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The Babysitter’s Double Life – Review
The Babysitter’s Double Life – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lia meets with Professor Rosen after class to discuss Lia’s project. They must create a feasible business and find investors. Lia admits she doesn’t have an idea, and Professor Rosen fears Lia has too much on her plate. Lia assures Professor Rosen she will create something in time. Lia leaves for her babysitting job. She watches over Ellen and Henry while their mother, Annabelle, is away for business in London. After Lia puts the kids to bed, she hears something in the hallway. She yelps when she sees the children’s father, Ethan. He is a wealthy businessman and an alumnus of her college. He thanks her for her hard work but wishes she could do more. Lia does too, but she has to balance her job with school.
Lia checks her email and discovers the scholarship committee wants their money back. Lia didn’t disclose her income on time. She needs to come up with the money soon, or she can’t take finals or register for next year. Lia’s friends wish they could help but can’t. Lia watches the children again and overhears Ethan’s conversation with his friend Greg. Greg misses having a companion. Lia gets an idea. She can expand child care services to match single parents with babysitters who act as companions. Ethan loves her idea and invests in it. Lia hires her friends – Kenzi, Tessa, and Marley – to act as babysitters, and she will take a cut of their profits. Everything goes well until Tessa goes missing after sitting for Greg. Lia learns that the girls have been doing extras, and she’s at the forefront. With two sets of books to hide her escort ring, can Lia find Tessa without going to jail?
This suspense film sets up a great character arc with a running clock. Viewers quickly learn that Lia is a bright, hard-working woman who loves business school. However, losing her scholarship puts immense pressure on her to succeed quickly. The running clock alters her moral compass. The script doesn’t lag because a new revelation follows each commercial break. However, the ladies’ naiveté will drive mature Lifetimers up a wall. The plot expresses their misunderstanding of control and the danger they are in with this arrangement. The sound editing was clear, and the backing track paralleled the scenes’ emotions. The final fight scene had its flaws, but the wrap-up gave the lead a realistic conclusion. This film can be a teaching tool if presented correctly while entertaining the audience.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I don’t realize how much she does until she’s gone – Ethan
Well, it’s not considered valuable if it’s expected – Lia
You’re kind of a genius, madam – Marley
After all, we’re just babysitters. Right, Lia? – Kenzi
Why would I be following you? – Jace
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The Caretaker Next Door – Review
The Caretaker Next Door – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Prosecutor Willow wins the biggest case of her career after putting two of the three bank robbers behind bars. The police never located the third robber, named Rodeo. Willow’s boss, Lou, heard that Cisco threatened Willow after his sentencing. Lou says Willow needs some time off. He gives her a mandatory one-week vacation to her hometown, Long Grove. Willow complains to her assistant, Maggie, but Maggie agrees with Lou. She believes that Willow also needs love in her life. So, Maggie creates a profile for Willow and sets her location as Long Grove. Willow resigns and travels home.
Willow enters a driveway while talking to Maggie on the phone. She slams on her brakes when she sees Luke standing in front of her. She yells at him, but he points out her error. He resides next door and has worked for Maggie’s grandmother, Sylvia, before she passed away. He offers to help with the property whenever she needs it. Willow is willing to let him help with all of her needs. Maggie giggles at the prospect but has another option. Willow matched with Sheriff Tate on the dating app. Willow wants to keep her options open.
Willow gets to know the town again and remembers how much everyone loved her grandmother. However, Willow learns a dark cloud looms because Kara has gone missing. No one has seen her, and Tate fears the worst. Later, Willow hears clanking before the power goes out during a thunderstorm. Luke comes over to help, and they have an impromptu date. He assures Willow the noise is the radiator. He offers to fix it later. Willow finally enjoys her vacation. And Maggie hates to ruin it. Rodeo’s last known location was in Long Grove, and Cisco escaped prison. Instead of telling Willow, Maggie decides to go. Will Willow become a victim?
This suspense film has a well-rounded character arc. Willow is an intelligent woman who’s in danger and must leave town. There is also a missing woman. However, this subplot is sprinkled throughout the film. The film falls flat because it focuses on the love triangle among Willow, Luke, and Tate instead of the mystery. The twist is laughably predictable even to the most novice Lifetimer. This film misses the mark and will become background noise.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
Life is not like a romcom – Willow
Lucky for me, you got good reflexes – Luke
I know you told me not to – Maggie
There is no such thing in the court of law – Lou
You call me. Anytime – Tate
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The Guest Who Never Left – Review
The Guest Who Never Left – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Anna wakes to her AI home going through her morning routine. It ensures she takes her medication for her chronic hypertension, scans her biometrics, and relays her schedule. Her husband, Daniel, created an innovative AI system, Kiera, that cleans the house, scans guests for threats, and monitor their bodies. His company is called Sapien, and the acquisition will go through soon. Reporter Anna helps him prepare for his most important interview before going to work.
