The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones Review

Source: Sony

Young adult novels are certainly something of a strength in literature at current, and it shows in their popularity when picked up for big-screen adaptation, with a wealth of talent often involved. From the likes of The Twilight Saga, The Hunger Games and many more, the box office is reaping the rewards of such hugely followed properties, and the latest in line is The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones.

City Of Bones sees young Clary (Lily Collins) being thrust into a whole new world as she slowly begins to experience visions and constantly comes across specific symbols that cause her to question who she really is. When she meets the lethal and mysterious Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower), Clary is welcomed into a whole new world within New York called Downworld; a place where others like her roam and where dangers lurk around every corner.

As Clary delves deeper into this world, along with the aid of best friend Simon (Robert Sheehan), she uncovers that her unique abilities are just the tip of the iceberg, with so much more going on around her that she was completely unaware of.

Adapted from Cassandra Clare's novel, City of Bones is a typical concoction of YA fiction, with its love triangle, secrets aplenty and a willingness to conjure up threat for the main characters on a regular basis. It's a paint-by-numbers variety of film that feels rather familiar but still oozes confidence and delivers some intrigue heading forward.

At the heart is young Lily Collins and fortunately she proves that the leading lady fits her like the proverbial glove. Initially a vulnerable young woman confused by what is going on around her, Collins' Clary blossoms into a feisty, strong-willed individual and one whose characteristics serve up a magnitude of reasons why you should fully back her.

Alongside Collins, the main men in Jamie Campbell Bower and Robert Sheehan both make their mark, with Campbell Bower's dark, moody Jace by far the standout from the characters introduced so far. While Clary turns from innocence to full-blown guile and determination, Jace's evolution sees his infatuation with her unleash his softer side, the killer in him somewhat tamed at times. Sheehan, as ever present in television show Misfits, is a joy to watch and it's great to see him leap up to the big stage.

With a collection of positive characters, director Harold Zwart wastes no time in upping the scale as his vision of Clare's world presents itself in all its glory, impressing upon its presentation and looking far from a low budget page-to-screen offering. From the sprawling buildings filling the New York air, to the rich historical interiors, filled with awe, Zwart creates a truly remarkable picture of what many will have imagined from the page.

Delighting us with an array of thrilling action sequences, as well as keeping the film grounded in drama, Zwart cleverly weaves the often twisting storyline into a two-hour adventure that rarely lets up. The twists within the film are nicely whipped up and the scope for further films certainly fills one with optimism, but often there is an air of predictability about the whole film. A feeling of 'been there, done that' does tend to creep in at times, and, while delivered well, the main twist within the film is both perplexing and unsettling, almost denting our connection with two of the main characters.

That being said, The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones is a good introduction to what could prove to be a blossoming YA franchise. Filled with intrigue and bolstered by a wealth of drama, action and solid characters, it is a film that maintains a reserved stance, teasing what is to come further down the line; something that keeps the interest levels at a peak and audiences wanting more.

Medway meets Hollywood: The big guns that filmed in our towns

Let's face it, Medway is hardly the most exciting place to live in, but on the odd occasion there is something of note to report. In years gone past, the Medway towns has played host to some of the big guns of Hollywood, with a number of blockbuster movies filming in the area. Don't believe me? See for yourself...

Les Miserables

Russell Crowe was in town as Chatham Dockyard played host to musical epic Les Miserables, as his horse riding skills and singing talents were put to use during filming in Chatham. Shooting took place over 11 days and made good use of the Dockyard's Tarred Yarn Store.

The World Is Not Enough

So James Bond has a brand new boat from Q and has to take it for a rather intense opening sequence around the Millennium Dome before those infamous opening credits; only what looks like parts of London are actually the Dockyard. Those scenes where Bond exits the water and has a little adventure on the roads and backstreets, that's Chatham people!

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Moving away from the a Dockyard for our next one; the fourth instalment in the Pirates series hit Sevenoaks as Knole House was transformed as we saw Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow once again escape as he almost fell foul of the gallows. 

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows

Okay, so we've only got two key filming locations in Medway but when both of them are used in a film that features the powerhouse that is Robert Downey Jr. then it's hard not to be impressed. Game of Shadows did just that as the Dockyard doubled as London docks and Moriarty's house was actually Knole House. 

