We are a family of women who have a love for and loyalty to television movies of every genre. We accept them for what they are and don't try to make them something they are not. Laundry to fold on a rainy Sunday? No problem! Don't feel quite like getting out of those pj's at noon? You got it, MacGruber! Secretly hoping those lunch plans fall through? Then you're in good company! So, sit back, relax, and read to find out if you're up for "Secrets and Lies", "Loving, Honoring, and Betraying", or "Fa La La La Lifetime" (whether it's Christmas or not). There is always a TV movie for every occasion, and we are here to help you find the best of the ordinary.
What to do?...What to do?...asks very pregnant parolee, Lucy Ann Michaels (Cheryl Ladd), just released from prison. The answer is presented by Detective Matt Harding (Nick Mancuso....hubba hubba, btw). Soon after he explains the terms for maintaining her freedom, Detective Harding sets Lucy Ann up on a blind date with his best friend. This is intended to be payback for a surprise birthday belly dancer. As it turns out, the joke is on the joker, because Clay Spencer (Mike Farrell) and Lucy Ann begin seeing each other. As the romance progresses, you will ask yourself more than once, 'How many times can one woman pucker and preen in one movie?'
After the birth of her baby, Lucy Ann becomes Mrs. Clay Spencer (now to be called Lucinda). The union brings with it not only a doting father for her new daughter, but also a healthy bank account...new house, new boutique to run, new car....oh....and new playmate...the stepson.
It only gets worse (or better, depending on your appetite for the 'dark side'.) Don't be surprised if you start screaming at the TV screen. Every time this reviewer watches this film (4 times and counting), I always think maybe it won't happen this time. Be sure to catch this one, so you'll know what IT is. Indulge...and enjoy.
Two interesting side notes: The movie is based on a true story, told in the book, Deadly Seduction. Also, Lucinda's sister, Terry, is played by Nancy Cartwright (voice of Bart Simpson).
"Cyber Seduction: His Secret Life" is Lifetime’s attempt to stay current on today’s ‘issues’ and feed into the fears of the average mom. The story opens with sophomore, Justin Petersen, plunging into a pool and descend unconscious underwater. His bruised and bloody face have no explanation leaving the viewer wondering what underlying torment has led young Justin to this point. The movie then rewinds to 3 months ago at a swim meet where Justin shows a promising future as a competitive swimmer. Embrace yourself for the journey of Justin's decent from innocence. With the announcement that he has made all-state, the cool clique takes a new interest in the sophomore. Monica, the token high school slut, obviously has a ‘thing’ for Justin as the camera holds on her stare (goo goo eyes). One evening, he is on the computer and receives an instant message "Check this out @ Monica’s page". You guessed it… this is the beginning of all of your questions to the opening being answered. Justin unknowing of the content follows the link to find a soft-core porn site that shows the token slut clad in revealing clothes. To twist the plot a little more, Justin does have a demure girlfriend whom he has only…excuse the mom term…petted. The couple goes to a party where they find the cool kids watching what is in insinuated as a porno. At the party, Monica continues to woo Justin with long stares and smiles. Justin’s prudish girlfriend requests to leave the party and voices her distaste for the porn scene. Back to another computer surfing scene, he gets instant message that is loaded with TV grade explicit slogans. Justin digs deeper into the offerings of computer porn sites but sloppily leaves his door propped open. As mom wanders into Justin’s room she gets a glimpse of what he is viewing. BUSTED! She attempts to get her husband involved and demands that he talk to their son. He shakes it off as that is just what teenage boys do. There is an odd turn to where Justin has to view porn-like pictures prior to his swim competition. Even the cool kid that originally introduced porn to Justin thinks his ‘tastes’ are sick (the bad sick). His parents continue to argue as they see a decline in their son. A big turn in the story occurs as mom puts away some laundry and finds a DVD hidden in the back of a drawer. The title of the DVD is "VIRGIN VAGINAS" (yeah, you heard me). Justin and his girlfriend begin to have more issues as he begins to pressure her more and more. He eventually ends up going to visit Monica (token slut) and ends up in her parent’s bedroom. Justin is so confused by porn vs. reality; he is confused as to what he should do as Monica throws herself at him. When he turns her down, she goes psycho and chases him from the house. When he gets home, his parents are livid because of the sites and vulgar pop-ups they have found on the computers. Then there is a confusing turn where Justin is talking to his now ex-girlfriend wanting to go to church with her. Now that Justin has sought help, you ponder the movie opening. Wait, it’s not over. Justin gets jumped by the cool kids (leaving the viewer to think Monica ratted him out). Now, back to the beginning… As he floats in the pool, he has visions of his friends and family supporting him and cheering for him at swimming competitions. With a sudden clarity that he has so much going for him, he breaks from the water… The end. Are you confused? Me too!! However, this is a Lifetime must see for yourself.
