The Bad Orphan - Review
The Bad Orphan - Lifetime - 2 hours and 0 minutes
Carl and Jessica watch their daughter, Rhiannon, leave with her boyfriend, Derek. Then, they get a call from their adoption specialist, Maya. Unfortunately, another mother rejected them for her child. Maya warns them that people are looking for younger couples for their kids. It will be more difficult for Carl and Jessica because they are in their 40s. However, Maya has an alternative. She has an 8-year-old girl, Gabby, with special needs looking for a forever home. Jessica and Carl ask for time to think about it. Later, Jessica reads the girl's life story and finds similarities. She and Carl decide to adopt the child.
Gabby takes a girl's family drawing and pays her with stolen money. She meets Maya to discuss her new placement. Maya looks at Gabby's picture and tells Gabby that Carl and Jessica have a 15-year-old daughter. Gabby sighs deeply and corrects the drawing. Carl and Jessica meet Gabby and welcome Gabby to their home. They introduce Gabby to Rhiannon and take Gabby to her room. Gabby notices the differences between her and her sister's rooms but smiles.
Jessica takes Gabby to an open house because Gabby hasn't enrolled in school. Gabby asks to go to a movie instead, but Jessica says no. Jessica prepares cookies for potential buyers, and Gabby offers to help. A couple enters the home because the wife left her cell phone. Jessica calls the phone to locate it and finds Gabby covering it in cookie dough. Gabby smiles and says she is helping. However, Jessica believes there's more to the story. Jessica reveals to a friend, Lani, that Gabby could be older than she appears. But Carl disagrees. Can Jessica uncover the truth before Gabby takes over the family?
Inspired by the story of Natalie Grace, this movie's conclusion has a wild twist. Some viewers will love it, but it could turn off others. Either way, the script allows viewers to decide if Gabby is crazy, manipulative, or both. Also, what was Gabby's endgame? If she played the role of cute, sweet 8-year-old, Gabby could've had Jessica and Carl take care of her. But she slowly drove them away with her antics. Did Jessica go too far to prove Gabby's age? Jessica changed from a concerned woman to a cunning mom overnight. But never had a plan. This film is a crazy ride with a surprising twist that will divide viewers, but it needs part 2: The Bad Orphan: Jessica's Revenge.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
It's a risk - Jessica
You make me sound incredibly boring - Carl
Are you the maybe people - Gabby
Why is she here - Rhiannon
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My Two Husbands - Review
Eliza returns from Switzerland and meets her dad, Dane, and Dane's girlfriend, Brooke, for dinner. Dane hopes Eliza will work for the family business when she obtains her MBA after finishing her last semester. Then, Eliza spots a large ring on Brooke's finger. Dane confesses they eloped in Las Vegas. Eliza screams because someone murdered her mother, Maureen, six months ago. Dane reminds Eliza that he and Maureen got a divorce five years ago. Eliza runs out of the restaurant and gets hit by a car.
Eliza talks to her aunt, Carly, after pushing Dane out of the hospital room. Carly pleads with Eliza to forgive Dane. Carly's kind nature stuns Eliza because Maureen's killer is on the loose. Carly tells Eliza that hating Brooke will only hurt Dane. A few days later, Eliza leaves the hospital and enters Dane's home as Brooke leaves. The two women exchange hostile words before flight attendant Brooke goes to work.
Brooke lands and meets her husband, Stefan. She admits she feels sorry about cheating on Stefan with Dane, but that's part of Stefan's plan. Stefan doesn't care if she is with Dane because her heart belongs to him. Brooke gives Stefan an expensive necklace so he can sell it for cash. Stefan is converting an old church into a nightclub. However, he borrowed money from loan sharks to cover the cost. And they want him to pay now. Brooke warns Stefan that Eliza could be a problem. Stefan looks at Eliza's pictures and labels her a spoiled, entitled brat. He doesn't believe Eliza knows anything about hard work. Stefan scoffs at Brooke's concerns and tells her to finish the job.
Eliza asks her friend, Star, to meet at a local nightclub. Eliza reveals that Maureen died in a parking lot close to the bar. She wants to interview people slyly. Star goes inside but warns Eliza to act cautiously. Eliza and Star ask the bartender, Gus, questions, but he doesn't have answers. They leave, and a patron, Flo, catches up to them. She offers to give Eliza information for a fee. Flo hands Eliza her phone, and Eliza enters her number. Everyone leaves as Gus watches them from the bar's window. Gus calls Stefan, and Stefan gives Gus orders to eliminate Eliza. Brooke returns to Dane but feels ill. She takes a pregnancy test, and it's positive. Brooke panics. She doesn't know if her husband, Stefan, or her husband, Dane, is the father. She told Dane earlier that she wanted to wait a year before they expand their family. Also, Brooke doesn't know how Stefan will react to the news. Will Eliza discover Brooke's first husband before Gus kills her?
