Lovely Bones (2009)

Lovely Bones is Peter Jackson's adaptation of Alice Sebold's best selling novel, starring Mark Wahlberg as Jack Salmon, Stanley Tucci as George Harvey, reachel Weisz as Abigail Salmon, Saoirse Ronan as Susie and Susan Saradon as Susie's grandmother, Lynn.

While Tucci in particular was perfectly cast, delivering a star turn as the protagonist’s murderous neighbour, those such as Rachel Weisz were sadly somewhat less convincing, and some of Jackson’s directorial decisions felt lamentably mistaken. With psychedelic scenes reminiscent of a movie by Tim Burton, it felt very much as though the film was aimed at the teenage market, a surprising decision given the harrowing content and the novel’s success with an older demographic. Scenes such as those showing Susie skipping in a candyfloss-style 60s limbo wonderland sat particularly uncomfortably with the heart-rending tenderness and tragedy of the plot’s focus. 

But gripping performances by Tucci and hitherto unknown Rose McIver saved this film from being a flop - in particular a couple of suspenseful scenes, including one involving a floorboard in Harvey’s house - were masterfully handled.

While those who read and enjoyed the novel may be somewhat disappointed that its backbone – the enduring strength of the relationship between Susie and her family – was perhaps not as credible as it could have been, the film adaptation is still easy and enjoyable watching.

Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Nikki SooHoo
Certificate: 12
Runtime: 92 minutes (approx.)
Special Features: Matt Damon Plays Rugby - Turning a Hollywood star into a Rugby player, Invictus Music Trailer
Release date: 28 June 2010
DVD RRP: £19.99
Blu-ray RRP: £26.99

Georgina Vincent