Summary: Persuaded by her roommate, a college student makes an arrangement with an older man who pays for her companionship.

Content advisory:  Compared to many lifetime films, this one is fairly typical. There are a couple of bedroom scenes that leave more to your imagination than anything else. Also, the profanity is quite minimal.  Therefore, if you are used to watching Lifetime movies, you know exactly what to expect.

Because I sometimes pay attention to late night news, I had heard the term “sugar daddy,” so when I saw the title of this film, I was already intrigued due to my familiarity with that term.  The very idea of young girls essentially selling themselves to rich men was almost inconceivable yet strangely compelling. And the fact that an actor with whom I had recently connected (Giles Panton, but more about him later) was an integral part of the film made me even more interested in watching.

Katie Woods (Alyson Stoner)

The central girl in this film is Katie Woods, and she is played innocently and sweetly by Alyson Stoner.  Before this, I hadn’t seen any of her other works, but I am completely enthralled with the ingenue quality she brings to this role. On the one hand, Katie is rather naive, but on the other hand, she has dreams that she wants to come true at almost all costs.  Notwithstanding, she wants to do the right thing, but, as we know, lack of money can cause one to pursue shortcuts in order to attain those wistful aspirations. And I think Alyson takes us on that journey with her delectable disposition and her unspoiled charm. Alyson plays Katie in such a way that we believe her character is not hardened; she is merely misguided.

Tessa Bouillette (Tiera Skovbye) & Leo Granger (Steve Bacic)

Now these two do not play a pleasant, unblemished couple. Leo (played by Steve Bacic) and Tessa (played by Tiera Skovbye) have an established “sugar daddy” arrangement, and it’s evident that if Tessa doesn’t give him what he wants (and we know what he wants), he won’t give her the money she needs to continue her exorbitant but accustomed lifestyle. While I had not seen Tiera in anything previously, Steve has been on a variety of things with which I am familiar. I know him mainly as the nice husband of Lori Loughlin’s character in Hallmark’s Garage Sale Mystery films, but that is only one of his more recent roles. This role is not “Mr. Nice Guy,” and it is clear that his versatility is such that he can play any role. And opposite Tiera, they make quite the entertaining couple. Much drama comes as a result of this relationship, and both actors are up to the task.

Rochelle Cranston (Sarah Dugdale)

Yet another new actress to me–Sarah Dugdale plays the bright and perky Rochelle. This pitied character is handed quite a dicey scene, but she plays it well. Definitely it is one of the most disturbing scenes (at least for me) to watch, but it is certainly relevant. Sarah captures this role of the “sugar baby” who has endeavored to keep her dignity in this arrangement with this older man, but unfortunately, her character takes a turn for the worse which leads to intense regret on her part. I was quite captivated by Sarah’s portrayal of this mournful, confused girl who figures she needs to sell herself to make it in this life.

As a side note here, Rochelle’s “sugar daddy” is played by Ken Camroux-Taylor, and if you are a When Calls the Heart Fan, you may recognize him as Jonas Wilder. I actually thought I recognized the elderly Saul Williams character, and when I made this connection, it suddenly made sense. His role is small but one that you will remember.

Alyson Stoner (Katie) & Giles Panton (James Smith)

I have to confess that had I not known the actor Giles Panton (who plays James Smith), I would never have viewed the film. Previously, I had only seen him on this season’s Cedar Cove, but since I began following his career, I have made it a point to try to support him in any way that I can. And in this role, he plays quite a dashing, debonair, and suave Englishman. Right off the bat, I was impressed not only with his polished appearance but his spot on English accent. From the moment he said his first line, I was captivated by his character.

Moreover, it is an understatement to say that he and his co-star have authentic chemistry. Their characters seem to hit it off from the beginning, and it appears that it is much more than physical between these characters. Don’t get me wrong–this is Lifetime so there’s going to be a hookup–I already mentioned that earlier. But with their characters, you can’t help but wonder if the feelings are genuine. No doubt, Giles and Alyson seem to be able to portray lovers with such ease.

Lest you think all Giles has going for him in his role of James is chemistry with his co-star, permit me to correct that fallacy.  Although he has good looks and an English accent to boot, he has breathed into the role of James much more than what may have even been intended. While some might wish to compare his character to James Bond, I think it’s safe to say that Giles brings in warmth and emotion that truly resonates with the viewers. Since this was the first film of his I actually watched, I paid attention to the details he gave this character–another actor who truly immerses himself in his roles. And it shows in the nuances of facial expression to the way he speaks the lines to the authentic love his character seems to have for Katie. You can’t hate this “sugar daddy” as easily as the others because he has James coming off as a nice guy. Typically nice and “sugar daddy” do not appear in the same sentence, but Giles makes it work. So much so that he tends to be the one of the sugar daddies you remember most fondly. To be able to do that takes true talent (which Giles undoubtedly has).  And for the record, Giles is a very supportive, genuinely nice guy, and that is all too rare in the world of entertainment. He is very humble, perceptive, and quite willing to help others whenever he can.

If you are interested, I would also like to link you to two incredible interviews from the Starry Constellation Magazine (I “met” the managing editor of this magazine as a result of this movie).

Alyson Stoner Interview

Giles Panton Interview

So if you get a chance and you have not seen this compelling movie (that seems to be all to factual at times and definitely could have been ripped from the headlines), be sure to look it up. You honestly won’t be sorry.

For more information:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4289566/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/sugar-babies

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