Not all bad

Rating: 8/10 (23 February 2015)

I know this movie has gotten completely panned. But as a reader of the books, I wasn't expecting much, knowing the graphic content. In fact I really didn't want to see all that was explained and explored in the book. Some things are meant to be left to the imagination.
That being said, I actually thought the movie was just fine. It kept mostly true to the book. Though, I wish they could have included more of the quick banter and smart wit between their emails...and also include more of Grey's actually "trying" to be the better / more romantic boyfriend.
It ended just as the first book did and just as I had expected. Which for those readers who couldn't get beyond the shock of their sudden separation, is a real travesty. Because in the future books and as the story goes, their real relationship and love and trust is built and real love story grows. While it's a warp-speed relationship, Its not any worse than The Bachelor on a speed dating / courtship kind of way.
And for those of us not into Bondage and Master/Servant relationships, I thought this was a very tasteful way to explore that side of some people without being completely porn. The "Red Room of Pain" was actually quite intriguing and almost beautiful.
Anyway, not sure if there is ever going to be a Movie 2 or 3...given the current state of the actors. Seeing Jamie Dornan's interviews, while I LOVE him in The Fall and on OUAT, I could tell he was very awkward talking about the film. Especially due to his wife and child. I get that. But he is also in the acting business and the Hollywood industry. If she can't get over it, then he'll have to quit or they'll split. It's just part of the job. We're all grown adults here and it s a shame that it would pull away from all the acting he can do.
For a crazy, raunchy subject, I thought the movie was quite tasteful in what it portrayed. I'm a hopeless romantic and while this type of relationship is not for me it was interesting to see it portrayed. I am hoping that movies 2 & 3 will help see it through to the end and have a Happy Ending.