“Amber’s Story” Movie Review

By Ruth on May 22, 2015 in movie, review
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Story about Amber Hagerman who was 9 years old when she was abducted while riding her bicycle, prompting her mother to seek out a system that alerts the nation of abducted children, we know that to be called an Amber Alert today.

Before seeing this film, I’ll be honest–I didn’t know the origin of “Amber Alerts.” I remember hearing about them, but I had little to no idea where they originated nor what they meant. Pretty bad since I was living in Texas probably about the time Amber Alerts began, but I honestly paid little attention to the news back then. I was pleased to find this Lifetime film based on a true story and starring an actress with whom I was familiar thanks to Cedar Cove.

astory 2In discussing content advisory, the profanity is quite minimal, and the violence is not too bad. It’s disturbing to see some of the violence being perpetrated on children, but this is standard Lifetime violence. Viewers won’t see anything that they probably have not seen before.

One additional note. As I did the research for this film, I found that the reviews of this film were typically unfavorable. I am unfamiliar with almost all of the actors in this film, and I have not researched the authenticity of the film.  I am coming into this review with very few preconceived notions, and this is the first time I will be reviewing Teryl Rothery in a movie review (it’s about time for me to do so).

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The main star of this film is Elisabeth Rohm who plays Donna Whitson. She is the mother of Amber, and I have never seen her act in anything else. I found her authentic–nothing fake about her in my opinion. After all, her role is central to the theme of the entire movie.  Maybe her accent was not genuine, but I lived in Texas many years, and I heard all sorts of unusual accents. And in truth, she sounded like some I came across during that time. Regardless, an accent is not a reason to put down a wonderful performance by a seasoned actress like Elisabeth. I felt she played the part with feeling and confidence.

myron natwick amber's story

Also worth noting is Myron Natwick who played the creepy Glen Park.  Safe to say, he played his role brilliantly (I was “freaked out” more than once). This actor has had an extensive career, and of course, there is a Sebastian Spence connection (oh dear, there always is, isn’t there?). He was in First Wave (I remember that one as it was the pilot), and he was also in Ice Blues (haven’t seen that one yet).

astory 4In this film, he plays his role so effortlessly that I believed he was this horrendous character. No spoilers but all I wanted to do was knock him for a loop, and the ending gave me great hope in spite of this nefarious character.

astory 5I have never seen the young actresses who played the girls in this film, but both are definitely skilled and play their roles with credibility.

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Now to the entire reason I even watched this film.

teryl rothery

When I found out that Teryl Rothery was in this film, I made a special effort to watch it. I was afraid that I might not recognize her or might miss her in the film, but she doesn’t make an appearance until the second half of the film. Thus my worries were unfounded.

teryl rothery 3
And oh my what an dynamic role she has!  She is the mother of a girl who is abducted after the Amber Alert system has finally gone into effect. Amber’s mother campaigned hard to get this missing child alert system started, and Teryl plays Sharon Timmons, a single mother who has a man (the Glen Park character) watch her daughter after school. A difficult situation to be sure.

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Teryl’s performance had me completely captivated. From the busy single mother to the distraught mother to the horrified mother, I found myself so immersed in her and her daughter’s story that the tears almost flowed freely when the unthinkable happened. I love Teryl anyway (I mean who doesn’t?), but this role gave her the opportunity to play a strong, dramatic character. And she was positively brilliant. I didn’t see Teryl, the actress. I saw Sharon Timmons, the mother who didn’t know where to turn and was so grateful that the Amber Alert system was in place.

One of  my favorite parts of the movie was at the conclusion when her character thanked Amber’s mom for this system that rescued her daughter from a fate possibly worth than death. Indeed a powerful moment that just pulled at my heartstrings, and no one could have played this role as well as Teryl (in my humble opinion). I look forward to seeing more films/shows with Teryl as she is a strong, sensitive actress who can play anything from comedy to drama. Indeed, if I wasn’t a fan before (which I already was), I certainly am now.

One additional note of interest. After watching this movie, I was driving my daughter home from school, and the Amber Alert came across the radio. I listened to it, and I was able to tell my daughter what was meant by this and a little about this story. And I am happy to report that almost immediately, the children were recovered from the man who abducted them.  Thank God for this mother who tirelessly campaigned for this system!

For more information:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0840999/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

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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.

13 Comments

  1. Gems May 17, 2016 Reply

    i saw this movie and i will give 4 star out of 5 to this ambers movie

    Regards
    Gems

  2. Anita E July 16, 2015 Reply

    I haven’t seen this film yet, but since Lifetime tends to rerun their films I will definitely check it out. I was vaguely familiar with how “Amber Alerts” began, but had never seen a films about it. I really like Elisabeth Rohm, who played on “Law & Order” for several years. I know any movie based on a true story has to take some dramatic license, but I generally enjoy the real life based films Lifetime does. Thanks for the review.

    • Author
      Ruth July 16, 2015 Reply

      Anita I’m sure you will like it the next time it’s on! well worth watching

  3. Kat July 3, 2015 Reply

    This sounds really good! Thanks for sharing!

  4. Jesse S June 3, 2015 Reply

    What a sad story. I never knew where the amber alert came from. It freaks me out when my phone goes off for the amber alert.

    • Author
      Ruth June 3, 2015 Reply

      I didn’t know either. And very sad too.

  5. Sherry Keef May 29, 2015 Reply

    I always get worried when I hear an amber alert.
    Thank you for this chance to win.

  6. sara schwab May 27, 2015 Reply

    This movie was real good I like it

  7. Kim Hampton May 24, 2015 Reply

    Thanks for the great review. I will definitely be watching this.

  8. Kim Hampton May 24, 2015 Reply

    Thanks for the great review. I will definitely be watching this.

    • Author
      Ruth May 24, 2015 Reply

      Thank you so much Kim. Very much worth watching.

  9. terry myers May 24, 2015 Reply

    Before this happen we here in Arkansas had a nick alert

    • Author
      Ruth May 24, 2015 Reply

      That is really awesome Terry. I didn’t know that.

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