Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Haunting mystery-drama examines a child's murder.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Lovely Bones
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Based on 95 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a powerful yet emotionally heavy experience, with many finding it too intense for younger audiences due to its themes of murder and abuse. While the visuals and acting have been praised, particularly the performances of Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci, reviewers highlight the need for viewer maturity, recommending it for teens 14 and older as it deals with difficult subjects that could be disturbing or confusing for younger children.
- emotional weight
- viewer maturity
- disturbing themes
- strong performances
- not for young kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) has her whole life ahead of her -- filled, hopefully, with boys, a photographable world, and family. Only she doesn't. When a neighbor (Stanley Tucci) lures her to a bunker, she's murdered, which sends her soul in limbo to watch those she's left behind. Her mother (Rachel Weisz), is so shattered that she has to flee; her father (Mark Wahlberg) grows obsessed. Only one thing will set them all free: The capture of Susie's murderer, who continues to go about his days, trying to keep a lid on his monstrous urges.
Is It Any Good?
As Susie, Ronan is infinitely watchable: She's compelling every time she's on screen. Her sadness plumbs depths; her joy soars. And when it's clear that she's been hurt, the impact is enormous. Losing her is palpable, and that's critical, considering that she's the story's pivot point. Wahlberg and Weisz are strong, too, though perhaps not as gripping, as is Rose McIver as Susie's younger sister. But Tucci: Though terrifying, he tragically plays to type. You can spot his child molester a mile away.
THE LOVELY BONES loses its way when it spends too much time in a place where director Peter Jackson is clearly comfortable: the in-between (the place between Heaven and Earth). Painted with visually arresting CG effects, this place is a sight to behold, a lyrical middle earth. But Jackson lingers there way too long, slowing down the movie's pace. Unfortunately that comes at the expense of the family's unraveling, which seems painted in over-broad stroke.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's messages. Do the violence and intense subject matter make it harder to see the positive take-aways, or do they come through?
How does the impact of the violence in a movie like this compare to that of an action/sci-fi movie? Which affects you more? Why?
Talk about the events that lead up to Susie's murder. What lessons can be gleaned from the tragedy? Why is Susie stuck in the in-between?
How did Susie's death affect everyone, including herself? Do these reactions seem believable? How does everyone find peace?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 15, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : April 20, 2010
- Cast : Mark Wahlberg , Rachel Weisz , Saoirse Ronan
- Director : Peter Jackson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 135 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mature thematic material involving disturbing violent content and images, and some language
- Last updated : March 14, 2020
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