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Monster in the Family: The Stacy Kananen Story – Review
Monster in the Family: The Stacy Kananen Story – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Stacey’s nightmares about her father, Richard Sr., keep her up at night. Her wife, Susan, wishes Stacey would open up more, but Stacey locks those emotions deep inside. Stacey relaxes with her sister, Cheryl, and mother, Marilyn. Then, their brother, Rickie Jr., knocks on the door. They bond over their safety but shun their past. Richard Sr. was an abusive, alcoholic, sadistic psychopath. He used fear, physical, and sexual abuse to keep his family in line. Fifteen years ago, Richard abandoned the family. They haven’t looked back since, but Marilyn admits she misses her husband at times.
Cheryl calls Stacey in a panic. Marilyn’s boss hasn’t heard from her in days. The siblings go to her home to find a mess and a stack of paperwork, but Marilyn isn’t there. They decide to call the police. During Cheryl’s interview with the detective, Rickie and Stacey look through Marilyn’s paperwork. They discovered that she had cashed Richard’s Social Security checks for years. Stacey wants to tell the detective, but Rickie warns her to stay quiet. Fraud could bring more trouble to Marilyn’s doorstep. Stacey relents.
As the police search for Marilyn, Rickie and Stacey build their relationship. He gets an idea to start a landscaping business while helping Stacey plant flowers. He puts $400 into the account and has Stacey sign paperwork. Later, Richard came into some good fortune. He offers to give Stacey money for a down payment on a car. Stacey’s life falls into place, but the nightmares continue.
The detectives ask Stacey to come to the precinct for some questions. She’s happy to answer anything to bring Marilyn home. Unfortunately, the interview paints Stacey in a negative light. They deduced that she killed Marilyn to hide business fraud. Rickie told them everything. He and Marilyn killed Richard 15 years ago and buried him in Marilyn’s garage. And he and Stacey killed Marilyn days ago to cover up her fraud. Stacey vehemently denies the allegations. Without evidence, they let Stacey go. She gets in her car, cries, and jumps when Rickie enters. He tells her to go to Marilyn’s home.
They drive to the location, and Rickie tells Stacey the truth. He and Marilyn killed Richard 15 years ago and buried him in Marilyn’s garage. Then, he killed his mother and buried her in Stacey’s backyard. However, he named her as his accomplice. Stacey can’t believe Rickie had this level of evil inside his soul. Instead of fearing their father, Rickie idolizes him. This monster has more pain to inflict on her life. He wants her to be on death row. Who will win: the abuser or the abused?
Based on the novel Fear of Our Father: The True Story of Abuse, Murder, and Family Ties by Lisa Bonnice and Stacey Kananen, this movie shows several results of long-term abuse (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Stacey suffers from nightmares, while Cheryl has a selective memory about the past. Rickie fed off the abuse and became an abuser. His father’s control was a point of admiration, not fear. However, the plot takes a while to get to the point. Without knowledge of Stacey’s story, viewers will assume that it focuses on Richard dominating his family. It examines how Rickie wormed his way into their lives and the steps he took to implicate Stacey. Once you witness his deception and sadistic nature, the storyline is unforgettable. This film is enjoyable if viewers can tolerate the slow build and appreciate a solid performance.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I still miss him sometimes – Marilyn
I don’t understand how she can miss him – Stacey
Well, I’m glad you found Susan – Rickie
What did you do to her – Cheryl
It’s reality – Susan
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The Paradise Murders – Review
The Paradise Murders – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
After arriving late for their anniversary dinner, Emma promises to make it up to her husband, Jake. Jake doesn’t take long with his request. He books them a week-long vacation at the Cresendo Hotel and Spa. Jake wants Emma to take a week off from work and make their relationship a priority. Emma can’t say no. He picked a hotel that she had visited multiple times as a kid.
They arrive at the hotel and relax in the paradise setting. Emma walks onto the balcony, and her hotel neighbor, Isla, startles her. Isla is there with her husband, Jarrod, and loves making friends on vacation. They exchange quick hellos before Emma spends alone time with Jake. Afterward, Jake and Emma go to the beach and meet Sarah and her husband, Tom. Two couples return to the hotel, planning to eat dinner later. They don’t see Isla take pictures from above.
During dinner, Emma and Jake can see problems arising between Sarah and Tom. It grows as their waiter, Lee, reads the special. Emma asks if they still have the medovik cake she loved as a kid. Lee says they stopped making it years ago. Tom leaves early, and Emma consoles Sarah. Emma and Jake return to their room with a surprise waiting at the door. It’s the medovik cake. Emma can’t contain her joy.
Emma walks on the beach and finds Sarah writing in her diary. She has written her feelings since childhood. Emma tries to spend more time with Sarah and Tom, but Sarah blows her off. Emma shakes off the ill will and returns to her vacation. She relaxes on her balcony the next morning until she hears a piercing scream. Emma looks down and sees a crowd gathered by the pool. Emma joins them and sees Sarah’s dead body.
