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Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story – Review
Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
At 15, Elizabeth Thomas, aka Beth, attends school for the first time. Her mother home-schooled her but stopped after losing custody because someone called CPS. Now, Beth takes care of the household duties while her older sister, Dawn, focuses on her phone and her little sister, Lily, studies. Elizabeth’s father, Ed, works double and triple shifts to care for his three children, while her brother, Ben, helps when he can.
Beth can’t find someone to sit with during lunch and eats by her locker. Her science teacher, Tad Cummins, offers his assistance. He relates to being new and ostracized. Taken back, Elizabeth questions Tad’s familiarity. Tad explains the admins gave them her backstory. He introduces her to a group of students – Tim, Brandy, and Rachel – willing to invite Beth into their circle. The students often feel uncomfortable in the cafeteria and eat in Tad’s classroom instead. After school, Beth misses the bus, and Tad offers her a ride home. He notices a cut on her hand and gives her first aid. Beth appreciates the kindness Tad provides. This act is innocent to Beth. But it’s the first step in Tad’s grooming process. Tad slowly manipulates Beth and leads the police on a nationwide hunt after kidnapping her. Beth has no idea the horror, ridicule, and coercion she will need to overcome then and now.
Tad follows the groomer’s guide like a playbook. The administrators gave Tad Beth’s background. And he knew she was a prime target. She came from a broken home with little attention. He isolated her by making Beth stay behind after the other students left. Then, he set up a bed in a closet and added his number to her phone under another name to engage her in a secret. Next, Tad made several inappropriate comments to gauge her response. Finally, he used words like ‘soulmate’ to make his behavior look normal. During police questioning, Tad used Beth’s background to position himself as her savior. Luckily, they saw through his smoke and mirror and labeled him a predator. The writers steered clear of re-enacting any assault to focus on grooming and public shaming, not violence. The script only implies the abuse. This movie is a teaching tool to warn young kids and teens of these wolves in sheep’s clothing.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
I live in a house – Beth
It’s what they call a symbiotic relationship – Tad
I think you miss being a dad – Connie
He probably just feels bad for you – Rachel
Yeah, people really suck – Lilly
If it isn’t my 3rd favorite sister – Ben
Nice to see you, too. What’s wrong – Ed
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Big Sky River: The Bridal Path – Review
Big Sky River: The Bridal Path – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes
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Tara calls Boone from New York. James wanted Erin to attend his and Bethany’s baby shower and gender reveal. When blue confetti falls, James thanks the heavens for the son he always wanted. Erin takes offense and wants to leave the party, James, and New York behind. But she keeps it all inside and quietly rages with teen angst.
Tara and Erin return to Parable to join Boone and his sons, Griffin and Fletcher, who gleefully await them. They settle into their lives as a blended family, but it’s not complete until Boone gets down on one knee to propose. Tara says yes without hesitation. She and Boone spread the news about their engagement to family and friends. Tara’s friends, Casey and Kendra, tell Tara to start planning soon before Boone changes his mind. Also, Fletcher welcomes Tara and Erin into their family, but Erin and Griffin aren’t happy. Tara has two families and feels unwanted in one. Griffin doesn’t want to replace his mother. With so much change, will Tara and Boone’s relationship survive the pressure?
Based on Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller and the sequel to Big River Sky, this story goes to the heart of blending families with the pressure of orchestrating a wedding (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Unlike the book, this movie focuses on Tara and Boone’s evolving relationship, not Casey and Peter’s. Like most couples, Tara and Boone avoided the tough conversations to focus on bliss. Now, they discuss disciplining their partner’s children, buying a bigger home, and future children. Erin may appear spoiled to others, but viewers should remember she’s lost her biological mom and feels she lost her dad, too. So, having another man in her life who doesn’t waver is a new experience. As for Griffin, he isn’t over losing his mom. He likes Tara but doesn’t understand her position in this new family. It’s a lot for everyone to handle. This film can spark heartfelt and open dialogue in blended families.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
The son I’ve always wanted – James
I want my man to propose – Tara
You darn well better – Casey
Not a single one. Which means either I’m really good at my job or really bad – Boone
It’s dad. My old dad – Erin
I don’t wanna move – Griffin
Kids – Fletcher
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Danger Lurking Under My Roof – Review
Danger Lurking Under My Roof – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Mark created a Tiny Home project and wants his house to be the inaugural home. The project has families with large properties that put a Tiny Home on their grounds for a family in need to stay. Mark’s wife, Roxanne, and daughter, Macie, are excited to help, but Roxanne feels it’s too soon. She wants to focus on spending time with Macie before Macie goes to college. Mark tells Roxanne the family won’t interfere in their lives and that the family is a struggling single mother and her daughter. Roxanne has empathy for the family and green-lights the idea.
