Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story – Review

Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Monique returns home from work, and her mother, Elizabeth, takes her money. Elizabeth gives Monique a few dollars for bus fare. Monique begs for the cash because she needs to pay graduation expenses. Elizabeth refuses and beats her. Later, Monique asks if the military sent her test scores. She knows the military will pay for college. Elizabeth calls Monique dumb and says she failed. Monique finds the acceptance letter in the trash. Monique can’t take the beatings anymore. She waits for Elizabeth to leave and searches Elizabeth’s room. She finds her social security card, birth certificate, and cash. Then, Monique gets on the first bus out of town. She thinks it will be the first step in her new life. Unfortunately, she lands in the home of a pimp, Caroline.

During her exploitation, Monique finds love. She escapes Caroline, gets married, and gets pregnant. This happily-ever-after doesn’t last. Her husband becomes a drug addict. Monique leaves her husband and returns to Elizabeth’s home. Elizabeth continues to be cruel, but Elizabeth’s mother, Sarah, gives Monique unconditional love.

Later, Monique gives birth to her first child. She goes through the documentation with the nurse and asks how to find her birth certificate. Monique goes to the municipal building, but they don’t have a record of her birth or death. The employee tells Monique she can expedite the process by writing query request letters. Over the coming weeks, Monique will get letters from other counties stating the same fact. They don’t have a record of her birth or of Elizabeth giving birth. Monique realizes that Elizabeth’s mistreatment stems from a horrific truth: Monique is not her child. Monique will search for decades to find her family, the truth, and her name.

Based on I Am The Ancestor: Before I Die I Must Tell My Story by S. Monique Smith, this film will trigger your rage (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Monique falls into abusive situations, looking for love. She becomes prey to molesters, pimps, and abusers looking for motherly affection. It’s not until she has children that Monique sees Elizabeth’s evil nature. During Monique’s investigation, he understands that Elizabeth didn’t act alone. Elizabeth relied on the silence and ignorance of others to continue the abuse. Monique reached out for help, and everyone ignored the signs. The set designers ensured fashion and technology fell within the period. And the actors will invoke your compassion and rage. However, this movie should have a trigger warning for assault survivors. Monique’s story is heartbreaking, but don’t give up because she didn’t. Monique’s trauma is the beginning of her story, not the conclusion. She triumphs, creating a new legacy and cycle for her family and future generations. This film should spark a conversation about family secrets and ignorance.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

I need help finding me. – Monique

Now, which one of you are going to ride this train – Elaine

Spare the rod, spoil the child – Sara

Let a tear fall, and I’ll give you something to cry about – Elizabeth

When have I ever stopped you from telling your story – Rubye

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There’s No Way Out – Review

There’s No Way Out – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Nurse Shannon overhears Dr. Doug talking about one of her patients, Briar. Briar and her older sister, Juniper, emerged from the woods before Briar collapsed. Dr. Doug tests Briar and diagnoses her with severe tuberculosis. He suspects they haven’t seen a doctor in years. Social workers arrive and ask the girls about their parents, but they won’t talk. Both girls scream when the social worker grabs Briar, and Shannon steps in. She and her husband, Rob, finished the paperwork to become foster parents. Shannon offers to foster the girls so they can stay together. The social workers accept Shannon’s invitation.

Shannon tells her husband, Rob, about the two girls. He laughs at Shannon’s spontaneous decision and worries about the girls. Shannon infers that Briar and Juniper have lived in the woods for a while without clean clothes or sustainable food. Juniper and Briar are fish out of water inside Shannon and Rob’s home. However, Shannon and Rob spend quality time with each girl to acclimate them to their new surroundings. Juniper settles into her new life while Briar struggles.

Shannon and Rob get a call from Officer Edmunds because Juniper and Briar’s parents, Stephen and Holly, arrived at the station demanding their children. Shannon and Rob arrive at the station with the social worker. The social worker informs Stephen and Holly that Juniper and Briar will remain in Shannon and Rob’s custody until the court hearing. Until then, Officer Edmunds advises Stephen and Holly to stay at a local hotel near their children for visitation and hearings. Stephen warns everyone to stay out of his family business before leaving the station with Holly. Later, Holly warns Shannon that Stephen is dangerous. He will do anything to get his family under his control. Can Rob and Shannon keep Juniper and Briar safe, or will Stephen’s manipulation work?

