Restraining Order

"Restraining Order," on its own, is a powerful and often moving film. Reggie Gaskins makes an ingratiating and positively manly lawyer/hero. Sean Blakemore contributes alternating fire and sensitivity to his role as the picture's abusive husband. Gaskins's script is forceful and deftly builds suspense, and, as director, he deftly creates an ever- increasing mood of tension. Yet towering above it all, making the greatest impression is Robin Givens's performance as abused wife Diane McNeil. In her early scenes with Gaskins, she makes us feel her closeness and affection for him. In her scenes with Blakemore, she has us believing that her life with him has been sheer hell. And when she breaks down and acknowledges that her claims that she has been repeatedly abused by him were exaggerated out of her frustration that she "wasn't happy," her vulnerability and incisiveness has us not only not hating her but wanting to reach out our arms to her (Also: She fills her scenes with her son with motherly warmth and familial love). Such films as "Boomerang" and "Head of State" and "Flip the Script" have freely displayed Robin's rich talent for comedy. "Restraining Order," like her made-for-TV flick "The Penthouse," openly shows off her chops as a dramatic actress. And all of the aforementioned films clearly prove that Robin Givens deserves to be known not as "The Most Hated Woman in America" but as "The Most Talented Black Woman in America."

This is really an excellent movie. It needs to be in Theatres. Sean Blakemore was outstanding and this is the best acting I've ever seen Robin Givens do. Also, the writer and director who is also in the film did an extraordinary job as director and actor, something rarely seen in Hollywood. I give him major props for wearing all the hats and wearing them well. He also wrote the film. I like watching him on EVE. He's funny and in this movie he's funny and dramatic. And N'Bushe Wright is no joke. I didn't know she was as funny as she was. It was great seeing her in a comedic role. I really like, one of my favorite actresses. It was also good seeing Uncle Phil - James Avery, he played a heck of a judge. This was really a great movie.

This is one powerful movie. After you have seen it, the situations involved within the movie will linger around inside your head a while. It will certainly make you think. This is by far one of actor Sean Blakemore's best. He and Robin Givens go well together in this movie. They both are great actors(actresses). The only major draw back from this movie is that it is low budget. It is definitely worth seeing! Producer/Director Reggie Gaskins who also stars in this film was not a natural for the role that he played. He was decent, but the character that he played would have fit someone else better. Last but not least, the beautiful Mari Morrow. She always somehow seem to fit right in with movies like this( you should see her in the movie Uninvited Guest) You will always try to figure out the ending. You're in for a surprise! Enjoy!

In Reggie Gaskins' latest film, Restraining Order, you'll get an opportunity to see the works of Robin Givens, as well as the phenomenal performance of Sean Blakemore, who continues to show the world that he has what it takes to bring such a thrilling novel alive. The storyline flowed tremendously well, and as Diane(Robin) tries to separate herself from a marriage that she no longer wants to be in, Dontae(Sean) ain't having it. Like many men who put forth every effort to "take care of home", Dontae is stunned by his wife's sudden non interest and he turns into a crazed individual. A divorce is not an option for him and the story has a traumatic ending, proving that honesty is definitely the best policy. The most enjoyable thing about this movie is the ability to keep the viewer speculating and wondering who the other man is. Once the individual was revealed, it was a shocker and I certainly didn't see it coming. No doubt, this is one to add to your DVD collection.

James Avery, Robin Givens, N'Bushe Wright, Mari Morrow, Reggie Gaskins

Phil Ursino was very authentic. I can not believe he has not done more rolls! Phil... go get casted!!! I can see Ursino as a boss in some mafia movie. Robyn Givens gave what she could with the script. She has done much better work. This movie actually works on some levels, and misses with a diluted ending. Thus I rated it a 6. See it for the fat guy Phil!I never intended on seeing this flick, but a friend had the DVD and we gave it a look. If you are a wanna be talent scout like me and my buddies, see it for the fat guy Phil. He delivers! Short and sweet. We see him getting gunned down on a Soprono style show. Grab your gal or guy buy some munchies, and get ready for a movie that went to DVD but should have had a run in the theaters. Ciao.