KAnnD86 Reviews

Reckless Behavior: Caught on Tape (2007 TV Movie)

Stupid...

[2/10 · 24 June 2007]

***Contains some spoilers. Don't worry, this movie sucked, so go on and read. Under no circumstances should you actually watch this movie.

Yes, I watched the whole thing. I knew better, but did it anyway. I have a hard time not finishing what I've started. Well, if you're reading this, hopefully you haven't made the same mistake I have.

How stupid was Emma? For an adult, she had some horrible judgment. Going on Spring Break and having some fun is fine, but come on! Learn some common sense. Never take drinks from strangers! What an idiot. She knew they were filming her! They never hid the camera. It was professional equipment, not some camera-phone. She was soooo stupid not to expect to land on the internet. No, she never could have expected to be in a porno, but for God's sake, she took off her top with the cameras right there! When she got back, she kept saying she didn't do anything. Well taking off your top and faking an orgasm is something. Doing that on film is enough to get a teacher suspended/fired, I'm sure (not that I agree with that, personal life should stay personal, that's just the way it is).

Also, it was really... low budget and... hypocritical of them not to show more of the actual film. They showed everything else, including a steamy sex scene between Emma and her boyfriend/fiancé. They were just trying to avoid having to show how her head could possibly be juxtaposed on another woman's body believably. Plus, if it was another woman's body, there would be no point in drugging her and filming her while she slept. If it's that easy to take the footage of her head and attach it to someone, that extra step wouldn't be necessary.

The rest of this movie was just garbage. The ending sucked and made no sense. Her little narration at the end was so cliché. I'm not saying she brought it on herself, but she has to take some responsibility for her actions. I'm really ashamed Lifetime put this movie on. It doesn't send a good message for women. It's just a lecture disguised as a movie... a terrible movie. Ugh, I'm just disgusted with it. Avoid at all costs.

The Ticket (1997 TV Movie)

Enjoyable film

[10/10 · 9 August 2006]

I've actually been waiting a long time to see this movie, as strange as that sounds. I was going to watch it a few years ago on TV, but wasn't able to and I've been keeping an eye out for it in the listings ever since. The story sounded good and Shannen Doherty has made some good TV movies. This is one of them. I thought the story was solid. It was simple and easy to follow.

At the beginning of the movie, we really get a sense of the struggles this family is going through. The husband, Keith, is doing his best to find work, but there's not much out there for him. Money problems are only one reason the marriage is falling apart and CeeCee, the wife, decides to leave Keith, and move away in order to start a new life with a stable job. I liked the way they developed her character. She wasn't selfish and shallow by staying with the husband just because he won the lottery. He convinced her that their marriage deserved another chance and that having money would just give them options for the future.

The couple and their son Eric travel to Denver to claim the prize money. Keith is a pilot and he borrows a plane from the charter company he works for. He makes the mistake of showing his boss the ticket before leaving, giving her just enough time to sabotage the plane - draining the fuel tank, cutting off the radio and removing most of the survival pack. The plane crashes miles away from civilization on a snowy mountain and the family has to do whatever it takes to survive and elude the people who are hot on their trail after the ticket.

I enjoyed this movie immensely. I felt it was very well-written and executed. There were no parts I felt were unbelievable or implausible. One of the comments on this movie talk about a plot hole. There was no such plot hole. The family didn't make false tracks because they had to get someplace where they'd be found. Misleading Rita and Chuck, the ones who rigged the plane to crash, would only waste time and energy. The family did exactly what anyone in the same situation would do. The many obstacles they had to overcome showed their ingenuity and strong will to survive. This is a great flick for a late night. You'll be rooting for the good guys and you won't be able to guess what's coming next.

The Obsession (2006 TV Movie)

Below average Lifetime movie

[4/10 · 30 July 2006]

I've seen a lot of Lifetime movies in the past and have a pretty good idea of what's good and what's not. This one does not even live up to the most basic Lifetime movie, which is disappointing because the story could have been good.

Deborah Matthews is recently divorced mother of 16-year old daughter, Erika. Erika is an aspiring ballet dancer who is eligible to audition for a prestigious dance company and tries to spend every spare moment rehearsing for the big day. The ballet instructor, Mr. Kappas, leaves town without warning, forcing the dance school to hire Reed Halton. Of course, as in all Lifetime movies, he is not who he says he is, but before any of the other characters can figure it out, he's already insinuated himself into their lives.

