Review of The Lovely Bones (2009) by Chandler B — 12 Jan 2012

An incredible story portrayed by even more incredible actors! It is difficult for me to believe that this was not nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for best cast. Each cast member plays their role with believability and when that character disappears from the story for a period of time, another steps in with even more panache.

It is difficult to choose an actor to highlight first but Saoirse Ronan must be lauded above everyone else. At the young age of 15, she managed to keep up with (and often rise beyond) the talent of veteran Academy Award nominees and winners! Her smile lights up the screen and I hope that she continues to take on dynamic and challenging roles. She was made to play this role. Mark Wahlberg's performance will break your heart. Even without having children of my own, he helped me to understand the devastation that a father must endure when tragedy strikes his family. Your heart will warm with every moment of Rachel Weisz's incredible chemistry with her children and husband. Susan Sarandon brings a bit of comedy to this cry-fest, but also plays her always amazing "take-charge role." Even in a small role, Michael Imperioli leaves a huge impact on this film. Rose McIver really came out of nowhere to create one of the intense movies scenes of 2010. And finally, Stanley Tucci. How he could go from playing Paul Child in "Julie & Julia" to this creep in the same year is beyond me. I could feel myself growing nauseas as he lured Susie into his trap. His quiet intensity drives this entire film from start to finish. I agree that Christoph Waltz deserved to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2010 but seriously, why couldn't there have been a tie!?!?!

Outside of the incredible acting, Peter Jackson did a great job of bringing Susie's world to life. It was filmed with incredible artistry, placing her in a visually stunning dream. I loved the music as it further helped to define the line between real life drama and dream world. In fact, my only complaint about this film is the "Sixth Sense girl." She seemed a little random and unnecessary but I suppose that she helped to make for a great ending. The cute love story and wonderful family scenes (reminiscent of a Hallmark Channel movie) will immediately engage your emotions in this film, but be ready for your emotions to be shattered as this mysterious drama unfolds.