#MichaelJacksonMovie, #DeadlySecretsByTheLake, and more – TV Reviews

Table of Reviews

Deadly Secrets By The Lake – Review

Deadly Secrets By The Lake – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Deadly Secrets By The Lake

Jennifer Riley left Thornwood Heights after being accused in her best friend’s, Abby Blake, disappearance.  Jennifer left behind two sisters (Lauren and Nova) and her father (Thomas) to become a detective in New York.  After catching the New York Stalker, Jennifer gets a jailhouse collect phone call from her sister Lauren.  Lauren was accused of murdering her partner Victor.  The two were seen arguing and she wakes up near his body, covered in his blood with her fingerprints on the weapon.  Jennifer comes back to a town that hates her to save her sister.  As she uncovers the mystery of Victor’s killer, Jennifer learns he was investigating Abby’s disappearance before his death.  She has to look into her past to help her sister.  She is met with disdain from Abby’s father (Connor) and her brother (Daniel).  However, Hayden (Abby’s other brother) is still in love with Jennifer. And the feelings are mutual but both are in relationships.  The more time Jennifer spends in Thornwood, the more she learns how entangled her family is with the Blake family.  But with each break in her sister’s case, her life is threatened via text and with physical violence.  She is ready to leave as soon as she saves her sister, but what makes her turn around.

This movie, a prequel to the book When Secrets Kill (A Thornwood Heights Mystery) by Zoe Carter, accomplishes its goal of getting you interested in the book.  It has a mix of Pretty Little Liars and Romeo and Juliet with Bold and the Beautiful (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  Each character is introduced with purpose and a back story to get you interested in their connection to the Blakes and the Rileys.  It’s not long before you realize that the Lauren/Victor investigation is just a back story to Abby’s disappearance.   One viewing is not enough for this compelling drama.  So sit back with popcorn and wine.  Popcorn for the movie and wine for the book.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

I’m missing something – Jennifer

So that’s a no to dinner tonight – Santos

I don’t work with drunks. Go home – Victor

What I know Ms. Riley is she left to meet with you that night and she never came back. Keep your claws off my sons. Hayden and Daniel are off limits to you – Mr. Blake

Vulture. He thinks this might be his big break – Chief Riley

Jen I know I did a lot of stupid things. But I never lied about them – Lauren

Patience was never one of your virtues – Hayden

I’m the one who had to stay here. Stay strong for this family. I don’t need your help now – nova

Keeping up appearances just like you – Lucky

Good cause I don’t have much. What do you want – Daniel

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The Wrong Bed: Naked Pursuit – Review

The Wrong Bed: Naked Pursuit – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

The Wrong Bed: Naked Pursuit

Owen and Stella wake up naked next to each other, handcuffed, and with no memory of the other person or the last few days. Of course, they are both freaked out but the calm and start looking for clues. The first clue is Stella’s cell phone. They left a message saying they were being chased and if the phone is found, turn it into the police. Owen’s phone is dead. The next clue is a missed call on Stella’s phone. Owen tells her to call the number back, but on the hotel phone. They call the number back and reach Larissa. Stella has a flashback of Larissa holding them captive and giving them drugs. So Stella quickly hangs up. Larissa calls the number back and heads to the hotel. Larissa is on a mission to find Owen and Stella to bring them back. Once this mystery is done, there will be two dead bodies, a love affair, and a medical mystery exposed. Try to keep up.

Based on the book, Naked Pursuit (The Wrong Bed) by Jill Monroe, this movie has all the confusion of the Hangover wrapped in an LMN mystery (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  It leaves the audience in the dark with every clue they find and every clue the leave behind.  While you know Dr. Cooper can’t be trusted, you still don’t understand what he has done wrong and how Larissa and Dr. Ben are involved.  You are lead deeper into the rabbit’s hole with flashbacks and the chase.  You will need to DVR this mystery, so you can rewind and watch the flashbacks again.  This will require your full undivided attention to follow the clues.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

I’m guessing this is yours – Owen

Excuse me. I have seen to lock myself out of my room. Could you? – Larissa

You say that like it’s a bad thing – Stella

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Girlfriend Killer – Review

Girlfriend Killer – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Girlfriend Killer

Carmen is a mother running a successful company called Simple Splendid Proposal. Carmen’s daughter Ayla is spending a few weeks with her father and his new girlfriend. In her business, Carmen produces and films proposals for couples with the help of her boyfriend Ryan. While most go well, her latest proposal between Emerson and Marissa ends badly. Marissa tells Emerson not to propose and that she has found someone else. She leaves and Carmen comforts Emerson. Carmen leaves and hopes her kind words helped. The next day Carmen comes home and her place has been ransacked and her client’s footage is stolen. Police tell her to get a security system and a dog. Carmen and Ryan just think its bad luck, but after a few “by chance” encounters with Emerson, Ryan is starting to worry. Then just moments after Ryan buys an engagement ring for Carmen, he is hit by a car. Detective Michelle takes Carmen and Ryan’s fears seriously and investigate. After searching Emerson’s home, she sees the depths of his obsession. Now they must find him, not because he is dangerous, but because Ayla will be home soon. Well, sooner than they think.

