Breaking Dawn -- Part 2: Soundtrack Review

It’s safe to say the Twilight Saga films have experienced their ups and downs. Between the possible re-casting of Jacob Black before New Moon and the ACTUAL re-casting of Victoria in Eclipse, We always seemed to be hoping for the films to please us, the fans. One thing that has always remained strong throughout the saga has been its great soundtracks. They’ve introduced us to new artists such as Imperial Mammoth and Sleeping at Last, and reconnected us with other known artists such as Lykke Li, Sia and Paramore. They have always provided diversity and exclusivity to all the films. The Breaking Dawn Part 2 soundtrack doesn’t stay far behind. Being that I’m a slightly depressing person when it comes to music, my favorite soundtrack so far has been New Moon. However, this one is slowly creeping up to the number one spot.

It sets the pace perfectly for the final film in the saga. It’s tranquil for the most part with an abundance of love songs. But then again, that’s exactly what Twilight is—a love story. With songs like “All I Ever Wanted” by cast member Nikki Reed and American Idol Alumni/Nikki’s hubby Paul McDonald and “Bittersweet” by one of my favorite artists Ellie Goulding, there’s definitely something for every Twifan on this album. Twilight soundtracks have always been one to bring us a bit of indie rock and that track in this album is by St. Vincent titled “Antidote”, a more upbeat/badass song than the rest of the soundtrack. Of course there are also A-listers like Green Day, Feist and Passion Pit on the album who no matter what they bring to the table—you know it’ll be as epic as the film’s final scenes (you know what I’m talking about TwiFans).

My favorite from the album, and I hate to point fingers, is absolutely “Heart of Stone” by Iko. This is a hauntingly beautiful song, I almost can’t find words to describe it. It’s simple, classy and touching. It was used perfectly in the film and it is by far the most heartfelt song on the album, in my opinion at least. Of course, Christina Perri has done it again and has brought us another iconic piece for the final film with “A Thousand Years: Part 2” this time featuring Steve Kazee singing the second verse; a simply perfect song to end the saga written by Christina, who is a fan of the books herself! There isn’t a song that could’ve made us feel more nostalgic about the books and movies that have made such an impact on so many lives. We, as fans of the saga, couldn’t ask for more.

If you haven’t already, give the soundtrack a listen and buy it on iTunes. It’s the perfect album to complete your Twilight playlist. 

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Lisa Howard - The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 is out (with rave reviews) and yet we are still sitting down to chat with some of the cast. With dozens of vamps running around this movie, it's no wonder! Lisa Howard, who was the beautiful Siobhan, is the Irish Coven leader who stepped in to help the Cullen's witness to the Volturi. Check out what she had to say about the final installment in this franchise!

Can you tell us briefly how you got into acting?

I got into acting by way of singing. I started taking voice lessons at a young age and performed in show choir, but I really found my true love with musical theater. I loved movie musicals like ANNIE, THE SOUND OF MUSIC and GREASE. So, in high school I tried out and performed in a musical or play every year, getting my first taste of what acting is all about. I ended up going to the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and got a BFA in musical theater. I moved to NYC after that and have been singing and acting ever since.

You play Siobhan in the The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, part 2. Can you tell us a bit about your character (for those living under a rock and unfamiliar)?

Siobhan is the leader of the Irish Coven of vampires and is friends with Carlisle Cullen. When asked, she and her coven come to bear witness to the Volturi that the Cullends did not make an immortal child. (Which is a crime punishable by death). She is believe to have her own unique power which is the ability to will the outcome of a situation in her favor.

What was it like coming into this movie in the final film and joining a cast that had been working together for some time?

The cast was quite welcoming to all the new vampires. I think they enjoyed having some new blood around. No pun intended.

Everyone is dying to see the final fight. Rumor has it that it does not follow the book exactly. Anything you can tell us about that?

Well, at this point the movie is out in theaters, but I still wouldn't want to ruin it for someone who hasn't seen the film yet. Yes, there is a sort of twist at the end, but you'll have to see it for yourself to appreciate it!

