Kernel Rating (out of 5):
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Length: 130 minutes
Age Appropriate For: 14+. Surprisingly scary for a PG-13 film! The movie is about a struggle between angelic “shadowhunters” and demons, vampires, and other supernatural creatures; this means some action scenes that include gross transforming monsters that grow extra appendages, have lots of teeth and fangs, and are fairly ruthless. They might be very scary for tweens or younger teens. Also some kissing, scantily clad female heroines, heroic werewolves, and homophobic behavior (which is rightfully criticized) against a closeted gay character.
In Hollywood’s quest to create another ‘Twilight,’ we get ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,’ the first in the bestselling series by YA literature author Cassandra Clare. But the story’s flirtation with angels, demons, runes, and a battle for humanity can’t transcend a sloppy second half, or the many similarities to the vampires and werewolves of ‘Twilight.’
By Roxana Hadadi
Hollywood has tried to make another “Twilight,” and it still hasn’t clicked yet, has it? This year’s “Beautiful Creatures” flopped. “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” didn’t even do as well as the first one, “The Lightning Thief.” And now we have “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,” less good than “Beautiful Creatures,” better than “Sea of Monsters,” and still largely forgettable and predictable. Oh, a good girl falls in love with a bad boy? And then there are weird, paranormal occurrences? Such a shocking and original concept!