The Mortal Instruments

"What?! She did not just say that!" I know book fans of The Mortal Instruments will want to deliver a thumbs down from the moment they read the title... But please, hear me out. (: I own and have read the entire series, that has thus far, been released. I definitely did not love the first book but it was enjoyable enough. I read the others only because they were given to me as a gift. Then I felt like they went downhill from there. The author started out okay, but it quickly began to feel like 'a money maker' to me. Forcing stories, characters not staying dead, dragging out pointless plots... Anyway, as for the movie... I almost always prefer the book over the movie, as I think most readers do. But because I felt, "meh" about the book, the movie won out this time around.It did feel darker and scarier than the book, and maybe that is my own imagination of the feared to blame. They kept with the book for the most part, but did change several details that made me cock my head to the side. (i.e. the creature in the apartment, the final showdown location, clary seeing that mark in the beginning and writing it all over her room, Simon getting bit was in a later book etc.) The actors did a great job. Jace wasn't as attractive in my opinion as he was written in the book. BUT, he did grow on me. Lily Collins was gorgeous and awesome as Clary. It was suspenseful and action packed almost the entire time. There was only a sprinkle of romance, so don't expect a bunch of make-out scenes and sappy love stories. I sigh regrettably, as my brother would cheer. It had laugh-out-loud-in-the-theatre moments. (Even some that weren't meant to be funny. Ahem. Cough. Portal Scene.) If you have seen it, you know what I'm talking about. Nerdy Simon was perfect and a great comedy relief amongst a series of serious events. Me and my group were all pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed this movie. You may not love it, but whether you have read the book or not, it is definitely a good watch for any of you mundanes. ;)Shadowhunter out. :)

This deserved much more than it was given. With it coming out about the time of Hunger Games unfortunately that left a mark. I have made it a rule not to leave too harsh of reviews on works because in a negative world there will be enough but here I am going to ditch my own rules.This movie follows Clary into a realm she did not know existed where werewolves, demons, fairies, warlocks and more all exist. If you like movies that are mythical, dangerous and courageous this is it.The Mortal Instruments City of Bones follows these amazing books very closely. The actors are young and extremely talented. I was blown away with the young talent in this movie.The screen play is written very well. I was devastated when they did not pursue making the second movie. They sighted a profit loss which they did have for a time but since then, this movie has proven itself to go beyond many movies profits.Now since the series has been released from these books, I challenge anyone to watch the movie and then the series. Here is where I kill my rules. The series may have talent (all except the lead female's crying scenes.) But cheesy lines, timing that is off make it very hard to watch. Not that they don't have talent, Magnus Bane (char) and Alec Lightwood(Char) are two very amazing actors and hold up the rest but yet so far they have taken Alec way out of character (along with others) from the book. It is horrible to think what used to be ABC family, might have used for a reason.Lets look at our leading male. He is in one of Taylor Swift's videos, so you know he is hot but... He is supposed to be cocky and arrogant here is where the screenplay lacks. Being cocky and arrogant is not giving your character nice lines, letting everyone know that he is caring but having a wide stance with his arms slightly out from his body. (Even when his body is that nice, we don't stand like we have football pads on.) This is not the actors fault they do have talent, it is lacking direction. (my opinion.)If we have to endure this series lets get it back to the book. Clary is strong, not an airhead and for Gods sake she can cry without making you cringe.But I will stick to my original statement, watch City of Bones then watch the series. You will agree that this movie was under-rated and deserves next movie up with original screen writers. And then ditch the series until re-writes and maybe someone to help with timing comes along.The movie has a cast that includes: Lilly Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Lena Headey and Jemima West - you are in for a great movie.