I almost didn't see this little gem from thinking all the high ratings and reviews - for a Lifetime movie, were bogus. The trailer was what made me curious enough to watch it, and I'm glad I did. Certainly not what I expected, this was way better than any B films I've seen lately. Sure it had some Lifetime cheesy attempts at humor like the three dudes and their constant repetitive and annoying requests, but the story was surprisingly suspenseful and entertaining with non-stop thrills. The film got better and better as it progressed, especially towards the end that was just sensory overload. Talk about ending on so many cliffhangers, how was there even any question that the audience would want more. It's a shame we'll have to wait since part two hasn't even started filming. All casting and performances were spot on. The score and cinematography were great. Can't wait for part two. A well deserved 8/10 from me.
69 Reviews
Not your typical soap opera of the week.
f2345895 June 2022
Not your normal Lifetime Network viewer but an Angie Harmon movie with a title of Buried in Barstow was enough to reel me in. A great concept that was executed well. Harmon plays a strong complex character that is a total bad ass. Many skeletons buried in the closet which are eventually revealed. It's a stretch but reminds me of the recent "Old Henry". Looks like we will be seeing more of Hazel King.
Harmon and Lifetime have just written their tickets for a sequel(s) and even a prequel
livejize6 June 2022
This is a good flick for Lifetime, but what the movie really is is a Harmon flick. She carries this film and after the movie's ending you will be left wanting more of this bad-ass woman. So, that's all I'll say because there are plenty more reviews and mine is simply to say, watch it! I'm sure there will be a follow-up and plenty of room for a prequel.
Glad I DVR'd Buried In Barstow
gaitinalong6 June 2022
I can re-watch to see what I missed the first time. Angie Harmon was terrific and Kristopher Polaha (Mystery 101 series) was equally as terrific, as are all the other actors. Writers owe it to the viewers to keep future scripts on par with the original. Count me in for wanting a miniseries and also for the sequel to premier sooner than later - that had to be the most jaw dropping you-gotta-be-kidding cliffhanger, since "who shot JR?"😎😎
Very interesting
uscmd6 June 2022
Action packed drama with the tough Angie Harmon!
blanbrn7 June 2022
For a change just watched a "Lifetime" original movie this one "Buried in Barstow" which featured Hazel King(nice to see some work from Angie Harmon) a woman who's had a checkered past it's no ordinary life! Now Hazel has retreated to a small California desert town running a local diner with her daughter. And protection of the two is first thing yet as in life the past is complex and hard to run from. This for a TV movie was drama filled and a thrill. When characters from Hazel's past resurface she gets tough and does kick butt action! The drama and tension is felt. The movie has twists and turns and ends asking for more overall a fine watch for a TV movie and a must for any Angie Harmon fan.
Did someone forget to film the last 10 minutes?
ChallengeFilms25 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Good movie until.... no ending.
We're just left to try and figure out what happens next? If this is a 2-parter, it would have been nice if someone stated that. There's no mention of part 2 on IMDB even being filmed.
90% of this movie was better than your average Lifeime movie, which was a pleasant surprise. Decent writing for the most part with some twists. Until the end, or lack of it. Disappointing.
Harmon plays a woman running from her past.. until an unpaid debt for her past needs to be settled. She's created a new life, a new business, and raising a daughter- happy but always on alert and wary.
Nice reunion of sorts with Angie Harmon and her old partner from the Rizzolli and Isles TV series.
We're just left to try and figure out what happens next? If this is a 2-parter, it would have been nice if someone stated that. There's no mention of part 2 on IMDB even being filmed.
90% of this movie was better than your average Lifeime movie, which was a pleasant surprise. Decent writing for the most part with some twists. Until the end, or lack of it. Disappointing.
Harmon plays a woman running from her past.. until an unpaid debt for her past needs to be settled. She's created a new life, a new business, and raising a daughter- happy but always on alert and wary.
Nice reunion of sorts with Angie Harmon and her old partner from the Rizzolli and Isles TV series.
Teaser
hardenbc15 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is a terrific movie...potentially. It is cast as a movie but is really a two or three part drama that will be ancient history by the time they film part two. Why bill it as a movie when it is not. It's a serial. Did I like it, yes. Was Angie great yes. But please be up front and tell us it is just Part One!
