The "Saga" comes to a close

Eventually, it had to come to an end. The final battles were fought and young girls across America breathed a collective sigh of relief. After nearly a year of waiting, the civil war among “Twilight” fans, pitting Team Edward against Team Jacob, was laid to rest.

Huge crowds packed movie theaters across the country as “Breaking Dawn – Part 2” made its big screen debut. There were late-night showings on Nov. 15, as well as midnight showings on Nov. 16, the film’s official release date.

“I’ve been waiting in line for about an hour to buy tickets and I’m not even one of the hardcore fans.” said Shezeen Rehmani, wearing her “Twilight” T-shirt, at the film’s midnight screening. “There are people here who have been waiting around for hours just for the theater to open.”

Throughout the many premieres in countries across the world, the buzz was evident. Fans ranged from screaming preteen girls to female college students to middle-aged women and the occasional, less-enthusiastic guy. Some colleges, such as George Mason University, chose to organize and sponsor shuttles to and from the theater for students on premiere night.

“For me, it’s about the experience, not the movie itself,” said Tavia Adams, a Mason student who took advantage of the university's provided shuttle. “I’ve read all the books. I already know what happens in the storyline. I’m here to see it played out visually and then talk about it with everyone. That’s the best part.”

Many students felt like Adams, in regards to the theatrical experience. The “Twilight” novels were published from 2005 to 2008 and avid fans go to see the movies to enjoy the cross-platform experience.

Similar to other saga-ending films, such as “Harry Potter,” the last novel in the series was broken into two parts to increase suspense and give the fan base a foretaste of the climatic finale.

“I’m sure I’ll see it more than once. I feel like you have to watch it a couple times to catch onto everything that happens,” said Ama Kusi, a self-proclaimed “Twi-Hard,” or diehard Twilight fan. “That probably sounds crazy, but there are a lot of hidden moments that you don’t catch the first time.”

And fans did just that.

“Breaking Dawn – Part 2” reigned triumphant at the weekend box office with more than $140 million, in domestic profits, and $340 million, worldwide. Although it wasn’t the highest number that the franchise has seen, it was still a huge opening weekend. The movie topped other big-name box office draws, such as "Skyfall," starring Daniel Craig, and "Lincoln," starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

While many of the films’ stars saw the ending as bittersweet, other people were happy that “Twilight” had run its course.

“My wife drags me along to these premieres every year around Thanksgiving,” said Joe Fuller, a 25-year-old Chantilly resident, standing in line at Fairfax’s Rave Cinemas surrounded by women waiting for the late-night screening. “I always feel out of place. So, this year, I’m thankful that I never have to go to see ‘Twilight’ again.”