Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story

Is an entertaining movie loosely based on the real story, yes that's right, but I rather prefer a not so accurate story because it's a movie after all. If you want to know about the real story, just read the book and stop complaining about the "mistakes" the writer supposedly did with the film.

The best part of this movie was the fact that it made me go look up Nellie Bly and try and learn what really happened. The acting was decent and it was entertaining. I am disappointed, after learning what a bad ass Nellie Bly was, that the creators went the "damsel in distress" route. Nonetheless, a good watch for this snowy day.

Why Hollywood would take an exceptional chronicle written by Nellie Bly and turn it into a pathetic presentation is beyond me. Her book "10 Days In A Madhouse" offers far more in the way of graphic detail of abuse than the movie does and it does not in any way romanticize the days she spent on Blackwell's Island in the asylum. I found the movie overly played and, frankly, boring.

I think this was a really interesting movie that kept my attention throughout. It wasn't sappy, cheesy or overly dramatic. I liked that it was based on a true store, even if it wasn't completely accurate. A great cast of characters and loved the two main actress' , Light and Ricci.

This was... fine. But on the low end of it. Also it is probably too late but don't read the description or watch the trailer as it just immediately tells you the "twist" lol

The beginning was confusing, and not in an atmospheric, tone setting way... just... confusing. As it went on it started to clear up but never got particularly "exciting" yet still kept your attention and intrigue. I know nothing about the historical accuracy of this portrayal but I bet they could have beefed it up a bit.

As far as the acting goes everyone did a fine job. The old timey affectation that more times than not goes with a period piece of this era felt a little too stilted at times and was distracting, particularly from Nellie and the doctor. They did a good job but weren't always fully convincing. Judith Light on the other hand did a fantastic job. Her professionalism, experience and tact as an actress really shines through here.

Over all this lands around a 4.5 rounding up to 5 as it wasn't BAD by any means... definitely a Lifetime movie if you know what I mean. As far as a recommendation... I'm indifferent.