Scomparsa

This is one of those movies where ending is so typical in form of shooting, killing, arrest, and twist. Also explanation and details are not enough clear and not well explained and not realistic. Explanation is one of those happened first, explained later with holes in the story. But beginning is perfect. We can see very realistic life, behaviors, talk, meetings, and emotions. In fact, this is one of the best and most honest beginnings in all the lifetimes movies I've seen. Only beginning keeps you motivated to watch the whole movie. But everything else is so low quality and usual and boring. Not complete and not good enough. Acting of victim was also too fake and not explained. Unrealistic.

I can't say i expected a lot coming in to this movie, but with the state of hollywood these days, i'm left searching through these type of low budget/indies looking for a gem... this wasn't one of them. The acting was poor, not horrible, but not anywhere near good. the cinematography was very 'made for tv', the score was soft, the story telling had a few holes... you can see how this all adds up to low score. i would honestly give this movie s lower score, but, as a single parent who moved from big city life to small town bible belt, i figured this would hit home a little harder... the only problem was this movie had no strength.

Claire Porter and her daughter Sarah move to a small town from Chicago. She is the new vice principal. Sarah is a basketball jock. The undefeated high school team is coached by Ruth Simmons. After showing out against the team, Sarah is invited to join and the team is having a party for her. Next day, Claire can't find her daughter.

This is good Lifetime. The no-name cast and the limited production do restrict it to B-movie territory. Maybe I've seen the coach from somewhere before. The mystery could be held back for a little longer. I don't like the TV showing the pulling of the table cloth. It cheapens the climatic scene.

The hell?

Interesting camera work? Efficient pacing? Competent acting? Unintrusive, complementary music, realistic dialogue and, to top it all of, dexterous direction leading to a solid structure and consistency in quality?

IN MY LIFETIME MOVIE?!

...Have I landed in the wrong universe again?

"Secrets in a Small Town" is a solid movie by any standard. By Lifetime movie standards, it's excellent. That's not a knock on Lifetime movies. I watch them all the time but you know what I mean. This movie was suspenseful and heartbreaking at the same time. Kate Drummond gives an excellent performance. The rest of the cast is good as well. The only demerit I give this movie is that it uses the old "true story" thing. I'm not so sure it is. But that doesn't really matter, "Secrets in a Small Town" is a very good watch.