Movie Review: Fifty Shades Darker @E_L_James @Noghar @JamesFoleyJrFifty Shades Darker Film by E.L. James
Series: Fifty Shades Trilogy #2
on February 10, 2017
Genres: Erotica
Buy on Amazon

When a wounded Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) tries to entice a cautious Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) back into his life, she demands a new arrangement before she will give him another chance. As the two begin to build trust and find stability, shadowy figures from Christian's past start to circle them, determined to destroy their hopes for a future together.

Directed by: James Foley

Writing Credits:  Niall Leonard (Screenplay)

E.L. James (Author of Fifty Shades Darker)

 

Cast

Cast (in credits order)

Dakota Johnson … Anastasia Steele
Jamie Dornan … Christian Grey
Eric Johnson … Jack Hyde
Eloise Mumford … Kate Kavanagh
Bella Heathcote … Leila
Rita Ora … Mia Grey
Luke Grimes … Elliot Grey
Victor Rasuk … Jose
Max Martini … Taylor
Bruce Altman … Jerry Roach
Kim Basinger … Elena Lincoln
Marcia Gay Harden … Grace Trevelyan Grey
Andrew Airlie … Carrick Grey
Robinne Lee … Ros Bailey
Amy Price-Francis … Liz
Fay Masterson … Mrs. Jones
Ryker Brown … 4-Year-Old-Christian
Logan Brown … 4-Year-Old-Christian
John Callander … Pimp
Carmen Dollard … Christian’s Birth Mom
Ellen Ewusie … Gallery Guest
Elizabeth McLaughlin … Gallery Owner
Albert Nicholas … Waiter
Stephan Miers … Hairdresser
Michael Meneer … Auctioneer
Michael St. John Smith … Auction Bidder
Derek Green … Auction Bidder
Michelle Harrison … Auction Bidder
Mark DeCarlo … News Anchor
Bill Dow … Willis
Ashleigh LaThrop … Hannah
Stephanie Florian … News Reporter
Julia Dominczak … Gretchen
Shiraine Haas … Gwen (as Shirane Haas)
Colin Lawrence … Penthouse Restaurant Customer
Lucia Walters … Penthouse Restaurant Customer
Brooke Johnston … Whispering Gallery Lady
Paniz Zade … Salon Receptionist
Carmel Amit … Whispering Guest at Masked Party
Isaiah Dobbs … Flower Delivery Man
Jose James … Gala Crooner
Otis Brown … Band Member
Josh Hari … Band Member
Rob Compton … Yacht Captain

 

As an avid lover of the series, Darker is the one book that stands out for me. I needed this one to be perfect.  After all was said and done, I left the theater with a wide ear to ear smile that continued the whole weekend.

I will be 100% honest and say that there were scenes that lacked a lot for me. I wanted to see more from some of the key moments between Ana and Christian.  Some scenes were cut altogether, I am sure we will see them in the director’s cut DVD, but talking out of the other side of my mouth… it was perfect.  The movie is an interpretation of the book and not all people will see the same interpretation, or even enjoy it.  That’s ok!  I just know how the movie made me feel, happy and excited. I understand that we can’t cram a full book into a two hour movie.  Everyone involved had a huge weight on their shoulders to perform and make this move what the fans wanted.  Erika stood her ground with Darker and it showed.  The movie delivered the fan girl experience and was fan driven to the fullest.

The growth between Ana and Christian was endearing.  Jamie Dornan brought Christian to life with full on color.  To see him laugh, smile, and enjoy himself was a treat.  Playful Christian is damn sexy.  His kinky fuckery was off the charts.  A boy and his toys, need I say more! His transition from FSoG to FSD was perfection.  Dakota played Ana with an innocence that made her adorably cute and hilarious.  Her one liners and facial expressions were spot on.  Adding Eric, as Jack, was a great casting choice.  He played squirmy and sinister so well.  The confrontation scene at SIP was EVERYTHING. I am excited to see what Eric brings to the table in Freed.

