Movie Review: The Lovely Bones
by Justin
Velasquez
January 19, 2010
The Lovely Bones is based on the bestselling 2002 novel of the same name, written by Alice Sebold. As a co-writer, Jackson presents a film that celebrates life and isn't simply another thriller.
The Lovely Bones, in fact, isn't a thriller at all, even though there are some intense scenes. A revenge theme persists, especially since the protagonist, Susie Salmon (Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronin), and the audience know who the bad guy is early on. There is a bit of innocent romance, too; Susie is a teenage girl just discovering boys. Finally, Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking), who plays Grandma Lynn, provides some comedic elements. The beauty and simplicity of life despite death and its terrible consequences permeate and with all of these elements incorporated here it is a little difficult to categorize the film.
What is certain with The Lovely Bones is that there are a myriad of fine performances. The two obvious choices are Ronin, who's proving that her role in 2007's Atonement wasn't a fluke, and Stanley Tucci (Julie & Julia). Tucci plays George Harvey, a neighbor of Susie and her family, who has a violent fetish for young girls. George is Susie's murderer and it's a guess just what kind of unspeakable things he did to her before and after he ended her life. But Tucci plays the character with such steely-cold creepiness that people who run into him outside the theater would most likely turn the other way - he's that convincing.
Academy Award nominee Mark Wahlberg (The Departed) and Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardner) also provide great performances. With earnest subtlety, Walhlberg and Weisz play Susie's parents, Jack and Abigail. After losing Susie both cope in different ways: Jack looks to solve the crime and find her killer while Abigail falls into a deep depression because she finds it incredibly difficult to accept she's lost Susie. Both reactions show how much parents love and care for their children, and both Wahlberg and Weisz seemingly do it with ease.
For most of the film Susie is dead - most of her scenes have her in heaven looking down upon those she left. At the root of her dilemma is her difficult choice in deciding to either exact revenge on George or to help her family cope. Simultaneously Susie tries to cope with no longer being alive. During her stay she spends time with another girl, Holly (Nikki SooHoo, Stick It), who helps Susie understand her current existence and provides friendship in an obviously tough time. The two are seen frolicking in vast lands that only seek to reaffirm life's beauty.
Jackson's vision or interpretation of what heaven looks like makes for interesting discussion. Does heaven look like that? Is it even more beautiful than his imagination? Is there a heaven? These questions may come up while viewing The Lovely Bones, but this is probably not the forum, at least in regards to the final question.
The Lovely Bones is a bit slow-paced and could have benefited from a bit more drama. The conclusion seemed a little unfulfilling and thanks to some storyline shortcuts there seem to be gaps, especially in the end, that don't provide enough closure. Also, there are subplots that could have used more explanation and clearer resolution, but they do pale in comparison with Susie's willingness to accept her fate. This film is still is very moving, and those who share a close bond with their children and/or parents will relate to the unconditional love on display throughout.
2.5 Stars out of Four
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