Veronica Mars - The More Things Change...


When you consider all the attention that the Veronica Mars movie received well before its release, watching it without preconceived notions is quite a challenge. I’m a big fan of the TV show, especially the first two seasons, so meeting the familiar faces again was like a family reunion. Getting the band together once again was an achievement in itself. Would the magic still work for creator Rob Thomas, star Kristen Bell, and the other Neptune residents? That’s the question hanging over a production that arrives nearly seven years after the final episode. Thomas has made it clear that the movie is made for the fans, so that removes some of the mystery out of the story. Even so, revisiting Neptune with Veronica is great fun and reminds me why I enjoyed the show so much in the first place.

Veronica Mars – Directed by Rob Thomas; Starring Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni, Jason Dohring, Percy Daggs III, Tina Majorino, Frances Capra, and Ryan Hansen


The premise gives the beloved title character a reason to return home when her former boyfriend Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring) is charged with murder. It’s also the weekend of Veronica’s high-school reunion, a perfect setting to reunite with pals like Weevil (Frances Capra), Wallace (Percy Daggs III), and Mac (Tina Majorino). They show up to update us on their lives and bond with Veronica, but her most important relationship is still with her father Keith (Enrico Colantoni). Their connection grounds the show and brings much-needed heart to the detective story. The chemistry is still there, but Keith’s main purpose is to remind Veronica what she’s giving up by staying in Neptune. Colantoni makes it work and can say a lot with just a look; Keith knows where too much time with Logan will lead her.

The film opens with a quick primer on what’s happened before for new viewers. It can only explain so much given all the callbacks and characters, but it hits the main points. Like Joss Whedon with Serenity, the challenge for Thomas is finding a way to connect with a new audience while pleasing his fans. Some are going to watch this movie itching to tear it down, and there’s no point trying to connect with them. Instead, he pulls the best elements of the show and slams them into a 107-minute package. This plot could extend across an entire season, so the information comes fast and furious. Thomas cranks up the pace and dares us to keep up with it. All is explained clearly in the end, but novices trying to remember the difference between everyone could get a bit lost in the mix.


The action follows the formula that made the show a darling among the critics and devoted fans. There’s a crime that seems cut and dry, but Veronica has her doubts. Barriers appear at every turn, but she starts putting the clues together and learning the real truth. Figures in power are usually at fault, and her fellow students (now similar adults) add extra obstacles for Veronica. Despite her efforts to avoid it, you know that she’s going to the reunion. Old scores are settled, which inspires an all-out brawl and other mayhem. Danger lurks around every corner, and a few close friends end up in the hospital. A common theme on the show was how people will go to a lot of trouble to protect their reputations. Digging too deep is bound to create problems for Veronica and anyone close to her.

Beyond any twists, the hardest thing to believe is that Mac drinks Bud Light. Of course, she’s also working for the evil Kane Software. Maybe success has changed our lovable geek. The product placement is everywhere in this movie, especially for Samsung. The device that took the famous Oscar selfie is back and plays a key role in the story. Even with the Kickstarter success, I expect these products really helped to bring this movie to light. It’s also interesting to note all the cameos, which include Justin Long, Bell’s husband Dax Shepard, Ira Glass as himself, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The silliest appearance comes from James Franco, who again mocks his real persona in a fun scene. It’s clear that a lot of people are fans and wanted to be part of this resurrected show. It’s great that Thomas found a spot for the brilliant Ken Marino as Vinnie Van Lowe. There’s even a random Jerry O’Connell sighting as the corrupt sheriff. The massive cast brings depth and creates an ensemble feel that’s more reminiscent of a TV series.


I’ve barely touched on the actual plot, but that feels secondary to spending time with the characters. Veronica starts the film dating Piz (Chris Lowell), the nice guy college student. The chances of success for that relationship end when Logan arrives in his military uniform. There’s a conflict over Veronica choosing to take a high-paying job at a big law firm, but that’s also a smokescreen. She’s only at home catching bad guys, despite the pain it may cause. Keith may want his daughter to escape Neptune, but she comes alive in this place. Veronica's the smartest person in the room and constantly underestimated by her foes.

