mortalintrDid you ever have one of those dreams where you are at Hogwarts and the cast of Twilight shows up? Me either.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Did you ever have one of those dreams where you are at Hogwarts and the cast of Twilight shows up? Me either. But if I did I think it would be a lot like the new, teen action fantasy film, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. This film has everything going for it and in spite of a few flaws and editing issues it is a pretty decent flick.

Clary Fray (Lily Collins) is living the normal teenage life until one day she discovers that she actually descends from a race of demon hunters. Luckily she is not alone and joins with others in New York's Downworld to save her mother and find answers to a life she never knew existed. Her main alliance is with a veteran Shadowhunter named Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower) and his small group of warriors. But will love stand in the way of right decisions? (cue dramatic music) Probably. They are teenagers after all.

The film is based on the popular, award winning, teen book series by Cassandra Clare. The characters, story line, and emotional entanglements are perfect for fans of the fantasy drama. This one has demons, witches, vampires, and werewolves but like the Twilight series it relies more on the human appearance than the classic monsters. The scenery and set design is spot on and much better than anticipated. There is much depth and focus on getting the right balance of light and dark.

The CGI and graphics are solid too. (Other than one painfully bad green screen moment). The humans transform seamlessly into their alternate beings. Some images are subtle and you can tell that thought went into every decision. Also the look of the beasts are unique. The demons in particular are grotesque and creepy. Not in an Evil Dead sort of way but enough to make you a bit jumpy. The Vampires and Shadowhunters could easily fit in any NYC goth club.

At over two hours long it feels a bit lengthy. I am sure fans of the franchise wanted even more but for the casual movie goer it is a bit much. Not having read the books I was still captivated by the story and never felt as if I was on the outside looking in. I just wanted it to wrap up a bit quicker.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy violence and action, and some suggestive content. Thirteen is a good cut off for this film. Some of the creatures and fight scenes are a bit much for the pre-teens. Also, I would not let this be your younger teenagers first introduction to the genre. Those who grew up on Harry Potter, Twilight, and Hunger Games are used to the worlds created here. I give it 3.5 out of 5 tats. The 13 year old girl next to me would probably give it a 5. So that gives you an idea of the age this is really geared for; yet still not a bad watch at all for any fan of the fantasy genre.

Matt Mungle

Review copyright 2013 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.

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