Director: Rob Thomas.
Starring: Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, James Franco, Krysten Ritter, Enrico Colantoni, Sam Huntington, Chris Lowell, Jerry O’Connell.
Certificate: 12A.
Running Time: 105 minutes.
Synopsis: Having put her time growing up in Neptune, California behind her, Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) is on the cusp of becoming a high-class lawyer. The same day she completes an important interview, she finds herself drawn back to her hometown after ex-boyfriend Logan (Jason Dohring) asks for her help in clearing his name when he finds himself on murder charges.
First things first, you do not need to be a huge fan of the television series to enjoy this film. Much like Joss Whedon’s big screen adaptation of Firefly, SERENITY, the film manages to include fans of the original format without alienating the uninitiated. The opening minutes act as a kind of ‘previously on Veronica Mars’, refreshing those that haven’t seen the show in a while and catching new viewers up.
As the film starts, we find that Veronica has been living the life that a lot of fans hoped she might. She has severed ties with Logan and is happily settled with Piz (Chris Lowell). Her life is together, and, after an interview with Jamie Lee Curtis’ CEO, she looks to be well on her way to a lucrative career in law. It is just as her life is coming together that she is inevitably pulled back to her old one as old flame Logan needs her.
The chemistry between the pair is still as present as it was during the show, and as such manages to create the ‘will they, won’t they’ tension that only TV can pull off so well. Although having kept their distance from each other for almost a decade, sparks fly when they are reunited, putting the audience in an awkward situation of deciding if they want Veronica back with Logan, or to stay with Piz.
It’s great to see Bell reprise the part that introduced her to the world of Hollywood, easily falling back into the familiar routine of the character. VERONICA MARS is filled with references to the original programme which will keep fans happy and engaged throughout. The film also maintains the tone of the show, with witty one-liners zinging all over the place. As well as pretty much all of the cast returning to have another spin in their roles, we are treated to some celebrity cameos. Justin Long plays a drunk frat boy, and Bell’s real-life partner Dax Shepard makes a brief but memorable appearance. However it is James Franco playing a caricature version of himself that really brings the laughs in.
The film is a ridiculously easy watch, feeling just like a feature-length episode – albeit one with a lot more style and depth. It’s a welcome nostalgic trip down memory lane which perfectly captures the spirit of the show. VERONICA MARS is a beautiful love letter to the fans who helped get the film funded and will leave you wanting more Mars in your life.
[usr=4] VERONICA MARS is released in select UK and US cinemas on Friday 14th March, 2014. For details on where you can find it in the UK click here.
