Love Thy Neighbor

I had fun watching this. There were some good twists that I didn't see coming and some good suspense. While they are others out there who hate Lifetime movies, I have to say I love the majority of them (there are exceptions though). And this movie is one that I liked. If you don't like Lifetime, all you have to do is not watch it. I loved Alexandra Paul in this and Lover's Revenge and Saving Emily. I also saw that Love Thy Neighbor scored the highest approval rating in the Nielsens that they've "ever had for an Indy film." I honestly can see how people would dislike Lifetime films, but they are what they are. I am the audience they're shooting for I guess. If you're looking for an Academy Award film, you're not going to find it on Lifetime. But if you like these movie of the week popcorn movies, then I'd recommend this one as much as any other. To each is own I guess.

In the middle of the night, Laura Benson is alone in the house with her daughter Erin when she is awakened by the frantic barking of dog Fred. She goes to see what is going on and finds two burglars, one of whom is pointing a gun at her. She runs to protect Erin and call the cops.

When husband Jim gets home from a business trip, he refuses to leave his family again, despite a deadline. Laura goes back to work as a counselor for St. Agnes (we're never told just what that is), but it soon becomes clear SHE is the one in need of counseling.

With just Jim's income, selling the house and moving to a gated community doesn't seem the most logical course of action, but it is necessary for Laura to regain her sanity. Or at least that was the theory. Jim sells airplanes, and the more he can be away, the more money he can make, so maybe this will work out after all.

The family's first visitor is an affectionate feline who gets the name Fred. He is followed by the annoyingly friendly Janice Rivers and her shy daughter Jenny. Janice is divorced because of abuse (and Jenny's father wants custody), and she tries a little too hard to make sure her new neighbors like her. Jenny and Erin do become friends and try out for the soccer team.

Will this ideal community turn out to be better than the "real world"? Well, if it did, what would be the point of the movie? There are a lot of problems that need solving, and plenty of twists that may or may not be the result of what one might expect.

Shannon Lawson is the biggest reason to watch. She does a great job as the perky yet disturbed neighbor. She seems like a cross between Edie McClurg and Kelly Bishop in "Gilmore Girls". No, make that Joan Crawford. Yeah, that's better.

Ksenia Solo makes a likable but slightly edgy teenage daughter. And Alexandra Paul is quite good-looking, and a capable actress too.

Sean Baek doesn't spend much time on screen, but he's scary enough as one of the burglars.

There is some violence, but for the most part it's not too graphic. Language is tamer than in most theatrical movies, but one word that seems to trouble broadcast networks gets used quite a bit. I don't recommend this movie to pet lovers who might be easily upset.

It's actually a pretty good thriller. For a Lifetime movie, anyway.

This was a great movie. I love movies of the week and watch them all of the time. I liked the idea of the family needing to feel safe so they move to the gated community. We all wonder what it would be like to live in that type of neighborhood. And, don't we all dread that one neighbor who just HAS to be everyone's friend?! LOL. I really enjoyed Alexandra Paul too. She always delivers a good performance. She had great chemistry with the leading man as well. I thought the female villain was SO well done. She was creepy and hilarious all at once. The actress was perfectly cast! If you are a big movie watcher like I am, you have got to see this one. It seemed to have it all. It was suspenseful, fun and the acting was also good. I wish we could see more movies like this one!

After a violent break-in and robbery, crisis-counselor Alexandra Paul (as Laura Benson) is disturbed by flashbacks. Her soccer-playing teen daughter Ksenia Solo (as Erin) has nightmares. Husband and father Gary Hudson (as Jim), often absent due to his work, decides to move the Illinois family of three to a gated community. Idyllic "Arbor Eden" is heavily secured; it has an entrance officer, coded doorways, and super-tough windows. As this is a "Lifetime" TV-thriller, you can assume they will be needed...

At first, all seems well. The family adopts smart cat "Fred" to replace their likewise named, and unfortunately murdered, dog. Problems involve missing furniture and overbearing neighbor Shannon Lawson (as Janis Rivers). In a custody battle with her ex, Ms. Lawson lives with painfully shy daughter Michelle Killoran (as Jenny), in a perfectly decorated house. As chicken-fed chubby as Paul is attractively thin, Lawson gets on her neighbors' nerves. Lawson deliciously bites into her role, helping make this one fun.

****** Love Thy Neighbor (2/26/06) Paul Schneider ~ Alexandra Paul, Shannon Lawson, Ksenia Solo, Gary Hudson

Great storyline but acting from the mother was terrible. Also to have a not so bright mother is played out. The movie was Predictable. Security guard was slow. Everything about the mother was off. The neighbor was good.