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I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco – Review
I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Mary Jo Connery sat in class when a young man named Joey Buttafuoco introduced himself and sat next to her. They laughed, and he quickly charmed her. It wasn’t long before the two were married. Astounded, Mary Jo can’t believe Joey saved the money for their wedding and a house. He promises her the world if she stands by his side. Mary Jo loves her fun-loving and hard-working husband. She is proud to be his wife. That feeling grows when she discovers that she is pregnant with their first child. While she steps into the role of mother, Joey doesn’t grow up. With the birth of their second child, Joey’s childish behavior becomes worse. Mary Jo, raised to be a good catholic, stands by her vows and honors her marriage. Also, everyone loves Joey.
One day, Amy Fisher arrives at her door, selling candy bars. Mary Jo offers to buy a few, only to discover they are store brand. She brushes off the encounter. Later, Amy comes to her door again and gives Mary Jo another name, Anna Marie. She informs Mary Jo that her sister, Amy, is having an affair with Joey. Then, she shows Mary Jo an unreleased shirt from Joey’s business as proof. Before Mary Jo closes the door, Amy pulls out a gun and shoots Mary Jo in the face. Mary Jo wakes up in the hospital to grim news. The bullet is still in her skull. If it moves, it could do lasting damage or end her life. They ask Mary Jo who shot her. She writes down that Anna Marie said Joey was having an affair. Joey denies it, and the police believe the drugs are confusing the victim. They calmly tell Mary Jo to rest while they look for the shooter. Mary Jo won’t relax ever again. She will have to survive the recovery, fame, criticism, depression, and addiction.
This new telling of the story that took tabloids by storm gives Mary Jo’s perspective and thought process throughout her ordeal. She narrates the film to explain her actions before and after the infamous shooting. The movie focuses on her balancing her duties as a wife and mother while being lied to by her husband and judged in the media. She works hard to maintain her religious obligation and opts to believe Joey’s lies. She navigates a movie about her crime while receiving cheers from her neighbors. Mary Jo attempts to heal while nurses ask for autographs. This film gives viewers a triumph story, but something won’t sit right with you. Mary Jo places the blame for the affair on Amy. She accuses Amy of being a flirty temptress whom Joey attempted to push away. Mary Jo doesn’t blame Joey for sleeping with a minor even today. That’s where her story loses its luster and compassion. Mary Jo is and will always be the victim of this crime, and that shouldn’t get lost in anyone’s retelling.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Stick with me, babe. You’re not going to have a bad day from here on out – Joey
I want to be the first in line to be the next Mrs. Buttafuaoco – Amy
Is that good enough for you? – Mary Jo
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Don’t Trust the Quiet Ones – Review
Don’t Trust the Quiet Ones – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Jodi calls her ex-husband, Matt, to update him on their daughter’s schedule. Their daughter, Bea, wants to attend a signing for her favorite influencer, Izzy. Matt is upset because this event could bleed into his time with her. Jodi reminds Matt that he spends more time working when Bea is with him. Then, she tells him that Bea got admitted into a prestigious photography program. So they will be moving across the country. Matt is frustrated that she didn’t talk this over with him and plans to fight for joint custody.
Jodi, Bea, and Bea’s friends stand in line waiting for an autograph. Bea takes photos in line as Izzy talks to fans and takes pictures. Then, an old friend, Gil, approaches Izzy. Izzy starts to panic and quietly demands he leave because she doesn’t feel for him what he does for her. Security guards take Gil away, but Izzy can’t control her breathing. She tells her fans she will be back soon to finish. Izzy runs to her dressing room and calls her mom. She sees the bathroom door open in a reflection and investigates. Someone grabs and kills her. Later, an organizer informs everyone that the signing has been canceled but doesn’t tell them why. Disappointed, Bea leaves.
Jodi drives Bea to Matt’s home, and to Jodi’s surprise, Matt’s girlfriend, Eve, and Eve’s son, Gil, are there. Jodi leaves while they try to connect. Gil mentions that he was friends with Izzy, and Bea perks up. Later, Bea hears Gil hysterically crying. He tells her that someone killed Izzy. Bea demands to go home, so Matt takes her. Bea cries with Jodi and gets an idea. Her photos could have the image of Izzy’s killer. They look through the pictures and see a bald man lurking. Jodi says she will give it to the police in the morning.
Jodi returns home after visiting the police, and Bea begs Jodi to attend Izzy’s memorial. Jodi says no because it’s an unsafe environment. After Bea sneaks out, an intruder rushes into Jodi’s home. They fight, and the culprit runs away. Jodi checks to see if Bea is okay, only to discover that Bea isn’t there. Jodi calls the police, and they search the house.
Bea cries at the memorial while spending time with friends. She sees a bald man and remembers him. He was in her photos from Izzy’s signing. She snaps a few pictures, and he spots her. Bea tries to run, but he grabs her. He screams and questions why she’s taking photos before Bea escapes his grip. She runs home to Jodi’s desperate yells. Jodi’s happy that Bea is home, but angry that she left. The police allow them to survey their home for missing items. Bea realizes her laptop and photo album from Izzy’s slaying are missing. The police believe they are in the killer’s crosshairs. Can they uncover who murdered Izzy before Bea and Jodi are the next victims?
