Murder In-Law

Horrific, and I don't say that lightly.

'Murder In-Law' is truly awful. It's interesting to note that this was released almost two months prior to 'Killer Grandma', also known as 'Killer In-Law'. That latter title is not the only similarity, as the majority of these films feels incredibly similar - perhaps an 'Antz'/'A Bug's Life' type of situation?

I thoroughly enjoyed that other production, which tackles a similar premise but executes the plot way better; mainly thanks to Nana Visitor's performance. This misses a big performer, all of the acting is pretty poor and adds nothing. The writing et al. is just as bad.

The characters act so stupidly, they all lack any awareness entirely. The whole viewing experience is painful, I was begging for the end credits from the very early stages, despite the short ~90 minute run time. Despite the dark nature of the story, the film shies away from most of the would-be entertaining/eye-catching moments.

Like the concept? Check out 'Killer Grandma'. Otherwise, I'd suggest avoiding... unless you want to witness this in all its 'glory', of course.

In most LMN movies I have seen, the men are basically clueless tools. In this movie, Jim continues that great tradition. He should take a ride on the clue bus. Mama's boy doesn't even begin to describe him and what an immature idiot he is. The plot stinks. Charlie, in real life, would have gotten together with Allison and told her what Claire had done. Could have cleared that one up in a hurry. We had high hopes for the girl (Alexann) who played Sidney. But, she was a weak actor in all of this. And the ridiculous frame-up attempt on Charlie's murder. Wow! And the foolish attempt to frame Allison. Don't waste your time on this POC.

The acting overall was sometimes unsteady, but Claire was an incredibly well-done evil MIL. Even when she gets her comeuppance, it's beautifully played crazy. Plus any movie that makes me scream at the tv is a win in my book.

Barbara Williams (Claire) gave a very compelling performance and her role was so real. This move is assured to keep you by the edge of your sit from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed watching it.

MURDER-IN-LAW (2019)

BASIC PLOT: Allison has just gotten a big promotion at work. Her family will be relocating to a new state, starting a new era of their lives. But, there's a problem. Clare is Allison's mother-in-law, and there's no way in hell she's going to let Allison take HER family anywhere.

WHAT WORKS: *Barbara Williams does a great job of portraying the over-the-top mother-in-law, Clare.

*The little jibes Clare gives Allison (Kristen Dalton) are perfection. They are not only written well, but Barbara Williams delivers them impeccably.

*They're are lots of little things that work here. The evil leprechaun statues that appear all over the house, are a great plot device. They are a visual clue that Clare is taking over Allison's house and life, and that her eyes are everywhere.

*Clare's manipulation of her husband's ex-police partner, Will (Tony Denison), is great. He inadvertantly gives Clare the means to alienate Allison's best friend, Charlie (Angie DeGrazia), further isolating Allison from any support.

Clare's twisted machinations are perfection. Clare has everyone wrapped around her manipulative finger, playing people like puppets, which is melodrama at it's finest.

*There are three types of movies on Lifetime. This is the second type, melodrama. According to dictionary. C o m, the definition of melodrama is "a dramatic form that does not observe the laws of cause and effect and that exaggerates emotion and emphasizes plot or action at the expense of characterization."

In other words, this is a PERFECT MELODRAMA. The characters are not so well defined, but their motives are. If you watch this movie with that in mind, you'll like it a whole lot more. You're not supposed to take the over-the-top motives too seriously, it's pure silly entertainment. STOP LOOKING FOR EMMYS FROM LIFETIME MOVIES!

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: *Even for a melodramatic movie like this one, it is a little unbelievable that the husband and daughter would be THIS STUPID! And even in the most dysfunctional families, I doubt the wife would put up with this much shortsightedness from her husband.

TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION: *IF you can understand the art form that is melodrama, and you like that type of entertainment, you'll like this. If you are looking for lots of believable characters and motives in your TV movies, then give this a pass.

CLOSING NOTES: *This is a Made-For-TV movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.

*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.