Over all I can say I loved FSD. It was a total 180 from FSoG. I loved both of these movies for very different reasons.  This movie was not made for the critics.  Don’t believe everything you read from them. Believe the fans.  Believe the diehards.  This movie is for us.  Hot and sexy, suspenseful and thrilling, FSD is a perfect addition to the movie trilogy.

My obsession with the sinfully sexy megalomaniac that is Mr. Grey has just been personified. With the movie Fifty Shades Darker, I have been blessed with a “two-for.” I loved this serial, felt it in the depths of my marrow, these characters undeniably becoming a part of my being. Yet, I’ve fallen just as hard for the cinematic interpretations for entirely different reasons. I got the best of both worlds. The story that is Christian and Ana is intense devotion, an irrefutable attraction between two halves of an unconventional whole, an all-encompassing love affair. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful epic, about love so consuming it forces each to view life through the eyes of their missing piece. That fragment that is the very connection to their souls, individually and collectively, guiding the demons of the past into the light of future possibilities… More.

Darker is an orgy for the senses.  All of them, a cornucopia of all things beautiful and deviant Yin vs. Yang. Good vs. evil. Light vs. dark. It’s all there, in visceral detail. It’s an exquisite indulgence for your heart, your head, your soul. It’s visual feast for the eyes literally, from the incredible sets that so vividly depict the backdrop of a story we’ve all played out in our minds, to the perfection that is the body of the broken boy, ever bossy millionaire we all fantasize about.

The script was wonderfully done, condensing a manuscript perfectly so the viewer didn’t feel any loss of plot. The cast is bar none. They have become these characters, they are Christian and Ana. I can’t imagine any other actors playing these roles. Jamie and Dakota have done an impeccable job breathing life into entities we know and adore. It was like watching a loved one come of age before your eyes. My heart hurt, I cried, I smiled, I laughed out loud and above all else, I fell in head over heels love all over again. Their affection apparent in each scene, their chemistry jumping off the screen. The camaraderie of the cast evident for all to see. I loved the new additions, their presence enhancing an already loved ensemble. Jack providing yet another delectably alluring element to the tale unfolding, furnishing an air of danger and malevolence you could literally feel in the theatre. I love to hate all things Jack. It’s true, I love him.

I drove from DC to Ohio for the first movie, did the same for this one, and already have plans in place to do so for the conclusion (which I am both anxiously awaiting and dreading in the same breath). These friendships and girls weekends have provided me with some of the best memories of my 43 years. These movies have become about so, so much more. It’s become a community, a family that I’ve been blessed to choose, and for that I will forever be grateful to you Ms. James. I have gained not only a beloved story, but women that have become my tribe.

Can I pick a favorite of the two movies? Maybe. Did it distract from my love for either? In the words of Miss Steele “absolutely not.” I loved every word of this book and it’s impossible to translate each of those words to the silver screen. Were treasured things missing? Yes. Of course there were, but this movie was a vision of its own. This screenplay stayed true to the books in a fashion that will cause each and every reader to stand proud. It was beyond well done, and kudos to all involved. You took a monumental task and handled it with seamless professionalism and love.

We have been given yet another platform to compliment the masterpiece Ms. James so artfully imbedded in our beings as readers. I loved every second of this kinky fuckery. My impatience had grown Darker in anticipation of this movie, now I palm twitchingly bide my time for the next installment hoping it will leave me Freed of the incredible chasm of longing that I’ve no doubt will be the next twelve months of my life.

Now… let’s talk about that preview???

IS IT TIME YET???

Fifty Shades Darker is for the reader, and I am one happy reader. One of the major things I loved about this film was listening to the words from the book spoken by the actors. It gave me chills when those words were uttered.

