The film has a very strong message and that is a biological parent doesn't always mean the right parent. Plenty of non-biological parents have raised children in loving homes. The story itself is based on true events and the mother has always been unstable from the beginning. The acting is really good and one can't help feel like crying and being happy. The problem I have, which is why I give it 7 stars, is that many films based on true stories don't give updates in how things have changed in the law to make it better for children to choose the parent they want to be with. Also the casting was a bit off because, although she portrayed her character so well, Rachel Ticotin is a friendly face and has played tough cookies. The image of her as a police officer from "Falling Down" got in the way in this film. Maybe they should've cast someone else who's done horrible characters before, so the mother in this film looks more evil.
3 Reviews
Another family struggle
harleypassion20 May 2001
Pretty sad story with the dad trying to gain custody of his youngest son. Later he finds out that the boy isn't really his, but he still fights for him. This is tough for the kid as he gets confused, and his mother gets married again and complicates matters. With such a title, it should be based on a true story. I hope the real Larry Jr. has come out from this ordeal, STRONG.
A realistic portrayal of a real story
ttaskmaster24 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the true story that set a legal precedent in family law, this is the tale of an irreconcilable couple about to break their relationship, when the arrival of a child suddenly turns their conflict into a whole new world of complexity.
While both seek to do the 'right thing', their ideas of what is right are as diametrically opposed as their feelings toward each other. The tale continues to progress as you might expect, but some shocking revelations and the knowledge that true stories do not always have happy endings, you find yourself pulled more and more to the edge of your seat... leaving you poised there to the very end!
Top marks must go to both Peter Strauss and Rachel Ticotin, both parents themselves,who bring such palpable qualities to their roles as a clashing couple - It is ironic to note that the two actors were actually married in real life, about 4 years after filming!
The night before watching ThickerThan Blood, I'd been watching Peter Strauss playing a kidnapper - With that image still in my head, I was impressed that Strauss's acting ability had my perception switch from a creepy, disturbed character to a loving father the instant he appeared on screen.
A parent himself, Strauss brings obvious substantiation to his realistic portrayal of a father, but equally impressive is Ticotin - Also a parent, her depiction of an unfit mother is both realistic and outstanding!
While both seek to do the 'right thing', their ideas of what is right are as diametrically opposed as their feelings toward each other. The tale continues to progress as you might expect, but some shocking revelations and the knowledge that true stories do not always have happy endings, you find yourself pulled more and more to the edge of your seat... leaving you poised there to the very end!
Top marks must go to both Peter Strauss and Rachel Ticotin, both parents themselves,who bring such palpable qualities to their roles as a clashing couple - It is ironic to note that the two actors were actually married in real life, about 4 years after filming!
The night before watching ThickerThan Blood, I'd been watching Peter Strauss playing a kidnapper - With that image still in my head, I was impressed that Strauss's acting ability had my perception switch from a creepy, disturbed character to a loving father the instant he appeared on screen.
A parent himself, Strauss brings obvious substantiation to his realistic portrayal of a father, but equally impressive is Ticotin - Also a parent, her depiction of an unfit mother is both realistic and outstanding!
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