Ella and Lucy stay at a motel. The front desk attendant tells Lucy they have a call. Lucy returns to her room and informs Ella. When they get another call on the phone, Ella snatches the cord out of the wall. Ella tells Lucy to leave calls unanswered, keep calls to friends cryptic, and never reveal their location. Someone wants to hurt Ella and Lucy. They must stay one step ahead. She hopes the new house will be a fresh start.
Ella and Lucy move into Roxanne and Mark’s backyard. Roxanne brings them a plant and invites them to a welcome dinner. She offers Macie to be Lucy’s guide around town and the school. Ella obliges to dinner and settles into her new home. During dinner, Roxanne gives Ella the rental agreement. It stipulates noise hours, number of party guests, and counseling. Seeing Ella’s disgust, Roxanne reminds Ella that she signed it. Ella takes the paperwork with a forced smile and leaves with Lucy. This move is the first battle in the war between these two women. However, something more dangerous is lurking and coming for their daughters.
These women are the definition of petty, and both are in the wrong. Roxanne enters Ella’s home, redecorates, and posts photos on social media without Ella’s consent. Ella destroys Roxanne’s property and scoffs at the rental rules. Both mothers are dead wrong but focus too much on each other to see the danger around them. It’s completely ridiculous. Also, the script follows the same path. It focuses on them so much that viewers have no idea what’s going on. The final ten minutes wrap up with a fight and a conclusion pulled out of thin air. Also, it leaves some questions unanswered. This film is three movies rolled into one with little guidance to chart the plot.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
Ok, Debby downer. Let’s go shopping – Macie
Have a nice life, creep – Lucy
That’s new – Mark
You don’t think it’s weird that we have a stranger living in our backyard – Roxanne
We are not your project. Our life is not your mood board – Ella
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The Gilgo Beach Killer – Review
The Gilgo Beach Killer – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Mari washes dishes when her daughter, Shannan, comes down the steps. Mari knows her daughter is a prostitute and offers alternative jobs. Shannan laughs and tells Mari she will be back on Mother’s Day. After two days, Mari gets a call from a blocked number. The voice on the other end says he runs a home for wayward girls. And he tried to help Shannan. Then, the caller hangs up. Mari tries to Shannan, but the calls go unanswered. Mari goes to the police to report Shannan missing, but when they hear she is a prostitute, they stop caring and tell her to tell the county police where Shannan lives. Frustrated, Mari leaves but stops when she gets another phone call from a blocked number. The caller said he tried to help Shannan, but Shannan left. Mari runs into the police station. And seeing she is frantic, Chief Detective Dominick Varrone steps in to help Mari. Mari admits her failings as a mother because foster care raised Shannan, and Mari’s boyfriend molested her daughter, Sarra. Now, Shannan is bipolar, Sarra has schizophrenia, and Mari blames herself. But Mari quickly states that Shannan wasn’t always this way. At one point, she was in nursing school. But Shannan made some bad decisions that led her down the wrong path. She begs Dominick to find Shannan, but when she feels he isn’t doing enough, she calls a private investigator, Herc Zinneman. He doesn’t offer hope but promises to use his connections to get Mari more information. With Mari’s motherly determination, she sets the wheels in motion and uncovers corruption, several killers, and dozens of victims.
Inspired by actual events, the sad fact is that plenty of these murders wouldn’t have happened if police investigated the initial disappearances. Instead, they stopped caring the moment they heard the women’s profession. This ignorance allowed several serial killers to operate in or around Suffolk County. And while some get justice, others, like Mari, get more questions than answers. By the movie’s end, you will learn Mari’s horrifying conclusion.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
She’s an adult, Sarra. What else can I do – Mary
You’re worth it, Mom – Shannan
You know why I’m an ex-cop because I couldn’t stand the bureaucracy – Herc
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Making Waves – Review
Making Waves – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Amelia hears the band, Figure 8, on her smart device and sends the link to her boss, Lydia, to review. Lydia calls Amelia with her drink order before Amelia arrives. Amelia enters Lydia’s office with two drinks and politely reminds Lydia that she isn’t Lydia’s assistant. Lydia admits she never saw Amelia’s link and then reminds Amelia of their staff meeting.
During the meeting, Lydia tells the team their biggest competitor, run by her ex-husband, RJ, continues to take their potential clients. RJ’s company has more money, but Lydia believes they have a leg up with artist freedom. Amelia pitches Figure 8, but Lydia thinks indie pop is passé. Amelia rebuts by stating the band has a growing following on social media. Lydia tells Amelia to track them down because a following could equal album sales.
