Oh Lifetime, you never cease to amaze me. Just when I think I’ve got your repetitive stories figured out, you go and throw in an unexpected domination and submission twist that I didn’t see coming.
That’s right people; Secret Sex Life of a Single Mom is a more tamed, mature, TV approved version of 50 Shades of Grey (minus the bondage).
After Delaine (Ashley Jones) discovers her jerk of a husband, Robert (Scott Gibson), has been cheating on her she immediately blames herself, as does her husband. After all, if she tried harder and got implants this would have never happened! Feeling as though she owes it to her two children to make the marriage work, she stays with Robert. But then she meets Graham (Jeff Roop), an attractive acupuncturist that she can’t help but feel physically drawn too. As they begin their own affair, Delaine gets the strength to finally divorce Robert. Unfortunately after ending things with her husband, things with Graham quickly fall apart as well. Hello online dating! Among her many emails from the site, she stumbles upon a striking message from “The Duke” (Alex Carter). He promises to turn Delaine into an alpha female that will never to be walked all over by a man again. His strategy: He, A MAN, will dominate her and tell her exactly what to do on dates and in her personal life; while she, A FEMALE, must be his submissive and obey his every word…um; okay…I guess that works for some girls. Delaine is just delighted by this idea and agrees to his terms.
Given that this is a Lifetime film, we are usually introduced to some unbearable acting. However, given the dialogue the two leads must deliver, I was quite pleased with their conviction. We’re talking some pretty embarrassing and idiotic lines here.
It takes a while for this film to pick up. Until we meet “The Duke,” you might be wondering where the story is headed. Well, I’ll tell you it’s not headed where you’d expect. Once she speaks with “The Duke” for the first time on the phone, the ball starts rolling. The content of what we’re watching at this point isn’t necessarily good, it’s just so awkward and intriguing. You can’t help but be curious to know how far Delaine will go to please her master.
Secret Sex Life of a Single Mom is a decent flick to DVR and watch in your spare time, but don’t expect the intense drama we’re accustomed to in the usual Lifetime movies.
Rating: 2.5/5
Secret Sex Life of a Single Mom premieres Saturday, May 31, at 8pm ET/PT.
Secret Sex Life of a Single Mom Official Trailer
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com
I did enjoy seeing Adam Sandler play a loving father for once. And though he and Barrymore still play off each other well, they seemed to have lost their romantic spark in this film. All the kids did a nice job. Bella Thorne (Shake It Up) had some laugh out loud moments as the tomboy daughter desperate to show her feminine side. Terry Crews (White Chicks) makes for some chuckles as the ultra-exuberant, wide-eyed, muscled lead singer of the resort’s Thathoo Harmony Group. Also, keep an eye out for some familiar faces you’ll recognize from the stars’ past two films.
The romance isn’t bottled up in one little attic this time around. Cathy, who is now played by a sensual Rose McIver (The Lovely Bones), may be in love with her brother, but she’s able to heat up the television screen with ANY man she’s making love to. Sadly, that temperature is only one-sided when she is embraced with Christopher. Wyatt Nash (Pretty Little Liars) plays the stoic brother who gives a lifeless and disappointing performance. Luckily, if you keep your eyes on Cathy you might not be able to notice, and either way you still root for this disturbing relationship. An emotionally scarred Carrie is impressively performed by Bailey Buntain (Bunheads) and both Ellen Burstyn and Heather Graham reprise their roles as the children’s wicked grandmother and devious mom.
During a last minute trip to Miami, he is inspired by the cooking that started it all and decides to start up a food truck. Thus, beginning the predictable yet heartwarming road trip of father/son bonding and realizing what really makes you happy in life. Chef also showed how a “hater’s” words can also be the fuel that pushes you to succeed at your dreams.