I figured out every upcoming plot twist within 20 minutes of watching this movie. I was looking forward to it being a fan of Daphne Zuniga, but I was quickly bored with the story, with the acting, and with the direction of the film. We were subjected to dozens of slow montages of Erika dancing in various outfits in the ballet studio. I grew tired of the accompanying music very quickly. I won't pretend to know much about ballet, but I do know ballerinas are supposed to be graceful and light on their feet. In this film, Erika didn't appear to be the magnificent ballerina everyone around her said she was. The transitions from one step to another seemed clumsy and her entire routine seemed simplistic and unimpressive. I believe the filmmakers were trying to drive home that she's so beautiful a dancer, who wouldn't be mesmerized and become obsessed with her? They overdid it and failed.

Reed's character was not well-written. At first, he seems fairly normal and gets along with everybody well. Halfway through the movie he turns into a creep. His motives are weak and undeveloped. We're given one explanation about why he's so crazy, but it doesn't hold up well. There are many unrealistic things in this movie, like a website you can just click around and find someone's criminal record from another state. The way the cops act throughout the movie are very unrealistic as well.

Overall, this movie is just poorly executed. The subplots are predictable and the acting is sub-par. I can think of plenty of other Lifetime movies which are better than this one in every way. Avoid it if you can. 4/10

The Carol Duvall Show (1994–2005)

The best craft show!

[10/10 · 24 July 2006]

The Carol Duvall Show is the best craft show on television. At this point, it's practically the only one. HGTV is becoming more and more about home decorating and house huntng and it's has left us crafters behind. How could they cancel this show! I'm still upset.

They still air reruns though, which I'm grateful for. I've loved doing crafts ever since I was little and this show has given me so many great ideas over the past few years. Every episode is so different. Today, Carol had on Mary O'Neill from Hot Potatoes, she's a regular guest on the show. She made a cute ruffled purse with her embossed velvet. Later on Carol did her own project called Art Paper Dolls which really don't have any purpose except to be a creative outlet. They were so easy to make and she had so much fun making them, I wanted to make some for myself even though I'd have no place to put them! If you're ever looking for a unique idea for a gift, The Carol Duvall Show should be your first stop! She has made tons of greeting cards and keepsakes that anybody would love to receive. Carol brings on guests who work with all different mediums. Rubber stamps are popular, as well as polymer clay. There are lots of scrapbooking segments and some jewelry making segments and lot of paper crafts. It would be impossible to list all of the types of crafts Carol does on her show. It's such a wide variety, unlike any other show on television.

One thing that makes the Carol Duvall Show unique is every episode Carol sends the cameras outside the studio to the home of an artist who makes a living from their art. We see sculptors, potters, artists who work with unusual mediums and create a style all their own. We see their process, what inspires them, how they were able to leave their ordinary jobs and dedicate their lives to their craft. These artists sell their work in galleries and over the internet and get some exposure from the show.

The best part of this show is that we're able to see how to make these items step by step. On other craft shows, sometimes they skip steps assuming you'll know what to do. On this show, everything is covered. The guests come prepared with every step laid out. For example, when the guest brings a polymer clay project, we start down by the pasta machine where we stretch the clay to the desired thickness and blend it to get the right effect. Then we move along and see it rolled out or cut out or whatever the next step may be. Then we proceed along seeing every step of the assembly process until we get to the finished product. If it's an especially intricate process, Carol will remind us to set our VCRs and that everything is available on the website. The projects are so easy to accomplish yourself when you have the visual aide. They always explain where you can buy certain items that you might not already have in your craft bin (or craft room as it may be!) which is very helpful to know ahead of time.

Let's not forget about what else makes Carol Duvall special - the shoebox! At the end of most shows, Carol shows letters and photos that viewers have sent in. Many times they were inspired by a specific show and use it as a jumping off point to create their own unique project. It's great to see what other viewers like yourself have come up with. Usually they've got great time or budget saving tips or alternative methods to make the project all your own.

I can't express how much I love Carol Duvall here. She's like your grandmother or your favorite aunt. Her show is so helpful, especially during the holidays when you're looking for something special to make for your home or your family. If you love crafts like me, you'll love Carol Duvall. She is the queen of crafts!

Walt Disney World Resort: Behind the Scenes (2002 TV Movie)

I learned a lot about Disney World!

[9/10 · 25 June 2006]

I really enjoyed watching this special today on the Disney Channel. It's a behind the scenes look into Disney World - the history, the construction, the attractions, the competition, pretty much everything. They take it one park at a time. First Magic Kingdom, and how it is divided into 5 lands. We learn why they are what they are. Then they talk about Epcot, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, and all the hotels/resorts they built on the property.

