#REVIEW: “THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES”

Review by: Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

For those not in the know, The Mortal Instruments is no passing trend. In the last five years its literary counterpart has produced five novels, with a sixth promised for early 2014. Author Cassandra Clare, a life-long Peddler of Prose, began its introductory work almost ten years ago. Similar to other genre entries, her slice of youthful Fantasy is lead by a blossoming Damsel in Distress. But dangers be damned, as it didn’t take Clary long to hop off the page and onto the screen. Played by the lovely Lily Collins, and filmed here in Toronto, the more than Mundane Mistress is ready for her close-up.

Directed by Harold Zwart, the inner-city Adventure is equipped with a leader who knows both edge and flow. Unlike its contemporary kin, the City of Bones is more Action than Romance. Jamie Campbell Bower is an important reason as to why. He plays Jace, a clandestine Demon Slayer drunk on narcissism. After stumbling into Clary (Collins), he instantly learns that she too can see Mythos and Reality are one. From that point forward he feels compelled to help her battle the mysteries that beset her.

Canadians: Kevin Zegers; Robert Maillet; and Godfrey Gao help make up the Supporting Cast. Each plays a part in the War between Good and Evil. The Good Guys are known as Shadowhunters. Tattooed with runes and armed with blades they fight the eternal hoard and turncoat who leads them. Ironically, that Rogue Warrior is named Valentine, for where his heart should be is a cavernous void. Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays Valentine, and for all those in attendance this is blessing. Like Bower the Man is able to steal scenes from Collins while the story unfolds.

Sure it is outright cheesy at moments but it is conscious of this and clever enough to point out when things go too far down Lover’s Lane. The Film also counterbalances its sap with swash-buckling, much of it against twisted fantasies made by Toronto’s Mr. X Inc. It’s as black as it is charming. So be sure to adorn yourself in all noir before going. And for you Torontonians, take note that the Film’s Coffee Shop, Java Jones, is actually our beloved Mascot. Located in the heart of Parkdale, it is an Espresso Bar worthy of the cinematic Immortality.

Out in theaters Wednesday, August 21, 2013 via eOne Films, and sure to be gobbled up by a gaggle of eager Fans, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is a Series on the rise and worthy of your consideration.

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We were on the Red Carpet for the Canadian Premiere of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.  Watch and read Mr. Will’s Chat with Kevin Zegers, Harald Zwart, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan and Lily Collins here and enter to win Signed Photos!