The Wrong Neighbor

As film fodder goes this is pretty diabolical from an acting and directorial perspective. How some of the 'actors' ever got the job is one of life's mysteries as you wouldn't see anything more wooden even if you studied an IKEA wardrobe. Characters were almost laughably stiff delivering excruciating well worn tropes. I only gave this calamity any stars at all for the unintended laughter it induced and for the goofy finale.

This is an average psycho thriller. A pretty psycho woman targets a recently separated father. The cast is fairly likable and the lead actress is pretty and quite effective. The story could have been flushed out a bit more. Mainly some more explanation for the wackoness. Usually Lifetime reveals some reason or history for the villain's actions. Here it seems glossed over. It seemed rather dumb that the mother appeared without any weapon at the end. About average for the "wrong --" series of television movies.

Interesting concept that could in theory happen to anyone. Stalking is scary. This isn't Oscar material but the crazy lady is really convincing. Got me wondering if she really is a nut or a great actress. Probably the latter. :)

Maybe I'm old fashioned but when I see a film advertised with a star I like to see the star in that film. So I was attracted to the film because of Michael Madsen, this generations' Robert Mitchum. His breakout role in "Reservoir Dogs" (1992) was followed by "The Getaway" (1994), "Wyatt Earp" (1994), "Species" (1995), "Frankie the Fly" (1996), and then the two "Kill Bill" films.

Madsen shows up once in the first hour, with about 5 lines. He plays a swim coach. In the next hour he shows up a few more times and has a few more lines.

So if you're like me an attracted to the film because Madsen is the star, avoid this film. Even if you're not interested in Madsen, the film can be avoided

The acting and production was without fault. However the story line was somewhat boring. Too much bad behavior. An ending that saw no real sense of justice. An awful story line spoiled any sense of wanting to watch.