'Lovely Bones' cast praise Jackson

The stars of The Lovely Bones have heaped praise on the film's director Peter Jackson.

Michael Imperioli, who plays detective Len Fenerman in the movie, claimed that Lord Of The Rings helmer Jackson wins fans with his "passion" and "excitement" for cinema.

"He loves to go to the movies for escapism, to be transported. I think he's found a way to make that happen for his fans in a very unique and singular way," the actor told DS at the movie's Royal premiere.

New Zealand actress Rose McIver, who plays Lindsey Salmon, remarked: "To be able to work with a fellow Kiwi was definitely a very exciting part of it. He is just somebody you only dream you'll end up working with."

Reece Ritchie, the love interest to Saoirse Ronan's Susie Salmon, added that Jackson refused to treat the younger actors any differently to the film's more experienced cast, headed by Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon.

"Peter has this amazing inability to acknowledge stardom," Ritchie explained. "I think it's indicative of New Zealand, people just don't acknowledge the star system and the hierarchy crap that comes with this industry. That echoed on set."

The Lovely Bones is an adaptation of Alice Sebold's bestselling novel about a murdered 14-year-old girl who watches from heaven as her family come to terms with her death. The movie opens in the US in December before bowing in the UK on January 29.

> Video: DS at the Lovely Bones premiere