Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones

This deserved much more than it was given. With it coming out about the time of Hunger Games unfortunately that left a mark. I have made it a rule not to leave too harsh of reviews on works because in a negative world there will be enough but here I am going to ditch my own rules. This movie follows Clary into a realm she did not know existed where werewolves, demons, fairies, warlocks and more all exist. If you like movies that are mythical, dangerous and courageous this is it. The Mortal Instruments City of Bones follows these amazing books very closely. The actors are young and extremely talented. I was blown away with the young talent in this movie.The screen play is written very well. I was devastated when they did not pursue making the second movie. They sighted a profit loss which they did have for a time but since then, this movie has proven itself to go beyond many movies profits. Now since the series has been released from these books, I challenge anyone to watch the movie and then the series. Here is where I kill my rules. The series may have talent (all except the lead female's crying scenes.) But cheesy lines, timing that is off make it very hard to watch. Not that they don't have talent, Magnus Bane (char) and Alec Lightwood(Char) are two very amazing actors and hold up the rest but yet so far they have taken Alec way out of character (along with others) from the book. It is horrible to think what used to be ABC family, might have used for a reason. Lets look at our leading male. He is in one of Taylor Swift's videos, so you know he is hot but... He is supposed to be cocky and arrogant here is where the screenplay lacks. Being cocky and arrogant is not giving your character nice lines, letting everyone know that he is caring but having a wide stance with his arms slightly out from his body. (Even when his body is that nice, we don't stand like we have football pads on.) This is not the actors fault they do have talent, it is lacking direction. (my opinion.) If we have to endure this series lets get it back to the book. Clary is strong, not an airhead and for Gods sake she can cry without making you cringe. But I will stick to my original statement, watch City of Bones then watch the series. You will agree that this movie was under-rated and deserves next movie up with original screen writers. And then ditch the series until re-writes and maybe someone to help with timing comes along. The movie has a cast that includes: Lilly Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Lena Headey and Jemima West - you are in for a great movie.

I will start of by saying that I never read any of the ‘Mortal’ books nor was aware of the movie production of it, actually of the series entirely. I only saw the Movie teaser /trailer on youtube early this year and thought “I must see this when it comes out in August cause it looks awesome…” Well after about month after the release date I still haven’t found time to go and see it on the big screen, however I was becoming aware of all the ‘negative press talk’ and really negative stuff from fans of the series, which faze me not at all. I will take people’s opinion and views into consideration but I will always make my own judgement, so I had to see this movie that looked awesome but had such a negative tone attached to it. Okay….take ‘Constantine, Interview with the Vampire, & The Craft’ and fused it all together and you have ‘The Mortal Instrument – City of Bones’. I love the 90’s gothic feel it had, it wasn’t gruesomely dark yet dark enough to make it mysterious and seductive. I loved it!!! Loved the cast, loved the directing, love the special effects and loved the chemistry between the leading actors! I must admit I am now a fan, not a fanatic one, which is absolutely fine if you are one, annnnnd…I’m sure I would be too if I was still in my teens, however I’m a fan enough to start reading the books now….and I have just finished reading the ‘City of Bone’. Annnd I have to say I can now see why the fan’s were so disappointed and what they meant by the movie is totally different from the book. Well it’s true it’s different but only different in the sequence of events taking place that didn’t happen in the order of the book, but everything else in the book that they could fit in was there in the Movie. The ‘back and forth’ between Jace and Clary in the books was hilarious to read. The chemistry between the two was strange, unpredictable, at times conflicting, but witty, strong yet underneath all that…sweet and loving. I guess I’m a romantic LOL and it would have been great to see more of Jace and Clary’s dialog seen in the movie because there is no denying the on screen chemistry there. There was also QUAILTY acting in this movie, which is why they all landed the part because although they may not all look like the characters or even resemble them (some), there was a defiant essence of the characters in all the actors that just showed on the screen. So now when I’m reading the books, and am glad I can put a clear face to all the characters, I might add a little height here and there or change the colours of their eyes but everything else is already paved for me (thanks to the movie adaptation). The reason why the Movie wasn’t a box office hit is… 1) the marketing was really wrong, because the movie has a dark undertone that works will with older audience, which they forgot to consider to market because I wouldn’t have known of the movie hadn’t I stumble on by the movie trailer. 2) to keep the fans of the books they should have somehow or at least kept it in sequence to the books, you can still cut things out but keep the sequence because that was what they did with the Potter series, they cut out a lot but kept the sequence. 3) I’m sure there is a third and maybe a fourth but that’s was all I thought that was out of alignment. The movie was great and so was the book and if the supernatural fantasy world is your interest, be your own verdict and check it out! I did and loved the movie. Hey…they movie got me reading the books. Cassandra Claire may have disappointed a lot of fan even lost some, she’s simultaneously gaining a whole lot of new fans --- a little older though hehehehe… look forward to the MOVIE sequeal!!!

