Vendetta per amore

There are precious few TV movies that remain indelibly etched in one's mind. After awhile they all seem to be the same routine stuff -- capitalizing on the same lurid titles, based on the same sordid headlines. But 1993's "A Family Torn Apart" stands apart from the rest of those violent-edged movies we usually witness. Superbly acted by young actors Neil Patrick Harris and Johnny Galecki who play half-brothers, this stark drama makes quite an impact, rising far above its potentially sensationalistic trappings. With taut, believable characters, knowing direction and a gripping storyline, we are presented with an "A" class bit of storytelling.

Both Harris (from "Doogie Houser") and Galecki (from "Roseanne") grab the opportunity to shed their earnest, amiable TV typecasts for once and immerse themselves completely into the minds of these two poor unfortunates. And as we witness, via family flashbacks, the harrowing pressure-cooker situations Brian and Daniel are forced to live under, we understand the "why" and the "how" of this tragic family occurrence.

John M. Jackson and Linda Kelsey give remarkable performances as ill-fated

Joe and Maureen Hannigan. By outward appearances, they appear to be stable, dedicated, church-going parents who have earned the respect of their flag-waving community by participating in selfless civic endeavors. But behind closed doors we get to see an entirely darker side.

Extremely strict, overbearing, eccentric and subject to religious fanaticism (she, in particular, shows warning signs of manic mental illness), their demands for perfection make life increasingly unbearable for quiet honor student Brian (Harris) and troubled, delinquent foster son Daniel (Galecki), especially as the latter gets into more and more trouble. And then one day, the parents are found savagely murdered in their home. Was it a random act of violence? Or did one of the boys go off the deep end and do it?

Bleak, depressing and often disturbing, "A Family Torn Apart" may cover familiar ground, but it covers it much better than most. Well, well above average. And like a bad accident, it's hard to look away from it.

When I was away on business I couldn't help but turn to Lifetime, TV for women and stumble apon this overlooked film. This film is a dramatic masterpeace and should be viewed by all. Neil Patrick Harris delivers a great job in playing a confused youth bent in an uneasy yet dark situation. The story envolves two kids who are victim of strict parents who abuse there kids. The film is very touching and will jerk a few tears. The film touched me in so many ways, my spouse as well. One the most memorable scenes when a Lawyer gives Niel Patrick Harris a cigarrete as he tells his story of darkness, it just great symbol of self destruction, lost and confusions. This film is truly a touching phycological adventure. Please TiVO it next time it comes on Lifetime, TV for women.

Story: 1.25/2 - Direction & Pace: 1.25 & 0.75/4 - Performances: 1.50/2 - Entertainment: 1.25/2

Total - 5.75/10

"Sudden Fury" offers a passable evening of entertainment, dodging the usual pitfalls of a TV movie with a commendable story and credible performances. This thriller isn't your neighbour's gossip; it's an unfolding tale that keeps your popcorn-crunching self glued to the screen. With a concept as old as time - can you rightly know the person next door, or are they simply a facade draped in neighbourly pleasantries? - it tickles the imagination.

Direction-wise, this one doesn't have you squinting in the dark or fiddling with the brightness control. Kudos for faithfully keeping the scenes well-lit and visually engaging. Structured scenes and camera angles are the candied cherries on top, ensuring you're not nodding off or checking your watch every few minutes.

But then, here's the jarring part - the tempo. It's like that one dull person in a conversation who takes forever to get to the point. Some scenes could've invariably used a swift kick in the editing room to keep things moving. We're not asking for Formula 1 pacing, just a gentle nudge to prevent viewers from tentatively reaching for their knitting needles.

The ensemble cast deserves a pat on the back, though. No one's hogging the limelight, which is both laudable and a bit like watching a magician without a show-stopping trick. It's delightful to behold those budding stars in their early gigs. Consider it a time capsule moment.

In conclusion, "Sudden Fury" is undoubtedly worth a peek when your Netflix queue hits a lull. It's a solid enough ride but not the kind you'll rush to replay. Reserve it for a rainy day or when you're desperately avoiding cleaning the attic.

From the moment Joe and Maureen use the dinner table as "do as we say" chaos and browbeating their adopted children, a deep gratitude came over me for the caring, giving, treating me as a human being kind of mom & dad that I appreciated all the way through my life.

Brian, Daniel, and Chris needed to feel safe and count on their mom and dad to consistently meet their physical needs (food, shelter, protecting them from physical abuse or harm) and emotional needs (noticing their feelings, comforting them when they're distressed). In a film such as "A Family Torn Apart" this didn't happen. This film, although a pedestrian made-for-t-v run-of-the-mill mockumentary displays what happens when dysfunctional people decide to go out and pick up some children, adopt them, and think here's our -ready-made family. When you fail to nurture children then one of the children is forced to take on "adult" responsibilities.

Add the fact Joe and Maureen confuse badgering, bullying and berating as "good" parenting but never provide structure and routine the children never feel safe. They need to know what to expect. Imprisoned by these two dysfunctional people, the three children's needs are neglected and disregarded and there are no clear rules or realistic expectations. Suddenly they're facing overly harsh, arbitrary rules and little supervision or guidelines. Only rules that make no sense.

In addition, the children are faced with behavior that's erratic and unpredictable. They feel as if they're forced to walk on eggshells in their own home for fear of upsetting mom & day. Then with no reasonable explanation Joe & Maureen unleash their rage and abuse. Soon, Chris, Brian and Daniel feel anxiety when coming into the "home" from school because they don't know what's waiting for them.

Add the fact that Joe & Maureen are so preoccupied with a double-standard lifestyle of presenting themselves as vanguard parents of decency causing their own problems of duplicity and pain that they're unable to give their "adopted" children what they need and crave - consistency, safety, unconditional love. As a result, the children feel highly stressed, anxious, and unlovable.

Sooon they're feeling unimportant and unworthy. Quite simply, dysfunctional Joe and Maureen didn't know how to deal with feelings in healthy ways. Since they'e dealing with their own problems as if enabling an addiction with each other, not having the time, energy, or emotional intelligence to pay attention to, value, and support their children's feelings. The result is neglect. Their children experience this as "my feelings don't matter, so I don't matter." This, of course, stamped out their self-esteem and caused them to feel unimportant and unworthy of love and attention.

Brian, Daniel and Chris weren't taught how to notice, value, and attend to their own feelings. Instead, their focus is on noticing and managing other people's feelings - their safety becomes a chief concern. All through this film I kept thinking, "How fortunate I was to never endure anything but love from my family." And absolute empathy for Brian, Daniel and Chris.

I felt bad for Daniel always got picked on by the parents especially the dad & then when Daniel left they started to bully Brian & then Brian started to stick up for himself then the dad started to pick on him & but he didn't want to leave Chris cause they will start bullying him but Brian wanted a social life.