Peter Jackson’s Latest Suffers from Too Much Special Effects and Too Little Character Development

Peter Jackson’s newest release The Lovely Bones bears greater similarity to his smaller films (particularly the wonderful Heavenly Creatures) than to the sprawling, epic Lord of the Rings trilogy—but it’s unlike any film he has directed previously. Alice Sebold’s 2002 novel is a startling, sometimes brutal, and often touching tale of a girl whose life ends before she even has her first kiss. Unfortunately the movie, though beautifully filmed, is an incoherent mashup of the book’s most...

I am an ardent fan of Peter Jackson's 'Heavenly Creatures' and rate it #1 in my top 5 drama films of all time thus far. I was looking forward to seeing this film adaptation of Alice Sebold's novel - which I have not read - as it sounded like he was going back to his 'Heavenly Creature' roots with the story that was presented. I had read some disappointing reviews before seeing 'The Lovely Bones' so did not go in with much expectation but kind of hoping that the detractors may be wrong: unfortunately they were right.

Where to begin: 1/ I found the acting weak and forced. Mark Whalberg was miscast...

Inside the snow globe on my father's desk, there was a penguin wearing a red-and-white-striped scarf. When I was little my father would pull me into his lap and reach for the snow globe. He would turn it over, letting all the snow collect on the top, then quickly invert it. The two of us watched the snow fall gently around the penguin. The penguin was alone in there, I thought, and I worried for him. When I told my father this, he said, "Don't worry Susie; he has a nice life. He's trapped in a perfect world."
The Lovely Bones
Intro before first chapter, Page 3.
My name is Salmon, like the fish;...

1) “Nothing is ever certain.” (p.21)

This mantra helped the family keep their sanity while they continued to hope Susie would come home.

2) “He wore his innocence like a comfortable old coat.” (p. 26)

This describes Mr. Harvey, the serial killer, who has killed and gotten away with it so often that he almost believes his own innocence.

3) “She had a stare that stretched to infinity. She was, in that moment, not my mother but something separate from me.” (p. 43)

This quote shows the reader the kind of woman Abigail Salmon is and how that will later impact on her decision to leave her...

Susie Salmon was fourteen years old when she was murdered.

The Lovely Bones is such a tragic story because at fourteen everything feels unrequited. Susie was old enough that, after her death, she was able to dwell on each element of life that her murderer had taken away.

Peter Jackson’s 2009 adaptation of Alice Sebold’s novel is a wonderful film, littered with powerful performances and beautiful CGI scenery.

You will be able to watch The Lovely Bones again and again, but choose your times wisely. The film is best savored during a quiet night-in with no interruptions, when you can comfortably...