Jamie and Dakota’s performances were stellar. Jamie Dornan really grew into Christian and I was over the moon with him in this movie. I’m just going to say it ladies, Spreader Bar. OMG! So many amazing and awesome things in this film. It is very fast paced. How else can you cram 532 pages of a book into a two-hour film? I love that all the pivotal moments are in the film. Giddy! That’s how I feel after seeing it three times opening weekend. I will see it again a few times before it leaves theaters. Every time I watch it more things are picked up on. Bella Heathcote was amazing as Leila. She really brought the book character to life. Let’s talk Eric Johnson as Jack Hyde for a minute ladies. Fantastic performance and it’s really hard to hate that man. The entire cast is perfect for the characters they portray.

Soundtrack: Perfection! I am in love with this soundtrack. I listened to the entire soundtrack before seeing the film. I was already in love with the songs, but seeing them with their respective scenes was perfect. I can now tell you where in the movie each song is. The Nick Jonas and Nicki Minaj song is my absolute favorite.

I’m so glad that E.L. James brought us these books and let Hollywood bring them to life for us. Darker was Amazing on it’s on for so many reasons, but the one that makes this reader extremely happy is that it stayed true to the books but with a spin that made it entertaining for the non-reader. Bravo, E.L. James, cast and crew! This reader is in love. #SpreaderBar #SilverSatin #PommelHorse #Darker #BomBidiBom

 


I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker): ZAYN & Taylor Swift

Not Afraid Anymore: Halsey

Pray (feat. Rooty): JRY

Lies In the Dark: Tove Lo

No Running From Me: Toulouse

One Woman Man: John Legend

Code Blue: The-Dream

Bom Bidi Bom: Nick Jonas & Nicki Minaj

Helium: Sia

Cruise (feat. Andrew Jackson): Kygo

The Scientist: Corinne Bailey Rae

They Can’t Take That Away From Me: José James

Birthday: JP Cooper

I Need a Good One (feat. Mark Asari): The Avener

Empty Pack of Cigarettes: Joseph Angel

What Would It Take: Anderson East

What Is Love?: Frances

On His Knees: Danny Elfman

Making It Real: Danny Elfman

Soundtrack 

iTunes | Amazon | Target Exclusive 

About E.L. James

E L James is a TV executive, wife and mother of two, based in West London. Since early childhood, she dreamt of writing stories that readers would fall in love with, but put those dreams on hold to focus on her family and her career. She finally plucked up the courage to put pen to paper with her first novel, Fifty Shades of Grey.

E L James is currently working on her next novel…

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram

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60 comments on “Movie Review: Fifty Shades Darker @E_L_James @Noghar @JamesFoleyJr”

  2. Omg i agree with your review 200%. This movie wasnt made for the critics so who cares what they say!!! This movie was made for us the fans. I love anna and christian in this movie theyre dynamic got so much better. I have seen it twice and the 2nd time was even better. I cant wait for the dvd to come out and yess umm can we get a fsf preview like noww 🙂

    Reply

  3. So, I’ve seen Darker five times now, and I swear I see something new every time. There is so much more character development in Darker, and both Anastasia and Christian are growing. Evolving into stronger people, from their love of one another. I’m sad there was no Dr. Flynn, but really enjoyed the film!

    Reply

  5. Definitely my favorite book from the trilogy and am sooooo very looking forward to seeing the movie this coming weekend.

    Reply

  7. I love the Fifty Shades books and I loved the first movie. Can’t wait to see Darker, just have to find someone to go with me.

    Reply

  8. I tried to post my comment but it didn’t show up so here goes again. I love the Fifty books and I loved the first movie. Can’t wait to see Darker, just have to find someone to go with me.

    Reply

  11. I agree with y’all. Sone scenes needed more attention. However, the chemistry between Ana and Christian is so much better. I loved Darker and can’t wait to Freed!

    Reply

    • I totally agree. Some scenes deserved more attention, like when he knelt. I felt rushed through the movie and you didn’t feel like it was 2 hrs. I guess it needed to be long like Gone with the Wind ?. I love that the changed Mia’s look and Jose had more screen time. However, Ethan a now show. I was so looking forward to seeing him and Mia.

      Reply

  13. Haven’t seen the movie yet but heard it was much better than the first. Hope to see it soon!! Thanks for your reviews!!