Surrounding areas have also fared well, with the likes of Harry Potter, the Johnny English films and many others being filmed close by. We've also had the hosting of The Mummy and The Golden Compass at the Dockyard to add to the list for good measure. 

With more superhero movies hitting the UK for filming, surely it's gotta be our time soon, right? Right?....

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ABC Cinema Chatham: You are missed

It was somewhat of a tradition in the school days; get pocket money or that all-important £20-odd from your paper round and head for the cinema on a Saturday. Not just any cinema mind, that famous, 3-screen forum of glory on the approach to the high street that was ABC Cinema, Chatham. Remember those days...

The preparation

Friday wasn't just the last day of the school week, it was prep day for you and your mates to figure out times and, of course, which film was to be the one your hard-earnt money was to be spent on. Can't remember clearly, but I'm sure tickets would only set you back around a fiver; those were the days...

The pre-munch

This wasn't just a cinema trip, this was a day out with your mates, so a pre-cinema McDonalds was on the cards. Remember, these were the days before Nandos, the mass choice of Dockside restaurants and the larger budget. A McD's was the option before a snuck-in Woolworths Pick N Mix or some trademark ABC popcorn. Hunger wasn't an option.

Queue time

Forget your fancy multiplexes, your big foyers and pre-booked tickets, come rain or shine queuing outside was the only option. The only drawback being the sense of dread when that queue was heading further up that hill after you decided that an extra five minutes in McDonalds would be fine. 

Three screens a charm

It's incredible to think of the multiple screens available in cinema's of today when back in the day our cinema of choice offered up three. Not that it was a problem mind; screen 1 was the palace of blockbuster movies as you head up those lit stairs, while 2 and 3 served up plenty of those rom-coms we couldn't help but love at a tender age. Anyone else remember seeing Get Over It in screen 3 and falling in love with Kirsten Dunst?...

The little details

The fresh smell of popcorn as you walked in, those tiny little ticket stubs you used to find in all sorts of pockets and drawers, the minimal cinema staff and the more limited ticket booths, ABC Chatham was one-of-a-kind and still holds great memories.

I'm sure you all have great memories of the place so please share them in the comments or via Facebook, Twitter and beyond!

Man Of Steel: My Dark Knight of superhero movies

It's somewhat of a fact that whenever I get a glimpse of it on the TV listings or I'm purely out for a superhero movie to fill a spare two hours, Man of Steel is my one-stop solution. For all your Avengers, Batmans and beyond, MoS is the superhero outing that resonates most with me, with its stark ambition, pure scope and ultimate entertainment. 

Of course, many will disagree profusely to my claims that is among - if not the - best superhero offering out there, but allow me to divulge my thoughts and give you a number of reasons why this really is my Dark Knight of the genre. 

Origins 

You only have to look at Marc Webb's The Amazing Spider-Man and the opinions towards that film to see that recycling an origin story tends to be a risk. With Zack Snyder's Superman rebirth, that risk proved a calculated one as he brought to us a thoroughly realised and refreshed version of Kal-El's first steps to becoming a hero. Most notably, Snyder's showcase of being a true visionary came through his representation of the dying Krypton, a vast, awe-inspiring planet staggering in its scale and exceptional in detail. Needless to say, the cries for a Krypton-focused spin-off movie soon followed. 

The new Clark Kent

There's no arguing that Henry Cavill built up an incredible physique to be rightly considered for the role of Krypton's famous son, but his all-round performance makes for enthralling viewing. Channeling the heroics of his super-powered alien nature, while maintaining that human core with some truly grounded moments, Cavill's Superman is the superhero we all know, but with an added depth we've rarely witnessed. 

Flashbacks

The way in which Snyder and his scribe David S. Goyer dealt with Clark's past is one of the most refreshing things about Man of Steel. The growing pains of evolving within a school environment as someone very different from others, the careful mentoring from Earth father Jonathan and beyond, there are some strong flashback sequences ripe with emotion. These make for a wider approach to the nature of Clark Kent and the man he will become.