This Lifetime movie is surprisingly enjoyable. It offers current influencers and old-school stalkers to garner a vast audience. Viewers have plenty of suspects to choose from. There is the bald stalker, Gil, and even Eve. She behaves suspiciously. The plot entices viewers with intrigue and scandal. Then the conclusion throws you for a loop. However, you may have inklings once the family relocates to the cabin. This film is a fun pearl clutcher with a bratty teen you can stand.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I am home. I am safe – Izzy
I didn’t even get to thank her – Bea
Eve made her choice. I’ve got to make mine – Matt
We’re a team – Jodi
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Secrets on the Ranch – Review
Secrets on the Ranch – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Romy Taylor’s tired of city life. During another meeting, she gets a call from her mom, Mrs. Taylor. Mrs. Taylor wants to sell their family farm. Romy can’t believe it. That farm has been in their family for generations. Romy quickly decides to leave the high-pressure office life behind and return home to take over the family farm. Mrs. Taylor believes it’s too much but invites Romy to try.
Romy stops at the local bar on her way home and makes fast friends with the bartender, Emma. And old family rival, Murphy Slater, approaches and makes Romy uncomfortable. Murphy’s mother, Patrica, tells Romy to leave. She hates any member of the Taylor family. Romy exits and drops her keys. A handsome stranger named Charlie picks them up. They exchange pleasantries before Romy drives away.
Romy hugs Mrs. Taylor and eats dinner. She tries to convince her mother to stay, but Mrs. Taylor refuses. She wants to leave the farm and enjoy the sunny weather in Florida. Days later, Romy examines the home and several problems. Her first step is the garden. She goes to the hardware store for supplies and sees Charlie again. He offers to help her with any repairs, but doesn’t know he’s a Slater. Romy will take him up on his offer because she finds him attractive. She returns to the garden and digs. But stops when she unearths bones and calls the police.
Detective Fitz responds to investigate. He says the victim succumbed to blunt force trauma to the head. He won’t know who the person is until they run a DNA test. However, Romy believes it’s her sister, Zara. Everyone assumed Zara ran away after a fight with her dad. Now, they know the truth. However, Romy hasn’t seen her father, Mr. Taylor, since he injured Mr. Slater, after a decades-long feud. After Romy finds Zara’s diary, she fears Mr. Taylor killed Zara. Can she handle the truth?
The plot setup is familiar. A big-city girl returns to her family farm to save it and runs into an old schoolmate. On any other network, they slowly fall in love before a misunderstanding that almost ruins the romance. But find their way back to each other. However, this is Lifetime. So someone has to die. The acting is standard, but the lighting is horrible. They tried to give the scenes a haunting overshadow, but it’s too dark. Daytime scenes fell like dusk. The mystery spans generations, giving several characters motives. This story has a compelling edge that you get from the Hallmark Mystery Channel. Also, you get several mysteries to solve in two hours. While the acting and camera work aren’t stellar, the plot saves the film.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
You sound like a self-help book – Romy
If you’re going to do this, you’d best make sure your skin’s thick enough – Mrs. Taylor
This town holds onto the past too long – Charlie
Sometimes it gets lonely out here – Emma
So you think I can take you out sometime – Brody
Just because you lost a sister doesn’t mean you’re the only one losing – Patricia
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A Melbourne Match – Review
A Melbourne Match – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Georgie rushes to work after a flight to write her article, 24 Hours in New Orleans. She’s known for her 24-hour articles and shares the best travel hotspots. Her boss, Morris, enters with a proposition. He’s going to retire and needs someone to take over his assignments. Long-haul flights are too much for his body, and he thinks the assignments should go to Georgie. Georgie jumps at the chance. Her first topic is Melbourne, Australia.
Georgie lands in Australia but can’t find her driver. She ventures outside, and a car almost hits her. She yells at the driver, Zach, but he tells her she was looking at the wrong side of the road. He helps her up and leaves to pick up his client while she waits outside. Zach sees Georgie outside and realizes she is his customer. He introduces himself and his dirty car. He explains that Luxury Rides is his dad’s business. His father couldn’t get her in time, so Zach will be her escort.
On their way to the hotel, Georgie mentions all the tourist sites she wants to visit. However, Zach says that’s not the real Melbourne. He takes her to a coffee bar and an art installation. Georgie can’t believe her tongue or eyes. She asks Zach to be more than her driver. Georgie wants him to be her guide. He will show her the best parts of his hometown and herself. Is Georgie ready to learn?
This movie is a fish-out-of-water story. Georgie’s fast-paced lifestyle changes once she faces the relaxed Aussie nature. The scenery is beautiful and expresses respect for the people and culture. Georgie learns about footy, Vegemite, and meat pie (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Viewers discover customs, art, and wildlife. Also, New Zealand and Australia are NOT the same. Viewers may do research after this film, but they may not book a flight just yet. The plot has funny, intriguing, and heart-warming moments. So watch this picture and enjoy the land down under.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
You’ve been watching way too much Discovery Channel – Georgie
You struggle to drive on the right side of the road – Emma
Unfortunately, I am – Zach
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Categories: A Melbourne Match, Amanda Ip, Camille Stopps, Chloe Lanier, Colby Frost, Deadly Resolutions, Dennis Andres, Dillon Casey, Don't Trust the Quiet Ones, hallmark, I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco, Jess Brown, Jesse Collin, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Maddy Hillis, Made for TV, Mallory Jansen, Mary Jo Buttafuoco, Maya Misaljevic, movie, review, Ripped From The Headlines, Ryan Corr, Sasha Barry, Secrets on the Ranch, tv review, Winter Escape
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