Rating: 2.75 out of 5 Stars
Somewhere in the American South is Ethan Wate, a boy trapped in a small town which few have escaped. His only means of travel are through books and dreams. Books aren't the issue, they're common enough, it's those dreams, an endless loop of a girl he doesn't know with a face he can't see. He knows she's important, and he knows he needs to save her. Then a girl shows up to school one day, just a few months before her 16th birthday, and the town is in outrage mode. Her family has a secret, and Lena, the new girl, doesn't help her situation much when she mentally brakes the schoolrooms glass windows, harming many fellow classmates.
She's a Castor, blessed with magic and powers, and on her 16th birthday Lena will be claimed for either the light or dark. There's no area of gray. And in all this there is a curse, and constant flashbacks to the Civil War.
Beautiful Creatures is based on a set of popular young adult novels by the same name. Book shelves have been filled with supernatural love stories ever since Twilight's popularity began, and Beautiful Creatures has managed to create quite a fallowing in the over-saturated competition for attention. It seems now that Twilight is over, movie studios want to cash in, wishing to snag anyone having Edward vs. Jacob withdrawals.
Set in an interesting landscape with people who speak in thick accented drawls, Beautiful Creatures spins quite an enchanting tale. The tone is darker then Twilight, and there were times I found myself whisked away in the narrative.
The two leads, Alden Ehrenreich and Alice Englert, playing Ethan and Lena respectfully, were fresh, and it's nice that this film didn't have to cast big names to fill the main roles. Emma Thompson seemed to have fun with her role, as if she couldn't wait to deliver lines and get into character. Viola Davis was captivating as always.
What I had a problem with was the special effects, which seemed cheesy at times, and plot lines I don't wish to spoil. There was a moment when Ethan runs through the mansions front door, Lena sitting on the stairs, Uncle playing the piano, while two female relatives protect with magic. The whole scene was over the top and jarring in what could be a sophesticated story, and the ending was far too convenient for my liking.
I haven't read the book, but through the whole of the movie I kept thinking "the book must be more interesting then this." And even with seeing the movie I'm in no hurry to pick up the four novel series and see how it all ends. I don't care enough for the characters to spend the time.
In the end Beautiful Creatures served its purpose, for I was entertained, but once is enough for me.
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for violence, scary images and some sexual material.
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