The Lovely Bones

Here's a review fom my buddy Bob Dalton:
"In order to experience fully the cinematic work that is The Lovely Bones, one must shed any preconceived notions that other movies of the drama/thriller genre might have left after the credits have rolled. Early in the film Suzie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) is murdered by an exceedingly creepy neighbor (Stanley Tucci) and we learn that after death one must travel to heaven. Susie however is in “the in-between”, a metaphysically inspired world of artistic beauty and filmmaking genius. Peter Jackson’s interpretation of this world alone is worth the price of admission. Susie’s parents (Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weiz) are also major players in this movie as Jackson shows how Susie’s murder strains their relationship. Susie’s father is determined to find her killer whereas her mother doesn’t want to think about what has occurred. I did not read the book, but I understand that many purists are upset that Peter Jackson deviated from the “canon” so to speak. I submit that this film should be viewed in the perspective of the director, as it was intended, instead of comparing it to the book ad nauseam. It is true there are some deviations, but I could not envision this artistic experience any different. The characters are all sufficiently developed, apart from the mom, who leaves the family only to return at the end of the film. Susie’s murderer is meant to epitomize evil in the film, so is character is not as developed as the others. He is simply “a very bad man” and we learn a little about his past, but only that he has murdered more than once. This seems to fit, as the focus of the movie is Susie in her new world and her individual family members coping with her loss in whatever way they know how. The Lovely Bones is not for everyone. The movie is so emotionally powerful. The simple insinuation of this little girl being brutally murdered is powerful. Peter Jackson so seamlessly integrates music with the action on screen, heightening the emotional sense. It’s not for everyone, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The movie has an interesting, albeit, happy ending. Those moviegoers who go to the movies for tangible action on screen and the logical development of a formula-oriented plot will not get the most of this film. These pre conceived notions as previously alluded to, will inhibit the moviegoer from watching the Lovely Bones as an artistic experience. Those that can stand the somewhat slow-moving and farfetched plot will be treated to a surreal experience that tugs on the heartstrings. Think not, “what will happen next?”, but appreciate each individual moment as a work of art. This is not to say that only the very artistic can appreciate this movie. It is an emotional drama that has enough effects to keep the casual viewer entertained. All in all, I loved the Lovely Bones, but the genre is not for everyone. This movie is the very best of what a drama/thriller has to offer, but don’t expect any big explosions or fight scenes. And I’ll leave it at that. 4/5 stars"