V.C. Andrews’ Dawn: Twilight’s Child – Review

V.C. Andrews’ Dawn: Twilight’s Child – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Dawn has her daughter, Christie, Cutler’s Cove, and Jimmy. She smiles but has visions of her abusive grandmother, Lillian, and grand-aunt, Emily. Jimmy wants Dawn to put that behind her and focus on their future. He gets down on one knee and proposes. Dawn says yes and wears the ring proudly. Dawn’s mother, Lora Jean, sees the ring and wants to plan a huge wedding at the Cove. Dawn relents as Lora Jean designs the blowout of the century. 

Before Dawn walks down the aisle, Randolf’s memory lapses. He believes Lillian is alive. Lora Jean shouts at him that Lillian died, and he leaves. Lora Jean asks her friend, Bronson Alcott, to walk Dawn down the aisle instead. They learn that Randolf committed suicide after she and Jimmy got married. Shortly after Randolf’s funeral, Lora Jean marries Bronson. Dawn relaxes into her new life as a wife, mother, and hotel owner. But Clara Jean reminds Dawn to watch her back because another shoe can drop. Dawn has no idea how right Clara Jean is. Dawn’s past from high school and college will return to haunt her.

Based on Twilight’s Child by V.C. Andrews and the third movie of the Dawn series, this installment will right wrongs and bring new drama to Dawn’s doorstep (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Dawn wants to be different from Lillian and Emily. However, a disobedient child forces Dawn to find new ways to parent. And a failing business and threats tempt Dawn to be more cutthroat. As she questions her abilities, Emily and Lillian show up to sway Dawn’s resolve. Dawn needs to find the Cutler inside while being a Longchamp. This film starts with happily ever after but ends in V.C. Andrews’ fashion of twists and turns. No one is safe from blackmail, manipulation, and death. 

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Aren’t you even a little embarrassed – Clara Jean

You’re right. I’m the boss – Dawn

I’m perfectly fine, mother – Randolf

We’ve had a lousy past. Let’s make a great future – Jimmy

Well, I guess I’m the source of all your gossip. Aren’t I – Mrs. Boston

Randolf, don’t go crazy on us now. Your mother is stone cold dead – Lora Jean

Dawn, you’re hurting me – Philip

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A Lifelong Love – Review

A Lifelong Love – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Annika looks towards her grandfather, Abe, for encouragement before her pitch meeting with Rory at Lighthouse Publishing. Annika posted her poetry online and hoped to create an anthology of her new, past, and unreleased works for years. Abe ensures Annika that Lighthouse will be lucky to have her. During their conversation, Abe admits to falling in love before dating Annika’s grandmother. While in high school, Abe met an intelligent and beautiful cheerleader named Ruth. They promised to stay together. But when Abe got back from the war, she married someone else. Abe heard that Ruth is a widow now, but no one knows her location. Annika wants to help Abe find Ruth after her meeting.

Annika explains her book to Rory, but he doesn’t like it. Annika leaves disappointed and runs into Ryan in the hallway. Annika and Ryan dated in college but broke up after she turned down his proposal. They update each other on their lives, and Annika tells Ryan about Abe’s search for Ruth. They part so Annika can call her manager, Tia, and Ryan can meet with Rory.

During Rory’s meeting with Ryan, Annika barges in and demands to know why Rory doesn’t like her pitch. Annika doesn’t have Ryan’s following, and her idea won’t sell, but Rory doesn’t want to do a coffee table book of Ryan’s photos either. Rory is uninterested in their book ideas because they don’t have a hook. Then Ryan mentions Abe’s search for Ruth, and it captivates Rory. He wants them to write poems about love and photograph the subjects. And the final entry will be Abe and Ruth finding each other. And they have two weeks to get it done. Can Ryan and Annika find Abe’s Ruth without drudging up their past? Or will Annika’s perfection clash with Ryan’s carefree attitude again?

The basis of the story is profound and sweet. However, your need for Annika and Ryan to find Ruth will pull you from the stories and lessons of love. You will walk away, focus on other activities, or change the channel because we know when they will find Ruth, but not how. And the ‘how’ comes full circle in the cutest way. So viewers can expect 30 minutes of build-up. Then, a slow-paced plot to a 10-minute conclusion with the main characters’ relationship potentially ending before it starts. Thank goodness for a savvy tween and a charming grandpa to keep a smile on your face. This film is for you if you want to hear some love stories. Otherwise, keep this on the DVR for a rainy day.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

I do love that you compare me to The Beetles – Annika

Love isn’t overrated – Abe

That is profoundly unhelpful – Ellie

You know, the surprise in your voice is deeply affirming – Ryan

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Don’t Kill the Babysitter – Review

Don’t Kill the Babysitter – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Mariela has a passion for languages. She is leaving Venezuela for America to work as an au pair and immerse herself in the language and culture. Mariela’s sister, Ana, teaches English, but Mariela believes moving is the best learning tool. Mariela gives her niece, Sophia, a kiss before leaving to work for the Collins family.

