Sur le coup de minuit

Usually, TV movies based on romance novels are nothing to rave ab out, and while I won't say I'm raving about this one, I will say that it's pretty good, a bit above the average. (I got sort of a "Rebecca" vibe from the story, though the housekeeper didn't play the role I was expecting.)

The movie has some of the situations you expect from romance novel/movies: sweet, kindhearted heroine (Patsy Kensit, who's good in the role) looking for a new start, enigmatic hero (Simon Maccorkindale, a familiar TV face who plays the part well)with an unhappy past, troubled child who needs yet another nanny, a big old dark house full of mystery and tragedy, the late wife who was the heroine's polar opposite, etc. There's the brother of the hero, whose relationship with him leaves a lot to be desired, and the "other woman" of sorts, who you just know is going to cause trouble.

While the intrigue/suspense moments were pretty weak and fell flat, the scenes between Elizabeth (P. K.) and her charge, Andrew (an award should have been waiting for Keegan Macintosh) were the best part of the movie, as she finds her way into this troubled boy's heart, as the part genius, part child computer nerd (with a head full of knowledge and a heart empty of love) responds to her warmth and affection, things he doesn't get from his father.

I won't give anything else away, I'll just say that it's worth taking a look at, if only for the kid.