Multiple nods

Skyfall did it incredibly successful in recent times, as well as many others, but Man of Steel too gave us a handful of neat little Easter eggs and treats throughout its duration, some whetting the appetite for future endeavours. From the little touches such as Sullivan's farm (one for the Smallville fans), the Luthercorp and Wayne Enterprises inclusions, and even a hint of Cavill-Reeve face transformation, this film knows it's fan base and treated us aplenty.

The threat

We all know Kryptonite is Superman's big weakness, so when it was announced it would be left out of MoS there was rightly some questions raised. Thankfully, this was dealt with both intelligently and in a way to keep this new iteration on course and not veering too far away from its source. With that perfectly arranged, the key threat came in General Zod and his followers, with Michael Shannon in suitable dark and dangerous form. While he scowled and stalked his way through a successful villainous venture, there was a superb support act in Antje Traue, proving that women too can hammer home in the villain stakes. I sincerely hope we see more of Faora more in the future.

The bigger picture

One of the qualms many had regarding the film was the mass destruction caused by Supes in his attempts to take down Zod. Personally, I found that this showcased the sheer God-like nature of the Kryptonians, cementing their brutal abilities in some enthralling action sequences. It too proved that Warner Bros and its staff have a long-game in plan, with Superman at the core and his actions consequenting in retaliation (Batman vs Superman being the start). We all know Superman should be saving lives, avoiding destruction etc but clearly this has been utilised in order to play out a much bigger scenario down the line. One can imagine Batman will have something to say about his satellite being destroyed, let alone the levelling of Metropolis. Next year will no doubt put some of the doubters to rest.

There are many more reasons I could go into but for now I think this is a justifiable list to explain why I honestly believe Man of Steel among the best in the superhero stakes. Agree or disagree it would be great to get your views.

Fifty Shades: The Good and the Grey areas

It broke records this Valentine’s weekend and proved that book adaptations are still well and truly the in thing with regards to Hollywood, but does Fifty Shades Of Grey live up to the extended mass hype it’s been receiving ever since it was announced?

Following my reviews on both Filmoria and MovieMarker, I thought I’d give a little rundown of the Good and the Grey points of the film, and would love to get your opinions on what you thought about the movie itself.

The Good

It may come as a surprise to many, but Fifty Shades does in fact possess some redeeming factors, albeit slim pickings. Assumptions will have been made with regards to this particular film resulting in car crash moviemaking, but in truth there are a few positives to be had.

Direction and Cinematography - Sam Taylor-Johnson and her team must be credited with the overall look of the movie. For one that is drenched in such a dark and disturbing focal topic, the aerial shots of Seattle, coupled with the vibrant and modern interiors of the Grey buildings are a delight. The film is exceptionally shot and, even within the realms of the red room, adds that extra depth to the proceedings.

Dakota Johnson - I'll admit it, I feared for Johnson out of the leading pair, but in fact it is she who comes out unscathed and with an air of positivity surrounding her. In her portrayal of Ana she remains an independent and often naive entity, only to evolve into a curious and sexually curious young woman, enticed by the lure of the unknown. It takes a lot for an actress to bare that much flesh for a substantial chunk of a film's duration too, so this only heightens the level of admiration for Johnson.

Danny Elfman's score - For one, it was a huge surprise to even see the name of Danny Elfman appear on-screen, but a welcome one all the same. As ever, his score adds that extra element to the film, hitting the right notes at the right time and providing some much needed character at times.

The Grey Areas

Story - Let's face it, much has already been said with regards to the quality of E.L. James' story and quite frankly it doesn't particularly transfer perfectly to screen either. What is a relatively dull, drab and simplistic story clearly doesn't particularly garner the utmost of sincerity and requires so much more.

Duration - At a lengthy 120 minutes, Fifty Shades is certainly a stretch considering its repetitive nature. Whisking us through scenario after scenario between Christian and Ana, interlinked with sex scenes and struggle, this is a tedious affair and one that definitely could have been cut much shorter.

Humour, both intentional and otherwise - Sam Taylor-Johnson can't be faulted for trying to throw in some humour for added spice, but it all-too-often misses the mark. Even further off the mark are the moments during the more sexual scenes when things can often get a bit laughable instead of possessing the intensity we all expect. 

