Mommy, I Didn't Do It

Dreadful acting, writing, directing; overwrought; maudlin; sappy; predictable--in other words, a Lifetime Movie. I'll never learn. I watched it only because the premise sounded interesting, but I forgot once again Lifetime can take an interesting premise and turn it in to its usual soapy garbage, sanitizing away any tension or suspense. The characters are so childishly written, they might as well carry signs that read, "I'm bad/I'm good." The good characters emote and cry a lot (at least a few gallons of tears shed in this one, which you don't usually associate with courtroom dramas/murder mysteries), while the bad ones snarl, shout and spew heavy sarcasm/put-downs at the good ones. View at your brain cells' own risk.

Four years after suffering through "The Wrong Woman" (2013), attractive single mother Danica McKellar (as Ellen Plainview) has left her job in the dentist's office. She has completed law school and is, presently, a very successful defense attorney. This is great news because the shrouded figure committing a murder in the opening minutes may be Ms. McKellar's 17-year-old daughter Paige Searcy (as Julie Anne Plainview). The college-bound young woman is suddenly arrested for the mysterious stabbing. Police don't mess around and Ms. Searcy is rushed to jail faster than you can say Jack Robinson. The police are convinced Searcy is guilty. She says, "Mommy, I didn't do it!" but can't help much with the case...

Nice to see veteran Veronica Cartwright as the main judge and "Cheers" to George Wendt in a small role...

The case is eventually solved and the mysterious murderer is positively identified. You'll have to watch to see if it's Searcy or someone else. Fast-talking police detective Jaleel White (as Gene Hamer) is convinced Searcy stabbed the teacher. His determination is inappropriately funny. Best girlfriend Caroline Sunshine (as Sylvie Garrett) is very supportive. She can't be cast as the unattractive best friend who is unable to attract boys when compared to Searcy, however. So, what was it about "The Wrong Woman" that warranted a sequel? Probably it was highly successful, commercially, meaning high ratings for the original and re-airings. Congratulations to director Richard Gabai and writer Leland Douglas.

*** Mommy, I Didn't Do It (1/1/2017) Richard Gabai ~ Danica McKellar, Paige Searcy, Jaleel White, Caroline Sunshine

Nice follow up to the original film with twists and turns. A good journey into people's misconceptions and snaps to judgment when compassion could have easily been the chosen path. Danica McKeller is solid again as usual and does a nice job continuing her path from The Wrong Woman. And it's good fun watching the story as it unfolds. At times touching and heartfelt, and a good old-fashioned thriller. I highly recommend for a little bit of escapism and honest entertainment. When is the 3rd Wrong Woman coming?! Kudos to Richard Gabai who keeps directing compelling films across many genres. Don't miss this one.

He sucks so much in his role that it's distracting from the story. Nobody was going to win an Oscar on this movie (including the writers) but Jaleel is next level bad. He had more range as Steve Urkell.

The depictions of an inept mother and lawyer depicts a lack of understanding. Understanding, a mother's normal response to her child's supposed actions and a lawyer's defences for their client. The writers need to learn how to make the story flow realistically.