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Thursday, February 4, 2010

Movie Review: The Lovely Bones


The Lovely Bones
DreamWorks SKG
136 mins
January 15, 2010
Rated: PG-13

I enjoyed The Lovely Bones so much when I read it this summer, that I couldn’t wait for the movie to come out. You can read my review here. I had prepared to go see it December 11th with my boyfriend and his parents – and right before we went, I found out it was limited release, and not showing near me. Talk about depressed. So I waited another month until it came out to a wider audience and I wasn’t let down.

The casting was impeccable – not one poorly selected role. Stanley Tucci as bad guy Mr. Harvey was AMAZING! He looks nothing like his usual roles, and I have to tell you, he scared me in the two big scenes. I also enjoyed Susan Sarandon as Grandma Lynn – she had me absolutely cracking up. The trailer below highlights Tucci and Sarandon who I think had the best roles.



The plot was halfway decent. It stuck to the details of the book, but as is typical of page-to-screen transitions, a lot of things were left out. Most reviews point out the fact that the main issue of the rape of Susie Salmon is completely neglected. It is, but you sort of get the impression from the mood and characterization. My problem was not with the fact that this was left out – my problem was that the last half of the movie felt squished into the time remaining. There was a lot more to Susie’s afterlife world that was not explored and her connection with Ray and Ruth (which was significant in the book) was sort of glossed over. They also didn’t develop why Susie’s mother left – she just left, and then came back – it didn’t have the same effect.

Overall, I really did enjoy this movie – I think that if you have read the book first, you will be able to fill in the blanks and enjoy it. For those who haven’t seen the movie – there will be gaps that feel like something is missing. If you need a reason to see it, go for the amazing characters by equally amazing actors.


There is a giveaway going on at Lions and Men for a paperback copy of the book The Lovely Bones. Check it out.




Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court

3 comments:

  1. Heather, I haven't read the book, so do you suppose I'll enjoy it- cause I was really looking forward to going to see this? (I,ve learned the hard way that it's better to watch a movie first and then read the book...then vice versa;)

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  2. I've read the book and remember I liked it, but it was a LONG time ago ! I probably want to reread the book before seeing the movie again. The books are always so much better ! Thanks for the review.

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  3. I really liked the book when I read it, but have been hesitant to see the movie. Not only because I loath the movie theater, but also because they never turn out as good and after reading a recent review that complained about Peter Jackson focusing too much on the visual aspects then the story confirms my hesitation. BUT, since you liked it, I think I'll give it a try and rent it when it comes out.

    Thanks for the review Heather!!!

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