Your Christian Grey - Like him or not, Jamie Dornan is the man to embody Christian Grey, but upon the first entry in the trilogy it certainly seems like he may not quite be the right person. Simmering, mysterious and dominating Dornan may need to be but he instead feels dull, monotone and incredibly flat. The only thing that saves him is his physical state of brilliance.

Rita Ora - What better way to finish on the negative notes than with the split-second appearance of one Rita Ora, black wig and all. The only thing to consider that's worse is the fact that she will return in a much bigger role in the future...

Do you agree with my thoughts of Fifty Shades Of Grey or am I completely off the mark? It would be great to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part I Review

As far as adaptations of YA novels go, Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games series stands on the very pedestal that many strive to reach. Since its introduction to adoring fans, a whole new generation has begun, with the representation of war and loss presented for a younger audience to embrace and digest. With such success also comes expectation, and with the third film in the series, The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part I arriving, those anticipation levels have hit a peak.
 
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has survived the Hunger Games Quarter Quell and is now immersed in a rebellion that thrusts her front and centre as the beacon of hope. As Panem's very own Mockingjay, Katniss is the very spirit whose defiance against the Capitol and President Snow has sparked a fightback and ultimately a revolution. Driven by President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) she must rally the troops, provide propaganda videos and fight the good fight to finally free the people of the despicable forces currently in charge.
 
That doesn't come lightly though, with Katniss far from devoid of her own troubles on a personal level. Haunted by the traumatic two Hunger Games she has competed in, Katniss is riddled by nightmares and feels almost removed from those around her. Add to that her concern for Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) - currently within the clutch of Snow - and a man who loves her on a different level to her own emotions in Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Katniss is going to require plenty of steel to get through these difficult and testing times.
 
It can often be a risky move in making a drastic change in tone in a franchise but in Mockingjay this shift in focus is utterly justified as we move on from the Games of the title to much more grounded and affecting territory. The bigger picture of Collins' series is focused on war and the consequences of battle and this is captured none moreso than in Francis Lawrence's return to bring to life her next page turner.
 
Gone are the colourful, vibrant costumes of the opening ceremonies, the glamour of the contestant quarters and everything in between, all replaced by a grey pallet. A world thrust into

rebellion and war, a rubble-filled series of districts plagued by violence and destruction; one that is simply exquisite in its detail and powerful in its presentation. Lawrence has a strong world to represent and in visiting various Districts creates some hugely emotive and flooring scenes and imagery. Rubble, bodies and remains all combine to leave the audience with a striking realisation that this is a world in turmoil and never far away from conflict.

That feeling also emanates throughout as another spellbinding performance from Jennifer Lawrence comes to fruition. Her execution as a war-trodden, plagued Katniss is a sheer delight and connects on every level. Whether interacting with her family (favourably increased this time round), breaking down at the state of Peeta on the television or facing the brutality she has to come face-to-face with, Lawrence conveys the emotional impact with great gusto.

Lawrence isn't the only guiding light as her comrades and support cast all present additional favourable elements to the film. Gale's chunkier role this time around proves Hemsworth possesses a great likeability, while both Moore and the late Hoffman bring forth the authorative figures brilliantly. The return of the likes of Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson will no doubt

delight and provide some well-timed laughs and Donald Sutherland continues to induce fear and loathing as he takes Snow to another level. Put quite simply, this is a dream cast that contains too many exceptional performances to mention in one analysis.

Fans of the book will also feel wholly satisfied with the end product, with only slight alterations to the source material, but little to deter from the story they have been privy to. In fact, the conclusion to the film will no doubt leave everyone aghast and the inclusion of a Godzilla-esque rescue sequence will have even seasoned readers of the book edging towards the corner of their seat. Such changes are necessary and work to great effect throughout.

Mockingjay - Part I is a great removal from the two outings we have journeyed through previously and the tonal shift is superbly executed. Lawrence and co once again prove that this is one of the most consistent and all-round compelling franchises in recent times, and there's little denying this trumps its predecessors. Gritty, affecting and enthralling, Francis Lawrence has done it once again and delivered one of the blockbusters of the year. 

Film Rating: 5 F's out of 5