The Lovely Bones

2hr 15mins
Starring: Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg, Jake Abel, Michael Imperioli, Nikki SooHoo, Stanley Tucci, Saoirse Ronan
Directed by: Peter Jackson
The plot: On her way home from school, 14-year-old Susie Salmon is lured to her death by neighbour George Harvey, who dismembers the girl and hides her remains in his cast iron safe in the basement. The police never find Susie, just her woollen hat in a cornfield. Susie's father Jack sacrifices his marriage to embark on a tireless campaign to track down his daughter's killer but there is no evidence to speak of.
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Orange movie-goers' reactions
- " I loved the movie and thought the adaptation was fine. " — Tracy, 53, Lexington
- " Worst film I've ever seen I couldn't wait until the girl was murdered! " — Lynsey, 25, Sussex
- " Well I thought it was a really good film but it's pretty dragged out, lots of time spent watching her in the afterlife which got kinda boring, Thought the bit where you see all the girls he'd murdered was good :) bit of a tear jerker :'(" — Eilish , 13, Essex
- " The film was quite scary, should of been higher than 12a especially if you dont like scary films:/ It was good though, veryy emotional and gets to you abit! " — Amy, 15
- " well what a disappointment.... Loved the book so was hoping for an excellent adaptation especially considering its peter jackson... " — Sarah, 35, Gateshead
- " Very good, bit dragged on bit confusing but at the end it made sense" — Georgia, 13, Dagenham
- " It was really touching, its really rather sad! In all honesty I thought that this was a really amazing film and this could happen to anyone in real life.:'(" — Chloe , 12, Glasgow
- " this is a great movie but it did make me cry a bit :'(" — Nonnie, 14, Saxmundham
- " It was horrifying!" — Tasha, 15, Wolverhampton
- " The film as a whole is good, and the emotion gets through to you, although, if you have not read the book, some parts may not be very clear to you." — Charlotte , 14, Manchester
- " Omg I really liked this fim I have got the book at that is really good aswell and I was sooo scared an it was jumpy aswell. " — Jayleigh, 12, London
- " Loved This. 5/5" — Rhys
- " OMg,This film is so good and quite scary in some parts but me and my mum love it we go every wednesday to see a film ! x" — Isley, 12, London
- " I think Mark Wahlberg is brillant in all his film and i have nothing but great things to say about this movie:)" — Georgiana, 18, Sheffield
- " it was a really good film, cried quite a few times and at one bit i screamed because it got that intense. " — Emily, 15, Cardiff
- " Think the director got carried away with the after life parts, may have been more interesting if he kept more of the story on earth!" — raj, 23, Kent
- " It was boring and every hour seemed like a day when I watched it" — Andy, 21
- " Brilliant film with brilliant visual story telling" — Maggie, 26
- " Very different to the book yet still a quite good film - seen better this year. CGI wasn't the very good but very good acting for all. Maybe a wait for DVD if you haven't seen it yet. " — Steph, 15, Leeds
- " Average film could have been a lot better" — Paul, 34, Llantwit Major
- " I thought the sentiment behind the film was good and parts of the film were capturing. In general however, I felt it was too long, with some dodgy casting and a fairly predictable ending." — Sabina, 23, Peterborough
- " Good film, could have had a better ending though" — Claire, 26, West Yorkshire
- " It is so good." — Jewella, 10, America
- " As someone who loved the book I was excited to see this film, however I felt it was a bit of a let down. Good acting but could've been better." — Briony, 20, Irvine
- " Fantastic film with a great storyline. Brill cast.I loved every minute of this film." — Coz, Burntwood
- " Really good but scary" — Demiee, 11, Kendal
- " A great film very moving a little creepy at the same time though had great cast all the way through." — Chelsea T, 13, Birmingham
- " This film is a 12a, in my opinion it should of been a 15. Even me and my friends got freaked by this film! I wouldnt advise anybody under 15 to go and see this film. I dont think there was any need to show buried bodies in the film. " — Cally , 14, Wales
