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Beautiful Creatures has a simple plot that is easy to follow. Its the usual 'boy meets girl, falls in love and fights to overcome every obstacle that threatened to keep them apart' plot-line. Its director, Richard LaGravenese was also no stranger to romantic or fantasy films with his prior involvements in Water for Elephants, The Chronicles of Narnia and P.S., I Love You, which he also directed. The film was enjoyable, but rather forgettable. I personally have not read the book, but the film failed to capture my interest like how Hunger Games, Twilight or Harry Potter did which prompted me to read their books.
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It all began on a rainy Thursday evening. I arrived at the cinema a little later than planned, so I rushed to my seat. After I took my seat, I thought I was in the wrong hall because I saw Halle Berry on the screen. My initial thought was "I don't remember reading that Halle Berry was cast in the Beautiful Creatures." By a happy mistake, the cinema was playing the wrong film - they were screening Cloud Atlas instead. So I sat happily, waiting for the real movie to start. Yay! I didn't miss the beginning after all. I always hated missing the starting of a film, because it would take a lot more effort to link everything together at the end.
But seriously, this was the second time in two weeks that the cinema, which shall remain nameless, messed up its screenings. A week before, I decided to catch a Chinese film called The Journey to the West, which was a HUGE mistake by the way. I wasn't late this time, but when I got into the hall, it had already started. I thought maybe they skipped the advertisements and headed straight to the movie. Needless to point out that I was completely clueless throughout the film. The movie ended less than an hour later, and I was like "isn't this movie supposed to be much longer?". That's when I realised the cinema played the movie waaaay ahead of schedule. The funny thing was, no one realised it or did anything about it. So, I'm not going to review that one, its not even worth reviewing anyway.
So, enough ranting. Let's get down to business. Malaysian cinemas sort of went on break for a week or two in conjunction with Chinese New Year. I don't mean that they were closed, but there weren't any decent movie releases then, so I decided to take the week off. This week, the cinemas tried to play catch up by releasing a hell load of films, but most of them have already been screened elsewhere like Lincoln and Flight. Beautiful Creatures was only released a week ago in the US, so this review isn't too outdated, I suppose.
Once again, let's start things off with a little introduction to the film.
But seriously, this was the second time in two weeks that the cinema, which shall remain nameless, messed up its screenings. A week before, I decided to catch a Chinese film called The Journey to the West, which was a HUGE mistake by the way. I wasn't late this time, but when I got into the hall, it had already started. I thought maybe they skipped the advertisements and headed straight to the movie. Needless to point out that I was completely clueless throughout the film. The movie ended less than an hour later, and I was like "isn't this movie supposed to be much longer?". That's when I realised the cinema played the movie waaaay ahead of schedule. The funny thing was, no one realised it or did anything about it. So, I'm not going to review that one, its not even worth reviewing anyway.
So, enough ranting. Let's get down to business. Malaysian cinemas sort of went on break for a week or two in conjunction with Chinese New Year. I don't mean that they were closed, but there weren't any decent movie releases then, so I decided to take the week off. This week, the cinemas tried to play catch up by releasing a hell load of films, but most of them have already been screened elsewhere like Lincoln and Flight. Beautiful Creatures was only released a week ago in the US, so this review isn't too outdated, I suppose.
Once again, let's start things off with a little introduction to the film.
Beautiful Creatures
Language: English with Southern Accent
Run Time: 124 minutes // 2 hours 4 minutes
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Rating: 'PG13' (Malaysia) // 'PG-13' (USA)
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum and cast (See the elaborated list of cast members below)
Date-of-Release: 21 February 2013 (Malaysia) // 14 February 2013 (USA)
What is it about?
