The Elephant Man

"The Elephant Man", directed by David Lynch, is the remarkable 1980's film inspired by the true story in the streets of London during the Victorian Age and is based around the life of John Merrick, the man ridiculed by his owner, Bytes, and others, and known to all as 'The Elephant Man' due to his hideous deformities.

The film follows John Merrick's life in a relatively faithful way from the time that Sir Frederick Treves finds him working in a Victorian freak show. After he takes him to the hospital, Treves discovers that behind 'The Elephant Man', there is a human being that deserves to live with the same dignity as any other man. John Merrick's efforts for having a normal life, his struggle to adapt to society and Treves' doubts on his intentions are the core story of David Lynch's film.

The beautiful black and white tone mixed with the sad and sinister dark lighting gives the film a gentle horrifying and, yet at the same time, calm mood.

With this film, David Lynch grasps his viewers and stretches them to a new parallel of an emotionally capturing film in showing John Merrick beaten, abused, harassed, humiliated, and tormented. Treves somewhat saves Merrick from those who persecute him for being a freak, for being a monster. One powerful scene of tension and curiosity, Merrick screams out, 'I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man!' This scene is incredible and it ties in with the whole focus of the film itself, emotion and human dignity.

The final scene of the film finds Merrick committing an act of lying on his back to sleep, which he is aware will kill him. After examining a painting of a small girl lying flat, he imitates her in a final attempt to be 'normal,' resulting in his implied death. He drifts off to sleep as the words of his deceased mother ring out in his head. 'Nothing will die.'

"The Elephant Man" is a great film. It is sad and depressing, yet it is brilliant and very moving. It makes you cry for John Merrick, not just for pity but for sympathy. It makes you realize that we are all human, despite our disadvantages. It also makes you realize that one man knows that despite his condition, he knows he's all right.

Lizzy   =)

Cape Fear

Director J Lee Thompson's 1962 suspense thriller "Cape Fear" is a perfectly crafted film from the black and white shooting by Sam Leavitt to help create a sordid and dark atmosphere to the spine-tingling musical score by the master Bernard Hermann to the excellent cast, such as Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum, who provide exceptional performances.

Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck) is a lawyer who is happily married to his wife, Peggy, with a teenage daughter, Nancy. He has a quiet life and little worries to care for until released convict, Max Cady (Robert Mitchum) is seeking revenge against him. Cady blames Bowden for his 8 years of imprisonment because Bowden failed to get him an innocent verdict in court by testifying against him for a serious crime he was accused of (and he had committed). Cady starts by stalking Bowden and his family by showing up wherever Bowden and his family go but always stays within the confines of the law while making life miserable for Bowden. Throughout the film, Bowden does everything legally possible to protect his family but he finds he is powerless under the law. He then has no other choice but to get down and dirty in order to deal with a totally amoral man in order to protect his family. It all ends in a showdown on the river of Cape Fear.

Robert Mitchum stands out with his outstanding performance as the relentless villain. His character, Max Cady, is already frightening, as he is just not a lunatic, but a clever and ruthless fiend who is careful and meticulous in every detail of his diabolical schemes.

Lizzy   =)

The Deer Hunter

The 1978 drama "The Deer Hunter" is a powerful, disturbing, and compelling look at the Vietnam War through the lives of three blue-collar friends, Michael, Steven, and Nick, in a small steel-mill Pennsylvania town before, during, and after their service in the war.

The beginning of the film establishes the lives of the characters as it opens with a beautiful wedding and introduces Michael, Steven, and Nick and their friends. After partying and staying up all night, the early morning has the men getting ready to pack up for one last hunting trip before they're off to war. While hunting, the men share moments of bonding with long talks filled with laughter and wisdom of how life really is. The three are shipped out to Vietnam and the film goes straight to the war sequences. The three are captured and kept in a POW camp where sadly, they are used in a game of Russian Roulette, which consists of having to point a gun to your own head and pulling the trigger and hoping that the bullet won't go through your head. They manage to escape but unfortunately are separated on their way home. Michael returns home safely. Steven has lost both legs and ashamed of going home, decides to stay at the VA Hospital to recover. Nick has remained in Vietnam. Michael, not feeling like home is the way it should be without his friends, decides to go and retrieve Steven and then travel back to Vietnam to find Nick and bring both of them home. He successfully talked Steven into coming back home. Bringing Nick home was a more difficult task. He found Nick in an underground gambling ring playing, none other, than Russian Roulette. Michael pleaded with Nick to remember who he was but Nick was unable to recognize him. It was Nick's turn at playing Russian Roulette but when Nick suddenly remembered Michael, he pulled the trigger and the bullet went through his head. Back home, there was silence among all the friends sitting around the table. They made a toast in Nick's honor and out of the blue, sang "God Bless America", ending the film on a peaceful note.

The film is extraordinary and the performances are incredible.

"The Deer Hunter" is a film about real life. It's not just a war movie and it's not just a simple life movie. It's a balanced story made to compare and contrast the characters' lives surrounding the Vietnam War and the consequences of war itself in the eyes and emotions of the characters involved.

Lizzy  =)

Glory

Glory is the 1989 drama war film based on the personal letters of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. The story is based on the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first formal unit of the US Army to be made up entirely of African American men, as told from the point of view of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, its commanding officer during the American Civil War.

Great war movie with a unique viewpoint, detailing the battles and setbacks suffered by the men of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment which lead to their ultimate test: a frontal assault over open terrain against a fortified enemy.

The Attack on Fort Wagner is doomed from the start. Colonel Shaw and his men know they have little chance of succeeding or even surviving. When Shaw volunteers his men for this suicide charge, there is not one negative voice among them. Armed with their rifles and bibles, the men know their sacrifice will prove their critics wrong: black men can fight like real men.

The 54th Massachusetts lost over half its number in the assault on Fort Wagner. The supporting white brigades also suffered before withdrawing. The Fort was never taken.

As word of the bravery spread, Congress at last authorized the raising of black troops throughout the Union. Over 180,000 volunteered. President Lincoln credited these men of color with helping turn the tide of the war.

Lizzy  =)

Matewan

In American History class, we watched the 1987 drama "Matewan".

