His Secret Family

Terrible acting by the lead with a matching script. I started commenting on Facebook as the movie progressed because I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was the epitome of awful, but not the kind that makes it kitsch. If a dictionary or writer's guide ever wants to define "too stupid to live," they should post a picture of this movie's heroine. Sheesh! And omg, Parker Stevenson has a small part? Oh dear. You know it's time to turn off the TV if you're suffering through this.

Happily married Haylie Duff (as Sarah Brown) suffers an unexpected tragedy. Her husband, successful San Bernardino, CA salesman David O'Donnell (as Jason Goodman), has gone missing. The bills on their luxurious Big Bear estate are piling up. Even worse, sickly preteen son Judah Nelson (as Brandon) has a rare disease and may need a transplant from dad. The lad's deceased grandfather's old business partner Parker Stevenson (as Daniel Sharpson) is now a detective, but he sees mother Duff as a suspect. It's up to Duff to solve her mounting problems, which puts her life in danger...

This is you average "Lifetime" TV movie. Much of it seems jarring and there are ragged edges in the construction. Still, it's a good effort by writer-director Michael Feifer, who gets the project completed adequately. More production time would have made the drama more satisfying...

Thought Duff may be pregnant with a second child, which would have added heartbreak and possibly given her some more interesting acting opportunities. There is no love interest between her and Det. Stevenson. However, he is noticeably older and, perhaps, no longer seen as a romantic actor. A murdered woman enters the story too abruptly, and model-pretty Jennifer Aspen (as Emily) never says Mr. O'Donnell paid her any attention. While some of the casting seems off, Jennifer Aspen (as Emily) does a fine job as the naive first wife and O'Donnell is fun as Duff's wayward husband.

**** His Secret Family (2015-08-01) Michael Feifer ~ Haylie Duff, David O'Donnell, Parker Stevenson, Jennifer Aspen

I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen.

Good actors and great story.

I wish I could find more movies like this one.

💕 Loved it!

Story line and setting is spectacular!

I'm not one to submit a review unless it was outstanding, in contrast, this movie was so terrible I felt that I should submit a review and maybe save someone's time. First of all this was the typical kind of movie with the underlying message that all men are awful and will only hurt you. I could handle that since its only a movie, but with all it's other content this movie just put me over the edge. Multiple holes in the story, accompanied by some terrible acting just put the icing on the cake for this abomination. Also, a RIDICULOUS choice of settings, especially with the cabin which was an absolute disgusting addition. I would suggest for all the copies of this movie be burned and the director along with all individuals with even the smallest of relation to this movie should be fired indefinitely.

The concept made me think this movie would be fun to watch. Wrong! First off, she discovers hubby leading a double life and chases him down but doesn't confront him immediately!!! If your child is dying you run across the street and grab him on the spot, not stalk him to his home and come up with a blackmail plan. The only person who behaved normally was wife #1. Seriously, the fallout on her side was NEVER explored. She is an absolute hero in this and gets no credit and minimum screen time. They don't have kids meet each other, commiserate, nothing. We also never find out about the woman he may have killed. Did she find him out? Was she wife#3? And the supposed heroine tells her son that Dad will help him. Based on what exactly? The fact that he was going to kill him? The acting was terrible except for wife #1 and hubby. Ugh, and the climactic boat chase. Just so bad.