This movie shows how people born into indoctrination differ from those who join. Briar keeps in contact with her parents, although Shannon and Rob provide a comfortable life for her. Juniper quickly adjusts to the new life and doesn’t want to leave. She remembers a time when they lived inside with family and friends. Juniper thirsts for the life she has while Briar struggles and worships her parents. This dynamic causes strife in Shannon and Rob’s marriage. Shannon senses something is wrong in their home, but Rob thinks she’s paranoid. If anyone invested in security cameras, this plot would be shorter, but that’s Lifetime. The conclusion is flowery, but the movie is mildly compelling.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

They just emerged from the woods – Shannon

Most people get a puppy without talking to their husband first – Rob

What’s a vending machine – Briar

The neglect is a fabrication – Stephen

You should be more careful – Holly

Just because we grew up in the woods doesn’t mean we have to act like animals – Juniper

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Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Lesson in Murder – Review

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Lesson in Murder – Hallmark Mystery – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Teacher’s Assistant Aurora helps Professor Lindo present the next assignment to their students. They need to write a paper on a poison used in a crime and how the police discovered it. After class, Aurora asks Kevin why he sleeps in class. Kevin avoids the question and leaves. Kevin’s teammate, Tanner, explains that Kevin is training for the baseball team and isn’t getting enough sleep. Then, Aurora overhears a conversation between Kevin and Kevin’s girlfriend, Jenny. Jenny’s ex-boyfriend, Owen, is following her. Kevin wants to confront Owen, but Jenny pulls him away.

Aurora ends the day in Professor Lindo’s office when Lindo’s former assistant, Cal, interrupts. He wants a letter of recommendation from Lindo, but she refuses. Cal gave students better grades, so Lindo fired him. Lindo got the tip for Kevin after several baseball players passed. Lindo will never give Cal a recommendation. Cal leaves in a huff.

Aurora discovers her mother, Aida, got a job on campus. Professor Lindo and Aurora walk Aida around and catch Kevin and Tanner fighting. Tanner is furious because Kevin got his spot on the team. Lindo pulls them apart and tells Kevin to meet her in her office. Kevin could lose his position on the team if he doesn’t improve his grades in Professor Lindo’s class. So, Aurora offers to help him. She asks Kevin to meet her at the diner to study the material.

Aurora arrives at the restaurant, but Kevin isn’t there. She sees Jenny and Owen talking in a booth. Then, Professor Lindo arrives and tells Aurora that Kevin is sitting in his Mustang in the parking lot. They walk to the car and find Kevin dead. Aurora notices Kevin’s skin is bluish. She thinks it’s a sign of poisoning and tells Detective Cook and Officer Arthur.

Aurora goes home and recounts Kevin’s encounters while Detective Cook and Arthur get a report from the medical examiner. Kevin’s smoothie had sodium nitrate, a highly toxic substance that turns the skin blue. It confirms that someone poisoned and murdered Kevin. They learn that Kevin went to a restaurant with friends to practice at the batting cages and got a smoothie. Detective Cook and Arthur examine the security footage and see four people handling Kevin’s drink. Owen knocked it off the table, Cal made it, Tanner brought it to the table, and Jenny put something in it. All four had motive and opportunity. Professor Lindo worries her ‘true crime’ literature course may have inspired a killer and wants to end the lecture. Aurora doesn’t think Professor Lindo is to blame and wants to prove it by finding the culprit. Can Aurora unmask a killer?

Inspired by the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, this installment has a fun chase, several suspects, and a twist you won’t see coming (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The college years add a new layer to a beloved character while allowing long-time fans to laugh at jokes about Aurora’s future. The writer’s love for the genre shines with two book mentions: Die, My Love, and Bitter Harvest. The story has several subplots, but there isn’t enough time to cover them here. However, they are significant to Aurora’s future. The acting is astonishing. The actors respect the characters while adding new dimensions to them. This second installment of the college years will make you fall in love with the series again. This film is more than a must-see. It’s a guaranteed rewatch.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

Trust me, he’s not our friend – Jenny

And I’ll be on campus all the time – Aida

Struck out on her – Detective Cook

Strong-willed and self-confident, she must get that somewhere – Professor Lindo

I’m not the one who starts it – Kevin

You’re always helping people – Danny

I’ll work on Cook – Arthur

Never. I’m a librarian – Aurora

I will find you fresh basil – Rick

This hat? I look adorable in it – Sally

I’m not an idiot – Cal

Someone must have put that there – Owen

He is such a rat – Tanner

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Sinister Surgeon – Review

Sinister Surgeon – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Katelyn enters P&N Plastic Surgery to start her residency. Her father was famous in the medical community, but Katelyn wants to forge a path for herself. Katelyn enters a hectic scene because the office manager, Lori, is yelling at two men in the lobby. Later, Lori explains the two men are Detective Elliot and former resident Brad. Katelyn will take over Brad’s job because he did subpar work. And Detective Elliot has questions for one of their doctors. However, she assures Katelyn that everything is running smoothly and shows Katelyn around the office. Katelyn meets Dr. Nichols. She is cold, rude, and impatient with Katelyn. Lori tells Katelyn that Dr. Nichols will warm up to her over time. Then, Lori introduces Katelyn to Dr. Jacob Peterson. Jacob is gentle, friendly, and open. He quickly invites Katelyn to observe his post-op rounds with him.

