Widow on the Hill

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-

This movie was entertaining and interesting. What makes the drama is the true to life story of it. It makes one wonder, guilty or not guilty? The casting of the movie fit well for this movie. Director Peter Svatek did a good job for a TV made movie. Natasha Henstridge does a wonderful portrayal of the widow, but I would expect no less of her. James Brolin is charming as usual and has always been a talented actor. Although the movie is a bit drawn out at times, it keeps moving along it's lines. Some scenes may not have been needed, however, it helps give one an idea of what Linda Cavanaugh may or may not have been like. All in all, the movie keeps your interest.

I've seen this film four times now, and it holds my interest every time. Jewel Staite does a great job as Jenny, the heart-broken daughter, in defying the gold-digging new wife (Natasha Henstridge) of her dad (James Brolin), who was hired to be a hospice nurse to his wife.

Jenny becomes convinced that her stepmother is up to no good and it isn't long before the evidence starts mounting. This based on a true case film (search for Donna Somerville case) will hold your interest if seeing justice done means a lot to you.

I wish I could say more without giving too much of the plot away, but I hope you will watch it if given the chance.

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.