If you’re a fan of the TV series Veronica Mars, then you have probably contributed to the Kickstarter campaign that funded this feature film. In the interest of full disclosure, this reviewer has not seen a single episode of the show. Based on the reactions at a screening around me from “Marshmallows” (fans of the show), the movie will certainly please fans. As a newcomer exposed to these characters for the first time, it’s enjoyable enough, but does feel like a bit like being excluded from the “in” crowd.
Picking up ten years after the last episode of the series, Veronica Mars (Kristin Bell) is all grown up and vying for a position at a New York based law firm. When old flame Logan (Jason Dohring) is arrested for the murder of his wife, Veronica decides to head back out to the west coast and help find him an attorney. Unfortunately, old habits die hard and before long she returns to her private detective roots. This involves attempts to clear Logan’s name, all the while hoping in vain to avoid attending a wearisome high school reunion.
While the return of many familiar faces will no doubt bring a smile to those familiar with the source material, to fresh eyes some of these bits are awkward. Some people are merely introduced to explain what they’ve been doing for the past ten years, rather than play an important role in the murder investigation. The motivations of a few characters are a little hazy as well (although it will likely make perfect sense to fans).
And having only spent a few scenes with the Veronica and Logan characters, it’s far more difficult to determine what the unstoppable attraction between the two might be. It’s particularly amusing that Logan is often described as being a “bad boy” but does little in the actual film to suggest he’s any less milquetoast than the protagonist’s current beau. Finally, considering a plot that involves a death and murder accusation within a social group, it takes some time to get adjusted to the flippant dialogue and tone.
Still, as the story progresses and more focus is placed on the crime itself, the story gains momentum. The roles become a little clearer, there are less in-jokes, the snarky lines seem a bit zippier and overall there’s more to enjoy. The abrasive Dick (Ryan Hansen) is particularly funny in an obnoxious way during scenes set at the reunion and there some effective cameos from a few familiar faces (even to those unfamiliar with the show). These moments add a lot of wit to the proceedings. And a note to moviegoers: stay past the credits to see an amusing extended gag involving one of the surprise cast members.
So, for a newbie, once the plot gets moving, the story does become engaging. It’s a certainty that those who loved the show and supported this film’s creation will be delighted. If you’re being dragged or made to watch the movie by a fan, it won’t be the most memorable mystery film you’ve ever seen, but it does eventually become accessible. Veronica Mars is a decent flick that gains momentum as it progresses and may even eke out a couple of chuckles of non-fans.