Veronica Mars (2014): A Favorite Girl Sleuth on the Big Screen!
Any television show that doesn’t conclude by tying up its loose ends is asking for trouble. Particularly those who enjoy a show that is on long enough for fans to invest emotion, energy and time into a fandom; for this “cult classic” CW show, we “Marshmallows” haven’t ever been able to forget the tiny blonde who got into more trouble than her father could keep track of, had more boyfriends than we could keep straight and brought to justice quite the hardened criminals. She is Veronica Mars. veronica mars (2014)
Veronica Mars (2014) Film Review
In high school, she’s a rebel; a popular girl who’s shunned the wealthy kids circle which turns her into a tough-skinned, don’t-care-what-others-think girl. During the summers, she helps her P.I. father on cases instead of at the beach. Back then, she had a reputation to uphold and not many people liked her. Now, some ten years after leaving Neptune, she’s about to accept a high-powered job at a New York law firm and people tell her she’s a marshmallow, or so Veronica (Kristin Bell) tells us.
This is all before she sees a news story about the murder of her former classmate, Carrie Bishop and a former love of her life, Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring), who’s now a suspect in the murder. When the call comes in that he needs her help, Veronica cannot resist the pull to return. So with promises she’ll just visit with her dad (Enrico Colantoni), and help Logan weed out the good from the bad lawyers and their respective defenses, Veronica kisses her patient, long-term boyfriend Piz (Chris Lowell) good-bye and returns to a past she never thought she’d see again.
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Aaaah, it’s here. The return of Veronica Mars and her motley gang of misfits has been six years in the making, and it’s finally here. Because of this, beware the fan-girling. Based on Rob Thomas’ popular teen drama, Veronica Mars (on for a mere three season run), this movie is definitely icing on the cake for fans. This Veronica Mars (2014) version is better because of its kickstarter campaign; fans met and surpassed the funds to produce this film in record time. Last year, I binge watched all of the episode, and jumped on the V. Mars fandom. Then learned of the kickstarter campaign before I really knew of its existence. Needless to say when I watched the final third season episode, knowing a film would happen made the experience complete.
Veronica Mars(2014) – The Fan Favorite Girl Sleuth on the Big Screen! A film review of the film follow up to the popular CW show (#VeronicaMars) with #KristinBell! Share on XThose of us who know and love the show will be glad to see many of its familiar faces return (in fact, perhaps the only one that doesn’t make an appearance is Duncan and his now ten-year-old daughter). This includes Weevil (Francis Capra), Wallace (Percy Daggs III), and Mac (Tina Marjorino). All of these familiar favorites help give fans the closure we need. Many people were happy with this two-hour film, and enjoy the “heavy” dose of Logan/Veronica screen time. (The first time they lay eyes on each other… aww!) There is plenty of that, but there’s satisfaction beyond that of a love/hate romantic entanglement finally finding a healthier footing.
What’s most pleasant to watch develop, and change is Veronica discovering her own peace. Last we saw her, she’s cut up about her dad’s campaign, and tries to sort out complicated romantic emotions, and trying to decide what’s next. Seeing her come into her own is worth seeing the movie; no matter what else happens.
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So what else does happen? Oh, yes! That certain love/hate, will-they-or-won’t-they-end-up-together Veronica and Logan relationship. So, yes, there is that. I have to confess there were times I adore Logan in the show; and others when I want Veronica to break it off and stay away from the dude who oftentimes brings nothing but grief into her life. One thing that does impress is once Veronica and Logan quit feuding, he’s protective to a fault and that carries through in this script.
Viewers experience a more grown-up, mature version of Logan in this story and best of all, it’s one that I (so far) have no qualms liking. We underestimate some characters and learn not to trust others but in the end, Thomas and the cast do a grand job of making this an entertaining “conclusion.”
The whip-smart dialogue is still here, the humor is sensational, there’s a lot of excitement (suspense is definitely heightened in big-screen format!) and though emotions are bittersweet, really if this is to be the last we see of Veronica, it’s satisfactory. Backers who made this possible should be proud. It’s a masterpiece in the world of Veronica Mars and marshmallows, you don’t want to miss out on a return to Neptune. It’s kind of like a walk with the best friend you haven’t seen in years; and easily, you’ll right back into the rhythm as if no time at all has passed.
Content: there are several instances of sexual innuendo, and we see snippets of a sex tape. There is also references made to anatomy and one minor character is a homosexual [there’s nothing beyond conversation]. A woman is sleeping with a man and is a blackmail victim; another scene involves some making out. There’s a use of the F-word, along with substitutions plus other minor profanities. A woman is shot, another man is badly injured in a car wreck [someone dies as a result of that accident], another person is killed from an overdose. There is some drinking. The film is PG13.
I can't wait to see this!!!!!!
