Jeri Jacquin
Climaxing this Friday from Universal Pictures and director
James Foley is the final film in a trilogy that brings us FIFTY SHADES FREED.
Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) has received a ring from
the unusual man of her dreams Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). After a beautiful
wedding the two jet off to Europe for a
honeymoon of sun and spending time as only these newlyweds can. Back in Seattle , someone is
trying to sabotage Christian's family when files are stolen and a fire is set.
The Grey's immediately return and as Christian investigates
what is happening, Ana returns to her job to discover that she has been given a
promotion. It's important to her because the person responsible for what is
happening is Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson) who clearly has an agenda to bring down
the Grey's.
Realizing her life has been a whirlwind, Ana reconnects with
Kate (Eloise Mumford) spending time together over the watchful eye of her
bodyguard Sawyer (Brant Daugherty) while Christian is out of town. Upset with
Ana, he understands that she misses the company of her friends. Arranging time
with Kate, Jose (Victor Rasuk) and his siblings Mia (Rita Ora) and Elliot (Luke
Grimes) they learn an unexpected surprise.
Relaxed and back to work, it isn't long before Jack's back!
Being attacked is more than Ana and Christian can take and after more
surprising family news; the couple's next event is staggering. Ana must now
make a decision without Christian that is dangerous and could cost her
everything.
Johnson as Anastasia is much stronger in this film and it's
nice to see. I think my favorite part is when she puts architect Gia Matteo on
the hot seat by staking her claim to the house Christian has bought for them and
being called 'Mrs. Grey'. She also lets her new husband know that their life
together is important, but so is working and friendships. Christian is
discovering that his new wife is much stronger than he ever gave her credit
for. I think I like Johnson in this film the best.
Dornan as Christian begins to show his weaker side in this
film and that's not a bad thing. For a character that spent two films being in
control of everything, it was only a matter of time before the cracks would
begin to show. Those insecurities lead Christian to make some seriously dumb
decisions and this stronger Ana gives him what-for in no uncertain terms!
Dornan's Christian is in new territory but the women in the audience adore both
the character and the actor so forgiveness flowed in the theatre.
Eric Johnson as Jack clearly is still angry over his firing,
Ana's quick rise in the publishing world and a few secrets that Christian is
determined to find out. Let's be honest, crazy people do crazy things and Jack
lives up to that and does so in plain site. His goal is one thing, to make Ana
pay for what he believe she has done and give the Grey family reasons to be
nervous.
Mumford returns as Ana's friend Kate with a few surprises in
store for her, Grimes as brother Elliot shares a little of Christian's
childhood and sees that he is finally happy, Ora returns as sister Mia who is
still protective of her adoptive brother. Harden returns as Christian's mother
Grace who believes in her son and is supportive when things go a little awry.
Other cast includes Max Martini as Taylor , Jennifer Ehle as Carla, Bruce Altman
as Jerry Roach, Arielle Kebbel as Gia Matteo, Callum Keith Rennie as Ray,
Robinne Lee as Ros Bailey and Marcia Gay Harden as Grace Grey.
FIFTY SHADES FREED brings the story of Anastasia and
Christian full circle and pushes a little past for those who truly want to know
how their life plays out. I heard a woman next to me at the screening say she
was a little sad there wasn't more of the wedding shown and, as with TWILIGHT films,
everyone wants to see more of the beautiful dress.
The story does take off fairly quickly not giving much time
for the couple or the audience to settle in. Jack returns to make sure to put a
kibosh on a happy newlywed beginning. Honeymoon is over when security guards
become part of the Grey's new married life. It was nice to see Ana return to a
job she obviously loves but also make it known that she wants a life of friends
and normalcy.
Of course the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY films give audiences
their soft core sex scenes that haven't been shy in any way since it first hit
screens in 2015 and FIFTY SHADES FREED is no exception. What is new in the
films is the insecurities Christian can no longer hide from. In the first two
films he is calm, cool and a bit on the controlling side. This film he throws a
few tantrums that made the women in the audience gasp a little but that's what
happens when all that control starts slipping away.
Erika Mitchell wrote under the pen name of E.L. James when
writing her Fifty Shades trilogy. There is also Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian novel that was
released last year. Possible there could be another Fifty Shades film? I think
there are fans who would like to see that happen.
I have no doubt that those who love the Fifty Shades books
will gather up like minded gals for a fun night at the movies. Have dinner, a
few drinks and cheer the new couple on their alternative life together. Nothing
wrong with a little Friday night Grey!
In the end - Mrs. Grey will see you now!
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