Fifty Shades Darker Review: 2 Ups & 8 Downs

6. It Takes Itself Way Too Seriously

The first film was at least smart enough to lean into its own silliness on occasion, but Darker sadly takes itself much more seriously, which is a huge problem when you consider that it's a lot more ridiculous than the original.

The tone is dead-serious for the most part, which ironically makes it even more difficult to actually take seriously, adamant that all the drama is important and nourishing to its audience rather than just accepting that it's straight-up hot garbage.

People complain about Batman v Superman not being fun enough, but few films have drained a potentially campy good time at the movies as efficiently as this one. There is little intent for the film to be fun, with a tone verging on downright funereal at times.

Plus, a plot that revolves around drug overdoses, stalkers and near-death experiences isn't exactly the best one to get viewers in the mood now, is it?