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Ghost Canyon

Mother May I Sleep With Danger? (Double Feature)
(Tori Spelling, Ivan Sergei, Todd Caldecott, Gabrielle Miller, et al / DVD / PG-13 / (1996/2016) 2018 / Mill Creek Entertainment)

Overview: Tori Spelling (TV s Beverly Hills, 90210) and Ivan Sergei (The Opposite of Sex) star in this edge-of-your-seat thriller about a woman who falls in love with a charming college classmate, only to discover he's a deadly psychopath. And in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the cult classic, this remake of the classic TV movie stars James Franco and reunites Tori Spelling (True Tori) and Ivan Sergei (Jack and Jill) from the original film.

DVD Verdict: In the original 1996 version, 'Mother May I Sleep With Danger?' is beautifully adapted from Claire R. Jacobs novel by screen writer Edmond Stephens.

Indeed, this is a sensitively observed story of a young student in a relationship with a man that won't let go. The teleplay is beautifully realized by director Jorge Montessi, with the director creating a stunning atmosphere of fear and dread.

In a role she seemed born to play, Tori Spelling gives what may be the performance of a lifetime and brings incredible depth and heart breaking emotion to the character of Laurel Lewishon.

Her portrayal of Laurel is that of a sensitive girl who unfortunately falls in love with a strange young man who she comes to realize is quite troubled. Ivan Sergei is superb as the ultimately sinister Billy Jones and he is both measured and believable in the role.

Lisa Baines is particularly effective as Laurel's mother, Jessica Lewishon, a woman who suspects the worst and fears what may happen to her daughter.

One of the better telefilms to be produced in the last 25 years and exceptional for its writing, direction, and a tremendous lead performance by the gifted Tori Spelling.

The 2016 remake, produced by James Franco and include Tori Spelling, who both starred in the original, of course, tells the story of Pearl (Emily Meade), who is turned into a Nightwalker by her vampire girlfriend.

However, Pearl accidentally kills her while trying to get away. Five years later, the vampire vixens expect Pearl to replace their lost member. They kill abusive men and drain their blood. Job done.

Pearl courts college student Leah Lewisohn (Leila George), mainly because their professor (Ivan Sergei) is teaching vampire literature (of course he is!) Drama teacher (James Franco) is directing the school play MacBeth and Leah is given the part with Pearl as Lady MacBeth. Bob is interested in Leah and warns her mother Julie Lewisohn (Tori Spelling) about Pearl.

So there it all is, in a nutshell. To my mind an out and out spoof of the original, Franco tries to write a sincere lesbian vampire movie, but it simply cannot work since everybody is expecting exploitation or genuine camp!

Sorry, but the production itself is also par for the course in a Lifetime movie. This might be edgy thirty years ago, but it's just bad cheese now. This does not bode well for Franco's writing skills and sensibilities. It's heavy-handed and tone-deaf with some badly written dialog. Stick to the original, boys and girls. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.millcreekent.com





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