Here are random stuff from reminders, what transpired today and my second TV Series review.
DISCLAIMER: My personal review for this TV series is based on my personal character preferences or biases, book recognition, and movie adaptation. I wasn’t paid to make a review for the said program.
Ino downloaded Shadowhunters (The Mortal instrument’s City of Bones TV series) recently and we’re supposed to be on our 4th episode. We haven’t watched it yet because we were sidetracked by other things. I think he got intrigued by it because we’ve seen the The Mortal instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare as a movie before.
I have been reading tons of YA series and frankly, I already forgot the plot of this series. All i know is that I was on the 2nd book (City of Ashes) already and I wasn’t able to finish it. That’s why it’s included in my goals for this year. So speaking of goals, I really have to start from the 1st book because I totally forgot who’s who and what the storyline is about. I guess I got too overwhelmed by the instalments for the Mortal Instruments that’s why I didn’t get to finish it.
I was actually disappointed that they didn’t cast the same actors from the movie in the TV series. My first impression was that all the characters on the TV series weren’t as interesting as those in the movie and even in my imagination. In my opinion, if they are aiming for a ruggedly handsome lead, they shouldn’t have changed the actor in the first place.
UPDATED: I forgot to mention a positive feedback which I only realized as Ino and I were watching Episode 4 and Episode 5.
Magnus Bane in the The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones the movie was so-so. I’m obviously not a fan of Godfrey Gao. In my opinion, he could pass as Magnus Bane and I can just forget him as soon as the movie finishes. His fashion style was a giveaway that he’s gay. It is part of the book and the story and there’s nothing wrong with that. But for me, his portrayal to the character in the movie was just barely there. He has a significant role in the series and the movie but he wasn’t as intriguing as the others. He has the edgy look and he was age appropriate, as he is mature and was supposed to be on the same age group with Jocelyn Fray.
However, it was a revelation, when I heard about Harry Shum, Jr. a.k.a Mike Chang of GLEE portray Magnus Bane in the Shadowhunters TV series.
Perhaps it became interesting because Harry Shum, Jr. is familiar to me. Perhaps it’s because I know that he can transition from a GLEE club member to another Asian who will represent a major role in a series. No, not being a racist here. It’s just that, Magnus Bane is clearly an Asian in the book and Freeform made a good decision in choosing Harry Shum, Jr. as an addition to the TV series.
Harry is fresher and younger. I still have doubts though if he can portray the character effectively. If I’m going to base my first impression on his character for the past three episodes, I can say that he can’t be the same age as the mother of Clary but he can be a good romantic partner for Alec.
He and the actor who portrays Alec Lightwood in Shadowhunters add a comic relief in the series. They can be effective in some way and they can actually add flavor to the series. I actually like the actor who portrays Alec in the TV series.
They actually did great in choosing Matthew Daddario as Alec Lightwood in the TV series. He’s more handsome and fresh looking than Kevin Zegers in TMI:CoB. He was the only character that I approved of when I watched the pilot of the Shadowhunters. I think Kevin Zegers in the TMI:COB was pretty mature for the role, but considering he is Isabelle’s brother, I supposed that it’s okay.
Matthew Daddario a.k.a Alec Lighwood, is one of the reasons why I’m still watching this series. Aside from him, I also look forward to Magnus Banes’ story arc and importance in the series. So far they are the only reasons why I am watching this show.
On the other hand, I prefer Jemima West (TMI:CoB movie actress) better than Emeraude Toubia. Emeraude is beautiful and she is a good actress. Considering her role as someone who needs to seduce other downworlders to help Clary, I think Freeform did a good job in casting her. However, as for my personal opinion, Jemima West could do more justice as Isabelle Lightwood in the TV series.
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Isabelle Lightwood in Shadowhunters is very sexy to the point that she can be a pornstar already. It actually makes me think that Ino wants to watch it because of how provocative this character looks with her slutty outfit. But it’s not a big deal because I know that Freeform is just following the books and it’s also their subtle way to show the defunct ABC Family that they can attract more viewers if they make the characters more interesting.
I’m still not a fan of this series but it can motivate me to read the book more. The episode 5 reminds me heavily of The Vampire Diaries TV series. I’m also not a fan of TVD and didn’t finish the first season. I also didn’t read the book because I find the story too cheesy.
Anyway, back to Shadowhunters, here comes my rants for the characters portraying in the TV series:
Jace should be ruggedly handsome but the Jace on the TV series clearly doesn’t have that vibe. Like, what the heck is that guy doing there? Or maybe he’s just not my type. I hope that they would develop the other characters more.
Simon on the TV series looks too matured; While if you watch the TMI:CoB the movie you would see how young and fresh Robert Sheehan was. Because I would really consider Simon as Clary’s geeky bestfriend if it was Robert and not Alberto in the TV series.
Clary Fray on the series looks like a Jenny Humphrey rip off. Enough said. She’s pretty but she has that cheerleader vibe. Not that I hate cheerleaders.
I hope this TV series will still improve. Moreover, I’m still willing to watch it even if I haven’t finished reading the books yet. I don’t personally hate the actors. I just hate that the TV series didn’t cast the same characters in the movie. It would have been better.
I guess they also considered new faces for the TV series. They might have considered their budget too. I dunno. Perhaps it’s because of the movie or TV series rights, or probably it’s the producer’s call. I’m not sure but I hope thst I’d get to fall in love with these characters after a few episodes or before its mid-season break.
DISCLAIMER: I’m pretty much biased about this because I liked the movie and it made me read a couple of books. This post is just about my opinion. I haven’t watched any reviews or read some feedbacks about the series ‘though. I’m just not a fan of the chosen actors and actresses. It would have been better though, if they have chosen an actor or an actress to portray the same role for a better recall or a small nod to the movie.
All in all I give this TV series a 2 out of 5 rating. I will continue watching it but I don’t think that I will want to watch it as soon as it airs or as soon as it is available in the Philippines.
**Credits to the owners of the photos. These photos were taken from Google Images.**
So since I am going circles… let’s talk about a different topic!
I’d like to personally congratulate myself for uploading a new signature that I will be using starting tonight. 🙂
I just noticed that my boosters for my plan are redundant and weird. I had it changed this evening but I still have to wait for about a day for the changes to happen. Globe’s GServices kept on closing when I’m trying to use it. It sucks. 😦
Oh, I forgot to call the church about my affidavit! I was very busy this afternoon that it slipped my mind. :O
Anyway, I’ve got to hit the sack because I still have to work tomorrow! 🙂
