Though
superficially exciting, this adaptation of the book by Cassandra Clare is too
cluttered and derivative to make a lasting impression. Presumably the
production team thought that employing superfast editing, dynamic action and
all manner of CGI creatures would be enough to paper over the fact that the
story lacks focus though the actors make the best of it. In fact the
casting is something of a strong suit with Lily Collins excellent as heroine Clary
Fray whose life is turned upside down after she starts involuntarily drawing a strange
shape. Turns out this is a sign that she is not the ordinary girl she imagined
and before she knows it she and best friend Simon are on the run. They are
hurled into a world of Shadow Hunters and demons hidden from all `mundanes`
(i.e. everyone else) in modern day New York. She’s told not to trust anybody
which is often a forewarning that the narrative will constantly pull the rug
from under the viewer’s feet. This can work a treat but if over done as it is
here ends up looking too contrived.
