An Unexpected Family

For my sins, I actually enjoyed this TV movie. The performances weren't great, but they weren't hideous either. I successfully predicted practically every plot turn, but as this was on at 2pm on a Tuesday I really wasn't expecting anything else. Stockard Channing and Stephen Collins looked a little embarrassed by their roles but still managed to generate enough chemistry to keep me watching. The kids were too cute and perfectly polite to have come from a really messed up background and there were a few moments that were so sugar-coated that I actually had to look away... that said it made for a better afternoon's entertainment than anything written by Danielle Steel, and I was encouraged enough by its slightly-above-average-for-a-TV-movie status to bother to come and write this review.

I would give this movie a six out of ten, and if by any chance they show the sequel tomorrow then yes I'll probably watch that too... perhaps I need to get out more, or maybe I'm secretly hoping to be swept off my feet by a middle-aged child-man and two cute kids, but I thought this movie was okay.

I saw this movie several years ago and thought, "That's worth seeing again." I think the characters are warm, and even though the plot is a bit predictable, I enjoyed it. A few weeks ago, I went into the video store to look for a movie to watch, and I remembered this movie, but not the title. Finally I caught part of it on TV and now, I plan to enjoy it again with my wife. So my review is that, though you may not remember the title, you might come away with the feeling that your life has been brightened for just a short while by watching this movie.

I loved watching this movie even though I always had the feeling the story was in many ways cut short. I think if the writer and director had really thought this project through they could have turned this into a mini series. I had the feeling they wanted to put as much in the movie as they possible could but only had 90 minutes to work with. By trying to do that they turned it into a very predictable movie. The cast was really well chosen. I have seen Stockard Channing in several other movies and I have to say the role of Barbara Witney fit her. The children played their part very well. As for the choice of music throughout the movie I have to say I was singing along the title song. As for the rest of the music, they were pleasant to hear. I also have to say that the locations chosen in the movie were interesting to look at. All together I have to say it is a good movie when you like the genre. I have recommended this movie to many of my friends and family even though I am not such a big fan of drama's.

This is the sort of film which provides schedulers with material to fill those mid-week afternoon slots, where the citeria is "family", "inoffensive" and "bland". A cast of competent actors, led by the talented Stockard Channing struggle with poorly written lines and a predictable, lame plot. One to watch when you've finished watching the paint dry.

A Great movie for the whole family. Realistically shows the problems of society today such as child abandonment. A great heart warming movie along with a wonderful and semi popular cast. I recommend this movie for people of all ages.