The film is based on an American young adult novel written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. Set in a remote town named Gatlin of South Carolina, young Ethan Wate (Alden Ehrenreich) aspired to leave the small town and religious townspeople someday. He had been waiting for something different and exciting to happen all his life. His prayers were soon answered by the arrival of Lena Duchannes, niece to a descendent of the founders of Gatlin, who transferred to the same school as him. Ethan was instantly captivated by the mysterious girl, but he did not realise just how mysterious she was. Follow Ethan as he discovered the secrets of Lena and her family.
Tagline: Dark secrets will come to light.
(Read on for Beautiful Creatures review)
Beautiful Creatures took off with uncanny resemblance to the first Twilight film, only less darker. While Twilight focused more on the fear and romance, Beautiful Creatures had more light-hearted moments. If the director has intended to create any strong romantic bonds between the two lead roles, I wasn't sold in the end. But then again, the main characters may share a less serious and more fun-loving relationship. Isn't that what two 16-year-olds' relationship should be like? Less intense? I don't know, you tell me.
That aside, the film offers some decent cinematography and cinematic effects. There are a couple of scenes where it was really beautiful, such as the one in Lena's bedroom [SPOILER ALERT!] where she displayed her caster powers to Ethan. Lion and Lamb scene from Twilight, anyone? [SPOILER END!] No, there was nothing 'naughty' that went on in the bedroom if you're wondering. On top of that, I thought the accompanying music was pretty appropriate and sounded good, especially the score with the piano-solo at the beginning. Here's the YouTube link for that particular original soundtrack, if anyone's interested: Breaking the Ice
I really wanted to give credit to the cast, but I do find Alice Englert (who played Lena) to be a little stiff and unnatural, especially towards the plot climax. It really bothered me, and took a bit away from the film for me. Her performance in the beginning of the film was endearing though. Alden Enrenreich (who played Ethan) on the other hand was more believable and made his character relatable. I do however love the supporting casts. Emmy Rossum was hilariously alluring as Ridley Duchannes (Lena's cousin), Jeremy Irons was eccentric as Macon Ravenwood (Lena's uncle), Emma Thompson as the wicked Mrs Lincoln/Sarafine, while Kyle Gallner was cheeky as Larkin Ravenwood (Lena's cousin . Most of all, Viola Davis stole the scene with her caring and commanding portrayal of her character Amma.
On a side note, I do think that the costumes interestingly reflect the main theme of the film of 'tradition-meets-modern-meets-magic'. The distinction between its characters was clear. The townspeople were in plain country-styled attire while Lena and her family were more modern and refined. Its the struggle between the traditional and conservative minds against the more idealistic and independent notion of freedom. I also know a few guys would love to see their girlfriends in that attire which Emmy Rossum wore.
Beautiful Creatures has a simple plot that is easy to follow. Its the usual 'boy meets girl, falls in love and fights to overcome every obstacle that threatened to keep them apart' plot-line. Its director, Richard LaGravenese was also no stranger to romantic or fantasy films with his prior involvements in Water for Elephants, The Chronicles of Narnia and P.S., I Love You, which he also directed. The film was enjoyable, but rather forgettable. I personally have not read the book, but the film failed to capture my interest like how Hunger Games, Twilight or Harry Potter did which prompted me to read their books.
Overall, I think that Beautiful Creatures is enjoyable if you like this genre of film or if you're just looking for a light-hearted and slightly romantic film to watch with your lover or crush (wishing you all the best if its the latter). Also the characters speak in Southern accent, so if you have trouble understanding it, considered yourselves warned.
Oh, and to you parents out there, please do not bring your kids who are below the age of 13 to the show, or just respect the rating; it ruins the experience for other movie goers.
P.S.: If you're wondering why I used Twilight as a reference in a few instances, it was because I noticed many people have made that connection or are talking about it. My review covered both how Beautiful Creatures is similar and different from Twilight as my viewpoint on the comparison, while I still think that this film should be judged as its own. Hence, my concluding statement and rating are based solely on the film, and not are not derived from a comparison between both films. No disrespect was intended to either party.