Independent filmmaker John Sayles creates one of his more artistic works with this period feature about a volatile 1920s labor dispute in the town of Matewan, West Virginia. Matewan is a coal town where the local miners' lives are controlled by the powerful Stone Mountain Coal Company. The company practically owns the town, reducing workers' wages while raising prices at the company-owned supply and grocery. The citizens' land and homes are not their own, and the future seems dim. When the coal company brings immigrants and minorities to Matewan as cheaper labor, union organizer Joe Kenehan scours the town to unite all miners in a strike. As the crisis grows, strikers and their families are removed from their homes by two coal company mercenaries, and the situation heads toward a final shootout on Matewan's main street, also known as the "Matewan Massacre".

Sayles' simple but telling screenplay brings to light the treatment of immigrants and minorities in the early 20th century South, and it draws sharp parallels between the Matewan labor battle and the Civil War some 50 years earlier.

Lizzy  =)

To Kill A Mockingbird

Based on Harper Lee's 1961 classic novel, "To Kill A Mockingbird" is the 1962 film adaptation following Atticus Finch, a lawyer in a racially divided 1930's Alabama town. He agrees to defend a young black man, Tom Robinson, who is accused of raping a white woman. Many of the townspeople are against Atticus defending Tom but Atticus decides to go ahead with the trial.

The story is told through the eyes of Atticus's daughter, six-year old "Scout", a feisty young girl who lives with her father and her older brother, Jem.

While Robinson's trial gives the film its momentum, there are plenty of other occurrences before and after the court date: Scout's ever-strengthening bond with her older brother, Jem, her friendship with precocious young Dill Harris, her father's no- nonsense reactions to such life-and-death crises as a rampaging mad dog, and especially Scout's reactions to, and relationship with, Boo Radley, the reclusive "village idiot" who turns out to be her salvation when she is attacked.

I enjoyed the character of Scout. Since the story is told from her point of view, the situations are presented without adding an explicit opinion. The viewer is left to make sense of events and come to their own conclusion.

I enjoyed the character of Atticus Finch as well. He represents morality and kindness. He serves as a guiding light for his two children, always calm and patient. He allows them to come to the understanding that, although evil exists, one should not dwell on that but should instead realize that the existence of this evil is a sign that there is work to do, and progress to make.

"To Kill A Mockingbird" is a timeless classic. 

Lizzy   =)

The Outsiders

Based on the classic teenage novel by S.E. Hinton, the 1983 film "The Outsiders" takes place in Oklahoma around the mid-1960's and follows the story narrated by 14-year old Ponyboy Curtis, while living with his two older brothers, Darry and Sodapop Curtis. There are two rival gangs from opposite sides of town -- "Greasers" (kids who come from poor families) and "Socs" (kids who come from rich families) who are always fighting with each other.

The movie begins with Ponyboy, a member of the "Greasers", along with his two friends and other members, Johnny and Dallas, heading for the drive-in to watch a movie. While watching the movie, the three boys run into Cherry Valance and her friend, Marcia. After the movie is over, the boys walk with both girls until their boyfriends, Bob and Randy, members of the "Socs", arrive and take the girls away.

On his way home with Ponyboy, Johnny refuses to go inside his home due to his parents arguing so they both walk to the park and fall asleep. Waking up and realizing how late it is, Ponyboy heads home. Darry is up and begins to yell at Ponyboy for being late. Ponyboy runs out of the house and goes back to where Johnny is sleeping. They both start walking through the park until they notice a car full of "Socs" driving towards them. Bob and Randy, along with other "Socs", being to argue with Ponyboy and Johnny. They start beating up Ponyboy. Johnny grabs a knife and ends up killing Bob in order to save Ponyboy. All the other "Socs" run away.

Scared and not knowing what to do, Ponyboy and Johnny decide to run away. They ask Dallas for help. Dallas gives Johnny a gun and some money and tells them about an abandoned church they can hide out in. He tells them to stay there until he can get away and meet up with them. They stay at this abandoned church for about four or five days. While their stay, Ponyboy and Johnny buy food, supplies, and the book Gone with the Wind to read to pass the time. They also decide to cut their hair and Ponyboy ends up bleaching his hair blonde. Dallas comes up to the church to let them know that Cherry Valance will testify that Johnny killing Bob was in self-defense. They go out to eat and then return to find the church on fire and children are stuck inside. Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dallas go in to rescue them. Once they get all the children out, Johnny gets caught in the fire and gets burned really badly. Johnny and Dallas are hospitalized. The three of them are praised for the heroism but Johnny is charged with manslaughter.

Since the killing of Bob, there has been a rumble challenge made between the "Greasers" and the "Socs" to end this once and for all. A violent fistfight occurs, which the "Greasers" win. Dallas drives Ponyboy to the hospital to let Johnny know they won the rumble. Johnny whispers to Ponyboy to "stay gold" and then he passes away. Dallas starts crying and runs out. Unable to bear Johnny's death, Dallas robs a convenient store and gets chased by police. Unable to get away, Dallas gets shot by the police.

As the story ends, Ponyboy is sitting at his desk. He then picks up the Gone with the Wind novel and finds a letter inside written to him by Johnny. He reads what Johnny wrote and then opens his notebook up and starts writing about his experiences.

Lizzy    =)

12 Angry Men

The original 1957 classic "12 Angry Men" is the film based on the story of a jury made up of 12 men as they deliberate the guilt or acquittal of a defendant on the basis of reasonable doubt.

The story begins in a courtroom where an 18-year old boy from a New York city slum is on trial for allegedly stabbing his father to death. Final closing arguments are presented, and the judge then instructs the jury to decide whether the boy is guilty or not. The twelve-man jury retire to a private room where they have immediately decided that the boy is guilty and plan to return their verdict quickly without any discussion. A preliminary vote is taken and the result is 11:1 in favor of the the guilty verdict. Eleven jurors have raised their hand for the guilty verdict except for one, juror #8. Only one vote is holding them back and now they have to discuss the trial once again. Juror #8 who voted not guilty refuses to just jump to conclusions and brings up incredible possibilities that can always make a man think of "reasonable doubts." The rest of the film's focus is the jury's difficulty in reaching a unanimous verdict. As time goes on, some of the jurors change their minds and find that there is enough reasonable doubt not to convict and by the end, all the jurors reach a unanimous decision of not guilty.