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie. The casting was perfect. The actors really embodied their character-counterparts and brought them to life. Jace was just as overconfident and funny in the books, and Simon was SPOT-ON! He looked and acted exactly how I pictured him in my head. I will admit, I was sort of disappointed in Magnus - I was expecting more sparkle, but I suppose he did OK. I really appreciated that the storyline and plot was swift without feeling rushed. Anyone who hasn't read the books would have an easy time following the story. They didn't go as in-depth on the shadowhunter history, but they touched on all the highlights that were important to the story for everyone to understand even if they didn't read the books. I like that they sometimes went "off script" from the book sometimes. For example, I liked the way they flipped the sequence of the poetry reading and the club. It somehow made more sense to me that way. I thought it was hilarious when Simon met Jace and he asked if he was the gatekeeper and alluded to the keymaster (from the original Ghostbusters movie). I felt that it gave the movie a funny & ironic twist. Another thing I liked about going off-book-script was the whole "rat scene" that was omitted from the movie that was in the book. I realize the importance of that part in the book, but I think the CGI execution of that would have been ridiculous, so I'm glad they didn't go through with it. There were a few things that weren't my favorite: * I didn't like that they gave away some information in this first movie that didn't come out until later books (2 & 3). I suppose it isn't a HUGE deal, but when I was reading the books I remember thinking "OMG ! THAT'S what's wrong with Clary's mom!!!" or finding out what Valentine really did to Clary & Jace before they were born. Minor details, but they irked me nonetheless. * Magnus was kind of boring. When he was talking to Clary at the party, I felt like he was reading the book to me. Despite that, I REALLY enjoyed the movie - even with the "twist" ending. I've heard that the City of Ashes movie has been shelved "indefinitely" because this movie hasn't been a blow-away box office hit, but I really hope they pursue filming City of Ashes. They did a fantastic job on City of Bones and I would definitely see City of Ashes if they filmed it.

"What?! She did not just say that!" I know book fans of The Mortal Instruments will want to deliver a thumbs down from the moment they read the title... But please, hear me out. (: I own and have read the entire series, that has thus far, been released. I definitely did not love the first book but it was enjoyable enough. I read the others only because they were given to me as a gift. Then I felt like they went downhill from there. The author started out okay, but it quickly began to feel like 'a money maker' to me. Forcing stories, characters not staying dead, dragging out pointless plots... Anyway, as for the movie... I almost always prefer the book over the movie, as I think most readers do. But because I felt, "meh" about the book, the movie won out this time around. It did feel darker and scarier than the book, and maybe that is my own imagination of the feared to blame. They kept with the book for the most part, but did change several details that made me cock my head to the side. (i.e. the creature in the apartment, the final showdown location, clary seeing that mark in the beginning and writing it all over her room, Simon getting bit was in a later book etc.) The actors did a great job. Jace wasn't as attractive in my opinion as he was written in the book. BUT, he did grow on me. Lily Collins was gorgeous and awesome as Clary. It was suspenseful and action packed almost the entire time. There was only a sprinkle of romance, so don't expect a bunch of make-out scenes and sappy love stories. I sigh regrettably, as my brother would cheer. It had laugh-out-loud-in-the-theatre moments. (Even some that weren't meant to be funny. Ahem. Cough. Portal Scene.) If you have seen it, you know what I'm talking about. Nerdy Simon was perfect and a great comedy relief amongst a series of serious events. Me and my group were all pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed this movie. You may not love it, but whether you have read the book or not, it is definitely a good watch for any of you mundanes. ;) Shadowhunter out. :)