Katelyn and Jacob flirt while they work. Lori can’t believe Katelyn’s resemblance to Jacob’s deceased wife. She knows it’s a matter of time before they start dating. One morning, Katelyn gets in her car, and Detective Elliot sits in the passenger seat. He warns Katelyn that he’s investigating Jacob because someone is killing Jacob’s patients. While Elliot suspects Jacob, Katelyn believes he should look into Brad. Brad has accosted Katelyn several times in the office’s parking lot. Elliot gives Katelyn a folder of evidence and tells her to examine it. He trusts she will come to the conclusion he did. Katelyn tries to ignore the documentation because she’s falling in love with Jacob. However, Jacob’s actions make Katelyn question his innocence. So, she delves deeper into his past. Will Katelyn find an innocent man or a sinister surgeon?

Viewers have to give this movie a fair chance. The setup feels predictable but offers an alluring twist. And a warning to the audience: the killing scene rivals a Criminal Minds episode. They offer blood, guts, and gore. You should look away if you are squeamish. But don’t change the channel. Katelyn is intelligent but lovestruck, while Dr. Nichols honestly reprimands her for medical mistakes. Lori is the office gossip, and Jacob is the Romeo. He dates patients and residents. It’s unclear if the medical jargon is correct, but the acting makes it believable. Katelyn solely focuses on Brad, but you won’t. Experienced Lifetimers can see through the fluff and decipher the killer and why.  However, the plot has more to offer. So watch this film until the end.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

You should probably go kiss the ring – Lori

You make the patients wait. Makes us look cooler – Jacob

I don’t want ‘sorry.’ I want perfection – Dr. Nichols

You want me to help you with a HIPAA violation – Katelyn

I’m not sure yet. But I’m trying to get to the bottom of it – Detective Elliot

Don’t say I didn’t warn you, Katelyn – Brad

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Hearts Around the Table: Josh’s Third Serving – Review

Hearts Around the Table: Josh’s Third Serving – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Angie’s Hearts arrive for Sunday supper and to meet their new foster sister, Gina. Gina lived with her grandmother, Deidra, until Deidra developed mobility issues. Josh, Jenna, Shari, Kiki, and Rory are happy to have Gina in the family. Angie alerts the family that Gina will be a student in Josh’s school, and Rory offers to show Gina around.

Josh arrives and sees the new English teacher, Ella, lost in the halls. He gives her guidance and volunteers more if she needs it. Ella teaches her first class and notices that Gina has issues concentrating. She helps Gina equate the theme of The Old Man and the Sea to playing the saxophone to help Gina finish the book (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Ella informs Gina that she’s the music teacher, too.

Ella enters the music room, and the smell of mold and lack of sunlight overcomes her. The students, including Gina, agree. Ella takes the kids outside to play. Josh hears the sad sounds across the track and searches for the source. Josh and Ella argue about the disruption. Principal Gellar calms the situation and brings them to his office. Ella implores Principal Gellar to allocate more money to music, but Josh needs the funds for his team. Principal Gellar informs them that all extracurricular activities will have their budget cut. They should attend the PTA meeting and state their case for more money.

The PTA will allocate the budget to one activity because the funds are scarce. Ella and Josh present their issues to the PTA. However, the vote is 50/50. The PTA won’t discuss the budget until next month’s meeting. Ella can’t wait, and Angie suggests having a fundraiser. For weeks, Josh and Ella have had several fundraising competitions. However, they discover they can do more if they band together. Can Josh and Ella save their programs while falling in love?

This third Hearts installment follows Josh as he falls in love with Ella. Shari and Ethan are in bliss while Andrew considers his future with Jenna. While their love story should take center stage, Gina’s subplot garners attention. She loves music but has difficulty focusing in class. Ella thinks Gina has a processing disorder and encourages Gina to take tests. Angie is Gina’s foster mother but isn’t her legal guardian. They must have Gina’s grandmother sign the papers. This trip gives Gina and Kiki bonding time. Their car conversations will heal the soul and teach the viewer how to be kind to themselves. It’s these moments that save this film. The conclusion eases Hallmarkies into the fourth installment.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

Pleased to meet you, just Josh – Gina

Oh well, you’ll get used to them – Rory

Everyone wins in a hug – Josh

Some life lessons aren’t meant to be fun – Ella

You’re the math teacher, Josh. Figure it out – Principal Geller

Oh, it will be brought. No worries – Jenna

Well, maybe not about the handsome part – Andrew

You’re not being very kind to yourself – Kiki

Josh, rude much – Shari

You won’t know if you don’t ask – Angie

Believe it or not, I actually like your family – Evan

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