- " I think it was amazing at some parts it had you of your seat and at some parts u wanted to cry. The film itself has detail and emotion and you will want to see it again" — DB, 12, uk
- " This film was AMAZING! I would recommend it to a friend! There are moments which make you cry and also scare you! Such a good film! X" — Paige, 17
- " I thought that it was really good but really creepy and sinister no way should this have been a 12 it was quite sick and disurbing in some places. But I think that it did have a good ending." — Delahay
- " It was a lot better than I expected, although it didn't do the book justice I was on the edge of my seat and enjoyed the way the characters were brought to life. Some of the effects were a bit of a let down too over the top! But defo worth a watch! " — lynne, 30, Doncaster
- " Liked this film but it wasn't amazing and I don't think it gave the book any justice. I would rather read the book than watch this again. " — Steph, 19, Paisley
- " This film was unreal! At first I didn't wanna go to watch it but once it started, my god it was good! Film packed with power, love and emotion. It's one for everyone and even gets the heart racing! A must see! * * * * *" — Greg, 19, Wirral
- " Movies aren't always meant to be exactly like the novels but I have to say that this was really good. Really moving and great actors. I loved it. " — Jaye, 21, Kingston
- " Not a good film I'm afraid. Great visuals but the film was way too sketchy and didn't pull together well. I felt a little lost throughout the movie...and the ending a little bit of a letdown. Could have been more climatic." — beboyrocker, 27, London
- " Good film, was better when in normal reality than when she was in the inbetween. Thought the killer was amazing and very eerie!!!!!" — Jimmy , 29, West Cheshunt
- " I have advised several of my friends to go and see it. It's definitely in my top films to see, I'll be buying the DVD as soon as it's out. Well written and acted, a must see." — Robyn Churchill, 16, Horsham
- " Good adpation of the book but not great. Good casting, score music and visual effects. Worth watching. Saiorse Ronan is brilliant as Susie Salmon." — Holly, 18, Wirral
- " Haven't read the book but loved the film and it's soundtrack ! I cried ahaha ! Ace movie would recommend x" — Sophie , 14
- " Not really as good as expected. The book was fab, film not so great. " — Liz
- " This is a brilliant movie i REALLY enjoyed it! i would recommend this film to anyone but bring some hankies because it is quite sad." — Eilidh, 12, Scotland
- " Film was slow moving and also ruined by mobile phones lighting up every 2 mins" — Leigh, 35, Derby
- " Wow well it was just amazing it's one of the best films I've seen in ages and I've seen loads of good films like Sherlock Holmes.Avatar and Percy Jackson and the lightning theif." — Melissa
- " Tedious film interspersed with dream sequences that did nothing to entertain. Spend your money on watching paint dry it will be more satisfying. " — Andrew, 44, Kent
- " This film is definitely one to watch and I would go and see it 1,000 more times if i could, I have seen it 3 times already it is that amazing. I have not yet read the book but after watching the film I think I will. The characters are portrayed perfectly " — Melissa :D, 12, Stafford
- " Could have been better, but brilliant. " — Malia, 14, London
- " An amazing film. Sad in places but it always has a come back of happiness. Really good, also read the book as well it really is that much better." — Helen, 16, Dorset
- " This film was good in the realistic places but the parallel world lets the film down. Overall a good film but nothing compared to the book. " — Kirsty, 21, Birmingham
- " Never read the book, however Peter Jackson takes his imagination to another level. Moving, compelling, and finished off with a brilliant soundtrack, let your mind go and you will thoroughly. Enjoy this film! " — Darryl , 38, Leeds
- " I read the book and have to say it was much better than the actual film. I too felt the film went on for too long due to the numerous 'after life' scenes. " — Bernadette, 50
- " Amazing!!!!!!! Really really goood filllm" — Emily, 13, :)
- " After seeing the trailer a few weeks ago I was looking forward to the film. I haven't read the book so didn't know the story. It had good parts but they were sadly few and far between. " — Clare, 33, Northants.