For those of you who didn't read the book, City of Bones, this movie may seem a bit confusing to you. This film is kind of like a cliff notes version of the book. Certainly they had to cut things out of the nearly 500 page novel, but some key moments are simply touched upon with a line or two, making the movie a bit confusing at times. Clary Fray (Lily Collins) is a seemingly normal girl, who for some reason can't stop drawing a symbol. When she starts asking about the symbol, she is pulled into a world she never knew existed. As it turns out, Clary is keeping secrets, secrets she doesn't even know she has. It's those secrets that will eventually put her life, and the lives of everyone she knows, in danger. At first, the two main characters seem like they are completely different and won't have any chemistry at all, but as time goes on, they learn they're more alike than they think. Once their on the same page, the story really takes off. Lily Collins (Abduction, The Blind Side) really takes hold of her character and gives the film a strong female lead, that rivals Katniss Everdeen. Collins is paired with British heart-throb, Jamie Campbell Bower, who is a lot more than eye candy. I'd never seen Bower in anything, except bit parts in Twilight and Harry Potter, but the guy has some serious fighting skills. Bower is another one who at first doesn't seem to fit, but in the end really helps to make this film something special. To answer the big question about City of Bones, no, it is not as good as the book and you really shouldn't have expected it to be. The novel is massive and has entire parts that simply couldn't be transferred to the big screen. Some things were left out that shouldn't have been, while some of the more fast paced scenes were extended for the screen. All in all, I thought this movie was a pretty good representation of an excellent novel and a great film to include in your next movie night.

Before I sat down in theaters to see the film, I was nervous they were going to butcher it--like so many book-to-movie adaptations nowadays. THANKFULLY, I was pleasantly surprised! I am very critical of adaptations since I write creatively myself...the scriptwriter and director really brought the author's world to life--not their version of her ideas. It is very easy to see they consulted her on big and small details. I found that each of the actors were brilliant in their roles. Each of them morphed into the book characters I love so well. Lilly Collins was such a strong Clary. The character's bravery shined through it all. She is also believable as a young girl whose whole world has collapsed--She did not overact her shock or pain, it did not dominate her performance, and her rawness was refreshing. Lilly displayed that Clary was not a weak heroine, and she was not going to sit back and break (unlike in another teen series) I have heard grumblings online that many do not like Jamie, but I think it was PERFECT casting; he became Jace! I had hoped he could manage it, and he did not disappoint me. His acting had depth and portrayed Jace's multi-layered personality. The scenes where he was vulnerable with Clary really impressed me--it is far more challenging to act deep emotion than stoic strength. That British dry-humor benefitted his perfectly-delivered one-liners. I was so happy that they put so much into the film; it showed how much the team respected it. With certain sets, like the library, my mouth dropped open in the theater--the special effects were amazing! On a final note: the ending is a different than the book--Now before you go away in disgust--I think it really benefitted the film. It helped nonreaders to have more understanding, AND it opened a door for some greater tension in the next films. I NEVER EVER condone big changes, but this one made sense to me. I really have nothing negative to report and I hope those book-fans who were wary to see it will give it a chance.

