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Kidnapped in My Own Home: The Martha Carelli Story – Review
Kidnapped in My Own Home: The Martha Carelli Story – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Martha Carelli wakes to her radio alarm clock blaring a news report about escaped inmates. Four inmates broke out of prison and went on the run. Since then, authorities caught two, but the others are still on the loose. They warn everyone to be vigilant. Martha turns off the alarm and prepares her family for the day. After an uneventful day, Martha picks up her son, Bennett, from school and drives home. He leaves to do his homework, while she prepares dinner and straightens up the house. Martha opens her closet and sees Michael standing inside. She freezes as he pulls out a gun. She tries to escape, but he beats her with the pistol. When Martha wakes up, she’s bound to a chair and gagged. Michael threatens to kill Bennet if she tries to escape again. Also, his partner is in the house. Michael refuses to return to jail and will do anything for his freedom. Can Martha and her family escape a madman?
Inspired by the story “The Painter’s Wife” by Ann Rule, this movie exemplifies character development (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Martha is an everyday working woman with a loving family. Then, she is forced into a survivor scenario with her family’s life on the line. Martha slowly gains the courage to stand up to Michael and fight back with her emotions and intelligence. While the film follows Martha’s heroic story, its conclusion will break your heart. Martha’s life doesn’t become easy and perfect. You see the trauma that follows her ordeal. It’s a standout performance from the lead actress. Other movies pretend that ‘they lived happily ever after,’ but this story displays the harsh truth. While it’s not the best Lifetime true crime story, it leaves a mark.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I am always a step ahead – Michael
I don’t think you want to kill anyone – Martha
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The Moonlight Murders – Review
The Moonlight Murders – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Security guard Zeke greets his neighbor, Poppy, before going to work. He makes the morning rounds at the parking garage and stumbles upon Emily’s dead body. He secures the scene and calls the police, but not before noticing the moon tattoo on her arm. Detective Foster and Doye arrive and examine the area. This looks like the work of the Moonlight Murderer. The killer tattoos the person with a phase of the moon that matches their personality. They were dormant for a while, but Doye fears the killer or a copycat has resurfaced. Doye doesn’t hide his annoyance when May arrives on the scene. May is a crime reporter with a TV show. Her claim to fame was pointing out the killer’s M.O. and analyzing it for her fans. Doye refuses to let her help and pushes her aside. She covers the story from outside with her cameraman, Franco. During a B-roll shot, Zeke approaches May. He’s a huge fan. Zeke tells her that he found the body, and she jumps at the chance to interview him for an exclusive. She wants to use Zeke’s information to find the killer first. However, Zeke’s obsession with her grows with a killer on the loose. Will she survive?
This film’s unique plot features two evolving mysteries at once. However, you are aware of one mystery while in the dark about the other. Viewers analyze the clues to unmask the culprit, while May unpacks who is stalking her. The relationship between Franco and May is a plot filler and slows down the pace. However, the killer’s reveal was well done. It’s a testament to good acting, directing, and writing. The motive is worthy of an episode of Criminal Minds, but less entertaining. This movie has spurts of charisma with lulls in between.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I like your suit – Zeke
Every day is May Day, Detective – May
I’ll scratch your back when you turn around and walk back up that ramp – Doye
Why would you do that to an old man? – Franco
Without you, she would have nothing to report on – Poppy
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I’ll Be Seeing You – Review
I’ll Be Seeing You – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Mark receives a message from the retirement community manager. Mark has been acting as the interim activities director for months. Now, the boss wants him to take the job permanently. Residents Vivian and Susan tell Mark to take the job. However, Mark has never been a man to settle in one spot. So he planned a trip down the coast to think about it.
Vivian gets a call from her granddaughter, Amy. Amy confirms she is coming to spend quality time with Vivian. When Amy arrives, she quickly settles in and meets her grandmother’s friends, including Susan. Amy’s boss, Phyllis, calls because a tough client wants to sign the paperwork. But they want to do it in person, and the sooner the better. Amy pushes back because she planned to spend quality time with Vivian. Phyllis promises to give Amy her coveted promotion if she gets the signature. Vivian overhears the conversation and suggests they turn it into a road trip. She desires to visit her old stomping grounds and visit an old romantic friend. Also, she wants to invite Susan because this will be the first anniversary since she lost her husband. Amy agrees with compassion.
Mark helps them pack up the car for their road trip and reminds Vivian to watch Susan. Susan regularly forgets to take her medication. Soon, they hit a pothole, flattening their tire. Vivian calls Mark for help because roadside assistance will take too long. Mark arrives and offers to go with them since they will all be driving down the coast. They load into his VW van and set off on a trip that will change the trajectory of their lives forever.
This film has mystery, love, wisdom, and humor. The plot has several dynamic, well-developed relationships. They feed into a complex storyline and deliver beautiful messages. The age gap plays a pivotal role in this movie. Susan and Vivian offer Mark and Amy a fresh perspective that’s full of sage advice. Amy and Mark help Vivian find the one that got away. Susan keeps everyone on course while keeping a positive attitude. Every moment of this trip will live with you and inspire you. There are no wasted scenes or filler. Let’s not forget the leads’ comedic timing and wonderful musical abilities. This film is an instant Hallmark classic you will keep on your DVR.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Don’t let the grass grow under your feet, no matter how soft it is – Vivian
Well, we live fast and putt hard – Mark
I’m still getting my groove back – Amy
You don’t have to ask me twice – Susan
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Categories: Andre Brown, BJ Harrison, Christine Ebersole, Gilbert Glenn Brown, hallmark, Heather Alaras, I'll Be Seeing You, Kenzie Collazo, Kidnapped in My Own Home: The Martha Carelli Story, lifetime, Made for TV, movie, review, Ripped From The Headlines, Spring into Love, Stacey Farber, Stana Katic, The Moonlight Murder, tv review, Tyler Hynes, Tyler Tomás Perez
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