It was so abrupt and odd that I almost walked out. It felt like everyone was gathered to support one another and then the minute it was announced on the news that they survived the crash he walks in and kicks his family to the curb. There was no time to digest that he survived. The big screen version chopped that whole plot line (which will be important later) to the point of being ridiculous and completely lacking any real emotion. T he brief scene with Christian's family after he returns from the crash has more impact on the film than any other scene. But I believe the DVD just might had saved them. I wasn't the only one in our party of eight who hated it.
They could kiss the last opening for Fifty Shades Freed goodbye for me. Relief may sound odd, but when I think of the money and time the studio and all of those filmmakers put into this franchise, it would be terrible if all they had to show for it was that theatrical release. But I kept thinking, what if the Director's Cut is better? So I ordered it, and wow.
They took away the sensual aspects of the first film and made the sexy somehow less sexy. I was borderline offended by the choppy nature of the film and it's unsexy boob shots that felt forced (and overtly male). Then when the pre-order was announced for the DVD, I wasn't sure I cared. I walked out of the theater convinced the change of director and screenwriter was the problem. I wasn't a fan of Fifty Shades Darker when it was released in theaters, which was a huge disappointment since I felt the first movie exceeded my expectations.