That aside, the film offers some decent cinematography and cinematic effects. There are a couple of scenes where it was really beautiful, such as the one in Lena's bedroom [SPOILER ALERT!] where she displayed her caster powers to Ethan. Lion and Lamb scene from Twilight, anyone? [SPOILER END!] No, there was nothing 'naughty' that went on in the bedroom if you're wondering. On top of that, I thought the accompanying music was pretty appropriate and sounded good, especially the score with the piano-solo at the beginning. Here's the YouTube link for that particular original soundtrack, if anyone's interested: Breaking the Ice
I really wanted to give credit to the cast, but I do find Alice Englert (who played Lena) to be a little stiff and unnatural, especially towards the plot climax. It really bothered me, and took a bit away from the film for me. Her performance in the beginning of the film was endearing though. Alden Enrenreich (who played Ethan) on the other hand was more believable and made his character relatable. I do however love the supporting casts. Emmy Rossum was hilariously alluring as Ridley Duchannes (Lena's cousin), Jeremy Irons was eccentric as Macon Ravenwood (Lena's uncle), Emma Thompson as the wicked Mrs Lincoln/Sarafine, while Kyle Gallner was cheeky as Larkin Ravenwood (Lena's cousin . Most of all, Viola Davis stole the scene with her caring and commanding portrayal of her character Amma.
On a side note, I do think that the costumes interestingly reflect the main theme of the film of 'tradition-meets-modern-meets-magic'. The distinction between its characters was clear. The townspeople were in plain country-styled attire while Lena and her family were more modern and refined. Its the struggle between the traditional and conservative minds against the more idealistic and independent notion of freedom. I also know a few guys would love to see their girlfriends in that attire which Emmy Rossum wore.
Beautiful Creatures has a simple plot that is easy to follow. Its the usual 'boy meets girl, falls in love and fights to overcome every obstacle that threatened to keep them apart' plot-line. Its director, Richard LaGravenese was also no stranger to romantic or fantasy films with his prior involvements in Water for Elephants, The Chronicles of Narnia and P.S., I Love You, which he also directed. The film was enjoyable, but rather forgettable. I personally have not read the book, but the film failed to capture my interest like how Hunger Games, Twilight or Harry Potter did which prompted me to read their books.
Overall, I think that Beautiful Creatures is enjoyable if you like this genre of film or if you're just looking for a light-hearted and slightly romantic film to watch with your lover or crush (wishing you all the best if its the latter). Also the characters speak in Southern accent, so if you have trouble understanding it, considered yourselves warned.
Oh, and to you parents out there, please do not bring your kids who are below the age of 13 to the show, or just respect the rating; it ruins the experience for other movie goers.
P.S.: If you're wondering why I used Twilight as a reference in a few instances, it was because I noticed many people have made that connection or are talking about it. My review covered both how Beautiful Creatures is similar and different from Twilight as my viewpoint on the comparison, while I still think that this film should be judged as its own. Hence, my concluding statement and rating are based solely on the film, and not are not derived from a comparison between both films. No disrespect was intended to either party.
KayElleGuy's rating: +-+1.png)
(7.0 / 10.0)
(7.0 / 10.0)
List of cast members:
- Alden Enrenreich as Ethan Wate
- Alice Englert as Lena Duchannes
- Jeremy Irons as Macon Ravenwood
- Viola Davis as Amma
- Emmy Rossum as Ridley Duchannes
- Thomas Mann as Link
- Emma Thompson as Mrs. Lincoln/Sarafine
- Margo Martindale as Aunt Del
- Eileen Atkins as Emmaline Duchannes (Grandmother)
- Zoey Deutch as Emily Asher
- Rachel Brosnahan as Genevieve Duchannes
- Kyle Gallner as Larkin Ravenwood
- Pruitt Taylor Vince as Mr. Lee
- Tiffany Boone as Savannah Snow
- Robin Skye as Mrs. Hester and cast
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