The Facts of Life Reunion

After more than a decade, the cast of the show did this film and it is not a bad film. The only sad part was that "Jo" was not in it, and boy, did "Natalie" look OLD!! She looked like she was in her fifties!! But I enjoyed the film very much and it was also something to see the "Eastland School" cafeteria recreated so close to the original. Would have been nice if they had invited some of the girls from the first season to this movie reunion, but then, maybe they did not think the public would remember them. But, if you like the series, then you should enjoy this film!!

This nice reunion movie from the long-running sitcom reunites nearly all of the main characters of the Facts of Life. The plot concerns a Thanksgiving reunion in Peekskill for Natalie, Blair, Tootie, and Mrs. Garrett. The girls are now all grown up with families of their own, but it still hasn't stopped them from getting into zany situations and seeking life advice from Mrs. Garrett much like they did during the show's run. The women very obviously enjoy rehashing these parts with each other and there is a nice feeling that flows through the movie. One thing missing however is Nancy McKeon as "Jo" because she complimented the other girls so well and was such an integral part of the show. Still though a plug for her television show on Lifetime made its way into the movie, and the other women do make up for her absence.

I was very upset with the outcome of this made-for-TV-movie. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore the 80's TV series. But, the dialogue was cheesy and about 45% of the cast had nothing to do with the series. One last thing that was wrong with the movie was: Jo, Andy, Beverly Ann, & George all weren't there. Jo (Nancy McKeon) was busy with her police drama, "The Division" on Lifetime TV. Andy (Mackenzie Astin) very much wanted to do the film but was not called or written into the film. Beverly Ann (Cloris Leachman) did not know about the film and was not called, either. George (George Clooney) said "They fired me, so screw 'em." I'm telling you, this film was very "Disney-ized." If you're looking for Blair, Tootie, Natalie, Jo, Mrs. Garrett, Beverly Ann, Andy, & George... watch the series. And finally "You take the good," the series. "You take the bad," the made-for-TV-movie. "You take 'em both and then you have The Facts Of Life." If this movie is released on video it's a rental. Don't buy it.

I nearly fell off my seat when I saw the Facts of Life movie on the satellite listings. I tuned in and was all set to be whisked back into the lives of my favourite friends. I was sadly disappointed in the plot and the entire movie just seemed so tired and trite; I don't know if it was because my favourite character, Jo (Nancy McKeon), was missing or if it's because Disney was at the helm.

IMHO, a reunion movie was a great idea. I'd have preferred something closer to the original, perhaps with lots of juicy "flashbacks".

I really enjoyed this reunion movie! It was wonderful to see Mrs. Garrett, Nat, Blair, and Tootie once again. Jo was missing, and I think Nancy M. could have taken a day or two to shoot a cameo in their, I mean its been 13 years! Give me a break! The movie itself is enjoyable itself, and a nice reunion and Thanksgiving treat! Hope that more are on the way and next time bring Jo back too!