Did I say I was going to stop watching movies?  Oh c’mon guys, you know me better than that! 

So when wednesday rolled around, and it was date night…

I convinced my guy to go see Beautiful Creatures!

The film is based off the book series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.  Incredibly well webbed, Creatures tells the story of Lena Ducannes (played by New Zealand actress Alice Englert), just returned to the small, judgmental town of Gatlin, LA.  There, she meets Ethan Wate (played by Steven Spielberg discovered Alden Ehrenreich), a boy who is counting the days until graduation and his subsequent escape from Gatlin.

Rounding out the spectacular cast of the movie, we see Viola Davis (The Help) as Amma, a Seer, Emmy Rossum (Phantom of the Opera) as Ridley, Lena’s wicked cousin, Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, Nanny McPhee) as the Church zealot Mrs. Lincoln, and one of my man crushes, Jeremy Irons (Man in the Iron Mask, Voice of Scar in The Lion King) as the patriarch of Lena’s family, Macon Ravenwood.

Early on we learn that Lena and her family are different from the other townspeople.  In fact, they’re witches, or “Casters” as they prefer.  As Lena and Ethan become closer, their family histories will become more and more entwined than they can imagine.

What I loved about the movie, and it has to be said that my guy liked it to, so if you’re guy is saying he doesn’t want to go, he’ll probably like it!

…Where was I?…

Oh yes!  What I loved about the movie is that it’s the story of good vs. evil, but with depth.  There really aren’t any characters that seemed one-sided.  Even though they all stand for one side, their emotions, their dreams, and most crucially their families are intertwined.

I was really impressed with newcomer Alden Ehrenreich who plays Ethan.  As a fan of accents (and someone who tries to pick them constantly) I loved his portrayal of southern boy charm.  Within minutes of the opening scene, my honey commented, “I like this guy.”  That’s saying something!

The plot line for those are obsessed with paranormal YA books may be predictable, but I still loved how every bit of tension possible was maximized and  yet believable.  The ongoing tension of the first film is Lena’s upcoming claiming.  On her 16th birthday, she will be claimed for either the light or the dark and her fate will be sealed.  There was a variety of elements at play though.  Yes, destiny has its spotlight, but there’s also a family curse, a forbidden love, and the conviction of your own beliefs.

Nothing was easy, but it was very entertaining.

If I can compare Beautiful Creatures to any movie, I’d say Twilight, which I do like.  But Creatures is done much better all around!  Guess here’s another series for me to be addicted to!

Have you seen Beautiful Creatures yet?  Have you read the book?  What did you think?  

If you haven’t seen it, do you want to?  What are your favorite YA films or books out there?