving him going off to look for somebody to imprint on. It's not here. Sadly, one of the parts I liked most about the book (the stuff with Jacob, Seth & Leah) has been vastly shortened. But at least the major points are there. Maybe we could of got more of them instead of that rather pointless fight scene between the Cullens and the wolves?

Regarding the sex scene and birthing scene, which everyone wants to know about: Well, Bella & Edward having bed-breakingly good sex *is* included, but you can sort of tell there have been cuts. The birthing scene fares a bit better. There is more blood in this scene (and a nightmare Bella has early in the film) than the whole of the three previous movies combined. I can see how this would have been trimmed down also, but I think they really did include as much as they possibly could given the rating (here's hoping for an unedited DVD release). It is definitely an intense emotion-charged scene. Clearly giving birth to half-human half-vampire offspring is no picnic. Dawn isn't the only thing breaking in this movie. There's also the breaking of Bella's bones, thanks to the spawn crushing her from the inside out. One thing the movie nails is making Bella look as sickly as possible. She's so skeletal it's disturbing.

Kristen Stewart is put through the wringer in this film. There's a vast array of feelings Bella has to tangle with. And, yes, she *does* smile, though the happy feelings don't last very long. Edward (or 'The Hair' as Jessica calls him) matches Bella in regards to the number of emotions she goes through. He has to carry all this guilt over the one he loves most, and it clearly takes a toll on him emotionally as much as the pregnancy does on Bella physically. Poor Jacob, meanwhile, isn't having any fun either. These three characters deal with so much throughout the film. Stewart, Pattinson and Lautner (with new stubble) all sell it.

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Most characters get at least a brief moment to shine. Some Cullens who aren't Edward get a bit more dialogue than usual (Elizabeth Reaser as Esme is probably the most happy about this). I especially liked seeing some conflict between Alice and Rosalie in regards to Bella's child. The wolves have a few brief scenes here and there. I was thankful for more Seth and Leah in particular. And we finally get to hear what werewolf telepathy sounds like. It's definitely chaotic (which makes sense). Billy Burke and Sarah Clarke as Bella's parents get some great moments, both emotional and humorous. Even new characters like the Denali clan get some screen time. Keep an eye on that Irina (Maggie Grace, who manages to do a lot with a little amount of screen time), she'll be important in Part 2. Bella's friends maybe get a line each. Jessica (Anna Kendrick, who still steals every scene she's in) gets the most. She, along with various other characters, add humour. Given how heavy the storyline is in this film, the humor is a much-appreciated relief.

Things do get very dark post-honeymoon. And one must admire Condon for taking on this film and tackling such touchy subjects as: the fact Edward can't be with Bella completely (while she's still human) without causing bruises. Does he let Bella die giving birth to their spawn? Does Jacob remain loyal to his tribe or side with those he has hated for so long in order to protect Bella? And what of the all-important 'imprinting'? Thankfully, we get a look at what Renesmee will look like when she grows to adulthood (which will be when Jacob starts thinking of her in THAT way. So don't get your panties in a twist about it. If you paid attention, you will know how imprinting works and it won't seem as freaky as it initially sounds).

Condon should also be commended for his direction, as his choice of shots add so much to the film. We even get a look inside Bella to see how the venom changes her. The effects on display during her transformation are really something. I also liked that they included flashbacks to the previous films as we hear Bella's Lullaby play.