REVIEW: The Lovely Bones

By Maleah H.

Review of The Lovely Bones

1 - The Lovely Bones, a film by Peter Jackson, is a movie that many students at AHS have watched or should watch. Even though the film was released in 2009, over fifteen years ago, it remains timeless and warrants review. The story has a mix of sadness and mystery that keeps viewers interested.

The movie is based on a 14 year old girl named Susie Salmon who is murdered by her neighbor Mr Harvey. Her spirit ends up in the afterlife where she observes the world she left. She tries to help her family heal and seek justice. Susie's father confronts Mr Harvey and her sister Lindsey finds a clue in his house that confirms he's the killer. In the end her family finds peace and moves on. Susie then moves on to a higher heaven. 

In my opinion I think this movie is great and shows the importance of being careful who you trust. It's emotional but also has a strong message that sticks with you after it ends.

First of all the movie itself teaches you how to always be careful who you trust, Susie trusted her neighbor because he seemed to be nice and friendly but he was actually dangerous. This shows that people are not always who they seem to be. The film teaches to always be aware of your surroundings and to stay safe even in the presence of those around you that you think you know. The movie reminds viewers, specifically teens, to always follow your instincts and not put themselves in risky situations.

The second lesson is how strong family love can be even after Susie has died her family never gives up finding the truth they all work together to support one another through it all this shows the family can help one another to stay strong and the family love can heal even when something really painful happens. 

The third lesson is to learn to let go and find peace in the end Susie forgives what has happened and goes into a better aspect this teaches that if you were able to hold on to this anger or sadness it only makes for their things worse I didn't go does not mean to you forget it ever happened it means to accept what has happened to find peace. The movie shows how life will keep moving but even in pain there's still hope and light ahead.

I asked Rowan W., a sophomore, her view on the film. She responded, "The Lovely Bones was a movie I first discovered at a young age. It hit very close to home and reminded me of my anxiety. It has a wonderful soundtrack and it's a great story. The book will always be better than the movie (with some exceptions) is how I think about it. Watching the movie put a lot of ideas and concepts in my brain, helping me understand specific situations. If Limbo is a real place? It's the place that those girls went to. Those golden fields."

Harlem C., a friend of mine who also attends AHS, said, ‘’I surprisingly really like it. I've never really been into movies like this but I think the way they decided to do it was very interesting. Having Susie dead but still in the film as a ghost also figuring out more about her killer along with Jack and Lindsey was great. Despite them not finding the body, making me upset, his death was extremely satisfying. For a movie made in 2009, I think it's aged really well and it's worth the watch.’’ 

Debbie Baldin and Candice Frederick, two critics, shared their review on this movie. To summarize, they say that the movie is great and shows how heartbreaking it is to lose a family member. The theme is great. And they say that Peter Jackson's ability to bring fantasy to film is amazing. They also say that the acting overall is spectacular.

Overall, The Lovely Bones is an important and sad movie that teaches important lessons on who you trust willingly, family and forgiveness. It also makes you value life more and to appreciate the people you love. This story may be emotional but it also gives the feeling of hope and reminds you even in dark times there's always a chance to heal and find peace again. I think it is a good movie overall and I would rate it a 5/5.