This movie has an intriguing start with a woman murdered in the parking lot, but she isn't random. Typically, this person is someone not linked to the main character. However, the audience discovers this woman is Eliza's mother. This opening scene comes back ten-fold in the story. So, viewers must pay attention to Maureen's phone call, the killer's face, and their actions. During the movie, Dane and Carly have hushed conversations about a secret between them. However, you won't know it until the 2nd half. This secret isn't necessary to move the story forward and stirs needless drama. Eliza is in her 20s, but she acts like a teenager. She is lucky to have hovering friends and family. This film starts strong but weakens over time. Nevertheless, the characters get just endings.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
You could have been killed - Dane
I really don't want to talk to you right now - Eliza
I'd appreciate it if you didn't use that tone with me - Brooke
You always come through for me baby - Stefan
You have to be careful with this woman. Who knows what her real agenda is - Star
You have to start thinking before you act - Carly
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Danger in the Dorm - Review
Lifelong friends Kathleen and Becky move into their Brighton University dorm room while their mothers, Joanne and Carol, respectively, hover. Carol is happy Becky will have Kathleen, but Joanne worries. She caught Kathleen losing her virginity before the move and believes Kathleen doesn't make the best decisions. After their mother's leave, Becky radiates on their future together. She asks Kathleen to sign up with the women's empowerment club with her. Kathleen reluctantly agrees.
Kathleen looks at the bulletin board for other clubs, and Patrick introduces himself. They have a brief conversation before going their separate ways. Kathleen settles in class, taught by Dean Michael, and Wade asks her for a pen. Wade invites Kathleen to a study group and requests her number. They playfully banter until Becky sits beside Kathleen. Becky changed all her courses so she could be with Kathleen every day. Kathleen skips lunch to talk to their resident assistant, Sara, to petition for a new dorm room to distance herself from Becky.
Later, Becky confesses that she uses Kathleen as a crutch for friendship and safety. Kathleen sympathizes with Becky and asks Becky to join her at Wade's party. The two girls dance the night away until Becky looks up and doesn't see Kathleen. She panics and runs around the frat house, searching for Kathleen. Conor accosts Becky in the hall. When she rejects his advances, Conor calls her a derogatory name. Patrick interjects, and Becky runs away.
Becky lies in bed with her toy stuffed lamb and pretends to sleep when Kathleen returns. They argue, and Kathleen divulges that she got a new dorm room. Becky drops out of her classes and navigates the university alone. Kathleen goes to the library to study when Wade drops by her desk. Later, she jokingly interrupts him, but he isn't there.
Becky grabs some snacks from the campus store and runs into Conor dressed as a pizza. She blows him off and continues until she sees Patrick. Becky tells Patrick about a scheduled girls' night with a rom-com, and he tries to invite himself. She informs Patrick that it's girls only and returns to her room. Later, Kathleen walks to the dorm and hears murmurs about an attack. She runs to Becky's dorm and discovers her on the floor, bloody, with a sheet over her body. Detective Jessica sadly informs Kathleen that Becky is dead. Kathleen can't hide her guilt from moving out and leaving Becky alone. That feeling turns to anger when Detective Jessica slips and states someone murdered Becky. Kathleen will do anything to keep other students safe and bring Becky justice. But will she lose her life in the process?
Based on the novel True Crime Archives: Vol 1 by Ann Rule, this movie has a compelling exposition and rising action (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Everything after follows the same Lifetime archetype. Viewers will watch the movie hoping for a different killer and motive. However, you are sadly correct. Even though the script gives a red herring, the time frame will inform Lifetimers that the end isn't near. The conclusion will spark involuntary eye-rolling. Otherwise, two things remain true. Becky is an annoying person who needs to get a life. Kathleen broke Girl Code by leaving her friend at a party without notice. They were both wrong.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I didn't want to come to college afraid - Kathleen
I just thought it would be fun if we had all our classes together - Becky
I just wanted you to be careful - Joanne
They took all her things. Why'd they have to take her things - Carol
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A Match for the Prince - Review
Romance novelist Julia puts the finishing touches on her latest novel when her best friend, journalist Franny, rings her bell. Franny and her boyfriend, Whit, have plans to meet at a high-end restaurant, and they celebrate. Franny hopes Whit will propose tonight. Also, Franny wants her wedding announcement to be the last one she writes before getting promoted to investigative journalist. They leave for Julia's book reading.
Julia answers fans' questions about love and tells them to never settle for anything less than perfection. A man, Max, stands up and asks what Julia knows about real love because her characters aren't realistic. Julia corrects Max's assumptions with a sharp wit and ends the signing. Max and his sister, Nora, speak to Julia outside the bookstore. They are the Prince and Princess of Valdoria, and Nora enjoys Julia's writing. Nora wants Julia to help Max find love. Julia assumes they are fake, takes photos with them, answers a call from her mother, and leaves.
Julia's mother delivers heartbreaking news. Julia's boyfriend, Steven, broke up with Julia in a family group chat. Julia is a romance author who can't find love again. She dreads going to her family outing single. Franny visits with a glum look because Whit didn't propose. She wants to stay with Whit but worries the relationship won't progress.