The film was an excellent courtroom drama with a unique twist. Instead of following the trial itself, the viewers have the chance to observe the events behind close doors of a jury room. The entire film takes place within one room, enabling all attention to be focused on the details of the case. The plot of the film is excellent and it's fascinating to see what little things can influence which way a verdict goes. Once the deliberations really hit their stride and the arguments are flying back and forth, the film never fails to fascinate.  With quiet probing, one juror appeals to curiosity, truth, and intellect over emotional hysteria, popular opinion, and snap judgments.

The film's greatness lies in its bringing together twelve different men who have never met each other before and the interaction of their characters as each man brings his own background and life experiences into the case. The characters are not given names and are only known as juror numbers. The characters themselves are so cleverly developed that even after a small amount of dialogue you can see the cross section of society sitting around the table becoming apparent, a very ordinary group of men. There are no bad guys or good guys. All you see is a group of men, each one having a slight difference in attitude, who initially believe they are right with their views.

Lizzy  =)

Bang Bang You're Dead

2002's made-for-tv film "Bang Bang You're Dead" tackles the issue of growing up, specifically in high school, as a teenager. Most films entertain. This film educates their audience. It presents social cliques, peer pressure, bullying, and the toll that these harsh realities take on students, in the form of depression, anger and violence.


The film is based on inspiration from the play Bang Bang You're Dead written by William Mastrosimone in 1999. The play was written following the fatal shootings of Kip Kinkel's parents on May 20, 1998 and 27 of his classmates at Thurston High School on May 21, 1998 in Springfield, Oregon. The play was written to raise awareness of school violence in hoping to help people see tragedy before it happens. The plot focuses on the character Josh, a high school student who kills his parents and 5 of his classmates. According to Mastrosimone, "it's a drama performed by kids for kids" in hoping to reach out to the thousands of young audiences who gather to watch.


The film focuses on student Trevor Adams, who attends Rivervale High School. Trevor, accused of making a false bomb threat to the school as a result of constant bullying, is now seen as an outcast who is trying to fit back in. His drama teacher, Val Duncan, sees the play Bang Bang You're Dead online and downloads it, thinking it will be the perfect play to perform for the high school. He also thinks Trevor will be perfect to play the part of the lead role, Josh. When Mr. Duncan casts Trevor as the lead role of the play and prepares for rehearsals, parents and faculty soon start to strongly object to the outrageous title and an "at risk" teenager performing the lead. Figuring that the town doesn't fully understand the script of the play and what point will come from it, Mr. Duncan decides to perform the play anyways and prove that it's in the best interest of the students to view this educating play. He's very confident that once the play is performed, changes will be made in the behavior of the students.


Although he is not the only victim, the film follows Trevor and sees school from his perspective through his video journals. While Trevor videotapes his daily routine, he captures the bullies that push him and other "social outcasts" around. When the school board and police authorities view his video tapes, they discover the emotional chastising and the tragic torment that Trevor has received. They discover the serious and realistic look into the harassment being done within their school hallways. They finally come to understand the terrifying reality of how the victims suffer and are abused by the school bullies. They realize that it's time for a change in preventing bullying and focus more on relating to their students. 


After their recent discovery, the school board decides to let Mr. Duncan and his drama club perform the play. Everyone attended and paid close attention to the words the actors were saying. Trevor was exceptional and was able to speak out and describe his feelings through Josh. It was an emotional and moving piece that opened the audience's eyes in feeling for and understanding the victim who endured the bullying and it's affects that caused him to think violently. 


It is an amazing movie! Bullying and school violence are serious issues. The film emphasizes how harmful constant humiliation can be for students who suffer from it every single day and what happens when someone is pushed over that line and turns to violence for revenge. The film shows the real pain. The pain is so realistic that it allows you, as the audience, to feel what it would actually be like to be in their shoes. 

Lizzy  =) 

Painful Secrets

"Painful Secrets" is the made-for-tv drama about shy Dawn Cottrell, a teenager who attempts to please the world but feels like she can please no one. Unlike most people, who are able to express extreme emotions through words or through tears, Dawn's only way of channeling her pain is through self-injury. This physical pain brought on by cutting or burning herself secures Dawn's relief from the emotional pain that she is unable to release. The film provides an insightful look into a disorder that for years has been disregarded because people simply were not ready to deal with it.

The movie begins with Dawn in art class showing a display of what she designed for the Winter Carnival. Some of the girls in her class didn't like her display. The girls laughed at the design and made fun of Dawn for thinking up something so silly. When they left the room, Dawn grabbed a box cutter sitting on her art easel and ran to the bathroom. In the stall, Dawn sits and rocks back and forth, upset with the humilation of not having a good idea for the Winter Carnival. She stares at the box cutter, rolls up her sleeve, and then starts making small cuts on her forearm. After inflicting pain to herself, Dawn feels better and walks home.

While eating dinner with her parents, Dawn notices tension between her mother and father. She tries to talk with them but all her parents can do is ignore her and start arguing with each other. Dawn tries to speak with them individually. Her father, Russell, is always distant, doesn't show affection, and can't communicate with her. Her mother, Joyce, can only speak of herself and is always taking the focus away from Dawn. It's bad enough her school life is unstable, she hates that her home life is the exact same way. Trying to find salvation from both worlds, Dawn turns to 19-year old Craig, who has no romantic interest in her but only how physical he can get with her. Dawn, unaware of his real motive of being with her, feels that he is the only one she can turn to.

After another day of humilation in school with the same girls, Dawn runs downstairs to the school's boiler room. She grabs the box cutter, rolls up her sleeve and releases her anger. After cutting, the satisfied look on Dawn's face shows how her self-injuries are helping her to deal with everything. She can now go back upstairs to finish her school day. Dawn returns to class and while passing out papers, the teacher notices blood on Dawn's sleeve and sends her to the school nurse. The principal calls her parents to talk about what Dawn has been doing to herself. They take Dawn home. In the back seat of the car, Dawn doesn't know what her parents are thinking. Russell, still distant, doesn't know what to say to her and Joyce, humiliated, doesn't want to be blamed for her behavior and demands that she stops. Making sure that the cutting does stops, Joyce hides all the knives, razors, fingernail filers, and scissors. Frustrated that her mother is treating her like a child and her father doesn't understand her, Dawn tries to find ways to cut herself but is unable to find anything sharp to cut with so she ends up running to the garage, sitting in the car and grabs the cigarette lighter. She rolls up her sleeve and burns herself. She burns herself so badly, she is rushed to the emergency room. Her parents, giving up on trying to help her, insist on sending her to visit with a therapist, Dr. Parella.

