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
Surprisingly enough, the bigger picture behind this film isn’t about love, it is about life. Through some incredibly touching moments between Tim and his father, we are shown just how important is to take time and notice the little things in life.
Making their big screen debuts, the entire cast prove they are multi-talented with their spectacular performances. Ryan Steele recently wrapped up his run as “Specs” in Disney’s Newsies and is now preparing for an ensemble role in the Broadway adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. In Five Dances, Steele carries the film as the often times shy and awkward lead. Though Steele is supported by a strong cast, it’s the incredible chemistry he and LuPlau radiate off the screen that makes this film even more memorable. LaPlau, the Australian born dancer/actor, has been dancing since the age of 18 months. In 2009 he won the award for “Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer” for Sid’s Waltzing Masquerade. Together, LaPlau and Steele give breakout performances through their dramatic romance.