Julia goes running in the morning and gets cut off by Max. He requests help finding love because the traditional and non-traditional methods haven't worked. Max must get married soon or abdicate the throne. The monarchy has a duchess in mind, but Max knows she is in love with another man. The monarchy wants Max to get married and have children to reaffirm their stability. Julia realizes Max is a true Prince. Max gives Julia his business card and offers anything for her assistance. Julia takes his card and leaves because she sees Whit sitting on a bench. She questions Whit about his relationship with Franny. Whit admits he wanted to propose but didn't think it was the right time or words. He froze up. Julia promises to help.
Julia meets Franny at home and tells Franny about the Prince. Julia considers it, but Franny is cautious. If Julia fails, it could ruin her romance brand. Julia thinks success will elevate it and increase her book sales. Julia meets with Max and agrees to help him find a match, but Max must allow Franny to write the story to guarantee her promotion. Max rejects the idea. He doesn't want his life spread in the gossip rags, but Juila swears Franny has journalistic integrity. Max reluctantly agrees to Julia's terms. Can this expert of fictional love find a match for the Prince?
This movie is well written, like a Jane Austen novel (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Julia and Max verbally spar and match wits like a tennis game. They hold a mirror to each other and call out the other's faults without hesitation. This intense delivery will have viewers on the edge of their seats while keeping score. The script makes fun of itself because it discusses going through the story while knowing the conclusion. Romance films offer a similar scenario with the same clichés and typical outcome. However, viewers, like readers, stay for the growth. And watching Max and Julia grow is entertaining.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I'm proud of you - Julia
Fiction is not my reality - Franny
What do you know about real love - Max
Thank you - Whit
Everyone was too deferential to him because of who he is - Nora
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A Greek Recipe for Romance - Review
Katie calls Assistant Manager Abby to her desk to handle issues with the hotel and their guest. Katie believes Abby will get promoted to manager after taking care of everything. When the boss calls Abby upstairs, Katie and Abby jump for joy. Before getting in the elevator, Abby receives a call from her mother, Jackie. Jackie moved to Greece 2 years ago, and Abby hasn't visited yet. She wants Abby to slow down, get decent food, and come for a holiday. Abby doesn't know when that will happen but will consider it. Abby goes up to see her boss and comes down without a job. Abby's job was the victim of downsizing, and now Katie is astonished. She asks Abby what she will do next, and Abby books a 2-week vacation to Greece.
Seeker Theo gets a warning from the local zoning engineer. The city will take his restaurant if it doesn't open soon. Theo's mother, Sophia, gave it to Theo after she died ten years ago. He has ten days to open or lose his mother's legacy. Then, Theo gets a call from his father, Nikolas. Nikolas heard that Theo moved into the company's villa after Theo's return from Paris. Nikolas grows tired of Theo's wondering ways and wants him to return and work for the family's company. Theo hangs up the phone and focuses on getting ingredients for his friend's dinner. Nikolas calls his best employee, Dimitris, into the office. Nikolas tells Dimitris to encourage Theo to return. Also, Dimitris will inform Theo that the company will sell the villa, forcing Theo out.
Jackie takes Abby to visit Jackie's real estate company and meet her boyfriend, Yannis, and friend, Cassia. Jackie walks to her car, but a scooter is blocking her in. She goes inside to find the owner. A few seconds later, Theo walks out, and Abby confronts him. They argue before he leaves. Jackie meets with Yannis for the celebration dinner in Abby's honor, and to Abby's surprise, Theo is the chef. She compliments his food but not his manners before leaving.
Later, Katie calls Abby. Katie overheard the boss was looking for someone to take over franchise development, and Abby's name was at the top of the list. However, Katie heard they want someone with restaurant experience. Abby believes she can converse about her 'can-do' attitude to get the job. Abby tells her mother and Cassia about her upcoming interview.
Cassia meets with Theo and learns about his restaurant dilemma. Theo doesn't know how to start the restaurant in a few weeks without help with the managerial things. Cassia convinces Theo and Abby to meet and work together. She will get the experience for her resumé, and he can open the eatery in time to save Sophia's legacy and prove Nikolas wrong. Theo agrees but lies about his last name. He doesn't want Abby to associate him with his billionaire family. Cassia agrees to keep Theo's secret. Will it stop their deal and budding romance?
Based on the novel Desperately Seeking Summer by Mandy Baggot, this movie lets the couple fall in love and show off their respective skills (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Although Theo is secretive, Abby takes the time to get to know him better. They spend time at the Flee Market and find the perfect gift for the other (Abby's gift for Theo and Theo's for Abby). Also, he admires her ideas and opinions as much as she loves his food. She pleads with Theo to add Spanakopita to the menu but praises his upscale farm-to-table idea. While you watch them fall in love, viewers will wait for the other shoe to drop. You know Abby will earn the truth, but not when and how she will handle it. Both will surprise you. Was Theo right to keep his family a secret? That's for you to decide. The conclusion is obvious, but the journey is delightful.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Do what you love. Don't wait for the time to be right - Jackie
Don't think you can just feed me instead of apologizing - Abby
Can I go now - Theo
Pay him a visit. He won't last long on his own - Nikolas
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