…I can't wait until YOU see it, Juju. I'm pretty sure you'll heart it. ;)
I just watched this with my sisters (one of them was a kickstarter backer and got the download of it) and absolutely loved it! I, like you, am a more recent fan and I too binge watched it (it's so good there's no other way to do it)! You took the words out of my mouth for most of this-especially the stuff about Logan! This was such a fantastic show and I was so happy they did a movie! They are actually coming out with a couple books that will pick up where the movie left off and if the movie makes enough money they said they'll make another one that will take place after the books! I really hope that happens!!
I love finding all of you fellow Veronica fans, Abbi – when I binge watched the show, I didn't know fellow bloggers were fans! Love it. :) Ditto. I am glad I only recently discovered the franchise because I was able to see it all closely together and things were fresh in my mind and well, more awesome! I think maybe we'll rewatch the series again in anticipation for the May DVD release – such fun! (It's all worth a rewatch.)
I'm REALLY curious about the books – perhaps I'll preorder one on Amazon and see what it's like. And it's looking good for a sequel, especially when the cast is so eager to return.
I've got a love/hate relationship with Logan but boy! Did he impress me in the film. ;)
That's cool your sister was a kickstarter backer – was she impressed? I sure would think fans who made this possible should be proud!
It's a fun movie and a great conclusion to LoVe. I hated that we never had a "happily-ever-after" ending for them!
I know, right!? I agree , Carissa – loved the film and if the news stories are to be trusted, a sequel is highly likely. That'd be even more awesome. ;)
SQUEAL! Looking forward to watching it sooooon! Great review!
Hi, Melinda! How did I not know I had so many great blogger friends who were fans of Veronica!? This will never do.
I'm pretty sure you'll love the movie – it's just as good as the series. :)
Aw yaaaay!! So fun. :0) Glad to hear it was so good – it's definitely on our asap date night list! And seriously, can Kristen be any more adorable??
My thoughts exactly, Mary – this movie = SO MUCH GOODNESS. Fans of the show (I'm pretty confident) are going to love it. I know I did. Cannot wait to hear your thoughts – give me a shout-out when you see it. :)
Kristen is great. I've enjoyed all of her movies (or those I've seen) – from Frozen to You Again and countless others. :)
I loved the movie! I heard they may already be talking another one – which would rock! I pre-ordered the book too!
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
All of the news is sounding optimistic for a sequel, Missie which as you say, would rock! Cannot wait for news of that and since the cast is enthusiastic about it, I suspect it's looking good for the studio to produce one. Glad you liked it too – it was definitely worth seeing on the big-screen! :)
I never watched this show but I know so many people loved it. May just have to give it a watch on Netflix :)
xo TJ
http://www.hislittlelady.com
If you like whip-smart dialogue, fun (albeit crazy) characters and hints of mystery, you'd like Veronica Mars, TJ. Happy watching. :)
My sister and I were both Kickstarter backers (we binge-watched the show in 2010 and fell in LoVe). We saw the movie in the theater Friday night, and I watched it again on Saturday, as the digital copy was one of my Kickstarter rewards! We both absolutely loved the film. Would I have changed a few things? Sure. But overall, it was exactly what I'd hoped for. I pre-ordered the book, too … since Rob Thomas was one of the writers, I have high hopes!
How cool! I love that so many fans MADE this happen – it makes the experience more rewarding and it's nice to hear that backers were happy with it (overall). I read that the DVD comes out in May so I'm already eager to own a copy and in fact have pre-ordered the book and film! Definitely have a lot of Veronica Mars fun this spring. :)
Glad to get your perspective, Becky. :)
I've always wanted to watch Veronica Mars! And I've heard so much about it recently between the Kickstarter and the movie's release. I've had a few friends who completely rewatched the show with the release and they've been going on and on about it. I suppose I will have to join the fun and watch it soon. :) Great review!!
Indeed, you should, Rachel! If you like a sassy female heroine (and don't mind wishy-washy romantic choices) then you'd like the show (and eventually the film). I think it's probably more rewarding to see the show first but the movie is reasonably self-explanatory. If you decide to jump on board, I'd love to get your thoughts! :)
Thanks for reading.
YES! A Veronica Mars movie review! Like you, I watched the show for the first time last year and I LOVED it. There really is no other show quite like it. When I heard about the movie campaign I can't even tell you how excited I was! It sounds really good…I cannot wait to see it!!! Great review, Rissi!
Hi, Bekah! Glad you stopped by.
How cool – I'm not the only girl who just recently became a V. Mars fan. ;) I don't feel so alone anymore. No there hasn't been another show like it (I agree) and that's what made it so "epic." Sure there were things that made me want to shake the characters (make a choice, Veronica!) but overall, it's one of those shows I'll enjoy rewatching. And bring on May! The DVD release cannot come soon enough.
Let me know what you think once you see the film – I think most fans will be very happy with the result.