Director
James Foley
(FIFTY SHADES DARKER)

Stars
Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan and Eric Johnson

Shot back-to-back in 2016 with the very unappealing FIFTY SHADES DARKER, FIFTY SHADES FREED is the third, final and moderately improved film of the franchise.

Picking up the events from after the finale of its predecessor, Anastasia and Christian wed and are enjoying themselves on their postcard perfect honeymoon in Paris until their idyllic and romantic vacation is abruptly truncated. An incident has occurred at Christian’s office back home in Seattle and there’s reason to believe that Ana’s scornful ex-boss, Jack Hyde is somehow involved and will stop at nothing to destroy their relationship. Meanwhile, the newlyweds go through the trials and tribulations of learning to adjust living together.

What have we learnt to this point after watching just over four hours of FIFTY SHADES?
That it’s just like watching an R-rated (or MA15+ here in Australia) version of a daytime TV soap opera. Most of its issues and concerns are trivial and of little care. It’s often cheesy and lame. And if you’re able to view this latest film just that way, then the next 105 minutes (the shortest of the three movies) isn’t so hard to mind and is certainly easier to sit through than FIFTY SHADES DARKER.

FIFTY SHADES FREED might be more endurable, but that still doesn’t mean it’s a good film. The plot line has become increasingly mundane over time and that well and truly takes over almost all proceedings here. I mean who really cares that Christian cracks it because Ana hasn’t yet changed her surname on her work emails? Or that Ana isn’t obeying orders to head straight home from work while Christian is away. You go girl! As for its villain plot and thrilling climax, they don’t get lamer or more roughly executed than this. Speaking of rough, let’s move across to the bedroom now! Or should I say the playroom? It must be said that FIFTY SHADES is a bit of a one-minute wonder in this department. Some curiously striking psychological themes that could be grasped from the original film have been put to bed and left under the covers. The sexual component of Ana and Christian’s relationship, which is an utterly important aspect for the couple, does possess its fair share of flair and dare. However, the directing and editing chooses to remain far too conventional and polite considering the sexual origin and emphasis of this story.

Thankfully though, this franchise stars Dakota Johnson, who has a certain manner that makes Anastasia such an easily accessible character that requires zero effort to like. For those of you that care to find something of value to take away from the entire franchise, it has a fair point to state regarding the listening, understanding and the compromises that need to be done for relationships to stand the test of time. This is no dismissive example that when the love is real, it can conquer just about any challenge.

2 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion
MA15+ (Strong sex scenes)

Trailer
FIFTY SHADES FREED

Now that the FIFTY SHADES trilogy is over, grab yourself a copy of the underrated 2009 film SPREAD, starring Ashton Kutcher and Anne Heche! Recommended 3 ½ stars viewing by Moviedoc!

Moviedoc thanks Universal Pictures for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Moviedoc / “LIKE” on Facebook – Moviedoc

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