Through limpid red eyes, the vampiric Bella appears to be somewhat hungry – and not solely for the necks of the neighbourhood. In this fifth and final instalment of Meyer’s sequel, Kristen Stewart’s thirst surpasses that of human blood, to critical kudos. While Twihard assailants will no doubt fail to notice a change in Stewart’s character, for the rest of us this new oomph is palpable. It’s nice to see an animate Bella, minus the whining, and full of fire. Oh – and she’s bloody frisky too. From vampire sex and nostalgic love scenes to decapitation and uproar, this chapter is all-inclusive, unlike its predecessors. It’s never going to please the haters; or disappoint the devotees, but it’s enough to get the stragglers on-board.
Bella must not only convert to the glossy world of vampirism, but also embrace her new maternal role, as mother to Renesmee. It’s not unimaginable in the wacky world of Twilight (where the unordinary appears ordinary), that a vampire and a human could conceive a computer-generated baby, but hey – this is the case until Renesmee grows into eleven year old actress Mackenzie Foy minutes into the film. From a future 2020 character from The Sims to a life-size doll, Renesmee is beautiful and will certainly capture the hearts of all Twihards out there. However, Renesmee’s birth sparks controversy and following Irina’s treachery, the Volturi believe the Cullens have breached ancient Vampiric laws. They now have a war on their chilly hands.

What is refreshing about Part Two is the ever-narrowing divide between Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Jacob (Taylor Lautner). Jacob, who imprinted on Renesmee, makes it his mission to protect and preserve her, wolf pack and six-pack in tow. As vampires arrive from all over, the uncanny contact lenses are out in force. Stefan and Vladimir are no doubt the most captivating. With their mafia swagger and Eastern European accents in full swing, the vengeful pair could have jumped straight out of Taken 2 – and it’s only too appropriate that Taken’s Maggie Grace (spy Irina) stands alongside the Volturi. The omnipotent coven remain ruled by Aro and his tactile telepathy. Overtly camp and yet terrifyingly twisted, Michael Sheen’s Aro is a limelight thief. He’s incredibly unnerving throughout and has the potential to alarm even those, who haven’t pined for Bella and Edward for the last four years.
All in all, Breaking Dawn – Part 2, exceeds its predecessors in drawing the sequel to a close. The stubborn haters who brand it modern mediocrity will never be pleased. But those who can swallow a concept mushier, at times, than a tin of peas, will appreciate how the action and sentiment are perfectly entwined in order to conclude what was a beautifully bizarre fantasy.