Well I went to see the new Fifty Shades today! I went to the “Stars and Strollers” matinee edition with three friends and two sweet little babes … that will be some story to tell them when they are older, that their first movie was Fifty Shades Darker!

I was surprised and very happy to discover that the movie was SO much better than the first! All four of us adults agreed. It still isn’t something that the actors will win an Oscar for, but the acting and pacing of the film were both better. Jamie Dornan, was much sexier in this movie, without that goofy haircut from the first film, and the actors seemed more comfortable with each other and the inherent sexuality unfolding on-screen.

It helped that I went with the girls I did, and that we were expecting a light-hearted movie that wasn’t too deep. We were there to bond, snuggle babies, and share some laughs.

And that is exactly what we did.

The actress who played Leila, Bella Heathcote, did a fantastic job entering the series. And I have always loved Max Martini as Taylor. I seriously hope that his role is expanded in the final film.

Fifty Shades is the type of movie that you can’t take too seriously. It isn’t about abuse or the subjugation of women. It isn’t a high-class movie, with witty commentary, high stakes car chases or deep meaning. It is what it is and I am happy to report that we all had a great afternoon out.

If you liked the books, you will probably enjoy this movie. If you hated the books and all they “stood for” then you will hate the movie equally.

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xx