Finally
copechristy11 June 2022
VIEWS ON FILM review of Buried in Barstow
burlesonjesse59 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
"Are you in trouble?" The answer is usually yes. The question is, is 2022's Buried in Barstow actually a Lifetime Network movie? Yup and it appears more like something Miramax would have put out in the mid-90s. Unbeknownst to me, Lifetime sort of goes out of its comfort zone here.
Clocking in at 87 minutes (if you take away the commercials), "Barstow" is Lifetime's version of plot over plot over plot. You don't know quite where it's headed (most of the time) but Angie Harmon in the lead is one bad mama jama. Harmon gives a solid performance and almost makes you forget that she's even in a Lifetime flick. I mean maybe she didn't know the truth all along.
Buried in Barstow is about a woman named Hazel King (Harmon). King runs a diner with her daughter and many years ago, she used to be a hit woman for some Vegas mobsters (Barstow is a town 2-plus hours outside of Vegas, hint hint). "Barstow" revolves around Hazel's contract-killing past which comes back to haunt her. It's almost like David Cronenberg's A History of Violence went the TV movie route (for reals).
Buried in Barstow is directed by one Howard Deutch, you know the guy behind Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, and The Great Outdoors. It's been awhile since I've seen Howard helm a film and he's gone down quite a different avenue these days. If you're looking for Eric Stoltz to take out the hot girl or John Candy to finish that "Old 96'er", look somewhere else.
Anyway, "Barstow" is violent, unevenly funny, twisty, and unforgiving but it also feels rather unfinished (that's because it is). The pic is clearly a setup for a sequel so it's difficult to readily probe what I just saw. I'll just go with a mixed review and well, "bury" the issue.
Clocking in at 87 minutes (if you take away the commercials), "Barstow" is Lifetime's version of plot over plot over plot. You don't know quite where it's headed (most of the time) but Angie Harmon in the lead is one bad mama jama. Harmon gives a solid performance and almost makes you forget that she's even in a Lifetime flick. I mean maybe she didn't know the truth all along.
Buried in Barstow is about a woman named Hazel King (Harmon). King runs a diner with her daughter and many years ago, she used to be a hit woman for some Vegas mobsters (Barstow is a town 2-plus hours outside of Vegas, hint hint). "Barstow" revolves around Hazel's contract-killing past which comes back to haunt her. It's almost like David Cronenberg's A History of Violence went the TV movie route (for reals).
Buried in Barstow is directed by one Howard Deutch, you know the guy behind Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, and The Great Outdoors. It's been awhile since I've seen Howard helm a film and he's gone down quite a different avenue these days. If you're looking for Eric Stoltz to take out the hot girl or John Candy to finish that "Old 96'er", look somewhere else.
Anyway, "Barstow" is violent, unevenly funny, twisty, and unforgiving but it also feels rather unfinished (that's because it is). The pic is clearly a setup for a sequel so it's difficult to readily probe what I just saw. I'll just go with a mixed review and well, "bury" the issue.
This movie literally had no ending!
paulbarre15 February 2023
The last frame of this movie says, "To be continued." No mention of this was made in the movie description, and no indication was given as to when a sequel might drop. Had I known this in advance, I would not have watched the movie, which is probably why the lack of an ending was kept hidden. After much searching, I found one report that said three more sequels are planned to finish the story -- assuming people live that long.
That about sums up my disappointment with this production. What is captured by the camera does contain some artistic quality, but in the end it is a story without an ending. This film would have been more compelling if it has been produced as a limited series.
That about sums up my disappointment with this production. What is captured by the camera does contain some artistic quality, but in the end it is a story without an ending. This film would have been more compelling if it has been produced as a limited series.
Definitely rewatch worthy
deborahs-719585 June 2022
Love this movie so much I have already watched twice. Angie and Kris are so talented! Lots of surprises kept me on the edge of my seat. I've read that there are 4 movies planned in this series and I cannot wait to see them all. The entire cast did an amazing job in their roles and I will most definitely be watching over and over again.
This movie lost a whole star because of the ending
limaecho-997003 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Angie Harmon is totally fire, her and a couple of other faces bring this some cred. I like seeing my girl Angie in a more bad-ass-role, the sexy husky voice really ties it together for me. The production seems pretty good to me, it all tied in very naturally and felt legitimate.