- " The plot of the story seems good and interesting however the excessive special effects and fast-paced scenes lacking character supporting dialogue in the film spoil what could have been a brilliant psychologically charged thriller..." — Jane, 29
- " Film is nonsense. The mystery is solved near the beggining and the rest of the film is long with not much interest. It's not a horror or a mystery." — Annoyed, 19, Uxbridge
- " Brilliant film, liked the dream sequences and the acting is amazing. But I do think this film should be a 15 and not a 12a there is some twisted elements and scenes of violence. Other than that great film 4*" — Oli, 20, Kettering
- " Amazing..Great performances from all the actors. Great effects can't fault it haven't read the book but I will now " — Melissa
- " I didn't like the portrail of the afterlife it was someone elses imagination of how it would look like ...we didnt get to know why he killed her !" — Dais, 54, Southall
- " Average film, expected more, because the book is great. My advice is read the book" — Tuss, 48, Nottm
- " I found this film very tedious despite some good performances from the cast, the other world scenes were bizarre and there was no real tension most of the time." — Peter, 59, Hastings
- " The book is amazing, however was quite disappointed with the film, doesn't do the book any justice whatsoever! Wouldn't recommend seein the film to anyone, but would recommend reading the book - it's brilliant!" — Sarah, 23, Keighley
- " Went to see this film last night....It was really good and must admit i had a sob, but i didnt feel the story gripped me enough,but still really good film" — Lisa, 36, Southampton
- " Superb acting but as others have commented, it felt like two different films stuck together. It should be shown to kids as a warning about what could happen." — Babs, Swansea
- " A very enjoyable watch but I'm surprised Peter Jackson known for his epic length Lord of the Rings movies cut out so much of the story from the book." — Jamie, 18, Washington
- " The film was good although a bit slow in places, some scenes were not really required and a bit silly. A bit disappointed but glad I went to see it." — Linda, 43, Stilring
- " Not what I expected from the tv trailers but ok anyway. Special effects worth watching. Felt more could have been made of it." — Bob, 69, Teesside
- " This film is brilliant! I absolutely love it! I read the book and have been anticipating this film for a while now!! I'm glad to say that for the first time ever the film is twice as good as the book!! A Must-see!!!! Saorise Ronan is a Amazing!!! " — Ellie, 13
- " Really amazing film, was quite confusing at first but all came together at the end. I haven't read the book but everyone I have spoken to said the book's much better." — Levi, 22, Liverpool
- " I absolutely love the book but the film did not reach the emotional standard I wouldve expected. Disappointing but still a great film if you haven't already read the book " — Melissa, 16
- " Colourful like a melting wax rainbow" — Ollie, 36, London
- " Confusing film, but was so exciting and different that I didn't really need to fully understand it to enjoy it!! Must see :)" — Charlotte, 17
- " Amazing " — Carly, 16, UK
- " I had high hopes for this film since the book was so good. Sadly it didn't live up to expectations and all the over the top dreamy heaven sequences just spoiled it. Could have been so much better. " — Helen, 29, Cornwall
- " Brilliant amazing film. Love it. But very sad!! " — Natacsha, 26, Solihull
- " The best film of the year. Deep but sad." — Josh, 13, Pontypool
- " Well, I really enjoyed this film. I found it really confusing and wondered what was going on ,I give a big fat YES! X" — Louise-Faye, 25
- " I thought the film was great, I was a little confused to begin with but as the film continued I really got into it and finally understood what was going on " — Becky, 16
- " The film was good at the start but after the murder it just went rubbish!!!! The acting was quite good and the storyline was interesting but after half an hour it got really boreing!!!! I would NOT recomend this film, it was a wast of time and money!!!!!!" — Luluxo
- " Amazing" — Keiran
- " hmm, not the best film ever. although some parts were really good, the silly effects and heaven parts ruined it for me!" — Sarah
- " The best film ever sad, creepy and happy all at the same time everybody should go see this as soon as possible" — Phoebe
- " I generally thought it was a good film but, the 'inbetween' world bits are a bit odd and wishywashy. Although, good the hear the Cocteau Twins cover of Song to the Siren. Love that song." — Andy, 39, St.Helens
- " Really disappointed with this film. The reviewers have got it right with this one. The inbetween scenes are incredibly drawn out and boring and totally unneccessary, I couldn't wait for it to finish. The trailer is so much better than the film." — Richard, 54, Wakefield
