An accident occurs...
"One year later," wealthy survivor John Novak (as Wayne Griegson) is left widowed. He has also lost the use of his legs and must use an inhaler occasionally, to breathe...
Understandably glum, Mr. Novak resists beautiful daughter Emmanuelle Vaugier (as Jade) when she suggests hiring a caregiver so she and perfectly muscled Matthew MacCaull (as Marco) can go away for a honeymoon. Surprisingly, their spectacular seaside mansion has no visible hired help, so they hire plain and frumpy Jordana Largy (as Samantha) to look after Novak. While the newlyweds are in Hawaii for a month, Ms. Largy starts more and more curvaceous skin. Turning pretty, she develops a taste for plunging necklines and short-shorts. This attracts Novak's attention. Suddenly, he's a new man. By the time Ms. Vaugier and Mr. MacCaull return, things have changed...
There is nothing new about this story. Writer Roslyn Muir follows the "Lifetime" TV movie formula very closely, completing her assignment with high scores. The lush setting and cinematography, by Neil Cervin, is attractive and steady. "Stranger in the House" doesn't take any risks, but director Allan Harmon and his crew manage to make the familiarity feel like a pair of comfortable old shoes. As they check off each cliché, you feel the release of knowing transmitters in your brain. These variations don't always work, but this one looks nice and respects its viewers. When you know what's going to happen, you're still interested to see how the characters are going to make each stupid move...
They make you feel smart.
****** Stranger in the House (4/9/16) Allan Harmon ~ Emmanuelle Vaugier, Matthew MacCaull, Jordana Largy, John Novak
