Unpopular Opinion: The Mortal Instruments Movie

It’s been some time since I’ve read the original Mortal Instruments series, and I don’t think I’ve watched the movie since it came out.

Don’t ask me why I suddenly decided to rewatch, but it probably had something to do with the fact that it was readily available on streaming, I had a general hankering for something vaguely fantastical, and I’ve always found Jamie Campbell Bower’s face strangely fascinating. I wouldn’t call it a standard “hey you’re attractive” type thing…more like he’s just magnetic. I think it’s his eyes.

Anyways, I watched it again despite the general consensus that it’s a terrible adaptation of the book, and I came to the conclusion that that assessment is patently wrong. It’s not half bad. It was entertaining, pretty to look at, and imo, Jamie played a pitch-perfect Jace, 100% would bang.

Clary sort-of-miscasting aside, and in spite of Alec’s really awful pseudo-English accent, everyone else was pretty good – aesthetically it was a good adaptation of the book. I’m not a purist by any means when it comes to film adaptations, and I recognize that the medium is different and you’re making this for folks that aren’t necessarily book fans either. I only ask that the spirit remain intact – it achieves all of this. I enjoyed it.

I hated the television adaption, and I didn’t stick around long enough to see if it adhered to the book more as far as book fans are concerned, but I hated the guy that played Jace (too beefy) and TV Clary was insufferable and awful.

Valentine sucked though. I can’t get behind a rat tail. As soon as I see a guy with one, even if we are time traveling back to 1985, I’m done.