    Reply

  17. I love this movie, it was well done. You feel like you are part of their lived, E L James did a wonderful job developing the characters and the story line. The time when they are on the boat was a beautiful sight. I have recommended that everyone see this movie.

    Reply

  22. I’ve read the books. I’ve feared watching the movies. I wasn’t sure they would hold up. Reading your reviews has changed my mind. I’m going to take a chance and watch ! Thank u for your thoughts on the film !! ☘

    Reply

  27. I absolutely loved the first book and this cover to the second one is so mezmerizing???????
    My son is in the rotc program at school ad is 16 and going with me to see it?????????
    I just cant wait because your first and second one is phenomenal extraordinary.Thank you for this amazing chance and opportunity???Loved liked and shared??????

    Reply

  30. Love the reviews and I have to say I agree! How do you cram all of that into a 2 hour movie? I think they hit on the stuff that was key to the story but there were some scenes I wish would have been more played out but I understand and I was smiling after the credits rolled!

    Reply

  38. Wow! I loved the first book and I’m dying to read the second one! Great review 🙂

    Reply

  39. Loved the book & the movie. Fifty Shades Darker the movie was better than Fifty Shades of Grey. Loved your reviews!!

    Reply

  40. Amazing review! I can’t wait til it comes out on DVD so I can see it!!! Have a handicapped Son so I can’t go anywhere.
    Thank you so much for the chance!!

    Reply

  43. OMG I have seen this movie a total of 14 times almost once a day everyday since release and I am in love bit that the first one wasn’t good but his one is so much better. Loved it

    Reply

  44. I absolutely loved this movie, and your review was so right on!!! Can’t wait to own it on DVD…

    Reply

  45. I absolutely loved this movie, and I agree with your review.. I Can’t wait for this to come out on DVD…

    Reply

  47. I wholeheartedly agree that the FSOG was nearly a dream come true. I do wish some of the scenes were fleshed out a little more (Christian on his knees especially) but this one was just SO MUCH MORE!

    Reply

  49. Amazing review. I super enjoyed watching Fifty Shades Darker as well. I wish the husband watches it with me too unfortunately he has to work or me working on his day off.

    Reply

  50. I loved the movie I saw it in theater more then once. It was so very well done I felt it followed the book very well. Can’t wait for next year and fifty shades freed.

    Reply

  51. I loved the movie I saw it in theater more then once. It was so very well done I felt it followed the book very well. Can’t wait for next year and fifty shades freed.

    Reply

  54. The truth is because of my best friend Mindy Giroux Durocher telling I need to read this series that my love for reading began! Since then I have come to love reading because it could take me away into another world. In away you can become the characters and leaving this world for another one was just what I need at the time so thank you both Minnie and Fifty Shades of Grey for giving me that!
    The way you wrote the story, it aloud me to see and feel everything good and bad with the characters! And then for it all to come together in the movies made it so much better!
    Five ***** stars for both the books and the movies only cause you can’t go be on five!

    Reply

  55. The truth is because of my best friend Mindy Giroux Durocher telling I need to read this series that my love for reading began! Since then I have come to love reading because it could take me away into another world. In away you can become the characters and leaving this world for another one was just what I need at the time so thank you both Minnie and Fifty Shades of Grey for giving me that!
    The way you wrote the story, it aloud me to see and feel everything good and bad with the characters! And then for it all to come together in the movies made it so much better!
    Five ***** stars for both the books and the movies only cause you can’t go be on five!

    Reply

  56. Great movie review! I love this trilogy! I love Christian Grey! The movies are on point! Can’t wait for the next movie and hopefully more books from Christian!

    Reply

  57. I loved this movie!!!!! Though there were some points In the book that I wish was in the movie, overall I really loved the movie. And there were a lot more songs on the soundtrack in this movie I enjoyed than in FSOG.

    Reply

  59. I love the review. I love the books and movies in their own way. I do wish there were parts of the book that were in the movie. I too hope there are more books about Christian to come. (One can only dream though.)

    Reply

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