Thursday, January 28, 2010

Movie Review: The Lovely Bones


Just by watching the trailer, The Lovely Bones looks to be a murder mystery where a dead teenage girl is trying to help her parents find her murderer. Don't be surprised though if you find that the movie is mainly about a girl being caught in "the in-between" between heaven and earth, while trying to still be close to her family on earth as they try to move on from her murder. The film is set in the 1970s, a time where missing kids weren't on milk cartons and no one was worried about their children being snatched away. Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) does her best to move on from death, while still help her parents find her murderer and heal.

Stanley Tucci was phenomenal (and I don't use that word often) as Mr. Harvey, Susie Salmon's murderer and neighbor. It was a challenge recognizing the actor behind the creepy comb over and blue eyes, as he was completely transformed into a middle-aged man who had a chilling presence throughout the film. There was an intensity to The Lovely Bones that almost never let up and made me feel like I ran a marathon after I left the theatre. I was so tense I felt like I could finally breathe when the two hours was over.

The film was consistently entertaining, but definitely depressing as Salmon's father (Mark Wahlberg) couldn't give up his obsession with finding Susie's killer. I almost forgot Mark Wahlberg used to be Marky Mark as his role was convincing and heartbreaking as he was put through hell to try and bring Susie's murder to justice. He can still feel his daughter all around him, but can't let go, even as his family falls apart. 


The film is an adaptation from the book, The Lovely Bones, and is directed by Peter Jackson, director of Lord of the Rings trilogy. A grip of CGI was used for Susie's "in-between" world where she danced with butterflies and played in nature in a place that was close to heaven. The special effects were impressive, but a bit distracting and detracted from the story line. Too much of the film was focused on Susie's new world, which didn't move the story along and left too many holes. There was also a handful of scenes deleted, which may have been the cause of unanswered questions and missing parts.

The most creative part about The Lovely Bones is Jackson's way of setting a chilling tone throughout the film through indirect ways: Mr. Harvey's obsession with building toy houses, mud being splattered as Harvey tries to dispose Susie's body, and Susie running home to her house, only to find it's empty and that she's in another world.

The Lovely Bones is a film that you'll either love or you'll hate. You definitely get your money's worth, but whether you'll have closure, happiness, or peace when leaving the studio depends on the type of person you are. If you're looking to relax when you hit the theatre, then go for something not so stressful and intense.

Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Donate to Haiti (and Shop!)



The Pike at Rainbow Harbor is perfect for a date night to grab dinner and do a little shopping in the Long Beach air. It's sits on the beach, nestled in between the Long Beach Convention Center and Aquarium of the Pacific, and is home to locals who want a quaint night out. 

Now there's more reason to visit The Pike more than just to shop, but with their encouragement to support the American Red Cross with donations in the effort for Haiti relief. 

"We are proud to support the American Red Cross as well as local efforts to generate donations for Haiti," said Jennifer Gartland, marketing director. "We want to encourage everyone in the Long Beach area to lend their support to those who desperately need it. Even the smallest gesture can make a difference in this time of profound need."

The U.S. has definitely stepped up to the plate in aiding Haiti with hundreds of organizations and companies encouraging donations to the Haiti Relief effort, and with much success. There's been a creative blend of the arts and fundraising to raise more money and support by blending entertainment with fundraising. This week, the "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon featured dozens of performances and appearances of musicians and actors with a national audience of 83 million viewers. In just one night $61 million dollars was raised, with donations continuing to flood in. Celebrities could be seen making recorded messages for callers who were hoping to donate while watching the performances.

To donate through The Pike, visit www.thepikeatlongbeach.com or call (562) 432-8325. 

Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com