5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced, absorbing, well acted

C. · June 21, 2016

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } * * * * * I don't believe that there are any spoilers below, however given that the movie is based on a true case, and I mention some details about the real people involved, please be cautious before you read on. * * * * *When I saw that the overall review rating for the movie was only 3.5 stars, I almost passed this movie up. But I figured it would be something to play in the background while I did housework. Now the movie's over and the housework never got started (yeah, yeah . . . I'm gonna do it now).The story moves along at a very good pace, with Jane & the aunt's close relationship covered thoroughly, but swiftly. Within a very short time after the opening, the murder has taken place and the story takes off. The entire cast does an excellent job, however Ally Sheedy and Meat Loaf Aday are particularly fine. I did not recognize Mr. Aday, and did not realize how good an actor he is.Although I had read the film blurb, as the story progressed I forgot that this was actually based on a true homicide. When the wrap up came, with end notes on the main characters, I was surprised. But I think that only goes to show how absorbing I found this movie, yet how entertaining it was in the sense that it drew me right into the plot. Also, for any fan of San Francisco, some of the scenery and atmosphere shots are lovely.It's worth doing a quick Google search on Jane Alexander. While Ally Sheedy looks to be in her 40's in the movie, Ms. Alexander was actually 61 when her 88 year old aunt was murdered . . . and murdered much more gruesomely than is portrayed in the film. So she was 74 by the time she was able to put together enough of a case with the help of a detective, to prove the identity of the murderer. And she also began Citizens Against Homicide at around that same time. Now I want to read the book by James Dalessandro!

5.0 out of 5 stars True Story with great actors

N. · June 5, 2016

At first I was going to pass it by but it was a true story and had Ally Sheedy and Meatloaf, both are great and rarely in a movie. They were wonderful in this as well. While I guessed it pretty quickly, the pacing of the investigation was done so well by Director & editor that I didn't find myself getting up & doing chores while it was playing! Guessing it & proving it are two different things. The work that Jane did on her own was remarkable. She was really the only one who could help in many ways. She also could put seemingly unrelated evidence together for the same reason.The script was good as there was a lot of real information and a book to inspire it. As she showed how much she needed to get to the bottom of things, the detective took it more seriously and it saved her life. Had it just been left as a cold case, as many DA's refused to prosecute, there would not have been the publicity that unearthed important evidence from people who would not normally have thought they had any information when the case was new. It was wonderful to read at the end that she went on to help others, solving 20 cold cases before her passing. The message here is that one really has to be their own advocate. What happened to her, as part of what was wrong, is not that unusual as a trusting person. That message was pretty clear too. With no statute of limitations, the right to a speedy trial doesn't start until the person is arrested. Though evidence grows cold, with more time there is a chance of finding more information not available when pressed for time, witnesses can also die. So it's a gamble. They can video tape a deposition of a witness who may be elderly or ill while investigating. All in all a good example of a good story.

1.0 out of 5 stars Awfully disappointing

K. · February 14, 2021

I know the film is never as good as book, but this was bad. Key evidence was left out. Characters weren't built. A lot of important stuff left out. This movie was all about Jane being consumed with finding the killer that she started a whole program helping others in her position. Didnt get that feel at all. The end was a lame attempt. Ally sheedy was hard to watch. Her smiling so much was all wrong. Awful acting. Casting off as well. Meatloaf wasnt bad. They should have done shower scene with him singing. As long as hes in the movie.

4.0 out of 5 stars Dont listen to other people GOD gave you your own brain so use it

E.L.M. · February 6, 2015

Some of the comments rating this movie proves they are only opinions and you should see and judge for yourself. I found this movie to be very good and worth the time to watch it. Yes it does resemble a lifetime type movie, but lifetime movies are very good and Hollywood should take note, that movies are more than special effects and blowing up cities which result in flimsy plots and dismal stories.. The defense rests.To those that didn't like it I suggest they go back to watching cities getting blown up and watching stupid plots. They don't understand anything else. I bet they even watch KING OF THE HILL every week ..But I feel their pain I know they are depressed ever since Captain Kangaroo left the air

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth watching, but don't have high expectations.

A. · July 3, 2016

Quality of a Lifetime movie. I don't kmow! Maybe it was? I am always on the hunt for a new suspense/mystery/thriller that I haven't already seen. So, it was entertaining.. enough. DecenI story, but it was quite predictable. It held my attention . And I didn't feel like I waisted my time. I watch many movies because a big celebrity is in it. The acting will be goof but I watch and I wait and wait thinking that the story must get better. Then it doesn't get any better and leaves you hanging at the end. Then I think "wow! I just wasted 2 hours on that?" Anyways, the acting in this movie is definitely not good. Ally Sheafy.. I don't want to put anyone in a box and say they should only play in a particular type of role, but I do feel that she should probably play in more age appropriate roles.So, if you're like me and simply looking for something you haven't seen, I say go for it.