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)

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