Spoilers! ****
I totally get the idea of creating an ending that means a sequel is possible but it just felt like it ended in the middle of the action.
There's also missing character development and backstory which again leads me to believe there has to be a sequel. I feel like we couldn't spent more time on that than with the annoying 3 stooges at the counter.
What happens with the daughter's boyfriend?
Does she get Javi back?
Are there repercussions from her debt repayment in Vegas?
It's not a bad flick and I think it's worth a watch but it wasn't finished when it ended. Sigh.
Spoilers! ****
I totally get the idea of creating an ending that means a sequel is possible but it just felt like it ended in the middle of the action.
There's also missing character development and backstory which again leads me to believe there has to be a sequel. I feel like we couldn't spent more time on that than with the annoying 3 stooges at the counter.
What happens with the daughter's boyfriend?
Does she get Javi back?
Are there repercussions from her debt repayment in Vegas?
It's not a bad flick and I think it's worth a watch but it wasn't finished when it ended. Sigh.
Resent Being Scammed!
engelworks30 October 2022
I did not know this movie would have no "ending"!!!!! What a rip-off. Before you pay for this, understand that NONE of the story lines will be resolved at the end.
This is a cheap ripoff. I expect better from an actor of her caliber. Don't charge people without telling them that the story does not end, and that they will have pay MORE money (eight movies, really.....?) to find out what happens. Cheap. Cheap. Cheap.
I hope more people will complain aobut this. Should be obvious when it is purchased that it is "Part 1 of an 8 part series...and none of the other parts have been made yet." Jeeeeesh.
This is a cheap ripoff. I expect better from an actor of her caliber. Don't charge people without telling them that the story does not end, and that they will have pay MORE money (eight movies, really.....?) to find out what happens. Cheap. Cheap. Cheap.
I hope more people will complain aobut this. Should be obvious when it is purchased that it is "Part 1 of an 8 part series...and none of the other parts have been made yet." Jeeeeesh.
I gave it a 7 because of Angie Harmon...
Blumanowar2 July 2022
But the writing, plot etc was every bit an old fashioned TV movie just as you'd expect from Lifetime. The 10 rated reviews are obviously from those connected to the movie. 7 was a gift. It's worth a watch to see Angie bouncing around but don't expect anything new by any means.
Whoa! What an incredible, engrossing movie.
nptomey5 June 2022
Kudos to Lifetime for bringing this show to my living room.
I am not familiar with Angie Harmon's previous works. She was amazing!
I have been a fan of Kristopher Polaha ever since Hallmark Movies and Mysteries in Mystery 101. He is an excellent actor. Honestly, they didn't utilize his talent as much as he deserves. I sincerely hope he will be in several more Buried in Barstow. Sunday June 5th Lifetime is showing an enhanced version at 9Pm Central time. I am on pins and needles to see it.
Mind you, I am sincerely hoping I will finally see Polaha in number 9 of Mystery 101. Hallmark really smacked me upside the head in number 8. Again, my thanks to Lifetime for an outstanding TV movie.
I am not familiar with Angie Harmon's previous works. She was amazing!
I have been a fan of Kristopher Polaha ever since Hallmark Movies and Mysteries in Mystery 101. He is an excellent actor. Honestly, they didn't utilize his talent as much as he deserves. I sincerely hope he will be in several more Buried in Barstow. Sunday June 5th Lifetime is showing an enhanced version at 9Pm Central time. I am on pins and needles to see it.
Mind you, I am sincerely hoping I will finally see Polaha in number 9 of Mystery 101. Hallmark really smacked me upside the head in number 8. Again, my thanks to Lifetime for an outstanding TV movie.
Good movie but Not Barstow
Starsnbars12686 June 2022
Sure, I'd like to know what happened.
jonassladen5 May 2024
Why does Joy's boyfriend, who needs to impress her mom so they can get money from her, talk to Hazel like crap?
When will loser Travis stop worming Joy to get her college money? Why doesn't Joy get another job if she's having such a hard time at the diner?
Why haven't the cops busted up all the teenagers' coke parties?
Why is there a total disconnect between Hazel and her daughter about Hazel's background? Joy is a big girl now and is gonna start figuring things out.
Why is Elliot, who was found guilty for drunk vehicular manslaughter, out of prison so soon without probation?
Why is Hazel hiding in plain sight two hours from the Strip?
