Bill Condon’s “Twilight: Breaking Dawn — Part I,” based on the final novel of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight Saga,” has finally arrived… “Twilight: Breaking Dawn — Part I”

Directed By: Bill Condon

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner

Grade: A-

Bill Condon’s “Twilight: Breaking Dawn — Part I,” based on the final novel of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight Saga,” has finally arrived. Every “Twilight” fan has waited with bated breath, but can the movie supply enjoyment for even those who haven’t read the book or kept up with the films?

Unfortunately, it can’t. A significant drawback concerns moviegoers who aren’t familiar with the previous movies.

In this installment, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) get married and suddenly find themselves preparing for the arrival of a baby. Meanwhile, the Quileute werewolves and the Volturi vampires plan to eliminate the unborn child, who poses a potential threat to all of them.

The storyline depends heavily on the assumption that the audience has followed the story from its very beginning. For a causal audience member, several questions and plot gaps will deter comprehension. Watching the first three “Twilight” movies beforehand is advised. To appreciate the first half of the first installment of “Breaking Dawn,” it’s necessary to see the preceding movies.

The intense graphics provide captivating visuals to accompany the complex plot. To balance the aesthetic beauty of the film, Condon carefully crafts scenes of intense action. The conflict between the werewolves and vampires escalates, and werewolf Jacob (Taylor Lautner) turns against his own family to save Bella.

The three main characters, Bella, Jacob and Edward, have developed considerably since the first movie — the relationship between them has matured. Edward grows to  appreciate the special relationship Jacob and Bella share. Pattinson’s acting to convey this acceptance was dull, but situationally appropriate. Even Stewart’s action has improved. She’s finally eliminated the awkwardness of her character and really learned how to present Bella on an authentic and relatable platform. Lautner moved from being the movie’s eye candy to becoming a character with substance. There is suddenly a notable, intense passion driving his character; his emotions don’t seem fabricated, but instead, they come across as real as this fantasy world permits.

Condon does an excellent job exploring themes of marriage, love and pregnancy in the movie via sporadic vivid dreams and hallucinations. A remarkable point he proficiently conveys is Bella and Edward’s marriage before any attempt to have children. This is in shocking contrast to programs on television like MTV’s “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant;” the media shows us plenty of babies, but rarely love or real commitment.

Overall, “Breaking Dawn — Part 1” is excellent, especially if you are looking for love, hate, action and even a little comedy. By keeping the audience on edge with several suspenseful moments, the movie created a powerful and thrilling atmosphere — a good way to attract viewers for the coming Part 2. The  movie is a must-see; it will urge you to see the second installment and maybe even rewatch the first three movies of the Twilight saga.