Cinquenta Tons de Liberdade

"Fifty Shades Freed" (R, 1:45) is the third and final installment in the trilogy of erotic S&M-tinged movies based on the novels by E.L. James (after 2015's "Fifty Shades of Grey" and 2017's "Fifty Shades Darker"). This one begins where most romantic films end - with a wedding. Having accepted the sweet marriage proposal of troubled billionaire entrepreneur Christian Gray (Jamie Dornan) at the end of the second film, book editor Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) vows her faithfulness and devotion to her beloved in the first scene of this film and he responds in kind. They're over-the-moon happy. Then reality sets in.

Mr. and Mrs. Gray have to cut their honeymoon in France short when Christian receives a phone call about a data breach and fire in his corporate offices. They quickly discover that the perpetrator is an old enemy, but they're not sure what he's after. As Christian works his back channels to find out (and keeping much of what he finds from his new wife), the two of them struggle through many of the growing pains which most newlyweds deal with - but it all seems to come up in a very condensed period of time. Should she go by "Mrs. Gray" or "Ms. Steele" at work? (And should/does he have any say in the matter?) How much control should they have over each other's lives and activities? (especially since control has always been such a theme and point of contention in their relationship) Do they want kids? (How the hell did they not discuss this before they got married??) Oh, and how much personal security should she have? (Like I said, typical newlywed issues.) And then there's the growing threat from the someone(s) from their past - who is seriously f****ing with them... while they f*** each other... often.

Yes, even with everything else going on, there are still plenty of sex scenes (both the typical kind and the kinky), but the sex (especially the S&M) almost takes a back seat to the plot at this point in Christian and Ana's saga. As in the two previous films, the conflicts feel contrived, but they do add some extra layers of drama to this story - and even some danger and suspense. In my opinion, the first film had the most exciting sex scenes, the second one had the best story and this one has the best mix of elements. None of these movies are going to be confused with high cinematic art, but they still can be pretty enjoyable, if you accept them for what they are - sexy romantic fantasy. After all, that's what E.L. James' series of books is about (as amateurishly written as they are) and isn't escapism one reason we go to the movies? This one is pretty entertaining in its genre, especially for fans of the books, and that's good enough. "B+"