Visiting Dr. Parella on a regular basis is helping Dawn to better understand that she is cutting herself because she is unable to express her feelings verbally and emotionally. Dr. Parella advises Dawn to express those feelings. Dawn, knowing that her mother is one of the main reasons, confronts her. Joyce right away gets defensive and angry that she is being blamed. She then decides to leave the family so she explains to Dawn that it would be better if she left so that Dawn could get better. Dawn, very upset, runs to Dr. Parella's office and starts crying about her mother leaving. Dr. Parella apologizes but is pleased that Dawn is crying. She explains to Dawn that if tears can take the place of blood, then Dawn has begun the long road to recovery.

 Lizzy  =)

Find My Child

1983's movie "Adam" is the tragic true story of 6-year old Adam "Scooter" Walsh and his abduction in front of a Sears store on July, 27, 1981 in Hollywood, Florida. He is the son of John and Reve Walsh.

The movie begins the day of July 27, 1981, in which Reve, along with Adam, went shopping for the day. They arrived at the store and Adam asked if he was able to watch the older kids play video games. Reve agreed but told him to stay put and not to move. Reve went looking around the store for only a few moments. When she returned, Adam was gone. She walked all around the store and had customer service call his name over the intercom but Adam never came. After two hours of searching the mall, the police are called to help with the search. John arrives and helps look for Adam. The police arrive and have patrol cars drive around the neighborhood searching for him. Reve doesn't know what happened. She doesn't know why no one noticed him and why no one helps in finding him.

At the police station, John and Reve try to have the detectives help them find Adam. Reve thinks he was kidnapped. John doesn't know who would just take a 6-year old boy for no reason. The police advised that they will do all they can to help find Adam. Soon, the television stations are airing Adam's abduction and ask for any help from the audience watching. Reve is making phone calls to Adam's friends but no one has seen Adam. John feels that the police aren't doing enough in helping. All the other police stations being notified state that they are too busy with other cases. Once he figures out that there is only limited help, John starts his own agenda in finding Adam. He creates posters. He offers a reward. He contacts people in authority to help. He feels that he is the one who is going to find Adam, no matter what it takes. John organizes search hunts for Adam. They have help from neighbors and friends. They use dogs in their search. They have help with the newspaper, the radio, the television, and people talking to the authorities in trying to find Adam.

It's been a whole day and unfortunately, Adam is still not found. John calls the FBI to help in finding Adam. The FBI explain that they can't handle kidnappings unless a ransom or evidence of kidnapping is involved. John doesn't understand. John doesn't know why no one will help. John doesn't know why people won't worry about children who are in trouble. A few days later, John receives a phone call from a talk show to appear and tell his story of Adam on the national television. John and Reve agree. The television show asks John to be the voice for missing children in order to receive more help in finding them. John agrees. He hopes this will help in finding his own child.

On August 10, 1981, the long, grueling search was over. Two fisherman in Vero Beach, Florida found a severed head and after checking dental records, the head was identified as Adam Walsh. The rest of his remains were not recovered. John breaks down crying and screaming why? why would someone kill Adam? what did Adam do wrong?

After Adam's kidnapping and murder, nearly 20,000 letters and donations are sent to John and Reve with prayers and thoughts and condolences. After reading all the letters, John and Reve decides to become involved in helping with missing children. Due to their involvement, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is formed. They make more television appearances. They wrote letters to their congressman to make changes. After a long period of time trying to receive help from the government, John and Reve are pleased that the U.S. Congress passed the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act in which President Bush signed into law. The bill institutes a national database of convicted child molesters, and increases penalties for sexual and violent offenses against children.

It was a heart-warming movie that was shared by John and Reve Walsh, who endured a horrific ordeal by the loss of their son but realize that their tragedy can help other parents who have missing children. Since their ordeal, John and Reve had another child. A beautiful baby girl, Megan. John Walsh, due to all his hard-work and dedication in helping missing children, became the host of America's Most Wanted in helping to capture criminals.

Lizzy   =)

Sudden Fury

Lifetime's original movie "A Family Torn Apart" is based on actual events in Annapolis, Maryland, that shows two half-brothers, Daniel and Brian, who were adopted and being raised by two controlling parents, Joe and Maureen Hannigan, who wanted their boys to be perfect in everyway and suffered when they weren't. The abuse continued until the brutal murders of Joe and Maureen tragically occurred. With both brothers being suspected of the crime, first Daniel then Brian, the police investigate further and the truth of the physical and mental abuse comes out and opens the town's eyes of what life was really like in the Hannigan home which caused this family torn apart.

The story begins with Brian, holding his little brother, Chris, another boy adopted by Joe and Maureen. Brian called the police and let them know his parents were dead. The police arrive at their home. They find Joe dead in the basement. They keep searching until they find Maureen dead out in the backyard.  The police search around the house and find the ax, with blood all over it, in the woods near the home. At the police station, the detectives speak with Brian and Chris about what happened. Brian says that he doesn't know anything. Chris says that he heard noises and saw his brother, Daniel, walking outside. The police assume that Daniel is the culprit. They visit with Daniel, who is being held at a juvenile detention center, informing him of the death of his parents. Daniel knows that he is a suspect but he doesn't know who will be on his side and believe that he didn't do it.

A friend of the family, Tom Kelly, tries to help the boys deal with this tragedy. He speaks with Brian to find out the truth about what happened. Brian explains that Daniel was a handful for his parents. He explains that both of them were adopted. Brian was adopted first. Brian was liked by everyone which pleased his parents. Daniel was adopted next but he was much more different than Brian. Daniel was always giving his parents a problem about behaving the right way. His parents didn't know what else to do but to start beating Daniel until he does. Brian was always afraid to speak up and stop the abuse. He always behaved so he wouldn't get beaten. Unable to handle Daniel's behavior, Joe and Maureen decided to give him away. Thinking that they failed at parenting, Joe and Maureen start becoming more strict with Brian. They didn't let him date girls. They didn't let him hang out with his friends. After hearing Brian's stories of what they endured, Tom couldn't believe Joe and Maureen would treat their children this way but he believes Brian. Tom could only think the reason is Joe and Maureen had too much expectations on Brian and Daniel to be how they wanted them to be. They never thought there would be any pain and hardship that came with raising them. They wanted everything to be perfect with them. They didn't want to fail as parents. Realizing what he went through, Tom is starting to think that maybe Brian is responsible.

