“Obsession” Lifetime Film Review (Starring Sebastian Spence)

By Ruth on September 23, 2014 in movie, review
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I have been doing a lot of thinking and changing over the past few months, and I believe the time has come to do some movie reviews on here–not always big-time either–so that I can share some of my current interests and bring to light some possibly lesser known films and even shows.  This is one such time.

For awhile, I have been a firm supporter of Hallmark shows and movies.  I am even a member of their Crown Media Press.  Lifetime movies are not a first choice with me by any means, so this may seem like a departure. But let me tell you the story.  It still relates to Hallmark, and my entire world has opened in new ways.

First season of Cedar Cove on Hallmark Channel was amazing, but I knew nothing about twitter chats and live tweeting sessions. I learned all about that when Signed, Sealed, Delivered came about.  And then as I went on, I began to discover that there was more to any of this than I could have ever imagined.  I began to connect with people and the actors of Cedar Cove in ways I could never have imagined.  (Okay, I might have been able to dream, but …)

Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove 1012 Final Photo AssetsTowards the end of the summer, I connected with one actor on the show almost accidentally.  If you know the show Cedar Cove (which only has two shows left in its second season), you are going to know “Cowboy Cliff” played by Sebastian Spence.  I could not have told you who he was, but I instantly loved this character. I actually didn’t know any of the actors on the show.  It was only this season that I discovered the name of this actor.  And, well, he’s quickly become my favorite actor.  That’s right. And it’s so much more than his acting. He is an amazing human being.  And how do I know that? Well, I probably can’t guarantee every word I say–I’ve never met him. But I have been following him on twitter for several months now, and he was the very first celebrity to not only follow me but allow me to send direct messages to him. Oh, and he responds to as many tweets and messages as he can.  And that is what has sold me.

Grace and CliffNow, maybe all that sounds crazy. But let me be honest. There are some fine actors out there today–that is true. I can think of a handful that have been given amazing roles, and it’s true that they may have more talent than Sebastian Spence does.  I won’t deny that. However, these same actors are not pleasant people, and they are constantly in the news for doing dumb, hurtful, and arrogant things. I get really tired of actors who are like that. And in this day and age, social media is paramount. How many times have you sent a tweet out to someone you respect and gotten no notice? Okay, I know they’re busy. I get it.  But actors and celebrities who harness the power of social media are eventually going to have a set of loyal fans for life not just for the duration of a show or a movie.

Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove 2010 Final Photo AssetsThat’s what Sebastian does . (Yes, I’m calling him by his first name. Why wouldn’t I?) He treats his fans as individuals. He responds to them as such.  Yes, we all go and “stalk” his twitter page and jump in on conversations and interact with him as if we are friends, or at least acquaintances.  This busy guy calls each of his fans by name, and he always wishes them well.  And if you choose to follow him, he will follow you back. (The day he did that, my mouth nearly hit the floor.)  He claims to know nothing about social media. (Okay, probably true based on a few things I’ve seen) but he does something that so few do any more. He treats his fans as people. And he definitely does his best to put a smile on each of his fans’ faces. And hopefully we do that for him in return.

As he creates this loyal fan base, we all go crazy and watch as many of his films as we can, and this movie is just such one.

Read more about the movie here.

 My Review

It has only been a few brief months since I discovered the wonder that is Sebastian Spence, and I have been on a quest to find and watch as many of his movies as possible. He is more known for roles in which he plays the “good guy,” and this movie is a departure from that. However, it is that which makes me so drawn to this movie–his versatility. Now don’t get me wrong. The other actors are fantastic in their own right, but for me, It is Sebastian’s performance that makes this movie so phenomenal. I found myself so drawn into the story, but I was pleasantly surprised that this movie did not have the pitfalls that I sometimes see in other Lifetime films. There was no real profanity, no overly graphic violence, and only a very brief “bedroom” scene. I found myself sucked into the world of the psychotic stalker, and I never turned away in disgust. At this point, this is my favorite Sebastian Spence film, but that may change as I discover more gems from his vault of films. If you could only watch one of his films, and you don’t mind a bit of creepiness, watch this. If you prefer him in romantic roles, watch “Cedar Cove,” “Daniel’s Daughter,” or “My Mother’s Future Husband.”

 

Oh, and as a side note.  He has very loyal fans.  (Yep, I am one. Could you tell?) Don’t go around ‘bashing” him. We get so tired of that, and I swear you’ll have a revolution on your hands that you don’t want to deal with. I’m not joking.

Oh, and in case you wish to follow this lovely man and be a part of his fan base, check him out on twitter here.

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About the Author

RuthView all posts by Ruth
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

7 Comments

  1. Author
    Ruth September 27, 2014 Reply

    For those who are interested, I am posting Sebastian’s response here:


    Ruth recently posted…Patriot Fire Pit Giveaway Co-Host PageMy Profile

  2. PJH September 27, 2014 Reply

    I was very happy to read your assessment of Sebastian Spence. I’ve been one of his fans since someone turned me on to the Donald Strachey Mysteries. Like you, I’ve been on a quest to see all of his work. Some of his earlier stuff is unavailable, but diligence has uncovered many gems, such as Crossing and Paper Moon Affair. I also like his SyFy stuff like Stonados (lots of fun) and First Wave.

    I wonder if his kindness to his fans and his liking for a quiet life have to do with his being Canadian. It seems to me that Canadian actors don’t constantly thrust themselves into the spotlight. For them, acting is a job just like any other profession, and they don’t set themselves up to be better then everyone else. Just an observation.

    Again, thanks for the review.

    • Author
      Ruth September 27, 2014 Reply

      Glad to know another of his fans. And very glad to know that Stonados is fun since that is next on my list to watch. As is Paper Moon Affair. I will agree that it seems there is something about Canadian actors in general as I have found them to be exactly as you said. Thankfully, Sebastian himself was blown away at this review himself (which has certainly made me feel amazing). Thanks so much for stopping by. Certainly means a lot.

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