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If There Be Thorns (TV)
R1 - America - Lions Gate Home Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Abraham Phillips (14th August 2015). |
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The Film
 I am a huge fan of the Dollanganger storyline. The five book series written by the original V.C. Andrews. I was excited when I learned that Lifetime movie network was going to be releasing film adaptions of the books. This movie is based on the third novel of this haunting, family ordeal of secrets and lies, and skeletons in the closet type scenarios. Heather Graham comes back to reprise her role of Corrine Foxworth. She has played this character in the first two films that Lifetime created, "Flowers in the Attic" (2014) and "Petals in the Wind" (2014). This one is the next chapter, taking place right after the second film "Petals in the Wind". This has Corrine’s children Christopher (Jason Lewis) and Cathy (Rachael Carpani), brother and sister. Both have escaped the Foxworth hall. They live together as man and wife in California. Cathy with her two kids, Jory (Jedidiah Goodacre) and Bart (Mason Cook). Soon they realize that their past is slowly lurking, creeping up behind them. A mysterious woman happens to move right next door. Cathy's son Bart is befriended by the strange woman who introduces him to his evil great grandfather’s diary. Bart changes, and all the secrets and lies come back to haunt, destroy and control. Like the books, the movies are controversial with themes of incest and family violence. Jason Lewis, who many will probably know from "Sex and the City" (1998-2004) fame plays the role of Christopher Dollanganger. Lewis is a fabulous actor and is always one of those performers that never gets the stardom he deserves. Also taking over the role of Cathy is the beautiful Rachael Carpani, delivers an equally memorable performance. But, I think the shining star of this film has to go to Mason Cook, he does a fabulous job. He makes you believe his plight, and sends you down a spiral of emotions, and actions that leave a lasting mark. As always, the one true owner of this series of films has to go to Heather Graham. She is always a stunning performer. Her characterization of Corrine Foxworth does the book justice. If you haven't read any of the five Dollanganger series books, then you should especially if you're into deep, dark, sadistic and disturbing content. I think the Lifetime Network has done this series justice. The first two where great, and this third in the series is stands equally with the other two instalments. Despite being made for TV movies, I recommend it especially for fans of V.C. Andrews, and for fans of suspense and darkened mystery.
Video
Presented in anamorphic widescreen 1.78:1, I saw no fault in the transfer to DVD. The video was crisp and clear and was very vibrant in colors and everything could be viewed as crisp and neat on screen.
Audio
A single audio track is included in English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo, The audio is what really stuck out with this one. Everything could be heard, sound effects, voices and whispers had clarity for a stereo track. Subtitles are included in English SDH.
Extras
The only extras are a collection of bonus trailers for: - "Flowers in the Attic" which runs for 1 minute 33 seconds. - "Petals in the Wind" which runs for 1 minute 32 seconds. - "The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe" which runs for 1 minute 32 seconds. - "Aaliyah The Princess of R&B" which runs for 1 minute 32 seconds. Comes with an insert for a Digital Copy code.
Overall
This made for TV film is a worthy to watch, and is one of those films that can be enjoyed many times over. Specifically lovers of the books.
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