Don’t miss the climax. Believing they have left behind shadowy figures from their past, newlyweds Christian and Ana fully embrace an inextricable connection and shared life of luxury. But just as she steps into her role as Mrs. Grey and he relaxes into an unfamiliar stability, new threats could jeopardize their happy ending before it even begins.
Directed by James Foley (‘At Close Range’, ‘After Dark, My Sweet’, ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’)
Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger, Eric Johnson, Arielle Kebbel, Brant Daugherty, Fay Masterson, Max Martini
Written by Niall Leonard (based on the novel of the same name by E.L. James)
Out on DVD, Blu-Ray™ and 4K HD™ NOW
(also available Fifty Shades Triple Box Set on DVD and Blu-Ray™)
Hands up if you’re a fan of the Fifty Shades series? We got a mixed response in our office, but one of our editors who devoured the book series but had a love/hate relationship with the previous films took one for the team to review Fifty Shades Freed on DVD.
So, what’d she think?
Before I get straight into the review of Fifty Shades Freed – I thought I should cover off a bit of background on my dealings with the Fifty Shades series;
I’m not a big reader at the best of times so to say a book has to be pretty good to keep me interested, is an understatement. I know many people criticised the books but as I couldn’t put down all three books in the Fifty Shades series, I really enjoyed reading them. Because of how much I enjoyed the books, I had originally vowed not to watch the movie adaptations – purely because I wasn’t convinced the films could dothe books any type of justice. Some friends convinced me to see the first instalment and I am reluctant to say I was right. For me, it was a film full of awkward acting that just didn’t seem to work. Taking into account the theme of the film, it’s no surprise there was some awkwardness but it still left me with without any doubt, that I would not be seeing the remaining two movies.
Time is a great thing – after seeing an interview with Jamie Dornan on Graham Norton promoting the final movie, my interest peaked again. One because he was hilariously entertaining and two because, that face! The benefit of the two year wait between release dates for Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker meant I had forgotten how bad the first movie was just enough for my curiosity to peak after seeing that interview, and consider putting my big girl pants on to watch the Fifty Shades Darker without cringing.
I was off work sick one day and thought that was the perfect time to watch Fifty Shades Darker. Well, there was a marked improvement in everything! In comparison to the first, I was pleasantly surprised to find I enjoyed watching the second film, so much so that knowing I was going to be reviewing the final movie, I was actually looking forward to the Fifty Shades Freed DVD arriving at the office.
A few weeks later, DVD in hand, I was ready to watch the third and final instalment in the series – Fifty Shades Freed.
There are obvious disparities between the books and the movies but putting aside any comparisons to the novels, I enjoyed watching Fifty Shades Freed and found it to be an easy film to watch. The characters, Christian and Ana, adjust to married life while getting steamy and continuing their BDSM interests. You see more of the downward spiral of Jack Hyde, Ana’s former boss (who had been fired by Christian in the previous film and the revenge he is now seeking on the couple).
I would say there is a little bit more of ‘normality’ shown in this film – by this I mean you see more interaction with Christian’s family – they celebrate their engagement and go on a trip to Aspen with them and one of the films big climaxes (no not those ones!) involves a family member.
There is some pretty amazing scenery in the film, especially at the beginning of the film when the couple are on their honeymoon, the acting seems a bit more natural and the storyline is easy to follow, more so if you have watched the previous films.
But, should you see it?
In my opinion, the films seem to have improved with each instalment, with this final instalment being the best of the three. If you have seen the first two films and are in two minds about whether to see this one, I would definitely recommend giving it a go and completing the series. I always find if you have low or no expectations going into a film, you can’t really be let down or disappointed with the time you invested.
Buy it yourself to see:
DVD Special Features
- Deleted scenes: hickey and apology
- The final climax
- Christian & Ana by Jamie & Dakota
Written by Steph Graham
The girl you want by your side during any major life event, Steph is a decorating boss and a baking Queen. You’ll usually find her getting tipsy at a bottomless brunch, playing basketball and Insta-stalking the Hemsworth brothers.
Favourite 90s rap song: No Diggity by Blackstreet
I must admit that reviews of the first film absolutely put me off seeing any of the films as they have come out. But I know quite a few ladies who are looking forward to seeing this. If you are a fan of the franchise, then it’s probably a great one for a ladies night at the movies.
Oooo this one sounds amazing. I’ve only seen the first movie of fifty shades of Grey and thought it was pretty good. Need to see the darker one and now this one. These movies are pretty good eh. There was a great story line with the first one I’m sure the others will be just as good if not better
I haven’t seen ANY of the films or read any of the books haha. I doubt that I will either as they are just really not my cup of tea 🙂 But a great franchise that has done really well obviously!!