Mindy's Movie Reviews

A blog that went from discussing about the writing life to reviews of movies

Review: The Lovely Bones (Movie)

I promised myself to try to write more reviews this year. I recently finished reading The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold just in time for me to see the movie. I wanted to give my first review a try with comparing the movie and the novel. So I apologize for a not so good review. It is my first.....and I strongly believe practice makes perfect. (Hopefully by December they'll be great hehe) Enjoy!

The Lovely Bones Movie

* * * out of 5

When I went to the movies to see this particular movie I wasn't sure about how the movie would turn out. As the movie began I was immediately drawn into the fictional story of a 14 year old girl, Susie Salmon, who was murdered by her neighbour on December 6 1973. Though a few tears fell upon my face as Susie Salmon was lured by a monsterous murderer named George Harvey into homemade contraption in the middle of a cornfield, the images and the storyline blended beautifully. The portrayal of Susie's heaven were beyond remarkable.

However I found the movie did not stay true to the essence of the book, which is acceptable in my view as movies and books are completely different. There were many plot holes in the second part of the movie in which I will not mention as I do not want to give anything away. Though I will be the first to admit that I went to the movie to see Mark Wahlberg (I just adore him for no known reason...okay he's hot) the acting was a bit stale in some parts among all the characters, including him. I found there just wasn't enough of all the characters and found that the story line seemed to be rushed.

On a high note, there was one character/actor who blew me away. Stanley Tucci did an incredible job in my view, of playing George Harvey. I am used to seeing this actor in more light hearted roles and was surprised to find out he was to play this character. Reading the book, I always found the character of Mr. Harvey to be a dark creepy fellow. In the movie I personally believed Stanley Tucci did a wonderful job with that particular character making George Harvey come alive and become more creepy than ever. He was rightfully nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture during the Golden Globes. If you ever get to see the movie you will definitely see why. There are just no words to describe his performance.

4 comments:

Unknown January 19, 2010 at 9:10 AM  

I really want to go see this movie as I read the book this past year as well. Though now I'm afraid I'd have nightmares about George Harvey! LOL

Thanks for the Review!

TerryLynnJohnson January 19, 2010 at 10:08 AM  

This was interesting to read. Personally, I thought the beginning of the book was remarkable. LOVED the first 1/3 of the book. But then it went off on a weird tangent for me and I almost didn't finish it. I really,really disliked the book. So I was not planning to see the movie. I did enjoy your thought on it though! Thanks.

Mindy January 19, 2010 at 2:44 PM  

Thanks for your comments! Yeah I find it is a book and movie for a certain acquired taste.... I am a sucker for thrillers, dramas and stuff like this so I sucked this one up lol

katrinia17 February 8, 2010 at 6:07 PM  

I have to agree, I loved the first part of the book but it did run off and drag along. Then the ending was just...odd. It was poetry in novel form which is what kept me going but eh...

As for the movie, I think I'll wait to rent.