It may sound like a lot to take in, but it is all handled in a controlled approach. You won’t ever really be on the edge of your seat in this film. The moment you almost think you’re in for some suspense, it will quickly be squashed by a reaffirming scene that guarantees everything is okay. Luckily, Mom’s Night Out’s main focus is not about the mystery or how everything can go wrong in one night. This film is sending a message, surprisingly, a spiritual one that is delivered through small doses of liberal Christian sermons. These sermons try to disguise themselves as casual conversation that somehow never feels out of place. Early in the film we meet the three women at church and you are aware this is going to be a faith-based film, geared to resonate with young parents and multigenerational families.
The acting is what saves this film from being a potentially cheesy predictable comedy. Sarah Drew does a great job embodying a frantic mother who is just about ready to explode at any minute. While Sean Astin plays a more subtle and less comedic supporting husband role. I personally enjoyed the relationship between Patricia Heaton’s character and her teenage daughter (Sammi Hanratty). The two played off each other well, and portrayed one of the more genuine arguments in parenting. Country singer, Trace Adkins, plays a biker tattoo artist that comes to the women’s rescue at their time of desperation. He fails when trying to deliver moments of laughter. But in a climactic scene that is both touching and revealing to the film’s theme, Adkins gives an effortless speech that seemingly comes from the heart as he mentions Jesus and his own mom. He explains to Allyson that she shouldn’t be so hard on herself, questioning whether or not she’s doing things right. He continues to say that Allyson’s role as a mom is not one that she chose, but was chosen for her by God.
At first the two are taken aback by the idea of raising Dido, especially since they are already caring for her cousin, Elizabeth Murray (Sarah Godson). It isn’t long before the couple fall in love with Dido and treat her as if she were their own daughter. The only difference is she is excluded from certain events that Elizabeth is allowed to attend, and she can not to eat dinner with the family when guests are in attendance. So yeah…basically she’s living the dream life. The funny thing is; Dido’s father has left her his entire inheritance so she is rich! She doesn’t need a man to take care of her, unlike her cousin who desperately is seeking a wealthy husband. Elizabeth’s father has left her nothing; therefore she is “penniless,” which apparently was a major turn off to guys back then. It’s not exactly something Elizabeth wants to publicize to her top choice suitor (Tom Felton) either.
Dido, on the other hand, has different conflicts to deal with once a romantic relationship develops between her and an outspoken young lawyer, John Davinier (Sam Reid). A union that Lord Mansfield strongly disapproves of because he feels Dido is of higher class, even though Davinier is his legal apprentice. Their romance is sweet and best of all, it isn’t rushed. It is easy to root for this couple from the moment they first meet.
Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) have just moved into the perfect home with their beautiful new born baby. Kelly is a stay at home mom who gets to spend all day with baby Stella. Mac works a 9-5 desk job that he tries to endure with a little bit of help from “Mary Jane.” Their days are starting to feel routine, and they are unable to go out because of the baby. It’s beginning to feel stagnant for the new parents. But all that changes when we hear the sound of the boisterous fraternity that has moved in next door. In hopes of keeping this a quiet neighborhood for their little girl, the couple head to the frat’s first rowdy party. What was supposed to be a quick noise complaint visit turned into a refreshing night out for Mac and Kelly. And after having what will probably be remembered as the best debate over “who is Batman,” Teddy and Mac form a bond and an understanding of trust is made. Unfortunately that trust is broken within 24 hours, and leads to an epic war between the two houses.
Neighbors is not just carried by their two stars. This film has a strong supporting comedic cast filled with even better cameos. Rose Byrne is the perfect mix of wit and wholesome beauty. Dave Franco plays Teddy’s Vice President, Pete, and shares great chemistry with his fraternity brother. Young Franco is easily following in the footsteps of his talented, successful older brother; and I look forward to seeing him in many more projects, hopefully in leading roles. A shout out also goes to The Mindy Project’s co-writer and cast member, Ike Barinholtz. Like on his sitcom, Barinholtz’s role as Rogen’s best friend may not be huge, but produces enough chuckles to make him memorable.
