If you’re like me, the previews for the upcoming Lifetime film, Flowers in the Attic, was the first time you that have heard about the controversial story that shocked millions in 1979. After some extensive research, I was prepared for the uncomfortable and disturbing tale of incest. What I wasn’t prepared for was how entertained I would be by such an extreme premise.
Known as “the book you were forbidden to read,” V.C. Andrews’s hot-button novel is being made into film once again, this time on the little screen. Previously adapted in 1987 on the big-screen, the film received backlash from critics and fans that were unhappy with the many changes from the novel. The most obvious change was the removal of the inappropriate romance between the brother and sister characters, Christopher and Cathy. But don’t worry, Lifetime’s version made sure to not make that same mistake twice.
When and if you watch the television premiere of Flowers in the Attic on January 18th, you will get plenty of sibling romantic tension that will make it impossible for you to avert your eyes. The movie focuses on Cathy (Kiernan Shipka) and Christopher (Mason Dye) Dollanganger, a brother and sister who along with their younger twin siblings are locked away in the attic for over two years by their self-centered mother (Heather Graham) and psychotic religious grandmother (Ellen Burstyn) after their father’s unexpected death…And no, I don’t know why Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn agreed to playing this role. Yes, she did an amazing job nonetheless.
Besides Burstyn’s terrifying portrayal of such a cold-hearted grandmother, the other performances were pretty mediocre. Graham was like a character straight out of The Stepford Wives, showing no true emotion throughout the entire film. She really was an “ornament” like her character said, just there to look pretty. And Shipka and Dye spark interest in the second half of the film, due to their blossoming romance that you shamefully root for.
Flowers in the Attic is like that car accident that you want to drive pass quickly to avoid traffic, but your curiosity of the gruesome details makes you want to observe every second of it. Whatever way you look at it, Lifetime’s take on the dysfunctional Dollanganger family will draw plenty of attention to audiences, good and bad.
Premieres on Lifetime Saturday, January 18.
Flowers in the Attic Official Lifetime Trailer
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com
Now I did enjoy all the moments with Whitaker and Bassett. The two are just such great actors. Even in a mediocre film like this, they some how make it pleasurable with their performances. The music is great, and once again Jennifer Hudson shows off her strength in her power ballads. Everyone else sings well, but there is a clear “Idol” out of the bunch.
Ortiz might want to focus more on his screenwriting skills versus his directing and acting. He proved he could deliver lines quickly, but failed to have any meaning behind them. As far as camera work goes, I’ve seen better filming from my past production classes. The beginning had some awkward out-of-focus shots, and the movie had too many unnecessary scenes. I’m not sure who was in charge of audio, but the sound was all over the place. At times, it was as if the characters had been mute or maybe they were just mumbling; I’m not really sure.
Even with the cast being mostly new to the big screen, they don’t show any signs of amateur acting. Eugenio Derbez is one of the biggest actors in Mexico, if not the biggest. Having already made a few small appearances in American films like Jack and Jill and Girl in Progress, he makes a giant leap as the star, director, and co-writer of Instructions Not Included. He is a natural comedian and is hilarious in either language. From his dumb-founded facial expressions to his genuine caring father moments, you’re immediately connected to this character. Throw in newcomer, Loreto Peralta, as the adorable smart-aleck daughter and you have a dynamic duo. These two have such great chemistry and a heartwarming father/daughter relationship. Of course watching Valentin figure out how to take care of baby Maggie using whatever he has around him, including a clever backpack with holes for legs as a baby carrier strap on is priceless. Maggie’s mother Julie plays a less lovable character. Jessica Lindsey, does a fantastic job as a selfish and confused baby mama who can’t quite make up her mind on whether or not she’s capable of motherhood.
