Can Ellen Be Saved?

Surprisingly incisive ABC-TV movie from writer Emmett Roberts and director Harvey Hart has morose, lethargic teenager--unresponsive to her worried parents and uninterested in boys--lured into religious cult. A glut of films (both TV-made and theatrical) have since excavated this territory, each with pretty much the same angle: that the slightly-sinister leader of the Jesus-lovers has his own agenda. Still, the performances here are solid, and from a noteworthy cast including Leslie Nielsen, Louise Fletcher, John Saxon, Michael Parks, Kathleen Quinlan, Rutanya Alda, William Katt, Christina Hart, and newcomer Katherine Cannon. One particular scene between roommates Cannon and Quinlan gets at something very real in regards to growing up and the (still relevant) parent-child dynamic. Roberts is far more facile writing for the adults, who bicker and drink after a tough day at the office. Third act perfunctory, but not bad overall, with edgy, observant moments. ** from ****