"a joy to watch from start to finish, it is compelling and nothing feels forced or out of place"

Television to film adaptations can be somewhat of a mixed bag; if it's not handled correctly it'll prove disastrous, however, with Veronica Mars in the hands of those who made the memorable series, they're on to a winner.

Ever since the Kickstarter Campaign was announced, many fans of the original series had been desperately anticipating a return to Neptune to catch up with old favourites and to see what they're up to - and this doesn't disappoint.

Packed full of intrigue, Veronica Mars sees the titular Private Investigator played by the wonderful Kristen Bell, pulled from her new life as a lawyer in the big city to her home town of Neptune when her former lover Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring) is the prime suspect in the murder of a former classmate.

It's the classic whodunit, and feels like familiar territory as Veronica uses the skills that she thought she had left behind and the connections she once had, to try to prove Logan's innocence - while in the process uncovering a secret that was once thought to be hidden.

As an admirer of the series, it's a treat to see how old favourites like Keith Mars (Enrico Colantoni), Mac (Tina Majorino) and Wallace (Percy Daggs III) have evolved as characters since the series ended; Keith is still a P.I. running Mars Investigations and still as charming as ever, Mac is still a computer wiz and surprisingly now works begrudgingly for Kane Software (those familiar with the series will know why she doesn't like working for them) and Wallace is now a teacher at Neptune High. Probably the biggest surprise is Eli (Francis Capra), who is now married with a child and has left his gang days behind him. There is still a hint of ineptitude and corruption with the Sheriff's Department, that now sees Jerry O'Connell's Dan Lamb (brother to Don) as the Sheriff and the deputies seen planting guns and such on their suspects.

For those who are new to the world of Veronica Mars, writer/ director Rob Thomas has done a great job at making sure the uninitiated aren't left out, since the events that unfold do not require any prior knowledge, as well as the fact that some time is given to narration by Veronica at the beginning and at places in the film when it is necessary, and for those that are fans, there are a sprinkling of nods to what came before, it's a wonderful balance that I don't think would've been struck if it was anyone other than Thomas calling the shots.

The stand out is Bell's Veronica, as expected, showing off that same quirky and sarcastic attitude and quick wit that made the series so special, and for those who don't know who she is, it is easy to engage with her as she is instantly likeable, her character's journey from P.I. to lawyer feels like a natural progression. Meanwhile, there are cameos galore in Veronica Mars, from Jamie Lee Curtis to Dax Shepherd to Justin Long to James Franco which do not detract from the story but are just fun and serve the story aptly.

Veronica Mars is a joy to watch from start to finish, it is compelling and nothing feels forced or out of place, it is fitting to see the story continue on the big screen, and whilst it is a continuation, it is still a fresh and self contained story Marshmallows and those new to the story will enjoy. Now, let's try and squeeze another season - or hell, perhaps a sequel, to keep this character alive.