A Reason to Believe

"Charlotte Byrne" (Allison Smith) is a normal, attractive student attending a university somewhere in the Midwest and has a boyfriend by the name of "Wesley" (Danny Quinn) who she loves deeply. However, after he hears of the death of his uncle they get into an argument concerning her attending a big party in his absence that is hosted annually by his fraternity. Although she eventually promises him that she won't go, she goes back on her word after being coerced by her friends. While there she becomes extremely intoxicated and is subsequently raped by one of Wesley's fraternity brothers named "Jim Curran" (Jay Underwood) who boasts of his conquest afterward. Struggling with this emotionally, her world spins further out-of-control when Wesley hears from his fraternity brothers that she willingly cheated on him which causes him to angrily tell her that he wants nothing to do with her any more. Totally humiliated and completely alone she is talked into pressing charges by a feminist support group who would like nothing better than to take down the Greek fraternity system and are only too willing to use her as a tool in that regard. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a good drama which greatly benefited by its use of the college atmosphere as a backdrop. Additionally, having two attractive actresses like Georgia Emelin (as "Linda Berryman") and the aforementioned Allison Smith certainly didn't hurt either. Slightly above average.

I first saw this movie years ago, and finally have gotten a chance to own it on DVD. It is one of the most realistic movies about college and the relationships and alliances formed there. The performances of Allison Smith, Danny Quinn,Keith Coogan and Jay Underwood are low-keyed and very natural. They seem to really understand their characters and avoid over-acting. The movie was shot on a shoe-string budget, but never looks that way. As far as Indie movies, it is top of the line. The music is phenomenal, the scenery is gorgeous, and the movie flows very well despite being directed by a novice. The story is engrossing, and you find yourself immersed in what Charlotte is going through. Ironically enough, Mark Metcalf ("Niedermier" from Animal House) plays the Dean. Gotta love it!

Unlike many viewers, I did not seek this film out simply to catch a glimpse at Holly Marie Combs' breasts.

I thought that the way the movie portrayed the feelings of loneliness, confusion, isolation, and guilt that rape victims go through was very well done. The film did a great job showing the rape from a predominantly impartial standpoint and the way that it showed both sides of the story was very impressive. The rapist was not a one-dimensional creep and the girl was not a completely innocent victim. They were both depicted as fallible and human. This was a huge relief to me. I was growing increasingly tired of seeing rape cases depicted as black and white. The movie, though fairly anonymous, did a great job at depicting the multiplicity of emotions and actions that occur doing a tragedy like that. Unfortunatlely, the movie lacks classic Hollywood exaggeration and some might find it a bit dull. In its quest for authenticity the movie comes across as a bit too slow-paced. Overall though, its very nicely done.

BTW - Holly Marie Combs did a superb job in the small part that she had. Her character served as a great foil to the protagonist. Her main monologue was simply fabulous. She did a great job. Too bad, the movie could have benefited with more screen time from her.

A Reason to Believe is a well made drama that tackles the subject of date rape. Charlotte's boyfriend Wesley is going out of town for a funeral. His fraternity is hosting it's big bash, the Viking party during the same weekend. Wesley really doesn't want Charlotte to attend the party without him, but the couples friends encourage her to attend. One of their friends, Jim has an argument with his own girlfriend at the party and she decides to leave. With his girlfriend out of the picture Jim sets his sights on Charlotte. When Charlotte goes to rest in Wesley's room Jim follows and he rapes Charlotte. Charlotte ultimately pays the price when she tries to come forward with what Jim has done. Her friends don't believe her and neither does Wesley. A woman's group on compass encourages Charlotte to come forward and report Jim to the authorities so he won't be able to victimize anyone else. When Wesley picks up a young woman in the bar and she complains about Jim, Wesley starts to believe that Charlotte was infact telling the truth.

Reason to Believe is a good film that tackles a serious and difficult subject. The cast includes such familiar faces as; Jay Underwood (Uncle Buck), Holly Marie Combs (Dr. Giggles), Mark Metcalf ( National Lampoon's Animal House) and Keith Coogan ( Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead).

But the story is well told, and as another review mentioned, not bad for a small budget TV movie.

Allison Smith is very good in her role as Charlotte, a student who has a date rape experience. At first she seems to doubt herself. Fearing loss of her boyfriend, she hesitates.

She is also contacted by the campus rape prevention group. Basically she wants nothing to do with it. At first. Everyone is out for themselves, their own agenda, she notes.

Then she realizes that the same thing can happen over and over, unless someone takes a stand. Jay Underwood is also good as the culprit. While they were at a fraternity party, he gives the other side of the story. There are however not just black and white issues here. Where to draw the line? This movie is to be commended because it shows the confusion, mixed messages and impulses which can often lead to court cases or tragedy. Many times it is misunderstanding, or binge-drinking, or rage and retaliation.

At any rate if you have a daughter going to college this film addresses some key issues. Actually, it is relevant for most. 8/10.