The final fight scene has a large group of people that took part in filming it, as many different covens and nomads joined the Cullen's to face the Volturi. What was the experience like filming that scene?

We spent a LOT of time standing in that snowy field! However, it was the perfect chance for everyone to bond. I made some great new friends! Also, it was really cool to see that army of Volturi Vampires come marking toward us. Very creepy!

Do you think the final film does justice to the end of this series that the fans love so much?

Most definitely! I think Bill Condon did an amazing job with this film.

Have you seen the movie? If so, what is your opinion?

Yes, I've seen it twice now and I LOVE it.

Out of this entire saga, do you have a favorite movie or scene?

I, of course, love Breaking Dawn, part 2, but I also have a special connection to the first Twilight film that introduced us to this wonderful world.

We have to ask! Team Edward or Team Jacob?

I think I have to say Team Edward. There's just something about vampires. :-)

Aside from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, part do, do you have anything else you are working on that fans should be on the lookout for?

I'm planning on doing some concerts in the new year. You can check out my website www.lisahowardnyc.com for details on those. I also have another project in the works, it's a show called IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU, directed by David Hyde Pierce and starring myself, Tyne Daly, Harriett Harris, Richard Klein, and Edwart Hibbert. We hope to open on Broadway next fall!

Where can fans find you online? Twitter? Facebook?

Yes, you can follow me on Twitter @lisahowardnyc.

I also have a facebook fan page under Lisa Howard or you can visit my website www.lisahowardnyc.com

A HUGE thanks to Lisa Howard for joining us! Check her out in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 as Siobhan... in theaters NOW!

Breaking Dawn Kills Weekend Numbers at Box Office

In what has proven to be a huge weekend for the last installment of the Twilight franchise, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 has smashed the box office over the weekend, well and truly taking first place in the figures.

With an astounding $141.3 million in takings from opening weekend in North America alone and a massive $340.9 million worldwide, the finale of the series fell short of only one of the other movies in the series, New Moon (which took $142.8 million during it's opening).

Unsurprisingly, Skyfall, the latest James Bond movie, came in second, as many moviegoers took in the highly anticipated film, giving it a total of $41.5 million in takings.

Other movies in the top 10 included the Ben Affleck-directed thriller, Argo ($4.1 million), Taken 2 ($1.3 million) and the feel good musical comedy, Pitch Perfect ($1.3 million).

Source: Gossip Cop

Police Prevent Twilight Theater Shooting

A mother has done “a heroic thing” by reporting her son to the police and saving a screening of Breaking Dawn: Part 2 from enduring the same fate as a Colorado theater suffered while screening Dark Knight Rises back in June. 20-year-old Blaec Lammers from Bolivar, Missouri, was arrested by police and later charged with several offences, including making a terrorist threat. Bolivar Police Detective Dusty Ross said that, following his arrest, Lammers revealed to police that he had bought tickets to go and see the movie and was planning on shooting moviegoers in the theatre that night.

Det. Ross suggested the Lammers, however, had realised he might run out of ammunition and instead may have altered his plans to target a nearby Walmart. This would have allowed Lammers to break into where the ammunition is stored and continue shooting. Det. Ross mentioned that there are some people that will make threats towards other people or towards certain events, but not act on them, whereas Lammers had gone beyond that.

"He got the idea, he purchased the guns, purchased the ammo, went out and practiced using the gun, got his venue, got tickets to the venue, then thought 'Well, maybe if I run out of ammo, I need to pick a different venue.’” Det. Ross said.

While it would have been hard for a mother to report her own son, several moviegoers can be grateful that Lammers’ mother did so, as they all return safely to their homes.

Source: E! Online

MOVIE REVIEW: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2

Before we say anything... if you HAVE NOT seen this movie yet... stop reading. Turn around! Hit your back button. Anything, but read this. Spoilers are included. We'll give you a minute to consider...

For those still with us... WOW! That is probably the best way to describe the fifth installment of The Twilight Saga's movies. As someone who has seen all of them as they released, read the books, was slightly disappointed with certain aspects of the other movies, I will say that Bill Condon NAILED it. Hats off to you Mr. Condon. Round of applause!

