Veronica Mars (2014)

"I need your help, Veronica."
"I don't really do that anymore."

Nine years after leaving her home in Neptune, CA, Veronica Mars (Bell) is about to become an attorney at a prestigious law firm.  Before she can accept the position, a former high school classmate, Bonnie DeVille (Andrea Estella) is murdered.  The top suspect is Veronica's ex Logan Echolls (Dohring), who was dating Bonnie.  Veronica agrees to come home and help the investigation.

Back in Neptune things haven't changed.  There is still a divide between the 09ers and the working class, and the new sheriff, Don Lamb (Jerry O'Connell), and his cronies are corrupt... and it's time for her 10 year reunion.  As the stakes get higher can Veronica save Logan and her friends?


Veronica Mars was a great TV show that had / has a strong following.  It was never a huge hit, but the the fans, also known as Marshmallows, were loyal and continued to ask for a follow-up.  I discovered the show shortly after it was cancelled, and immediately fell in love.  When creator Rob Thomas announced the Kickstart campaign in March 2013, I was among the fans that donated to the film.  During the last year, this film has topped the my most anticipated films and I looked forward to the day the film premiered.

I loved it!  The story is a love letter to fans, that delivers what you want to see: Veronica back in action, your favorite characters from the show, and the sharp dialog.  It feels like going home; the more things change, the more they stay the same: the characters have grown and "matured" over the years, but they are still the people you remember.  There are also some jokes for the fans, related to the Kickstarter campaign and the FBI years, and the cameos are great.

That being said, the film will be harder to follow for people that are new to Veronica Mars.  If you haven't see the show, check it out prior to seeing the film.

As usual, Kristen Bell is awesome.  Love her as Veronica.  She still has great chemistry with Enrico Colantoni, as her father, and Jason Dohring, as Logan.  Ryan Hansen is hilarious as Dick, and will get a web show (about Hansen trying to get a spin-off about his character).  I wish Percy Daggs III, Tina Majorino, and Francis Capra had more screen time, but enjoyed seeing them and all the other regulars.

The story draws you in and leaves you with questions, possibly setting up future Mars adventures.  Thomas wrote a book sequel "The Thousand Dollar Tan Line", and he and the cast are all interested in returning to the characters again.  Here's to hoping for a 2nd film or miniseries!

Veronica Mars (2014) minutes
Rating: PG-13 for sexuality including references, drug content, violence and some strong language
Director: Rob Thomas
Starring: Kristen Bell as Veronica Mars
Jason Dohring as Logan Echolls
Krysten Ritter as Gia Goodman
Ryan Hansen as Dick Casablancas
Franics Capra as Eli "Weevil Navarro
Percy Daggs III as Wallace Fennel
Chris Lowell as Stosh "Piz" Piznarski
Tina Majorino as Cindy "Mac" Mackenzie
Enrico Colantoni as Keith Mars