November 18, 2011
by Jon Heacock
The opening weekend for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 looks to be big one as midnight screenings have already brought in a total of $30.25 million for the franchise. This is the highest midnight gross for the series so far and is leading many to an estimate of a $160 million, record-breaking opening weekend. By comparison, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 had a midnight opening of $43.5 million and a weekend total of $169 million, currently the record for an opening weekend. If the predictions hold true, this installment in the tale of Bella, Edward and Jacob will see itself among the top 3 biggest weekend openings of all time.
The beginning of the two-part conclusion includes many moments Twi-Hard fans have been waiting to see on screen, namely Bella and Edward’s wedding, honeymoon and the birth of their child. But in spite of massive expectations from fans, critics seem to be in agreement on the latest Twilight chapter. Metacritic.com gives the film a score of 45 out of 100, with users giving it mostly unfavorable reviews as well. Rottentomatoes.com clocks in with 26% good reviews, citing slow pacing and laughable scenes that were otherwise intended to be serious. Roger Ebert writes that the film is, “absorbing, if somewhat slow-paced, and has without doubt the most blood-curdling scene of live childbirth in a PG-13 movie.” Hardcore fans likely already know the gruesome details of that scene.
Criticisms aside, the Twilight franchise is set to continue setting and breaking box office records thanks to its legions of faithful followers. With excitement reaching its height while the films are nearing their end, the release of Breaking Dawn – Part 2 next year will likely smash even the totals set this weekend
(Box office estimates and totals from movies.com and boxofficemojo.com)
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