Mariela gets a warm welcome from Lori, Lori’s husband, Dr. Chase, and their daughter, Abbey. They don’t expect Mariela to start immediately. And they tell her to relax and start tomorrow. Lori gives Mariela the rules for their home. They only allow Abbey to use the tablet during prescribed hours, no drinking or smoking, and no posting pictures of Abbey on social media. Mariela agrees to their rules and goes to bed.

Mariela has free time in the morning because Chase is at work, Abbey has school, and Lori has a doctor’s appointment. Mariela goes for a run but feels someone is following her. She turns to attack, and it’s a woman, Sarah. Sarah is a local nanny but hopes to be a nurse. Mariela enters her number onto Sarah’s phone. Mariela runs further down the trail, and a man, Jacob, grabs her. She quickly punches Jacob in the nose and flees. Mariella tells Lori about Jacob, and Lori panics. She wants Mariela to stay in the house at all times. Mariella thinks Lori’s concern is kind but unwarranted. Mariela calls Ana and updates Ana on the dangerous encounter. Ana wants Mariela to come home, but Mariela assures Ana she’s okay. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Mariela’s life is in danger, and she will need her friends, wit, and fist to survive.

The premise is stale, but the acting and dialogue make the plot feel brand new. Mariela isn’t a shrinking violet waiting for a savior. She punches like Laila Ali and thinks fast on her feet. This story plays with Lifetime tropes for a few jump scares. For instance, having a creepy guy in the woods or a child who enjoys running off and playing hide and seek. Fans will assume where the story’s going, but it’s a misdirection. And the conclusion is realistic, purposeful, and fun. This movie is the best story in the 2023 Stranger Danger series.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Make yourself comfortable. Mi casa es su casa – Lori

What about Abbey – Mariela

I don’t like her leaving the house – Chase

Go, mommy. We’ll be fine – Abbey

How much do I want – Sarah

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First Come Love, Then Comes Murder – Review

First Come Love, Then Comes Murder – TV One – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Ken comes home and attends to his pregnant wife, Candice, and daughter, Dasia. The meal is uneventful until Ken discovers Candice went bowling. He becomes furious and demands she clears her activities with him first. Candice gets cramps later that night, and Ken takes her to the hospital. Unfortunately, Candice has a miscarriage, and Ken blames it on bowling.

Two years later, Candice is pregnant again, but sadly Ken’s physical and mental abuse has elevated. He demands hot food at ungodly hours, forces sex, and dictates that Candice calls him sir. Also, he refuses to interact with the unborn baby until Candice gives birth. Ken comes to Candice’s job and puts on an act for her co-workers, but his abuse continues.

Ken’s boss, Tom, pulls Ken aside to talk. Candice’s law firm is putting pressure on Tom’s company. Tom wants Ken to step in and help. Ken doesn’t know what to do because Candice is a paralegal. Tom tells Ken to stay married because spousal privilege could help if they get an audit. Ken comes home with a new attitude and pulls out the red carpet for Candice. While Candice soaks in the tub, Ken finds the number for a divorce attorney. Now, he wants Candice to die. He can protect his company and himself.

The set-up seems bland, but a well-written script will keep you glued to your seat. During Candice’s first pregnancy, viewers will spot the red flags for Ken’s behavior. Then, he doesn’t bother hiding it during her second. The plot hits each step of the abuse cycle and highlights when it’s the most dangerous for a survivor to leave. This movie pinpoints the critical role that friends and teachers play for anyone escaping domestic violence. It does this without getting preachy and staying funny. Candice and her friend, Alicia, interrogating Ken’s hitman, Doug, is one of the funniest you will ever see. However, the love story becomes unsettling. This film will have you concerned and laughing at the same time.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

I think I can do that – Ken

Someone gonna have my head – Candice

I definitely don’t touch a dude’s hand a the strip club – Doug

Really dude? Who kills on credit? – Alicia

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Nightmare School Moms – Review

Nightmare School Moms – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minute(s)

Nicole sits with her mother, Lacy, and grandfather, Drake, for his birthday. Before blowing out his candles, Drake wishes Nicole would attend his alma mater, Whittendale. Everyone in their family went to the prestigious school except Lacy. Lacy interjects and tells Drake that a phone call or donation from him could have cemented her admission. Drake protests that paying is cheating and that Nicole will earn it as he did. Nicole promises to get in and reports her tie for valedictorian. Drake requests to know who is Nicole’s competition and she responds that it’s Parker Williams. Drake recognizes the last name. Parker’s mother, Mandy, beat Lacy 20 years ago for the spot in Whittendale. Drake warns Nicole that a close competitor will force the admissions office to scrutinize extracurricular activities. Nicole reports that she is running for class president against Parker. So far, the early polls project Nicole to be the winner.

