I Can Protect You
BeautifulBallad recently saw a screening of Screen Gems’ The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Based on the best-selling book by Casssandra Clare, the movie is set in contemporary New York City, where a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of young half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect the world from demons.
After the disappearance of her mother (Lena Headey), Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters, who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld, filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures.
The casting in this movie was fantastic. Jamie Campbell Bower did a wonderful job of bringing to life Jace’s dry sense of humor and cocky personality. Robert Sheehan, who played Clary’s best friend Simon, brought some much needed humor to the film with his perfect comedic timing and facial expressions. I especially enjoyed the scenes involving both Jamie and Robert. The two played off of each other really well.
The action sequences throughout the film will keep you on the edge of your seat. As it was stated by the director, Harald Zwart, they tried to use the real actors as much as possible in the stunt scenes and I believe this decision really paid off for them in the end.
The score was great and had a good mix of instrumental and lyrical songs featured in the movie. Demi Lovato fans will be happy to know that her single, “Heart By Heart” is featured in the movie and, at least for me, came at the perfect part. Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes’ song “Almost Is Never Enough” is featured during the end credits.
The only negative would be the how underused the secondary characters were. Magnus Bane, (Godfrey Gao), Alec (Kevin Zegers) and Isabelle (Jemima West) were barely in the film and when they were there was no explanation as to who they were.
Overall, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is breath of fresh air when it comes to young adult film adaptations. Whether you are a fan of the book or not, I think you will walk out of the theater having enjoyed this movie.
Grade: B+