BACKSTABBED (TV Movie 2016)
BASIC PLOT:
Shelby (
Brittany Underwood) and Grant Wilson (
Micah Alberti) have been struggling financially. They both have student loans, but Grant can't seem to get anything but temp work, and Shelby is still working on her real estate license. After hearing a talk by a real estate broker, Paulette Bolton (
Josie Davis), Shelby offers her services as an unpaid intern. She soon realizes Paulette doesn't always play fair, and sometimes crosses the line into illegality. Grant is against Shelby working with Paulette any further, but Paulette's not the type to take no for an answer. Can the Wilson's untangle themselves from Paulette's web, in time to save their future?
WHAT WORKS:
*This is a perfect melodrama! Over the top characters and motivations, with a good vs evil plot, what more could you ask for?
*
Kevin Spirtas as Max Rhymer, the sleezy investor, is played to perfection! His Scotch drinking, hipster clothing and bad come-on's are spot on for the type of tool he is portraying. Even his choice of hot-tubbing, for the "business meeting," is right.
*Finally a decent trailer, with no silly voiceover!
WHAT DOESN'T WORK:
*I know this is a melodrama, which means there are lots of stereotypes, but this husband is too goody-goody. People who are hurting, even good people, don't tend to stick to their principals this much. Grant's (
Micah Alberti) moral outrage over the cheating, just doesn't play. He might be worried she'd get caught, but not that she passed. He'd be relieved Shelby got her license, and could bring in a paycheck. Grant's been the sole breadwinner, and he's working as a temp receptionist. He'd be mollified she's employable, not that she cheated, especially since she didn't know ahead of time.
*The setup of the bar scene, with the high class hooker Charlotte (
Amanda Musso) is terrible! She's a beautiful woman, but they way it's shot, makes her look like she has a double chin, and hawk nose. This is a prime example of bad blocking.
Eric Anderson, the cinematographer, and
Doug Campbell, the director, should be ashamed of what they did to that poor girl.
*Why, if you're Grant, would you not record the conversation with the hooker, as she confesses? In world of ubiquitous cell phones, this plot device IS NO LONGER VIABLE!
Bryan Dick and
Raul Inglis, who wrote this, should know everybody records everything! You guys put a cell phone in his hand, but we are supposed to believe Grant wouldn't record the confession that would save his marriage? Really?
*The cover art could use some work, it's not the worst, but definitely not the best either.
*What is with
Josie Davis's walk? I've noticed this before on other movies, it's like she stomping everywhere she goes.
TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION:
*If you like made-for-tv melodramas, you'll like this. It's a fun ride, sit back, make the popcorn, and enjoy the hilarity! NOT TOO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY!
CLOSING NOTES:
*This is a Made-For-TV movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.
*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews. Hope I helped you out.
