Fatale séduction

Natasha Henstridge doesn't stray too far from the role that made her famous in this Lifetime based-on-a-true-story thriller. Once again she's stopping at nothing to get what she wants. This is an attempt to find the real-life subject guilty in the court of audience opinion. It makes the most of Natasha and James Brolin's sex appeal. (Even if Brolin didn't have a dime, he could still land a hot blond.) And it definitely makes a great case for prenuptial agreements. There's nothing out of the ordinary, but it's watchable for what it is. And did I mention that James Brolin puts the SEX back in sexagenarian? There's also a hot younger man too, for those who tune in for more obvious aesthetics. Grade: B-

Stunning blonde Natasha Henstridge is the young, not-so-grieving widow in the mansion on the hill, telling her story to a TV reporter in Monroeville, Virginia. And among the community's well-heeled horsey-set, she's suspected of involvement in the death of her older husband. That's James Brolin, trusting as a babe-in-arms. Flashback teledrama made in Canada, based on an article that appeared in Vanity Fair magazine. It must be true! Whatever, it's far more romance than mystery, and a very familiar tale. Leggy Species star Henstridge as a gold-digging hospice nurse? It could happen, I guess. And it's good to see Brolin in a sizeable role after his titchy turn in Antwone Fisher, even if he doesn't make it to the end of the picture. The end of the picture? He doesn't even make it to the beginning of the picture. Which is why flashbacks were invented, of course.

I started off being interested somewhat in the movie. It appeared it might be serious drama, dealing with death, grief, and healing, with some realistic human conflict thrown in. Alas, it didn't hold up.

I need a movie with somewhat consistent and believable characters. Too many characters in this movie were portrayed as extremely gullible and inconsistent. Look, I know this was not supposed to be Shakespeare, but come on, I need some quality in script and characterization.

The acting was alright, the writing not so much. At one point, James Brolin's character is berated for showing up at a picnic under-dressed. He states that ordering him around will not work. His new wife says that if he goes home and changes she will rip his clothes off later. That is a howler. This movie had a few unintentionally funny lines.

It was hard to care about Jame's Brolin's character. When he so readily gave his first wife's things to his new wife, even allowing his daughter to be snubbed, I lost most of my sympathy. Who really cares what happens to him. I must confess that I did not finish the movie. If it did a 180 in quality in the last 45 minutes, let me know. It was just unpleasant to watch and so predictable I felt there was no need to finish it.

Hank Cavanaugh (James Brolin) is a wealthy horse farm owner. His trophy wife Linda Dupree Cavanaugh (Natasha Henstridge) is accused of his murder by his daughter Jenny Cavanaugh (Jewel Staite). Linda has a sketchy past and started out as Jenny's dying mother's nurse.

This is a Lifetime movie. It follows Linda and is definitely painting her as the black widow. I don't know about the real story. The closing text leaves a lot undecided. This movie has definitely decided right from the beginning. Hank is too dumb to save himself at a certain point. I can maybe accept his point of view before then, but he's not being smart after that. This movie could work better if it is more of a mystery.

I cannot give this horrendous movie any points. Even for an aging James Brolin. It's plain embarrassing to watch him making out with the blonde bimbo in this. Natasha Henstringe plays a selfish woman who is out to get all she can. The only weapon she can use is a low cut bra. She claims she's beautiful and men desire her. She's dreaming about that, for she certainly doesn't see her backside, which is as wide as her top. Never wear jeans, Natasha, they don't flatter you. Brolin acts like a stupid old man who can't keep his zipper shut. He has not aged very well over the years. His daughters, Jewel Staite and Melinda Deines do their best to put up with the gold digger wife of their father. Staite does a good job. Michelle Duquet as the mother does the best acting. She gives an honest performance and doesn't need a pair of breasts to guide her through the film. If you want to laugh watch Henstringe try acting.