THE LOVELY BONES

(Ethereal, compelling drama)

Wow! Not since The Sixth Sense have we been captivated by such a compelling, dramatic film. Who would have thought that a story about a child predator could be so passionate and uplifting, not that it is somewhat disturbing at times. The Lovely Bones (We’re not sure where they came up with that title) will grab a hold of you, demand your attention, make you think, make you happy, make you sad, and leave you totally exhausted. We meet Susie Salmon (the marvelous young actress Saoirse Ronan) as she tells us, from someplace “between Heaven and Earth” that she had been murdered at the age of 14. Susie is “in a better place” but is still agonizing over the loss of her first love, her grieving family, and the child predator who murdered her. Stanley Tucci plays her killer, George Harvey, with an eeriness that will make you shudder every time he is on screen. Cold, calculating and confused, you will squirm as you watch him lure Susie to a secret place from which she cannot escape. Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz play Susie’s parents, trying to handle the emotions of anger, grief and acceptance in their own separate ways. Susie’s realization of her death comes slowly, at first a bit scary, but slowly revealing to her (and the audience) a beautiful place. The ethereal landscape is a pastoral view of Heaven that soothes us, as we watch the action shift back and forth between Susie and what is happening back home. Her father is obsessed with finding the killer who is right under his nose, to the point of driving his wife away. The grandmother (Susan Sarandon) comes to help the family, but her lifestyle conflicts with theirs. An interesting aspect of the story is the strong connection between father and daughter, as Susie watches what is happening and her father sense her presence. When Susie’s sister begins to suspect the neighbor, breaking into his house for evidence, we feared a familiar ending to a complex story. Fortunately, the ending takes a couple of original and fascinating turns that are quite dramatic, upbeat and believable. The special effects, original storyline, messages and superb acting combine to make this one of the best movies of the year. Rated PG-13, with some violence and profanity.

THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY

Showcase Cinemas Silver Screen Classics will present the acclaimed The Jackie Robinson Story on Monday, Jan. 25 at Seekonk Showcase 1-10 at 3 p.m. and Warwick Showcase Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. The 1950 film has been hailed for its authenticity about the life and career of the black man who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, and also for the bold stand that it took on civil rights. In a most unusual move, Robinson plays himself, with some great actual footage of his baseball skills and achievements. Ruby Dee stars as his wife. All seats are only $2, which includes a drink and some popcorn.