Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this next-to-last installment in the Twilight series is sure to attract throngs of tween, teen, and adult fans of the book-and-film phenomenon. But parents of tweens and younger teens should know that this adaptation faithfully follows the book's mature, disturbing storyline concerning an extremely dangerous pregnancy. Although the action-based violence is mostly confined to a couple of werewolf vs. vampire skirmishes, the birth scene is like something out of a horror film; it's brimming with blood and gore and agonizing pain (though still less than what was in the book). Also, after three movies of abstinence, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) finally consummate their relationship in a bed-breaking honeymoon scene that shows a lot of skin but nothing R-rated. Families wary of discussing abortion or family planning should know that much of the film deals with those issues. There are also some sad/poignant goodbye scenes.

Sexual Content

After sharing a couple of passionate kisses and getting married, Bella and Edward finally consummate their relationship on their honeymoon. Viewers see bare backs and other flashes of skin as Bella and Edward skinny dip (backs, chests, and a quick glimpse of Bella's breasts from the side as she embraces Edward), make out passionately in the water, and then move to the bed; there are also breathing sounds, lingerie shots, etc., and Edward is seen on top of Bella and consequently breaks the bedframe with his passion (he also bruises Bella). On another occasion, Bella has a sexy dream and wakes up pleading with Edward to make love. She also wears pretty skimpy lingerie and swimsuits. After the honeymoon, the romance is limited to one quick glimpse of the wolves and their mates kissing on the beach and some chaste embraces.

Violence

(Note: Potential spoiler alerts.) Although, action-wise, this isn't the most violent of the Twilight movies, the extended and unforgettably bloody birth sequence seems straight out of a horror movie (though it's still far less bloody than the description in the book). There's also lots of pain during this scene, including scalpel cuts, the sound of breaking bones, and many screams. At one point, viewers briefly see Edward biting his way through Bella's uterus; he then pulls out the bloody baby, while Bella is also covered in blood and seems about to die. Edward then attempts to revive her with his venom by biting her on all of her pulse points. Bella looks frighteningly emaciated and on death's door throughout her pregnancy, and there are a few minutes when it seems she actually has died. There are several conversations about abortion, "getting rid" of the pregnancy, and "fetus" vs. "baby" debates. Bella drinks blood on several occasions like it's a milkshake. The wolves fight each other and, in one scene, the Cullens. Jacob looks poised to beat Edward up on a couple of occasions and even agrees to kill him should Bella die in childbirth. A brief cameo by the Volturi shows their humorous (to them) decision to have a human employee killed; in a bloody nightmare sequence, the Voluturi also kill many key characters -- their bodies are shown. A flashback shows Edward violently biting and killing three unsavory men.

Language

Less swearing than most PG-13 movies. Words include "pissed off," "crap," "bloodsucker," "damn," and "hell."

Social Behavior

Bella doesn't rely on Edward to make an important, possibly self-sacrificing choice for her (having their baby). And despite the controversial pregnancy, the movie offers a positive outlook on what constitutes a "family" and how love can take many different forms. But Bella and Edward's marriage remains a sticky issue, since it's not widely considered a good idea for teens to consider marriage right out of high school.

Consumerism

The entire Cullen household is outfitted with Apple computers, Bella and Edward drive around in a Volvo (a car that's also available in real life), and there's a Tampax product placement. Off-camera, the movie franchise has huge merchandising tie-ins with cosmetics, apparel, accessories, toys, and more (even wedding dresses!).

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Adults enjoy champagne (Bella's parents a bit too much) at Bella and Edward's posh wedding reception.