When will Hazel start adding vegetarian and health food items to the menu?
When will loser Travis stop worming Joy to get her college money? Why doesn't Joy get another job if she's having such a hard time at the diner?
Why haven't the cops busted up all the teenagers' coke parties?
Why is there a total disconnect between Hazel and her daughter about Hazel's background? Joy is a big girl now and is gonna start figuring things out.
Why is Elliot, who was found guilty for drunk vehicular manslaughter, out of prison so soon without probation?
Why is Hazel hiding in plain sight two hours from the Strip?
When will Hazel start adding vegetarian and health food items to the menu?
Did I really just see someone compare this to early Tarantino?
bnitcamela27 June 2022
Haha don't take these Lifetime regular reviewers seriously. What may seem like a "Tarantino" flick to those who watch Lifetime, I can assure anyone who's actually ever watched one of his films that this is nothing of the sort.
While it's good to see Angie Harmon getting some work these days, and she does a very passable job in Buried in Barstow, only one other cast member in this has any acting chops (male lead). Well, other than the child actors, they were good.
I found myself checking how much run time was left every few minutes after about the 30 minute mark it was that boring. It's super cliche to say that this is 2 hours I'll never get back, but in this case it's just true.
All of which is to say that unless you're incredibly bored, or unless you're a regular Lifetime viewer looking for a slightly more edgy offering, this one can be safely skipped.
3/10 on the overall scale 7.5/10 on the Lifetime Channel scale.
While it's good to see Angie Harmon getting some work these days, and she does a very passable job in Buried in Barstow, only one other cast member in this has any acting chops (male lead). Well, other than the child actors, they were good.
I found myself checking how much run time was left every few minutes after about the 30 minute mark it was that boring. It's super cliche to say that this is 2 hours I'll never get back, but in this case it's just true.
All of which is to say that unless you're incredibly bored, or unless you're a regular Lifetime viewer looking for a slightly more edgy offering, this one can be safely skipped.
3/10 on the overall scale 7.5/10 on the Lifetime Channel scale.
I was sold from the 1st minute!
yrliff5 June 2022
THIS IS AN AMAZON RIP OFF
invictus3153 September 2022
Amazon is presenting this as a new movie and CHARGING money to rent or buy it!? This is a free on Prime or "Free to Me" movie at best! Not only is it hyped as some sort of "ultra violent" action movie (it is neither), but when you get to the cliffhanger end...IT PROMOTES PART 2!? Not only doesn't the listing say part one, THERE IS NO PART TWO OFFERED ON AMAZON! (Not that I would watch it anyway) WTF!? If I had watched this for free on regular television, I would have said it was a typical made for TV movie playing it safe on every level (as we expect) and a typical Angie Harmon romp (does she have any other acting gears?), but I PAID MONEY FOR THIS 1/2 OF A MOVIE! This is false advertising on the part of Amazon at it's worst. My wife commented that Amazon is becoming more and more like Netflix with each passing day. Is this what they are going for?
Good story line.
vickirupe6 June 2022
I'm a big fan of Kristoffer Polaha and I enjoy seeing his acting abilities in different roles. Angie Harmon did well in her role. There were a few surprises as the movie progressed a long and when it ended it was like darn! When is the next movie going to air. Thanks for a good ride.
What did I miss ?
pdbodyshop12 August 2022
Other than the acting of Harmon I was not at all impressed with this movie. It was a far cry from being action packed although I must confess that it was a step above from most other Life Time movies. I was actually shocked when I came on IMDb to give my review that it received such high reviews. It just wasn't that good for me. The big shocker is the movie didn't end when I thought it should and discovered that there would be a sequel. That's a sequel I will definitely not be watching.
Badass Mom
sandiforte11 June 2022
Trash
bobospamlist8 June 2022
Watch it to find no conclusion and no indication that they will even develop a sequel. Should have been called a pilot to nowhere. If you're bothered that this review is a spoiler, I'm sorry. To everyone else, I am happy to alert you to the fact that your watching enjoyment will be seriously spoiled by an ending that is not an ending at all. If you're the producer, director or the cable companies that bought this and then dumped it upon your unaware viewers, I wish you the best as more of us "cut the cable" and gladly walk away from your dreck. Shame on you for perpetrating such a lousy scam on your watchers.
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