The police find blood matching Joe and Maureen on Brian's shoes and bring him in for questioning. Tom is there to support Brian. The police tell Brian it's time to tell the truth. Brian starts describing the details that happened that night. After getting caught with a girl, Brian overhears his parents talking about sending him away because they couldn't handle him. Not understanding why, Brian just couldn't take their abuse anymore. Afraid his parents were going to get rid of him like they did Daniel, Brian grabbed a knife. His parents were down in the basement. Brian walked downstairs and stood behind his mother, holding the knife, and had a look of such crazed anger. He was thinking why can't they take care of me? He was thinking what if they treat Chris the same way? He was thinking don't they love me? With such rage, Brian just started stabbing Maureen. Next, Brian walked up behind Joe and started stabbing him. With blood all over his face, Brian notices that his mother is still alive. She starts crawling towards the backyard so Brian grabs an ax and hits her over the head crushing her skull. Realizing what he's done, Brian walks through the woods and throws away the ax. After confessing, the police arrest Brian. After his trial, Brian served eight years in prison. Daniel continued to have trouble with the law and is currently in prison. Chris was adopted by a loving family.

Lizzy   =)

Going Underground

True story "Shameful Secrets" is based upon the life of Marianne Walker-Tate, who is the suburban housewife to Daniel and mother of two, Josie and Jason. In public, it's the perfect marriage but behind close doors, it's not all domestic bliss.

The story begins with Marianne and Daniel sitting in front of their house holding each other and cuddling. A neighbor stops by and invites them over for a party but Daniel declines. When Daniel sees the neighbor touch Marianne's hand, he gets very jealous. Later that night, he starts yelling at her. He grabs her by the hair and starts beating her. Afterwards, he apologizes and Marianne forgives him. The beatings continue over and over again. Daniel is unable to control his terrible temper and poor Marianne has to physically endure his abuse. Because he threatens to kill her, Marianne is afraid to leave him. She doesn't know what to do. She just wants to leave with her children.  

One night, after Daniel had finished beating her, Marianne tries to leave with the children. Daniel catches and beats her so badly, the ambulance arrives and takes her to the hospital. While recovering from her severe injuries, Daniel accuses her of leaving and abandoning the children. He locks her out of the house and doesn't let her see the children. Marianne, upset, tries to get her children back. She takes Daniel to court to fight for custody of the children. When she tries to explain the physical abuse, the judge advises that physical abuse can not be used in custody hearings. After hearing both sides, the judge gives sole custody to Daniel but gives Marianne visitation. Marianne is crushed and can't believe she doesn't have her children. At this point, Marianne is staying in a shelter and plans on getting her children back. She finds a job and an apartment. When visiting with her children, she notices a change in them. They're more quiet and distant with her. Jason, her son, starts fights at school and talks mean to his little sister. Marianne knows his behavior is from the effects his father put him through. She tries to get Jason help.

On their next visit, Jason is wearing a hat. When Marianne asks him to take the hat off, she notices that he has a black eye. His father hit him. She confronts Daniel and warns him not to touch her children again. Daniel pushes her on the ground. Desperate and not knowing what to do, Marianne decides to leave with her children by "going underground". Louise, the counselor at the shelter, is reluctant but helps with her dangerous plan. They would have to change their identities and go into hiding. If caught, Marianne can face charges for kidnapping her children and face prison time. Marianne doesn't care. The judge won't listen about the abuse. The judge won't give her kids back. She just wants to get away and protect herself and her children. While in hiding, Marianne couldn't be more happier. Her children are happy. She wonders if it is finally over. Is she able to live her life?

Louise receives a phone call from Congressman Marella's office and is asked to speak about all the cases of spousal abuse from the women at the shelter. While visiting with Congressman Marella, Louise provides all the paperwork of each case. Louise is asked if there are women who are willing to speak in public at the press conference to gain support in receiving help for these women. Louise thinks and the first name that comes to mind is Marianne. Coming out of hiding, Marianne comes to speak at the press conference and tells her story. She explains that she endured spousal abuse for 11 years and lost custody of her children to the man who beat her only because the courts wouldn't hear her testimony about the physical abuse she received. All she wants is to be heard and to take care of her children without the threat of violence. After speaking, Marianne receives a standing ovation for her warm and heartfelt story.

After hearing all the women, including Marianne, who came forward to speak about their experiences, the state of Maryland is now one of many states that have passed the admittance of testimony of spousal abuse in custody hearings. In a new custody hearing, the judge calls Marianne to the stand to hear her testimony of physical abuse.

Lizzy   =)

If Someone Had Known

Lifetime's original movie "If Someone Had Known" is based upon actual events of Katie Liner and the domestic abuse that she received from her husband Jimmy Pettit. Initially, he seems to be the perfect guy but in reality, she finds out who he really is. Unfortunately, due to all the abuse, a horrible tragedy occurs.

The movie begins with Katie attending a benefit party with her father, police office Jack Liner, and family. There she meets Jimmy for the first time. They soon start dating. She thinks he is the one. He is polite, handsome, respectful, and popular. Jack feels something is wrong with him but wants his daughter happy so he leaves it alone. He thinks it won't get serious anyway. He thinks she is too young for Jimmy. But then he receives shocking news that Jimmy asked Katie to marry him.

At the wedding, Jimmy shows a little bit of bossy side with Katie. She doesn't think anything of it. After being married for awhile, Katie gives birth to a baby boy. After the baby is born, Jimmy starts showing violent behavior, pushing and hitting her. Jimmy starts talking mean, telling her to shut up and screaming at her all the time. Apologizing afterwards always makes Katie forgive him and take him back. She doesn't tell anyone about the abuse. She really does love him and she doesn't want to leave him.

