Movie Review: Beautiful Creatures

Okay, so, as a pre-Valentine date with myself, this year I treated myself to a premiere viewing of "Beautiful Creatures" the night before its release. I got all dressed up; I had absolutely no idea what the movie was about, but it was inspired nonetheless! I had started reading the book, but was only about two chapters in by the time of my movie date. I was actually surprised by how empty the theater was when I got there. Now that the Twilight movies are done, I was expecting the teeny boppers would be looking for the new "thing," but I figured this series just hasn't picked up yet. 

My Beautiful Creatures ensemble 2/13/2013

From the two chapters I had actually read, I was already comparing the changes in the movie's introduction, making me thankful I had only read two chapters... but I felt they summed it up nicely; still giving you insight to our main character and protagonist, Ethan Wate, foreshadowing the story to come, and titillating my peepers with their visual design. I was already in love with this story's setting and I was left with a quote that resonates within me, "Anything's better than a life standing still." I'm intrigued.

Before I continue, I do want disclose that there are some cheesy, cliché bits and even moments that went unexplained that I was forced to accept. I hope the book might go more into detail for the latter; such as female casters (the p.c. term for witches and warlocks in this universe) have no choice in whether they are aligned with the light or the darkness, yet male casters do whatever the heck they want, on a whim (wha--?). Just roll with it.

Get used to this

So, Main Guy, with so much depth and heart, used to date superficial Popular Girl. Main Guy longs for much more than this provincial life. Enter strange and mysterious New Girl. Main Guy is interested in New Girl. Popular Girl hates New Girl, thus making New Girl's life miserable, but Main Guy's there to pick up the pieces and that's when all the supernatural stuff comes in.

I liked the chemistry between Ethan and Lena Duchannes, our mysterious, other-worldly heroine, however, I feel like their romance was a bit rushed. Whether this was done for time purposes, bad writing, or teenage romance, I'm not sure, but I suppose we all knew it was inevitable. And, of course, love always saves the day. "You can't do that!" "BUT WE'RE IN LOVE!!" Oh, okay, you can do that then." Am I watching Harry Potter? 

"If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love. He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. (...) to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever." - Albus Dumbledore.

These kids are, like, fifteen and sixteen years old... But don't listen to me; I'm cynical and old.

Here we see teenagers not listening to cynical, old people

For a "typical teenage romance", I admired the authors for transporting us to a less conventional setting of North Carolina, in a small, rural town, rich in history that lacks so much of the pop culture that we, as the kids in America, have grown so accustomed to; giving this genre a much welcomed facelift and broadening its horizons. It adds to the romance and mysticism, thus making it more than just a "typical teenage romance". 

What I really liked was that themes being presented are actually rather smart and mature for being set in a teen age, which invites someone, such as myself (whose ten year high school reunion should be taking place this summer) to enjoy the story on a somewhat more intellectual level. I actually feel like it might've been better suited for young adults, rather than teenagers, but why downplay our youth?

60% of why I wanted to see this movie

I'm a little disappointed with Ridley Duchannes; the character I was most looking forward to. The whole movie she's set up to be this badass only to punk out in the final confrontation. Although, I'm sure that's not the last we've heard of her. I still have high hopes for you yet, Ridley.

You know who did surprise me, though, was Emma Thompson! Not that it's surprising that she would give a good performance; she just played her character exceptionally well. There was one scene in particular where her character and Macon, Lena's uncle (or Scar, from the Lion King), were conversing in a church, where she left me with my jaw dropped! I was stunned by how lithe and vivacious she was!

Another thing I think deserves a generous nod is the costuming and set design. Aside from Alden Ehrenreich's smile (you'll see what I mean!), this probably was my favorite part of the film; however, I'm a sucker for these things. So, whomever designed the costuming, I cordially invite to live in my closet and dress me every day. It's a small living space and it pays nothing, but you'll get the satisfaction of making me look damn good! I mean, you made me like Emmy Rossum. I hate Emmy Rossum!

Left: Macon (uncle Scar) & Ravenwood Manor, Right: Disney's Haunted Mansion

Confession: I love the exterior of Ravenwood Manor. Why? Well, because it reminds me so much of my beloved Haunted Mansion (located in Disneyland's New Orleans Square), where I work as a mansion maid. I have to be honest, though: I did not care much for parlor/foyer. Other than it feeling pretty simplistic, it just looks really fake. It's that staircase! It looks like it was purchased at Ikea; which, compared to the rest of the furniture, stands out like a sore thumb! But other than that, the sets were marvelous! I'd have to say that Lena's room (want!) and the dinner scene (PEACOCKS! They had peacocks!) had to be among my favorites.

Something I have to point out that really bugs me is Lena's "transition". When we first meet her at the beginning of the movie, she's sporting the Plain Jane, au natural look and by the end of it she has raccoon eyes and rouge lips; meant to externally portray Lena's internal struggle with the darkness consuming her! I see what you did there, and it's not subtle at all.

Before & After

Now, I'm no music critic. I'm willing to go so far as to say I have a pretty bad taste in music. No specific genre; If I like what I hear, I'll listen to it. The Beautiful Creatures  soundtrack, composed by Thenewno2, invokes powerful emotions and imagery within me. Their haunting melodies brilliantly portray suspense, seduction, vulnerability, sadness, and maybe just a little bit of hope. with the combination of classical, country, alt rock, and a hint of electro. The best track, by far, is Make It Home (Ridley's Siren Remix). It makes me feel like a badass gypsy from the south. Excuse me while I go rock out under the light of a full moon.

So, there's my two cents. In a time where I've been completely jaded about new releases, this was a breath of fresh air and I'm glad I took a chance on it. I'm actually even more anxious to read through the books and I'm glad to report I'm well beyond those two chapters I read by the start of this review. I'm at least five chapters in now! And I intend to review the book once I've finished reading; in case you still aren't convinced after seeing the movie!

P.S. I totally bought this. Don't judge me.