I learned that Disneyland was built before Disney World. I never knew that. Walt Disney needed a larger area for a bigger and better park and chose Florida when he flew over the perfect location. This special really gives you an insiders look into the inner-workings of the parks. We get special access into the control room of the Haunted Mansion and the daily parades. We also get a detailed look into the Tower of Terror including a glance at the elevator shaft no one's allowed to see. We learn that Disney is still number one in Central Florida. None of the competition has come close to recreating it's magic and appeal.

I've only been to Disney World once (last year) and I'm planning on going back this summer. This special gave me a lot of ideas how to spend my next trip. 5 days was just not enough to experience all Disney World has to offer. I wasn't too impressed (or rather scared) by the Haunted Mansion last time, but this show explained how much detail and planning went into the ride, so next time I'll appreciate it more. I never got to do Mission Space or the Star Wars ride. Now I know all about them and will make them a priority next time. Also, there is a nightly fireworks show that would be incredible to see in person. I gained a greater appreciation and respect for the sheer size of Disney. What a massive undertaking it was to build it. And it's constantly being improved.

I would recommend this show to just about anybody. I benefit from it because I saw all the stuff I missed last year and now have an opportunity to get the most out of Disney. If you've never been there, this is a great history lesson and a way to pretend you've been there. If you're a Disney fanatic, there may be some trivia here you've never known about before. Everybody will enjoy this special. It's very informative and fun and shows a side of Disney you may not have seen before! :)

9/10 only because I wish it were longer!

Say Nothing (2001)

Very watchable, rather enjoyable, and recommended.

[8/10 · 7 June 2006]

I watched this movie today on TV and I'll say that it's not bad. It's not groundbreaking material or anything. The story has been done many times before, but the movie itself wasn't bad.

I watched because I like Nastassja Kinski and the movie didn't sound boring. It wasn't. The beginning was actually pretty realistic. She is unhappy in her marriage because her husband is out of work and doesn't want to do things with her anymore. Her friends see she could use a break and send her on vacation to Miami where she meets William Baldwin. Even though she doesn't seem interested at first, she sleeps with him anyway.

Of course, once she returns home, he insinuates himself into her life by hiring her husband for a job in his company, showing up at restaurants she's dining at, getting himself invited to her home, etc. He's obsessed with her and won't let her forget it. The husband doesn't know anything about the affair until it is revealed later on. Nastassja Kinski is a very good actress who makes every scene in the movie work. She's very believable as a woman who made a mistake and now much protect her family from a madman.

At this point the movie becomes more interesting. The plot is somewhat involved, but not hard to follow. The movie sets itself apart from other Lifetime movies when certain unexpected things happen between the husband and wife, and the boss.

One scene at the end I found extremely unrealistic. The movie tries to be an action thriller with a car chase scene that ends in an over the top fashion inconsistent with the style of the movie.

This movie has it's flaws, but it works well as your typical Lifetime movie. The cast was very good, making it a little above average. The story isn't too cliché. It adds it's own twists to the kind of story that's been told many times. Not a bad way to kill an afternoon.

Between (I) (2005)

amazing film

[10/10 · 4 June 2006]

When Between began, I thought I had it all figured out. A girl goes to Tijuana to find her missing sister. She has some psychic connection to her and her dreams lead her to the truth about the disappearance. Boy, was I wrong. This movie is nothing like I expected.

I thought that Poppy Montgomery was great in the role. I really like her as an actress and she's the main reason I watched the movie. I was pleasantly surprised to see Adam Kaufman playing her husband as I'm also a fan of his. They are completely believable as a loving couple who support each other in their time of need. The mystery that unravels as the film goes on always keeps you guessing. Every time you think you have this movie pegged, you're wrong. It's hard to describe without giving too much away. I don't want to spoil it for anybody.

The locations they shoot at are beautiful. You really get a sense of what it's like for this girl to wander through a strange city, interacting with people who speak another language, getting even more confused with every step she takes. All the people she runs into are really interesting characters. They all seem to be hiding something.

I really think this movie is one of a kind. I can only think of a few others that could even fall into the same category, but nothing even come close to the tone of this movie. There are very few endings to movies that I absolutely love, even though they're kind of hard to accept. This is one of them. You don't quite see it coming, but after everything, it's the only way it could have ended. I was not surprised to hear this movie premiered at Sundance. I wish I'd heard of it before and rented it instead of watching it on Lifetime. I'm sure the original cut is even better than the TV version.

