The 50 Shades of Grey movie is based on the book of the same name. The movie follows Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson), a literature student, who faces a life changing experience, when she gets the opportunity to interview billionaire, Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). Sure, there are some other characters, such as Jose (Victor Rasuk), Carla (Jennifer Ehle) and Kate (Eloise Mumford), but none of them matter to the overall story. The entire movie centers on the sexually motivated relationship between Christian and Anastasia.

As already mentioned, the movie starts out, with an interview between Ana and Christian. Both take an instant liking to one another, but it is Christian, who makes an effort to pursue his eventual mate. Although he comes off, as a little obsessive and aggressive, nothing seems out of the ordinary. Once, Ana is completely ensnared in his web, Christian introduces her to a world of crazy sex and bondage. He continuously urges her to sign his contract and become his submissive slave, which she eventually does.

Despite having billions, Mr. Grey is the typical rich man, who is miserable on the inside, which likely represents his need to dominate in the bedroom. Of course, Ana seems to slightly alter the man’s thought patterns, as he eventually calls her his girlfriend and reveals details about his tormented childhood. However, nothing would last, as the ending seems to tear the pair apart. With the announcement of Fifty Shades Freed, it is clear the pair will stay apart.

Review


The movie, despite excellent box office numbers, has been dogged, by critics. Many criticize the overly sexual scenes, but you obviously know what you’re getting here. Even if you haven’t read the books, you’ve heard of them and you understand the type of content, which is found within. This isn’t a television series, which has snuck in two or three sexually oriented scenes an episode. The movie focuses on their sexual relationship, as it should, since it follows the book.

Jamie Dornan, who was fantastic in BBC’s The Fall, has also received a bit of heat, as has his counterpart Dakota Johnson, but they should not. The story is slow, convoluted and obviously lacked, but this isn’t the fault of the lead actors. Both performed admirably in the face of pressure and critically embarrassing, soft core porn scenes. Although I’d prefer to see a third season of The Fall, Jamie should continue, as Christian Grey. Hopefully the second movie isn’t so shallow though. Still, the movie wasn’t as bad as critics made it out to be.

In fact, I found a bit of entertainment from the film. There were definitely a few humorous moments and even some sexual excitement, with one or two bleak scenes. Call me crazy, but I enjoyed it more than Boyhood. The movie deserves a 6.5 out of 10.