It’s ‘Fifty Shades’ dimmer

Looking for truth in advertising in Hollywood publicity is by definition a fool’s errand, but even by the dubious standards of the industry promoting “Fifty Shades Darker” with the line “Every Fairy Tale Has a Dark Side” is something of a stretch.

For as those who experience this sequel to “Fifty Shades of Grey” will soon discover, the darkest thing about this continuation of the story of domineering billionaire Christian Grey and his spunky romantic sparring partner Anastasia Steele are the black looks of audience members wondering where even the slight charms of the first picture have gone to.

That film, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and adapted from the E.L. James novel by Kelly Marcel, may have been ridiculous, but stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan made an agreeable couple, and the whole thing could be experienced as

Rating: R, for strong erotic sexual content, some graphic nudity, and language Running time: 1 hour, 58 minutes In general release

Doane Gregory Universal Pictures DAKOTA JOHNSON and Jamie Dornan reprise their roles in an implausible, emotionally flat “Grey” sequel, “Fifty Shades Darker.”