- " Disappointing, not how I was expecting, could have been a good film, but the movie dragged and no real story to it, a bit confusing if you ask me. Would not recommend watching at the movies, more of a home movie. " — Ukrose4u, 25, Berkshire
- " Brilliant, really liked it will watch it again :-)" — Val, 36, Midlands
- " Excellent film. Was nearly put off by the poor reviews from the critics but the pos reviews from the public encouraged me to give it a go and glad I did. Makes me wonder about the critics though. " — Jim, 47
- " An emotional and beautiful movie that had me crying at some scenes. Another good film from Peter Jackson. I'm now going to read the novel and can't wait to buy it on Blu-Ray when it's released as the 'inbetween' scenes will look fab in HD." — John, 31, Manchester
- " Great performance by Sorcha Ronan. Film dragged out at start but really grear when u got into it. Read the book also." — Terri , 62, Carlisle
- " It is a brilliant film, the way the afterlife is protrayed is a little strange. I think if you've read the book you would be slightly dissatisfied by the direction of the film. But great film when not in 'the inbetween'!" — Ashleigh, 19, Perth
- " A good movie overall, a little slow in places. The in between world was beautiful if you haven't read the book it is good but if you have there's no comparison!" — Sarsh, 38, Southampton
- " A good basic muder mystery plot but over-complicated with bizarrey other-worldly scenes and unrealistic action. Too long for the content that is worthwhile; could easily have cut it by half an hour." — Marie, 27, Northampton
- " I thought the casting was slightly strange as the parents seem very young! It was not how I envisaged it from reading the book, the book was far more chilling and moving. It is hard to show the 'inbetween' that is described so well in the book" — Vicki, 21, Bath
- " What a waste of an evening, dragged out story of nothing particular that happens, you find out what happens in the trailer, the start of the movie copies the trailer and there isn't a resolution at the end. I would assume it's no comparison to the book. " — Kevin, 22, Cardiff
- " I thought this movie was ok but it would be better if they skipped out the part were you the girl is viewing it from the thing before heaven but except from that alright movie :)" — Cameron , 16, Newcastle
- " An emotional film, a must see. Absolutely amazing " — Maria, 24, Croydon
- " Not very good! " — Wendy , 48, Norwich
- " Wasn't as good as I expected. There was no link between the 'middle world' and earth. Felt like two different stories trying to fit together unsuccessfully. " — Shiv
- " I thought this film was really good for all ages as it was gripping thoughout and suits all different audiences :) " — Imi, 15, Sussex
- " Good movie. The book was better then the movie as film lacked in depth detail unlike the book. Still a movie to go see " — Karrin, 22, Nottingham
- " Good film, does not follow the book too well but well worth watching 9/10" — Audrey, Leicestershire
- " I have not yet read the book, but the plot of the film is one that gets to me baring in mind i have a young sister. It kept my attention throughout." — Chris, 17, Bristol
- " Amazing film, touching and good cast :)" — Jen, 20
- " I wasn't too fussed but I really thought that it would open eyes for younger children and give them a rough idea about strangers - definitely go and see it !! " — Sarah , 14, Newcastle
- " The Lovely Bones was a good film for people who are over 14 and you are a girl - I didn't the in between part because once you are dead you are dead." — Hayley , 12, Ormskirk
- " A strange film of CGI brilliance with an average story telling aspect. Watchable yes but left the cinema slightly disappointed." — Dax
- " I really enjoyed the book and was looking forward to seeing it put on the screen. However I was truly let down! The book is quirky and delivers the story with more emotion than the film delivers! " — Kelly, 21, Derby
- " I thought the film was amazing, so sad and had be crying all through. It makes me sick that there are people like this is the world, read the book" — Sam, 18
- " What would have been a good film was ruined by the 'teletubby' middle slices. Shame " — Nick, West Midlands
- " I think this movie is great, I really enjoyed it and I recommend it to everyone :)" — Rosa, 12
- " Wasn't really fussed about this film but couldn't take my eyes off the screen as soon as it started. Brilliant movie that captures the bond between father and daughter as well as the gripping reality of murder. Great film really enjoyed it." — Gavin , 27, Devon
- " Was soo disappointed if you have read this book then you're in for a big let down, my personal thought. " — Smcc, 21, Scotland
- " Absolutely brilliant film, ending however ruins it!" — Jess, 16, Hertfordshire
- " Just watched this film and tend to agree with the poor reviews good ideas but really no direction. Could have been A LOT better" — Gary , 21, Thurrock
- " I saw this movie yesterday and but have never read the book.... I can't believe how many bad of the reviews call it... It is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time and the acting made it feel so real. I would definitely see it agin..." — Claire, 14, North Wales
