
When I was first contacted by Eddie V, I was ecstatic. I assumed that my many demo tapes had made it through his brick wall of a brother, Alex, and eVan Halen would rise over rockdom like a volcanic ash cloud over the UK. My hopes were quickly dashed when I read beyond the opening greeting and figured out he was not Eddie Van Halen, but was literally just Eddie V. What’s got two thumbs, red leather pants and a look of disappointment? This guy…
Still, I wanted the gig because I had always wanted any sort of job that could legitimately be called a gig. Plus, I love movies. I graciously accepted the position after being denied a lock of Wolfgang Van Halen’s hair and quickly checked AMJ’s Cinemira for a movie to review. When I found out I was joining the week after The Lovely Bones was available and would not be able to write about the film, I was not thrilled. I considered creating a new demo tape for Evanescence but decided to take the job and write about Crazy Heart. In the back of my mind, however I knew this day would come…
The Lovely Bones is an ambitious film with a great story and a wonderful cast and I say this even though Mark Wahlberg is in it. Peter Jackson deserves credit for taking on this story and Mark Wahlberg as many of the fantasy elements from the both the book and Wahlberg’s persona would be difficult for other directors to pull off (what’s up M. Night?). Being a master of fantasy he handles it as well as anyone, but it has some issues which detract mightily from its final score. More on that in a minute.
Stanley Tucci delivers an amazing, solidly creepy performance that will have you squirming in your seat. He is so good it makes you nervous about your neighbors. I was in awe of his ability to become the character so completely. How can someone that twisted blend in so seamlessly with society?
Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz and Saoirse Ronan round out the impressive, pedigreed cast and they do not disappoint. You shouldn’t have any complaints as far as the abilities of the actors and their willingness to deliver the goods.
What you may complain about are the many fantasy interludes that are in the film. They break up the flow of the movie and about a third of the way through I was fed up with them. I found myself spacing out, thinking of Wahlberg telling a Tucci-faced donkey “say hi to your mother for me,” over and over. The majority of these scenes should have been left on the cutting room floor.
Believe it or not, there is too much of the book in the film, and many aspects of it do not translate. Jackson’s meticulous treatment of Tolkien’s work was a confirmed triumph but The Lovely Bones, while not a failure, never reaches similar heights. 2 stars.