Katie is pregnant with her second child. Sadly, the bruises soon start to become noticeable. Her sister notices but Katie begs her not to say anything. Katie comes close to telling her father but for some reason, she is afraid to tell him. Katie does tell her mother who advises her to leave him so Katie does decide to leave. Jimmy finds her packing and gets furious and doesn't let her leave. He starts beating her. He reaches for his shotgun. Outside of the house, silence is there but then shots ring out. The police arrive. Katie's father, Jack comes and finds Katie kneeling in the corner. She admits to shooting Jimmy. She cries that she still loves Jimmy. He doesn't want to but Jack has to arrest Katie.

At the police station, Katie meets with her lawyer. She admits to him the abuse that she endured from Jimmy. He right away requests a doctor to examine Katie for any bruises or internal injuries. At the hospital, the nurse takes pictures of the many bruises all over Katie's body. Jack finally finds out that Jimmy has been abusing Katie. He right away thinks that Katie won't be in trouble for shooting Jimmy. He thinks its self-defense. Katie's lawyer says it's not that easy. At the funeral, Jimmy's parents start screaming at Katie for killing him.

Katie is visiting a psychiatrist to deal with the abuse and to help with her trial defense. She admitted to the psychiatrist that she always felt as if she deserved the abuse. Katie and her lawyer decide to go with the battered woman defense. Katie wants everyone to know what Jimmy did to her but she wants everyone to know that she still loved him. The trial begins and the witnesses are not proving the domestic abuse, especially since none of the incidents were reported. When Katie testifies, she admits that if she loved Jimmy enough that the abuse would stop but it never did. She admits what happened when she shot Jimmy. She admits that if she didn't do anything that Jimmy would have abused her one too many times and kill her. After hearing her testimony, the jury finds her not guilty.

At Jimmy's grave site, Katie kneels, lays a flower down, and whispers to Jimmy, "You always promised tomorrow will be better. But tomorrow never came for us." Then she tells her son, Jaime, that everything will be okay and that they will have a better tomorrow.

Lizzy   =)

In A Child's Name

1991's Lifetime original true story "In a Child's Name" follows Angela, who fought with the parents of her brother-in-law, Ken, for custody of her deceased sister's baby when she learned that it was her brother-in-law who murdered her sister, Theresa.

The movie starts with Theresa talking with her sister, Angela, while waiting for Ken to pick her up to go out. She then sees Angela later and shows her the diamond ring Ken gave her. Theresa's family has Ken over for dinner. He seems to be a really nice guy but Angela just gets a bad feeling about him but sees that Theresa is happy so she doesn't say anything. Ken and Theresa get married.

At the airport, Angela and her father wait for Ken and Theresa who were flying back from their honeymoon. They didn't show up. Angela gets worried. Her father calls the hotel where they're staying in Acapulco. The hotel manager tells him that Theresa is in the hospital and that she was beaten up by Ken. When Angela and her father arrive at the hospital, they see the horrible shape Theresa is in. She is bruised all over, wearing a neck brace and unable to speak. Ken comes up with a story that they were robbed in the middle of the night. He says four men, wearing ski masks, attacked the both of them but they just kept beating up on Theresa. Before he could explain what happened, the police right away thought it was him that beat her. He tells them that he didn't do it. Theresa believes him. Angela doesn't.

Angela starts getting suspicious of Ken. She calls his ex-wife to find out if he ever hit her. She looks a little scared but she tells Angela that he never hit her. Theresa is recovering from her injuries. Angela keeps asking her if she remembers anything about what happened. Theresa tells her that Ken couldn't have done this. Her family keeps thinking he did. She comes home from the hospital. As time passes, Ken starts doing drugs and treating Theresa badly. She finds out she is pregnant. They have a baby boy, Andrew.

Theresa finds out that it was Ken who beat her up on their honeymoon. She confronts him, they argue and then he picks up a dumbbell and starts hitting her over and over. He kills her. He cleans the house. He calls Angela and tells her that Theresa left him and he doesn't know where she went. He takes Andrew to his parents house and tells them to raise him if anything was to happen to him. While driving back, Ken stops and dumps Theresa's body on the side of the road. Angela reports Theresa missing. The police find Theresa's body. The police investigate Ken's home and its very clean so they spray Luminol and find traces of blood all over. Ken is arrested and convicted.

Angela now wants custody of Andrew but Ken won't allow it. He wants his parents to have Andrew. They have a huge custody battle. After they receive temporary joint custody, Andrew travels back and forth from New Jersey to Indiana to stay with Angela and Ken's parents until the custody hearing is finished. Ken demands that his parents fight to keep Andrew. The parents listen and go as far as to adopt Andrew behind Angela's back. Angela is furious and tries to fight harder to get him back. After considering all the facts in the case, the judge makes the decision to give full custody to Angela.

Andrew comes home with Angela and her family. Andrew has been legally adopted by Angela and her husband. Kenneth has been stripped of all parental rights to his son.

Lizzy   =)

She Fought Alone

"She Fought Alone" is the Lifetime original movie based on Caitlin Rose, a teenager who joins the coolest group in high school which boosts her popularity but when she is raped by a football player, Caitlin reports it and soon becomes an outcast by her so-called friends.

The movie starts with Caitlin getting ready for a big night out with "the crew". It's her initiation night to see if she is accepted to "the crew". She likes the quarterback of the football team, Ethan but his best friend Jace, another football player, likes Caitlin. On her initiation night, a party is thrown similiar to prom night. Caitlin is covered in raspberry syrup. She is accepted and joins "the crew". They all start hanging out together, running the school, by all the pranks and goofing around in class. The principal doesn't discipline them at all no matter how many complaints are made.

She really likes Ethan and thinks that they have something special going on after they end up sleeping together but Ethan doesn't want anything serious with any girl. After seeing Ethan with another girl at the movie theater, Caitlin runs out upset. Jace follows her to comfort her but she doesn't want any of his help. Later at Caitlin's house, Jace shows up to talk with her. Caitlin tries to get him to leave but he starts kissing her and touching her. Caitlin tells him to stop and tries to get away but he is too strong. He takes her to her bedroom and closes the door. He rapes her.