It only takes 30 minutes to rev up the crazy for this one. Don’t give up on the first quarter of the movie. This setup is necessary for you to connect to each character and to set up Emerson’s cunning maneuvers. Once this story gets going, you are on the edge of your seat. What sets this movie apart from other Lifetime dramas? The protagonist, antagonist, and police officers are not stupid. Normally if one is 1 or 2 make intelligent decisions, while the other is always a step behind. But the detective listens to the couple and investigates, Ryan believes Carmen, and they get police help. With all 3 matching wits, this is a mental battle with a race against time.  The only downfall was that it wasn’t longer.  Can you find the Seven part of this movie (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)?  This movie is well worth a watch, anytime and anyplace.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Don’t do anything I would do – Ryan

You can put that ring in a cereal box and I wouldn’t mind – Carmen

I don’t know how else to explain it – Marissa

What is wrong with me – Emerson

Put me out of my misery – Ayla

I wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted Ryan dead – Detective Michelle

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Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland – Review

Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland – Lifetime – 2 hours and 32 minutes

Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland

On December 22, 2006, Bill Whitfield got a call to do security work. Bill was asked to escort a star and his children from the airport to their home. Bill accepted the job but was star struck when he learned that the star was Michael Jackson. After that first night, Michael asked Bill to be the head of security. Bill said yes without understanding what that truly meant. He was one button away from quitting when Paris Jackson thanked him for being there. He takes the job but asks Jeff to hire someone else to help. Jeff hires his cousin Javon Beard. Although it’s Javon’s first security job, he takes it seriously and he is excited to meet Michael Jackson. As time goes by, they get closer to Michael and his 3 children, but at the expense of their paychecks. As 5 months go by without either getting paid, Michael is getting increasingly paranoid and losing more money each day. With new management around, Bill and Javon get edged out.  As they sit in the Conrad Murray deposition, they recount the money, the fighting, and the loneliness of the King that wanted to be a man.

Based on the book, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days, it’s hard it tell if Michael was in denial about, delusional about, or protecting his children from his money troubles. You start to feel sorry for is confining life. He became the king of pop but a prisoner of his own fame. It is a heartwarming story of a father protecting his children. This move does become distracting because the lead can not mask his British accent. Imitating Michael’s icon voice is hard enough but the actor accent comes through on several occasions. After a few minutes, it becomes all you can focus on. You will forget this is a movie from the bodyguards’ perspective, and focus on just Michael. So if you can get past the accent, see this movie to get an in-depth view of Michael Jackson; the man, the son, the father.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

I meant 25 – Bill

So I can trust you – Michael

You need to stop running around the world and settle in one place – Katherine Jackson

Wait, what am I suppose to do? – Javon

And why don’t ya get the security trailer down here? It’s heated – roman

What’s that got to do with anything – Grace

I wish we could go back to Neverland – Prince

I’m his father. I will always be here – Joe Jackson

He owes me money – Randy Jackson

I destroyed it – Feldman

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Sinister Minister – Review

Sinister Minister – Lifetime – 2 hours and 3 minutes

Sinister Minister

Trish and Siena move to a new town for a fresh start. Trish hopes to get over her ex and her daughter Siena will start doing better in school. Trish’s first stop is the local church. Pastor DJ is taking command of the congregation and Trish captures his attention. After being fired from her job, Trish is offered a position working for the pastor. At first, things are innocent but they are attracted to eath other. The problem: his wife. But when his wife dies tragically, he goes to Trish for support. Siena is disgusted because she knows the pastor is being very inappropriate. It’s not long before Trish and DJ are engaged, but DJ is getting closer to Siena.  This makes Trish uncomfortable because she can see that Siena and DJ are keeping secrets.  When Siena runs away, Trish gets sick, and Siena’s father dies, DJ has to be supportive of everyone. Or at least they think he is being supportive.

Based on a true story, DJ (as evil as he is) is the best character in this movie. He has got everyone in the town wrapped around his finger. In the beginning, Det. Leslie and Siena see through his charming demeanor, however, Siena starts to fall prey. Siena, a bratty teen, often acts wiser than her mother. But when she creates a secret relationship with DJ, she is another lamb to the slaughter. If you watch this movie, watch it only to cheer for the bad guy. It will make it truly enjoyable.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

God put this love in our hearts. And if he did, it can’t be wrong – DJ

You both are disgusting – Siena

Heaven forbid – Trish

Trish, I agreed with everything you said – John

You need to think about why that is Trish – Leslie

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All For Love – Review

All For Love – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

All For Love

Jo is working hard to create her next book after her last book received such horrible reviews. Her publisher Diana wants to put a lot of promotion behind the book, but when she does the first read through, she realizes Jo will need some help. Jo’s book is about a woman falling in love with a Navy Seal and to make sure it’s accurate, Diana knows a Navy Seal who can help, her brother Colin. Colin, tough as nails boot camp director, is determined to make sure her book detailed to the letter of a Navy Seals actions, duties, and supplies. However, Colin feels that giving direction is not enough, Jo must train like a Seal to respect what their do and their sacrifice. On the first day, she runs the team the wrong way with bad clothing, a snarky attitude, and she can’t swim. The second day is worse because she doesn’t show it. This infuriates Colin who understands that lack of commitment could lead to a Seal’s death. She apologizes and makes training her priority. As she takes her pledge seriously, she gains Colin’s attention and attraction. However, he has to start a new boot camp in New Zeland. Jo wants to stay put and endorse her book. How far can their commitment go?

While this does follow the arch of two people hating each other before they fall in love, this is a story about honor and commitment. Colin shows the true meaning of being a soldier and the sacrifices they must make to serve. Jo’s carefree attitude can be seen as a direct opposite, but she doesn’t feel that way. She feels they are both working hard to accomplish a goal.  So the same commitment she puts into writing, she puts into training. She bonds with her team and helps Colin grow. Notice his flowers as the movie progresses on. This is a good movie to DVR and watch. Plus it has some great laughs.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

Well at least you didn’t say they complete each other – Colin

First thing I learned about literature is that you never believe what you read – Diana

I am not shouting. This is my being tough voice – Colin

This way I get to find out what happens next – Molly

Yeah, that’s what makes it fun – Jo

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