Film Reviews by SR

A very good cast led by Sheridan Smith kept us guessing until the end. The story consists of three episodes on one disc.

Personally, I loved the 'colour-blind' casting and would like to see more in films. Having said that, I gave up on the film after only watching half; I know the story well but this version was - dare I say it - just boring. Emotionless and flat despite its stellar cast.

I watched it after reading the book - it's fascinating to see if it matches your mental vision.

The top cast had to work with a simplistic script and excellent Anna Friel, in particular, lost out when the book's machiavellian Lady Claire was transformed into the film's sensible sweet girlie and David Thewlis wasn't allowed to be quite the corporate scumbag that he should have been. At least Gerard Butler's character retained his swashbuckling style.

Having said that, it's a full-on action film which doesn't stop to let you get your breath until it's over.

Having read each book avidly and enjoyed The Mortal Instruments film I waited impatiently to get my hands on this series. I've just returned the first two dvds and cancelled the remaining two from my list. What a slog! Visually impressive but what has happened to the witty banter? Clary's script consists of endless repetitions of "oh I miss my Mum", "thanks for helping me", "yes I just want to find my Mum", "thanks for looking out for me", ad nauseam. Each character is beautiful but bland and emotionless and I couldn't care less what happens to them. Someone has taken Clare's gripping books and turned them into a massive yawn. In contrast the 2013 film feels like a masterclass in acting.

Wow. Special effects better than I expected and the people were real - no unfeasibly perfect heroes here! The scene in the coach is still giving me chills.

A flimsy film but it highlights the current staggering pressures to look perfect, something which is leading to serious mental health issues. Hollywood still fails to reflect real life, as my bewildered husband pointed out: "but she IS pretty" …