The next day, the whole school is talking about Caitlin and Jace hooking up together. Caitlin stayed home from school because she didn't want to see anyone. She told her mother but her mother didn't believe her. She thought Caitlin invited him over and things went too far. Caitlin stormed out and went to the local malt shop where everyone hung out. She saw Ethan and Jace there. She was so upset, she went up to Jace and screamed rape. Of course, no one believes her so she starts getting harassed at school. Her mother gets upset and tells the principal that it's Ethan and Jace and the rest of the crew but she doesn't do anything about it. She doesn't see a problem so since nothing is being done, the harassing continues.

After the harassment continues, Caitlin's mother speaks with the principal again due to all the fights, graffiti on bathroom walls, and Caitlin's locker being tagged with rude comments. All the principal does is suspend Ethan and Jace from a couple of football games. When they find out, they attack Caitlin and cut her hair.

Caitlin's mother calls an investigator from the Office of Civil Rights to check out what's going on. When the investigator arrives, Caitlin and her mother let him know what has happened and what the school's involvement has been by not protecting her. He lets Caitlin know that writing on the walls or rude comments in school are illegal now and she has a very good case for the lawsuit against the school. He then speaks with the principal and lets her know how much trouble the school is in.

Jace finally admits to Ethan that he raped Caitlin so Ethan tries to apologize to Caitlin for everything that has happened. Soon Ethan is being harassed for turning on Jace. They spray paint his car and bust his windows. Ethan and Jace get into a fight and Jace gets stabbed in the leg.

The lawsuit against the school starts and it proves that Caitlin was not being protected by the school. The superintendent of schools promises to change things as far as harassment goes. Ethan admits to participating in the harassment and so does Jace who got injured and he is not able to play football anymore. They both get punished for their actions. Caitlin graduates and is off to junior college. She says good-bye to everyone.

Lizzy   =)

The Green River Killer

Part 4 of the miniseries "The Capture of the Green River Killer" starts with David speaking with Seth about who could possibly be the killer but Seth doesn't want to listen. Seth thinks since Joe Jakes killed himself, that he was the killer but David doesn't think he was the killer. As of March 1987, thirty-seven women are dead and seven women are missing. Five years have passed and victims' remains are still being found near the Green River. David does find a clue in one of the victims. A piece of paper that shows a date of April of 1986 and Joe Jakes killed himself in February of 1986 so it couldn't have been Joe Jakes. David now knows that the killer is still out there. After investigating further, David finds more clues and realizes that it might have been Gary Ridgway.

On April 8, 1987, the police have warrants to search Ridgway's house, truck and work locker. They take hair samples and collect DNA swabs from Ridgway. After all the lengthy time and hard work in investigating Ridgway, the police have found no evidence. David is getting very frustrated and he thinks that these dead women are counting him to find the killer. At home, David is watching a television show that provides a hotline for any information on any crimes that witnesses may have knowledge about so David gets the idea to do the exact same thing to find out any information on the Green River Killer.

Kat knows something is wrong when she hasn't heard from Helen so she reports her missing to the police. Then the movie shows Helen speaking to the camera. She states, "I never thought about the dead being just as lost as I was. Not in heaven or hell but in a different place where all you do is try to figure stuff out. Life and death and the reasons why. But now I know because now I'm one of them."

As of March 1989, thirty-nine women are dead and six women are missing. One of the women missing is Helen. David, not knowing what to do, starts investigating again. He looks at all the tips he received and with looking through all the evidence once more, he finally finds out who did it. It was Gary Ridgway all along. David looks into Ridgway's background and finds out more about his lifestyle. But he needs more evidence.

On March 16, 1990, David's boss wants to get rid of all the paperwork on the murders and tells him that he got promoted to Sheriff. It is now 2001, and unfortunately, as time has passed on, there are no more victims being found. More and more, the investigation slows down and the cases are put to the side from the police except one and that's David. Curious, David then looks again at the DNA evidence taken from Ridgway. On September 10, 2001, the test results get back and the results show that Ridgway is the killer.

The movie then shows all the pictures of the innocent women that have passed away. After nearly 20 years, David has finally found the Green River Killer and has helped find peace for all of these women. On November 30, 2001, the police arrest Ridgway. David, in order to find the rest of the women that Ridgway has killed, decided to make a plea bargain of life in prison without parole in exchange for Ridgway's confessions of where the bodies are buried. On June 13, 2003, David finally meets with Ridgway to hear his gruesome confessions of the killings. Ridgway tagged along with the police to sights of where the remains of other victims were located. Sadly, Helen was never found.

Ridgway was convicted of 49 murders, but he confessed to at least 71 murders. He states that murdering young women was his "career".

It was a long miniseries showing the man who was responsible for these gruesome murders and it was a sad, heart-warming movie that showed one dedicated man who didn't quit to find the killer and showed so much determination in helping these women rest in peace. The movie was dedicated to the victims of the Green River Killer and their families.

Lizzy   =)

Chasing The Devil

Part 3 of the miniseries "The Capture of the Green River Killer" begins with the police station announcing the Green River Task Force which is dedicated to finding the killer of these unsolved murders of these young women. It's being reported that this murder investigation is the longest running unsolved serial case in history. The task force is being pressured to find a suspect. The task force goes back and looks at the previous suspects to give them another lie detector test. Still no suspect.

Helen did come back but was crying and had met Bobby who took care of her. She told him that she was taken by the Green River Killer. Bobby took her back to his house. She didn't want to go to the police.

In February 1984 (two years after the first killings), David received an anonymous letter with biblical quotes. David thinks the killer is trying to send him a message but doesn't understand yet. As of March 1984, nineteen women are dead and twenty-two women are missing. Searching the woods, David and the police find more remains of victims. Bodies are being discovered 30 feet apart from each other. As of April 1984, twenty-four women are dead and nineteen women are missing.

David hates finding all these victims and not having anyone in custody. He is becoming distant from his family and more determined in finding the killer. FBI agent, Seth, comes to help David and tells him he knows of someone who can help and who knows the mind of a serial killer. He is speaking about Ted Bundy. On November 16, 1984, David and Seth make a visit to the prison in Florida where Ted Bundy is being held. He tells them the killer is violent, he is very low-key, he could be single or married, wants the feeling of power and it's all about the hunt.

As of May 1985, twenty-nine women are dead and eleven women are missing. A few women come forward about getting away from the killer. One of the women give a description of the man who attacked her. On June 12, 1985, two victims are found. The bodies are identified as 24 year old Denise Bush and 26 year old Shirley Sherrill. As of June 1985, thirty-one women are dead and nine women are missing.

