For the Love of Aaron (1994 TV Movie) User Reviews

Emotional TV drama.

[OllieSuave-007 · 8/10 · 19 September 2014]

This is an emotional TV drama about a woman named Margaret Gibson (Meredith Baxter), whose mental issues has caused her to be in danger of losing the custody of her son Aaron to her ex-husband. This leads to a pretty heroic courtroom fight in which Margaret is determined to prove that she is sane enough to keep her son.

This movie generated a lot of emotion for me as I watched Margaret go through endless hurdles and obstacles in the court system, while battling her mental issues. Her son Aaron also has a bit of a problem of his own, as he is depicted to be a shy and different kid compared to his school mates.

As with many TV movies, this story has some odd and hokey parts and dialog. But, the acting was decent and the movie contained heart-felt and courageous scenes about one's battle with her demons and love for her child, making this a TV drama that will sure bring tears to your eyes and one that will be heart-felt.

Grade B

lame

[Rumples · 6/10 · 15 March 1999]

This made for TV movie melodrama is a very sad reflection on Meredith Baxter (Birney)'s decline since the cancellation of 'Family Ties'. In no way could any sane person give this movie a 10 - although I note it has received a couple. As it is just barely watchable and partially out of pity, I gave it a 6.

A lot of emotion.

[lionel.willoquet · 21 July 2001]

The fight of a mother perturbed psychologically, to convince the courts that she is capable of keeping her child with her. The extraordinary composition of Meredith Baxter and that of the small Keegan McIntosh confer a lot of emotion on this story.

Movie

[mastbradped · 5/10 · 11 December 2005]

I saw this with friends and, although it is a serious story, I remember we just laughed our heads off in some scenes because it was just so hokey. Meredith calling herself "Baby Lady" was just hysterical. I know it's nothing to laugh at but it came across that way and not dramatic at all.

I remember the child was a good actor in this movie though. Still, I love Meredith, dating back to "Family", so I can't totally dis this movie.

I haven't seen it since it came out but would probably want to see it again, since it's been awhile.

Open-hearted and honest.

[[e-mail] · 14 April 2014]

I have rarely come across a piece of drama that examines the life of a family coping with mental illness in such a fair and even-handed way, and without an overdose of histrionics or melodrama. I speak with considerable knowledge when I say that this film accurately and sensitively portrays the sometimes co-dependent relationship between a mother and her caring young son. This is a film to watch if you really want to understand what a young carer is, or if you really want to understand all sides of the debate around such families. Meredith Baxter captures the physical and emotional nuances of a sufferer of mental illness who still has her faculties at the same time, and Keegan Macintosh nails the part of the kid who has to be flexible enough to cope with any situation that arises, whilst retaining some childhood. You'll want to comfort Baxter's Margaret Gibson, and you'll want to hug Macintosh's Aaron. This film will leave you re-examining things you thought you understood.

Adequate TV fare

[raisleygordon · 7 April 2011]

"For The Love of Aaron" is an adequate piece of storytelling about a mother's "battle" to fight for custody of her son. Oh, yeah: the mother is emotionally handicapped, and I think that's the problem. The film is pleasant enough, but is making a character, least of all the main character, really a good idea? At first, I thought this woman was just nervous for no apparent reason, but then I caught on. The movie spends too much time dwelling on mother-son moments, and not enough time taking care of business. It's not an especially entertaining movie. One cute aspect of it all: when Margaret Gibson (played by Baxter) imitates Sesame Street's Grover.

Grade: C+