Let's break this down a little... 

1. They finally got the hair right! After 3 movies of slightly awful hair, Breaking Dawn (1 & 2 seems they were filmed back to back) the cast looked fantastic. Bella's hair... stunning! Rosalie's didn't look like a wig. Carlisle had a brief moment where it wasn't the best, but ended up great the rest of the time. Even Jasper (Jackson Rathbone), who's hair they kept making worse as the franchise went on, was on point. About time!

2. Edward/Bella love: Could these two get any cuter? They were adorable and the writers included lots of little moments that made the big picture all that better. Adorable little smirks, kisses, touches, etc. 

3. Vamp Bella! Was she hot or was she hot? Kristen Stewart definitely pulled off the newborn, red eyed, vamp look. She's right. She was "born to be a vampire". 

4. Favorite scenes? Jacob calling Renesmee "Nessie". Arm wrestling with Emmett. Every single scene Charlie was in (Billy Burke is hilarious!). And the entire final... 30 minutes of the movie.

5. Speaking of ending: Did you jaws come unhinged? Mine rolled around on the floor of the theater along with everyone elses. You know what part I am talking about. I'm not going to spoil it (just in case there is anyone reading this that did not listen to me in the beginning and chose to read this anyway). I fully agree with RPattz though. "I can't believe they had the balls to do it!" I'm fairly certain they almost caused a riot. You know what I speak of... and I know you agree.

6. The one negative part of the movie: The creepy CGI baby Renesmee. She was creepy! SUPER creepy! I understand there is not a lot of ways to make a newborn baby have teeth, facial expressions, smile, etc, so I won't complain much. But that was the only part of the movie I can say was not fantastic!

So all in all... A++! And the tribute at the end to all the cast throughout ALL the movies... so heart warming. I'm so proud to be a Twilight fan at this moment because this movie blew me away. By far the best in the series! Great job!

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson Reunite for Breaking Dawn 2 Premiere

In their first official appearance together since Kristen Stewart's cheating scandal, the actress and co-star Robert Pattinson seem to have joined forces again and reunited.

The glamorous pair hit the red carpet for the premiere of the final installment of the Twilight franchise, Breaking Dawn 2 looking every inch the stars that they are.

Stewart chose a pale Zuhair Murad gown while Pattinson looked polished in Gucci. While neither of them have confirmed the status of their relationship, Stewart recently said she was going to keep people guessing when asked by Today host Savannah Guthrie if the couple were back together after Stewart's affair with Rupert Sanders, the man who directed her in Snow White and the Huntsman.

Regardless, both stars looked fantastic at the premiere and we wish them success beyond the Twilight empire.

Source: E! Online

NEW STILLS: Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn, Part 2

Summit Entertainment has released eight new stills for the upcoming release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, part 2, in theaters on November 16th, 2012. We gotta say... Bella looks amazing!

COURTESY OF SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT

"Breaking Dawn Part 2" Jacob meets Renesmee

Here is still from "Breaking Dawn Part 2" where Jacob meets Bella's daughter Renesmee.

Taylor Lautner who plays Jacob admits that people think the bond between his character and Renesmee is"creepy."

Because of Jacob's "imprinting," he is  tied to the child which is played by Mackenzie Foy. Jacob will be a protective, older-brother to Renesmee until she matures.

A part that is not seen in the book is that Renesmee grows rapidly, and will appear 17 when she's actually only seven years old.

"Everybody likes to tease me about it. I laugh along with them, but it's important for me to keep in my mind that it's as simple as a lifelong bond. It's not nearly as creepy as everybody likes to joke," Lautner said in his Entertainment Weekly interview.

"Breaking Dawn Part 2" arrives in theaters on November 16th.

SOURCE: People

Extended Teaser for "Breaking Dawn Part 2"

Here is the full (extended) teaser for "Breaking Dawn Part 2:"





The last part in "The Twilight Saga" is set to be released on November 16th, 2012.

SOURCES: Video; IMDb