As is typical in films like this, a lonely senior citizen (Ellen Burstyn) feels patronized and neglected by her two grown children with too many issues to understand her needs, and finds comfort in a stranger. In this case, it is a 16 year old inmate (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) of a reformatory whom she learns about through the local dog catcher (Mark Hamill), the young boy's uncle. She visits him with pound cake and iced tea, and when he escapes, he visits her, and she agrees (unaware of the situation) to take him in for a few days. A devoted church goer determined to help those in need, the big-hearted widow is aghast when she discovers that he stole from her, but rather than confront him angrily or turn him over to the police determines to change him through her faith and the scriptures rather than the type of discipline he's received all of his life. An affection grows between the two until his whereabouts become known, and she sadly bids him adieu. But when she discovers a surprising action of his, she becomes conflicted. Will this woman, not even able to take in a stray dog, really do her Christian duty? Will she stand up to her spoiled children blinded by the rules of society that sometimes just don't work? Will she go against the advice of her preacher (Edward Hermann) and kind but judgmental neighbors? Is this a movie made for Lifetime?
The answer to that last question is "No", although this does seem very much like a TV movie made possibly with the backing of some church. But in spite of its very "Christian" plot, this has elements of films that might not appeal to all Christian groups. Wesley (Thomas) curses, steals and smokes, things that Burstyn's lonely widow definitely does not care for. She also hates his hair and is shocked by the fact that he can't swim. But her character of Mattie Rigsbee is not the type of Churchy lady you want to avoid being preached to by. Wesley first thinks that Mattie is his grandma, and even continuously refers to her as such, even though she denies that altogether. You get to see their relationship go from his using her, her determined to help him move into a new direction, and eventually the love that sometimes can be shocking because it is from a total stranger unrelated to the other.
Their performances are what makes this movie avoid becoming cloying, as well as the humor provided by many of the situations (particularly the sight of son Judge Reinhold standing on a ladder that suddenly splits in two after he has badmouthed Wesley to his mama). Then, there is the elderly couple next door, played by veterans Harve Presnell and Gwen Verdon. While these two musical theater vets don't break out in song and dance, they do share their comic talents. Dana Ivey has a "Margaret Hamilton" like role as the holier than thou preacher's wife, and every time she gives one of those pickle-pussed smirks, it is hysterically funny and real. Pat Corley ("Murphy Brown's" gravely voiced bartender Phil) adds some genuine heart to his typical Southern sheriff.
As for the sequences in the reformatory, there is a tension that flares up as Wesley and his young black pal deal with bullies and engage in a fight that lands the lead bully in the hole. This brings on fears of a violent end that adds some adult tension into the fray, as well as a warning to youngsters of what to watch out for if they get into trouble. It is nice to see a movie where a beloved veteran actress like the lovely Ellen Burstyn gets to share some heartwarming scenes with a young actor, and Thomas works well with her, obviously thrilled to having the opportunity to work with a living legend. Some of the minor plots, however, are not either explained or concluded, particularly the fate of the poor pooch on the verge of extermination or the issues with Burstyn's children. It is also not dealt with the issue of why Burstyn feels she must go out and buy a coffin, since it is never indicated if she is sick or dying. However, those minor blunders aside, this ends up being a sweet movie that manages to glue the generation gap shut and shows how different eras can come together in understanding and love.
The answer to that last question is "No", although this does seem very much like a TV movie made possibly with the backing of some church. But in spite of its very "Christian" plot, this has elements of films that might not appeal to all Christian groups. Wesley (Thomas) curses, steals and smokes, things that Burstyn's lonely widow definitely does not care for. She also hates his hair and is shocked by the fact that he can't swim. But her character of Mattie Rigsbee is not the type of Churchy lady you want to avoid being preached to by. Wesley first thinks that Mattie is his grandma, and even continuously refers to her as such, even though she denies that altogether. You get to see their relationship go from his using her, her determined to help him move into a new direction, and eventually the love that sometimes can be shocking because it is from a total stranger unrelated to the other.
Their performances are what makes this movie avoid becoming cloying, as well as the humor provided by many of the situations (particularly the sight of son Judge Reinhold standing on a ladder that suddenly splits in two after he has badmouthed Wesley to his mama). Then, there is the elderly couple next door, played by veterans Harve Presnell and Gwen Verdon. While these two musical theater vets don't break out in song and dance, they do share their comic talents. Dana Ivey has a "Margaret Hamilton" like role as the holier than thou preacher's wife, and every time she gives one of those pickle-pussed smirks, it is hysterically funny and real. Pat Corley ("Murphy Brown's" gravely voiced bartender Phil) adds some genuine heart to his typical Southern sheriff.
As for the sequences in the reformatory, there is a tension that flares up as Wesley and his young black pal deal with bullies and engage in a fight that lands the lead bully in the hole. This brings on fears of a violent end that adds some adult tension into the fray, as well as a warning to youngsters of what to watch out for if they get into trouble. It is nice to see a movie where a beloved veteran actress like the lovely Ellen Burstyn gets to share some heartwarming scenes with a young actor, and Thomas works well with her, obviously thrilled to having the opportunity to work with a living legend. Some of the minor plots, however, are not either explained or concluded, particularly the fate of the poor pooch on the verge of extermination or the issues with Burstyn's children. It is also not dealt with the issue of why Burstyn feels she must go out and buy a coffin, since it is never indicated if she is sick or dying. However, those minor blunders aside, this ends up being a sweet movie that manages to glue the generation gap shut and shows how different eras can come together in understanding and love.