The City of Bones was a fantastic book… but the movie was even better. That’s right, the movie was better than the book. The film was filled with action that will keep your eyes glued to the screen, and if that’s not enough, the effects and graphics are spectacular.

   The City Of Bones is an action-packed book that takes readers into a world of fantasy and romance. The main character, Clary Fray, is thrown into a world where she discovers the truth about her past and the truth about what she is: a Shadowhunter. Shadowhunters are meant to protect the world from demons, and make it their life mission to kill them in order to preserve peace for humans.

   I was in suspense the whole time, but it wasn’t just that. It was humorous and romantic. Even in the midst of a fight or in a crucial moment, Jace Wayland, a fellow shadowhunter and Clary’s love interest, always had a sarcastic or narcissistic comment to make. Fans of the book will recognize Jace’s remarks, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

   The whole theater was alive with laughter throughout the duration of the movie, which is something unusual for an action/fantasy movie.

   Towards the end of the movie, things started to stray from the true events of the book, but these differences created a level of intensity and anticipation that the book lacked. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of the book. But the director left out the flying motorcycles from the book. A strategic move, I think.

One of my main issues with the movie was Magnus Bane.Magnus is the High Warlock of Brooklyn, and he has been alive for centuries. His knowledge and his experience shape him into one of the most unusual characters in the book, but also the most loved by many fans.

But in the movie, he just didn’t live up to the snide and glittery warlock that is portrayed through the pages of The City of Bones. His character was too serious in the movie; he didn’t have the  eccentric wardrobe or snide comments that were described in the book. However, his disregard of pants and his exotic parties definitely gave the book a run for its money.

Another concern is that the movie was too confusing for people who haven’t read the books. So much was not explained, and so much was left out. I get that it’s hard, considering the book is extremely long and is one of the most complex fantastical worlds I have ever read about, but some of the concepts could have been introduced in a better way.

Many of the tools that were used in the book were not explained, these include runes and steeles. Runes are kind of like tattoos, they are drawn on Shadowhunters by steeles, and they provide special powers for the Shadowhunters before battle. If I hadn’t read the book, I would have been quite confused. Therefore, I think that one of the characters should have explained what runes and steeles are to Clary, afterall, she is new to the world of Shadowhunters also.

The Mortal Instruments, City of Bones was a great movie, and I recommend it to all. The pacing was great as well as the acting. It’s definitely a must-see.

And if you haven’t read the book yet, the movie will get you hooked on the series. You will put aside your homework and stay up all night just to finish them. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Photo Courtesy of Gabi Munoz