Helen decides to go speak with the police about what happened to her. She meets with David and explains the night she was taken. She tells him about the truck. The FBI inform David about a suspect, Greenwald, who fits the profile of the killer. They picked him up and the first words out of his mouth were, "What took you so long?" Now they think they finally found the killer and start celebrating but David has a feeling that this isn't the killer. Unfortunately, David was right. Greenwald was cleared due to lack of evidence and Joe Jakes had committed suicide so the police have to work extra hard to find another suspect. As of June 1986 (four years after the first killings), thirty-seven women are dead and five women are missing.

Helen isn't the same anymore. She is sad and depressed so she turns to prostitution. She is walking the streets until she sees the truck that picked her up. She starts chasing it but can't so runs up to a truck and asks for a ride and gets in. She is not seen again.

To be continued....

Lizzy   =)

Much More Tragedy

Part 2 of the original miniseries "The Capture of the Green River Killer" begins with Detective David Reichert  finding out the news and posting pictures of more missing women in the area. No more bodies have been found as of yet. No suspects are in custody as of yet either. Reporters are putting pressure on the police force to find out who the killer is. David has no idea who is doing these unspeakable crimes. He wants to hurry up and find the killer before he finds anymore victims.

At home, David is having a conversation with his daughter and she tells him that one of her friend's mother says that these are bad women and the police are wasting their time. David told her that these women are helpless and that God is helping him to help these women.

As of April 1983, seven women are dead and fifteen women are missing. David's first encounter with Gary Ridgway comes from a witness informing the police of Ridgway's truck being seen at the strip, a sidewalk where prostitutes walk along, and he states his girlfriend was taken from there. David spoke with Ridgway but nothing indicated that he was guilty of anything at this time. So there was no need to speak with him further. But little did David know, he was speaking with the killer all along.

Helen is narrating at this time and states, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" On May 8, 1983, another victim is found and is identified as 16 year old Carol Christensen. David gets help from an FBI agent to get a better profile on the killer. In order to be more organized with the women that are still missing, David invests in a computer to put the women's files online. While typing, many names of women that have disappeared are flashed across the movie screen. Helen narrates, referring to the tragedies of what happened to these women and states, "What were their lives like before they hit the streets? Did they come from happy homes? Did they run away? Did they have boyfriends?"

On June 17, 1983, Joe Jakes, a cab driver, is arrested after a woman informs the police that he tried to kill her and called him "The Green River Killer". At the police station, Joe takes a lie detector and says he didn't kill anyone so they let him go. David is frustrated as of right now. He is trying so hard to find the killer of the innocent women. He hopes to find him soon.

As of October 1983, twelve women are dead and twenty-three women are missing. David and the police are searching through fields near the Green River and find remains of  three more victims. One victim found was pregnant and there was a skull of the baby. The body was identified as 24 year old Mary Meehan. The other two bodies were identified as Jane Doe so they had no identity.

Helen and Kat get tattoos and get really drunk. Helen goes home and gets into an argument with her mother and then runs away. She is walking along the strip. While walking, a truck picks her up and she gets in for the ride.

To be continued....

Lizzy  =)

The Beginning Of Evil

Lifetime's original miniseries "The Capture of the Green River Killer" is based upon the true story of serial killer, Gary Ridgway. Ridgway was responsible for the horrible, gruesome murders of numerous women, mainly prostitutes, that were committed in Washington State between the early 1980's and the late 1990's. Sheriff David Reichert, for nearly 20 years, was the dedicated police officer, with his determination in hunting down the killer of these murders. David Reichert also wrote a book "Chasing the Devil: My Twenty Year Quest to Capture the Green River Killer." Ridgway earned the name "Green River Killer" when the first five victims were found near the Green River. The miniseries is told through the eyes of one young runaway, Helen "Hel" Remus whose fate lead her to the encounter with the notorious serial killer.

Part 1 of the miniseries opens with Helen speaking in front of the camera about a book of poems she received. She reads, "I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul." The picture fades and then pictures of the Green River are shown. Detective David Reichert gets injured after an encounter with a criminal he was arresting for domestic abuse and then is ordered to sit at his desk and is not to take on any more cases until he heals.

July 15, 1982, the first victim is found near the Green River. The body is identified as 16 year old Wendy Coffield. On August 12, 1982, David Reichert takes the phone call that gives him the case that will change his life forever. The call informs him that another victim is found near the Green River. The body is identified as 17 year old Marsue Haller. Now, feeling troubled, David has to figure out who killed these two young women. He's thinking it might be a serial killer. Someone like Ted Bundy but he doesn't want to jump to any conclusions.

August 15, 1982, a fisherman finds another victim in the Green River. When David and the police search the area, two more victims are found. The bodies are identified as 16 year old Opal Mills, 31 year old Marcia Chapman, and 17 year old Cynthia Hinds. The autopsies are being done on the victims. David is speaking with the coroner to find out how the victims were killed. All of the victims, that the coroner could see, died from strangulation. Some of the victims have been dead for more than 2 weeks.

Meanwhile, in the middle of all the murders being discovered, Helen is living her life. She is best friends with Kat, lives with her alcoholic mother, and is getting sexually assaulted by her mother's boyfriend. She doesn't know what to do. Hurt and confused, she starts stealing money and stealing clothes.

Back at the police station, the officers gather around to hear the investigation about the murders. There's five bodies and no clues as of yet. David stands up and gives the other officers details about each victim and their lifestyle in prostitution, friends and boyfriends. Looking into the victims' backgrounds may give them some clues about their killing. The police then bring in a suspect. A cab driver, Jeb Dallas, who took a lie detector test and says that he didn't do it. There wasn't any evidence connecting him to the murders so they had to let him go. Sadly, another victim was found. The body was identified as 17 year old Laura Meeks. David's boss was upset and hassled him about finding a suspect already due to political and public pressure. As of November 1982, there were six women dead and seven women missing.

Helen is now thinking her life is crappy. She told her mother about what her boyfriend did to her. Her mother slapped her. Her mother's boyfriend left and blames her. She talks with Kat about what happened and asks her, "Do you think what happens to us is our fault?"

To be continued.....

Lizzy   =)