The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013) Review in 2025
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is a fantasy adventure film based on the popular book series by Cassandra Clare. The movie follows Clary Fray, a teenager who discovers she's not an ordinary human, but a Shadowhunter, a human-angel hybrid that hunts demons and other supernatural creatures.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to its dark fantasy elements and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching if you're a fan of fantasy adventure films. However, it's not the best adaptation of the book series, and it's not suitable for young children.
Spoiler Alert!
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Clary Fray, a teenager who discovers she's not an ordinary human, but a Shadowhunter, a human-angel hybrid that hunts demons and other supernatural creatures. She soon learns that her mother, Jocelyn, has been hiding her true identity and that she's the key to unlocking an ancient evil that threatens the world of Shadowhunters.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, but it feels like it's missing some crucial elements from the book. The plot is a bit predictable, but it's still enjoyable.
acting7.00/10
The acting is good, but it's not exceptional. Lily Collins shines as Clary, but the supporting actors are a bit one-dimensional.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Clary is a great protagonist, and the supporting characters add depth to the story.
direction6.00/10
The direction is decent, but it feels like the movie could have benefited from a more experienced director. The action scenes are well-choreographed, but the pacing is a bit uneven.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful visuals and a great use of lighting. The special effects are also impressive.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a great cast, stunning cinematography, and an engaging story. It's a fun and action-packed film that's perfect for fans of the book series.
Cons
The movie feels like it's missing some crucial elements from the book, and the direction could have been better. The pacing is a bit uneven, and the supporting actors are a bit one-dimensional.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a Shadowhunter."
"You're a Shadowhunter."
"You're not just a Shadowhunter, you're a Fray."
