The Pact

When I first heard about this movie I thought it would be great. When I saw that it was based on a book, I was even more thrilled. But I made one mistake. I read the book first. And that clouded my opinion of the movie. If you've read the book don't bother to see the movie. It will only disappoint you. (Save for the eye candy that is Eric Lively) But if you're completely new to the story line, watch the movie first then read the book. Then you'll see exactly what I meant. Don't get me wrong, the story itself is wonderful, I just prefer the un-edited, un-cut book version.

I personally, loved this movie. But, I saw it before reading the book. And let me tell you, the book is better. It goes into Chris and Emily's past a lot more and it makes you actually feel for the characters. Don't get me wrong, the movie was good too. But, you can't go into as much detail in a 2 hour TV movie as you can in an almost 400 page book. I recommend both the book and the movie, but read the book first.

Having part of this story told from Emily's point of view is interesting. We realize she committed suicide and was troubled, but the depth of her sadness and her reasoning even after her death is something not seen in many movies involving teen suicide.

It is also refreshing to see Megan Mullally do something other than Karen from Will & Grace.

I also find the other characters to have their own secrets after Emily's death, things they keep to themselves until they are discovered by another member of the family.

More heartbreaking is the division of 2 close families already rocked by this girl's suicide.

I asked Lifetime's site to remind me when this movie is on again so I can record it.

I just watched this movie last night on lifetime, and this was a very heart touching film. Eric Lively is a wonderful actor, and having him actually playing the part of chris made me understand the movie a lot better. This movie really puts you in the situation of what they are going through. This is for people who really love romantic movies, and believe that if you love someone that you will do anything for them. If you don't like love stories than you will absolutely hate this film, so please don't see it if you don't like romantic films. Teens having a suicide pact to be together, but actually for the girl to cover up a pregnacy makes the movie more interesting, and not just about a suicide pact.

This film was actually pretty good. I half expected to bawl my eyes out (like I sometimes do at Lifetime movies) but I didn't. It was pretty sad, but I came from the film with more questions than feelings.

The movie is about two families that have known each other for practically forever. The son, Chris (played by the ultra-cute and talented Eric Lively) of one family and the daughter, Emily of the other grow up together and eventually fall in love. For whatever strange reason (I shall not say b/c I do not wish to spoil the movie for anyone) they make a suicide pact. She kills herself, but he lives. The movie then follows his subsequent trial for murder (ooh, the plot thickens) and how these events shake up the relationships of both families.

The movie luckily isn't some preachy afterschool special about teenage suicide. You can feel the pain Chris goes through and the love he had for Emily. The strain between the families is evident. More so between the two mothers (played by Megan Mullally and Juliet Stevenson) as their friendship deteriorates throughout the film. However, I wish they had not made Chris such a creepy character. His motives aren't clear in the beginning and it feels like that in the last 45 minutes of the movie they are trying too hard to rush the sensitivity of his character. They make Megan Mullally out to be the vindictive mother wanting someone, anyone to pay for her daughter's death. And lastly, it is not understood why Emily was so depressed to begin with. Perhaps we are not meant to understand, but it got a bit tedious and confusing after a while. All in all, this was a pretty good movie for Lifetime. 7 stars out of 10. I'm definitely going to have to read the book now.