El mentor

Tragedy strikes a family of four while on their winter vacation at "Lake Collins". Months later, attractive blonde Jes Macallan (as Elizabeth "Liz" May) decides to go back to teaching. The mother of two pre-teen girls, Ms. Macallan begins working at "Vista Avenue Elementary". She is assigned a mentor, stocky Aaron Douglas (as Paul Allenham). At home, the opening tragedy puts a strain on Macallan's marriage to tennis instructor Nic Bishop (as Brian May). At work, "The Mentor" displays signs of an unprofessional attraction toward Macallan. Pretty co-worker Renny Grames (as Pam Alber) thinks he's in love. Ask sexy custodian Rocky Myers (as Milo) and he may tell you Mr. Douglas has been sniffing and licking personal items from Macallan's desk...

"The Mentor" begins by stating it was "inspired by a true story." If so, true stories are now imitating "Lifetime" TV stalker movies. This one follows the formula. If anything, it's a little tamer than most, which helps by making it more believable. The manner in which the tragedy threatens the family unit is also realistic. Of course, the psycho part is fun to watch, and the cast engages. Anthony Lefresne and Chelsea Wofford Haslam do a fine job directing and editing; the cross-cutting, panning and dissolves are great – especially as the camera follows characters from the tennis court, home and to the carnival. Watch for a couple of fancy transitions. Also interesting is the perpetually wintry setting – no matter how much time passes, it's always snowing.

****** The Mentor (6/14/14) Anthony Lefresne ~ Jes Macallan, Aaron Douglas, Nic Bishop, Abigail Scott