The police interview Emma and Jake because others saw them with the couple before. Emma answers the questions honestly but holds her tongue when Jake lies about his whereabouts. She remembers he left in the early hours with no explanation. Emma confronts Jake about it when the police leave, but he brushes off her concerns and focuses on Tom. Later, housekeeper Vera pulls Emma aside. Sarah gave her a note for Emma because someone scared her. Emma believes someone killed Sarah, and that person could be Jake.
First, the title lives up to its name. The plot offers several murders in a beautiful location. The storyline has extortion, stalkers, and con artists. Everyone acts suspiciously with ulterior motives. Emma isn’t sure who to trust. Even her clues lie. This film will keep you guessing until the end. Then, the killer’s monologue exposes the hints you missed. The killer and the motive are enough to surprise you, but they are a bit overdone. However, the script is interesting enough to keep your attention despite moments of lull.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
This time, I’m going ot hold you to it – Jake
Cute can get exhausted though – Sarah
Did you forget your key – Emma
I hope that’s not work-related – Isla
Look at this place. What a mess – Tom
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The Jane Mysteries: Too Much to Lose – Review
The Jane Mysteries: Too Much to Lose – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Jane and her aunt Sadie practice their routine for the Children’s Hospital Gala. Jane beams with pride because Sadie continues her late husband’s philanthropic work. Sadie admits it makes her feel closer to Harold. Jane wishes she had more time to help, but her cases keep her busy. Sadie mentions one thing Jane can do. A reporter, Margaret, wanted to write a piece about the Gala and requested that Jane take the questions. Jane agrees with a smile.
Margaret meets with Jane, but doesn’t ask much about the Gala. She’s worried about her missing friend, Irene. Irene was an investigative journalist who was researching a major scandal. Margaret knows Irene wouldn’t disappear with a thought-provoking case. The police didn’t examine it because there wasn’t a sign of forced entry at her home. But Margaret remembers that Irene was on a game show. She beat the reigning champion, Edgar. She won $100,000. Margaret believes Irene is a target. Jane consoles Margaret and takes the case.
Jane converses with Detective John, and he lets her examine the wellness check report. He warns Jane to be careful. Jane meets with Margaret at Irene’s home because Margaret has a key to bird-sit. They find that someone ransacked the house. As they walk around, they see a man, Craig, lurking in the shadows. He’s Irene’s nephew, and he hasn’t heard from her in days. Craig calls his mother, Irene’s twin, Ida, for help. She believes something’s wrong because Irene always returns home at night. Jane won’t give up on Irene.
Later, Craig gets a text message from Irene, but she doesn’t call him by his nickname. Also, Irene left her location on—something she never does. Jane, Craig, and Margaret run to stake out the area. Jane finds clues around the studio, but the security guard catches her. She sees the police at the rear and waits for more information with a reporter named Sophie. Sophie learned that they had found a woman’s body in the dumpster. John identifies the woman as Irene. The new medical examiner, Zach, classifies Irene’s death as murder. Instead of investigating a missing person, Jane is looking for a killer. Will she succeed when the killer puts Sadie and the Gala in their crosshairs?
Based on Electric City by K.K. Beck, this film builds on the two strongest relationships in Jane’s life (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The writers remind fans that Sadie chooses to find a healthy way to cope with her husband’s passing and leans on Jane for support. Jane thrives while helping. Jane’s romantic relationship with John slowly grows as he tries to protect her. In this installment, she jokingly says she wishes she had listened to John and stayed back. They attempt to establish healthy boundaries in their relationship and work as they fall in love. The downside to this buildup is that the mystery takes a back seat and feels rushed. The secondary characters lack the backstory you expect, and the motives are skimpy. The murder board barely appears in this episode. While it’s an interesting story, it’s not the best of the series.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
She could prove to be useful – Jane
You’re going to a stakeout, not trick or treating, Sherlock Holmes – Sadie
And promise me you’ll be careful – John
Thankfully, it’s not all trolls out there – Craig
Don’t worry, my sources and I have our ear to the ground – Sophie
Hopefully, she’s drowning in all the money she stole from me – Edgar
I feel like I’m in the land of milk and money – Irene
She was a firm believer in the power of words, and she never minced them – Margaret
He’s like the big brother I never asked for – Zach
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The Little Girl Who Lived – Review
The Little Girl Who Lived – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Author Alice sits with her loyal fans at a book signing. The host asks the crowd for questions, and an enthusiastic Claire has plenty. Claire gets Alice to unveil the focus of her next book. For years, Alice wrote about kidnappings and killers. However, she never wrote about her experience. When Alice was a child, a man, Strigoi, kidnapped her. She escaped, but the police never caught him. Alice says the manuscript is nearly complete, and she’s done extensive research. The book will reveal information that her fans never knew.
Alice’s sister, Officer Emma, picks up Alice from the bookstore. Police officers in town aren’t fond of Alice because she often speaks of their mishandling of her case. Later, Emma admits that she believes Alice ran from her pain years ago and became an author. She thinks Alice should use her time at home to confront her past demons. Alice doesn’t think anything is that simple, with the Strigoi still out there. Before she falls asleep, Alice checks on Emma. She finds a brick with a threatening note, and Emma is missing. She calls the police. The police offer little help because the brick does have fingerprints. Recently, Emma started drinking again and had issues at work. They believe she left to deal with her depression. However, Alice knows Strigoi took her sister. She will risk everything to get Emma back.
