Movie review: 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 'Part 2'

Bella doesn't get much time to adjust to motherhood or revel in her inhuman speed — an effect the filmmakers still haven't satisfactorily mastered — before the ruling coven, the Volturi, and its wily leader, Aro (Michael Sheen, who again proves to be the saga's standout performer), accuse the Cullens of an unpardonable crime.

Aware that the bloodsucking rulers are en route with execution orders, the Cullens assemble a group of their vampire pals to stand with them against the Volturi. Their allies include fellow human-friendly vamps Tanya and Kate (MyAnna Buring and Casey LaBow), nomadic Revolutionary War veteran Garrett (Chickasha-born Lee Pace, who rivals Sheen with his all-in turn), temperamental naysayer Alistair (Joe Anderson), mighty Amazon warriors Zafrina and Senna (Judith Shekoni and Tracey Heggins) and charming but powerful Egyptian Benjamin (Rami Malek), who can control the elements.

As the factions face off in a snowy field outside Bella's home of Forks, Wash., Condon and Co. deliver a reasonably satisfying conclusion to “The Twilight Saga” that might even get non-fans' blood pumping. Then, the runtime-padding end credits paying tribute to the franchise's expansive cast bring it all home for the “Twihards.”

— Brandy McDonnell