kmvtmaid Reviews

Ellen Foster (1997 TV Movie)

It's all about acting......

[8/10 · 3 January 2002]

I think it'd be a fair assessment that most - heck, ALL Hallmark TV movies are guaranteed to send a message to the viewer, plucking the heartstrings the whole while. And that is certainly true of this movie as well. But this particular film has something special going for it that perhaps the others do not - and that is superlative acting. Young Jena Malone is a major talent who I hope will be given every opportunity to strut her stuff in the future. And Julie Harris is deliciously evil in her role as the Grandmother.

Ted Levine as the uncaring, self-centered alcoholic father....perfection! This is again a situation where the actor rises above the material to turn in a performance that another actor could have easily utilized for his best scenery chewing. Mr. Levine is one of the finest - and in my opinion - most underused actors around today. Let's just hope that for him, like Ms. Malone, every opportunity will be afforded him in the future to dazzle us with his outstanding ability. He simply shines in everything he does!

Did I like this film? You bet! Is it for everyone? Perhaps not - but see it for the ACTING, if nothing else. Enjoy.

The Fulfillment of Mary Gray (1989 TV Movie)

Recommend this movie.....

[5 July 2001]

This is the story of Jonathan & Mary Grey, a seemingly happy country farm couple. Jonathan is a hard-working man who desires only to make a good life for his wife & himself. A rather introverted man, his true disappointment stems from his inability to "fulfill" his wife's great desire to bear a child. When his brother Aaron returns to the farm after having seen enough of the world away from his family farm, Jonathan proposes a solution to the problem at hand, unaware of the inevitable complications (which the viewer sees coming a mile away!). Drama ensues to a somewhat surprising outcome.

Cheryl Ladd turns in a fine performance as Mary, as does Lewis Smith as Aaron. But the true star of this film is the ever versatile Ted Levine, who once again demonstrates his great range as one of the most gifted actors on film today. His ability to speak volumes with subtle body language, or a piercing glance alone, further evince his superb talent. His thus far extremely impressive body of work (see Silence of the Lambs, Moby Dick for USA Network, Harlan County Wars for Showtime, to name but a few) all but guarantees bigger & better roles for this fine performer in the future.