A Viúva da Colina

In Widow on the Hill, Natasha Henstridge plays a former nurse, Linda Dupree, who captures the affections of a recent widower (James Brolin as Hank Cavanaugh) and quickly becomes his new wife. Both parts are well acted, although often upstaged by Hank's grown daughter, Jenny (Jewel Staite). Jenny appears at first glance to be a troubled girl trying to overcome her mother's death while trying to stay sober. The audience quickly realizes that Jenny is much stronger and smarter than most of her family and friends give her credit for. Jewel Staite creates a 3-dimensional character out of what could have been a cardboard cliché. The story tends to fall flat at points, but overall this movie boasts a quality cast that make it worth seeing at least once.

I started off being interested somewhat in the movie. It appeared it might be serious drama, dealing with death, grief, and healing, with some realistic human conflict thrown in. Alas, it didn't hold up.

I need a movie with somewhat consistent and believable characters. Too many characters in this movie were portrayed as extremely gullible and inconsistent. Look, I know this was not supposed to be Shakespeare, but come on, I need some quality in script and characterization.

The acting was alright, the writing not so much. At one point, James Brolin's character is berated for showing up at a picnic under-dressed. He states that ordering him around will not work. His new wife says that if he goes home and changes she will rip his clothes off later. That is a howler. This movie had a few unintentionally funny lines.

It was hard to care about Jame's Brolin's character. When he so readily gave his first wife's things to his new wife, even allowing his daughter to be snubbed, I lost most of my sympathy. Who really cares what happens to him. I must confess that I did not finish the movie. If it did a 180 in quality in the last 45 minutes, let me know. It was just unpleasant to watch and so predictable I felt there was no need to finish it.

this is based on a true story.just how much dramatic liberty was taken,is hard to know.anyway,it's about a woman who had pretty much nothing.she eventually marries into wealth.when her husband dies,there are questions about whether it was an accident or not.and of course,the movie suggests she wasn't faithful to he husband.either way,i found this movie very depressing,and a lot like a soap opera.yet i also found it hard to quit watching,at the same time.the acting was good all around,so that made it more watchable.still,if you're in a down mood,i wouldn't watch this movie.it might just make you more feel more down.for me,Widow on the Hill is a 5/10

This movie was entertaining and interesting. What makes the drama is the true to life story of it. It makes one wonder, guilty or not guilty? The casting of the movie fit well for this movie. Director Peter Svatek did a good job for a TV made movie. Natasha Henstridge does a wonderful portrayal of the widow, but I would expect no less of her. James Brolin is charming as usual and has always been a talented actor. Although the movie is a bit drawn out at times, it keeps moving along it's lines. Some scenes may not have been needed, however, it helps give one an idea of what Linda Cavanaugh may or may not have been like. All in all, the movie keeps your interest.

Natasha Henstridge doesn't stray too far from the role that made her famous in this Lifetime based-on-a-true-story thriller. Once again she's stopping at nothing to get what she wants. This is an attempt to find the real-life subject guilty in the court of audience opinion. It makes the most of Natasha and James Brolin's sex appeal. (Even if Brolin didn't have a dime, he could still land a hot blond.) And it definitely makes a great case for prenuptial agreements. There's nothing out of the ordinary, but it's watchable for what it is. And did I mention that James Brolin puts the SEX back in sexagenarian? There's also a hot younger man too, for those who tune in for more obvious aesthetics. Grade: B-