The Lovely Bones - (2009)
I was surprised when I first heard that Peter Jackson was going to be directing this. Yes, this movie has a beautiful fantasy in its midst, but not enough that I thought he would attach his name to this? I am not complaining, though. :)
This film is about young Susie's tragic death at the hands of her neighbor, and how her loved ones learn to move on after her passing.
I loved the book. I wish I could find my copy so I could reread it after seeing this, actually. But it's an incredible read, both quick and beautiful.
Having looked through other reviews of this film, I see that many believe that this is an awful adaptation. I disagree. Yes, there are MANY changes. But it's still a gorgeous film. Jackson's directing style was surprisingly appropriate. I would not have expected him to be able to properly shoot a more realistic thriller, I suppose? I mean the "In-Between" shots did not surprise me at all, those were stereotypical Jackson style. But WOW.
And may I say that I was impressed with Mark Wahlberg? I am normally not a fan - I think he has a weird forehead, and seems bland (as I discussed with many friends last night after I FINALLY saw Date Night). I look forward to seeing more of Saoirse Ronan, and Stanley Tucci really WAS amazing. I mean I've liked him in his other works, so I don't know why I seemed to be expecting it to be different this time. But he was SO incredibly creepy. If only there had been more Susan Sarandon and Rachel Weisz.
I did have a problem, though, with the soundtrack. Parts of it seemed Enya-esque. Now, I love Enya. Butttttt, it almost took away from the serious and tragic feel of the movie with light and airy blabbering.
(Completely off-topic, but I was creeped out during this film when many places I know and have been to are mentioned... Ugh.)
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