Curiosity got the best of me, I agreed to see the movie with a very excited friend, A, and another who “has the book by her bedside table at all times”, B.
I refused to read the book after seeing online quotes such as “I can see Russia from my house.” and “My very small inner goddess sways in a gentle victorious samba.”, much to B’s surprise, who said she ignores those ‘little details’. So I went into the cinema knowing only the basic storyline and what the trailer had shown.
So the movie starts with awkward interaction (acting) between Ms. Steele and Mr. Grey. And I thought, yep, this is exactly what I expected a Twilight fanfic based story would be like. Lame. B, however, starts to panick, “I am not liking this” she repeats at least three times as she watches hopelessly.
A couple of minutes in and the protagonists are meeting each other. But of course she trips and falls as soon as she walks into his office and lays there staring at Christian as if in a trance.
As the movie ran along I started getting pleasantly surprised. The sex was not awkward (of course, or the movie would flop) and Anastasia had a tiny bit of attitude towards Grey. Something I don’t quite see Bella having.
The initially awkward and looser girl started being a bit more witty and charming. But by the middle of the movie I found myself bored again and lacking any novelty in the story. The only thing that saved it for me was the odd humor here and there, intentional or not.
I don’t think I will ever forget Christian telling Ana that “Men must throw themselves at you”. Sure. That is so true that the entire cinema burst out laughing.
I liked the actress they chose for Anastasia. She was plain as she was supposed to. Christian on the other hand… If he had more sex appeal – like a hot Matt Bonner – I would’ve been way happier watching.
Of course the fact that I am absolutely repelled by the idea of pain does not help in me liking this movie.
Ana questions the whole bdsm thing several times, which I found healthy and refreshing, but will only be more disappointed when she gives in to him which I’m sure will eventually happen.
Will I see the sequel? Only if my friends insist otherwise I’m going to have to pass…
Did yo enjoy it?
XO,
