Secrets of an Undercover Wife

Being a very avid Shawnee Smith fan for some years now, I made sure to watch the premiere of this movie on Lifetime last night. Like many of the Lifetime movies it was predictable in most parts but was no less exciting thanks to Shawnee Smith. All of the actors/actresses fit their roles well and the movie even had it's suspenseful, OMG!, Moments. I wasn't expecting much from the movie and I was proved wrong for doubting it. The script writing was amazing and yet once again Shawnee Smith has left me completely wowed by her persuasive acting, Her emotions were so real and alive that it would make anyone tender hearted for the characters situation. Usually I would go about 50/50 or five stars on a Lifetime movie but 10/10 stars for Shawnee Smith.

I actually thought this was pretty good for Lifetime, mainly because it starred Shawnee Smith, whom I love. Somehow she always makes a role memorable - she's 38 here and could pass for 25.

She plays Lisa (Shawnee Smith) who is no sooner out of the church after being married than her new husband Paul is arrested. At first, he's accused of fraud as $10 million is missing from his company. Lisa puts everything on the line and gets bail for him. But the situation gets worse. Paul's ex-girlfriend and CFO of the firm was murdered a year earlier, and now there is evidence against him. His business partner, Clayton, separates himself from the situation. Paul is arrested again.

Lisa's best friend Diane discovers information that could help Paul, but she is found dead. The bondsman she went to is the widow of a bounty hunter and detective. She helps Lisa, who gets a job with one of the companies connected to Paul, determined to find something out that will free her husband.

Jane Sowerby as Max the bail bondsman lends good support, and Michael Woods as a mysterious executive in the firm reminded me a lot of Donald Trump - not in looks, but in his voice and attitude.

It held my interest. Smith is such an interesting actress and vibrant person, she's always a pleasure to watch.

Lisa (Shawnee Smith) is getting married to Paul Wilder after 12 months together. FBI agent Munez arrests him for fraud coming out of the church. $10 million is missing and CFO Valerie Ross was killed. Business partner Clayton is abandoning him. After Lisa bails him out, he's arrested once more and this time for Ross' murder. He ends up being convicted for everything. Lisa's business partner Diane uncovers information and is killed in a fake suicide. With the bondsman's help, Lisa uncovers a link to mobster-owned companies. She decides to go undercover zeroing in on CEO Michael Fallon who is connected to Paul's lawyer Wilcox.

The production is low value. This is strictly TV movie material. The plot has some ambitions but it doesn't have the means to execute it. The saving grace is Shawnee Smith who is able maintain focus. Otherwise, it's not that good even for a TV movie.

Let's begin by saying Shawnee Smith! Shawnee Smith! Shawnee Smith! That this movie rocks because of her compelling, genuine performance. As an actress she is fascinating to watch- always doing something, always finding some emotion to play. She is riveting, and finds the comedic moment when one is to be found. Remember when she puts on the zebra coat to go undercover! As for the story, it is unusual, but more realistic danger could have been created. But as we know it is Lifetime. I wish the network would take more chances with the material. I found the pace of the film worked- it was always moving- as did the performances of the supporting actors- especially the actress who played Max. Credit here to the scoring and directing. As for Shawnee she needs material like this and even greater opportunities to truly shine. She is better than "Saw".

While the movie itself might not have been Oscar worthy material, actress Shawnee Smith certainly was. Smith took her role and ran with it, displaying an acting talent that she has yet been able to properly display (discounting her role as Amanda in the Saw movies). Smith truly carried the movie and shone as the true star that she is.

Michael Woods was also very good in his role, and Jane Sowerby (Max) did a good job as a supporting actress. Overall the movie was decent, but a bit predictable. Still, Smith was brilliant in her role, and any and all of the faults of "Secrets of an Undercover Wife" can be forgiven. I do not think that Smith could have asked for a better role; it gave her a chance to branch out of the horror genre for which she is best know and put her talents on display.

The only reason I would give this movie a 10/10 was for Smith's performance; otherwise, I would probably give it a 7.5/10. It wasn't bad by any means, nor was it dull, and for a Lifetime movie, it was actually quite good. It is a must see for any Shawnee Smith fan.