This film has the classic Lifetime architecture of useless cops labeling a victim as hysterical as her attacker roams free. This movie entertains with a delightful twist and a unique attack. It’s unexpected and delivers the jolt the script needs to keep things compelling. The writers didn’t bother hinting at a part two because everyone gets a perfect conclusion. However, this film doesn’t offer much more to write about. The actors do what they can with the stereotypical Lifetime script. And the director had fun with unique edits and natural lighting. This film is precisely what you expect and nothing more.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
No matter how hard I scrubbed, it still just smelled like book nerd – Emma
Wow, you don’t think I’m functional – Alice
Charlie is dead – Claire
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Heartstrings Attached – Review
Heartstrings Attached – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Chef Emma has her ideas rejected by her boss, Nathan, again. She dreams of opening a restaurant one day, but doesn’t have the funds. Then, a man named Ned approaches the owner’s mother, Rita, and asks for Emma. Emma recognizes him because he was her grandfather’s lawyer. Ned sadly informs Emma that her grandfather has passed away. Ned wants Emma to come to his office to discuss her grandfather’s will.
Emma arrives at the office but gets stuck in the elevator with Andrew. She panics, but Andrew helps ease her. They go their separate ways, and Emma meets with Ned. Emma’s grandfather, Carl, left everything to Emma, but under one condition. He believed Emma gave up her violin career for cooking. He wants her to use her talents to inspire others. Carl requested that Emma mentor a young violinist, Ava, to prepare her for an audition for a prestigious music program. She can’t alert Ava or her father to the will’s stipulations. Emma deeply sighs and agrees. Emma doesn’t know that Andrew is Ava’s father, and Carl had a bigger dream for her life than teaching Ava how to play the violin. Will she fulfill it?
The premise is sweet depending on how the viewer sees it. They can see an elderly man trying to ensure his granddaughter’s happiness. Or they can see an overbearing man attempt to impose his way of life on her. No matter what you believe, the music department worked overtime. And not in a good way. The unnecessary ‘magical’ chimes pushed this film into the Christmas genre. It’s as if the writers wanted to convey that some outside magical force was bringing them together. However, it’s money. Nothing special. The editor attempted to hide the air violin playing. However, you can’t ignore it. This film’s saving grace is a fun, talented, and strong-willed young woman. She steals every scene.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
My heartstrings are fickle, Sam – Emma
I hope you’re not trying to poach her – Rita
Emma, you were the greatest pride of his life – Ned
Yeah, I felt it at the end there – Ava
This is the best birthday I’ve had in years – Andrew
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Home Turf – Review
Home Turf – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
President Cassidy has a reputation for being strict in her new job at Whittendale College. Her assistant, Zoe, warns Cassidy that the board wants to shut down the arts program. Cassidy has a meeting with the board soon and plans to impress them with a strategy to keep the arts. Cassidy sits and prepares to lay out her plan until the new football coach, Logan, interrupts her. A pipe in a dorm room broke, and it flooded the football players’ floor. Cassidy informs him that she offered a solution. Sixteen of the players will stay in the remaining unoccupied dorms. The other five will sleep at a nearby school. Logan says it’s too far for players to commute to and from practice, attend school, work out, and play. He suggests the President’s home. It’s a large estate with 10 rooms, and Cassidy is there alone. Logan wears her down in front of the board. The school will fix the pipe in 5 days. Can structured Cassidy handle five rambunctious college men in her home? Or will her sanity break?
This comedy found a perfect place on Hallmark. Cassidy’s uptight attitude helps her be a good president, but she can’t connect with her students. The script allows the viewers to see that the players aren’t mean or rude, just misguided and unorganized. The writers gave each player a backstory and a problem for Cassidy to solve along with Coach Logan. Everyone has room for growth in this film, and they do. This movie could be a series regular with hijinks and new players every year. This picture was beautifully executed and wonderfully acted. Don’t be surprised if you watch it twice with the men in your life.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
You sure it’s not the other way around – Zoe
We did. We shared a coffee – Logan
I dust it myself. Thank you very much – Cassidy
We weren’t sure where to stow that – Teddy
You said it, not me – Nick
De nada – Antonio
Those two have chemistry, and I’m not talking about science – Malcolm
It doesn’t look like yoga. – Ken
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Categories: Brittany Bristow, Chris Connell, Christopher Dover, Elisha Cuthbert, Fall Into Love, hallmark, Heartstrings Attached, Home Turf, Jodie Sweetin, Kayla Raelle, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Made for TV, Mo Sehgal, Monster in the Family: The Stacy Kananen Story, Morgan Bradley, movie, Nikki DeLoach, review, Ripped From The Headlines, Shocktober, Signature Mystery, Sleuthers, Stephen Huszar, Taija James, The Jane Mysteries: Too Much to Lose, The Little Girl Who Lived, The Paradise Murders, tv review, UPtv, Warren Christie
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