Life

Marie Louise McConville: I'm sorry but the latest Fifty Shades movie has left me cold

Marie Louise was left exhausted by the latest Fifty Shades movie
Marie Louise was left exhausted by the latest Fifty Shades movie Marie Louise was left exhausted by the latest Fifty Shades movie

Talk about a let down - I'm so disappointed.

After waiting a year to finally see the very handsome Mr Christian Grey again, I can't say our latest meeting was that impressive.

Like many other women, I was beyond excited to see the dashing billionaire last weekend and with my friend Anne had booked the cinema for the opening night to see Fifty Shades Freed - the third and final instalment in the Fifty Shades franchise.

Based on the books by E L James, I don't mind admitting I have been a mega fan from the beginning.

I have really enjoyed getting to know Mr Grey - played by our own Jamie Dornan - who falls for the charms of college graduate, Anatasia Steele - played by Dakota Johnson.

The books follow the couple as they fall in love and experience the many ups and downs in their very, very erotic relationship.

In the latest movie, we join the couple as they marry and embark on newlywed bliss, travelling the world in luxury and yes, you've guessed it, embarking on some very sexual adventures.

Now, while I accept that these movies are not for everyone, I have loved them and despite them being panned by critics, I think Jamie and Dakota have done a wonderful job of bringing these thrilling characters to life.

However, it pains me to admit, that this latest instalment just did nothing for me and I expect it will be a bit of a flop.

Despite a great soundtrack, some nice cars, gorgeous clothes and Mr Grey's beautiful abs and other assets, Fifty Shades Freed let me down.

In fairness, it started off well with the wedding however after that, it seemed that every five minutes, Mr and Mrs Grey were getting it on and I don't know if it's because I am a certain age now and have become a bit of a prude, but it was just too much for me - honestly, I was exhausted and I was only watching it.

I don't know how many times I wanted to scream out at the screen "....oh, not again".

Unfortunately, I left the cinema feeling a bit deflated.

I'm sorry Mr Grey but for me, it was all a bit of an anti climax - and ladies, we all know how disappointing that can be.

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It was great this week to see a celebrity finally using their status to talk about something worthwhile.

I want to applaud television presenter Fearne Cotton after she gave a very honest interview about her battle with depression.

The 36-year-old mother-of-two revealed she secretly battled the illness in her twenties, and while she had been a generally "happy person"..."the spark in me began to extinguish".

Finally, with the help of a friend, the star sought help from her GP and has now learned to look after her mental health.

Fearne's bravery in speaking out about her own experience is to welcomed. Hopefully, it may help others reach out for the support they need.

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Competition

Oscar season is upon us, so how do you fancy seeing a new fantasy flick which has been nominated for 13 Academy Awards?

The Shape Of Water, which stars Sally Hawkins and Octavia Spencer, tells the story of Elisa, a mute and isolated woman who works as a cleaning lady in a hidden, high-security government laboratory.

Elisa’s life changes forever when she discovers the lab's classified secret - a mysterious, scaled creature from South America that lives in a water tank.

As Elisa develops a unique bond with her new friend, she soon learns that its fate and very survival lies in the hands of a hostile government agent and a marine biologist.

The Shape of Water is out now at all five Movie House Cinemas at Dublin Road, City Side, Glengormley, Coleraine and Maghera.

I have three pairs of tickets for Movie House Cinemas to give away.

If you fancy winning a pair, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is 12Noon at Tuesday, February 20, 2017

(Q) How many Academy Awards has The Shape of Water been nominated for?

Normal Irish News Rules Apply

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Competition Winners:

The winners of the Bagatelle competition are Mairead Magorrian, from Ballykinlar, Eugene McCloskey, from Maghera, and Adrian Gorman, from Derry