Crime’s only grown worse in Neptune since the show ended, and there are hints at a larger conspiracy behind the scenes. Could a sequel be around the corner? I’m pulling for Veronica Mars’ success, and the chances for more stories are very high. Bell’s open to the idea, and getting the cast on board would probably be easy. Even if the general audience takes a pass, there are enough fans to find a home for Veronica and her pals without their help. It’s hard to argue with that kind of adoration. We’re still connected to these characters, and there’s nothing in this movie to convince us otherwise. Let's make this happen.

Comments

  1. Reading that last part .. sigh! Hell yeah let's make this happen! haha

    Great review! I haven't watched it yet, but I'm itching for it. Can't wait for my day off. -_-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! If you're a fan of the show, I think you'll enjoy it for sure. Let me know what you think when you check it out.

      Delete
    2. I've finally watched it this week ^_^ Twice. I really enjoyed it. At first, I thought it could be improved a bit more, but on second viewing, I say nah I'm content. And I want a sequel. Or a new season! The ending made me a bit conflicted. I like the way it was set up for a sequel, but seeing them so successful in their careers/new lives, it's just a bit disappointing to see them sucked back into that dark place. Then again, the narration was almost preparing us for that moment. So yeah.

      Sharing my full review here if it's okay :) http://strangereview.blogspot.com/2014/03/veronica-mars-2014-and-we-thought-she.html

      Delete
    3. I agree that the way things ended wasn't a surprise and was set up well. I think the law firm was a pipe dream, and the movie made that really clear. Also, it just doesn't seem fitting for Veronica to not be in Neptune solving cases, especially given how this movie was funded. I'll check out your review later today!

      Delete
    4. i really just want a fourth season! LOL

      thanks Dan!

      Delete
  2. The ending of the film reallly makes you itch for more, since this movie essentially acts as a reboot to tell many more stories and really get into the class/corruption aspects of Neptune. I think above all else (Bell's performance, snappy dialogue, interesting mysteries) what puts Veronica Mars a step above the rest was it's examination of overarching issues that most series of this demographic would never touch.

    The movie had issues, but for the most part I was very pleased with it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jess, you bring up a great point (especially from the TV show) of Veronica Mars covering issues that go pretty dark for a network show. That's a side of it that I rarely hear about when people discuss it.

      In terms of the movie, I agree that there were a few issues, but it still was great fun for someone who loves the series.

      Delete
  3. Great review! It was tailor-made for people who love the show. The dynamic was still there, like Veronica Mars never left the screen. I hope they go through with the sequel, if the producers decide on it - or at least a new season of the show, since the situation of the production is somewhat similar with the situation of Arrested Development.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think a new TV season might be tough because Kristen Bell has so many other projects. She's also in a TV series with Don Cheadle for Showtime plus just had a huge hit as a voice in Frozen. Still, I'd love to see it happen, and you never know the way things have gone. After the series ended, I wouldn't have considered the possibility of a movie. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  4. I am really curious to see what the numbers, both theater and VOD, will be for this film. This is one of the few films in recent years where I actually want to see a sequel. I would also love to see, and I am sure studios would as well, a new wave of cheaper franchise films. Tales that do not rely on superheroes or special effects, just good old fashion mysteries.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read yesterday that they did $2 million on 900 screens in the theaters, but they don't report VOD earnings. My guess is that did very well on VOD too. It's not going to be a huge hit, but when you count in the interest in the original series plus DVD sales, I think they it will do pretty well. I think this movie sets the stage for a sequel that could be even more interesting.

      Delete
  5. Like you, I loved the show and had fun with this movie. I'm not sure how well it would track with someone who's never seen the show (remembering who everyone was might be a challenge.)

    Was it just me or did Dohring look way too skinny, like "sick" skinny?

    I liked the little returns, like Vinnie Van Lowe "You're legal now; want to go out some time?" and the principal - "It's been boring without you."

    For what it's worth, I don't think it was on 900 screens. I had read that it was only going to be on a couple hundred AMC screens. The closest theater to me that was showing it was two states away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chip, you're totally right about the number of screens. It's actually 291, which makes a lot more sense.

      I didn't notice that about Dohring, though his character has become so stoic that he's missing the energy that used to make him more interesting.

      I loved the Vinnie Van Lowe appearance. You can't go wrong with Ken Marino.

      Delete

Post a Comment