50 Shades of Grey (18A) ****

High Flyer!

50 shades of greyBetter late than never. Hot Universal Pictures has hit the mother lode with their release of 50 Shades of Grey. Fans have pushed this film into the stratosphere thanks to huge demand overseas. Lucky British Columbians can catch the excitement at Cineplex Odeon Theatres around Canada’s western province.

A sultry Oscar calibre soundtrack puts voyeurs in the mood right from the onset. Erotica meets sadism as finally the runaway best-seller hits the big screen. Passion explodes as a lowly lonely girl gets the opportunity of a lifetime to meet a billionaire bachelor tycoon. Nervous in the extreme is would-be journalist Anastasia Steele. Suitable as the plain Jane mid 20s lass is Dakota Johnson. What world Anna enters into when she meets Christian Grey is not for the timid. Strong and handsome as the Seattle billionaire is Jamie Dorman.

Sparks fly when these two get together. Awkward at first the mating game between the two gets off to a rocky start. As time progresses Mr. Grey manages to manipulate his muse into a lifestyle of whips and chains that would make The Marquis de Sade blush with envy.

Shot in Vancouver which is a sly substitute for Seattle 50 Shades of Grey has an opulent look to it. Complete with nudity and a series of well choreographed graphic encounters this hot film is entertaining and enticing. Expect two follow-up films which will continue the tortured troubled relationship between Anna and Christian, a match not necessarily made in heaven.

By Robert Waldman