Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters; a secret group of young half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. When her mother (“Game of Thrones” star Headey) disappears, Clary joins forces with a group of Shadowhunters to save her, and is introduced to Downworld, a dangerous alternate-world New York filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures.

This is the latest in the current trend of action-romance films based on a best-selling young adult book series. There aren’t a lot of surprises here, plot-wise, but it’s still an entertaining ride, especially if you enjoyed the Twilight films or last semester’s Beautiful Creatures (even if you don’t want to admit it in public). Lily Collins (Mirror Mirror) is engaging as our wide-eyed heroine encountering the dark side and Jamie Campbell Bower was clearly taking notes during his stint on the Twilight films, turning in a suitably smouldering performance as the mysterious Jace Wayland, Clary’s guide to the Downworld and inevitable love interest. Will this franchise (yes, there’s already a sequel in the works) overthrow The Hunger Games to become the next cultural phenomenon? Only time will tell, but regardless, it’s still a lot of fun.