Fifty Shades of Grey

Those who have read the book will find that this film is a good interpretation of the book's story line. Those who have not read the book may find the film somewhat confusing because of too many seemingly superfluous characters and plot "hooks". Given the nature of the book, I was prepared for the film to be more erotic and sexually explicit, but on reflection I realized that the balance is about right because, in the end, the story is about the developing emotional bond between Christian and Anastasia, albeit one in which sex is the main medium of communication. Contrary to the opinions of some other reviewers, I thought that the acting was quite good. Jamie Dornan, as Christian, may at first brush seem wooden but that is nevertheless appropriate for someone who is emotionally extremely reserved. On the other hand, a little more fire from Dakota Johnson, as Anastasia, would have been appropriate, particularly in the closing scenes. Finally, those who have not read the book may find the ending a bit of an anti-climatic downer, but that is how the book ends: a set-up for the next book and/or film. All in all, very good; worth seeing.