Veronica Mars on DVD

Fans of cancelled shows hope that their programs will follow the comeback patterns of Futurama, Firefly or Arrested Development, but one show in particular, Veronica Mars, about a spunky young detective, has had a lot of pressure riding on Kristen Bell’s petite frame as she returns to her previous role. Why? Because her move from the television set to movie theaters is actually a first in some ways. Within days of its fundraising appeal on Kickstarter, Veronica Mars fans showed astounding enthusiastic interest by fully funding the project. The movie’s writers, then, had some big expectations to meet, since it was integral the film not only delight fans, but also attract new viewers and make the case for a sequel. Click ahead for the story and the results of this history making filmmaking and marketing campaign and head over to Amazon.com to order your copy today!

Veronica Mars on DVD

While it looks like things have changed for former high school detective Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) as the film begins, we find Veronica quickly embroiled in a mystery that takes her from her prestigious career as New York lawyer and brings her back home to Neptune, California. Veronica’s ex-boyfriend, Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring), who is not often described as innocent, has been accused of murdering his celebrity girlfriend, and it’s Veronica must prove Logan is not the jerk —or murderer— he’s perceived as (a recurring theme from the earlier television show).

Veronica Mars is smarter than nearly everyone she meets, but she has never solved a case by herself. Veronica could always depend on her father Keith (Enrico Colantoni), her best friends Wallace (Percy Daggs III) and Mac (Tina Majorino), and the former leader of a motorcycle gang yet frequent ally Weevil (Francis Capra) -and the entire gang returns in order to help Miss Mars solve the case. Old annoyances like the aptly named Dick (Ryan Hansen) and rival private eye Vinnie Van Lowe (Ken Marino) are also welcome returning characters.

Veronica Mars on DVD

The highlights of film come when it focuses on some of the best parts of the series, such as  the relationship between Veronica and her dad, her complicated feelings for Logan, and the continuous struggle of Weevil’s conflicting good intentions and criminal traits. However, some reminders of the past series become entirely unnecessary as frivolous characters returned only to give the long-time Veronica Mars fans an extra moment of warm fuzzy memories.

An odd problem occurred with the first season of Veronica Mars that later seasons could never quite fully overcome. When Veronica’s best friend Lily Kane (Amanda Seyfried) is murdered, Veronica wants to find out the truth about who killed her, and Veronica’s love and devotion to her charming but troubled friend creates a unique and deeply engaging plot that is almost too good to surpass. Later mysteries could not capture the same poignancy or sense of urgency. The film, too, has this same challenge when it tries to recreate what made the show originally great. As a result, some moments feel genuine and interesting, but too much of the plot, and subsequent conclusions seem to be setting the stage for further installments in the franchise – a process that seems to be working, since as these tweets (found via the Twitter/social media opinion tracker Viralheat) show, fans were more than willing to snap up the latest Veronica Mars books:

@CaitPlusAte there’s a Veronica Mars book out that starts where the movie left off!!!

— Amy Walker (@AmyWalk) April 9, 2014

 

Veronica Mars book by Rob Thomas? Yes please!

— jeswel (@jeswel) April 10, 2014

 

THANK GOD. RT @RobThomas: We’ve already plotted out VERONICA MARS book 2, and I promise there will be more Logan. #voteveronicamars — Maria  (@mariamichelexo) April 5, 2014

Another film reprisal of Veronica Mars is not confirmed, and relatively weak box office results may make future additions challenging. The movie should have concentrated more on the core characters of the series and told a strong story without worrying about preparing for a future that may never come. Newcomers might not love this film, but fans should be able to overlook problems and enjoy a return to Neptune. The film releases today on Blu-ray and DVD.

Veronica Mars on DVD

Review by BTM Guest Author; Spencer Blohm