A handsome man, with a neatly trimmed beard, lurks around a house in the darkness. He seems to be attempting to break into the house, but he is interrupted by a phone call. Inside the house, we briefly see a dark figure creeping across the screen. This opening never really fits the rest of the story, although you could rationalize it with a line or two. "Inspired by a true story," the TV movie settles into place after the credits. The handsome man with the neatly trimmed beard is Tilky Jones (as Brian Lassiter). He moves into what looks like a dream house, with his attractive wife Clare Kramer (as Rebecca) and their adorable lemonade-selling pre-teen daughter Ashlyn Jade Lopez (as Maddy). Alas, a title like "The Wrong House" shouts trouble ahead...
This is competently guided by Sam Irvin and his crew. The direction is steady, holds interest, and we accept Mr. Irvin's putting women on counter-tops as a stylistic touch. The location and a supporting cast of instantly too-friendly neighbors give it a suitably phony atmosphere. Others in the cast include fitness trainer Allison McAtee (as Kathleen Strickland) and former "Melrose Place" mainstay Thomas Calabro (as Carter)...
What ruins the supposedly "true" story is the half-time decision by a major character to separate from her husband. Given the many incidents preceding the discovery of strange underwear in her bed, her decision is inexplicable. Since the character is presented as sane and intelligent, she should never be given a second chance. "The Wrong House" never addresses this character's sudden lack of cognition.
**** The Wrong House (12/26/2016) Sam Irvin ~ Clare Kramer, Tilky Jones, Allison McAtee, Thomas Calabro
This is competently guided by Sam Irvin and his crew. The direction is steady, holds interest, and we accept Mr. Irvin's putting women on counter-tops as a stylistic touch. The location and a supporting cast of instantly too-friendly neighbors give it a suitably phony atmosphere. Others in the cast include fitness trainer Allison McAtee (as Kathleen Strickland) and former "Melrose Place" mainstay Thomas Calabro (as Carter)...
What ruins the supposedly "true" story is the half-time decision by a major character to separate from her husband. Given the many incidents preceding the discovery of strange underwear in her bed, her decision is inexplicable. Since the character is presented as sane and intelligent, she should never be given a second chance. "The Wrong House" never addresses this character's sudden lack of cognition.
**** The Wrong House (12/26/2016) Sam Irvin ~ Clare Kramer, Tilky Jones, Allison McAtee, Thomas Calabro