50 Shades of Hype

Let me first say that the title is not in reference to the movie itself. It's in reference to the critics who have come out against the movie... I saw "50 Shades of Grey" last Friday. It's not the type of movie that I'd see at the theater, but I was out with The Lady and she had interest in it. The night before there were local news stories galore of people boycotting the movie because it promoted domestic violence. Well, to those people I have to say, "you obviously didn't see the movie."

I think that they're basing that complaint on either what they've heard or read. There were people who said that the movie promoted lust and sin. Well, to those people I have to say, "you're absolutely right." LOL! However, so do a majority of primtetime TV shows you same critics enjoy. John 8:7 much? Be consistent is all I'm saying. No one likes a "hypo-Christian" (hypocrite).

As far as the movie goes, I actually enjoyed it. I've never read the book nor do I have a desire for that, but the movie was a solid 7 out of 10 for me. The first hour was really good as the characters developed. The second hour kind of dragged on a bit too long for me, but it wasn't bad by any means. It just kind of lost my interest for a bit. However, I think that the average person would enjoy the movie as the main characters both played their roles very well. I would definitely be interested in the sequel.

To speak on the domestic violence angle, there wasn't any. Maybe the book plays out differently, but the movie didn't have any domestic violence or degradation of women whatsoever. Everything was consensual and nothing was ever forced. In fact, Christian Grey, the lead character, constantly gave Anastasia Steele options to leave at any time if she didn't approve of something. Aside from some "stalkerish" tendencies Christian had, the movie wasn't something worth protesting in my opinion.  Again, I'm a guy, so take it for what it's worth. However, The Lady seemed to agree with me on that point.

Now, the sex. I know that's what a lot of people who have yet to see the movie want to know the most about. In my opinion, the sex was no more than what I've seen in movies like "Fatal Attraction" with Michael Douglas or Glenn Close. It definitely wasn't as graphic as Lisa Bonet and Mickey Rourke in "Angel Heart." I still have nightmares about that one. It was just movie sex. Not as bad as Cinemax, but bad enough for those under 17 to not be allowed to see it. No frontal nudity or anything.  In fact, if it weren't for the nudity, this movie wouldn't have been any more provocative than an episode of "Scandal" or "How to Get Away with Murder."

So, let's do away with the "50 Shades of Hype" for those trying to condemn this movie. It's just a movie. And if you are chomping at the bit to criticize it then can you at least see it first? Do what a majority of social media participants don't do and make an informed decision.