Lacy brings cupcakes as Nicole and Parker pass out campaign buttons. Mandy approaches with an edited copy of Parker’s speech and warns Lacy that the cupcakes are a bribe. Upset, Lacy takes the treats and hints that Mandy’s edits could be cheating too. Mandy sees Lacy drop the cupcakes in the parking lot and offers to help, but Lacy refuses. Lacy blames Mandy for not getting into Whittendale, getting stuck in their small town, and meeting a man who abandoned her. Mandy wants to put the past behind them and become friends, but Lacy refuses.

Parker beats Nicole in the election by a few dozen votes. She cries to Lacy and writes a speech to concede. Lacy remembers that Mandy was part of a fraudulent campaign in DC and believes Mandy rigged this one. Lacy tells Nicole not to admit defeat and to demand a recount. Lacy attempts to stuff the ballots while Mr. Harrison isn’t looking but doesn’t get the chance. After the recount – with both mothers watching – Nicole loses by more votes. Lacy begs Drake to call Whittendale for Nicole, but he vehemently refuses. Lacy decides to do anything to get Nicole into Whittendale – including cheat, lie, and kill.

Lacy and Mandy are vicarious parents. They never listen to what Nicole or Parker want or need. Mandy wants Parker to follow in her footsteps and gently nudges Parker in her path. Anytime she sees Nicole rising, she diligently investigates to keep Parker in Whittendale’s good graces. Parker states her desire to attend other schools, but Mandy won’t listen. Mandy would be worst if Parker were in Nicole’s position. Lacy is horrible too, but the plot quickly explains why. She had an overbearing father who never lets her forget her shortcomings. She becomes a villain you love to watch. So, relax and watch a high school drama incorporating the college cheating scandal, legacy admissions, and helicopter parents. It’s worth every minute.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

That would be cheating – Drake

They’re not bribes. They’re donuts – Lacy

I didn’t write it. I just made some edits – Mandy

This isn’t about them. This is about you – Nicole

Each other – Parker

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Take Me Back for Christmas – Review

Take Me Back for Christmas – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Renee prepares a meal basket for her pregnant friend, Tasha, with help from her aspiring chef husband, Aaron. Aaron mentions that her baskets are a viable business, but she shoots the idea down. Renee turns on the kitchen sink, and it spews water everywhere. Aaron thinks they should sell their home, move to New York, start a company, and begin their family. Renee refuses to sell her home because it belonged to her mother, Maria. Maria left Renee the house when she died. It’s the only thing Renee has from her mother. Aaron understands Renee’s apprehension.

Renee arrives at work and gives Tasha the handmade gift basket. However, their boss, Jeff, thinks it’s from a vendor and takes it before they can correct him. Renee tells Tasha about Aaron’s desire to sell, and Tasha agrees with Aaron. Renee tells Tasha she looks forward to Jeff’s retirement because she is on track to be the manager. She can use the raise for home and auto repairs.

Santa listens to the children’s wishes, and his elf, Cici, hands out gifts to the kids. During a gap in the line, Cici asks Tasha and Renee to make a wish. Tasha wishes for a short, painless labor or an air fryer, but Renee doesn’t make a wish. Cici gives Renee a bell and tells Renee to ring it if Renee wants to make a wish later. Renee gets in her car after work, but it won’t start. She attempts to call Aaron, but he is busy at his job. Renee grabs the bell, wishes for another life, and rings it. She falls asleep in her car and wakes up in a corner office. Jerry informs Renee that her meeting will start soon. The team wants to hear Renee’s pitch to make their company number one again. Renee asks to reschedule since she is unprepared. She discovers that she is the CEO of a meal delivery service, her mother is alive, and she never married Aaron. Renee loves most of her new life but wants Aaron back. Can she get it all in her new life?

This film has all the hallmarks of a Christmas movie with magic, lessons, and love. It provides a complex question for anyone. Renee has to stay in her new life with money and a living mother. But without the man she loves. Or have her old life with Aaron but money problems and a deceased mom. When Renee tries to have it all, she gets some much-needed advice from a surprising source. Those wise words will strike a chord and bring a tear to everyone who watches. This film doesn’t continually mention Christmas but embodies the Christmas spirit.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Wow, that was quite the pitch – Renee

Are you happy? For real – Aaron

He’s gonna eat that all himself. Isn’t he – Tasha

Looks like you can use a ride – Cici

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