26 August 2013

The Mortal Instruments - The City of Bones

The world of the supernatural continues to captivate audiences worldwide and why go to the cinema other than to escape into the wonders of another world? 'The Mortal Instruments - City of Bones' gives you the escapism you desire. Angels, witches, demons, vampires and werewolves and a Van Helsing high-breed known in this world as 'Shadow Hunters'.

So where to begin? - I find myself saying in the thoughts of Clary Fray (Lily Collins) after her mother is taken to another dimension and she finds out she has demon hunting blood coursing through her adolescent veins! Phew that's a lot to take in and oh she starts seeing people that no one else can - yep that would be the point I would start to worry. But fear not this teenage girl sure knows how to fight off some dodgy CGI generated demons with a frying pan. Ok, the effects weren't that bad but maybe that was down to the fact that no major production studios funded it - expect entertainment one. Despite that this film creates magic, tension, a few jumpy moments and is a fantastical, stylish feature in every sense. When her evil daddy comes back to claim what he thinks is rightfully his which was last seen in the possession of Clary's mother Jocelyn (Lena Headley) - this is when it starts to get a bit intense. A little too much sword fighting (although great swords, plus these guys look great wielding them!) and not enough time devoted to the history behind these 'Shadow Hunters'. I wanted more. But I do suppose it was aimed at a 'Twilight' watching audience and in that case I'll let it slide and fill in the gaps myself (or perhaps read the book).

With performances from a practically all English cast - Lena Headey, Johnathan Rhys Meyers and Robert Sheehan this script has a lot to offer supernatural fans, children and adult alike if you can ignore the sickeningly cheesy lines between Clary and Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower). With this aside this is a great action adventure adapted on screen for the youth of today. Think 'Harry Potter', 'Twilight' with the tongue in cheek perfectly timed comedy moments of 'Supernatural' and 'Buffy' thrown in and you have it. A refreshing take on non-sexy vamps just be aware of the 'Star Wars' - oh awkward your my sister moment and escape reality - literally. Ideal for Bank Holiday fun. 

Directed by Harald Zwart
130mins, 12A (2013) 

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