The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn part 2 - review

Breaking Dawn Part 2 takes off on the cliff we were left hanging on to at the end of the previous film. Bella as a vampire seemed a strange thought. Her usual character shields herself behind Edward and Jacob, unable to fight for herself without venom running through her veins. 

However as her devilishly red eyes fill the screen, we know this is all about to change. 

This film is the second of the two-parted finale of the Twilight Saga, based on the chart-topping books by Stephanie Meyer, where Bella, (Kristin Stewart) after an ordeal which almost ended her own life, has given birth to a baby girl, who is soon to become the centre of all controversy. 



The film, which was sure to face a battle against any critic who is not a die-hard fan of the saga, proved itself to be up there with the best, and even though it has been met with some negative reviews, the film showed off computer graphics superior than those we have seen in many other blockbusters to date. 

The film even generated an impressive computer generated baby, which morphs into 9- year-old actress Mackenzie Foy, who plays the fast-aging daughter of Edward and Bella. 

"Half mortal, half immortal. Conceived so, and carried by this newborn while she was still human."


Of course, in a film about battle, blood and passion, the happy families scene soon vanishes as the Cullen's learn that the Volturi are preparing to punish them for  producing an immortal child, which what they believe the family have done.

The first half of the film shows Bella wasting no time testing out her newly acquired skills as a vampire and incorporates tasteful humour to make way for a shockingly dramatic and tense second half. 

"The Volturi, they're coming for us."

Anyone who has read the Breaking Dawn book is in for a shock, as the film veers radically away from the safe narrative when the battle commences between the Cullens and their friends, and the intimidating Volturi, who are ready to get their revenge on the family for the crime they have been falsely accused of. 

The film includes all the elements which make a good blockbuster, and then some. The breathtaking graphics and encapsulating storyline ensure that the other films in the saga struggle to compete, and as the closing credits appear, we know that this is the end of Bella and Edwards tale, but impatiently wait for the DVD release to complete the collection of films which we will never forget. 

Bond is back with a bang

Daniel Craig is back and better than ever in Skyfall

Bond is back with a bang 

Film Details

• tbc
• UK Theatrical Release Date: Oct 26th 2012
• Genre 
  • Action/adventure
• Starring 
  • Daniel Craig,
  • Ralph Fiennes, 
  • Javier Bardem, 
  • Naomie Harris
• Director 
  • Sam Mendes

The 50th anniversary was a great time to produce something huge - and Skyfall did just that

Skyfall is the 23rd addition to the Bond franchise, celebrating the anniversary of the James Bond films which began 50 years ago.

And what a difference 50 years makes.

Right from the outset, Skyfall is spectacular. An intensive chase scene at the beginning leaves the viewer unsure whether Mr Bond himself is alive or dead, when a heart-stopping scene sees him getting shot and falling off a moving train in true Bond style, of course. 

Bond survives, as he always does, but having previously played a rather unconvincing James Bond  in Quantum of Solace, Daniel Craig pulls through and proves the critics wrong. Skyfall was a chance for Craig to encapsulate Bond like we have never seen him before, proving that an old dog can most definitely learn new tricks. 

Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Jarhead) also learnt a trick or two when making the latest installment, ditching his 'Quantum' narrative and producing a beautifully fascinating storyline. 

With its $87.8 million debut, critics are calling it the best Bond yet. The film has also been awarded 91% approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. 

The film lacks the usual Bond cliché but this only seems to benefit the storyline, removing the predictable and often cheesy narrative which is often evident in previous Bond titles. 

Rife with beautiful women dressed in well.. nothing, Skyfall doesn't veer far from previous Bond territory, however, the real bond girl proved to be Judi Dench, who dazzled in her classic role as M, making it difficult for another actress to follow in her shoes.

This film encapsulates everything good about the action genre all in 143 minutes and joyously celebrates a beloved British icon.

Scene to scene, Skyfall offers one of the most impressive Bond narratives to date, allowing it to become a real contender in the competitive market of truly great blockbusters.