If it's not clear by now, I loved this movie. I felt like they cast the best people for the roles and the overall mood of the film was pitch-perfect. Most movies that try to recreate a dream almost always fails. This one succeeds in every way. It easily could have turned into one giant cliché, but it never did. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a suspenseful mystery, a psychological thriller, or a love story that won't disappoint.

The Jake Effect (2003–2006)

I only wish this show had a chance... it's delightful!

[10/10 · 25 May 2006]

I watched 6 of the 7 episodes of this show tonight and I have to say this could have been a great series. First of all, it has a terrific cast. Jason Bateman plays Jake, a lawyer turned high school English teacher. Nikki Cox plays Liza, fellow teacher and possible love interest for Jake. Nick is played by Greg Grunberg. He's Jake's best friend and roommate who narrates the show. Together, they make a great team.

While the concept of the show isn't exactly original, it's far from boring. Each episode lets us get to know the characters a little better. The dynamic between Jake and Nick is really cool. They are totally believable as best friends. Their antics are the best part of the show. Episode 6 has to be my favorite. It involves an elaborate prank that is simply hilarious. The narrator really gets to play with the powers of narration. The show seems like it's beginning to hit its stride at that point.

Unfortunately this show was canceled by NBC before even airing. As part of Bravo's 'Brilliant But Cancelled' campaign, viewers are finally getting a chance to see this gem. Jake Effects had a lot of potential. I wish they'd made an entire season. That'd be a real treat. I hope they air the 7th episode soon because I can't get enough of this show.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Enjoyable movie - recommended!

[9/10 · 22 May 2006]

I saw this movie on Saturday and I really enjoyed it. I never read the book and didn't know very much about the plot going in besides the idea of the cover-up about the marriage of Jesus. If I'd read the book, it would probably be a little easier to follow. The different groups and their agendas were a little hard to keep up with. Other than that, I thought it was really cool how the seemingly meaningless flashbacks of the character's childhoods ended up playing a major role in furthering the plot along. I liked how every time I thought it was going to end, it wasn't quite over yet. I also liked how the characters weren't strictly good or evil. The monk did seem evil at first, but we see he a different side of him when he shoots the bishop. He seemed almost childish instead of a cold-blooded killer. I did predict a few things like the butler being a bad guy and Sophie being the descendant and the old historian being "the teacher", but I didn't figure it out too early that it ruined the movie for me. There were quite a few funny lines too! About all the controversy this movie is stirring up, I wasn't offended by it at all. It's not like it's trying to make you believe all those things about Jesus. At the end of the movie, did you believe Mary Magdelane is buried under the Louvre? No. No one is going to go there and try to dig her up. I thought it was a very interesting and clever conspiracy to create, but in no way was it trying to change your beliefs. It's fiction! Take away all the "controversial" (I use that word loosely) parts, and this was a very well written, cast, acted and executed movie. The locations were beautiful and the story never dragged. I definitely recommend it.

Get Packing (2003–2004)

fun, lighthearted show

[6 April 2006]

This show used to air on the Travel Channel in the afternoons. Even though I'm not a fan of reality shows, I liked this show because it was just a bit of fun. The premise was a contestant would be going on a blind date (vacation). Two people competed against each other to win the date by snooping through the contestant's house for 10 minutes. Then they'd get $1000 to shop for them and hopefully buy stuff that person likes/needed. Each person got their own personal shopper who would help them pick out items at the mall. The personal shoppers rotated from episode to episode sort of like the designers on Trading Spaces. Then all their stuff would be crammed into a suitcase and the contestant would choose which one best fit his lifestyle and personality. Even though very few, if any, true love connections ever came out of this, it was still a fun show I miss weekday afternoons.

Michelle Beadle was great as the host.

Sanctuary (2001 TV Movie)

Not recommended. I've seen better.

[3/10 · 15 March 2006]

The main plot of this movie, from what I could gather, was about a famous photographer, Jo Ellen Hathaway, who has been being stalked for quite some time. She returns to the island she grew up on in an effort to get away from the stalker and get some well-needed relaxation time. On the island, she meets up with old friends and boyfriends and works on relationships with her family. However, she can't shake the feeling that she's still being watched.