Amelia travels to a small town for the OBX Making Waves Music Festival. Amelia stays at her friend’s inn and eats at a local pub. To her surprise, her high school friend, Will, works there. Will warmly greets Amelia and informs her that he is there to fill in to assist his uncle, Ted. She tells Will she’s in town to offer Figure 8 a deal with Dream It Real Records. But she can’t find information or a clear image of the band. Will tells Amelia the band is performing at the pub tonight. She bounces with excitement but leaves for a brief moment to answer Lydia’s call.
The board wants to move up the meeting. So Lydia tells Amelia to sign Figure 8 quickly for a promotion to Head of the Indie Division. Amelia re-enters the pub with a steely determination to sign the band, but they already performed while she was outside. She can’t believe it, but she resigns to meet them tomorrow before the festival.
Amelia sees RJ at the festival and knows he is scouting bands, too. She works overtime, offering help and deals to other bands. Then, Amelia sees Figure 8 hit the stage. She stands in awe to see Will singing lead. When they come off stage, Will laughs. It was fun to keep it a secret, and now the look on her face pays off. She offers them a deal on the spot with creative control of their look and sound. Will loves the deal, but he has other priorities. Ted leases a dock for the pub, but a commercial developer wants to purchase it. Ted went to a bank for a loan but may not get it. RJ offered Figure 8 a lucrative record contract that will cover the cost of the dock. Amelia must get Will on her label for the promotion, but an unforeseen wrinkle will hinder her plans.
This movie is charming and has catchy music. The plot has several moving parts but comes together at the end. But the overall message is a dream deferred isn’t a dream denied. Everyone in this film has a fear that stops them from achieving their ultimate goal. They need to lean on each other to get over the hurdles in front of them. Will and Amelia don’t hold resentment over their pasts. They understand that youth and determination played a part in their break up. They maturely talk through situations before making assumptions. While the ending is predictable, it’s worth watching.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
You’re right – Lydia
I guess sometimes I am – Amelia
When is the timing right for anything, really – Sam
You just have to tap into the confidence that’s inside you – Will
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The Final Say – Review
The Final Say – BET Her – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Valerie gets a call from her friend, Lindsey, while preparing for a blind date. Lindsey assures Valerie that Vaughn is the perfect man for her and wishes Valerie good luck. Valerie and Vaughn fall head over heels in love with each other and marry. They buy an exquisite home and dream of filling it with children. After five years and miscarriages, Valerie’s disappointment grows. She prays to give Vaughn the family he desires but can’t because of her age and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The doctor asks them to consider egg donation, surrogacy, or IVF, but Valerie wants to continue trying.
Before her 10th anniversary party, Valerie takes a pregnancy test, and it’s positive. Vaughn wants to scream it from the rooftop, but Valerie tells him to keep it quiet. Vaughn and Valerie celebrate with their family and friends. Vaughn can’t contain his excitement and lets everyone know Valerie is pregnant. The family cheers for them, but the celebration is short-lived. It was a false positive. This latest letdown weighs heavily on Valerie. She doesn’t feel that she can give Vaughn everything he wants. So, Valerie decides to divorce Vaughn to avoid future resentment. Can Vaughn save his marriage?
This movie tackles a sensitive subject for many couples with a blanket of faith for comfort. The ability to have and carry children looks effortless from the outside because women rarely talk about fertility hardships until now. Women and men openly share their struggles on social media, in churches, and support groups to remove the stigma. This community offers itself to Valerie, but she is too sad to accept it. Others want her to focus on faith. But seeing the light in the darkness is more complicated than others imagine. Viewers should watch this film and create a safe space for an open dialog about infertility, pregnancy, miscarriages, and family alternatives.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
God’s timing is perfect. Things may be delayed but not denied – Jordan
These things just happen – Lindsey
I got you, baby. And god got us – Vaughn
I thought it was to fill it with kids – Valerie
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Categories: Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story, BET Her, BET Her TV, Big Sky River: The Bridal Path, Corey Cott, Danger Lurking Under My Roof, Deborah Joy Winans, Emmanuelle Vaugier, hallmark, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, HMM, Holland Roden, James Hyde, Kavan Smith, Kim Delaney, Kristi Murdock, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Made for TV, Making Waves, Michael Fishman, movie, Noemi Alexis, review, Ripped From The Headlines, Sizzling Summer Nights, Summer Howell, Summer Nights, The Final Say, The Gilgo Beach Killer, Tiffany Snow, Timon Kyle Durrett, tv review
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