This movie is an absolute treat for fans of the TMI books series! There's no way you won't enjoy seeing this gorgeous cast portray our beloved characters really, darn accurately for a book-adapted movie. The leads are especially impressive--Lily Collins not only looks perfectly the part of the petite, pretty and spunky Clary, she really acts the part, making Clary both every-girl relatable (with keen curiosity, intelligence, playfulness and self-motivation) and also believably brave, resourceful and able to make decisions/take actions of her own volition, guided by her own morals and priorities (which *shock* don't all revolve around her love for the brooding, hot guy who's just rolled into her life as in certain other YA series...). She's a truly engaging actress and definitely has the sort of on-screen presence that can carry a movie centered on her. Speaking of brooding hot guys--Jamie Campbell Bower IS JACE. Whatever about the cheekbones or physical appearance that might not perfectly coincide with your mental image of Jace--Jamie has the character of Jace down PAT. (SO RELIEVED he was able to deliver Jace's many memorable, hilarious one-liners just perfectly! Simon too, actually~~) He brings to life Jace's effortless charm, wry wit, intelligent ruthlessness and even the unexpected little moments of gentleness/kindness that make Jace such an interesting, lovable character. Plus the physicality--dang, he DOES move with sleek, cat-like grace in the movie, and his fight scenes are INTENSE. My co-workers (non-book fans) who came with me to see the film were a bit "meh" about it overall (but they are soulless corporate types, so very little impresses them), and even they commented that they were surprised and pleased at how hard-hitting the action scenes were. The fact that Jamie did all his own stunts just makes it even more impressive. :) Wish I could go as in-depth on how awesome the rest of the cast was with portraying their respective characters, but in the interest of time/not boring you to death, suffice to say that every one of them owns their characters, GETS their characters, and looks ridiculously attractive while playing said characters (okay, Valentine being the exception--he's very different from the book version, but John Rhys-Meyer does a great job selling his own vision of the character (i.e. a completely Nucking Futs Valentine with a raw, animalistic ferocity to him)). Also, just have to say--Simon is HILARIOUS (and yet heartfelt/sympathetic), Isabelle is SO KICKASS IT KILLS ME WITH JOY, and Godfrey-Magnus is seriously A SIGHT TO BEHOLD. He may have a small language barrier (and I think they dubbed over him to smooth it out? It's pretty seamless in the movie), but his physicality/screen presence is so powerful! (also, the tenderness with which he reached out to Alec at the end~~ very believable!) I'm just so pleased with the cast~~~~ As for the movie itself, I'll admit it did run a little long for a movie of this genre for non-book fans. Also, considering HOW MUCH INFORMATION and how many twists are revealed over the course of a book, I realize now it might have been a little over-ambitious to try to squeeze it all into one movie. Again, for book fans, it's no problem to follow along since we already know all the intricacies of the story/world, but for first-timers, I think it was difficult for them to grasp all the necessary info on a first viewing. I give props to the script adapter and director for making sure intellectually that everything was explained, even if only in a brief line of dialogue. But again, I'd imagine only the book fans would be attuned enough with the world/source material to catch everything on a first viewing. Also--there are just so MANY cool ideas in this world (i.e. Cassandra Clare wrote a book where lots of interesting things are done/discussed, unlike certain other YA series that can easily fit all their "content" into an under-2-hour-long movie). I understand why the writer and director wanted to squeeze it all in (and again, as a book fan, I'm really thankful for it), but I do wonder if the movie suffered as a movie because of all that. So overall, I feel like Harald and the crew made an AMAZING and loving/faithful adaptation of Cassie's fabulous book for film, and the cast did an equally loving/faithful job understanding and bringing each of her characters to life in a way that's very close to her vision. It is 100% a treat for the book fans. As for everyone else, it's a slightly tougher experience because the movie is so long and dense with info/plot that it's hard to take in on one sitting. I do encourage non-book fans to give it a try, however, and more than one viewing, if possible--you will undoubtedly get more the second time around and, I have a feeling, ultimately find this story very worthwhile/rewarding in the end. And anyway, the action, adventure and humor will make it fun even the first time around--give it a try! :D

A thoroughly under appreciated rendition of this story. The actors who portray the characters more than make up for any liberties the screenwriters took with the plot of the book. Also in terms of effects, costuming and atmosphere, this film does not disappoint. Those who had a problem with this film will be sorry they didn't embrace it when they have to settle for the under cooked and limp noodle that ABC Family will be serving up soon as "Shadowhunters," an ill conceived, lackluster, shallow misconception of the series which will be all we have to look forward to as a live action version of this wonderful universe. I think it's important to separate books from the films that are made from them, or else you would never be able to appreciate a film told from a book ever again!! This one is a far more faithful interpretation than some of the Harry Potter films, in my opinion, so I really don't understand why it wasn't a success. Unfortunately, the public and the critics decided to pan this lovely film, and now we are stuck with a vastly inferior product, instead of the sequel to this film with these wonderful actors that we will never get now. Ugh!!! I am so sick of people being too picky to appreciate a good thing when they see it. Do yourself a favor and ignore the less than favorable reviews. Give this film a chance. You won't regret it. You'll only regret you missed it when it came out, like I do. Because if we had supported it then, we might get our sequel, instead of "Shadowhunters; Isabelle Turns Into a slut, Jace a thug and Clary an Airhead."