Overall, this movie wasn't very good. I had a hard time following what was going during much of the film. I wasn't clear who the characters were in relation to one another or what made them do the things they did. Most of the characters were very 1-dimensional. The main character, Jo Ellen, made some irrational decisions I don't understand. The dialogue wasn't believable, but it wasn't as bad as some TV movies I've seen. I'm not sure what I expected from this movie. I was disappointed though. Not recommended.

The Patron Saint of Liars (1998 TV Movie)

I didn't really get this movie

[5/10 · 8 March 2006]

**this review may contain a minor spoiler that is not important to the plot of the movie**

I didn't really get this movie. I couldn't understand the main character and what made her do the things she did. It was an interesting story and I think I was enjoying it as I was watching it, but thinking about it, it didn't really make any sense to me. Why did she run away in the first place? I thought eventually we'd get some sort of backstory like her husband abused her or her father abandoned her or something, you know? But all we find out is that her father died when she was very young. I think they could have taken this whole movie to another level by revealing what made her tick. Why did she keep everybody at a distance? I felt like we should have been able to get inside her head and we were never let in. I also wanted to know the significance of the healing spring. I thought they could have taken that metaphor further. I would have enjoyed the movie more if that were the case.

Due East (2002 TV Movie)

quite good for a Lifetime-type movie

[28 November 2004]

Of all the movies I have seen on the Lifetime channel, this is one of the best. It has a great cast, a lot of recognizable names like Kate Capshaw and Cybill Shepard, and it has a good storyline that never drags. There are a lot of characters, so the movie doesn't just focus on Mary Faith's pregnancy. It shows her friend's situation with her ex-husband and the changes she goes through over the course of the movie. Then there is the relationship her father has with his girlfriend and the grieving parents of the father of her child. Even though it is a little unrealistic that the southern community she lives in would be so understanding and supportive of the choices she makes, the rest of the movie is very realistic - in what the girl goes through and in dialogue. Also, I love the message of this movie. It's not all preachy and doesn't make Mary Faith look like a slut or a typical "unwed mother". I would recommend this movie to anyone who would like to see an above average Lifetime-esque movie.

Alias (2001–2006)

Have you even seen ALIAS?

[8 July 2003]

Because I'm having a hard time believing that you would say the same things if you actually saw the show. You think women in strong roles is getting old? Look around. That's not going to get old. And the script on Alias? The writing is a hundred times better than all the other shows on TV right now. You're entitled to your own opinion, but should give the show a chance. It's really quite good.

The Face on the Milk Carton (1995 TV Movie)

A really good TV movie

[5 October 2002]

I hate to write "A really good TV movie" as my summary title, but that is really the only way I can describe "The Face On The Milk Carton". I have seen it many times and loved it each and every one.

This movie is based on the first two novels of the 4 novel series by Caroline B. Cooney. I have read every one. Although the movie changes a lot of details and characters, (most likely due to lack of time) the movie captures the true essence of the books.

Janie Johnson sees a photo of a missing girl on the back of a milk carton and suspects that it is her. The first half of the movie is based on the first novel entitled "Face on the Milk Carton". It is about how Janie deals with the prospect that she was kidnapped and how to accept that her "parents" may not really be her parents. The second half is based on "Whatever Happened to Janie?". Janie discovers that she is actually Jennie Spring and that she belongs with her real family in another state. All throughout these events, she is supported by her friends and her boyfriend Reeve.

All of the acting by this wonderful cast is as good as it gets. Kelly Martin has since become one of my favorite actresses.

I won't give any more information away about this movie. I hope you will see it for yourself. I have frequently seen it on ABC Family Network. "Face on the Milk Carton" is an excellent movie. I think you will enjoy it as much as I do. I also suggest reading the books. They are aimed towards teenagers, but anyone can relate to the characters in both the books and the movie.

Campfire Tales (1997)

Renting this movie was such a mistake...

[14 September 2002]

My friends and I wanted to rent a movie last night and one of them wanted to choose a horror movie. It didn't seem like such a bad idea until we pressed play.

This movie right from the beginning didn't make any sense. No one explained what was going on. I guess we were supposed to think that a group of friends had car trouble and had to camp out for a night. They all take turns telling "scary" stories. I have pretty much heard of most of them before. It was completely predictable. The ending didn't make any sense either. I won't tell you what happened because honestly I'm not sure what was going on during the entire movie.

I recognized a lot of people in the cast. I guess you could call that a plus - the only one mind you. I doubt this movie helped any of their careers.

Campfire Tales was a pointless, boring, predictable movie. I am warning you now, if you feel like renting a horror film, pick something else.