Too much of everything

The Worst Film Ever

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

I have now had the pleasure of watching this film twice, and I believe that the second viewing even surpassed the first. This was possibly the first Lifetime Movie film I watched that was not a Christmas film. I am not typically a fan of the movies on that network, but I was certainly willing to give it a try because of Sebastian. And I must admit–I was pleasantly surprised.stolen from the womb 2The two female leads Chelsey (Laura Mennel) and Diane (Larisa Oleynik) honestly steal the limelight from both of the men. I was entirely immersed in their compelling story line. I will warn you–the story is a bit intense at times. My 11-year-old daughter watched the film with me. She has seen more intense films than this. She was fine until the last scene–no spoilers from me! Even without my favorite actor in the movie, the acting from these ladies is incredible and sometimes all too eerily realistic.Before I go on about my reason for watching the film, let me also mention one other notable performance. Jesse, the husband of the nuttier-than-a-fruitcake Chelsey is played brilliantly by Corey Sevier. I only knew him from Cedar Cove in the role of Seth, Justine's fisherman boyfriend. But I never felt he got much of a chance to act in that show. In fact, I didn't consider him much of an actor until I saw him in this film. Frankly, the depth of his acting was a surprise to me. I would be open to seeing more of him in the future.Since the preliminaries are out of the way, I can now get to the heart of the review–Sebastian Spence. As a friend of mine just pointed out, if you have not noticed that this particular actor is a major topic of conversation on my twitter and even here on my blog, it is possible you've been hiding under a rock. This was the first time I saw Sebastian in anything outside of Cedar Cove, and although I selfishly would have preferred for him to have had more airtime (that is always my complaint when it comes to my favorite actor), he played the part of Rob King exceptionally well. (If you're looking for an objective review, you may have to search elsewhere.) I connected with his character instantly due to the fact that his character is a professor, and I am a teacher.Some of my readers may wonder why I am so drawn to the acting of Sebastian. Let me put this very simply. When I watch a film or show, I look for actors and actresses who are believable. No matter the role, I am looking for those actors who completely thrust their hearts into the role and never give me a moment to doubt their sincerity. I have seen so many "fake" and "phony" actors in my time, and I grow weary of actors who are only doing a part for notoriety or an astronomical amount of money. Granted, those are important in this very public career, but that should not be the driving force behind any acting career. Versatility is also a generally compulsory component.Although I have not seen an innumerable amount of Sebastian's films, in each one, it is evident that he has flung every ounce of energy, heart, and soul into every role. The scene I have featured above is one that undoubtedly moves me in the film. I know male actors can do emotional scenes, but there is something so convincing when he does one. On- screen genuine emotions do tend to affect me. You might be interested to know that I do not cry at the drop of a hat, but his sensitive acting can bring forth the floodgates. And I must admit that it definitely helps that he is easy on the eyes.In addition to this, his chemistry and interaction with the other actors in the film is always flawless. Again I will say that just as with every other role he does, everything the viewer sees on the screen appears to be wholly authentic. Never once did I question whether he was the character he portrayed.

Taut thriller showing that while a loving kindergarten teacher and her husband, an English professor,await the birth of their first child, an estranged wife suffers her fourth miscarriage. Obsessed with having a child, the woman befriends our teacher and pretends to be still pregnant. She lies and even keeps her estranged husband in the dark regarding her true condition, while she plots a very evil and vicious deed.As is the case with most of these films, there are suspicious friends and even a thawing in relations among them as this sinister woman moves into the life of our unsuspecting lady.The acting is first rate as the devious plot, with near tragic results ensues.

Before the opening credits, attractive real estate agent Laura Mennell (as Chelsey) suffers a third miscarriage. Doctors advise her future pregnancies are risky. Three years later, Ms. Mennell nevertheless announces she is expecting, to handsome construction worker husband Corey Sevier (as Jesse Miller). They have recently separated, but Mr. Sevier agrees to give the relationship another chance. At her yoga class, Mennell meets pregnant blonde schoolteacher Larisa Oleynik (as Diane) and the two expectant mothers strike up a friendship. Mennell tragically miscarries again, but keeps it to herself. She decides to pretend she is still pregnant and begins to covet Ms. Oleynik's baby. The title "Stolen from the Womb" rounds out the plot..."Inspired by true events," this Lifetime TV stalker movie is paced and performed well, with director Terry Ingram and star Mennell collaborating to make it play...Mennell successfully balances her character to avoid campiness, but deliver just enough creepiness to make her entertaining; she arouses much suspicion from intuitive Tammy Gillis (as Paula), but appears merely clingy or emotional to others. Although he should figure out what is going on, Mr. Sevier manages to be convincing – right up to the climactic hospital scene. Oleynik does well by playing her mom as preoccupied and polite, as does her college professor spouse Sebastian Spence (as Rob King). Mr. Ingram and photographer Ron Stannett give it some artful angles without getting unnecessarily flashy. It looks like parts of the final 15 minutes were difficult to depict realistically, and a little suspense is lost in the rush of events.****** Stolen from the Womb (6/21/14) Terry Ingram ~ Laura Mennell, Larisa Oleynik, Corey Sevier, Sebastian Spence