Although I never excessively watched the show, I could tell that I was lucky to have seen a handful of episodes of the semi-acclaimed show of the same name in which the new crime comedy Veronica Mars is based on. This is not the type of based on a TV show film that will make any new fans. However, for people who love the show, deemed marshmallows and for people such as myself who have moderately enjoyed it from time to time...the film serves its purpose as an entertaining, funny comedy as well as an interesting crime mystery. With its fun (albeit far fetched) cameos from just about every character in the show (including but not limited to Max Greenfield, Ken Marino, Ryan Hansen, Krysten Ritter and Sam Huntington) as well as new faces such as Jerry O'Connell as an incompetent cop and Gaby Hoffman as an obsessed fan of the victim, this show will work for just about anyone who watched the show and said "well, that was entertaining."
The film follows Veronica (Kristen Bell), nine years out of detective work when she gets a call from ex-boyfriend Logan (Jason Dohring.) Logan has been accused of murdering his pop star girlfriend and must get Veronica's help to prove his innocence. All the while, Veronica attempts to patch things up with dad Keith (Enrico Colantoni) and catches up with old friends Wallace (Percy Daggs III) and Cindy (Tina Majorino) who help her with the solving of the case.
This is the type of film that serves its purpose and gets out before it's too late. It's fun while it lasts and doesn't overstay its welcome. However, even as I walked out of the theater, nothing particularly stuck out to me about it. It's entertaining and that's all it really needs to be but, as I sit here typing this review only a few days later, the film has almost evaporated from my mind. There is actually one and only one standout here and her name is Kristen Bell. As the title character, Bell brings a complete and utter charm to the role with her sassy remarks and snappy banter with others that will make the audience remember why the show was so enjoyable.
As far as mysteries go, this one is fairly intriguing. It doesn't really let the audience know what's going on until the reveal happens. This is a film that works in spite of its forgettable nature not only because of its light touch and pleasurable sense of humor but because the audience gets to play detective along with Veronica. The film throws so many curveballs and red herrings at both Veronica and the audience that no one really knows who the who-dun-it in question is.
While this may not be the best film of its kind, Veronica Mars ranks among one of the better television to film adaptations. While that may not be a hard feat, I'm still recommending the picture for its entertainment value and nostalgic factor. This is to say, if you've watched the show and liked it...you'll have a ball watching the film version. If you've never seen the show, on the other hand, watch some episodes and then see the film when you're done. It will be extremely advantageous for you.
(3 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for sexuality including references, drug content, violence and some strong language)
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