- " Fab kinda weird but so lovely goes through all the emotions. " — MF, 14
- " A wonderful film, the best I have seen in a long time. The way the story is told is what makes it great and it's both emotional and inspiring. " — Nicola, 32, Notts
- " A must see film and a good story line - go to see it now" — Jack, Blackwood
- " The critics who reviewed that film must not know anything about film. The Lovely Bones is amazing I would say even better than Slumdog Millionaire and everyone loved that. It's the special effects that make the film. Peter Jackson has done it again " — :), 18, Hampshire
- " I have read the book many times, and feel that the film does not even come close to matching the quality of the book! I would recommend the book over the film anyday!!!" — Anon, 18, Liverpool
- " I was a bit unsure about watching this first as it seemed after the murder there would be nothing else to the storyline- but I was about as wrong as they come!! It has made top 10 of my best films ever and it's gonna stay there! " — Missmoo, 12
- " Amazing movie - a must watch" — Ash :), 22, London
- " Film started out OK but after Suzie's death it became so slow and boring. They staged it to much." — Tony, 41, Glasgow
- " I thought the film was great , a real feel good movie watch it!:)" — Jay, 12, Milland
- " Just watched the film - I've never read the book and from reading the reviews from others who have read and seen the film they were not up on it but I have to say i enjoyed it very much. A great film, it has it all - makes you cry smile " — Marc, 30, Merseyside
- " I've watched the film. B e a u t i f u l.... an amazing storyline, shocking, makes u so aware of the ugly people out there. A must to watch. 5 star. " — Salma , 37, Sheffield
- " Love films, but didn't get this one at all, no way! Lots of watching over, but no doing, just watching. Some books just shouldn't made it to films - this one!" — Roger, 59, Spalding
- " Weird" — Glo, 15, Manchester
- " I have seen the trailer and now can't wait to see the film it looks absolutely great." — June , 73, Peterborough
- " Really cool! Must see!" — Giulia, 12, London
- " Me and my wife previewed this movie adaption with timesplus.A nd we both thought the movie although it was disturbing was really well acted and portrayed." — David, 54, Ferryhill
- " It's a wonderful movie - I'll read the novel after this" — Avi, 25, Bristol
- " Can't react to the film, but, it sounds same as the book, which I found schmaltzy and saccharine sweet. Peter Jackson directed one good film 'Heavenly Creatures'" — Prudence, London
- " I am a little stunned by the adverse reaction from critics. Cannot understand it. I loved this film.The idea of the story was intriguing and the film fantastic." — Seegar, 52, Shrewsbury
- " Loved it! Reviews all seem terrible. Can't wait to watch it again. Don't miss this film!!" — Simon
- " Peter Jackson has done it yet again. Another great film of a great book. 8/10. Sarandon under used. Saorise Ronan Excellent as is Tucci" — Chris, 29, Stockport
- " Read the book ... it's absolutely brilliant .. can't wait to see the film !!" — Allison, 41, Aberdeen
- " Read the book some time ago - it is a fantastic read so looking forward to now seeing the film with some great actors taking the roles " — Im, 50, Cumbria
- " I've seen this and let me just say, it is absolutely amazing!!!!! It has so much feeling, and as for the story it is gobsmacking, youll be mad not to see it." — Ol :), 14
- " Haven't read the book but am going to now after finding out the films a Peter Jackson adaptation-that man is nothing short than a genius!" — Raum, 19, B'ham
- " Read the book a year ago. Totally amazing. Cant wait for the film. Shows the love of a child for her family after her death. Lookin out for them + watching over them. It will so make you cry but lots of feel good too. Enjoy" — Linda, 47, Birmingham
- " I have never heard of this film til now. Sounds good. Definitely go and see it. " — Lucy, 14, London
- " Looks cool absolutely loved the book this film is gonna be amazing " — Lorraiine, 14, London
- " Well I've never heard of this movie 'til now but the plot sounds fantastic and its definitely worth watching!!!! :-)" — Ol:), 14, London
what did you think?
add your own reactionwhat the others say
The Sun
"Ronan gives a wonderful performance but the time spent in Jackson's vision of the afterlife spoils what would have been a fine film."
Times Online
"Under the hammy direction of Peter Jackson The Lovely Bones has lost its poetic bone structure. What was a complex, quirky novel has been turned into a movie mishmash of Lord of the Rings and High School Musical, with a serial killer thrown in."
ViewLondon
"The Lovely Bones features another superb turn from Saoirse Ronan but fails to engage on an emotional level, thanks to a bloated script, over-indulgent special effects, dull supporting characters and a couple of dodgy performances."


