Director: Rob Thomas
Starring: Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Ryan Hansen, Sam Huntingdon, Jerry O’ Connell, James Franco
Running Time: 103 Minutes
Certificate: 12
Extras: By The Fans: The Making of the Veronica Mars Movie
It’s wonderful to know that we’re finally in an age where big screen television sequels can match the quality of their predecessors. This trend started with the immense success of SEX AND THE CITY and THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE, and so it was only a matter of time before Veronica Mars received her long overdue film. Although having said that, Veronica’s journey to the big screen was certainly not one without many set backs and pit falls. After the original Veronica Mars television series concluded in 2007, numerous rumours of a film adaptation began circling the internet. Following years of rumours and highly publicised interest from Kristen Bell herself, a kickstarter campaign was launched in 2013 to finally get the project off the ground.
Despite the fact that this film is predominantly intended for fans of its parent show, it’s easily accessible to newcomers through a great story and excellent humour. Although I myself have only seen a limited number of Veronica Mars episodes, this intelligent and engaging follow-up did not lose my attention for a single second during its entire 103 minute run. References to the past are clear and present at various points throughout the narrative, however these will be quickly dismissed by general moviegoers with no previous association or knowledge of the franchise. In a strange way the nostalgic and sentimental atmosphere of the film is slightly contagious for newcomers as well as fans. Even though returning characters and locations are intended to provoke familiar memories of the original television show, viewers may find themselves revisiting memories of their own high school life, past relationships and adolescence.
Upon initial inspection Veronica Mars could come across as a peculiar mess of conflicting intentions, with its apparent combination of neo-noir, thriller, comedy and teen-drama plot threads. However, the film seamlessly blends these vastly different genres in an entertaining narrative, with many points of enjoyment for all. The intelligent script written by original series creator Rob Thomas, injects an otherwise bland murder mystery thriller with the perfect amount of humour and sarcasm, whilst maintaining a cinematic approach the source material which keeps it from veering too close to ‘feature length episode’ territory. The witty dialogue and banter among the large cast lead by Bell is consistently hilarious and clever, which effortlessly preserves the familiar tone of the Veronica Mars television series. Although Kristen Bell is perhaps more widely recognised as ‘Sarah Marshall’ to the general public now, here she proves that Veronica Mars is still very close to her heart. After frequent campaigning to Warner Bros for a film adaptation of her cult show, Bell gives a charming, charismatic and all-round brilliant performance as Mars, despite the six year gap since her last portrayal of the feisty character.
VERONICA MARS successfully demonstrates that television can be an excellent source for Hollywood material with this fantastic neo-noir comedy. The films conclusion will also leave fans and casual viewers with an uplifting, positive outlook to walk away with, as the credits begin to roll accompanied by the excellent ‘we used to be friends’ (which fans will recognise as the show opening theme). Among action blockbusters such as CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER and GODZILLA, it seems strange to think that this film is one of the most entertaining films I have seen this year (which is definitely no small achievement). Be sure to check out VERONICA MARS for an entertaining watch at the very least, and also look out for hilarious cameos from Justin Long and James Franco.
[usr=4] VERONICA MARS is available on DVD now courtesy of Warner Bros.
