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 - 3 Stars, But I Watch It Over and OverSomeone said "guilty pleasure" -- yes, that's how I feel, too. Not a great work of art, but some great moments. Biggest downside: I didn't feel Jaclyn Smith portrayed Faye as a strong enough woman to be the "first female director" (never saw the iron hand under the velvet glove). Upside for her: She's great with the sensitive moment. The scenes where she changes her mind about taking Ward back, at the Santa Barbara house, are understated and beautifully played. Michael Ontkean was believable from young man to grandfather -- even if Ward's role in the story was more facilitator of plot progression than actual character. Some of the best scenes: Big brother Lionel with a very young Anne at Christmas. Shy Lionel when he first encounters Paul. Nervous Lionel telling Faye that he's gay. Terrified Lionel when Ward finds him with his boyfriend. Resolute Lionel with Ward in the kitchen at Greg's funeral. Big brother Lionel with his funny but oh, such bad timing comment on Val's dress for the Oscars. Delighted Lionel when he & John arrive at the Santa Barbara house to surprise Faye. Devastated Lionel in the hospital with Faye & Ward. Gentle Lionel approaching Paul again. All done with the light Flanigan touch - no unnecessary histrionics there, just pure and true emotion. Whenever he came on screen, the other actors seemed to ramp up for some of the best scenes of the movie. He had a chemistry with each actor that seemed to challenge them to give a bit more, that put a little extra believability into their relationships. The actresses that played Anne & Val were good, especially as they got older. I particularly liked Val's goodbye to her leading man after he dropped her off one night. Great chemistry, great moment. And Anne did a great job as the quiet child, with a fantastic moment in the garden with Faye towards the end. So much feeling in just a gaze! The casting director chose wisely, finding actors who could play younger than themselves as well as older -- I didn't feel the need for "suspension of disbelief." The story itself had some holes where I felt like some important things had been left out, but hey, it was pretty long as it was. And now I'm off to read the book. Overall, I'd recommend borrowing it if you want a good "movie of the week" chick flick ... and buy it if you are a fan of any of the actors. As a "great movie" I have to give it 3 stars, but for pure indulgence? Go for it. Rating:  - Family Album This is a beautifully presented movie version of this great book. This video is a repeat performer in our household...we enjoy it more each time we see it. Rating:  - I LIKE THIS ONEFor some reason, I really do like this mini-series show. It's really touching and it's kind of like a guilty pleasure. I just have to view this every once in a while -- and I enjoy it!!! Rating: - This type of movie is not normally my cup of teaI admit I initially watched it to see a younger (and absolutely luscious) Joe Flanigan. I'm a bit of a science fiction/fantasy buff, and "chick flicks" are just not my thing. But I was pleasantly surprised that this movie was actually... not all that bad. I related to the younger brother when he went off to war, and sympathized with the mother and the other children when they found out he was killed in action (KIA). There are spots when I just ho-hummed in regards to the plot: although I knew going in that this was a film that spanned the creation and existence of a family right until the wife/mother died, there were parts of it that just draaaaaaaaaagged. Those were the times I got up and made myself a cup of tea, or went to the bathroom. ;) But the one scene in the movie that really stuck with me after all this time was when Ward (the father) figured out his eldest son, Lionel, was gay. The ensuing confrontation was absolutely spellbinding. If for nothing else, watch this movie for Joe Flanigan's wonderfully passionate and intriguing performance. He is a true artist and a joy to watch working his craft. Rating: - All of which go to Joe Flanigan's chest hair...This movie is pretty crappy. Wait, make that INSANELY crappy. I saw this on Lifetime years ago and I finally bought it a month ago. Ask me why. Go ahead, ask me. It's because Joe (Lionel) is the cutest thing ever. And he takes off his shirt. Exposing his chest hair. Yes, Joe Flanigan is so cute in this film he makes me forget my grammar skills. It's totally worth a couple bucks.
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