A Mother's Testimony (2001) (TV)

User Rating:

5.1/10   

Director:

Julian Chojnacki

Writer:

James G. Hirsch (written by)

Release Date:

6 March 2001 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

An ex-convict's mother's worst suspicions about her son are confirmed when he is implicated in a murder |

Plot Keywords:

Jail | Cornflakes | Mother Son Relationship | Product Placement | Teenage Boy

Cast

Kate Jackson	...	Sharon Carlson
Chad Allen	...	Kenny Carlson
Susan Blakely	...	Donna Mulroney
Keith Szarabajka	...	Warren Stubbs
William R. Moses	...	Ian Matthews
Olivia Burnette	...	Dede Carlson
Calvin DeVault	...	Bobby Carlson
David Allen Brooks	...	Jack
Dee Dee Rescher	...	Claire
Sean Moran	...	Mackie
Daniel Roebuck	...	Police Officer
Scott Allan Campbell	...	Mark Willis
P.K. Phillips	...	Connie Willis
Rachel Hirsch	...	Cheryl (as Rachel Ann Hirsch)
Marty Papazian	...	Supporting

Runtime:

Netherlands:92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

UK:15

Suspense & and great psychological drama

This film was on mid-day TV in Australia two weeks ago. It is the type of film that only North Americans can do so well-a psychological drama involving the family and the conflicts that arise.

We are introduced to Kenny as the young adult returning from two years imprisonment as he was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time'. His Mum has a new boyfriend with a farm, and gets Kenny a job as a general mechanic servicing boats on the waterfront.

Kenny's younger brother & sister are initially a bit wary of him and have to come to terms that his presence upsets the balance that Mum the boyfriend and the kids have created in Kenny's absence.

Warren an ex-con with Kenny pays a visit and things go downhill from there as Kenny feels some sort of commitment to look after Warren. Whilst Kenny is the clean looking young man Warren is a scruffy mid-30's scratching seemingly unstable person.

A murder is committed and Mum has to decide who she believes.

Kate Jackson is brilliant as are all the main characters, and especially the teen-aged daughter in a minor role.

There are many roles for 40-50 yo's actors in these sorts of films, realistic roles with family drama and they produce good films albeit not necessarily the films that are big release world wide movie features.

These films with twists & turns plot & character development are so much better than the NCIS , CSI franchise series that dominate evening TV. In this film it is shot outdoors with great locations and lighting. So many TV cop & medical shows shot in dark studios it creates such an artificial atmosphere.

Last editorial it is not reality TV programme. Having said that I loved the Biggest Loser and many of The Bachelor series with such cute girls.

America (including Canada) must be the most fascinating place on earth-except the really big cities all the heat and concrete. Maybe small & medium town America and Canada the best places to live.

If USA/Canadian perhaps tell what you think-city v medium town v small town USA. All the great talents ie Britney Spears Jessica Simpson seem to come from small town USA especially the south. Are the cutest girls from the south especially Texas? Give