Anna’s boss, Chris, is upset because another paper scooped her. He threatens Anna’s future with the company if she doesn’t come up with a story soon. Anna’s co-worker, Charlie, politely pushes Chris out of Anna’s office with biting remarks. However, he thanks Anna should get an assistant. Anna sees Rebecca in the lobby. She wants a job, but Anna ignores her and goes home.
Daniel interviews about his AI assistant. People fear that he is harvesting data, but he assures them he isn’t. He only mines what’s accessible on the internet. The interviewer asks Daniel about his passion for creating Kiera. When he was younger, a friend of the family, Thomas, broke into his home and killed his mother. He believes Kiera could have detected the threat and saved her. He wants everyone to have the same protection. Daniel can’t contain his disappointment when the interviewer tells him Thomas will be eligible for parole soon.
Anna relaxes in the tub when something bangs against her window. It’s a brick with a threatening note. Daniel asks Kiera to scan the faces on the security camera, but Kiera didn’t have a clear view. He assures Anna that everything is okay and he will update Kiera’s software.
Anna goes to work but gets sick. She takes a pregnancy test, and it’s positive. Daniel worries about her previous miscarriages and her hypertension. The doctor puts her on special medication and warns Anna to take it easy. Anna sees Rebecca in the lobby again and hires her as an assistant. She brings Rebecca home as Daniel watches through the cameras. He asks Kiera to scan Rebecca’s face. Kiera finds a rental agreement and driver’s license but no social media. Daniel pulls Anna aside and expresses his concerns about Rebecca. Anna believes the parole hearing is affecting is judgement. She likes having Rebecca around to help now that she’s pregnant.
After finishing work, Rebecca leaves. Soon, she bangs on the door because someone attacked her. Anna allows Rebecca to stay as long as she likes. But Daniel has a sneaking suspicion about Rebecca. And he’s right. She is a hacker who will never leave because she is focused on revenge. Will Anna and Daniel survive?
This movie taps into the future and issues with AI. Soon it will be everywhere; however, how much information should we allow it to have? That plot point will hook you into the film. It does take time for the antagonist to appear and make an impact because the script introduces you to the AI and its features. The movie feels like it’s dragging, but it’s leaving little nuggets of information along the way. So viewers must keep their eyes and ears open. The director used Kiera to add a creepy element to the film so it doesn’t have to focus on camera angles or lighting. And the actors create believable characters that make you think twice about their motives. Lifetimers will attempt to predict the movie’s angle, but you will be incorrect. This movie pulls a real twist, and it pays off with an ending worth the plot.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
That’s all I need to know – Anna
I said you’re right – Daniel
I’m fascinated by ambitious people – Rebecca
Are you frightened? – Kiera
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Aussie at Heart – Review
Aussie at Heart – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Party Planner Samara gets a call from her best friend, Liv. Liv is planning a 40th Anniversary celebration for her parents on a yacht. The vessel will stop at destinations significant to their relationship. Liv has the major items handled but trusts only Samara with special details. She begs Samara to fly to Australia to travel with them and plan events along the way. Samara checks her schedule and agrees.
Samara arrives at the port with a special bouquet and gets splashed by a gush of water. Captain Nate pops up to apologize but falls short. He and Samara dated and worked together when they were lawyers. Losing one case ended their relationship, and both quit law. Nate flew to Australia and took over the family’s yachting company, and Samara started party planning. While Samara’s happy with her choice, Nate is unfulfilled.
Liv pulls Samara aside and apologizes. She knew about their past but needed Samara’s expertise. Samara agrees to stay if Nate stays out of her way. But that agreement is short-lived. Nate vetoes her decorations because they don’t follow regulations. Samara agrees to follow the rules if she can put up decor for the party. He agrees if they fall within the boating guidelines. However, one of Liv’s requests will test their agreement: fireworks.
Liv meets with her husband and discusses Samara and Nate. She believes they are perfect for each other. She will work to help them see it too. However, will old rivalries destroy her plans? Or will Samara and Nate find love again?
The leads work well together. Hallmarkies can feel the love and anger they carry towards each other. The stops along the way help the film’s pace while allowing the sights and the 40-year romance to charm you. Samara and Nate get advice from Liv’s parents, giving them an honest view of relationships. There are good and bad times, but you have to love each other through it with honesty and respect. The ending is sweet, but it feels rushed because the film focuses more on location than the romance. While this movie won’t make you laugh, it will make you love.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
I want someone who I can trust to do it – Liv
I’m going to need a bigger bag – Samara
I didn’t run – Nate
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Categories: 25th Birthday, Aussie at Heart, Cole Gerdes, Colin Egglesfield, Courtney Fulk, Daniel Lissing, Emily Topper, Eve Mauro, Felisha Terrell, hallmark, Jason MacDonald, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Made for TV, Mira Sorvino, movie, review, Rhiannon Fish, Sizzling Summer Nights, The Babysitter's Double Life, The Caretaker Next Door, The Guest Who Never Left, tv review
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